[Ding! Host is drunk. Soul power level +1.]
[Congratulations—host has reached Level 50. Promoted to Soul King!]
[Congratulations—host has obtained the fifth spirit ring.]
[Congratulations—host has unlocked the fifth spirit ability.]
A flood of mechanical chimes echoed through Lucien's mind.
He groaned, staggering upright. "Eh? Broke through again?"
He tilted the jar back for another swig. "This tribute wine… really good. I'll have to shake a few more jars out of little Xuexue next time."
Opening his system panel, the glowing characters greeted him:
[Name: Lucien]
[Level: 50]
[Martial Soul: ??]
[Spirit Rings: Purple (2,200), Purple (3,250), Purple (5,330), Black (18,350), Black (20,000)]
[1st Ability: Surge – +70% to all attributes]
[2nd Ability: Broken Air Slash – Quick-draw, unleashes nine devastating strikes]
[3rd Ability: Sword Array – Summons an array, trapping foes within a storm of blades]
[4th Ability: Sword·Will – Sword intent burns briefly, massively boosting attack]
[5th Ability: Sealed Heaven Slash – Sword Qi incarnates, teleport strike across a set distance]
[Soul Bones]
Left Arm: Dark Evil Phoenix (48,700 years) – Dark Fire: imbues Sword Qi with black flame
Right Arm: Blasting Force (31,150 years) – Earth Slash: condenses Soul Power into a devastating forward cut
Note: Drunk-state bonuses apply.
Lucien squinted at the new panel. "Hmm. 'Sealed Heaven Slash'? I should try that sometime. Haven't had a good fight in ages. Bah, back at the academy, I pull my sword and everyone scatters before it even lights up. What a bunch of cowards."
He downed another jar.
"Gulp, gulp…"
—
The door burst open.
"Lucien Big Brother!"
Ning Rongrong rushed in, breathless and full of energy. Without hesitation, she planted a kiss on his cheek. "Heehee. Look!"
She spun gracefully, her Martial Soul unfurling from her palm. A dazzling tower—no longer just seven tiers, but nine—radiated multicolored brilliance and lit the room with divine light.
The Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda.
Lucien hiccuped, squinting at it. "One… two… seven… eight… hmm. These towers keep shaking. Can't count…"
Then he slapped his forehead. "Oh, right! Ninth floor. You ate that flower."
Rongrong's lips curved into a bright smile. She had obeyed Lucien's words without hesitation, consuming the Qiluo Tulip he gave her. The moment the flower infused her powers, her Seven Treasures Pagoda evolved into the Nine Treasures Pagoda.
A brand-new legend.
For centuries, the greatest barrier of the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect was that no bearer of the Martial Soul could step into the realm of Title Douluo. That limitation had been broken in an instant.
"My Dad won't believe it," Rongrong said breathlessly. "Grandpa Jian either. When they see this, they'll die of happiness!"
"Pffft. Those two old coots?" Lucien scoffed. Then suddenly frowned. "Wait. Two Elders… drunk together that day? What if someone attacked? Reckless idiots!"
Rongrong ignored his grumbling and tugged on his arm. "Lucien Big Brother, let's go back now! I want to surprise Father!"
Lucien yawned. "Fine… give me a sec. Let me put my shoes on."
—
Seven Treasure Glazed Sect.
When news broke that Lucien was returning, panic spread like wildfire.
"The little devil's coming back?!"
"If I hadn't heard, would I be this desperate?!"
"I'm applying to leave on a mission—anywhere far away!"
"Shut it. If Sect Head catches you sneaking off now, you'll be dead faster than if Lucien sees you."
Some disciples shivered, whispering: "That's the boy who even injured Sword Douluo back then…"
"…He's reached Soul Sect already. If he's stronger now…"
Despair filled their eyes. Since his Martial Soul awakening, Lucien had disrupted peace wherever he walked. His return meant only one thing—Sect upheaval.
—
In the Sect's chamber, sect master Ning Fengzhi sat smiling from ear to ear. "Tomorrow, Rongrong and Lucien will return! Finally!"
One part of his joy was personal—having Lucien back. The other was pride in what Lucien had achieved.
"Humph." Sword Douluo Chen Xin snorted coldly.
Gu Rong chuckled. "Chenxin, what are you dissatisfied about? Remember, back then Lucien left the Sect for your sake."
Chen Xin's jaw clenched. "Don't make it sound like he sacrificed himself. I never needed his pity!"
He slammed the table. Rage simmered in his chest, memories replaying—
The day Lucien awakened his Martial Soul under his guidance, the sky had turned black. As the Martial Soul emerged, dark energy had poured out uncontrolled, the boy's eyes eclipsed into pitch black. He had lunged at Chen Xin mindlessly, driven by some sinister force.
Even now, Chen Xin's heart burned with unease.
"What happened was an omen," Gu Rong admitted. "Fengzhi, have you never wondered if Lucien's Martial Soul hides something darker?"
Chen Xin cut him off with a thunderous slap of his hand. "Watch your mouth! Do you know what danger such words put him in? If you dare say that outside, I'll cut you down myself, Gu Rong!"
He stormed out, slamming the chamber doors.
Fengzhi and Gu Rong exchanged helpless smiles.
"That old man…" Fengzhi sighed. "He curses Lucien all day, but he worries about him more than anyone else."
Gu Rong nodded. "Hah. The little devil is back, and trouble's coming with him. The whole continent will soon know it."