Word Count: 2,538 Words
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"A Spirit Ring Storage Device? That's quite useful."
Ling Bai accepted the circular device. He knew that Xuan Ziwen would later develop something similar, which would be used to harvest countless spirit rings during the beast tide.
Spirit rings generated through Spirit Guidance Device kills were designated as ownerless. Anyone could absorb them, creating a loophole that Spirit Masters could exploit.
"Since you're taking my creation, you can help me with something in return."
Lin Jiaran adjusted her silver-framed glasses with a smile. "I now oversee the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's entire Spirit Guidance Hall. Sister Fengya wants to establish three Spirit Guidance Master legions armed to the teeth with our finest equipment to rival the Sun Moon Empire's Five Hands of the Nation.
Most Spirit Guidance Devices can be replicated by your clan's Spirit Guidance Masters following the blueprints, but I've hit a snag with one of my personal creations."
The mention of Spirit Guidance Devices transformed Lin Jiaran's entire demeanor from stern teacher to fanatical Spirit Guidance Master. She produced three blueprints and launched into an explanation, regardless of whether Ling Bai could follow.
"This is a Stationary Spirit Cannon called 'Scarlet Soul.'
I initially designed it as a mass-production war-type cannon. The first generation followed this concept, using large quantities of cheaper rare metals while maintaining firepower.
Scarlet Soul outperforms ordinary Stationary Spirit Cannons by one tier. A Class 5 Scarlet Soul equals a Class 6 Stationary Spirit Cannon; a Class 6 Scarlet Soul equals a Class 7. However, the first generation peaked at Class 6. The raw materials, core arrays, and basic circuits simply couldn't support Class 7 requirements.
That bothered me. Class 7 marks the threshold for high-level Spirit Guidance Devices, so I developed the second generation.
Using precious rare metals and completely redesigned architecture, I boosted explosive power and integrated my Terrifying Demon Dragon's Terror Storm to specifically target Spirit Masters' Spiritual Seas.
Sister Fengya believes the second-generation Scarlet Soul meets the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's needs and has ordered mass production.
Of course, the issue I need to discuss is the third generation."
"There's a third generation?" Ling Bai blinked in surprise.
"Ever heard of technological reserves?"
Lin Jiaran replied irritably. "You announce the first generation, use the second, and develop the third!
How do you think the Sun Moon Empire gained a full generation's advantage? Most high-level Spirit Guidance Devices available elsewhere are obsolete models. Conscientious sellers like me are a rare breed!"
"Where does this sense of pride even come from..." Ling Bai was left speechless.
"Enough chatter."
Lin Jiaran gave a cold humph. "Unlike the first two generations with their multiple tiers, the third generation is exclusively a Class 9 Stationary Spirit Cannon. But it's missing one crucial rare metal called Scarlet Sun Divine Gold.
Scarlet Sun Divine Gold conducts spiritual attributes better than any other metal. The Sun Moon Empire produces limited quantities under strict imperial control. Below Class 9 certification, you can't even touch it, let alone smuggle it. Go to Mingdu and get me two tons."
"Two tons?"
Ling Bai's face darkened instantly. "I've seen some in the Holy Spirit Treasury, but even with all their resources, they couldn't gather five hundred pounds."
Lin Jiaran coughed meaningfully. "I heard Hall Master Hongchen mention that all Scarlet Sun Divine Gold is stored in the Sun Moon Imperial Treasury.
Anyway, Death Abyss Douluo's reputation is already ruined. What's a little more damage..."
"Death Abyss Douluo is a person too!"
Ling Bai fumed before sighing in resignation. "I'll try my best. Copy those first-generation Scarlet Soul blueprints for me."
"Tsk, wanting even obsolete designs…"
…
Two months passed swiftly.
Ning Fengya strolled along the wide flagstone path in the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's rear garden, admiring the scenery. Plants of countless varieties were scattered throughout, each arrangement demonstrating unique ingenuity. Ning Fengyu followed a few steps behind her sister, carrying a platter of fruit and drinks.
In the adjacent Spirit Dueling Arena, figures collided in heated combat. Dragon roars and sword cries echoed endlessly through the air.
Ji Juechen rubbed his aching arms as he stepped off the field, his eyes blazing with excitement. The Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan boasted more Seven Monsters-level talents than could be counted on both hands, and these past two months had thoroughly satisfied his battle-hungry soul.
He had even created a formal challenge schedule: Mondays with Ling Bai, Tuesdays with Ling Qiuxi, Wednesdays with Wu Feng, Thursdays with Ling Luochen, Fridays with Chen Zifeng, and weekends for recovery…
Truth be told, this Sword Fanatic had ignited every genius's fighting spirit. Yu Mengdi, Na Na, Xi Xi, and others frequently joined the battles. Ji Juechen refused no challenger, and everyone benefited greatly from these exchanges.
BOOM—
A violent explosion echoed from somewhere within the clan grounds. Everyone wore expressions of complete familiarity, glancing briefly in that direction before resuming their fierce duels.
In the underground training chamber, Ling Bai stood charred from head to toe. Crimson bloodstains splattered the walls in mottled patterns. Jianmu Douluo stood nearby, waving away the smoke while stroking his chin.
"Yin-Yang Complement dual spirit cores... third failure. Your body really is impressively tough, kid..."
"Cough, cough!"
Ling Bai spat out a mouthful of old blood. These two months of attempting to condense his second spirit core had clearly ended in failure.
A second spirit core—especially a Yin-Yang Complement second spirit core—wasn't easily formed. Across the entire Douluo Continent, only Di Tian and the Evil Emperor had succeeded, both after hundreds of thousands of years of accumulation.
When Elder Xuan had failed his Resonance dual spirit core attempt, he had been bedridden for three years. That Ling Bai could survive exploding three times in just two months proved how incredible Life Gold truly was.
Failure demanded analysis. Jianmu Douluo explained, "The reason Teacher supported your Yin-Yang Complement dual spirit core attempt is twofold. First, your physical strength is absurdly high. Second, your Twin Martial Spirits are like yin-yang poles—one holy, one evil—mutually conflicting yet perfectly fused within you.
The failure likely stems from insufficient energy. A second spirit core requires massive spirit power reserves. This applies equally to both Resonance and Yin-Yang Complement methods."
Ling Bai wiped away the blood and nodded silently.
Among the Douluo Continent's Limit Douluo, Jianmu Douluo had absorbed Life Gold, Mu En had consumed a dragon core, and Ye Xishui had received Zhong Li's power transfer. Long Xiaoyao's method remained unclear but likely involved some fortuitous encounter.
In another timeline, Huo Yuhao had faced even greater challenges. Six Spirit Souls working in concert, Manifold Mysterious Ice Essence for energy, a Light Dragon core for assistance, and ultimately succeeding only at the cost of Mu En's soul dissipating.
'Where am I supposed to find that much spirit power?'
Ling Bai's clever (and devious) little mind began whirring…
'The Holy Spirit Cult has already chosen the path of death!'
In his Spiritual Sea, the Snow Empress's cold voice resonated faintly. "Your teacher overlooked one crucial point. Your second spirit core will condense the Death Abyss Spider Emperor's power at your chest. However, the connection between your chest and the Death Abyss Spider Emperor remains insufficient."
The Snow Empress was a spirit beast who had once attempted to form Yin-Yang Complement dual spirit cores herself. Her understanding exceeded even Jianmu Douluo's.
"Insufficient connection?"
Ling Bai frowned. "How do we solve this?"
"The simplest method is to fuse a powerful torso spirit bone, above four hundred thousand years, as compatible as possible with the Death Abyss Spider Emperor's abilities," the Snow Empress replied.
Ling Bai fell into contemplation. This method resembled Huo Yuhao using the Ice Empress's spirit bone as a core to condense an Ultimate Ice spirit core at his chest.
For compatibility with the Death Abyss Spider Emperor, it would have to come from an evil spirit beast. The Chaos Wolf Emperor spirit bone was immediately ruled out. A 400,000-year or older evil spirit beast... perhaps only one such spirit beast existed on the entire Douluo Continent.
"Teacher, do you know about Slaughter City?" Ling Bai asked softly.
"Slaughter City… A prison for villains from ten thousand years ago. Those who emerged gained a Deathgod Domain, though the Sea God apparently destroyed it."
"A super evil spirit beast survives at the old Slaughter City site. It's crucial for my second spirit core."
"Then that evil spirit beast cannot be allowed to live. Eliminating it would be a service to the people. The clan's ancient records mention Slaughter City's entrance, though after ten thousand years of change, who knows its current state. You and Xiao Tian and the others should focus on the Spirit Master Tournament. I'll have Fengya dispatch disciples to investigate Slaughter City's exact location."
"Thank you, Teacher."
"It's nothing. Hurry back and pack your things. Weren't you planning to depart for Mingdu tomorrow? Linglong Pavilion recently reported dangerous undercurrents in the city. Teacher will accompany you this time." Jianmu Douluo smiled.
In truth, even if Jianmu Douluo hadn't mentioned it, Ling Bai would have asked him to come along. After all, the Sun Moon Empire was hosting this Spirit Master Tournament as preliminary preparation for continental war, intending to trap and kill the three empires' Spirit Masters.
Ling Bai's purpose in competing at Mingdu was twofold: to entrap the Holy Spirit Cult and to fleece the Sun Moon Empire's wealthy elite. Winning the championship was merely incidental.
Rank 89 Seraphim, Ling Bai!
Rank 68 Golden Dragon, Ling Qiuxi!
Rank 65 Fire Dragon, Wu Feng!
Rank 62 Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, Ning Tian!
Rank 59 Specter, Na Na!
Rank 56 Rubber Elephant, Xie Huanyue!
Rank 47 Jade Azure Bird, Nanmen Yun Er!
With Angelic Sanctuary's lineup, if they didn't win the championship, Ling Bai would eat sh*t!
...
As the registration deadline approached, two teams from Shrek Academy and the Tang Sect departed Shrek City in separate groups. Taotie Douluo Elder Xuan escorted the Shrek team first, while the second group of seven Tang Sect members landed one hundred kilometers from Mingdu.
They were about to enter Mingdu territory. As the Sun Moon Empire's capital, the city possessed the continent's premier Spirit Guidance defense system. Flying any further would make them targets for countless Spirit Guidance Devices.
Huo Yuhao personally cooked a sumptuous lunch. Just as everyone finished eating and sipped the last of the delicious meat soup, urgent hoofbeats sounded from the distance.
A fourteen-person cavalry unit approached, all in black uniforms. Their mounts stood taller than ordinary horses, over four meters long, completely black with robust builds covered in fine scales, a bulge rising from each head.
"Hornscale Horses. They're from the Dou Spirit Empire."
Huo Yuhao immediately recognized the mounts. Hornscale Horses were spirit beasts from the Dou Spirit Empire's grasslands, with decent defense but poor attack abilities. These spirit beasts typically lived in groups. Due to their excellent speed and endurance, the Dou Spirit Empire's major sects trained them as mounts.
Within moments, the Hornscale Horse riders appeared before the Tang Sect members like a gust of wind.
The Tang Sect had chosen an excellent resting spot with good visibility and several towering trees offering refreshing shade. The meat soup simmering over the fire gave off a rich aroma, creating a scene full of rustic charm.
The riders discovered the seven Tang Sect members. The leading elder raised his hand, and the riders behind immediately slowed, the entire unit maintaining strict order.
The old man took the initiative to approach Bei Bei, leader of the Tang Sect group. They learned the riders were from the Dou Spirit Empire's Heavenly Armor Sect, having traveled across the continent through wind and weather.
The Heavenly Armor Sect ate and rested quietly while the seven Tang Sect members enjoyed their rare moment of relaxation. With the sun high overhead at the day's hottest moment, all seven unanimously decided to wait until after noon before continuing their journey.
The good times did not last. A buzzing echoed through the sky, its piercing whistle growing closer. The members of both Tang Sect and Heavenly Armor Sect looked up involuntarily.
A wide flying Spirit Guidance Device narrowed as it descended. More than ten people landed on the ground, stopping on the other side of the Tang Sect's camp.
"Oh, quite a few people here. Those Hornscale Horses look decent, but they can only run on the ground. Their speed can't compare to our Heavenly Gate's flying Spirit Guidance Devices. Probably country bumpkins here to compete."
The Heavenly Armor Sect had a thousand-year heritage as a proper sect where orders were strictly followed. In contrast, the Heavenly Gate members were loudmouthed and exceptionally undisciplined, making the Tang Sect members frown as their impression of the group dropped to freezing point.
"Such poor character."
Wang Dong Er curled her lip, not bothering to lower her voice. The fat man who had spoken earlier looked over, and upon seeing her, the flesh on his face immediately began to tremble, his soybean-sized eyes gleaming with greedy light.
"A beauty!! Sss-haa, sss-haa!"
The fat man slapped his greasy face and started to swagger over for a chat when suddenly, without warning, the sky darkened. A vast shadow enveloped the small forest grove.
The fat man froze in place, not daring to move. Members of all three sects simultaneously raised their heads skyward. A thick layer of clouds rolled across, obscuring the scorching sun. A dazzling golden light cut through the sky as a deafening dragon's roar pierced the air.
A massive dragon burst through the clouds, its body resembling a towering mountain peak. Its scales gleamed with a cold, gold-white luster, while broad, powerful wings caused howling winds with each beat. The dragon's eyes blazed like twin fireballs, radiating endless majesty and power.
"A Light Spirit Holy Dragon?!"
Wang Dong Er's pink-blue eyes widened in shock. The Light Spirit Holy Dragon was a light-attribute dragon with Light Holy Dragon bloodline, an extremely powerful dragon-type spirit beast.
This one's cultivation had reached eighty thousand years, capable of rivaling a human Spirit Douluo. How could such a high-level spirit beast appear outside Mingdu!
"There are people on the Light Spirit Holy Dragon!"
The Spirit Eyes gave Huo Yuhao vision far superior to ordinary people. He spotted seven small black dots on the dragon's back.
"Dragon-riding flight?"
Everyone gaped in amazement. What faction could afford to raise an 80,000-year light-attribute giant dragon and even tame it as a mount!
The Light Spirit Holy Dragon descended at astonishing speed, like a golden-white meteor falling to earth. Dragon might mixed with turbulent air currents swept downward. The Heavenly Armor Sect and Heavenly Gate members had never witnessed such a spectacle. Their eyes filled with terror and awe. The fat man from Heavenly Gate desperately clamped his legs together to hide his shameful loss of bladder control.
The wind and clouds settled. The dragon that seemed so terrifying to others now lay obediently on the ground. Seven figures slowly descended. The handsome young man at the lead ignored the two other sects entirely, his brilliant golden eyes falling directly on the Tang Sect members as he smiled faintly:
"What a coincidence. We meet again."