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*****
After dealing with Tang Chen, Wang Li made his way back. To him, it had been an effortless battle, but to everyone else, he seemed nothing short of a living god.
Otherwise, how could one explain the sheer impossibility of his power?
With a casual wave of his hand, he had slain five elders of the Clear Sky Sect. Even Tang Chen—who had made his name a century ago and, until recently, had single-handedly suppressed the entire Martial Soul Empire—was effortlessly cut down by Wang Li.
A simple comparison made his terrifying strength evident.
Upon his return, Wang Li turned to Dugu Bo and said,
"Grandfather, I'll have to trouble you with handling the aftermath. Make sure there are no loose ends."
Hearing this, Dugu Bo chuckled and nodded.
"I'll take care of it. Even though you've surpassed me, my poison is still the most efficient for this kind of task."
With that, he soared into the sky, vanishing eastward in an instant.
Eradicating an entire sect wasn't something that could be openly acknowledged—it was best described as 'cleaning up.'
Everyone present understood this unspoken truth, but no one pointed it out. To do so would only make things awkward.
And yet, there was an undeniable sense of unreality in the air. The once-mighty Clear Sky Sect, renowned across the continent, was about to disappear completely.
At this moment, Wang Li broke the silence and turned to Ning Fengzhi.
"Sect Master Ning."
Ning Fengzhi stiffened as if a student suddenly called upon by his teacher. He felt tense, apprehensive, and filled with reverence, as though a subordinate standing before his superior. He immediately responded,
"Yes!"
Wang Li waved a hand and smiled.
"Sect Master Ning, there's no need to be nervous. Our sect's crisis has been resolved, and we will deliver the hidden weapons as agreed. Titan, how many sets have been delivered, and how many are still outstanding?"
Upon hearing this, Titan stepped forward without hesitation.
"Over the past year, we've delivered 350 sets. There are 150 sets remaining, which will be completed within three months."
Ning Fengzhi opened his mouth as if to speak, but in the end, he could only force a bitter smile. He hadn't come to press for the hidden weapon deliveries this time. Yet, under these circumstances, attempting to recruit Wang Li and Dugu Bo would be nothing short of humiliating himself.
The Clear Sky Sect—an entity he had always considered untouchable—was nothing more than an afterthought to Wang Li. The gap between them was painfully clear. At this point, trying to recruit him would be sheer folly.
Even so, he spoke up.
"Your Excellency Lan Yin, your sect's hidden weapons are of exceptional quality and formidable power—essential tools for self-defense. The 500 sets we initially ordered won't be enough. I'd like to place another order for 500 sets, along with a separate request for a batch of Zhuge Godly Crossbows. I hope we can establish a long-term partnership. What do you think?"
As he finished speaking, he looked at Wang Li expectantly. This was nothing less than handing money over on a silver platter—whether or not it was accepted depended entirely on Wang Li's mood.
Faced with such an easy business deal, Wang Li naturally had no reason to refuse. He nodded immediately.
"No problem. Sect Master Ning is one of our most valued customers. We will ensure you receive the best quality hidden weapons."
Although Ning Fengzhi was the one paying, he was more than happy to do so. As long as Wang Li accepted his offer, he was content.
The transaction was finalized swiftly. Both parties signed the contract in duplicate and kept their respective copies.
Throughout the process, Ning Fengzhi had wanted to ask whether Wang Li had already ascended to godhood. But in the end, he couldn't bring himself to say it.
After signing the contract and leaving, Ning Fengzhi sighed in frustration.
"Uncle Jian, I've misjudged the situation once again. I can only hope this deal helps mend things somewhat. But tell me, do you think Wang Li… has already become a god?"
Hearing this, Chen Xin's expression turned grave. He recalled the overwhelming power emanating from Wang Li—power that even the heavens seemed to bow before.
With a heavy tone, he replied,
"I fear so. That is not power a mere soul master can possess. When facing Tang Chen, I could at least perceive the gap between us. But when facing Wang Li, all I could sense was an unbridgeable chasm."
Ning Fengzhi deeply regretted not forging stronger ties with Wang Li earlier. Looking back now, Wang Li's rate of growth was utterly abnormal. He must have been blessed by the gods…
But it was too late for regrets.
---
Once the outsiders had left, Wang Li finally gathered his inner circle for a meeting. From them, he learned about the progress of his sect's development.
The construction of their mountain stronghold was taking shape. The next step was organization—establishing separate areas for living, dining, training, studying, and working.
Wang Li was fairly satisfied with the progress. As the saying goes, "To do a good job, one must first sharpen one's tools." Their future research into soul tools would require advanced facilities, proper venues, and skilled personnel.
Speaking of personnel, Lou Gao had already mastered most hidden weapon designs. Using this foundation, he was currently researching the Peacock Plume, Buddha's Fury Tang Lotus, and the Storm Pear Blossom Needles. These weapons involved intricate metallurgy, refinement, and forging techniques, all of which had greatly benefited Lou Gao's expertise.
As for soul tool research, it wasn't something that could be revived overnight after so many years of disappearance.
First, they needed to fully understand the materials at hand. Once they grasped the core array formations that converted soul power, the development of soul tools would advance at an explosive pace.
---
Night fell, and Dugu Bo finally returned.
Now, only the two of them remained—grandfather and grandson.
Wang Li laid out all the spoils of battle, and Dugu Bo did the same. For soul masters, the most valuable treasures were soul rings, followed closely by soul bones.
At this moment, the table before them was filled with an array of soul bones of various sizes and types, covering every part of the body. Their radiant glow illuminated the entire room as if it were broad daylight.
Wang Li clicked his tongue in amazement.
"The Clear Sky Sect only looked poor, but in reality, they were sitting on a mountain of wealth. Every one of the five elders had at least one or two soul bones. Tang Xiao had four, and Tang Chen had six. I'd wager that over the years, aside from hunting soul beasts for their rings, they deliberately targeted high-level soul beasts just to obtain soul bones."
"Otherwise, the sudden surge of so many Titled Douluos within just twenty years wouldn't make any sense."
He turned to Dugu Bo and said,
"Grandfather, pick whichever ones you like. Let's only absorb the ones that truly complement us—that way, we can maximize our potential."
Dugu Bo's eyes roamed over the dazzling collection, momentarily overwhelmed by the sheer variety. Hearing Wang Li's words, he couldn't help but shake his head with a wry smile.
"Most Titled Douluos are lucky if they have one or two soul bones their entire lives. And here I am, not only free to pick and choose but also being told to only absorb the most suitable ones. If word of this got out, I don't know how many people would be consumed with jealousy."
"The Clear Sky Sect spent years accumulating all of this, and now it's all ours. If your strength hadn't skyrocketed so fast, they'd probably be the ones digging our soul bones out right now."
Wang Li chuckled lightly.
"That would never happen. With these soul bones, it may still be difficult for you to break through to Rank 99, but pushing through to Rank 98 should be no problem at all."
"First, we'll get you to Rank 98. After that, you'll enter seclusion to stabilize your soul power and fully adapt to your new strength. Then, I'll refine a batch of supreme medicine using celestial herbs. Once you take it, you'll immediately go into closed-door cultivation—breaking through to Rank 99 will be just a matter of time."
Dugu Bo was momentarily stunned by Wang Li's breakthrough plan. But as the realization sank in, his heart burned with anticipation.
Rank 99—Peerless Douluo!
That was the true pinnacle of the continent.
Beyond just overwhelming power, the sheer increase in lifespan alone was enough to make him yearn for it.
It was common knowledge that the lifespan of a Douluo remained an enigma. Due to the constant strife in the world, few Titled Douluos ever lived to die of old age.
Many speculated about their own longevity—some believed they could live two or three hundred years, while others claimed they could reach eight or nine hundred. But in reality, few ever lived long enough to prove it.
One fact, however, was undeniable: the stronger one's soul power, the greater their vitality. Strength was the key to a longer life.
---
After making all the necessary arrangements, Wang Li and Dugu Bo left for the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well the following day.
Upon their arrival, Dugu Bo immediately began absorbing the five soul bones he had chosen. Most of the Clear Sky Sect's soul bones came from power-type soul beasts, which perfectly suited him.
As a Jade Phosphor Serpent, Dugu Bo was already among the elite of beast martial souls. And after undergoing multiple evolutions, his martial soul had become the Jade Phosphor Serpent Ancestor.
While these power-type soul bones didn't enhance his poison abilities much, they provided an immense boost to his physical strength. More importantly, the five additional soul bone abilities would more than double his overall combat prowess.
And with his current Rank 97 soul power, absorbing these five soul bones would undoubtedly push him straight to Rank 98.
---
The complete eradication of the Clear Sky Sect sent shockwaves across the continent.
No one had expected this outcome.
Seven Titled Douluos—an entire seven!—had been utterly annihilated in a single battle.
Terrifying beyond belief!
Not long ago, the continent was still reeling from the destruction of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and the near-collapse of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Yet, even amidst the uproar, only one Titled Douluo—Yu Yuanzhen—had actually died.
Dustheart and Gu Rong, though gravely injured, had survived.
But Wang Li…
He had now been exalted as a god among men.
---
Spirit Empire – Spirit City – The Pope's Hall
Inside the grand meeting hall, a long table stood at the center. Along both sides were ornate chairs, each representing the authority of an elder. At the head of the table was a throne—once a symbol of the Pope's absolute power, now the seat of the Empress of the Spirit Empire.
This throne belonged to Bibi Dong.
Beside it sat a smaller, more delicate chair, where Hu Liena was seated.
Even now, Hu Liena's face was filled with disbelief.
The Wang Li she had once risked her life to defeat had grown into something far beyond her comprehension—someone so powerful it made her shudder just thinking about it.
With great effort, she lifted her gaze to the elders gathered before her. Her voice was steady but heavy:
"Elders, today we are here to discuss the annihilation of the Clear Sky Sect—and more importantly, what this means for the Spirit Empire. How will Wang Li's actions affect our plans for continental unification?"
The gathered Titled Douluos exchanged uneasy glances.
To be frank, there wasn't much to discuss.
Not long ago, a single Tang Chen had already left them utterly humiliated.
The Serpent Spear Douluo—dead.
The Thorn Dolphin Douluo—dead.
Even Yue Guan and Gui Mei, who had used their Martial Soul Fusion Technique—Two Yi Stasis Field, had been instantly torn apart, rendering them completely useless.
Empress Bibi Dong had been defeated.
Even the Great Worshipper Qian Daoliu had been defeated.
Had Tang Chen not left of his own accord, their only option would have been to throw bodies at him in a desperate attempt to wear him down.
And now?
That same Tang Chen had been effortlessly slain by Wang Li.
Rumors ran rampant—whispers that Wang Li had already become a god.
The mere thought of it sent shivers down their spines.
At this moment, Yue Guan and Gui Mei silently counted their blessings.
A year ago, during the Seven Major Clans Reassessment Tournament, Spirit Hall had organized a grand event—but Wang Li had chosen not to participate.
Had he shown up back then, their six Titled Douluos and the 5,000 elite soul masters they had prepared might have all perished in that narrow canyon.
They had danced on the edge of death without even realizing it.
Back then, they had fumed in frustration. Now? All they felt was sheer terror.
Even mentioning Wang Li's name made their chests tighten.
Yue Guan glanced at Hu Liena, noting her pale face. A rare trace of pity flickered in his eyes as he spoke gently:
"Holy Maiden, this is beyond us. Do not provoke him. Do not anger him. For now, all we can do is stay the course and wait for the Empress to emerge from seclusion."
"The grand vision of the Spirit Empire means nothing if the Spirit Empire ceases to exist."
His tone was measured and respectful—because his loyalty lay with Bibi Dong.
But Demon Bear Douluo and Ghost Leopard Douluo were not nearly as restrained.
---
Demon Bear Douluo had never forgotten that fateful mission—when they had led an elite force to ambush Wang Li.
Looking back, it had been as suicidal as sticking their necks out for the executioner's blade.
Even now, the memory made his back crawl with cold sweat. Frustration and fear boiled inside him, and he finally snapped:
"I'll say it outright—Her Majesty was too hasty. She tried to do too much, too fast."
"We wiped out the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, heavily damaged the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, then immediately redrafted the Seven Major Clans, and established the Spirit Empire in one go."
"If everything had gone smoothly, we would've been marching north to crush the Heaven Dou Empire and south to annihilate Star Luo by now, taking full control of the Douluo Continent!"
"But look at us now!"
"First, Tang Chen. Now, Wang Li."
"We're trapped! Caught between a rock and a hard place—and we have to constantly look over our shoulders while we're at it!"
"Why couldn't we have waited a little longer? How did we end up in this mess?!"
His voice echoed through the hall.
Hu Liena opened her mouth to rebuke him—but no words came.
Because… Demon Bear Douluo wasn't wrong.
The Spirit Empire truly was backed into a corner.
And more importantly—she had no authority to scold him.
She may have been the Holy Maiden, but she was only a Soul Emperor.
Titled Douluos, on the other hand, wielded tremendous power and influence—far beyond her reach.
All she could do was pray.
"Teacher… Please… Come back soon…
The Spirit Empire cannot afford to lose you…"
---
Meanwhile, deep within the Rakshasa Secret Realm…
This was a world devoid of sunlight—the sky a permanent shade of gray, the earth shrouded in darkness.
There were no plants. No animals.
Just an eerie, deathly silence.
Yet the very air was thick with evil energy. Malicious thoughts and depraved desires manifested endlessly, tempting any living soul that dared to enter.
This was a realm constructed entirely from the darkest emotions—a land where corruption itself was the ultimate power.
At its center stood a forsaken temple, emanating a terrifying, suffocating aura.
Within, waves of sinister energy surged violently—an ocean of malevolent whispers, twisted and obscene.
The Rakshasa God's Trial had begun.
A blood sacrifice of 10,000 soul masters had been performed to open the path.
Now, the final test had arrived—
Heart Refinement.
To wield the power of pure evil, one had to be utterly consumed by it.
But Bibi Dong…
She had already harbored the desire to destroy the world.
It was as if she and the Rakshasa God were fated for each other.
(End of Chapter)