Cautiously, Lin Xiao opened the door—standing outside was none other than Shangguan Qing, whom he hadn't seen for several days.
"I saw your duel with Ji Juechen today," she said anxiously, her eyes full of concern as she looked him over. "You're not hurt, are you?"
"No. Thank you."
"That's good." She patted her chest and exhaled deeply in relief. "You probably don't know how amazing Ji Juechen is. He just got his fifth spirit ring not long ago, but even many sixth-rank soul engineers and Soul Emperors have lost to him!"
She spoke eagerly, repeating the rumors she had gathered, while Lin Xiao simply listened in silence. He neither interrupted her nor invited her inside.
Because they had entered the academy at the same time, they had met briefly, and her appearance had led to a few friendly conversations. To most students, such attention and concern would have sparked certain thoughts—perhaps she liked him.
But Lin Xiao, raised within the Holy Spirit Church, was always wary of those who approached him uninvited. If this "Shangguan" were somehow connected to Shangguan Wei'er of the Common Alliance, it would make sense. The alliance dealt in information and influence—it wouldn't be difficult for them to plant someone like her.
And if, by some slim chance, she truly did harbor feelings for him, then he could only feel regret. His identity would never allow him the luxury of a normal, gentle affection.
"It's getting late," he said quietly. "A young lady visiting a man's room might invite gossip."
"Ah—?"
His sudden remark startled her. A blush spread quickly across her cheeks. "Then—I'll go back first."
Her voice trembled slightly. She took a few hurried steps, then slowed, turned to glance at him once more, and finally ran off down the corridor.
Pingfan Alliance…
The words echoed in his mind as he closed the door.
Days passed quickly. His victory over Ji Juechen had stirred quite a sensation among the students, and his name was still on everyone's lips. But the subject of their talk had already left the capital.
Nightmare Douluo's withered hand gripped Lin Xiao's arm once again, and together they rose into the sky.
Wind howled past his ears. Lin Xiao turned his head to glance at the old man—his teacher's arm looked even thinner and drier than before.
"Teacher, where are we going?" he asked, shielding himself with a layer of soul power.
Nightmare Douluo remained wrapped in his black cloak, unchanged even under daylight.
"Have you ever heard of the Star Dou Forest?"
The name was all too familiar. "Yes," Lin Xiao replied at once. "It's said to be the largest soul-beast habitat on the entire Douluo Continent. Nothing on the Sun-Moon side can compare."
"You're right. That's where we're going." The cloak shifted slightly, and though Lin Xiao couldn't see his teacher's face, he could feel the man's gaze. "The beasts there are many and of high quality. We'll gather what's needed for your Spirit Ascension Ritual."
Spirit Ascension Ritual?
Lin Xiao's heart tightened. Traditionally, only disciples above the sixth ring underwent that ceremony. Though his cultivation had risen quickly, he was still far from that level.
From what the Sixth Servant had told him before, preparations were usually made after reaching the sixth ring. Why was Nightmare Douluo taking him now?
Unless—the ritual didn't actually require six rings. In truth, its purpose was not to aid advancement but to bind promising disciples permanently to the Holy Spirit Church.
Nightmare Douluo had likely intended to wait until Lin Xiao reached the Spirit Emperor stage. But something had changed his mind.
Lin Xiao recalled his battle with Ji Juechen. He had broken the mental seal that his teacher had implanted—something that would have immediately drawn suspicion. It made sense now; Nightmare Douluo was accelerating the ritual out of caution.
A cold dread settled over him. He had seen what happened to others after that ritual—like the Sixth Servant, whose soul no longer belonged to herself. One thought from the higher-ups could end his life.
He had believed there would be time to prepare, perhaps even to slow his progress deliberately. But that illusion was gone. The ceremony was imminent; the trap had already closed.
"Teacher," he asked evenly, hiding his turmoil, "what must be done for the Spirit Ascension Ritual? Do I need to prepare anything?"
"You don't need to concern yourself," Nightmare Douluo replied. "Just know this—the Spirit Ascension is the Holy Emperor's blessing to every disciple of the Church. Once you undergo it, your power will increase beyond imagination."
Even the normally gloomy Titled Douluo spoke with fervor when he mentioned the Holy Emperor. His tone bordered on fanaticism.
"I've often heard the Holy Emperor's name," Lin Xiao said softly, "but I've never seen his face."
"You will soon," Nightmare Douluo said, his voice tinged with reverence. "It won't be long now."
Lin Xiao wanted to ask who or what this "Holy Emperor" truly was, but restrained himself.
Nightmare Douluo viewed him as obedient and reserved. Pressing further would only arouse suspicion.
The Holy Spirit Church was no harmonious sect; betrayal and bloodshed among master and disciple were common. Lin Xiao was hardly the first disciple Nightmare Douluo had trained—but the fact that he had survived this long was proof of his caution.
At the speed of a Titled Douluo, they soon crossed the border between the Sun-Moon Empire and the Heavenly Soul Empire.
Below them, the landscape shifted rapidly. From this height, the world of the Douluo Continent unfolded before his eyes—a stark contrast to the Sun-Moon lands.
The Sun-Moon Continent was rich in minerals, its terrain dominated by barren mountains and desolation. But here, endless forests stretched beyond sight, a sea of emerald green alive with the movements of beasts.
Even before reaching the Star Dou Forest, Lin Xiao could see spirit beasts roaming in the distance.
Gradually, his heart steadied.
Whatever awaited him, whether this "Holy Emperor" truly possessed divine power or not—it no longer mattered.
He would not go quietly to his fate.
(End of Chapter)