Douluo Dalu (Soul Land): Shadow Monarch

Upon hearing Dugu Bo's voice, Ghost Douluo panicked, fearing for Chrysanthemum Douluo's life. Without hesitation, he released all nine of his spirit rings. His body trembled, and a surge of black energy blasted outward, dispersing the surrounding poisonous mist.

As the poison dissipated, Ghost Douluo finally saw Chrysanthemum Douluo lying on the ground—his eyes rolled back, his body convulsing, foam spilling from his mouth. In an instant, Ghost Douluo activated his full speed, dashing toward his fallen comrade.

At this moment, Chrysanthemum Douluo's complexion was deathly pale, his lips still tainted with the white foam he had just vomited. Seeing his closest friend in such a miserable state, Ghost Douluo's hands trembled involuntarily.

Before their mission, Chrysanthemum Douluo had confidently assured him that once he unleashed his spirit abilities, Dugu Bo would have no chance of escaping. Yet now, not only had Dugu Bo escaped, but he had also left Chrysanthemum Douluo poisoned and incapacitated. How had things gone so wrong?

"Old Poison, you're truly ruthless!" Ghost Douluo's face darkened, his clenched fists trembling with rage. If Dugu Bo were still in sight, he would have fought him to the death without hesitation.

He and Chrysanthemum Douluo had been friends for decades, their bond as close as family. If Chrysanthemum Douluo were to die, Ghost Douluo would never forgive Dugu Bo—even in death.

"Hang in there, you hear me? I'm taking you back to the Spirit Hall right now. There has to be a way to save you." Panic crept into Ghost Douluo's voice as he scooped Chrysanthemum Douluo into his arms and leaped into the air, racing toward the outskirts of the Sunset Forest.

Heaven Dou City, Seven Star Academy – Back Mountain

A small lake nestled within the academy grounds, no more than fifty meters in diameter. A three-meter-wide stream meandered through the forest, feeding fresh water into the lake before continuing downstream, keeping the lake's waters ever-flowing.

Beside the lake stood an elegant, octagonal pavilion with a classic architectural style. Sunlight reflected off its golden glazed tiles, making them shimmer. The red wooden pillars glowed faintly in the sunlight, adding to the pavilion's striking appearance.

Encircling the pavilion was a low wooden fence, enclosing a vibrant garden of blooming flowers. Their colors intertwined, creating a picturesque scene of natural beauty.

A young man dressed in black sat in one corner of the pavilion, his gaze fixed on the flowers. He remained silent, lost in thought.

Kneeling before him were two shadow-clad soldiers, their black armor blending seamlessly with the surroundings. Though usually expressionless, a rare trace of curiosity flickered in their eyes.

"What's wrong with the King?" One of the shadow soldiers, Fang, asked.

"I'm not sure," the other, Panther, responded. "This is the first time I've seen the King like this. Did some fool offend him?"

The other shadow soldiers exchanged glances, equally puzzled.

"Your Majesty…" A massive, armored figure named Nash finally spoke, breaking the silence. His reptilian eyes carefully observed the young man before him.

But before he could continue, the youth turned his gaze toward Nash. In that instant, their eyes met—one side holding the weight of a ruler's authority, the other suddenly silenced by an overwhelming presence.

"Nash," the young man spoke calmly, "tell me, why is your strength unaffected by the power of death? Is it because you once served the Dragon Emperor, or is it due to the two dragon souls you absorbed?"

"Your Majesty, please forgive my transgressions," Nash immediately lowered his head in submission. "As the commander of the Light Dragon Legion, the Dragon Emperor granted us certain powers. The rune stone I gifted you, for instance, was forged from a fragment of the Dragon Emperor's authority combined with my own past strength."

"As for the two dragon souls I absorbed," Nash continued, "they played a major role in restoring my former power. That is why I remain unaffected by your current abilities—I have regained my strength from when I was alive."

"Oh?" The young man's voice remained steady. "So, the lingering energy of those dragon souls allows you to resist the limitations of my power?"

"It seems so, Your Majesty." Nash kept his head bowed respectfully. Then, after a brief pause, he hesitated before adding, "In truth… we shadow soldiers can sense your emotions. Your Majesty, you seem to be troubled—unsettled by something. Forgive my boldness, but would you share your thoughts with us? Perhaps it would ease your burden."

Hearing this, the young man shook his head slightly. A faint sigh escaped his lips. "Nash, tell me… do you think someone who has never even killed a chicken would suddenly develop an overwhelming desire for slaughter, just because they gained power?"

His voice remained calm, yet his words carried a weight that made Nash's reptilian eyes widen slightly in surprise. After a moment of contemplation, he finally understood.

This king standing before him was not the legendary Shadow Monarch who had once instilled fear in the Dragon Emperor. He was not the god-like ruler of the past. No—this young man was different. He had merely inherited the power of the Shadow Monarch but had not yet grown into it.

Unlike some who were forced to kill or die, this young king had made his own choices. Ever since awakening his abilities, he had acted based on what he believed was right. Yet now… he found himself questioning whether he was becoming too indifferent—too emotionally detached from life itself.

To him, killing a soul master and killing a soul beast were no different. And the more he thought this way, the more it unsettled him.

He knew this power came from the Shadow Monarch, not from himself. If one day he were to lose this strength, would he become just as powerless as the Tai Tan he had slain—unable to resist, unable to fight back, destined to be at the mercy of others?

His predecessor had loved ones to protect—family and friends who kept him grounded. But did he? Had he truly built real relationships, or had he simply relied on his foreknowledge of events to form superficial connections?

"Your Majesty," Nash's voice was firm as he raised his head, meeting his king's gaze. "You act with wisdom and control, yet you are still a young man in the midst of growth."

"We soldiers are honored to follow you—to witness your journey. Sometimes, I wonder… If you were as cruel as the Dragon Emperor, would we still serve you so loyally? But after much thought, I realized something."

"Our loyalty does not stem from mere authority or power. It is not because of the Shadow Monarch's legacy that we follow you."

"It is because you are our king—because you are who you are. That is why we choose to stand by your side, unwavering."

As Nash finished speaking, the shadows beneath the pavilion stirred. One by one, the shadow soldiers emerged, kneeling before their king.

"Your Majesty, we shall follow wherever you lead. Please, do not bear this weight alone."

The young king surveyed his kneeling soldiers, his gaze lingering on each of them. For a long moment, he remained silent.

Then, exhaling a slow breath, he looked at his legion. He could feel it—their unwavering loyalty, their unshakable belief in him.

Perhaps… he was not as alone as he thought.

After all, behind him stood his soldiers—his people, ready to march forward by his side.