Douluo: In an extraordinary world, with unparallel understanding!

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The Extreme North. 

Huo Yuhao opened his eyes, his soul power surging. 

It had already been a full five months since he arrived in the Extreme North. 

Snow Empress had completed her transformation into human form and cultivated to the level of a Soul Saint. Ice Empress, however, had abandoned her plan to persuade Snow Empress to become a soul spirit. 

When Snow Empress learned of Ice Empress's intentions, she introduced the Ice Bear King, Xiao Bai, to Huo Yuhao. 

Xiao Bai had already reached the terrifying level of a 300,000-year-old beast, but he lacked the confidence to survive the upcoming Heavenly Tribulation. 

For soul beasts, the Heavenly Tribulation is a test, never an opportunity. Only those who had made significant breakthroughs over the past hundred thousand years could survive it. Otherwise, they would perish and disappear into nothingness. This is why older soul beasts tend to grow stronger—those who endure multiple tribulations become increasingly fearsome. 

Each soul beast that survives a Heavenly Tribulation is an extraordinarily lucky anomaly defying the heavens. 

Though Xiao Bai was terrifyingly powerful, he clearly hadn't gained enough fortune during the critical period between 200,000 and 300,000 years of cultivation. 

Since Snow Empress had essentially raised Xiao Bai as her own child, she naturally recommended him to Huo Yuhao. 

With Huo Yuhao's extraordinary luck—encountering the legacy of a god not once but twice, combined with the presence of Ice Empress—Snow Empress held a favorable opinion of him. 

Becoming a god is like a snowball gaining mass. While Huo Yuhao's current chances might not seem particularly high, with Xiao Bai added into the equation, those chances were bound to increase. 

As a soul master's opportunities accumulate, their strength becomes more terrifying, and their chances of advancing grow even greater. 

During his five months in the Extreme North, Huo Yuhao had dedicated himself to intense cultivation. 

At Ice Empress's request, Snow Empress taught Huo Yuhao her three supreme techniques. Huo Yuhao spent these five months diligently mastering the Snow Empress's Three Absolutes. 

Just now, Huo Yuhao had finally succeeded in transforming the Ice Bear King, Xiao Bai, into a soul spirit. 

Unfortunately, Xiao Bai hadn't survived the 300,000-year Heavenly Tribulation, so his soul ring was still at the 100,000-year level, belonging to the ranks of ferocious beasts. 

"My soul power had already reached Rank 60, and after five months of training and Xiao Bai's feedback, I'm confident that if I absorb another 100,000-year-old soul spirit or soul ring, I can definitely break through to the Soul Saint level!" 

Huo Yuhao licked his lips, his eyes filled with determination. 

However, finding a 100,000-year-old soul spirit is far from easy. 

Without Ice Empress's help, Huo Yuhao wouldn't even have known where to find a soul spirit like Xiao Bai, who was close to the 300,000-year mark. 

What's more, he specifically needed a sixth soul ring for his Rank 60 breakthrough. 

Currently, his second martial soul had three soul rings: one granted by Ice Empress's sacrifice, one obtained during the past five months when Xiao Bai truly became a soul spirit and provided a ferocious beast soul ring, and a third from the Ice Bear King, Xiao Bai himself. 

Technically, both Xiao Bai and Ice Empress could continue providing soul rings, even filling out all six soul rings for his second martial soul. However, neither had stronger soul skills to offer, so they chose not to do so.

Thus, for Huo Yuhao to truly become a Soul Emperor, his first martial soul was the obvious priority. 

However, soul beasts with spiritual attributes at the 100,000-year level were exceedingly rare. 

"I wonder if I can ask Brother Yu and his teacher to help hunt a 100,000-year-old Evil Eye Tyrant." 

When it came to the most suitable choice for Huo Yuhao, it was naturally the Evil Eye clan, which seemed almost tailor-made for him. 

"Alternatively, I could try completing the second trial and see if I can achieve the third trial in a short period to obtain a God-bestowed Spirit Ring." 

As for the God-bestowed Spirit Ring in Su Yu's possession, Huo Yuhao neither coveted it nor believed he had much chance of obtaining it. 

With his decision made, Huo Yuhao prepared to leave the Extreme North. 

"Regardless, staying here won't help me quickly acquire a sixth spirit ring for my Spirit Eyes." 

After returning from the Demonic Forest to Sun-Moon, Su Yu followed Kong Deming back to the royal family's rear mountain. 

"Xiao Yu, your spiritual power has already reached materialization. From now on, you need to focus on constructing your own domain. I've compiled some experiences here, but I can't guarantee they'll suit you. The construction of a spiritual domain varies for every soul master. It's more about following the depths of your own heart." 

Kong Deming could offer Su Yu technical guidance on the structure of his domain, but he was completely unable to provide directional advice. 

"What should my spiritual domain be?" 

Sun-Moon Hall. 

"Yuhao, you're finally back." Jing Hongchen smiled as he looked at the now seventeen-year-old Huo Yuhao. 

When he first accepted Huo Yuhao as his disciple, the boy was not yet thirteen. 

Five years had passed in the blink of an eye, and now Huo Yuhao's soul power had already reached Rank 60! 

"Teacher, I came back this time to ask for your help in hunting a 100,000-year-old soul beast." Huo Yuhao was slightly embarrassed as he spoke. 

Hunting a 100,000-year-old soul beast was indeed a bold request, especially considering that Jing Hongchen himself didn't have a 100,000-year-old soul ring. 

"Oh?" 

In truth, Jing Hongchen was equally taken aback by his disciple's request. 

It wasn't that he thought Huo Yuhao's request was unreasonable; rather, he was stunned by the idea of Huo Yuhao attempting to absorb a 100,000-year-old spirit ring for his sixth ring. 

Su Yu had absorbed a 100,000-year-old spirit ring starting with his fifth ring—a feat that was practically impossible to replicate. 

His progression was outrageous: his fourth ring was already at the ten-thousand-year level, and his fifth ring directly leapt to 100,000 years. It was practically defying all logic. 

Even Su Yu himself hadn't dared to make such a tenfold leap during his second and third rings. 

Huo Yuhao, by comparison, had been more cautious. His third ring was at the ten-thousand-year level, and after acquiring ten-thousand-year rings for his fourth and fifth, he now sought to absorb a 100,000-year ring for his sixth. 

Still, it was a shocking ambition. 

"Are you planning to hunt an Evil Eye Tyrant?" 

After recovering from his initial shock, Jing Hongchen quickly deduced Huo Yuhao's plan. 

Indeed, finding a 100,000-year-old soul beast with spiritual attributes in a short time would be nearly impossible. 

Only the powerful and gregarious Evil Eye Tyrant clan might serve as Huo Yuhao's target. 

"Exactly." 

Huo Yuhao nodded, confirming his teacher's guess. 

However, Jing Hongchen let out a bitter laugh. 

"I'm sorry, Yuhao."

He recounted to Huo Yuhao the events surrounding Xuan Ziwen's hunt for the Evil Eye Tyrant, including the Evil Emperor's furious reaction. 

"Right now, the Evil Emperor is still in a rage. It's likely that any human soul master entering the Demonic Forest will be killed by him. The empire has already sealed off the forest. Perhaps in a few years, it might be possible to secretly hunt some soul beasts, but the chances of hunting another 100,000-year-old Evil Eye Tyrant within a century are slim." 

"I see," Huo Yuhao sighed, furrowing his brows in surprise at the situation. 

Still, he didn't blame anyone. 

"It seems I'll have to ask Brother Yu about learning how to condense a life-bound spirit ring." 

There was no choice but to proceed with the backup plan. 

Perhaps he could rely on the third trial to obtain a God-bestowed Spirit Ring as a reward. 

With Jing Hongchen's official seal in hand, Huo Yuhao made his way to the royal palace. 

"Stop! Who dares trespass in the royal forbidden grounds?" 

However, Huo Yuhao received an even colder reception than Su Yu. 

Even after presenting Jing Hongchen's seal, he was still not allowed to pass. 

In the Imperial Study. 

Xu Tiannan sat behind a desk, his demeanor imposing as he managed the overwhelming workload of governance. 

Yet his formidable appearance was only a façade—his lower body was completely paralyzed, confining him to a wheelchair. 

Behind him, Juzi stood with a gentle expression, massaging his shoulders tenderly. 

"Your Majesty." 

"Enter!" 

A royal guard stepped into the study and reported, "Your Majesty, Huo Yuhao has returned to Sun-Moon and is currently within the royal palace. He is heading toward the rear mountain." 

Upon hearing that Huo Yuhao had returned, Xu Tiannan set down his work. 

Juzi's expression stiffened slightly, though her composure remained steady. Her hands did not falter, but subtle changes in her movements hinted at her inner turmoil. Fortunately, Xu Tiannan failed to notice anything amiss. 

"The rear mountain? That's Old Kong's place, isn't it? Did he bring Kong Lao's token?" 

"No, he is carrying a seal from Hall Master Jing Hongchen." 

"Hmmph, Jing Hongchen's seal?" Xu Tiannan sneered coldly and waved his hand dismissively. "Jing Hongchen's authority doesn't carry weight in the royal palace." 

Clearly, Xu Tiannan still harbored resentment from his time as crown prince. 

Back then, Jing Hongchen had shown no mercy in expelling the emissaries Xu Tiannan had sent to negotiate with Xuan Ziwen at Sun-Moon Hall. 

"This—" 

"Hmm?" Xu Tiannan's aura flared as he noticed the guard's hesitation. 

Although paralyzed, his soul power still ranked at the Titled Douluo level. Combined with the authority he had cultivated over a year as emperor, his anger alone exerted immense pressure on the guard. 

"Yes, Your Majesty!" 

The guard hurriedly withdrew. 

Juzi's brows furrowed deeply. 

With her back to him, Xu Tiannan couldn't see her expression. He remained unaware that his empress was silently worrying about another man. 

"Your Majesty, Hall Master Jing is a pillar of the empire. Isn't this too much?" 

Juzi's intelligence and insight had earned Xu Tiannan's respect, and her words carried considerable weight. 

Hearing her question, Xu Tiannan explained, "Hmph, of course I understand his importance. This is merely an opportunity to give him a warning." 

To this day, Jing Hongchen had yet to openly support him in court. 

In the past, Xu Tiannan's court had been divided into three factions: supporters, neutrals, and opponents. 

Now, there were only two—supporters and neutrals. 

How ironic it was that no one actively opposed him, yet neutrality still persisted as an independent stance.

And this neutral party was, of course, Jing Hongchen.

"Your Majesty, it's said that Hall Master Jing recently broke through to the Super Douluo level in soul power, and regarding the battle armor system—"

Before Juzi could finish her sentence, Xu Tiannan slammed the desk with force. 

"Don't even mention the battle armor system! It infuriates me!" 

"What is Jing Hongchen trying to pull?" 

"To this day, I still don't have the complete data on the battle armor system!" 

"Unfinished? Not ready for widespread implementation?" 

Xu Tiannan repeatedly pounded the desk, venting his frustration. 

"What is this about? He's guarding against me!" 

Guarding against what? 

Both Xu Tiannan and Juzi fell silent—one continued to massage his shoulders quietly, while the other brooded in seething anger. 

Of course, it was about guarding against him leaking the battle armor technology to the Holy Spirit Cult. 

While Xu Tiannan understood that such precautions were reasonable, did they truly see him as such a foolish and negligent emperor that he would ignore the dangers of the Holy Spirit Cult? 

"Your Majesty, please don't let this affect your health. From what I've gathered during my time with Teacher Xuan, the battle armor system should be nearing completion. Don't forget, the Continental Soul Master Tournament is less than half a year away. Sun-Moon Hall will undoubtedly showcase the battle armor technology at the tournament. When the time comes, you can demand that they hand over the technology." 

Whether or not Juzi's words were effective, Xu Tiannan took several deep breaths before returning to his paperwork. 

Meanwhile, Juzi silently sighed in relief. 

"Hall Master Jing's resistance toward evil soul masters is simply too strong." 

She understood many of Xu Tiannan's plans, including his intention to merely use the Holy Spirit Cult. 

However, Jing Hongchen's reaction was too extreme. 

Perhaps even Xu Tiannan, when formulating his plan to exploit the Holy Spirit Cult, hadn't anticipated this outcome. 

After all, back then, Jing Hongchen lacked the strength or confidence to openly oppose him, no matter how unyielding he might have been. 

But now, Jing Hongchen had the qualifications. 

Whether it was his breakthrough in soul power or his mastery of the battle armor technology, both had elevated his position significantly. 

Not to mention the subtle support from Kong Deming. 

Why didn't Xu Tiannan simply use Juzi to obtain the battle armor technology directly from Xuan Ziwen? 

The answer lay in the pressure Kong Deming exerted. 

Though Xu Tiannan could temporarily rely on the two Limit Douluo of the Holy Spirit Cult to counterbalance Kong Deming's influence, he wouldn't risk a complete fallout with him. 

"What is this?" 

Huo Yuhao stared at the royal guards before him, their postures clearly signaling they intended to drive him away. A wave of anger surged in his chest. 

"By imperial decree, even Hall Master Jing Hongchen's hand token cannot freely pass through the royal palace. Especially within the sacred areas of the Hall of Elders, where only the Supreme Elder's token grants access."

Huo Yuhao's need for the sixth soul ring had always been urgent. After failing to hunt the 100,000-year Evil Eye Tyrant Beast due to the Evil Emperor's rage, his frustration had been building. Now, with this additional provocation, his anger was only magnified.

However, this was the royal palace.

He forcefully held back his fury, took a deep breath, and turned to leave.

All his anger was directed squarely at Xu Tiannan.

An emperor?

Huo Yuhao had never feared power.

Back at Sun-Moon Hall, upon hearing how his disciple had been treated, Jing Hongchen was enraged.

"Xu Tiannan!"

Jing Hongchen took Huo Yuhao with him and personally went to the royal palace.

"Make way!"

When the Hall Master of Sun-Moon Hall appeared in person, the royal guards could no longer stop them and immediately allowed them to proceed to the rear mountain.

"Hall Master? Yuhao?"

Su Yu stopped his training, surprised by their arrival.

Huo Yuhao had returned so soon?

He had assumed the boy would spend at least a few more months in the Extreme North, gaining plenty of opportunities and advancing rapidly, only returning in the final month.

Yet, it had only been five months, and Huo Yuhao was already back in the capital.

And now, he couldn't even complete his sixth soul ring.

This... 

Shouldn't the child of destiny always encounter the best circumstances?

But now, Huo Yuhao's situation left Su Yu somewhat speechless.

Had his child of destiny been overstrained?

But, he thought, I haven't even drained that much of his luck, have I?

Su Yu felt that he hadn't sabotaged Huo Yuhao's chances much.

"Based on my research, it's best to condense the life soul ring with the seventh ring. Are you sure you want to try it with the fourth ring of your second martial soul?" 

Su Yu's question left Huo Yuhao silent.

The seventh ring was indeed the most suitable?

Huo Yuhao felt conflicted, torn inside.

If he was going to do it, it should be done right—so, he decided to follow Su Yu's advice and condense the life soul ring with the seventh ring.

But what about his sixth ring for his Spiritual Eye?

(End of Chapter)