Evening.
Outside a soul hunting town in the northwest area of the Star Dou Great Forest, a noble, fiery-red figure descended from the sky.
"Kid Chu, something's not quite right with your summoned beast!"
Stepping down from the back of the Fire Phoenix Spirit Summon and glancing at the soul hunting town ahead, Dugu Bo looked at Chu Chengzhou with some confusion.
"What's wrong with it?"
Blinking, Chu Chengzhou asked curiously.
"Your third spirit ring is only about a thousand years old, so how come this Fire Phoenix can fly so fast?"
Dugu Bo pointed at Little Red.
Since Fire Phoenixes are rare, Dugu Bo hadn't encountered many before and didn't know how fast they typically flew.But he was certain that a Fire Phoenix spirit beast only a thousand years old definitely shouldn't be this fast.
'No kidding, this is a ten-thousand-year Fire Phoenix!'
"I'm not sure either. Probably due to a mutated spirit?"
Stroking his chin, Chu Chengzhou pushed the blame onto a "spirit mutation."
What's a mutation? It's something that develops in unpredictable ways.The summoned beast flies fast and is powerful? Don't ask. It's the mutation.
"Is that so?"
Dugu Bo raised an eyebrow but didn't dwell on it. After all, there were many mysteries in the world.
Stowing away the Fire Phoenix Spirit Summon, Chu Chengzhou and Dugu Bo entered the soul hunting town.
It was getting late, and the two didn't plan to head into the forest right away. They decided to rest for the night and set off early the next morning.
As they were heading to an inn, several black-robed figures approached.
Dugu Bo took one glance and looked away. They were just a few Soul Emperors with six rings and a leading Spirit Sage at level 70 — not worth his attention.
But while Dugu Bo didn't care, someone else certainly did.
The leader of the black-robed group, a level-70 quasi-Spirit Sage, narrowed his eyes sharply upon seeing Dugu Bo, his body freezing momentarily — he clearly recognized him.
However, he quickly recovered, pretending not to notice and continued walking calmly.
Once Chu Chengzhou and Dugu Bo had passed by, the black-robed leader quickly led his group into a nearby alley.
"Captain, what's going on?"
Inside the alley, one of the black-robed men — part of a Wuhun Hall obliteration squad — asked.
"That old man and young man we just passed. Do any of you recognize them?"
The captain asked seriously.
Everyone looked confused. There were so many people in the world — if they had to recognize every passerby, ten brains wouldn't be enough!
"Hmph, clueless fools! How can you face His Holiness the Pope with this level of ignorance?!
Old Six, you're the fastest. Fly three hundred miles south to Stoke City and report that the Jade Phosphor Douluo has appeared here!"
The captain barked, ordering the flying-type Soul Emperor of the team.
In the Douluo Continent, a Titled Douluo was like a nuclear weapon in Chu Chengzhou's previous world. Encountering one — especially one from the enemy Heaven Dou Empire — meant the information had to be reported.
Whether His Holiness the Pope decided to take action on a lone Dugu Bo wasn't their concern.But if Dugu Bo could be eliminated in the Star Dou Great Forest, surely the Pope would record their squad's contribution.
"Jade Phosphor Douluo? Captain, that guy was Dugu Bo?!"
Upon hearing the name, the others immediately connected the dots.
"That's right! I've seen that old poisoner from afar before. His hair isn't as green now, but that stench of poison? I could sniff it out from a mile away!"
The captain pointed to his nose proudly.
"Captain, your dog-nose is amazing!"
Immediately, a team member buttered him up.
"Dog-nose?! Watch your mouth! My spirit is the Twin-Headed Crimson Flame Mastiff — not a dog!"
The captain roared angrily.
Everyone: "..."
Twin-Headed Crimson Flame Mastiff? Isn't that still a dog?
The Next Day, Afternoon.
Inside the Pope's Hall, seated on the throne inlaid with countless rare gems, Bibi Dong, dressed in ornate robes and wearing the Nine-Curve Purple Gold Crown, was handling affairs of state.
Suddenly, a voice came from outside:"Your Holiness, Red-robed Archbishop Omaba from the Hall of Light and Shadow requests an audience."
"Granted," Bibi Dong replied without even lifting her head.
Soon, the hall doors opened, and a middle-aged man in black robes, dark-skinned and wiry with a cropped haircut — clearly no decent fellow — entered.
Red-robed Archbishops didn't have to wear red; the title represented their rank and authority, not their clothing.
"Omaba of the Hall of Light and Shadow greets Your Holiness," he said, bowing.
The Hall of Light and Shadow — symbolizing the shadow under the angel's radiance — was the Pope's intelligence agency.
"What is it?"
Bibi Dong looked up and asked plainly.
"Your Holiness, our sub-hall in Stoke City, Soderos Province of the Heaven Dou Empire, reports that yesterday evening, Heaven Dou's court guest Dugu Bo appeared at a soul hunting town north of Stoke, accompanied by a young man, presumably heading into the Star Dou Great Forest."
"Dugu Bo?"
Bibi Dong frowned, falling into thought.
Dugu Bo was a guest of the Heaven Dou royal court and had grudges with a certain high-ranking member of the Spirit Hall (Yueguan: "Do I not have a name?"). He was a known enemy. Killing him would be a major blow to the Heaven Dou Empire.
Without Dugu Bo, a certain major spy within the Empire could operate more freely when the final plan was enacted.
However, Bibi Dong had to consider the consequences.
Killing a Titled Douluo wasn't easy. Beating one wasn't the problem — the hard part was killing them without exposing the perpetrator.
Just then, another voice announced:"Your Holiness, Director of the Spirit Academy, Kruse, seeks audience."
"Kruse?"
Bibi Dong was slightly surprised, then said, "Let him in."
A thin elderly man entered.
"Greetings, Your Holiness!"
Kruse bowed.
"At ease."
Bibi Dong waved a hand.
"Your Holiness, student Xie Yue has reached level 50."
"Level 50? What about Nana and Yan?"
Bibi Dong asked with concern.
With the Spirit Master Tournament approaching, she closely monitored the soul power levels of her disciples — Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan — and had instructed Kruse to report their progress.
"Hu Liena is currently a level-48 Soul Sect, and Yan is at level 49. They should both reach Soul King (five rings) before the tournament."
Kruse reported respectfully.
Bibi Dong paused in thought, then said, "Understood. You may go. I'll make arrangements for Xie Yue's soul hunt later."
"Yes, Your Holiness!"
Kruse took his leave.
"Omaba, summon Elder Ling Yuan."
Bibi Dong ordered.
Soon, a tall, graceful, and captivating mature woman with a powerful aura entered the hall.
"Ling Yuan greets Your Holiness!"
Spirit Kite Douluo bowed.
"Elder Ling Yuan, student Xie Yue has broken through to level 50. Go to the academy and take Xie Yue, Hu Liena, and Yan to the Star Dou Great Forest for a one-month training.
They are to handle their soul hunts on their own. Unless it's a life-or-death crisis, do not intervene.
Also, Spirit Hall's intel reports that Dugu Bo was seen outside the forest yesterday evening. If you happen to encounter him inside and the conditions allow it — eliminate him."
As she spoke, a cold glint flashed in Bibi Dong's eyes.
Normally, this kind of dirty work would go to Chrysanthemum Douluo (Yueguan) and Ghost Douluo (Guimei).But unfortunately, those two had just been sent to investigate corruption among Spirit Hall bishops in the Star Luo Empire, and hadn't returned yet.
Still, Spirit Kite Douluo was no pushover. Her soul power was level 93 — higher than Dugu Bo's 91. And he wasn't good at one-on-one fights. She had a solid chance of taking him down.
Especially with her flying-type spirit — even if Dugu Bo wanted to run, he wouldn't escape.
"Yes, Your Holiness!"
Ling Yuan Douluo accepted without hesitation.
If it were another Titled Douluo, she might've asked for backup. But Dugu Bo was one of the few weaker than her.
His poisons worked well on low-level spirit masters, but against someone her level? They were basically useless.
If she ran into him — she might just earn herself a major merit.
One Week Later – Star Dou Great Forest, Inner Region
Above the inner zone near the forest core, Chu Chengzhou and Dugu Bo sat bored atop the Fire Phoenix Spirit Summon, searching for traces of the Darkgold Dreadclaw Bear.
As expected, even in such a vast forest, these ultra-rare spirit beasts were extremely hard to find.
It had been a week — and they hadn't even seen a hair from a Darkgold Dreadclaw Bear.
"Kid Chu, this gift you want sure isn't cheap."
On the phoenix's back, Dugu Bo complained sourly.
Flying around every day was fine for a day or two — but after a week, it was wearing on his nerves.
Especially with zero progress.
Chu Chengzhou chuckled awkwardly. "Thanks for your patience, Senior."
Just as Dugu Bo was about to grumble more, he suddenly sensed a strong surge of soul power up ahead.
Instantly, his expression turned serious.
"Senior, what is it?"
Noticing the change, Chu Chengzhou asked.
"Looks like a battle ahead — strong combatants."
Dugu Bo pointed forward.
"Strong combatants?"
Raising an eyebrow, Chu Chengzhou looked in that direction.
He sensed nothing — but he wasn't surprised. His spiritual power was strong, but compared to a Titled Douluo like Dugu Bo? Not even close.
"Should we avoid it?"
Chu Chengzhou asked.
If there were soul masters — or beasts — powerful enough to cause a disturbance Dugu Bo called "strong," they were likely above level 80, or even Titled Douluo.
He didn't want to get caught up in someone else's fight.
"No need. I don't cause trouble — but I'm not afraid of it either!"
Dugu Bo waved it off confidently.
A battle up ahead? Should he just run?
Who the hell were they? Come out and let this Douluo take a look!
The Fire Phoenix flew quickly, and soon they were closer.
At this point, Chu Chengzhou finally began to feel the ripples of the soul power clash.
He couldn't sense both parties clearly, but one definitely used fire — whether soul master or beast.
Either way, both were powerful.
But with Dugu Bo beside him, Chu Chengzhou felt zero fear.
After all, what were the odds they'd randomly stumble upon enemies?
"ROAR—!"
Suddenly, a thunderous tiger's roar echoed across the forest, and a fire-red bird burst out from the trees ahead.
Since they were still quite far away, Chu Chengzhou couldn't see very clearly.
"Is that a tiger fighting a red-feathered bird up ahead?"
Seeing this, Chu Chengzhou couldn't help but speak up.
"That bird is a true form of a martial spirit!"
Dugu Bo rolled his eyes.
"A martial spirit true form? Senior, can you tell what level the opponent is?"
"Most likely a Title Douluo!"
'A Title Douluo?'
Hearing this, Chu Chengzhou raised an eyebrow.
On the continent, there were many fire-type bird martial spirits. If the opponent was just an eight-ring Soul Douluo, he wouldn't be able to guess who it was.But if the spirit power level had reached the Title Douluo stage, then it could only be either Qingluan Douluo or Lingyuan Douluo of Spirit Hall.
However, it was definitely not Qingluan, one of the three worshipped elders of Spirit Hall—his martial spirit was a green-feathered bird and his strength was overwhelming. So it was most likely Lingyuan.
In the original novel, this character never appeared, but in the anime adaptation, she did—and she was one of the four Title Douluo who caused his future father-in-law, Ning Fengzhi, to lose his home base.
"Senior, if that person ahead is a Title Douluo, then it must be Elder Lingyuan Douluo of Spirit Hall."
Chu Chengzhou said.
"Huh? Someone from Spirit Hall?"
Dugu Bo frowned slightly.
He had never heard of this "Lingyuan" title before, but that wasn't the point.
The point was—he had absolutely no fondness for Spirit Hall.
Not only because he served as a guest elder for the Heaven Dou royal family and had a conflicting position, but also due to personal grudges.
Originally, he hadn't planned on becoming a guest elder.But he'd once offended Chrysanthemum Douluo, Yueguan, from Spirit Hall and wasn't his match.It was Prince Xue Xing of Heaven Dou Empire who threatened Yueguan with a large army to drive him off and saved Dugu Bo.To repay the favor, Dugu Bo agreed to serve the Heaven Dou royal family.
So whether it was personal or political, he had always clashed with Spirit Hall.
Likewise, because of his position, the people of Spirit Hall disliked him as well.
If they met in public, they'd restrain themselves for the sake of appearances.But here—this was the Star Dou Great Forest.If he struck fast and hard, who would know what had happened?
If possible, Dugu Bo wouldn't mind giving Lingyuan Douluo a deadly blow.
Plus, based on the commotion, that tiger soul beast—whose roar they heard but whose body they hadn't yet seen—didn't seem like an easy target either.Maybe he could be the fisherman who benefits from a fight between the snipe and the clam?
If he could bring Lingyuan Douluo's head back, generous old boss Xue Ye probably wouldn't be stingy with the reward.
Thinking along these lines, Dugu Bo suddenly felt invigorated.
At this time, Lingyuan Douluo was incredibly frustrated.
A week ago, Pope Bibi Dong had given her a mission: to act as a guardian for the three juniors—Xie Yue and the others—who had entered the Star Dou Great Forest to hunt soul beasts and train.If she happened to encounter Dugu Bo, she was to try and keep him in the forest.
But the Star Dou Great Forest was huge. Though Lingyuan Douluo hoped to make some contributions, she didn't really expect to get that lucky, so she focused on playing nanny.
Over the week, Xie Yue had already killed a ten-thousand-year soul beast two days earlier and advanced to a five-ring Soul King.
Their training had been going well until, out of nowhere, they encountered a bizarre tiger-type soul beast—its whole body pitch black, with bat-like wings on its back and a large hooked barb on its tail.
Initially, Lingyuan Douluo didn't take it seriously.After all, although the black tiger looked odd, it seemed to be just over 20,000 years old.
For a soul beast of that age, she—a Title Douluo—should be able to deal with it easily.
That's what she thought, and that's how she acted.
But things went sideways quickly.As soon as she attacked, Lingyuan Douluo realized the strange black tiger's power was outrageously high despite its age.Even as a Title Douluo, she couldn't easily suppress it.Once the tiger unleashed its domain ability, she was even pushed into a disadvantage.
Knowing she'd kicked a hornet's nest, she didn't hesitate to release her martial spirit's true form.After temporarily repelling the tiger with a strong move, she grabbed the three juniors and fled with a flap of her massive fiery wings.
As the saying goes: where there is life, there is hope.There were plenty of opponents she couldn't beat on the continent. Losing to a bizarre tiger wasn't a big deal.
Plus, with Bibi Dong's beloved disciple Hu Liena among the three, her top priority was their safety.
If anything happened to Hu Liena, there'd be no explaining herself to Bibi Dong. Or more accurately—there wouldn't even be a chance to explain.
Besides, unless one was desperate for a soul ring, fighting to the death with a soul beast under 100,000 years old was incredibly foolish.
Aside from soul rings and the extremely rare soul bones, soul beasts had little of value for soul masters.
Seeing his target flee in the form of a giant flaming bird, the Dark Devilgod Tiger flapped its wings and gave chase.
It could clearly sense the powerful energy within this human soul master.If it devoured her, its cultivation would skyrocket.
But after only a short pursuit, it spotted a massive red-feathered bird hovering in the distance—more importantly, there was another strong aura on the red bird's back.
This new aura was slightly weaker than the woman's, but still on a similar level.
"ROAR—!"
After a moment's hesitation, the Dark Devilgod Tiger let out a roar and retreated.
There were plenty of juicy prey in the forest—it wasn't worth the risk.
This human woman was already tough, and if another slightly weaker one joined in, it might actually lose.
Caution was the key to survival for any lone soul beast.Otherwise, they'd eventually become food for others—or a soul ring for some human.
I've been cunning and careful all my life, the tiger thought. I'm not about to fall for it now.
Elsewhere, after identifying the giant red bird as Spirit Hall's Lingyuan Douluo...
Chu Chengzhou silently wondered why she was here in the forest, while Dugu Bo was eyeing the situation, hoping to benefit as the bystander.
Suddenly, sharp-eyed Chu Chengzhou spotted a strange black tiger with wings behind Lingyuan.
He rubbed his eyes to confirm—yes, that tiger had wings and a hooked barb on its tail.
His heart dropped. He quickly urged his flying mount to turn around and flee in the direction they came from.
A black tiger with wings and a hook tail—damn, isn't that the Dark Devilgod Tiger?!
Just my luck—running into a freak like this! No discussion, time to run.
In the original story, a 60,000-year-old Dark Devilgod Tiger could go toe-to-toe with 100,000-year soul beasts like Da Ming and Er Ming.
And while those two were "just" 100,000-year soul beasts, their strength surpassed even most 96th-level Title Douluo.
Although this tiger's current strength didn't seem as terrifying—it hadn't even defeated Lingyuan Douluo—it might just not be the same tiger from the original, or maybe it hadn't matured yet. Either way, it was no pushover.
Plus, the Dark Devilgod Tiger in the original had a disgusting ability: it could drag opponents into a special dueling space and revert them to infant form.
Chu Chengzhou didn't know if all Dark Devilgod Tigers had this skill or if it was unique to that one.But when evaluating danger, you always assume the worst—so he had to assume they all could do it.
If this one killed Lingyuan with that skill and then turned its eyes on him and Dugu Bo—he wasn't sure he could escape.
If even Lingyuan had to run, then low-tier Title Douluo like Dugu Bo were definitely toast.
As for the idea of both Title Douluo teaming up against the tiger?
One was a Spirit Hall elder, the other a Heaven Dou guest elder. Even if they joined forces on the surface, they'd definitely be scheming against each other in the background.
T/N: For up to 20 chapters ahead and twenty chapters ahead on my other translation, become a p@tron at p@treon.com/LordHipposApostle