I've also recently started a new translation, please check it out and show your support! Douluo: Seven Kill Shock the World
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Qing Liyu's Soul Force martial soul was a unique existence in the world of soul masters.
It was even more unpredictable than the enigmatic Spiritual Power martial souls, directly targeting the most vulnerable corners of one's mind, leaving people defenseless.
This martial soul could not only probe deep secrets hidden within others' hearts but also trigger their most terrifying memories through soul resonance.
Even highly skilled soul masters might rely on their unwavering willpower to endure for a moment longer, but ultimately, they would still have to withstand this mental assault.
This made Qing Liyu's martial soul an undisputed top-tier martial soul, especially effective at suppressing spirit souls with inherent flaws, showcasing astonishing results.
Such an extraordinary ability naturally drew significant attention from Spirit Pagoda's upper echelons, particularly Qiangu Dongfeng.
This usually arrogant and discerning powerhouse had personally observed Gu La's martial soul demonstration and offered commendable praise, causing quite a stir within Spirit Pagoda.
However, this exceptional talent brought unexpected "side effects"—a significant portion of the attention previously focused on Gu Yue had shifted.
This left the proud Silver Dragon lady silently indignant, prompting her to invest more effort into Spirit Pagoda as if to prove something.
"Thank you."
Yuanen Yehui's heartfelt thanks pulled Gu La's wandering thoughts back to reality. He smiled faintly, putting away his glowing forging hammer and carefully wiping his slender fingers with a silk handkerchief.
"You're welcome; it's just a small favor," Gu La said in a gentle yet somewhat lazy tone. "It would be a waste not to use the privileges Spirit Pagoda has given me."
This remark left Yuanen awkwardly smiling.
The group left the academy, passing through several bustling streets. The morning sunlight filtered through the clouds, casting shifting shadows on the towering spire of Spirit Pagoda. The building, shimmering with an eerie blue glow, resembled a sharp sword piercing the sky.
"I heard there are many extinct soul beasts inside the Spirit Pagoda," Xie Xie excitedly cracked his knuckles. "Seeing ancient soul beasts is truly something to look forward to."
Tang Wulin nodded, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "That's why we must cooperate well. I plan to form a long-term fixed team so we can better refine our tactics and help each other obtain spirit souls."
He deliberately didn't mention Na'er—his male pride as an older brother made him reluctant to depend on his sister's protection in battle. This subtle thought remained hidden as he quietly adjusted the team roster.
The final seven-member team included: Tang Wulin, Xie Xie, Xu Xiaoyan, Gu La, Yuanen Yehui, and the temporarily added Ye Xinglan.
The originally considered Yue Zhengyu was replaced by Ye Xinglan's proactive participation—this sword genius's strength was no less than that of the Holy Angel, and she even brought along Xu Lizhi as a "bonus."
The auxiliary abilities of a food-based soul master were a significant boost to the entire team.
Gu La and Gu Yue often needed to be absent due to their respective affairs, and this flexible rotation system actually made the team more adaptable to different combat combinations.
The interior of the Spirit Pagoda was even more grandiose than its exterior. The floor, paved with bluish-gray stone bricks, was polished to a mirror-like shine. Intricate bas-reliefs of powerful soul masters from past generations adorned the walls, and the faint scent of sandalwood in the air made one feel as if they had traveled back in time to the nascent era of soul master civilization.
The seven stood before the shimmering teleportation array. Gu La toyed with the intricately engraved identity badge in his hand. As a core disciple of Spirit Pagoda, his badge could unlock special passages and grant numerous privileges.
After the staff meticulously verified everyone's age information, they began detailing the rules: "For each level cleared in the Spirit Pagoda, you may choose to kill a virtual soul beast to serve as your spirit soul carrier. However, note that you cannot exceed the specified time limit on any level, or it will be considered an automatic forfeit…"
After listening to the straightforward rules, the seven stepped into the teleportation light curtain. The discomfort caused by spatial distortion made Xu Xiaoyan, the weakest in terms of physique, softly moan, her face turning slightly pale.
Gu La glanced around. Gu Yue wasn't present, and among the remaining two girls, one was a sword fanatic, while the other was too preoccupied with her anticipation of spirit souls to pay attention to others—and neither was familiar with Xu Xiaoyan.
Without making it obvious, he gently supported her shoulder, channeling a trace of gentle soul power into her body.
As their vision cleared, they found themselves in a circular hall entirely carved from white jade.
The starlight cascading from the dome bathed the entire space in a dreamlike glow, with countless tiny light points drifting slowly through the air.
In the center of the hall, the ethereal forms of a pack of wind wolf soul beasts gradually solidified, their emerald green eyes particularly striking in the dim environment.
"Act according to your usual habits," Tang Wulin said gravely, his Blue Silver Grass martial soul already released. "We'll take turns engaging to maintain efficiency while conserving stamina. Xie Xie and Xinglan will lead the offense; Yuanen and Xiaoyan will provide support; Gu La and Lizhi will act opportunistically."
"Understood!" the six responded in unison, each releasing their martial soul.
"Quick and decisive!"
With a fierce shout, Tang Wulin unleashed his Blue Silver Grass. The normally ordinary entangling skill, under the purple glow of a thousand-year soul ring, shimmered faintly with dragon scale-like luster. Dozens of vines, like golden dragon whiskers, instantly entangled the charging pack of wind wolves. The three leading wolves didn't even have time to howl before their bones were crushed.
Gu La raised his right hand, the golden-red patterns on his gauntlet flowing like molten lava, covering his entire palm. He swept his gaze across the battlefield, his voice steady: "The first few levels won't be difficult; the real challenge lies ahead."
Before his words faded, Tang Wulin's vines surged like waves across the battlefield.
A hundred-year-old wind wolf leapt up to pounce, but suddenly, vines erupted from the ground, precisely wrapping around its hind legs and slamming it violently against the rock wall.
Ye Xinglan's Star God Sword trembled slightly in her hand. Each swing released a silver thread-like sword qi, simultaneously blooming blood flowers on the foreheads of the front row of wind wolves.
Xie Xie tightened his grip on his twin dragon daggers, then loosened them again, bitterly smiling, "Too fast, I didn't even get a chance to act." Before his words ended, the last wind wolf had its throat crushed by the vines.
Tang Wulin retracted his Blue Silver Emperor, the golden-blue vines spotless, and smiled, "Hundred-year soul beasts don't need your involvement."
A new light door appeared in the center of the room, and a mechanical voice echoed in the air: "First level cleared. You may choose to absorb the spirit soul: Wind Wolf."
Without hesitation, everyone chose to decline and stepped directly into the light door.
The second level greeted them with a wave of heat. Eight Flame Lions, their manes burning with orange-red flames, scorched black footprints onto the ground.
"This level is mine."
Gu La took a step forward, his metal battle boots clashing with the ground, sparking. He extended his right index finger, a point of red light at its tip, resembling a compressed star.
When the first lion pounced to within five meters, the red light suddenly burst forth.
"Zzz—"
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