Near the Abyssal Passage, Blood God Legion Headquarters.
The solemn, oppressive atmosphere of the fortress was shattered by sudden celestial phenomena.
Thick, dark clouds gathered low in the sky. Seven-colored lightning writhed through them like divine serpents, roaring with the terrifying might of heaven and earth.
These were no ordinary storm clouds—they were elemental lightning tribulations imbued with the plane's primal laws!
Their center pointed directly at an ordinary soldier's barracks.
Inside, Bai Yuan's expression was focused. Each hammer strike upon his forge carried a peculiar rhythm, harmonizing faintly with the thunder's rumble above.
Before him on the crude forge, a piece of metal glowed with increasingly intense spiritual light. Just one final step, and it would transcend into legendary Heavenly Refined metal!
Yet the Lightning Tribulation of Heavenly Refining was no trifling matter!
The seven-colored thunder contained ultimate destructive power. If allowed to fully strike the nascent Heavenly Refined metal, even its potent spirit would be reduced to ash. The craftsman must shoulder part of the tribulation!
Buzzz—
Beneath Bai Yuan's feet, his profound Abyss Devourer martial soul erupted. A domain radiating the power to devour all things expanded from him—Devouring Domain!
CRACK-BOOM!
The first seven-colored lightning bolt struck fiercely. Yet it didn't hit the metal directly—most of its force was captured, torn, and unraveled by the invisible Devouring Domain. Pure, savage energy was forcibly absorbed into Bai Yuan's martial soul.
Only a small fraction—roughly one-tenth of the lightning's might—pierced the domain, striking the metal with a hissing tempering sound. Within destruction, a resilient new spirit struggled to be born!
"What's happening?" Long Yuxue, drawn by the celestial marvel, rushed to the barracks. Watching the house bathed in seven-colored lightning, her beautiful eyes were filled with shock and confusion.
She sensed the terrifying power within those thunderbolts—utterly beyond mortal realm.
Not just her. The Legion Commander, Zhang Huanyun, who had just returned to base, and Cao Dezhi, Blood One of the Blood God Battalion—the Legion's two supreme leaders—were instantly drawn by this unique heavenly fluctuation.
"This… this is a Heavenly Refining Lightning Tribulation!" Cao Dezhi's eyes blazed with disbelief. "When did the Legion gain a Divine Craftsman capable of Heavenly Refining?!"
His own Four-Word Battle Armor's core metal was Heavenly Refining grade—he knew its value and the difficulty of its creation.
Zhang Huanyun was equally stunned. He immediately ordered: "Investigate! Find out whose barracks this is!"
The answer came swiftly—Barracks owner: Second Lieutenant, Bai Yuan!
"Bai Yuan? That Level 78 Soul Saint?" Zhang Huanyun and Cao Dezhi exchanged glances, seeing deep concern and doubt in each other's eyes.
"A Soul Saint forcing a Heavenly Refining tribulation… he likely won't survive," Zhang Huanyun frowned, murmuring to Cao Dezhi. "Old Cao, should we forcibly interrupt? We can't sacrifice a promising seedling for Heavenly Refining."
His Four-Word Battle Armor had been painstakingly cultivated through sheer cultivation. He held profound respect for Divine Craftsmen who could forge Heavenly Refining metal.
Cao Dezhi's Four-Word Battle Armor was forged from Heavenly Refining metal. He slowly shook his head, gaze fixed on the thunderbolts continuously striking down—only to be weakened by the Devouring Domain—and the steady, rhythmic hammering echoing from within:
"Ordinary Soul Saints could never manage this. But Bai Yuan…" He paused, watching as the tribulation showed no signs of weakening, nor Bai Yuan's resistance flagging. "He… might actually succeed!"
The two fell silent. Their hearts pounded with unprecedented tension and excitement.
A living Divine Craftsman belonging to the Blood God Legion—this significance was immense. Unbeknownst to them, six other locations across the continent were witnessing similar scenes. Some had been interrupted by Tang Hao—but as long as one succeeded, all Gu La's avatars would share that experience and capability.
Moreover, the Blood God Legion's proximity to the Abyssal Passage meant Plane's Main Tang Hao dared not interfere here. Doing so might alert the Abyss and shatter his ten-thousand-year plan. This gave Bai Yuan the safest environment to complete his forging.
Ten minutes later.
Ding—!
The final, crisp hammer strike fell—a sound containing the perfection of Dao. The seven-colored thunderclouds above began to dissipate.
Inside the barracks, Bai Yuan retracted his Devouring Domain. His lips curved upward uncontrollably as he felt his soul power and bloodline strength subtly grow from devouring that massive, pure lightning energy. He murmured to himself:
"Such pure, vast energy… its quality likely rivals Abyssal life energy."
He'd primarily studied mech repair; forging was merely a side interest.
But after personally succeeding in Heavenly Refining, he understood: to harness this "shortcut" for rapid strength growth, he'd inevitably need to engage deeply with forging.
This single Heavenly Refining tribulation had saved him at least a month of arduous cultivation! This was on top of his Abyss Devourer martial soul's naturally rapid growth.
Now, he was confident he could break through to Limit Douluo within five years.
Storing the successfully upgraded Heavenly Refining metal—a piece now radiating inner spiritual light—Bai Yuan adjusted his uniform and pushed open the barracks door.
Outside, Zhang Huanyun, Cao Dezhi, Long Yuxue, and numerous high-ranking officers drawn by the spectacle waited.
Bai Yuan's gaze swept over them, pausing briefly on Zhang Huanyun and Cao Dezhi. He gave a slight nod. "Who are you two?"
Zhang Huanyun suppressed his inner turmoil, cutting straight to the point: "Just now… were you performing Heavenly Refining inside? Did you succeed?"
Bai Yuan nodded candidly, his tone carrying just the right hint of "modesty": "Indeed. By luck, I succeeded."
Though they'd anticipated this, hearing confirmation stunned Zhang Huanyun and Cao Dezhi into brief shock and elation. For a moment, they were speechless.
"Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!" Cao Dezhi uttered three "excellents," his voice complex. "Becoming a Divine Craftsman is tremendous news—for you personally, and for… Shrek Academy."
Inwardly, he lamented. Such a genius hadn't joined the Tang Sect. It was too late to recruit him now—it would seem like plucking fruit he hadn't planted. The thought died unspoken.
Zhang Huanyun stepped forward eagerly: "Second Lieutenant Bai Yuan! Would you be willing to forge Heavenly Refining metals for the Blood God Legion? The Legion will ensure you're not disadvantaged! Within reason, you may name any condition!"
He knew that in this era, besides extremely rare immortal-grade herbs, nothing was more valuable than Heavenly Refining metal.
Bai Yuan nodded, then shifted tone: "I can accept paid Heavenly Refining commissions. But each forging consumes greatly—I need time to rest and recover. Moreover…" His eyes swept the crowd. "The Blood God Legion doesn't seem to have any Limit Douluos urgently needing Heavenly Refining metal for Four-Word Battle Armor?"
Zhang Huanyun hastened to reply: "No problem! No problem! We can prepare in advance! I'm certain many Limit Douluos across the continent would pay dearly for a Divine Craftsman stationed at the Blood God Legion!"
This would open a completely new, powerful resource channel for the Legion.
Hearing this, Bai Yuan's face revealed a "greed" fitting his "Abyss Devourer" persona. Unabashedly, he declared: "In that case, be ready to satisfy this 'Devourer's' appetite. I disdain ordinary items. My price won't be low."
Cao Dezhi's brow furrowed. Out of lingering affection for Shrek's remnants, he offered caution:
"Bai Yuan, for Shrek's future rebuilding, it's best to maintain good relations with all factions. Prices can be raised reasonably, but don't be too… controversial."
Bai Yuan shook his head, his tone chillingly pragmatic: "If they can't afford it, they needn't buy. If a Super Douluo can't even gather resources for Heavenly Refining metal, he shouldn't dream of breaking through to Limit Douluo. Earning money is also part of strength."
Cao Dezhi was speechless at this blatant "greed." Displeased, he felt Bai Yuan was no longer "one of us." He snorted coldly and fell silent.
Zhang Huanyun, however, didn't mind. The Blood God Legion's resources came jointly from across the continent, bound by the defense line's safety. They lacked no top-tier resources.
Moreover, if he ever needed to adjust or reinforce his Four-Word Battle Armor, only a Divine Craftsman could accomplish it.
After consideration, he proposed generous terms: "Bai Yuan, how about this—adjust your duties. No frontline combat. Specialize in forging. Safety assured, military merit still calculated normally."
Contrary to expectation, Bai Yuan refused: "Thank you, Commander. But if I came only to forge, what purpose would I serve at the Blood God Legion? My martial soul craves battle. It craves… devouring."
"Let me enter the Abyssal Passage's outer zones soon. Let me test whether I can devour and refine the energy of those abyssal creatures. This benefits both me and the Legion far more."
Zhang Huanyun pondered. He knew Bai Yuan's martial soul was unique.
Exposing him to abyssal energy was risky yet opportune. But a Divine Craftsman's value was too great to lose.
"Good!" Zhang Huanyun decided. "I'll accompany you myself. We'll try at the channel's outermost edge. At any sign of trouble, we retreat!"
Hearing this, Bai Yuan's face finally revealed a genuine, satisfied smile—one tinged with anticipation and danger.
"Then… I thank you, Commander."
———
Following Zhang Huanyun, Bai Yuan stepped for the first time into the legendary Abyssal Passage—the barrier separating two planes.
They entered a relatively safe section of the lower thirty-six layers. Gray-purple mist hung in the air, thick and suffocating. The atmosphere reeked of deathly stillness. Faint, unintelligible roars echoed from the distance.
As Zhang Huanyun explained, the strongest abyssal creatures here matched human Spirit Beast Douluos in power. Only their ability to regenerate infinitely under the Abyss Plane's energy support prevented the Blood God Legion from eradicating them entirely.
Soon, three grotesque abyssal creatures blocked their path.
Resembling upright octopuses, they had slick, dark-purple skin. Lower bodies were thick tentacles; upper torsos writhed with flexible, suckered tentacles—Tentacle Demons, infamous for overwhelming physical control and high resistance to spiritual restraint skills.
"These will do."
Zhang Huanyun halted, scanning the area for hidden threats before signaling Bai Yuan. "I'll watch. You try. Be cautious—their constricting strength is immense."
Bai Yuan nodded, taking a deep breath. He sensed his soul power flowing sluggishly here under the Abyssal Passage's invisible suppression.
But his core power wasn't limited to soul energy alone.
Thought shifted. His profound Devouring Domain expanded quietly from him—though its range was compressed, its essence of devouring all things remained.
Simultaneously, he growled: "Martial Soul Attachment!"
A savage, greedy aura rose from him. Dark patterns surfaced on his skin; fingernails sharpened into claws. His near-god-king bloodline resisted the Abyss's suppression.
He lunged like lightning toward one Tentacle Demon!
The demon reacted swiftly. Tentacles lashed out like whips, tearing the air, aiming to coil around Bai Yuan's arms and waist.
Bai Yuan didn't dodge. His left hand seized the thickest tentacle. His right palm formed a tiny, light-devouring black vortex that slammed into the demon's chest!
Sssshhk—!
A strange sound echoed—like energy forcibly extracted.
The Tentacle Demon shrieked in agony, thrashing wildly. But its tentacles, touching Bai Yuan's faint devouring aura, lost strength rapidly.
Visibly, gray-purple energy was ripped from the demon's body, funneled into Bai Yuan's palm vortex. The demon's form withered and dimmed before their eyes!
Bai Yuan's heart leaped first with joy: "It works! Abyssal energy can be devoured and absorbed to strengthen myself!"
But then, his brow furrowed slightly.
The energy flooding him was vast yet chaotic—riddled with negative emotions and destructive traits. Far from the "pure" power he'd imagined.
Direct absorption was impossible. Even with his Abyss Devourer martial soul's adaptability, it required significant effort to refine and purify.
"Is it because I lack a 'filter' like Tang Wulin's Golden Dragon Spear?"
He recalled Tang Wulin's divine weapon, which purified abyssal energy into pure life force.
His devouring was more like crude "plundering"—swallowing energy along with its "impurities."
This meant his devouring had limits and digestion time. Previously, he hadn't encountered this issue because the energy sources were too low-grade. But abyssal energy differed from human energy—different planes.
Ultimately, he was a soul master, not an abyssal creature. Even with an abyssal martial soul, his human body needed adaptation and time to process.
With his current cultivation and martial soul strength, he could devour and store energy equivalent to an ordinary Spirit Beast Douluo's total—and needed time to refine it. Continuous devouring was impossible.
"Still… sufficient for now," Bai Yuan's eyes gleamed.
That he could devour, that he could permanently "kill" abyssal creatures—this already achieved the most fundamental, crucial goal.
He continued devouring for about ten seconds, until his energy stores neared saturation. Then he unleashed his strength!
Puh!
The Tentacle Demon lost all energy. Its body crumbled to ash, vanishing from the channel—no trace of rebirth remained.
The other two demons shrieked in terror, trying to flee. Zhang Huanyun, ever vigilant, sent two precise soul power strikes that dispersed them into basic abyssal energy, temporarily preventing reconstitution.
Witnessing Bai Yuan permanently destroy an abyssal creature, even Zhang Huanyun—the composed Legion Commander—showed unrestrained excitement.
He strode forward, voice trembling slightly: "Bai Yuan! This ability… for the Blood God Legion, for all of Douluo Star, it's invaluable! Are there limits or side effects?"
Bai Yuan didn't hide the truth. He honestly explained the "impurity" of the energy, his "devouring limits," and the necessary "digestion time."
Even so, Zhang Huanyun was ecstatic: "Limits are normal! Even limited permanent destruction can change the tide of battle!"
"This means we can systematically, continuously weaken the Abyss's forces! Over time, victory will inevitably tilt toward us! The Blood God Legion's eternal wish—to end this nightmare—may finally be fulfilled through you!"
He clapped Bai Yuan's shoulder firmly, promising solemnly: "Bai Yuan, from today, the Blood God Legion will never block your entry into the Abyssal Passage for training. We'll provide all possible assistance!"
"But for your safety—and because this power involves the Abyss—you must always be accompanied by experts during entry. Regular inspections and monitoring are required to prevent unforeseen consequences. I hope you understand—this procedure is necessary."
Bai Yuan had expected this. He nodded calmly: "Understood, Commander. I'll comply with regulations."
Seeing Bai Yuan's reasonableness, Zhang Huanyun's fondness for him grew.
The problem of abyssal creatures' immortality—a plague haunting humanity for ten thousand years—finally showed hope of resolution in this young man.
"Excellent! Good lad!"
Zhang Huanyun's mood soared. "Let's return. I'll formally introduce you to the Blood God Battalion. Henceforth, you're another blade against the Abyss—and our most unique hope."
He led Bai Yuan away from the Abyssal Passage layer, his steps lighter than when they'd arrived.
Bai Yuan followed, feeling the vast yet chaotic abyssal energy within him that required refinement. He began planning how to utilize this "dining hall" more effectively—and perhaps find ways to improve his devouring efficiency and energy purity.
His abyssal journey had just begun.
And thousands of kilometers away, in what remained of Shrek City, Gu La was finally ready for his next move.
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