Outside Heaven Dou City, at the end of a wild road, two figures staggered to a halt, supporting each other. Their eyes were ragged, covered in dust mixed with dried blood, barely showing their original color. They looked like refugees barely escaping from a quagmire. The larger figure pointed to the grand, towering city walls in the distance, tinged bluish-gray by the sunlight. His voice, hoarse from the long journey and injuries, sounded strained, "Xiao San... Look, that's... Heaven Dou Imperial City." His voice was dry and cracked, like an old bellows, every word laced with pain from his battered body. "We... finally... made it."
The big man exhaled a bloody breath as if he'd been holding it in his chest for too long, as if he had used up almost all his strength. The smaller figure, clinging tightly to his side, was much thinner. One leg was unnaturally bent, barely supported by a simple stick. His face was streaked with tears, sweat, and dirt, and his once-bright eyes were now sunken and bloodshot, filled with bone-chilling fatigue. Yet, gazing at the majestic city, a trace of hope flickered in his eyes. He nodded vigorously and let out a faint sound from his throat.
Yu Xiaogang endured the pain and exhaustion that seeped into his bones, trying his best to keep his voice gentle, "Just a bit longer... Once we're inside the city and meet your aunt... the Mistress of the Moon Pavilion, Tang Yuehua... we'll be... safe." These words were both for Tang San and as his final encouragement. After speaking, the master and disciple did not stop, dragging their heavy legs like lead, limping and supporting each other as they trudged toward the gates of Heaven Dou City—where safety and protection awaited.
…
Time flowed quietly like water.
Deep in Martial City, amidst misty mountains and a silent courtyard.
Buzz...
A faint hum from the depths of the soul echoed through the quiet room. Chen Yi, sitting cross-legged, slowly opened his eyes. As his eyes opened, a powerful essence shot out like shrinking lightning, extending thirty centimeters and sending subtle ripples through the air. A moment later, he gradually suppressed it as his eyes returned to a deep black. He gently clenched his fist, feeling the endless soul power surging inside him, filling his body with unprecedented strength. He couldn't help but smile.
"Level 50... I finally made it."
He exhaled a long, murky breath mixed with impurities, his breath long and even. Rising to his feet, he adapted to his stronger body after the breakthrough, his bones making a crisp cracking sound. He pushed open the quiet room's door, squinting slightly as the afternoon sun shone in, then strode firmly toward the courtyard where the elders lived.
Entering the elegant courtyard of the Grand Elder, he saw two people sitting across from each other at a stone table. The Grand Elder wore a blue shirt and looked peaceful as always. Opposite him sat Zhu Hai, not tall, with a face marked by endurance through wind and frost. Several plates of dishes were placed before them, and they sipped wine leisurely. Upon seeing this, Chen Yi hurried forward, respectfully saluting.
"Chen Yi greets the Grand Elder and Eighth Grandfather."
Zhu Hai put down his wine glass and beckoned Chen Yi over. He immediately sensed the lingering turbulence of condensed soul power and broke into a wide, proud smile, his eyes filled with relief and pride. "Good! Well done! You've finally broken through to level 50. May the gods bless our sect—truly, a dragon has leapt in nine days!"
Zhu Hai's voice was full of energy, a far cry from his tubercular appearance years ago. Over the years, the sect had refined many medicinal elixirs to strengthen his body. Though his illness was hard to cure, at least his injuries had stabilized. He no longer coughed up blood as before and looked much healthier.
Chen Yi also smiled sincerely, "With Eighth Grandfather's guidance, I must keep working hard."
The Grand Elder nodded slightly, looking satisfied. He put down his wine glass and got to the point: "Your foundation is solid, and your soul power is stable—well done. You came just in time. Two days ago, Zhang Tao sent news. The Dark Demon Evil God Tiger you mentioned specifically—the lair's area has been locked down... They had a brief confrontation."
Upon hearing this, Chen Yi's expression flashed with surprise. "The Seven Elders have already made contact? What happened?" He knew well the terror of the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger; it was definitely a first-rate soul beast, much stronger than ordinary Doulou, with terrifying power.
The Grand Elder's expression grew solemn. "It was only a brief skirmish. Zhang Tao handled it with his second Martial Soul Awakening. There was no clear winner, but as you expected, the beast's difficulty and dominance were stunning. Judging by Zhang Tao's appraisal and the encounter, its strength may surpass most known hundred-thousand-year-old soul beasts."
He paused, awe in his tone. "If not for the close relationship between the two rulers in the Star Dou Forest's core region, and if they hadn't clashed, if they fought alone, this Dark Demon Evil God Tiger would have been worthy of being called the true king of the forest. Not the king of the outer Star Dou Forest—the slumbering beasts in the inner circle are lazy, indifferent to outside battles. Otherwise, the true rulers among the hidden dragons and crouching tigers would be the hundred-thousand-year-old soul beasts. Even so, the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger remains an immensely powerful force in the forest."
Chen Yi's eyes sharpened at this, "In that case, let's not delay. Let's head to the Star Dou Forest and avoid any complications."
The Grand Elder nodded. "Very well, I've made arrangements. Later, we'll return to Martial City, regroup with Hong Yue and your father, then head to the Star Dou Forest to join Zhang Tao and the others to hunt this beast and help you obtain your fifth soul ring."
Chen Yi suddenly thought of something. "By the way, Elder, Martial Aunt clearly told me to seek her help when I needed a soul ring. Why haven't I seen her this time?"
Zhu Hai couldn't help but laugh at this, his voice loud, "You mean Xiaoqing? Now, she's moved her room to a secret chamber and spends day and night cultivating with her soul ring, trying to speed up her progress and prepare for future fusion with her soul bone. Except for meals and sect duties, I almost thought she'd become a hermit!"
…
Bonus chapter at 500 PS