Douluo Dalu: Ascension Across the Realms

"Third Brother, what's that?"

The female soul master pointed in Chen Xiaoming's direction. Chen Xiaoming visibly froze, swaying his branches as he glanced to either side.

The few ten-year soul beasts lingering nearby had already fled, leaving the area empty.

Huh? Could she be pointing at me?

The soul master called Third Brother followed the direction of the finger, catching sight of Chen Xiaoming's body swaying flamboyantly.

"Azurewood Tree Soul Beast."

Years of roaming the outskirts of the Star Dou Forest made this long-staff soul master familiar with such plant-type soul beasts, which were common in the outer regions.

Earlier, his attention had been fixed on the glowing treasure, paying no mind to these commonplace creatures. But now, seeing this five-meter-tall soul beast, a smile crept onto his lips.

"Hahaha, Third Brother, truly what's sought after is often hard to find, but it falls right into your lap! A century-old Azurewood Tree Soul Beast — a rare sight indeed."

The Wolf Martial Soul Master clapped Third Brother's shoulder, laughing heartily.

Azurewood Tree Soul Beasts were abundant in the outer regions, but most were merely ten-year soul beasts. Beasts over a hundred years old were few and far between.

"Third Brother, your luck's truly excellent. This Azurewood Tree stands five meters tall — it must have just broken into the century-old rank. Perfect for your second soul ring."

The Compass-wielding female soul master chuckled lightly, genuinely pleased for her companion.

On the other side, watching the three soul masters openly pointing at him and plotting his death to forge a soul ring, Chen Xiaoming smirked inwardly.

They really think I'm just a soul beast? Come a little closer, and we'll see who dies first.

Understanding the natural animosity between soul beasts and soul masters — a matter of life and death — Chen Xiaoming felt no mercy. These people were bent on killing him without question.

A cold glint flickered in his eyes as he silently gathered the soul power within his body. Now wasn't the time to level up — scaring them off could attract even stronger soul masters.

He had to wait — to bide his time.

"Alright, let's approach slowly. Stay vigilant."

The female soul master gave soft instructions. The other two nodded, closing in step by step toward Chen Xiaoming.

"The Azurewood Tree's weak spot is its canopy. Third Brother and I will create an opening — you strike the killing blow."

"Understood, Big Sister."

Third Brother tightened his grip on his martial soul staff, his eyes burning as they locked onto the Azurewood Tree.

Hearing their plan, Chen Xiaoming's lips curled.

My weak spot? I didn't even know that myself — thanks for the tip.

As the trio approached, Chen Xiaoming refrained from making the first move.

Opportunities to strike were rare — he had to deliver a fatal blow. If any of them escaped, they'd surely return with reinforcements.

Twenty meters... fifteen meters... ten meters.

"Now!"

The Compass-wielding soul master barked. Her first soul ring lit up beneath her feet, sending a flash of light into her compass. Soul power surged as the device spun rapidly.

"First Soul Skill — Severing Blade!"

A streak of light shot from the compass, merging into the Wolf Martial Soul Master's body.

"Hah!"

With a shout, the Wolf Martial Soul Master stomped the ground, leaping into the air as his second soul ring flared to life.

"Second Soul Skill — Netherwolf Claw!"

His second soul ring, obtained from a century-old Netherwolf, granted him seventy percent of the beast's strength. Muscles bulged as ghostly claws shimmered on his right hand, slashing toward the Azurewood Tree's crown.

Chen Xiaoming sneered inwardly.

Feigning panic, he whipped his branches around wildly, mimicking the aimless struggle of a frightened soul beast.

"Now, Third Brother — strike!"

The female soul master's shout cut through the air.

Third Brother had been waiting. He sprang forward, his staff gleaming as the compass's light fused into it.

"First Soul Skill — Severing Blade!"

His white ten-year soul ring glowed as a pale light wrapped around the staff.

The three had clearly practiced this formation. The timing was flawless.

Against an ordinary century-old Azurewood Tree, they might have succeeded.

"Too bad... you met me."

Chen Xiaoming's branches suddenly coiled, weaving together into a storm of strikes.

Yet the two soul masters showed no panic, charging forward with unwavering determination.

The Compass-wielding soul master's second soul ring flared.

"Second Soul Skill — Repulsion!"

A yellow light ring rose from the compass, floating upward.

Just as she was about to launch it —

Her foot was snared. Eyes widening in shock, she barely had time to react before she was yanked into the air.

Several branches split from the main assault, lashing toward her.

"No!"

Her heart pounded. She had never seen an Azurewood Tree launch such an ambush.

"Big Sister!"

The Wolf Martial Soul Master's eyes flickered with hesitation before steeling.

"Second Soul Skill — Netherwolf Claw!"

Silver claws streaked toward the branch binding the female soul master.

"Too bad — I'm not giving you the chance."

Touched by his loyalty, Chen Xiaoming still prioritized his own survival.

The branch binding her legs loosened just as the others constricted around her throat and arms.

With a yank, the female soul master was pulled into the path of the Netherwolf Claw.

"No!"

"Big Sister!"

A spray of blood followed the attack, cutting short her final scream.

The Wolf Martial Soul Master howled with rage, launching a frenzied assault.

Third Brother's staff crashed toward the canopy, but a branch speared through his chest before he could land the blow.

Eyes dimming, he struggled to swing his staff one last time — but another branch batted the weapon from his hands.

With bitter unwillingness, he fell dead.

Two down.

Chen Xiaoming's remaining branches closed in on the enraged Wolf Martial Soul Master.

...

By the time silence returned, three soul master corpses lay strewn across the forest floor.

Gazing at the bodies, Chen Xiaoming's eyes flickered with complex emotions.

"Don't blame me... you were soul masters, and I am a soul beast."

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