Douluo Dalu: Ascension Across the Realms

"Teacher, that Soul Douluo senior's strength... there shouldn't be many soul beasts in the Star Dou Forest that could rival him, right?"

The young Soul Ancestor, unfamiliar with the Star Dou Forest, asked curiously.

In the hierarchy of soul masters, Soul Douluo represented a near-overlord level of power. The youth couldn't believe that such strength would struggle to ensure self-preservation within the forest's inner circle.

"Ah, you don't understand."

The elderly Soul Saint sighed, shaking his head. He had once thought the same—until he had rushed inside on impulse.

Back then, under the leadership of a Soul Douluo expert, their group had quickly reached the designated location. After assigning roles, they stealthily made their approach.

However, before they even reached the attack point, the Azurewood Tree—boasting over 50,000 years of cultivation—sensed their presence instantly.

In a flash, the Azure Wolf King was alerted, and two Azure Wolves discreetly took defensive positions.

Realizing their cover was blown, the group ceased hiding their auras and charged forward under the Soul Douluo's command.

The Soul Douluo confronted the Azurewood Tree and the Azure Wolf King alone, occupying both formidable foes simultaneously.

Meanwhile, two Soul Saints cooperated with a Soul Emperor to entangle the remaining two Azure Wolves.

Initially, the battle proceeded smoothly. But then, the Azure Wolf King howled—awakening the Star Dou Forest.

At this point, the elderly Soul Saint's eyes glinted with deep-seated fear.

"What happened next, Teacher?"

"With that howl, the soul beasts lurking nearby—disturbed by our battle—rushed out. Three soul beasts, each with over 30,000 years of cultivation, instantly attacked the Soul Douluo senior. The 50,000-year Azurewood Tree managed to trap him briefly."

"Caught off guard, the Soul Douluo was severely injured. We had no choice but to retreat. By the time I glanced back, only I and one Soul Emperor remained—the others had been torn apart."

The entire group fell into silence. The horrors of the Star Dou Forest's inner circle far exceeded their expectations.

Seven ten-thousand-year soul beasts, none with less than 20,000 years of cultivation—no wonder even a Soul Douluo had been forced to flee in disgrace.

"Senior, the soul beasts of the Star Dou Forest shouldn't be so united, should they?"

The auxiliary-type Soul King, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up.

The elderly Soul Saint turned slightly, nodding in approval at the perceptive question.

"Indeed, soul beasts aren't naturally united. Ten-thousand-year soul beasts typically have their own territories. The stronger the beast, the closer its domain lies to the forest's core. Under normal circumstances, they wouldn't intrude on each other's territory—it would only lead to conflict."

The group nodded in understanding—soul beasts, much like humans, possessed territorial instincts.

"But that's only under normal circumstances. If a battle drags on too long in the inner circle... and attracts other soul beasts..."

He left the sentence unfinished, but everyone understood the implication. Fighting on the outskirts might attract hundred-year or thousand-year beasts, but in the inner circle, only ten-thousand-year beasts would come—and they would come in droves.

"Alright, let's search the area and see if—"

"Whoosh!"

Before the elderly Soul Saint could finish, a figure suddenly burst from the dense forest.

Standing fifteen meters tall with a thick trunk, lush azure leaves, and roots moving like feet, the figure resembled a walking tree—an Azurewood Tree.

Chen Xiaoming had been making smooth progress towards the inner circle, taking advantage of the thinning presence of soul masters. But now—why were there five people here?

Soul masters. And not weak ones.

Chen Xiaoming remained calm, his leaves rustling as he scanned the group. Then he nodded inwardly.

"Run!"

With a loud shout, his branches quivered, and his roots spun like wheels, propelling him deeper into the Star Dou Forest.

Soul masters daring to wander here couldn't possibly be weak—the weakest among them was at least a Soul Emperor!

Five Soul Emperors? Chen Xiaoming knew he couldn't take them on. If he didn't flee now, he'd soon become a soul ring.

The elderly Soul Saint's eyes flashed, reacting first.

"A ten-thousand-year Azurewood Tree—perfect for your fifth soul ring. Don't let him escape!"

He launched into pursuit, stepping forward as seven soul rings—one white, one yellow, two purple, and three black—lit up around him. In his right hand, the Shattered Star Blade manifested.

"Third Soul Skill: Meteor Shatter!"

The third purple soul ring pulsed as countless glowing orbs shot towards Chen Xiaoming.

"Second Soul Skill: Swift Wind!"

The female Soul Master followed suit, her five soul rings shining—two yellow, two purple, and one black. A stream of light flew from her Heavenly Fragrance Cauldron martial soul, merging into the elderly Soul Saint, boosting his speed by 30%.

The others trailed closely behind.

Chen Xiaoming glanced back, counting the soul rings—seven on the old man, meaning he was a Soul Saint. Two Soul Emperors, one Soul King, and a weakling Soul Ancestor.

"Damn, what kind of luxury lineup is this? I'm just passing by!"

Tears nearly welled in his eyes. The meteors closed in, forcing him to lash out with his branches while accelerating.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

The orbs collided with his branches, sending up plumes of smoke. A third of the meteors pierced through, scorching his bark.

"Damn... I'm gonna die!"

Feeling pain for the first time, Chen Xiaoming gritted his teeth and pressed on—he couldn't afford to stop. If he did, he'd become someone's soul ring for sure.

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