Douluo Dalu: Ascension Across the Realms

Deep within the Star Dou Forest.

Chen Xiaoming slumped against a towering ancient tree, his body riddled with wounds. Azure-tinted liquid—if it could still be called blood—seeped from the gashes across his bark-like form.

The once lush branches were now sparse, with one major limb completely severed—equivalent to losing an arm. Thankfully, the wounds on his tree crown were not too severe, or he would have perished then and there.

"Damn it, you bastards better wait for me!"

Cursing under his breath, Chen Xiaoming's heart smoldered with hatred. He had narrowly escaped death—such a deep-seated grudge would never be let go lightly.

"First, I need to recover."

Scanning his surroundings, the dark forest stretched endlessly, towering trees casting dim shadows with only slivers of sunlight filtering through. The gloomy atmosphere made Chen Xiaoming uneasy.

Dragging his heavily injured body, he slowly made his way forward. Before long, a clearing bathed in sunlight opened up before him.

"This place will do."

His injuries worsened with time, leaving him little choice. With a deep breath, his roots burrowed into the fertile soil beneath, anchoring him once more.

Despite being a Ten-Thousand-Year Plant-type Soul Beast capable of movement, rooting into the rich soil of the Star Dou Forest was still the best way to recover. The abundant nutrients and soul power within the earth would accelerate his healing.

"Sigh, what a miserable loss."

Recalling the sudden pursuit and his severed branch, Chen Xiaoming couldn't help but sigh deeply.

Ding!

[You've sighed deeply—Experience +100000.]

A crisp system notification rang out, causing his despondent gaze to brighten.

Right, the system! He still had the system!

Silently praying for the system's omnipotence, Chen Xiaoming called it forth with both hope and trepidation.

...

Host: Chen Xiaoming

Age: 27

Soul Beast: Azurewood Tree

Soul Power: 10000 years (+) 4183625000/1000000

Items: None

Status: Moderate Injuries (+) 4183625000/10000000

Experience Points: 4183625000

...

A new attribute appeared under the item section—Status—marked with the familiar (+) sign. Chen Xiaoming blinked before breaking into a grin.

Without hesitation, he tapped the plus sign next to his injuries. Light flickered, and a warm current surged through his body.

The healing flow coursed through his roots, spreading to every corner of his frame. Severed branches slowly sprouted anew, vibrant green leaves swaying gently.

The once-shattered limb gradually regenerated, inch by inch, under the system's miraculous influence.

In a matter of moments, his injuries had mostly healed. Chen Xiaoming tested his fresh branches—though slightly weaker than before, they obeyed his will perfectly.

Satisfied, he glanced at his status—now downgraded to Minor Injuries. After brief hesitation, he tapped the plus sign again.

Another warm current surged through him, fully restoring his body. The newly grown branches thickened, regaining much of their former strength.

"Ahh, what a miraculous system!"

Exhaling deeply, Chen Xiaoming shook his emerald leaves with glee. His roots slowly withdrew from the soil, ready to move.

"A gentleman's revenge, ten years is too late—now, it's time to settle accounts!"

With a flicker of green light, his roots propelled him forward. In a few flashes, he vanished into the depths of the forest.

At the forest's inner perimeter, the group that had pursued Chen Xiaoming huddled together, nursing their wounds. The elderly Soul Saint leaned against a tree, his face grim.

Earlier, their retreat had been ambushed by a Ten-Thousand-Year Soul Beast. The Old Soul Saint managed to wound it, driving it off, but the Soul Emperor accompanying the young Soul Ancestor had suffered a deep gash on his right arm.

"Damn these cunning beasts."

The injured Soul Emperor gritted his teeth. His cultivation should have easily overwhelmed a Ten-Thousand-Year Soul Beast, yet the ambush had caught him completely off guard.

"Rest quickly—we cannot linger here."

The Old Soul Saint's sharp gaze scanned the shadows, instincts honed by years of battle warning him of lurking dangers.

With subtle gestures, the two Soul Emperors exchanged glances, then whispered to the Soul King woman and the young Soul Ancestor.

Soon, the group resumed their journey, hastening toward the forest's edge. Unnoticed, the injured Soul Emperor and the young Soul Ancestor lagged behind.

"Wait for us!"

The Soul Emperor's voice called out weakly, feigning exhaustion. Anxiety flickered in the young Soul Ancestor's eyes.

Suddenly, a dark figure shot out—sleek black fur shimmering under the faint light, predatory eyes glowing ominously.

"Hmph, a beast is still just a beast!"

Prepared, the Soul Emperor's fifth soul ring flared to life. The Pine Bamboo Staff materialized in his grip, channeling purple soul power.

"Fifth Soul Skill—Sky-Piercing Strike!"

A smug smile played across his face as his fifth soul skill activated. Under the augmentation of the violet light sphere, its power surged to unparalleled levels, striking directly at the incoming leopard claw.

The ambushing ten-thousand-year Soul Beast leopard was visibly startled. The staff's unleashed power was formidable—far beyond what its claw could withstand—yet in that fleeting moment, it found itself unable to evade the attack.

As the staff's shadow loomed closer, the force behind it shattered the leopard's claw strike, sending a wave of immense power crashing forward. The staff's projection bore down toward the leopard's head.

Despair clouded the ten-thousand-year Soul Beast's eyes as it helplessly closed them, resigning itself to its fate.

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