Douluo: Glory of the Unrivaled Angel

Word Count: 2,961 Words

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Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, Secret Chamber.

Jianmu Douluo led Ling Bai into the secret chamber. The emerald-green light that enveloped his entire body gradually dissipated, revealing the true appearance of this Rank 98 Titled Douluo and the pillar of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.

He was very old—aged to his very marrow.

As the saying goes, 'the older one gets, the more hollow one becomes.' Jianmu Douluo had aged to the point where time seemed to have eroded away his flesh and blood. Even his loose white robe could not conceal his paper-thin frame.

"Teacher..."

A trace of pain flashed across Ling Bai's eyes. He hurriedly stepped forward to support Jianmu Douluo, and a stream of golden energy flowed into his pulse.

Jianmu Douluo's life force had waned even more than when Ling Bai had left the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan a year ago. It was the hidden injury left over from the great battle with Body Douluo Du Busi, and similar to the fate of Dragon God Douluo Mu En, it was incurable. All he could do was wait for death to come.

"It's alright, it's alright."

Jianmu Douluo's aged face broke into a faint smile as he held Ling Bai's hand tightly and walked over to the sandalwood table.

The two sat opposite each other. A layer of emerald-green light enveloped the secret chamber to prevent others from eavesdropping. Jianmu Douluo then spoke:

"Rank 54. Advancing fifteen ranks in a year... You used the Ultimate Talent of the Death Abyss Spider Emperor?"

"Yes."

Ling Bai had nothing to hide from Jianmu Douluo.

"How many times?"

"Twice," Ling Bai admitted frankly. "Both times were on spirit beasts. The first time was to complete Shrek Academy's freshman examination assignment. I was forced to simultaneously battle the 10,000-year Snake Queen Medusa and the 50,000-year Death God descendant Dark Emperor Demon Vine, so I could only devour the souls of the snake horde to enhance my strength.

The second time was in the Star Dou Forest when I faced life-threatening danger. There happened to be spirit rings left behind from infighting among nearby spirit beast tribes, so I took advantage of it."

"That's acceptable."

Jianmu Douluo nodded slightly. Most Spirit Masters had a different heart for those who were not their own kind. Slaughtering a thousand spirit beasts was not as heinous as killing a single human.

He had seen much in his lifetime and was by no means pedantic. As long as Ling Bai did not indiscriminately kill innocent civilians, he would always stand firmly by his side.

"You've had your own ideas since you were young," Jianmu Douluo reminisced. "Because I was worried that Dragon God Douluo Mu En and Taotie Douluo Xuan Zi might discover the secret of the Death Abyss Spider Emperor, I originally did not want you to enter Shrek Academy. But I had reached my limit in refining the Bright Emperor Pill and could no longer help you control the evil power of the Death Abyss Spider Emperor. I thought that perhaps the Ancient Golden Tree at the center of Sea God Island might be effective for you, so after much consideration, I let you go.

If your Evil Martial Spirit was discovered, at worst I would risk my old face to bring you back from Shrek. At least I could save your life..."

"Disciple is ashamed to have caused Teacher so much worry."

Ling Bai stood up and bowed deeply. Jianmu Douluo had been entirely selfless toward him. In order to refine that Bright Emperor Pill—using the inner core of a 100,000-year light-attribute spirit beast as the main ingredient—he had nearly lost his own life.

The relationship between teacher and disciple did not mean that the disciple should take the teacher's sacrifices for granted. Ling Bai had always felt deep gratitude and guilt toward Jianmu Douluo.

"Sit down; there's no need for such formalities between us."

Jianmu Douluo, appearing as an ordinary, kindly old man, smiled as he patted Ling Bai's hand. He continued, "This time when you returned, I sensed that the evil aura on you no longer leaks out as it once did. Have you found a way to control the Death Abyss Spider Emperor?"

"Yes, Teacher."

After pondering for a moment, Ling Bai manifested the Death Abyss Spider Emperor. A gray spirit ring and a black spirit ring emanated profound, abyss-like heavy auras.

"With this special gray spirit ring, the Death Abyss Spider Emperor has become much more stable. Coupled with continuously absorbing the light energy from the Ancient Golden Tree, I can now steadily use the Death Abyss Spider Emperor in battle without being affected by its evil power. However, to completely control the Death Abyss Spider Emperor, I still need two rare Heaven and Earth Treasures."

Jianmu Douluo gently touched the gray spirit ring formed by Electrolux and sighed, "A golden-scaled fish is no pond dweller; it transforms into a dragon upon encountering storms... Indeed, you were right to insist on leaving the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Fortunately, I did not make a big mistake by forcibly stopping you last year.

Tell me, what do you need? Fengya and I will exhaust all the resources of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan to help you search. The territories of the three former empires on the Douluo Continent are under our influence. Fengyu can exert some effort in the Sun Moon Empire."

The Death Abyss Spider Emperor was a major hidden danger weighing on everyone's hearts. Resolving it meant that Ling Bai would become a Twin God-level Martial Spirit possessor without any worries, which was beneficial for Ling Bai himself, Jianmu Douluo, and the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.

"Before reaching the 7-ringed Spirit Saint, I need to absorb 100,000-year Heaven and Earth Treasures of the Ultimate Light and Ultimate Fire attributes. Spirit beasts are acceptable as well."

"This..."

Jianmu Douluo furrowed his brows tightly. "100,000-year Ultimate attributes, such treasures don't exist even in the Heaven's Treasury. In my memory, the only thing openly related to this on the Douluo Continent is that Ancient Golden Tree in the Sea God Pavilion of Shrek Academy."

Even someone of Jianmu Douluo's status couldn't help but click his tongue when he mentioned the Ancient Golden Tree in the Sea God Pavilion. He said helplessly, "The old fellows at Shrek Academy treat the Ancient Golden Tree as their lifeblood. Absorbing 100,000 years of its spirit power would inevitably damage its foundation. It's almost like directly taking their old lives."

Ling Bai deeply agreed. This was why he did not dare to lay a hand on the Ancient Golden Tree. If things were exposed, the elders of the Sea God Pavilion would probably strip him to the waist and personally flay him alive.

Ultimate Fire was easy to resolve. The Infernal Delicate Apricot could not escape the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. But what about Ultimate Light? They had hit a dead end.

A look of worry crept onto Ling Bai's face. When Electrolux revealed the solution a year ago, he was in no hurry since he was just over Rank 40, far from Rank 70. Yet in the blink of an eye, his spirit power skyrocketed to Rank 54. With normal cultivation, he would inevitably break through to Spirit Saint in three or four years at most.

Hmm, is there a possibility...

To visit the Star Dou Forest and discuss matters with the Emperor Destiny Beast, the Three Eyed Golden Lion?

Ling Bai fell into deep thought. That old fellow Scarlet King seems to be neglecting his duties every day. Maybe... perhaps... possibly... there's an 80% chance...

It could work!

"A spirited young man shouldn't always be so deep in thought with a worried face. Let's talk about something pleasant."

Jianmu Douluo coughed lightly, and Ling Bai suddenly saw a familiar expression in those cloudy eyes.

It was the most common look among the young girls in the Outer Courtyard, the look of gossip!

"So... how are things developing between you and Xiao Tian?"

"..."

Ling Bai leaned back instinctively, a clear 'what's wrong with you' look on his face. The old man raised his head to gaze at the ceiling, yet his ears perked up honestly.

"Pretty... pretty smoothly?"

Ling Bai replied evasively. The main issue was that the two of them were still young. It was too early for twelve-year-olds to talk about marriage. Normally, Ning Tian was busy shuttling between the Martial Spirit Department and the Spirit Guidance Department, and his life in the Inner Courtyard was equally hectic. Their daily interaction was limited to a mere twenty minutes during dinner, with the ever-present third wheel, Wu Feng. How could they develop a relationship? Instead, he got along quite harmoniously with the senior sisters in the Inner Courtyard...

"Hahaha!"

His disciple's rare fluster made Jianmu Douluo laugh heartily. It took quite a while before he collected himself and said seriously:

"I'm not worried about your marriage prospects. You little rascal obviously won't lack beauties by your side. But Fengya cares a lot about it. You've always been smart and perceptive; her little thoughts can't escape your notice..."

Jianmu Douluo paused slightly, then continued, "Xiao Bai, if Fengya does anything excessive, your teacher hopes you won't hold a grudge. Her greatest wish is to lead the clan in rekindling the glory of being the second strongest clan from ten thousand years ago. All her hopes are pinned on you. The more she values it, the more anxious she becomes, and she might do some inappropriate things..."

"I understand, and Aunt Ya understands too." Ling Bai lowered his eyes, his long eyelashes casting shadows on his eyelids.

Ning Fengya was a competent Clan Head; she always prioritized the overall interests of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan in everything she did. Ling Bai could not deny that over the years she had treated him like her own child, providing whatever money or resources he needed without hesitation. But there was no such thing as a free lunch in the world; he knew he must accept the price behind those 'lunches.'

"Good, I'm relieved to hear you say that."

Ling Bai understood the art of leaving things unsaid, and Jianmu Douluo clearly caught the underlying meaning. He said softly:

"Fengya is a rare talent, not inferior to any previous Clan Head in the history of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Unfortunately, no one is perfect. She often forgets that relationships between people hinge on two words: sincerity.

Sincerity is what matters most."

"Yes, disciple under... Teacher?"

Ling Bai suddenly noticed that the smile had vanished from Jianmu Douluo's face, and his aged eyes had become as sharp as an eagle's.

"You must be tired from your journey. Go back and rest."

Jianmu Douluo dispersed the emerald-green light. Ling Bai gave him a deep look, cupped his hands in farewell, and took his leave.

Sensing that Ling Bai had gone far, Jianmu Douluo gazed toward the doorway. His eye sockets were so deeply sunken that they resembled dark abysses, making it almost impossible to spot his eyeballs. Only by looking closely could one see that faint glimmer hidden within.

"Old friend, since when did you start eavesdropping?"

"Hahaha, can't hide anything from you, Jiren..."

Laughter echoed as a hunched figure slowly stepped into the secret chamber. The two old men looked at each other. One had a spine bent nearly ninety degrees, while the other had a body hollowed out like a skeleton. They were like two old houses with rotten beams and pillars. Who would have thought that these two were the legendary Dragon God Douluo Mu En and Jianmu Douluo Zhou Jiren, who once dominated the continent?

"The last time we met was a hundred years ago. Back then, we were in our prime, battling the two Body Douluo brothers Du Bisi and Du Busi, who wreaked havoc across the continent. Thinking back, it still feels like yesterday!"

Jianmu Douluo was filled with emotion as he reunited with an old friend after many years.

Elder Mu sat in the seat where Ling Bai had been earlier, his fingers tracing the patterns on the sandalwood table. He said, "We bore the weight of an era, yet now we're bitterly struggling against time. Jiren, do you regret it? If not for that life-and-death battle with Du Busi back then that damaged your foundation, your achievements would not have stopped at Rank 98."

"Regret?" Jianmu Douluo sneered. "I, Zhou Jiren, have lived an upright and honorable life! The Body Sect caused chaos across the continent and triggered spirit beast tides. How many people needlessly sacrificed their lives because of their wanton actions! What wrong did the civilians of the Douluo Continent do? What crime did the Spirit Masters of the three empires commit?

Today, Chen Hu actually dared to come probing me. Fine, fine! I promise not to hold back. Before I die, I will definitely go to their Body Sect's lair, detonate the seed to take down that old poison Du Busi first, and then self-destruct to give them a fireworks show, dragging the entire foundation of the Body Sect to the grave with me!"

"Your fiery temper hasn't changed a bit!"

Elder Mu smiled bitterly. Although Jianmu Douluo Zhou Jiren was a plant-type Spirit Master, he lacked any gentle demeanor. In his youth, he was like a powder keg that exploded at the slightest provocation. Now, it seemed he was growing even more unhinged with age.

"You, you're too tolerant!"

With Ling Bai not present, Jianmu Douluo revealed his true nature, gesturing emphatically as he said, "I won't live much longer, and you're about the same, right?

The Sun Moon Empire is arrogant? The Illustrious Virtue Hall is overbearing?

If I were you, in my dying moments, I'd first go to the Sun Moon Empire's imperial treasury and snatch a bunch of Class 9 Stationary Spirit Cannon shells, find some auxiliary and food-type Spirit Masters to amplify my attack power and spirit power in advance, then carry those shells to the Illustrious Virtue Hall, grab seven or eight Class 9 Spirit Guidance Masters, and self-destruct to end it all at once!"

"Ah???"

Elder Mu's jaw nearly dropped in shock; he even forgot to wipe the spittle off his face.

Blowing up the Body Sect himself and trying to persuade him to blow up the Illustrious Virtue Hall—what audacity this old fellow had to even think of it!

"You're truly ruthless!" Elder Mu didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He sincerely gave Jianmu Douluo a thumbs-up, feeling utter admiration for someone for the first time in his life.

"I've lived a carefree life; dying meekly is not what I desire. Old friend, let's set off a grand fireworks display for the continent together!"

"No thanks—you have your way of dying, and I have mine."

Elder Mu smiled and shook his head. Plant-type Spirit Masters had long lifespans. Thus, although both of them were gravely injured, he had even less time left than Jianmu Douluo. He had long decided to merge with the Ancient Golden Tree and, in soul form, forever protect Shrek Academy.

Jianmu Douluo said with regret, "Alright, it's not like I can force you to self-destruct at knifepoint. Speaking of which, we haven't seen each other for a hundred years. Don't tell me you suddenly visited just to chat with me. Is there something important?"

"Naturally, there is."

Elder Mu's smile faded, and his tone grew serious. "Jiren, I came because of your disciple, Ling Bai."

Jianmu Douluo's eyes narrowed slightly, his aura surging as he said, "Did Xiao Bai offend your Shrek Academy? Has the Sea God Pavilion Master come to demand an explanation?"

"No, no, no..."

Elder Mu immediately denied it. Jianmu Douluo heard that hazy, aged voice sigh and say, "Ling Bai is a young hero, destined to be extraordinary. He even completed the Inner Courtyard's first red-grade freshman examination assignment in ten thousand years. Xuan Zi, Shaozhe, and Old Li have approached me multiple times, insisting that we must not let him leave Shrek Academy."

"Then I might as well go directly to take him back. I'll give you face and won't touch Yan Shaozhe since he's a junior, but Taotie Douluo Xuan Zi and Dark Ghost Douluo Li Yongnian won't escape a beating."

"I've warned them not to harbor any more thoughts about Ling Bai; you can rest assured," Elder Mu said. "It's just that I have a small question. I investigated Ling Bai's information. His spirit power was at Rank 41 when he enrolled, and just now, when fighting the Body Sect's Spirit Emperor, he was already at Rank 54.

Even though the Ancient Golden Tree can help the Seraphim cultivate twice as effectively, such rapid progress seems a bit too outrageous. Because of this, I dare not send him on surveillance assignments related to Evil Spirit Masters. I'm afraid that if he uses the abilities of the Seraphim to kill Evil Spirit Masters and continuously increase his cultivation, his state of mind won't keep pace with his spirit power. I'm also worried that if something unfortunate happens to him, it could lead to a breakdown in the millennia-long friendship between the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and Shrek Academy.

More importantly, the Angel God Position was shattered ten thousand years ago. There is no longer an Angel God in the Divine Realm, nor any Seraphim in the mortal world; only the degenerated Holy Angel remain.

So where did he come from?

How did he come to be?

And that Angel Sword doesn't seem like an ordinary item. What exactly is going on?

Old friend, please enlighten me..."