Douluo: Soul-Breaking spear

Chapter 120: Encounter in Star Dou Forest

The students of Shrek Academy had always lived in a humble, impoverished village with very limited resources. Their academy lacked proper training facilities, let alone advanced simulated environments. In stark contrast, Heaven Dou Imperial Academy offered luxurious accommodations: gourmet meals, high-end simulated environments, spacious dormitories, and fully equipped training grounds—a dream environment for cultivating soul masters.

However, Heaven Dou's privileges came with their own set of temptations. Almost all the academy's students were nobility, meaning the grounds were filled with young aristocrats, each one looking like a model of elegance and charm. Many of these students weren't there solely to train or hone their abilities but to forge connections, seeking friendships and alliances among powerful families.

To these nobility, the seven students from Shrek Academy appeared like a prize waiting to be claimed. Dai Mubai, Oscar, Ma Hongjun, and Tang San were all exceptionally gifted, already Spirit Elders despite their young age, and they held spots in the academy's prestigious Tiandou Advanced Class. These four, brimming with potential, seemed like treasure troves to the nobility. Each noble family saw the opportunity to bring one of these talented young men into their fold, knowing that with the right support, they would likely reach advanced soul master levels—perhaps even as high as Spirit Douluo. For any family, having a Spirit Douluo meant considerable influence and prestige.

As a result, Shrek's group found themselves at the center of constant attention. Young men and women alike gathered around them daily, showering them with affection, eager to make a favorable impression. Letters of affection piled up, and beautiful women surrounded Dai Mubai, Oscar, Ma Hongjun, and Tang San, each day.

Ma Hongjun, the first to succumb, was drawn to the attention like a moth to a flame. Having struggled with his Evil Fire affliction since childhood, he was no stranger to the allure of relationships, often moving from one girlfriend to another. When surrounded by Heaven Dou's adoring crowd, he quickly fell prey to the temptations.

Tang San remained somewhat immune, maintaining a calm, reserved demeanor and always staying close to Xiao Wu, which deterred anyone from approaching him.

Dai Mubai and Oscar, while more restrained, were still susceptible. Dai Mubai was committed to pursuing Zhu Zhuqing, while Oscar sought to win over Ning Rongrong, putting them on slightly safer ground for the moment. Yet, their pasts hinted that the right enticement could sway them.

Worried by these developments, Dean Flender approached Yu Xiaogang, saying, "Xiaogang, the students' training is suffering. They're losing motivation to cultivate seriously. The facilities here are excellent, but I'm beginning to think that Heaven Dou Academy isn't the right place for our students. We should leave soon."

Yu Xiaogang shrugged indifferently, replying, "Flender, we're only teachers. Whatever path our students choose, they'll ultimately walk it alone. You can guide them now, but you won't be able to watch over them forever."

"But if this continues, they'll lose themselves entirely. Just look at how far gone Hongjun already is."

Yu Xiaogang was unconcerned, particularly since his sole apprentice was Tang San. Tang San's strong sense of integrity and Xiao Wu's presence meant Yu Xiaogang didn't worry about him straying. Plus, Heaven Dou's resources—from rare spirit beast meats to top-grade training grounds—were too valuable to give up, particularly for Tang San's growth.

Yu Xiaogang had even approached the academy's three Deans, proposing himself as the leader of Heaven Dou's second team to take Tang San along. Unsurprisingly, the Deans hadn't considered it. They were well aware of Yu Xiaogang's reputation and his limited soul power, and while his knowledge was respectable, the second team was reserved for those aiming for championships. With such high expectations, the Deans had long planned for someone more qualified to fill that role.

Unable to sway Yu Xiaogang, Flender left, knowing he'd have to find another solution. Meanwhile, Yang Potian finally received word from his family; it was time to head into Star Dou Forest to hunt for his next spirit ring.

Before Yang Potian could set out, Dugu Bo arrived in person at Heaven Dou Academy and announced he would be taking Yang Potian for some special training. Those who overheard were left utterly baffled.

Once they reached Star Dou Forest, the two joined up with Yang Potian's father, Yang Zhentian, his mother Niu Jinfeng, his grand-uncle Yang Wushuang, and even his maternal grandfather Niu Gao. Given that they were there to assist his mother in obtaining her ninth spirit ring, it made sense that his grandfather would be present. His grand-uncle, thoroughly disguised, also wore a mask to ensure that no one, even an acquaintance, would recognize him.

The target this time was a defensive-type spirit beast over 80,000 years old, only found in the core areas of Star Dou Forest.

Dugu Bo couldn't help but tease Yang Potian along the way, saying, "Little monster, your fifth ring was from a 40,000-year-old spirit beast. Just how powerful do you expect your sixth to be? Are you aiming for an 80,000-year ring?"

Yang Potian responded without hesitation, "You're right, Grandfather Dugu. I'm aiming for something between 70,000 and 80,000 years this time."

Dugu Bo's expression turned incredulous. "Kid, do you have any idea what an 80,000-year spirit beast entails? Even people who are absorbing their eighth ring would struggle."

"Relax, I'll be fine. I absorbed that 40,000-year Horned Dragon without any trouble, and I could even have handled a bit more. I'm confident I can manage a ring close to 80,000 years this time."

"And what about your seventh ring? Do you expect to hunt down a hundred-thousand-year beast? You've still got your eighth and ninth rings ahead of you! Are you planning to hunt three hundred-thousand-year spirit beasts?"

Yang Potian shrugged, "Who knows? The future is hard to predict, but I'll cross that bridge when I get there."

Dugu Bo shook his head, dumbfounded. This kid had ambitions beyond measure, and the conversation was exhausting. After all, he himself had only recently broken through to Titled Douluo and still found a hundred-thousand-year spirit beast daunting.

The group entered Star Dou Forest's core in just three days, familiar with the lay of the land. Yet despite searching for five days, their target spirit beasts remained elusive.

One day, while they were still deep in the core, they heard the sounds of a distant battle. Sharing a look, they wondered if fortune had finally smiled upon them. Could it be another lucky encounter with fighting spirit beasts, like the last time?

Following the sounds, they reached the scene only to find the fight already over. A recently slain spirit beast lay on the ground—a majestic Fire Lion King, its body surrounded by lingering flames. This spirit beast appeared to have been exceptional, estimated at 20,000 years old.

Standing beside the beast's body were three figures: a woman with golden hair and two middle-aged men.

As Yang Potian caught sight of the trio ahead, his heart sank. "Damn it, why did it have to be them? This is trouble," he thought, realizing the implications.

One of the middle-aged men in the group seemed to catch a sound, and with a shout, he bellowed, "Who's there, lurking in the shadows?" With that, he hurled a spear toward their direction, the speed and force of which were astonishing.

Yang Potian's grandfather, Niu Gao, instantly summoned his martial spirit and intercepted the spear, though his hands shook from the impact. He muttered in surprise, "That strength… could he be a Titled Douluo?"

Dugu Bo's face darkened at the stranger's hostile move. "Friend, I am Dugu Bo. And who might you be? I don't recall having encountered you before."

Before entering Star Dou Forest, their group had agreed that any external interactions would be handled by Dugu Bo.

Hearing Dugu Bo introduce himself, the middle-aged man scoffed dismissively. "I thought it was someone significant. So it's just Dugu Bo, the weakest of the Titled Douluo."

Nothing irked Dugu Bo more than being branded the "weakest Titled Douluo." Angered, he barked back, "And who are you? A fellow Titled Douluo, I see. I don't fight nameless men."

The man's face darkened at Dugu Bo's retort, clearly ready to strike.

Sensing the escalation, Yang Potian quickly intervened. "Respected senior, we were just passing through and had no intention of disturbing you. We'll be on our way now."

As they prepared to leave, the blonde woman among them spoke up. "Hold on. Why are you all here in the core of Star Dou Forest?"

Yang Potian quickly introduced himself, "This junior is Yang Potian of the Yang Clan. We're here to help me obtain my fifth spirit ring. We had no intention of disturbing you."

The woman's gaze was laced with disdain. "And why would someone looking for their fifth ring wander into the core zone?"

"Couldn't find the right beast in the mixed region," Yang Potian replied smoothly. "So I came here with Senior Dugu and my grandfather to see if anything suitable was nearby. Isn't that why you're here, too?"

Glancing at the dead Flame Lion King nearby, the blonde woman gave him a dismissive nod. "Fine. Just leave—and don't let me see you here again."

Yang Potian thanked her quickly, then gestured for his companions to move along.

Dugu Bo, though somewhat bewildered by Yang Potian's cautious approach, remained silent, choosing to follow them out. Once they were far enough, however, he couldn't hold back any longer.

"Kid, in all my life I've never had to stomach such disrespect. Why didn't you let me give that man a good fight?"

Yang Potian sighed inwardly. How has Dugu Bo's temper not gotten him killed by now? Does he have any idea who he almost picked a fight with?

"Grandfather Dugu, those two men—what do you think of their strength?"

"If I'm not mistaken, both of them are Titled Douluo," Dugu Bo replied.

"And the blonde woman? What did you think of her spirit power?"

Dugu Bo seemed puzzled. "The Flame Lion King was an exceptional fire-type beast, reaching 20,000 years. Judging by her handling of it, I'd say she's around Rank 60."

"Think carefully, Grandfather Dugu. About her age and her spirit aura. Did you sense anything unusual?"

A thought seemed to dawn on Dugu Bo, and he paled. "Now that you mention it, she's probably in her twenties, and her aura had a distinct fire attribute… along with something I despise—a holy attribute."

"A Holy attribute… a Spirit Emperor in her twenties with two Titled Douluo as guards. That doesn't worry you?" Yang Potian pressed.

Dugu Bo was speechless. "Well… you're not much older, and you're also close to being a Spirit Emperor."

Yang Potian sighed, frustrated by Dugu Bo's naïveté. "A holy attribute, a young Spirit Emperor, and two Titled Douluo for guards. What force on the continent could accomplish that?"

Dugu Bo's face went dark as he uttered two words through clenched teeth. "Spirit Hall."

Yang Potian looked at Dugu Bo with a hint of mischief. "You know, Grandfather Dugu, she's probably still absorbing that spirit ring. If you went back and launched a sneak attack, you could earn some serious rewards. Of course, you'd be risking the utter destruction of the Yang Clan, the Niu Clan, and the Dugu Clan."

His mother, Niu Jinfeng, was still confused. "Does that woman truly have such a powerful background?"

Yang Potian chuckled bitterly. "She's a descendant of the Angel Clan, heir to the Seraphim Spirit. I'd wager she's the last pure heir of Spirit Hall's Qian family."

The realization struck Dugu Bo hard. "I'd heard the late Pope, Qian Xunji, left behind a single daughter, but she was rumored to have died. And yet… she's here, alive and with such terrifying potential."

Yang Potian glanced at Dugu Bo, musing silently, You'd be surprised what's hidden under Spirit Hall's influence. I'll bet you've met her many times without even realizing it.

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