I Slept With Xiao Wu...!

Chapter 183 - The Final Arrow

"You arrogant brat, so what if you've unlocked a Martial Soul Avatar-like form? Don't forget, I am a Title Douluo. Your so-called limit is nothing but my starting point!" Thornfish Douluo sneered, though his voice betrayed his unease.

"Killing you is as easy as crushing an ant."

His eyes burned with murderous intent, and his earlier composure had completely vanished.

Chen Xuan's expression remained calm. "You're right, but there's one thing you've misunderstood—I'm far from reaching my limit!"

Blood tears once again flowed from Chen Xuan's eyes as his Mangekyō Sharingan spun wildly.

Vast amounts of soul power and ocular energy erupted like a golden tide, surging skyward.

Golden waves of energy soared hundreds of meters into the air, tearing up the ground below. Massive trees and dense vegetation were uprooted and sent flying.

The Platinum Archbishop, Black-Robed Bishop, and Lordia turned pale at the sight. The sudden surge in soul power was enough to rival a Soul Sage.

"Retreat!"

More than thirty Spirit Hall members panicked, scrambling to flee the mountaintops.

Thornfish Douluo didn't hesitate. He activated his Martial Soul Avatar, unleashing a crimson energy blast capable of leveling forests within a hundred meters.

But as the blast collided with the golden flames surrounding Chen Xuan, it dissipated instantly, leaving no trace.

"Push me too far, and even a Title Douluo can die here today!" Chen Xuan's voice thundered, and his blood surged to its peak.

Raising his hand, his soul power flared once more, golden flames leaping skyward to form a colossal figure.

The ground trembled violently as a towering golden giant, clad in armor and exuding an oppressive aura, rose from the earth. Its crimson eyes glowed with rage, and its sheer size eclipsed the surrounding mountains.

"Susanoo—Fourth Stage!"

Chen Xuan's bloodshot eyes bled profusely as his body shook under the strain.

He exhaled deeply. He had hoped to avoid using this technique—it drained his very life force.

At just sixteen, his body wasn't capable of sustaining such massive chakra output, forcing him to burn through his potential recklessly.

A hundred-meter-tall giant loomed over the forest, radiating unstoppable force. Its golden armor shimmered, and every step sent shockwaves through the earth.

Spirit Hall members fled further, their confidence shattered by the godlike figure.

"What… what is that!?"

A Soul Emperor screamed, paralyzed by fear.

Even from five hundred meters away, the golden colossus dominated their view, its divine presence making them feel insignificant.

"It's impossible! Is this truly the work of a mere Soul King!?"

A Soul Sage's voice trembled, overwhelmed by despair.

Black-Robed Bishop's back was drenched in cold sweat. The sight of such overwhelming power was enough to strip even high-level cultivators of their fighting spirit.

"My Martial Soul Avatar is nothing compared to that!"

A Soul Saint's exclamation drew murmurs of agreement.

Their combined Martial Soul Avatars would appear puny in front of this towering golden god.

On the battlefield, Thornfish Douluo's expression darkened as he gazed upward.

He hesitated, a flicker of retreat in his eyes.

But the memory of Spirit Hall's Pope, Bibi Dong, and her cruelty crushed his doubts. He had no choice but to press forward.

Chen Xuan's vision blurred, but he clenched his fists and forced his soul power to flow.

The sky darkened as storm clouds gathered overhead, and flashes of lightning illuminated the battlefield. Thunder roared, and arcs of electricity coursed through Susanoo's form, making it even more menacing.

"You're bluffing!" Thornfish Douluo roared, furious at being pushed back.

He activated his Martial Soul Avatar, summoning a thirty-meter-long crimson pufferfish bristling with spikes.

The crimson avatar charged, crashing into Susanoo's chest with enough force to shatter mountains.

Golden cracks formed on Susanoo's surface but quickly mended themselves as soul energy flowed in to repair the damage.

Spirit Hall's forces turned pale, their earlier confidence shattered.

Even Thornfish Douluo felt his heart sink as his strongest techniques failed to leave a lasting mark.

Chen Xuan's voice rang out like thunder.

"Didn't you want to kill me? Come on, then!"

Blood poured from his mouth, staining his chin, but he stood firm.

He continued forcing out soul power, his body trembling as it teetered on the edge of collapse.

With a loud crack of thunder, blue lightning gathered into Susanoo's hands, forming an enormous bow.

Electricity crackled, illuminating the sky as it condensed into a single arrow—pulsating and deadly.

Seeing this, Thornfish Douluo's instincts screamed danger.

Without hesitation, he turned and fled, disappearing hundreds of meters away within moments.

"You won't last long!" he sneered, noticing Chen Xuan's deteriorating condition.

Thornfish Douluo knew Chen Xuan's technique was burning through his life force and couldn't be maintained for long.

But Chen Xuan gritted his teeth, ignoring the pain. His entire being was consumed by the effort to unleash this final attack.

The golden giant drew back its bowstring, the thunderous energy forming a massive lightning arrow over a hundred meters long.

"Run!"

Spirit Hall members scattered in every direction, desperate to escape.

The golden giant released the arrow.

A deafening boom echoed through the night as the arrow shot forward at supersonic speed, tearing through the air like a bolt of divine judgment.

Chen Xuan spat blood, his face pale, strands of white hair appearing at his temples.

This arrow contained all his remaining soul power—a final, desperate attack.

The sky lit up as the arrow exploded in a massive flash of blue and white, consuming everything in its path.

Mountains crumbled, forests ignited, and rivers were severed by the sheer force of the blast.

Screams of pain echoed as the Spirit Hall forces were caught in the blast, bodies torn apart by lightning.

The energy surge was blinding, illuminating the forest as if it were daytime.

Thornfish Douluo shielded himself with soul power, barely managing to resist the onslaught.

Yet even he was pushed back, his body scorched by stray lightning bolts.

As the dust settled, Chen Xuan dropped to one knee, coughing up blood.

He smiled weakly, his vision blurring.

"Let's see who's running now…"

Chapter 184 – It's Over

The lightning dimmed, the energy storm dissipated, and the mountainous region was completely destroyed—flattened into barren wasteland. No trees, no flowers, no signs of life remained.

Yet, despite the overwhelming force of the attack, not everyone perished.

On the charred ground, a group of survivors huddled under a protective barrier formed from the soul power of over thirty people. The shield, more than a meter thick, had withstood the catastrophic storm.

However, the barrier was tattered, riddled with cracks and gaps, as though it could shatter at any moment.

Inside the shield, pools of blood stained the earth. Many lay motionless in crimson puddles, their bodies lifeless.

Salas, the Black Cardinal, Lordiala, and others were bloodied, their clothes torn and bodies battered—clearly injured.

The barrier had absorbed much of the damage, but over ten Soul Emperors were reduced to charred corpses, blackened like coal, forever buried in this place.

"As expected… it wasn't that easy." Chen Xuan sighed softly as he gazed at the scene. Given his current level, it was far too difficult to cross multiple realms and kill enemies. It wouldn't happen easily.

But so what? All it took was paying a greater price.

His eyes grew more resolute, his blood surging, and his cells dividing madly to create more chakra.

Chen Xuan's expression hardened further. He had already prepared himself for this day, fully aware of the consequences this battle would bring.

Not long ago, his shadow clone had knocked out Xiao Wu and quietly taken her away during the chaos, leaving him with no more distractions.

Raising his hand, a thunderous boom erupted as a massive bolt of lightning struck, pouring into his golden giant. Instantly, Susanoo surged with electrified power.

Its radiant energy was blinding.

Chen Xuan gritted his teeth, pushing himself to extract even more chakra. The relentless drain of energy rapidly consumed his life force, leaving his cells devoid of vitality.

Blood spurted!

His complexion turned paler. Blood seeped from his nose and mouth, yet he refused to stop, continuing to draw energy from his cells and spirit, converting it into soul power.

In mere moments, his life essence dwindled, and his body began to age. His once jet-black hair turned completely white in the blink of an eye.

"Pull yourselves together! Do you hear me?!" shouted the Thornfish Douluo in a stern voice, berating the twenty survivors.

"He's at his limit, burning through his life force! Are you really afraid of a mere Soul King?!" Thornfish Douluo barked, stabilizing their morale and boosting their fighting spirit. Without it, these people would die in vain.

Three Soul Douluos staggered to their feet, their soul power erupting and martial souls materializing. They refused to fall without a fight.

"Stand up! Are you really scared of a brat who's barely seventeen?!" roared the Black Cardinal, his voice dripping with killing intent.

No one wanted to die—especially not at the hands of a mere teenager. That would be a disgrace beyond imagination.

Determination filled the survivors' faces as they stood up.

"Seventh Soul Skill—Martial Soul True Body!" they shouted in unison, their voices echoing across the battlefield.

Boom!

Terrifying soul power erupted, piercing the sky. Roars filled the air as martial souls in their true forms appeared—rhinoceroses, mammoths, enormous azure serpents, a black sword as massive as a mountain, and a golden giant bird.

The earth shook as their martial souls filled the heavens with bloodlust.

"Chen Xuan, let's see how you survive this time! You're dead for sure!" The Black Cardinal's voice was icy.

It was all this damned brat's fault—the deaths of so many brothers. How could he explain this to His Eminence when he returned?

"Kill!"

Martial souls erupted, their powers colliding. Some assisted, others provided soul energy, and everyone unleashed their strongest techniques.

Boom!

Eight giant beasts roared, opening their bloodied maws to fire beams of energy that tore through the air.

"Die!" The Black Cardinal swung his massive sword, as vast as a mountain, down toward Chen Xuan.

"You think you can kill me? You're not worthy!" Chen Xuan's eyes were cold, showing no fear as the deadly soul techniques rained down upon him.

Boom!

The soul and eye power he had been building erupted like golden waves, sweeping the sky.

As the beams of light and the enormous sword descended, golden energy rolled forth, obliterating all attacks, reducing them to particles of light that scattered in the air.

"Susanoo—Fourth Stage!" Chen Xuan roared, pouring out all his accumulated energy.

Golden soul power grew denser, tearing through the heavens and rising to over 200 meters tall, forming a massive figure.

Amidst the horrified stares, the energy solidified—a golden giant towering over them. It had fully developed limbs, standing upright at 200 meters.

"H-How is this possible?!"

The Martial Soul Hall troops trembled, fear gripping their hearts.

This was no human—it was a monster!

This time, the giant had arms and legs, standing like a true colossus. Though it lacked armor, a massive longsword now hung from its waist.

Chen Xuan no longer stood on the ground but atop Susanoo's head. From there, he gazed down at the forest, barely able to make out the distant Star Dou Great Forest's outline.

Yet, the scenery eluded him. His eyesight had deteriorated to the point where he couldn't even see the patterns on leaves five meters away.

His white hair and bloodied face betrayed his weakening condition. He had drained ninety percent of his life force, leaving his cells lifeless.

Though he didn't look elderly, a few wrinkles marked his face—and he knew his remaining years were few.

Still, Chen Xuan felt no regret. He had foreseen this day long ago in Martial Soul City and had promised to return Xiao Wu safely to the Star Dou Great Forest.

"By now, Xiao Wu… you should be back in the Star Dou Great Forest." His voice was faint as he looked into the distance, though his vision was blurred.

That night, he had heard Xiao Wu's words and made his plans. He couldn't let her sacrifice herself—she had to survive.

So he had taken the only option, having his shadow clone knock her out and carry her away.

"Come, let's end this once and for all. As long as you live, that's enough."

Shing!

The golden giant moved, drawing its massive sword from its waist. Golden flames erupted from the blade, carrying destructive power.

A hundred-meter-long blade burst into flames, burning fiercely.

Seeing this, the Martial Soul Hall forces fell into despair. They couldn't withstand such an attack—it would obliterate them.

"Milord, where are you? What do we do?!"

Their leader, Thornfish Douluo, had vanished without a trace, abandoning them.

Despair gripped them.

Chen Xuan gazed down without mercy, lifting the golden sword.

"It's over."

The sword fell. A nearby mountain split in half as destructive energy erupted, like a miniature sun exploding.

Fire engulfed the land, consuming everything in its path.

Screams filled the air as those who resisted were reduced to ash, their cries fading into nothingness.

The earth shook, a thousand-meter-long chasm forming. The Martial Soul Hall forces were annihilated, leaving no trace.

Chapter 185 – Slaying the Titled Douluo

A single slash split the mountains and rivers, leaving the earth sunken and a thousand-meter-long chasm that seemed bottomless.

This strike had taken Chen Xuan a long time to prepare, consuming a significant portion of his lifespan to execute. The toll it exacted was immense.

Crack!

The golden giant began to fracture, cracks spreading rapidly across its surface like an intricate web. In the next instant, it shattered with a thunderous crash, breaking apart like delicate porcelain. Fragments scattered, falling like shards of glass.

Boom!

Chen Xuan hit the ground hard, sending a cloud of dust and debris into the air. The impact left a crater beneath him.

His blood was depleted, his strength nearly gone. His hair had turned completely white, and faint wrinkles marred his face. The cost to his lifespan was far greater than expected.

Through half-lidded eyes, Chen Xuan glimpsed a man approaching the crater's edge, looking down at him.

"Tsk tsk tsk… Such a lively soul," the man said mockingly, his laughter filled with derision.

It was Thornfish Douluo—the man who had abandoned his subordinates during the earlier battle and fled, only to reappear after the carnage had ended.

His actions spoke of cruelty and cunning, sacrificing his men to draw attention and absorb the brunt of Chen Xuan's devastating attack.

Such ruthlessness was characteristic of those who ascended to the rank of Titled Douluo. Sacrifices were often deemed necessary for survival.

"You really are full of surprises," Thornfish Douluo sneered, his eyes cold and murderous. "Far stronger than I anticipated. Even thirty of my Martial Soul Hall's elites fell to you."

The operation to capture the ten-thousand-year spirit beast had ended in disaster. Despite the involvement of a Titled Douluo, the rabbit had escaped, and many subordinates had died. Thornfish Douluo knew he would face severe punishment from the higher-ups.

"You brat—you deserve to die!" His voice dripped with malice.

Extending his hand, Thornfish Douluo summoned a powerful suction force, lifting Chen Xuan's frail body into the air and grabbing him by the throat.

Suppressing his rage, he muttered, "At least you're still worth something. Delivering you to His Holiness might just calm his anger and spare me from execution."

"Better cripple you first, just in case," he said with a sinister grin.

Chen Xuan, unconscious and defenseless, was powerless to resist. Thornfish Douluo clearly intended to torment him, venting his frustrations through pain.

Crack!

With a sudden burst of force, he shattered Chen Xuan's leg bones. Blood oozed from Chen Xuan's mouth as he groaned in pain.

"Not enough—not nearly enough!" Thornfish Douluo laughed cruelly, drawing a gleaming dagger and slashing repeatedly. He severed tendons and muscles, rendering Chen Xuan completely immobile.

"Now there's no escape for you!" He nodded in satisfaction before turning his gaze to Chen Xuan's arms, his smile growing even more vicious.

"Still not awake? Let me give you something stronger."

A murderous gleam lit up his eyes as he infused the dagger with red energy, preparing to slice off Chen Xuan's limbs and reduce him to a cripple.

"This is the price for opposing the Martial Soul Hall!" Thornfish Douluo cackled, swinging his dagger.

"Time Freeze!"

Suddenly, Chen Xuan's eyes snapped open, revealing crimson Mangekyō Sharingan that radiated a chilling aura.

Dong!

A low hum resonated as ripples spread outward. Time itself froze—the wind, the dust, and even the air seemed to halt.

"What?!"

Thornfish Douluo's eyes widened in horror. His arm, poised to strike, refused to move as though trapped in quicksand.

Panic gripped him as he realized his body was completely immobilized. Even his blood seemed to stop flowing.

"Against schemers like you, I had to wait for the perfect moment." Chen Xuan's voice was icy, signaling the shift in control.

Crack!

Chen Xuan coughed blood, his eyesight plummeting even further. He could barely make out shapes a few meters away. His earlier predictions had been correct—using Time Freeze against a Titled Douluo brought him dangerously close to blindness.

Breathing heavily, Chen Xuan gathered chakra and deactivated the time ability. His Mangekyō Sharingan spun again, releasing a sinister force.

"Reincarnation Domain!"

Thornfish Douluo broke free, instinctively leaping back over a hundred meters, his heart pounding.

"I'm fine!" He hastily checked his body. Finding no injuries, he breathed a sigh of relief, arrogance returning.

"Hahaha! What a fool—you wasted your chance to kill me! Luck is clearly on my side!" Thornfish Douluo mocked, convinced of his victory.

But Chen Xuan's cold gaze was unwavering. The Reincarnation Domain had already marked its prey.

"Ahhh! What's happening?!" Thornfish Douluo screamed as black energy erupted from his body, draining his blood and vitality.

In mere seconds, his hair turned white, wrinkles covered his face, and his body withered.

"No! Spare me!" he howled, his voice twisted with pain and terror.

His flesh rotted away, leaving only skin and bones. Within moments, he aged into a decrepit husk before collapsing into a pile of bones.

"No!"

His final scream echoed, filled with disbelief. Even in death, he couldn't comprehend how thoroughly he had been outplayed.

"This… is the essence of a Titled Douluo's vitality and soul power…"

Chen Xuan stood, his body now glowing with green light. His shattered bones and severed tendons rapidly regenerated, and his white hair regained its luster.

All his injuries vanished as if they had never existed.

He felt revitalized, brimming with soul power. Yet he knew the cost—his lifespan was still greatly reduced, something that couldn't be recovered.

Wiping the blood from his eyes, Chen Xuan grimaced. His vision was so poor that he could barely see objects a few meters away. He was practically blind.

"I'll need to use Hashirama cells soon," he muttered.

He knew the risks—Hashirama cells were dangerous and could either kill him or turn him into a tree-like creature.

He had entrusted the only vial of Hashirama cells to Zhu Zhuqing as a precaution, never expecting he'd survive this battle.

"Well, first I need to find Xiao Wu."

Chen Xuan began walking. Although his vision was blurred, he could still make out vague shapes and move forward.

Chapter 186 – Death

Meanwhile, deep inside the Star Dou Forest, a girl in a pink dress lay motionless on a patch of bare grass.

Xiao Wu's long eyelashes trembled as she slowly regained consciousness.

Two hours earlier, Chen Xuan's shadow clone had knocked her out and used the Flying Thunder God Technique to transport her back to the Star Dou Forest through successive spatial jumps.

"Chen Xuan!" Xiao Wu jolted awake, panic flashing across her face.

When she came to her senses, she realized that her surroundings had changed. She was no longer in the desolate mountains but sitting on a grassy field.

Memories flooded back—before she blacked out, Chen Xuan had summoned the golden giant and faced over thirty Martial Soul Hall pursuers alone. She had wanted to help him but was forcibly taken away by the clone.

"You idiot!" Tears welled up in her eyes, her heart aching with grief.

She knew how powerful those enemies were, even including a Titled Douluo. Chen Xuan had been alone—there was no way he could have survived.

Her nose tingled, and despair weighed her down. She had been unconscious for too long. By now, Chen Xuan was most likely… gone.

Just earlier, they had been together. And now, were they separated by death?

Their time together, enduring countless dangers, had forged an unbreakable bond. Even if she hadn't fallen in love with him, he had already carved a place in her heart.

The thought that Chen Xuan might truly be dead overwhelmed her. Xiao Wu clutched her chest, her heart aching as though it were being torn apart. She couldn't accept it.

"Our baby isn't even born yet. How could you leave me like this?" She touched her stomach and broke down completely, sobbing uncontrollably.

From the beginning, she should have sacrificed herself. Maybe that would have led to a different outcome.

Xiao Wu buried her face in the grass, letting her tears soak the ground. She didn't know what to do—she just wanted to be alone for a moment.

"Xiao Wu!"

A voice echoed in her mind through spiritual transmission.

"Er Ming!" Xiao Wu's eyes lit up as she leaped to her feet. She recognized the Titan Giant Ape's voice instantly.

Boom!

The ground trembled. Wildflowers and grass swayed violently as a massive figure approached.

"Xiao Wu! It's really you! How did you get back here?" The Titan Giant Ape charged toward her, leaving a trail of crushed trees and vines.

Soon, it reached the clearing and spotted the pink figure from afar.

"Xiao Wu! You're safe!" The Titan Giant Ape sighed in relief. Earlier, the Azure Bull Python had sensed Xiao Wu's danger and sent it to check.

It had sensed a group of humans, including Titled Douluo-level powerhouses, near the forest, but their presence had suddenly vanished. It was as if they had been wiped out.

"Er Ming, take me out of the Star Dou Forest! I'll explain later!" Xiao Wu urged, leaping onto the Titan Giant Ape's shoulder using her teleportation ability.

They were nearly twenty miles from the forest's edge. Even if Chen Xuan was still alive, she couldn't reach him in time. But now, with Er Ming's help, she had hope again.

"Xiao Wu, what happened?" Er Ming noticed the tear stains on her face and grew concerned.

"Stop asking! Just run! I'll explain on the way!" Xiao Wu shouted anxiously, her heart filled with desperation.

Reluctantly, the Titan Giant Ape charged toward the forest's outskirts, carrying Xiao Wu.

With its immense strength, it wouldn't take long to reach the edge of the forest.

"Chen Xuan, please… be alive. If you're gone, I don't want to live either!" Xiao Wu whispered, gazing at the brightening sky.

Elsewhere—Thirty Miles Outside the Star Dou Forest

Chen Xuan leaned on a wooden staff, tapping the ground as he slowly moved forward.

His vision was damaged, and his pace was sluggish. Despite crossing two mountains, he estimated it would take another day to reach the forest.

The battle had ended the night before. Dawn was breaking.

In that fight, Chen Xuan—a mere Soul King—had slain a Titled Douluo, three Soul Douluo, and thirty Martial Soul Hall elites.

News of this would undoubtedly shake the entire soul master world and attract the attention of nations and powerful figures.

But Chen Xuan had paid a heavy price. His body was damaged, his cells drained of vitality, and his spirit power overdrawn.

His white hair and aged features reflected his weakened state. His once-flaming life force was now a flickering ember.

Sweating profusely, Chen Xuan trudged through the forest, his senses dulled and unable to detect danger. His injuries had left him defenseless.

Still, his strength had surged after absorbing Thornfish Douluo's energy. He had advanced to Soul Emperor and gained powerful spirit rings.

But his dreams of limitless power were dashed—his eyesight was nearly gone, and his abilities were on the verge of collapse.

"Chen Xuan!"

A loud cry startled him.

The earth trembled as a massive figure approached from a thousand meters away. Atop the Titan Giant Ape's shoulder was a slender figure in pink—Xiao Wu.

Her long legs in stockings and the glimpse of skin between her skirt and socks caught his eye, but he quickly dismissed such thoughts.

"Chen Xuan! You're alive!" Xiao Wu's tearful voice trembled with joy.

She didn't care what had happened to the Martial Soul Hall pursuers. All that mattered was that the man who had touched her heart was still breathing.

But danger lurked.

Two figures emerged from the shadows, their presence concealed as they crept closer.

One, a woman with a striking figure, whispered, "Xiao Wu… my daughter. Thank the heavens you're alive."

The other, a man, urged, "Make a decision now! We're out of time!"

Closer to the scene, the Titan Giant Ape sensed the hidden figures and asked, "Xiao Wu, do you know those two people?"

"What?" Xiao Wu was confused—there was no one else besides Chen Xuan.

But realization struck, and terror gripped her.

"Chen Xuan, get out of there!" she screamed, her face pale.

Before Chen Xuan could react—

Boom!

Two beams of soul power blasted toward him like lasers, piercing through his chest.

Blood sprayed, leaving gaping wounds through his heart.

Chen Xuan staggered, his vision fading.

"Am I… dying?"

Unable to even move his lips, he collapsed to the ground.

"NO! Chen Xuan!"

Xiao Wu's heart-wrenching scream echoed as she rushed toward his lifeless body, tears streaming down her face.

Chapter 187 – Breaking Point

Outside the Forest

Chen Xuan never expected this outcome.

After single-handedly slaying a Titled Douluo and crushing the Martial Soul Hall's pursuers, he had fought his way out of death's grasp. Yet, hidden in the shadows, more enemies waited to strike.

Already living on borrowed time, he now faced a ruthless ambush that exploited his weakened state.

Chen Xuan lowered his head and looked at the gaping holes in his chest—two bloodied wounds that pierced clean through him. His heart and half of his lungs had been obliterated, evaporated by beams of energy.

The attackers had been ruthless and precise, ensuring that even if his heart had been positioned on the right side, it wouldn't have survived. They left him no chance.

Chen Xuan sighed. He could feel his life force rapidly fading. His body was growing colder and heavier. Even his soul trembled, as if ready to break free from his dying flesh. This time, he might truly be at his end.

Gradually, his senses dulled. Sounds faded into an empty hum before falling completely silent. He could no longer hear.

Even with his acceptance of death, Chen Xuan felt unwilling to go quietly.

In his final moments, time seemed to slow, and countless memories flashed through his mind—Xiao Wu, Zhuqing, and his younger sister, Yiyi. Their faces drifted past him like fragments of dreams.

He longed to say goodbye to them. But there was no chance.

Desperation gripped him. He didn't want to die, not yet—not when Xiao Wu carried their child. The thought of his child growing up without a father tore at his soul.

Yet, he couldn't change fate. His senses were slipping away, and his soul was ready to depart.

For one last moment, he gazed at the beauty of the world—the mountains, the radiant sun, and the endless sky.

"So, you do care about me after all…"

Even as death closed in, Chen Xuan found solace in Xiao Wu's tears. She was crying for him, running toward him, her face filled with despair.

He could see her lips moving, shouting his name, but he could no longer hear her voice.

His vision blurred further. Darkness crept in.

"So this is how it ends…"

Chen Xuan's lips trembled as he tried to speak, but no sound came out.

Finally, his strength gave out. His body collapsed onto the grass with a dull thud.

In his last glimpse, he saw a blurred pink figure falling to her knees beside him, her tears soaking the ground as she called his name.

"Xiao Wu… Yiyi… I'm sorry. I couldn't keep my promise…"

A faint smile lingered on his lips as he drew his final breath. His body lay still, lifeless.

"Chen Xuan!"

Xiao Wu stood frozen, her eyes empty, her body trembling uncontrollably.

"He's dead?"

The thought exploded in her mind like thunder, shattering her composure.

"No… impossible… no!"

She staggered and collapsed to the ground, clutching at the dirt as if trying to hold onto reality.

"He promised me! He promised to stay with me forever! How can he leave me like this?!"

Tears poured down her cheeks as she screamed his name, begging him to wake up.

But Chen Xuan's cold body remained motionless.

Holding him tightly, Xiao Wu sobbed uncontrollably.

"Why did you leave me? We were supposed to raise our baby together… you promised me!"

Her cries echoed through the forest.

"Xiao Wu!"

The Titan Giant Ape arrived, finding Xiao Wu cradling Chen Xuan's lifeless body, sobbing uncontrollably.

From the shadows, Liu Erlong and Flender watched the heartbreaking scene.

"Flender… did we make a mistake?" Liu Erlong's voice wavered, guilt creeping into her heart.

Flender's expression darkened. "He killed Xiao Gang! He deserved to die!"

But his voice lacked conviction.

Liu Erlong leaped down from the forest and approached Xiao Wu.

"Xiao Wu, stop crying. He's not worth it," she said, though her own heart ached at the sight of her daughter's sorrow.

Xiao Wu ignored her, clinging to Chen Xuan's body as tears soaked his blood-stained clothes.

She had already recognized Liu Erlong and Flender. Their involvement only deepened her despair.

"Xiao Wu, my daughter… why are you doing this?" Liu Erlong's voice softened. "Come back to the academy. Everyone's waiting for you."

Xiao Wu clenched her fists, her voice trembling.

"Why did you hurt him?"

Flender stepped forward. "Xiao Wu, you don't understand! He killed Xiao Gang—your teacher, the one who guided you for two years! He deserved this!"

Hearing this, Xiao Wu flinched.

But the grief and rage in her heart overwhelmed everything else.

None of it mattered anymore—teachers, friends, the academy. All she cared about was the man who had sacrificed everything for her.

Even if Chen Xuan was a sinner, even if he was flawed, he had been her protector.

"Xiao Wu, come back with us. Tang San is still waiting for you. He's your true match," Liu Erlong urged.

Flender added, "You're still young. We can explain everything to Tang San. He'll accept you—and we can deal with the child."

Their words stabbed into Xiao Wu's heart like knives.

Her child—the only thing Chen Xuan had left her.

Her eyes grew cold, her trembling hands clenched into fists.

"Get out!"

Her voice, hoarse and filled with fury, exploded with killing intent.

"What?" Liu Erlong frowned, unsure if she heard correctly.

"Get out!" Xiao Wu screamed, tears streaming down her face. "I won't forgive you! I won't forgive any of you!"

Liu Erlong tried to approach, but the Titan Giant Ape let out a threatening growl, stepping protectively between them.

Xiao Wu's rage boiled over.

"You betrayed me! You killed the father of my child! And now you want me to give up my baby?!"

Flender's expression hardened. "You're making a mistake, Xiao Wu! That man was a criminal! He deserved this fate!"

"Deserved it?" Xiao Wu's voice turned ice-cold. "Then you deserve to die, too."

Her killing intent surged, making the air around them heavy.

The Titan Giant Ape roared, its massive form looming ominously.

"Go!" Xiao Wu shouted again, her voice trembling with anger and grief.

Liu Erlong hesitated, her face full of regret.

Flender clenched his fists but ultimately retreated.

As they disappeared into the forest, Xiao Wu collapsed beside Chen Xuan's body, cradling him tightly.

"Chen Xuan, I'll avenge you. I swear it."

Chapter 188: Separation

Xiao Wu's expression was cold. She repeated each word clearly, "Get out of here!"

Murderous intent surged within her heart, but she restrained herself, holding onto reason to avoid losing control. She didn't want to kill her former teachers and companions.

Roar!

The Titan Giant Ape let out a deafening roar, shaking the surroundings with ripples of energy.

Liu Erlong and Flender felt as if they were bearing the weight of a mountain. An overwhelming soul pressure bore down on them like an invisible force.

With a splutter, both coughed up blood, struggling to breathe as one knee buckled heavily to the ground, leaving them in a disheveled state.

Xiao Wu's face remained icy, her beautiful eyes devoid of emotion. She stared at the two without making a move.

"Forget it, Erlong. Let's leave for now," Flender said hoarsely, his mouth filled with blood, speaking with difficulty.

The Titan Giant Ape withdrew its pressure only after hearing this, ending the gravity domain.

The two immediately felt the weight lifted off their bodies, finally able to breathe.

Liu Erlong sighed. With the Titan Giant Ape present, she knew forcing Xiao Wu to leave was impossible. She could only give up and plan for another time.

"Xiao Wu, take care of yourself. Your mother is leaving."

In the end, Liu Erlong and Flender had no choice but to retreat, disappearing into the darkness of the forest.

Even after they had left for a long time, the Titan Giant Ape finally voiced its doubts. "Sister Xiao Wu, who was that human?"

Er Ming felt a hint of jealousy. The dead human had made Sister Xiao Wu cry and grieve, leaving it feeling uncomfortable.

"My beloved." Xiao Wu's answer was brief. She didn't turn back, still holding Chen Xuan's cold body.

Hearing this, the Titan Giant Ape's massive body trembled. Its eyes widened in shock.

What did it just hear? That human boy was Sister Xiao Wu's man? How was that possible?

"Er Ming, let's go back." Xiao Wu was in low spirits, unwilling to explain further. She picked up Chen Xuan's body and headed back to the Star Dou Forest.

Reluctantly, the Titan Giant Ape crouched down, allowing Xiao Wu to climb onto its shoulder. It carried the two of them toward the center of the Star Dou Forest.

This day was destined to be unforgettable and filled with sorrow.

Deep within the Star Dou Forest, Central Area.

This place was a paradise filled with flowers and birdsong. A massive lake with crystal-clear water rested at its heart, a truly beautiful place.

"Sister Xiao Wu, Second Brother, you're finally back." From the lake's center, a large bull's head with horns emerged. It was enormous, resembling a small mountain.

"Hmm?" Da Ming was surprised, his face full of confusion. Xiao Wu had returned carrying a human with snow-white hair, lifeless and silent.

The Sky Blue Bull Python's sharp eyes immediately noticed Xiao Wu's low spirits. Her delicate face bore tear stains, her gaze was dim, and she looked exhausted, clearly having cried for a long time.

Da Ming shifted his gaze, focusing on the dead human in Xiao Wu's arms. A thought began to form in his mind.

"Sister Xiao Wu, is this Tang San?" the Sky Blue Bull Python asked doubtfully. It had heard Xiao Wu talk about her time in the human world and her acquaintance with someone at Nuoding Academy.

Xiao Wu shook her head without speaking. She carefully wiped the blood off Chen Xuan's body with a handkerchief.

The Sky Blue Bull Python grew even more puzzled. If it wasn't Tang San, who else could make Sister Xiao Wu this heartbroken?

The Titan Giant Ape conveyed everything it had seen earlier—the human's ambush and death—via mental communication to its brother.

On that day, numerous human experts had appeared outside the Star Dou Forest, hunting Xiao Wu.

Xiao Wu had briefly explained to Er Ming earlier. She wouldn't have made it back if not for Chen Xuan, who paid a heavy price to protect her, ultimately dying at the hands of her former teacher.

After hearing the story, the Sky Blue Bull Python sighed softly, gaining some respect for the human. Sacrificing his life to protect Xiao Wu was truly rare.

"Sigh, I didn't expect this human to have such courage, daring to face the Spirit Hall." Da Ming genuinely admired him.

The Titan Giant Ape nodded, full of admiration. "Big Brother, he's the bravest human I've ever seen. If he were alive, I'd even be willing to call him brother."

Unfortunately, Chen Xuan was already lifeless, forever gone.

"Defeating thirty to forty people from the Spirit Hall alone—such strength and determination. He's the most impressive human I've ever seen. It's a pity he died at the hands of someone he trusted." The Sky Blue Bull Python felt deep regret. This human shouldn't have fallen so soon. He still had a bright future ahead.

Xiao Wu remained silent, walking to the riverbank to rinse the bloodstained cloth. After wringing it out, she returned and carefully wiped Chen Xuan's wounds and bloodstains.

Her eyes were dim, filled with sorrow and guilt. Despite all the time they had spent together, she had never done anything for him—not even the smallest gesture.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she continued to clean Chen Xuan's body. This was the only thing she could do for him now.

The Sky Blue Bull Python emerged from the water, its massive body stretching across the lake as it swam to the other side.

"The dead can't return. Sister Xiao Wu, please restrain your grief and bury him soon, so he can rest in peace." Da Ming suggested.

"Yes, it's hot, and his body has already been exposed for too long. At least let him avoid further suffering." The Titan Giant Ape agreed.

After rushing back to the center of the forest, half a day had passed.

Xiao Wu understood this better than anyone, but she still wanted to spend more time with Chen Xuan and see his face a little longer.

The Sky Blue Bull Python sighed, sensing Xiao Wu's thoughts. It couldn't bear to see her drowning in guilt either.

"Fine, bring him to the lake's center. The temperature there is lower, and it can preserve his body longer." Da Ming lowered its massive head, preparing to carry them.

"Thank you, Da Ming."

Xiao Wu picked up Chen Xuan's body and lightly leaped onto Da Ming's head.

The Sky Blue Bull Python swam across the lake, carrying the two of them to the center.

There was a clearing about 200–300 square meters wide. The temperature there was freezing, preventing most plants from growing.

Time passed, and three days quickly went by.

After placing Chen Xuan at the lake's center, Xiao Wu never left. She even moved her daily living arrangements to this place.

She didn't ask for much—just to spend as much time as possible with this man and etch his face into her memory.

Over those three days, she often shed tears, lost in sorrow, replaying memories of their struggles and misunderstandings.

It wasn't until his death that she realized how deeply he had embedded himself in her heart.

But it was too late. Chen Xuan was gone, never to return.

Time quietly slipped away. Xiao Wu remained there, guarding Chen Xuan's side.

On the tenth day, a human woman entered the Star Dou Forest's central area. She was immediately captured by the Titan Giant Ape.

Chapter 189: Injecting Hashirama Cells

"Xiao Wu, someone's here to see you—a human woman," the Sky Azure Bull Python announced as it swam back from the lake's shore.

Da Ming lowered its massive bull head onto the ground, inviting Xiao Wu to climb aboard.

"Who is it?" Xiao Wu asked, confused, as she sat on Da Ming's head.

In the depths of the hidden Star Dou Forest, visitors were rare. Who could have found their way here now?

The Sky Azure Bull Python turned, its head breaking the water's surface as it swam toward the shore.

When they arrived, Xiao Wu's question was answered, and the perpetual sorrow on her face softened. For the first time in a long while, her eyes held a glimmer of hope.

On the shore stood a tall woman with sleek black hair cascading down her back. Her cold, alluring demeanor was accentuated by a leather outfit, giving her an air of frosty elegance.

"Zhuqing! It's you!" Xiao Wu's face lit up with joy as she leapt from Da Ming's head to embrace her friend.

"Zhuqing, how did you find this place?" Xiao Wu asked, tears of happiness glistening in her eyes. For so long, she thought she would never see her friends again.

Zhu Zhuqing held up a golden kunai etched with dark patterns brimming with soul power.

"It was this. It guided me here," Zhu Zhuqing explained. The kunai, imbued with martial soul energy and soul power, had been given to her by Chen Xuan. It had led her deep into the Star Dou Forest.

Zhu Zhuqing scanned the surroundings, her sharp eyes searching. But Chen Xuan was nowhere to be found.

"Where is he? Has he…" She didn't finish the sentence, the implication heavy in the air.

Xiao Wu lowered her head, her voice trembling. "He… is gone."

Zhu Zhuqing's face turned pale, her body trembling as if struck by a bolt of lightning. Though she had mentally prepared herself for this, hearing the confirmation tore at her heart.

The mischievous yet responsible boy who had once stood by her side was gone, leaving behind only memories.

She thought back to their shared hardships, their brushes with death, and the bond they had forged through trials. Chen Xuan had even gifted her a precious spirit bone, helping her break through to Level 47.

Tears welled in Zhu Zhuqing's eyes, her heart aching. She quickly wiped them away, unwilling to let them fall.

"Can I see him?" she asked, her voice choked with emotion.

Xiao Wu nodded, equally grief-stricken.

A Heartbreaking Reunion

The two women climbed onto Da Ming's massive head, which carried them across the lake to an icy, desolate patch of land.

There, a lifeless body lay. Chen Xuan's clothes were torn, but his body bore no bloodstains.

"Chen Xuan…" Zhu Zhuqing whispered, her face pale as she stared at the lifeless figure. Her tears finally broke free, falling onto the cold ground.

The boy who had once shielded her, who had fought by her side, now lay still, his once-vivid face pale and bloodless. His chest bore two gaping holes, a ghastly sight devoid of any vitality.

Standing over him, Zhu Zhuqing produced a glass vial filled with a vibrant green liquid.

"This… this is the Hashirama Cell extract he gave me. He told me it could save lives, but…" Zhu Zhuqing hesitated. She didn't know if it would work or what consequences it might bring, but it was the only option left.

"Xiao Wu, should I try?" she asked, revealing a letter Chen Xuan had left with her.

Xiao Wu carefully unfolded the weathered envelope, her hands trembling. The letter contained only a few lines, brief yet deeply heartfelt.

"Xiao Wu, by the time you read this, I'm likely gone. Please take my eyes and preserve them for our future child. When the day comes that they awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan, my eyes will grant them unimaginable power, and they will surpass anything I've ever been.

Lastly, tell Zhuqing I'm sorry. Goodbye."

Tears streamed down Xiao Wu's face as she read the letter. Her sobs echoed in the frigid air, her grief overwhelming. Even in death, Chen Xuan had thought only of her and their unborn child.

Zhu Zhuqing turned away, unable to bear the sight of Xiao Wu's pain. In her heart, Chen Xuan's memory held an irreplaceable place.

"Zhuqing, can he really be saved?" Xiao Wu asked, wiping her tears, her voice resolute despite her anguish.

"I don't know," Zhu Zhuqing replied softly. "He trusted me with this, but I can't predict what will happen."

"Let's try." Xiao Wu's face hardened with determination.

Zhu Zhuqing stepped forward and injected the Hashirama Cells into Chen Xuan's body.

The green liquid surged with vitality, spreading through his veins. The cells, brimming with life force, rapidly propagated, releasing an overwhelming aura of life energy while aggressively assimilating his original cells.

Chen Xuan's body began to tremble as flesh regenerated, cells multiplied, and his wounds healed at an incredible speed.

Half an hour later, under their astonished gaze, the two gaping holes in his chest had completely closed, replaced by fresh, unblemished skin. The life energy coursing through his body even healed minor injuries, leaving no scars.

His body radiated a vibrant green mist, teeming with life.

But their joy was short-lived.

Xiao Wu noticed that while Chen Xuan's injuries had healed, he remained unconscious. Worse, the surging life energy in his body showed no signs of stabilizing—it was intensifying uncontrollably.

"Stop it!" Zhu Zhuqing exclaimed, realizing the situation was spiraling out of control.

Chen Xuan's body began emitting green mist so potent it caused grass to sprout on the barren, icy ground around them. The overwhelming vitality transformed the lifeless terrain into a lush, green patch.

Suddenly, an ominous change occurred.

Chen Xuan's body began to transform, his skin turning bark-like as young saplings sprouted from his limbs. His entire form seemed to be merging with nature itself.

With a loud thud, his body completely transformed into a towering tree, its branches and leaves stretching skyward. Only his head remained visible, embedded in the tree's trunk, while his heart emitted a faint, glowing red pulse.

"No! This can't be happening!" Xiao Wu cried, collapsing in despair.

Zhu Zhuqing rushed to examine him but quickly realized that Chen Xuan's life force was now irrevocably fused with the tree. Any attempt to separate them would destroy both.

The two women stood in stunned silence, tears streaming down their faces as they grappled with the bittersweet miracle that had saved Chen Xuan's life, only to bind him to an unthinkable fate.

Chapter 190: The Realm of Reality

On this day, Chen Xuan transformed into a towering tree, vibrant with life, its branches and leaves growing abundantly.

A majestic tree reached skyward, standing tall at the center of the lake. It was so prominent it could be seen from the far shore.

When the last straw broke, Xiao Wu was consumed by despair. She finally accepted that Chen Xuan was truly gone, beyond any possibility of salvation.

Zhu Zhuqing blamed herself. It was all her fault. Even in death, Chen Xuan could not rest in peace, subjected to such treatment.

Xiao Wu remained silent, dazed for a long time. Eventually, she had no choice but to accept reality. She erected a symbolic grave for Chen Xuan in a meadow.

The meadow, adorned with swaying flowers and grass, now bore a small mound with a stone tablet. Engraved on it were the words: Grave of Chen Xuan.

Thus ended Chen Xuan's short and lonely life. He died and was buried in the depths of the Star Dou Forest, on an open and serene meadow.

"What a good human he was, to die like this," the Sky Azure Bull Python sighed, gazing at the small mound in the meadow, feeling endless sorrow.

Even though they had never met before, and Da Ming hadn't known Chen Xuan, he still felt admiration for the man who stood against the entire Spirit Hall to protect Xiao Wu and safely escort her back.

But now he was gone—a man who once held infinite potential and a bright future—gone in such a tragic manner. How pitiful!

Roar!

The Titan Giant Ape pounded its chest and let out a mighty roar toward the sky, shaking the heavens. It was its way of bidding farewell to Chen Xuan.

That night, Xiao Wu's treehouse was filled with sorrowful weeping, which lasted until late into the night. No one knew how many times she cried.

The next day, she emerged with red and swollen eyes. Her beautiful face was etched with deep tear stains.

Zhu Zhuqing also came outside, her own eyes red and bloodshot, revealing faint veins—clear signs that she had cried the night before as well, mourning for Chen Xuan.

In the days that followed, the depths of the Star Dou Forest became suffused with an oppressive atmosphere. Silence pervaded, and words were scarce.

Xiao Wu spent her days crying, her heart shattered. At night, she often sobbed quietly in secret.

Zhu Zhuqing's eyes grew redder by the day. She silently shed tears, consumed by grief, though she never showed her emotions openly.

A week passed before the two began to move on, gradually emerging from their sorrow and resuming normal life.

However, whenever they thought of that man, they would fall into a long daze, their eyes filled with sadness. They still couldn't completely let go.

Time slipped by unnoticed. Over a month passed. Autumn arrived, bringing with it the golden hues of falling leaves, which blanketed the ground.

The weather turned colder as autumn deepened.

Zhu Zhuqing had not left. She remained in the Star Dou Forest and visited the small island in the lake nearly every day.

Today, she and Xiao Wu stood together, gazing at the towering tree on the island, which stood over a hundred meters tall. It was still lush and vibrant, untouched by the changing seasons.

Two months quietly passed. As autumn drew to a close, the cry of an infant broke the tranquil silence of the Star Dou Forest.

The Sky Azure Bull Python and Titan Giant Ape stood guard outside Xiao Wu's treehouse, vigilant and on edge.

That day, Xiao Wu gave birth to a child—a beautiful baby girl with skin as fair as snow and a steady, healthy aura.

The baby's bright and clear eyes sparkled as she waved her tiny hands, as if trying to grasp something unseen.

Tears welled in Xiao Wu's eyes, washing away the lingering shadows in her heart. Looking at the baby in her arms, she finally smiled.

Zhu Zhuqing shared in her joy. Though that man was gone, he had left behind his legacy. She vowed to protect the child with her life.

"Sister Xiao Wu, let's give this little one a name," Da Ming suggested, relieved to see Xiao Wu smile after fearing she might remain in sorrow forever.

Xiao Wu raised her head and looked at a distant grove of maple trees. Yellow leaves fluttered down, carpeting the ground.

"Let's call her… Chen Qiu'er," she murmured, inspired by the scene.

Zhu Zhuqing reached out with two fingers, playfully teasing the baby. She smiled and said, "Little one, your name is Chen Qiu'er. Remember this name."

Xiao Wu's eyes dimmed slightly. She didn't know what name to give. If he were still here, he would surely have chosen a wonderful name for the child.

"Chen…" The Sky Azure Bull Python sighed softly. It seemed that Xiao Wu had yet to truly move on from that human's death.

Time flowed onward. Seasons changed, and a year passed since Chen Xuan's death.

Winter arrived. Snow fell thickly, blanketing the treetops and covering the forest in a pure white mantle.

"Sister Xiao Wu, it's time to return to human society," the Sky Azure Bull Python urged. For the past year, Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing had visited the tree on the lake island, paying their respects.

Da Ming continued, "The child is growing up. She should be raised among humans."

Though Xiao Wu had emerged from her grief over the past year, the thought of Chen Xuan still brought pain to her heart.

"I'm not leaving. I don't want to go anywhere. If I leave, he'll be lonely…"

"Sigh…" The Sky Azure Bull Python heaved a deep sigh and sank back into the lake without saying more.

Time marched on, and a second year quietly began.

One day, Zhu Zhuqing reached level 61, becoming a Soul Emperor at the young age of sixteen or seventeen—the youngest on the continent.

Over the past year, Zhu Zhuqing had trained with relentless determination. She had fused the spirit bone gained from the Spirit Master Tournament, boosting her soul power by six levels to reach rank 53 instantly.

Chen Xuan had left behind two storage soul guides filled with pills, weapons, spirit bones, and a treasure pouch containing rare herbs.

Xiao Wu had no use for these items and handed them all to Zhu Zhuqing to aid her cultivation.

With the help of the pills and herbs, Zhu Zhuqing progressed rapidly, becoming a Soul Emperor—the youngest in the continent's history.

"Xiao Wu, I'm leaving," Zhu Zhuqing announced two days later. She had decided to leave the forest where she had spent two years.

In those two years, Chen Qiu'er had grown from a baby into a lively child, already one meter tall, walking around and clinging to Xiao Wu.

"Zhuqing, be careful. You're my only close sister left," Xiao Wu said, her voice tinged with sorrow.

"Mm." Zhu Zhuqing nodded, stroking the little girl's hair before turning to leave. She was heading to a dangerous place—the Slaughter City—but she didn't tell Xiao Wu.

"Goodbye, Aunt Zhuqing!" Chen Qiu'er waved her tiny hand, her voice tender and childlike, bidding farewell.

After Zhu Zhuqing left, the place grew even quieter. Only Xiao Wu and her daughter remained.

…

Beyond the Douluo Star, across an unfathomable expanse of the cosmos, lay a pitch-black realm without stars or end.

A colossal vine towered there, vast beyond imagination, rooted in the stars. Each leaf bore intricate symbols, glowing faintly. Before this vine, planets and asteroid belts appeared insignificant.

"Where am I?" Chen Xuan murmured as he opened his eyes, finding himself in an endless void that resembled the universe.

Before him stood the gargantuan vine, radiating immense power, its sheer scale overwhelming. A single leaf was the size of a galaxy cluster.

Chen Xuan's pupils contracted in shock. What was this place? How could such an immense vine exist?

Suddenly, he noticed himself being drawn toward the vine, as if an unseen force were pulling him in.

Chen Xuan struggled to break free but was shocked to find that his cultivation and powers had vanished entirely. His soul power and chakra were gone.

He… had become a mere mortal.

Before he could react further, the pull intensified. His consciousness began to fade, his eyelids closing involuntarily as he slipped into unconsciousness.

Chapter 191: The Outsider

When Chen Xuan woke up again, he found himself lying on a bed, covered with a quilt.

"Strange… where is this? Didn't I die?" He sat up, looking around the room. The decor, with its brown wooden door and paper windows, resembled an ancient style.

Chen Xuan was confused. After being ambushed outside the Star Dou Forest, his chest had been pierced through with two massive holes. He was certain he had died—so how had he ended up in this unfamiliar place?

"Could this be the afterlife?" He frowned, full of doubts, though the place didn't quite feel like it.

Patting his chest, he found it solid and unscathed. The wounds had somehow healed completely.

Even more bizarrely, his eyesight had recovered. His vision was sharp and clear, without any trace of the previous blurriness.

Chen Xuan couldn't make sense of it. Such grave injuries had vanished as if they never existed. What had happened while he was "dead"? What had become of Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and Yi Yi?

He sighed. By now, they've probably had the child—whether it's a boy or a girl.

The thought of Xiao Wu weighed heavily on his mind. Raising a child while being targeted by the Spirit Hall was already difficult. If, five years later, the Spirit Hall launched an attack on the Star Dou Forest, would she be able to survive and turn the tide?

He wanted to return immediately to stop any tragedies from happening. But now that he was "dead," it was all wishful thinking.

Creak.

At that moment, the brown wooden door opened, and a silver-haired woman entered, carrying a porcelain bowl. The bowl held an unknown red liquid, exuding a potent medicinal aroma. It seemed to be some kind of tonic.

"You woke up faster than I expected," she said in a sweet voice, her fair hands carefully holding the bowl.

Chen Xuan's eyes filled with wariness. "Who are you, and where am I?"

His guard was up. Being dragged to this strange place and encountering this enigmatic woman made him feel uneasy.

He stared at the silver-haired woman. Her hair cascaded over her shoulders, clean and neat, and her beauty surpassed even Xiao Wu's. Around her neck hung a jade necklace, and she wore an ancient-style red dress that reached the floor, just covering her embroidered shoes.

"Huh?"

The silver-haired woman suddenly looked startled, her eyes filled with curiosity as if she had seen something unbelievable.

"This is strange. Your soul is missing half of itself, yet it hasn't been corrupted. This is the first time I've encountered such a situation," she said, her bright eyes examining Chen Xuan intently, more like scrutinizing an object than looking at a person.

"Hey, who are you?" Chen Xuan was growing agitated, feeling that he was being offended.

Soul? Corruption? He didn't understand a word of it. To him, this woman seemed incredibly eerie, with a faint mist swirling around her, indicating she was far from ordinary.

But the silver-haired woman ignored him. Instead, she pulled out an old, yellowed book and began flipping through it.

Just then, another person entered the room—a young man with a buzz cut, a resolute face, and dressed in modern attire of a T-shirt and shorts.

"No need to check. He's missing half his soul. Throw him into the furnace and boil him for a day and a night, along with some herbs," the buzz-cut man said nonchalantly, his words shocking.

The silver-haired woman closed the old book, her eyes gleaming. "Herbs are too wasteful. Let's use regular ingredients instead—toss him in the big iron pot and cook him together."

Her gaze lingered on Chen Xuan, filled with an odd fervor. After speaking, she even licked her lips, as if anticipating a delicious meal.

"Goddammit!" Chen Xuan's heart trembled. These two were demons! Not only did they plan to cook him, but they discussed it openly, without the slightest hesitation.

He needed to escape, to get away from this hellish place and these two lunatics.

"He's resisting. Hold him down!"

The spacious room turned chaotic as the man and woman moved swiftly, pinning Chen Xuan's shoulders.

Chen Xuan struggled fiercely, but he couldn't break free.

He tried activating his soul power and chakra, unleashing his strongest soul techniques and ultimate moves—but it was all futile. He couldn't even muster a ripple of soul power.

"What's going on?"

Chen Xuan froze, utterly bewildered. His abilities and powers had vanished. His soul techniques and energy were gone. Where had his strength gone?

"You're wasting your time," the buzz-cut man said. "In this place, all your abilities and sources of power are erased. It's nearly impossible to retain anything."

The pair acted roughly, showing no gentleness as they hoisted Chen Xuan out of the room.

"He's missing half his soul. You prepare the ingredients; I'll fetch the long-sealed cauldron."

"Just ingredients would be too plain. I'll grab some spices to make it tastier."

Hearing their conversation, Chen Xuan panicked. These two really intended to cook and eat him—it wasn't a joke.

When the two walked away, Chen Xuan mustered all his strength to resist, trying to escape this nightmare. But he failed. An invisible force held him in place, immobilizing him.

Defeated, Chen Xuan realized that no matter how much he tried, he couldn't gather chakra. As the buzz-cut man had said, his abilities and power had been wiped out.

"Everything's ready. Time to light the fire and boil some water."

Not long after, the pair returned, dragging Chen Xuan outside.

The courtyard was a traditional quadrangle, constructed from aged wood and spanning 500 to 600 square meters. Beyond the courtyard was a vast expanse of snow-covered land, stretching endlessly, with distant snow-capped mountains barely visible.

"What is this place?" Chen Xuan's eyes widened. He was dumbfounded. Before this, he had been in the cosmos, drawn in by an indescribable giant tree. Could this be the world behind its leaves?

Outside the courtyard, snowflakes fell thickly, and the cold wind howled. The vast expanse was draped in white, the ground blanketed with snow.

Despite the harsh and barren surroundings, a section near the courtyard thrived. Flowers and grass grew abundantly, their fragrance lingering in the air, unyielding to the freezing cold.

Chen Xuan was stunned again. The area around the courtyard seemed untouched by the ice and snow. What kind of miracle was this? Had he truly entered some transcendent world?

But he had no time to marvel. He was likely about to meet his end here.

Outside the courtyard, the man and woman set up a massive black cauldron, large enough to hold a person. They threw Chen Xuan in and began adding water.

Next, the silver-haired woman took out a basket filled with colorful ingredients, dumping them all into the cauldron.

"What the…!" Chen Xuan was losing it. He struggled desperately, but his hands were bound by an unknown force, making escape impossible.

He was on the verge of tears. He had thought being revived in this world meant a turn of fortune, only to find himself reduced to food for cannibalistic maniacs. It was enough to drive anyone mad.

Chapter 192: Summoning the Soul

In the land beyond the world, amidst an icy expanse, plum blossoms thrived in the cold, and lush greenery continued to bloom. Snow piled on the branches, contrasting beautifully with the crimson flowers—a unique and breathtaking sight.

Outside the courtyard, evergreen plants rooted themselves in the frosty ground, vibrant and alive. Blossoms of various colors exuded a faint fragrance, swaying gently in defiance of the bitter cold.

This enchanting scenery, though awe-inspiring, was lost on Chen Xuan. He was immersed in terror, having been thrown into a massive black cauldron, about to be boiled alive.

Faced with the loss of his dignity and life, Chen Xuan struggled desperately. Yet, his resistance was futile. For reasons tied to this strange land, his cultivation and abilities had been completely wiped away, leaving him as powerless as a common man.

The pair who had tossed him into the cauldron—a young man dressed in modern T-shirt and shorts and a silver-haired woman in a red, ancient-style gown and embroidered shoes—seemed like a bizarre juxtaposition of eras.

The silver-haired woman, slender and graceful, wore a faint, pleasant smile that suggested approachability. But Chen Xuan feared her deeply. Despite her beauty, she was adding strange ingredients to the cauldron and stoking the fire below it with unsettling enthusiasm.

"Sister, we don't have any grievances between us. Can't we just sit down and talk this out?" Chen Xuan pleaded, unable to stay calm as the water in the cauldron grew warmer.

At this rate, it wouldn't take long before he was fully cooked.

"Your soul is incomplete and requires treatment. Look at you—you've already become irritable," the silver-haired woman said, her long gown fluttering as she added more firewood to the hearth with a graceful kick.

Chen Xuan almost cursed aloud. Who wouldn't be irritated if they were being boiled alive? Anyone else in his position would've already gone mad.

"I feel perfectly fine! My soul is intact! Sister, please stop adding ingredients, and let's talk this out properly!" he said, trying his best to sound humble despite his panic.

However, the man and woman ignored him, continuing to feed the fire. The flames roared brighter, licking the base of the cauldron.

The water inside grew hotter, steam rising steadily. Chen Xuan's heart sank. Once the water boiled, he wouldn't last long. He had to find a way to save himself.

Calming his mind, he tried to sense the source of his power. To his astonishment, he discovered that the miniature world behind his heart had also accompanied him here.

Within the red-earth world, a plant emanated an ethereal aura, brimming with vitality. Its 36 leaves swayed gently, nurturing nine crimson fruits that glowed warmly.

"Strange… How did this thing come with me?" Chen Xuan wondered, shocked. The plant was supposed to be rooted in his physical body—how had it crossed an infinite distance to this place?

Perhaps he'd misunderstood. Perhaps it wasn't rooted in his body at all but in his soul.

Meanwhile, the water in the cauldron began to boil, steam pouring out in clouds. Ingredients floated to the surface, nearly cooked through.

At first, Chen Xuan felt an unbearable heat, but as he connected with the miniature world behind his heart, the sensation changed. The water no longer felt scalding; instead, it became strangely soothing, even comforting, as if it nourished his soul.

In this state, he found that he could move freely between his consciousness and the red-earth world. Immersed in the mystical realm, he was surrounded by tendrils of celestial energy, calming and revitalizing him.

Chen Xuan focused deeply, using the miraculous plant to re-establish a link with his physical body. To his amazement, he sensed a faint connection.

There was hope.

From this distant land, across an unfathomable void, he could feel his physical body. It was alive, brimming with vitality, its blood and life force rejuvenating—as if preparing for a rebirth.

"So, half of my soul really didn't come here!" Chen Xuan was stunned. He could vaguely perceive that a portion of his soul remained at the edge of the distant starry sea, still rooted in his body.

For a moment, he was lost in thought. The bizarre claims of the silver-haired woman and the young man now seemed to hold some truth.

On Douluo Star, deep within the Star Dou Forest.

In the center of a vast lake, on a small protruding island, stood a massive tree. Its lush green foliage radiated vitality, and its towering form was thriving.

Suddenly, the tree began to tremble, resonating with an unseen force. Its branches glowed as three streams of light—one red, one blue, and one black—emerged from its body, shimmering intensely.

The three streams of light emitted a powerful energy, as though awakened by an unknown force. With a flash, they disappeared into a layer of shimmering mist, vanishing entirely.

By the lake, the Sky Azure Bull Python and Titan Giant Ape were startled. They looked toward the island just in time to see the tail end of the light vanishing into the mist before the forest returned to calm.

"What was that?" The two hundred-thousand-year-old soul beasts stood alert. Something had appeared, only to vanish almost instantly.

The tree, a transformation of Chen Xuan after his death, seemed more vibrant than ever, its vitality far exceeding that of the past.

Back in the otherworldly icy realm.

Snow fell heavily, blanketing the harsh landscape. Yet, near the courtyard, the greenery flourished, flowers swaying gently amidst the snow.

"The soul has returned. It seems the summoning cauldron left behind by that one still works," the silver-haired woman said, halting her addition of firewood. A faint smile lingered on her pale face.

The cauldron's water boiled, its contents glowing with vibrant colors. Every ingredient was fully cooked.

Chen Xuan, still immersed in the red-earth world, succeeded in guiding his soul back into his spiritual body.

"It's back… my Mangekyo Sharingan." He opened his eyes, the iconic patterns of the Mangekyo flickering in his irises. His powers—chakra, soul energy, and spirit abilities—were flowing back into his soul.

With his three strongest powers restored, Chen Xuan regained a measure of confidence. Though he might not be a match for the strange duo, he could at least attempt an escape.

Lost in focus, he didn't notice the changes to his spiritual body. Black mist began seeping from his eyes, emitting a foul, decayed stench.

The buzz-cut man casually raised his hand, dispersing the black mist with a soft white light. "This is odd. His soul isn't corrupted, but the summoned soul body was tainted. That doesn't make sense."

The silver-haired woman frowned. "Even after countless eras, the summoning cauldron's effectiveness shouldn't degrade this much. And part of his soul still hasn't been summoned."

The two decided they needed to have a proper conversation with the young man when he woke.

Not long after, Chen Xuan completed his fusion and climbed out of the cauldron. The duo pulled him out and cast a simple spell to dry him off.

"So, can we talk now? Where is this place?" Chen Xuan asked, regaining some of his composure.

Though his cultivation level was gone, his chakra and soul energy had returned, and his Mangekyo Sharingan felt more potent than ever.

"No rush. Come inside and replenish yourself first—you've been gravely weakened," the silver-haired woman said, leading him back into the courtyard.

Chen Xuan hesitated, puzzled by the idea of eating in a spiritual state, but followed her into the house.

Meanwhile, the buzz-cut man stayed behind to clean up the firewood and hearth. The ingredients floating in the cauldron had dimmed, their vitality gone.

Chapter 193: Du

In the courtyard, though blanketed in snow, a few springs refused to freeze. Crystalline lotus leaves floated atop the pools, with buds just beginning to bloom, casting a faint pink glow over the scene.

Chen Xuan stood by a fiery pool where boiling lava churned, radiating immense heat. The sight of a magma pool in the middle of an icy world was as surreal as it was jarring.

Moving to another clear pool, Chen Xuan's eyes widened in shock. The water was pristine, yet it held no fish. Instead, blurry images surfaced within—reflections of countless realms, as if the pool was a portal to innumerable dimensions.

Within the pool, energy surged, bringing forth vivid, almost tangible scenes. Light shimmered across the surface, showcasing events so lifelike they seemed to unfold in real time.

Chen Xuan watched as a planet, radiant like the sun, came into view. It was brimming with immortal herbs, with fields of spiritual plants exuding vibrant hues and sweet fragrances. The sky above rained down radiant energy in a spectrum of colors. It was undoubtedly a divine garden, where even the simplest weed was infused with celestial energy capable of nurturing miracles.

He was stunned to see that even a single fruit growing along the roadside was a treasure far surpassing any immortal herb known in Douluo. This—this was true immortality.

Suddenly, a massive black net descended from the dark void of space, its countless sharp edges slicing through the planet like knives. In mere moments, the vibrant life-filled world was obliterated, reduced to a field of floating debris in the starry sea.

"These are fragments of the past," the silver-haired woman said, her smile fading into a somber expression. "Events that once played out."

Cold sweat drenched Chen Xuan. What kind of beings could destroy an entire planet in the blink of an eye? How terrifying must such power be?

The buzz-cut man, dressed in modern attire, approached and explained, "This pool has witnessed countless epochs. It was created by that one. It remains dormant unless someone connected to its cause and effect stumbles upon it."

"This pool is sentient," the silver-haired woman added. "It only reflects events tied to you in some way."

Chen Xuan turned back to the pool, watching the blurry images. A colossal black figure emerged, so vast it seemed to blot out the heavens. Its eyes burned like twin suns, exuding an oppressive presence that transcended time and space, making his hair stand on end.

The creature's sheer size was incomprehensible—comparable to an entire galaxy. It inhaled deeply, drawing in countless stars and their light, extinguishing them in an instant.

As it continued devouring the stellar energy, the surrounding galaxy dimmed, its celestial bodies losing their brilliance and succumbing to the creature's hunger.

"What is this thing? How could someone like me possibly have any connection to such a monster?" Chen Xuan swallowed hard. The thought alone was enough to chill him to the bone.

The creature, a gargantuan crimson bird with dull feathers that seemed drained of vitality, roamed the starry sea. Its immense size dwarfed nearby planets, which dimmed and crumbled as it absorbed their energy.

As the monstrous bird approached another cluster of stars, the universe suddenly shifted.

Shhh!

A dazzling sword light pierced through the void, illuminating the dark cosmos and slicing through the cold expanse of space with unparalleled brilliance.

A lone figure appeared, traversing the infinite void. Though separated by countless galaxies, the man stood atop another starry sea, raising his sword and striking at the colossal bird.

The sword light, radiant as a cascading river of stars, coiled around the bird's massive neck. In one swift motion, it severed the bird's head, sending the gigantic crimson avian crashing into the starry abyss.

Chen Xuan could only see the back of the swordsman, yet there was something hauntingly familiar about him. He strained to catch a glimpse of the man's face, but the pool's vision shifted before he could discern anything further.

The water stilled, the images vanished, and the pool returned to its calm state.

"No wonder half your soul made it to this world," the buzz-cut man remarked. "It seems you share some karmic connection with that one."

He gestured for Chen Xuan to follow him into the main hall, where a meal had been prepared.

Chen Xuan's curiosity grew. Who was this "one" they kept mentioning? Could it be someone he knew? He searched his memories, but no face or figure matched the swordsman in the pool.

Unable to make sense of it, he let the thought go, trusting that answers would come in time.

Seated at the table, his attention was drawn to the spread before him. The vibrant fruits and richly aromatic dishes looked almost otherworldly, their enticing scents filling the room.

"Please, help yourself," the buzz-cut man said with a gesture.

Still wary of the duo, Chen Xuan hesitated. He recalled how they had joked about cooking him earlier and couldn't fully trust them yet.

"Don't worry, it's safe to eat," the silver-haired woman said with a chuckle. She walked gracefully into the room, her smile playful. "It's been far too lonely here for millennia. We were just teasing you earlier."

The buzz-cut man explained matter-of-factly, "That cauldron was for summoning souls, not for cooking people. The ingredients we added were high-grade soul-nourishing materials. You've benefited greatly from it."

Hearing this, Chen Xuan had to admit he felt rejuvenated. His soul was lighter, his spirit fuller, and his energy more vibrant than ever. He realized that even his Mangekyo Sharingan and soul power had been restored through the process.

"I see… So what exactly is this place? And who are you two?" Chen Xuan finally asked.

The buzz-cut man replied, "This is a transfer station—a midpoint between worlds. Our clan was tasked with guiding people like you to the real world."

"The real world?" Chen Xuan echoed, confused.

The silver-haired woman nodded. "Think of the universes you know—the countless realms and parallel worlds—as fragments of the real world, corrupted and altered by foreign forces."

Chen Xuan's head spun. The idea of "real" and "illusory" worlds was too much to grasp. He muttered, "Are you saying everything I've experienced might not be real?"

The silver-haired woman's expression turned solemn. "It's not that simple. Your world and experiences are real, but they've been tampered with. Even if you break free, it's hard to carry over the power and memories from that world to the real one."

Chen Xuan exhaled in relief. As long as his world and the people he cared about weren't completely fabricated, that was enough for him.

"Who was that swordsman?" Chen Xuan asked again.

The duo exchanged glances, their brows furrowed. After a long silence, the buzz-cut man finally said, "Too much time has passed. We only know that his surname was… Du."

Chapter 194: Return

"Du?"

Chen Xuan was taken aback. Was that really the name of that one? It sounded oddly familiar.

"The ancestral records left behind by our forebears only mention that single character. The rest of the name seems to have been erased," the silver-haired woman said with a faint sigh.

Her clan had lived in this transfer station for countless generations, tasked with guiding those who broke through the boundaries of their worlds. They would cleanse these travelers of corruption before sending them to the real world. This mission was their sacred duty.

"I see." Chen Xuan's thoughts drifted. He suddenly recalled a childhood friend with the surname Du—Du Jun. They had grown up in the same time and space, but that was before Chen Xuan's own crossing into another world. The memory had almost faded completely.

The mention of that surname sparked familiarity, reminding him of his old friend. However, he quickly dismissed the idea that Du Jun and that one were the same. The two were on entirely different levels—such a notion was too absurd to consider.

His friend's story had been tragic. Orphaned at a young age, Du Jun had passed away due to overwork. In his final days, it had been their small circle of friends who had cared for him at his hospital bedside.

"Is there anything else you'd like to know?" the buzz-cut man in modern attire asked. His task was clear: to send Chen Xuan to the real world.

"Senior, I'm merely a soul now. I can't go to such a place. Please send me back to the world I came from," Chen Xuan replied earnestly.

Regardless of whether his experiences were real or just a dream, his heart was set on returning. There were people waiting for him, people he longed to see again.

The silver-haired woman shook her head gently, her voice soft but firm. "There's no need to worry. There are two ways to enter the real world. One is for those with a physical body, allowing direct passage. The other is through the path of reincarnation, suitable for souls like yours."

She explained that by walking the road of reincarnation, one could be reborn in the real world. Once their cultivation reached a certain level, they would regain their memories.

"Will I still be myself?" Chen Xuan asked hesitantly. The thought unsettled him, and he quickly rejected the idea. "Senior, my arrival here was an accident. Please, send me back to my world. Besides, I'm far too weak to shatter any worlds as you've described."

The notion of reincarnation or rebirth, abandoning his body for an unknown realm, didn't sit well with him.

"Do you have attachments in that world?" the buzz-cut man asked, his sharp gaze piercing through Chen Xuan's thoughts.

Without hesitation, Chen Xuan nodded. "Yes. My wife and child are there, as well as powerful enemies. I must return."

The silver-haired woman's eyes shimmered with silver light as she studied him. After a moment, she sighed. "Strengthen yourself. Don't become too attached to that place or its people. One day, when you've achieved unrivaled power, you may find it was all for naught."

Chen Xuan didn't share her pessimism. If he were to become truly invincible, how could he ever allow harm to come to those he cared about?

"Enough. If that day comes, you'll understand," the silver-haired woman said, shaking her head and dropping the subject.

"Since you were chosen by that one's confidante, we'll help you return," she added, her tone softening.

The buzz-cut man informed Chen Xuan that no one had ever returned from the transfer station before. Preparing a way back would take two days.

"Thank you!" Chen Xuan said sincerely, clasping his hands in gratitude.

The duo waved off his thanks, emphasizing that aiding those who reached the transfer station was their ancestral duty.

Before leaving, the silver-haired woman hesitated, then shared an important detail: time flowed differently here. One day in the transfer station equated to one year in the outside world.

"You've already slept here for three days. That means three years have passed in your world. When you return, five years will have gone by. Be prepared—what you hold dear may already have turned to dust."

With those parting words, the red-clad silver-haired woman left to make preparations.

Chen Xuan's heart sank. Five years—neither too short nor too long. It was a crucial period. Based on the trajectory of events in his world, it would coincide with the Spirit Hall's assault on the Star Dou Forest, the time of Xiao Wu's predestined calamity.

Whether by sacrifice or self-destruction, neither outcome was something he could accept. He had to stop it.

For the next two days, Chen Xuan stayed in the courtyard. The silver-haired woman prepared an abundance of nourishing food, all beneficial for his soul state.

Though grateful, Chen Xuan's anxiety overshadowed his appetite. He couldn't calm his restless mind.

When he pleaded for the process to be expedited, the pair reassured him that everything was on track. They were simply setting up an ancestral formation, which would be ready by the following day.

Chen Xuan expressed his heartfelt thanks, bowing repeatedly. He then consumed all the food prepared for him. The items, designed specifically for soul nourishment, worked wonders. His spirit became more radiant, his soul more purified, and his energy more vibrant.

By the end of the fifth day, the transfer array was complete. It was constructed in the snowy open air and resembled a pool of water. Though murky at the bottom, eight red banners were placed around its edge. Once activated, the pool emitted dense mist, revealing vague silhouettes and partial outlines within.

As the mist parted, the pool transformed into an inky abyss, resembling a massive black hole with no visible end.

Chen Xuan stared wide-eyed. Through the faint imagery, he glimpsed a cold universe, desolate starfields, and, amidst the void, the fiery sun and a blue-green planet—Douluo.

The buzz-cut man's voice turned stern. "The black matter within you has saved your life once, allowing you to reach this place. But it's a one-time protection. If you die again, there will be no return."

"Should you wish to escape your world again in the future, you'll need to grow strong enough to break its boundaries," the silver-haired woman added, offering final guidance and advice.

"Thank you!"

With a resolute heart, Chen Xuan stepped into the swirling abyss. His soul light was quickly swallowed, vanishing without a trace.

The transfer channel was precise, designed to return him to the star system he had come from. Yet, the journey was anything but serene.

Chen Xuan gasped as he traversed the chaotic starry sea. It was like a galactic junkyard, littered with remnants of unimaginable battles. He saw the severed hand of a colossal beast, tens of thousands of miles long, stained with black blood and dwarfing entire planets.

Nearby, an asteroid field spread like a miniature galaxy. Without the protection of the transfer channel, he might have been crushed.

Gripping his resolve, Chen Xuan accelerated through the passage. Like a beam of light, the channel tore through the cold void, slicing through time and space until he reached the edge of a life-sustaining planet.

Shrouded in light and mist, the channel completed its spatial leap, depositing him onto a vast forest within Douluo Star. He descended rapidly, plummeting toward the dense canopy below.

Chapter: 195

Author fucked up the numbering again, so just treat is as a placeholder.

Chapter 196: Rebirth

Douluo Planet, Star Dou Forest

The cycle of seasons continued. Over five years had passed since the conclusion of the All-Continent Soul Master Tournament.

In that time, the power dynamics of the continent had drastically shifted. Sects of all sizes were forced to take sides and merge with the major powers.

The original "Three Upper Sects" and "Seven Major Sects" were overthrown. Smaller sects that chose the wrong allegiance faced complete annihilation.

During these five years, the Spirit Hall's influence grew to unprecedented heights, becoming the strongest force on the continent. Their military strength was unmatched, striking fear into every sect and empire. Even the long-feuding Star Luo and Heaven Dou Empires were forced to consider an alliance in the face of their mutual existential threat.

Bibi Dong had been secretly preparing for years, launching the notorious "Soul Hunt Operation." The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, renowned for its unparalleled beast martial spirit, was struck in the dead of night. Countless disciples were slaughtered in their sleep, their throats slit without resistance.

In a single night, one of the Three Upper Sects was eradicated. Rivers of blood flowed as every member was killed, leaving no survivors. The sect leader met a particularly gruesome end; his head was severed, and two soul bones were taken from his body, leaving behind an incomplete corpse.

Over a thousand disciples of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan perished. All their treasures were looted, leaving nothing behind.

Only two members, Yu Tianheng and Yu Tianxin, survived by sheer luck. However, they dared not show their faces and were forced into hiding, constantly on the run.

When Liu Erlong heard the news, she was heartbroken. Tears streamed down her face as she cried like a helpless child. First, Xiao Gang had died, and now her clan was destroyed. She felt utterly alone in the world.

"Erlong, the dead cannot return. You must stay strong," Flender comforted her. He had long harbored feelings for Liu Erlong but had kept them hidden.

Five years ago, after Xiao Gang's death, Flender felt it was his responsibility to care for Liu Erlong. He believed that Xiao Gang's spirit in the afterlife would want her to move on and not live in solitude.

Over the years, Flender pursued Liu Erlong with great determination. Initially, she remained immersed in grief, ignoring his advances. However, time gradually healed her wounds, and she slowly began to accept his affection.

"Erlong, Xiao Gang's spirit will watch over us. He wouldn't want you to remain in such pain," Flender said boldly, pulling Liu Erlong into his embrace.

He vowed to avenge the Spirit Hall's atrocities, swearing to personally kill the ruthless Bibi Dong.

Liu Erlong, overwhelmed with grief, found herself moved by his words. After some resistance, she finally let herself rest in his arms.

Flender was overjoyed, holding her tightly. Looking to the heavens, he silently pledged, "Xiao Gang, rest in peace. I will take care of Erlong for you."

Meanwhile, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was also a primary target of the Soul Hunt Operation. Compared to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, they were slightly more fortunate. Although they suffered heavy losses, with most of their disciples killed or injured, a small number survived and sought refuge in Heaven Dou City.

With the sect destroyed, even Ning Fengzhi, a leader of the former Upper Sects, had no choice but to align with the Heaven Dou Empire, bringing along the remnants of his disciples.

Thankfully, Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo survived. As the teacher of Crown Prince Xue Qinghe and father of Ning Rongrong, the champion of the last tournament, Ning Fengzhi managed to secure a position of influence within the Heaven Dou Imperial Court.

Five years had passed, and the Shrek Seven Devils returned from their training, now adults. Each had made significant progress in both soul power and appearance.

Once plain-looking, Tang San had transformed into a handsome young man with striking blue hair and a strong, confident demeanor, even surpassing Dai Mubai in looks.

Despite his growth, Tang San still could not forget Xiao Wu. Determined to reunite with her, he decided to journey to the Star Dou Forest, not only to see his beloved but also to acquire his sixth soul ring.

Although his soul power was currently at fifty-nine, he had spent a year studying etiquette at Yue Xuan and had accumulated sufficient foundation to break through to level sixty during his journey.

Tang San had also learned from Qin Ming that Chen Xuan had died five years ago. According to Flender and Liu Erlong, they had personally executed the despicable man to avenge Yu Xiaogang.

"Chen Xuan, the headmaster and Erlong were far too merciful, letting you die so easily. If it were up to me, I'd make you suffer a fate worse than death!" Tang San gritted his teeth, convinced that someone as vile as Chen Xuan deserved endless torment.

Yet, upon reflection, Tang San felt a sense of relief. He realized that since Chen Xuan had died five years ago, Xiao Wu had only been violated once. In his eyes, this didn't tarnish her purity too much.

Accepting the thought, Tang San smiled to himself, his mood brightening. He reasoned that as long as he killed Chen Xuan's bastard child, no one would ever know Xiao Wu had been pregnant.

"Xiao Wu, wait for me. Third Brother is coming to find you," Tang San murmured, his heart brimming with anticipation.

As night fell, he bid farewell to Ning Fengzhi and Flender before setting off for the Star Dou Forest.

At the same time, a team of over thirty powerful soul masters, all above Soul Emperor rank, was also heading toward the forest. Among them were Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan, members of the Spirit Hall's Golden Generation, accompanied by Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo. Their mission was to capture the escaped hundred-thousand-year-old Soft Bone Rabbit.

Five Days Later, Deep Within the Star Dou Forest

On a small island in the center of a lake, thick fog suddenly enveloped the area. Space began to twist, and a burst of light shot out, piercing into a towering tree.

The tree glowed brilliantly, illuminating half the island. However, the dense fog obscured the light, preventing it from spreading outward.

Chen Xuan's soul returned. Resonating with his physical body within the tree, his soul began to merge with the other half that remained in this world.

Having consumed unique resources in the external realm, Chen Xuan's soul had undergone purification and ascension. The fusion process was slow and required further purification of his remaining soul fragments.

"Is this… Hashirama Cells?"

Gradually regaining sensation, Chen Xuan noticed the unusual vitality coursing through his body.

"It seems Zhuqing brought the Hashirama Cells here after my death," he mused, quickly piecing together what had happened.

With his soul energy still containing remnants of those special substances, Chen Xuan began refining the Hashirama Cells, attempting to purify them further and potentially develop the Sage Body and perfect Wood Release abilities.

After several hours, his connection to his physical body deepened. Slowly opening his eyes, he found himself in total darkness, unable to see his own hand before him.

"Am I blind? No, my Mangekyo Sharingan has already recovered."

As his senses gradually returned, Chen Xuan felt immense eye power flowing through his vision—vast and inexhaustible, like a great river.

Hours later, his hearing, smell, and other senses fully recovered, and his soul and body had nearly completed their fusion.

He finally realized he was encased within a massive tree, over a hundred meters tall and thick as a water tank. Its trunk wrapped tightly around him, encasing him entirely.

"This tree has stored five years' worth of vitality. Just what I need to restore my body's activity," Chen Xuan murmured.

Opening his arms, he allowed his cells to absorb the tree's life energy.

The massive tree began to wither rapidly as its vitality drained away. Leaves turned yellow and fell as the towering trunk shrank and weakened.

Chen Xuan felt incredible comfort as warmth spread through his body. His cells brimmed with energy, as if rejoicing.

It was a feeling of true rebirth.

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