Chapter 13: "God-Slaying!"
"Clang!"
[Custom Godhood Trial 100, Trial 45!]
[The God Realm requires an invincible Law Enforcement Team. Host, please assemble a Law Enforcement Team belonging exclusively to the self-created God Realm!]
[Please go to Douluo Continent to select a Spirit Master team, and lead them to victory in a certain Spirit Master tournament!]
[Note: The team members' martial souls must not be lower than top-tier martial souls! Furthermore, they must possess divinity!]
[Successful completion of the trial will reward the corresponding divine position!]
[Failure of the trial will reduce the self-created Godhood rank by one level!]
...
Staring at the system prompts, Yu Yuanshi fell into deep thought.
"Assemble a Spirit Master team?"
Countless figures flashed through his mind.
At the very top of the list were the Shrek Seven Monsters, followed by the Heaven Dou Imperial...
There was no need to even consider the teams from Spirit Hall.
"There are plenty of people with top-tier martial souls; assembling a team should be easy."
Yu Yuanshi thought, already having a target in mind.
Some people would be wasted if not utilized.
"If I directly merge Liu Erlong's academy into the clan, and then have the Shrek Seven Monsters become my team, everything will naturally fall into place."
This was the safest method.
"No..."
Yu Yuanshi shook his head. He had major uses for the Shrek Seven Monsters, which concerned the majority of his layout, so they shouldn't be moved just yet.
Destroying Tang San was inferior to making Tang San work for him. Besides, he had already left a contingency plan; if the other party became a God King in the future, then the Douluo God Realm...
"Hmm... perhaps there are two or even three plans?"
Yu Yuanshi nodded slightly and pondered:
"If Liu Erlong's academy remains unchanged in its history, but is subordinated to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, then the Shrek Seven Monsters are still mine... I can also form another team in the clan's name, or let Dugu Bo form one. These teams will likewise belong to me. No matter which one wins the championship, I will still complete the task!"
"I'm a fucking genius!"
"Even though it smells a bit like exploiting a bug."
System: "..."
Yu Yuanshi chuckled cheerfully: "Let's do it this way!"
"However, I still have more important things to do right now."
At this thought, his figure trembled, and he abruptly shot up into the sky.
Boom—! Watching him fly away from the Sunset Forest, heading directly towards Spirit Hall, both Yu Yuanzhen and Yu Luomian wore tight expressions.
Dugu Bo was exceptionally skilled at reading people's expressions.Noticing their moods, he hurriedly asked, "Two Your Majesties [Mianxia], may I ask where the Clan Head is going..."
Dugu Bo was unaware of Yu Yuanshi's status within the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, but since both Yu Yuanzhen and Yu Luomian had to obey him, he could only be the Clan Head.
Neither Yu Yuanzhen nor Yu Luomian paid this any mind.
"Old Poison, there's no need to be so formal," Yu Luomian waved a hand, then looked towards the direction Yu Yuanshi had taken, saying, "Third Brother is going to Spirit Hall, probably to settle a score..."
"Settle a score?!" Dugu Bo's eyebrows twitched.
Pondering for a moment, he suddenly looked up at the two of them and cried out in shock, "Could it be that Mianxia is the person who confronted the two deities?!"
Yu Yuanzhen and Yu Luomian took a deep breath and nodded in tacit agreement.
Dugu Bo instantly turned to stone.
...
Meanwhile.
Yu Yuanshi sped along the road to Spirit Hall.
A full month had already passed since his last battle with the two deities.
Now that his entire body had undergone a metamorphosis, he needed to test his full strength.
The best way to do so was with the divine powers left behind on Douluo Continent! "Last time I consumed the power of two of your deities, this time I want to see..."
His gaze burned brightly: "I refuse to believe I can't even beat a projection!"
Boom—! In less than a quarter of an hour, Yu Yuanshi descended upon Spirit City.
After the previous incident, Spirit City was now under heavily fortified security; even a fly would be stripped down and searched.
Of course, such strict security was only aimed at the weak, or those who dared not defy Spirit Hall.
As for the strong...
"Heh heh..." Yu Yuanshi let out a fierce, chilling laugh, then donned a black cloak, his voice gloomy: "It's time to leave behind some legends!"
His figure flashed, and he appeared high above Spirit City.
"God-Slaying Spear!"
Without the slightest hesitation, Yu Yuanshi summoned the God-Slaying Spear.
Immediately afterward, a monstrous might descended upon Spirit City, like a hurricane sweeping across the heavens and earth, blowing everyone into a state of panic.
"Angel God! Rakshasa God!"
Yu Yuanshi directly shouted defiantly: "Do you dare come out and fight me?!"
Boom—! The terrifying pressure emitted by the God-Slaying Spear caused the heavens and earth to shake.
Above Spirit Hall, countless Spirit Masters shot up into the sky.
A full dozen or more! At their head was none other than Qian Daoliu. Not only in Spirit Hall, but any Spirit Master who had attained the rank of Titled Douluo also sensed this terrifying aura at this moment.
The mainland, the ocean, Spirit Masters, Spirit Beasts... all turned their gazes toward the direction of Spirit Hall.
In the void, Qian Daoliu's expression was grave: "Who on earth is Your Excellency?!"
The other party's aura made his heart palpitate. He could guarantee that if he were to fight him, it wouldn't last a single move.
'Since when did such a powerhouse appear on Douluo Continent?!'
his heart was churning with giant waves.
Qian Daoliu, who considered himself invincible in the world, had no choice but to re-examine himself at this moment.
There were simply too many unknown entities! Facing his question, Yu Yuanshi did not respond, but continued to shout, "Rakshasa God! Angel God! Do you dare to fight!"
Almost the moment his words fell, two stern shouts rang out simultaneously from within Spirit Hall.
"Audacious!"
Immediately following, divine might descended upon the world! Two illusory figures stood tall between heaven and earth—one a purplish-black figure, the other a golden, holy-light-colored figure.
Rakshasa God! Angel God! All the Spirit Masters present prostrated themselves on the ground. Regardless of their rank, every single one of them fell to their knees, gazing with reverence at the two illusory figures.
The two deities looked down upon Yu Yuanshi from afar, their voices ice-cold.
"Having seen heavenly gods, why do you not bow!"
"Heh heh..." Yu Yuanshi let out a spine-chilling laugh: "Mere brats, how dare you call yourselves gods?!"
Boom—! Without any wasted words, the God-Slaying Spear whistled outward.
"God-Slaying Domain!"
Buzz—! A blood-red domain bloomed, covering the heavens and earth, forming an inescapable net that dragged the illusions of the Angel God and the Rakshasa God directly into it.
"Insolent!" The Rakshasa God's eyes widened in anger, raising her hand to suppress Yu Yuanshi. However, the moment her power was released, it was swallowed by an invisible force.
The Rakshasa God's expression shifted slightly: "Angel, this domain is bizarre..."
The Angel God's eyes similarly revealed gravity: "Let us join forces and kill him immediately!"
However, before either of them could formulate a plan, a black shadow appeared right before their eyes.
Yu Yuanshi had already flashed in front of the two gods at some unknown moment, grinning savagely: "Still discussing?"
As he spoke, the God-Slaying Spear had already whistled forth.
"Not good!" The Rakshasa God reacted extremely quickly, shoving the Angel God forward.
"Rakshasa?!" The Angel God was startled and furious.
Yet it was all too late.
The God-Slaying Spear pierced deeply into her body, and the terrifying power instantly engulfed her, turning her directly into a patch of golden mist that dissipated into nothingness.
"There really is something bizarre about this!" The Rakshasa God's pupils contracted sharply.
She dared not face the opponent directly.
"Trying to buy time?" Yu Yuanshi saw through her purpose at a glance.
Realizing her intentions had been exposed, the Rakshasa God snorted coldly: "Mortal ant, your domain certainly cannot last much longer. When that time comes, this deity will slaughter you like a dog!"
Yu Yuanshi scoffed dismissively: "Then let's see if you even have that chance!"
With that, he looked up to the heavens and roared: "Ancestral Dragon!"
"Roar—!"
An aura not the least bit inferior to the God-Slaying Spear pressed down like the crushing deep sea, instantly causing the Rakshasa God's movements to sluggishly slow.
"What?!" The Rakshasa God's eyelids violently jumped.
It could restrict a god?! "You cannot escape!" Yu Yuanshi sneered, the God-Slaying Spear and the Ancestral Dragon forming a pincer formation as they moved to intercept and kill the Rakshasa God.
The Rakshasa God gritted her teeth; under such a strike, she simply couldn't dodge!
Thus, she raised her head and roared furiously: "Mortal, when my true body descends, I will surely cast you into the abyss of eternal damnation!"
Yu Yuanshi scoffed: "Wait until your true body descends for that!"
Boom—! The long spear roared.
Roar—! The dragon soul howled.
"Bang!"
The illusion of the Rakshasa God was shattered instantly.
Yu Yuanshi put away his martial soul, and the God-Slaying Domain vanished, while beads of sweat the size of soybeans drenched his entire body.
His power was exhausted! In Spirit City, everyone looked up at the sky, expecting the deities to execute the defiant rebel.
However, once the domain dispersed, only Yu Yuanshi in his black robe stood proudly in the empty air.
"Wh-What?!"
Everyone's jaws dropped, their pupils losing all color.
The gods they revered... had lost! "Hmph!" Yu Yuanshi waved his hand, withdrawing the pressure of heaven and earth.
"My name is: God-Slayer!"
With that, he flicked his robe and his figure vanished.
Just kidding; if he didn't run now, the Angel God and Rakshasa God would descend with their avatars again.
And after today, another legend would spread across Douluo Continent.
...
The following chapter begins entering the plot of the original novel's opening.
Chapter 14: Both Are Experts at Picking Up Children
Chapter 14: Both Are Experts at Picking Up Children
Six years later.
The legend of the "God-Slayer" still circulated across Douluo Continent.
He had killed a god!
Even if it was only a god's illusion, it was still shockingly terrifying.
And this legend grew up alongside a new batch of young people about to awaken their martial souls.
Though their faith in the gods was deeply rooted, hearing the story inevitably caused some to harbor wavering doubts.
Perhaps... they too could slay a god? Carrying such a belief, the rising generation showed the momentum of brewing into a tsunami...
Meanwhile, along with this legend, the landscape of Douluo Continent was also quietly changing, with shifting winds and undercurrents surging.
Presently, Spirit Hall was in its heyday, faintly showing the momentum of overriding the entire continent; the two great empires were gathering numerous powerhouses, seemingly on the verge of war; among the upper three sects, the Clear Sky School lived in seclusion, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect shone brilliantly, and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan remained low-key and steady.
In addition, many formidable forces had emerged across the continent, by no means weaker than the upper three sects, each backed by seated Titled Douluos.
...
Spirit Hall.
Ever since Bibi Dong became the successor of the Rakshasa God, the internal situation of Spirit Hall had undergone a drastic transformation, with more than half of the Titled Douluos turning away from the darkness to the light.
Bibi Dong's Pope's Palace and Qian Daoliu's Elders' Palace stood in confrontation with each other.
"What's the situation over at the Elders' Palace?"
High upon her throne, Bibi Dong wore a stern expression.
Compared to back then, the woman had gained a bit more maturity.
Chrysanthemum Douluo stepped forward and said, "The First Elder has privately picked up quite a few children, presumably wanting to heavily cultivate a batch of youngsters."
Bibi Dong's beautiful eyes flickered: "How many unregistered children has the Pope's Palace found this time?"
Ghost Douluo stepped forward to report: "Twenty-six, they are currently awaiting awakening..."
"Good!" Bibi Dong stood up, her aura compelling, and waved her hand grandly: "Today I will personally go to observe. If there are any suitable individuals, I will take them as disciples!"
Upon hearing this, Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluos trembled slightly.
A familiar scene.
The two glanced sideways at one another, hoping they wouldn't follow in Qian Xunji's footsteps.
...
Holy Spirit Village.
Tang Hao spent his days drinking away his sorrows; in the eyes of outsiders, he was entirely useless.
Bang! "Tang Hao!"
Old Jack kicked the door open, first blocking his nose with a hand, then peering around the room with twitching eyes before his gaze finally landed on the bed and the slovenly figure upon it.
"Today is Little San's martial soul awakening day, how could you let him go work!"
Old Jack cursed angrily.
In Holy Spirit Village, if asked who he had the highest hopes for, it was definitely Tang San; that child was obedient, sensible, and took charge of the household at a young age.
Yet he happened to have a drunkard for a father!
"Grandpa Village Chief!"
At this moment, a ringing call came from outside.
Old Jack turned his head and spotted Tang San carrying firewood. Instantly, his wrinkled face bunched up into a ball as he barked, "Little San, hurry and put down the firewood, come with Grandpa to awaken your martial soul! You might just become a Spirit Master!"
"Martial soul? Spirit Master?" Tang San looked puzzled.
Old Jack patiently explained: "Spirit Masters all possess their own soul power. According to the strength of their soul power, they are divided into ten titles.
"Every title is further divided into ten ranks. The very beginning of the entry level is called Spirit Scholar; as long as one's martial soul has awakened, everyone is a Spirit Scholar.
"If the martial soul can be cultivated and the soul power reaches the eleventh rank, one enters the next title, known as a Spirit Master. Following that are Grand Spirit Master..."
"Spirit Scholar, Spirit Master, Grand Spirit Master, Spirit Grandmaster, Spirit Ancestor, Soul King, Spirit Emperor, Spirit Saint, Spirit Douluo, and Titled Douluo."
Saying this, Old Jack's eyes flickered: "The name of our Douluo Continent comes from this. Legend has it that Titled Douluos who reach level ninety and above can choose their own titles; they are simply invincible existences!"
Pausing for a moment, pride suddenly crept onto Old Jack's face as he gave a thumbs-up: "The reason our Holy Spirit Village is called Holy Spirit Village is because a Spirit Saint appeared here back in the day!"
Bang! The sound of a shattering wine bottle came from within. Old Jack and Tang San turned to look at Tang Hao, who rolled over and gave them the white of his eyes, saying, "Old Jack, that's just a legend!"
With that, he picked up his iron hammer and hammered away "clang, clang" on a piece of red-hot iron, sending sparks flying everywhere.
"Tang Hao!" Old Jack was so angry his mustache twitched, pointing right at him as he cursed: "What do you mean by just a legend? You've been in the village for six years now, you should understand the status that Spirit Saint holds in our hearts. If you let me hear you insult Lord Spirit Saint again, I'll banish you from the village."
Pausing his words, he turned his head back to Tang San and smiled warmly: "If it weren't for Little San's sake, do you think I'd be willing to come to this dog kennel of yours?"
With that, he directly grabbed Tang San's hand and pulled him outside.
"Little San, you must become a Spirit Master in the future!"
Old Jack chattered as they walked.
Yet Tang San remained indifferent, instead looking back at Tang Hao.
Seeing this, Old Jack roared: "Tang Hao!"
Tang Hao dug into his ear and said impatiently, "Go on, don't delay cooking!"
Tang San scratched his head and followed Old Jack away.
No one noticed that the moment the two of them left, a figure reappeared in the exact spot they had previously occupied.
Yu Yuanshi nodded: "...Everything is still normal."
Turning back, Tang Hao was completely oblivious to him, blindly hammering the red-hot iron.
"Everything is on track, it's time for me to find suitable people to form a Spirit Master team."
Yu Yuanshi pondered briefly, "Yu Tianheng, Yu Tianxin—these two have decent talent, but they cannot be cultivated together."
"Yu Tianheng can be heavily cultivated...Zhu Zhuqing can be intercepted, Dugu Yan, Nine Heart Begonia's Ye Lingling, Meng Yiran... offense, control, healing, agility attack... As for the other systems?"
Yu Yuanshi's eyes narrowed slightly: "The best defense is offense. If I use the divine liquid to elevate the quality of their martial souls, and the team has no defensive or auxiliary systems, what happens if we only attack and never defend?"
"Hmm... perhaps it's worth a try." He nodded and took a step forward: "As for now, though, Bibi Dong picked up Hu Liena and her group, and Shrek picked up Tang San and the others, why shouldn't I pick some up?"
With this thought, he vanished on the spot.
...
Star Luo Empire, the Zhu Family.
The two Zhu sisters possessed peerless beauty and were admired by all.
Yet no one knew that their identities and births dictated everything in their future.
Beneath the clear blue sky, Zhu Zhuqing squatted under a peach tree, her heart filled with conflicting emotions.
Smart from a young age, she was well aware of her fate.
To marry into the Star Luo imperial family!
Yet she did not want this; she desired freedom—a freedom where her destiny was controlled by herself!
"Why? Why must I be born into such a family?"
Her youthful face, which ought not to have harbored such emotions, was currently filled with anger and unwillingness.
"Little girl, are you angry?"
Just as Zhu Zhuqing clenched her fists tightly, a voice sounded from behind her.
Startled, she flashed and leaped several meters away.
Raising her head, her gaze locked onto a towering, majestic figure.
"Who are you?!" Zhu Zhuqing frowned.
This was the Zhu Family estate; absolutely no one should be able to enter soundlessly.
Unless... they were a Titled Douluo!
"Do you want to become stronger? Do you want to completely take control of your own destiny?"
Yu Yuanshi did not answer her question, instead posing one of his own.
Zhu Zhuqing froze.
"Don't rush to answer me," Yu Yuanshi took out two brocade pouches—one red, one gold—and said, "The red pouch can save your life once, and the golden pouch can elevate the quality of your martial soul..."
Pausing, he smiled lightly: "If you want to take your destiny into your own hands, come find me at the "Extreme Academy"!"
With that, without giving her the slightest chance to respond, Yu Yuanshi vanished directly, leaving only the two brocade pouches in Zhu Zhuqing's hands.
"This..."
Zhu Zhuqing stared at the two pouches and fell into deep thought.
...