Word Count: 2,723 Words
******
Night deepened, yet the Qingse Hotel remained ablaze with light.
Two Evil Douluo sat across from each other, a lavish array of exquisite dishes and wine spread between them. The air hung thick with tantalizing aromas that stirred the appetite.
"Brother Death Abyss, another toast!"
Nangong Wan raised his cup to Ling Bai, his face wreathed in a warm, affable smile.
"You flatter me, Brother Nangong."
Ling Bai returned the smile, gently swirling the wine in his cup.
Each man harbored his own agenda. Even Evil Spirit Masters valued personal connections, and Nangong Wan believed that befriending a Super Evil Douluo with an ultimate attribute was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Surely, only good could come of it.
Ling Bai, for his part, had set his sights on the Duskwater Alliance under Nangong Wan's control. The alliance reigned as the Sun Moon Empire's undisputed premier underground force, having accumulated countless riches over the years. They could even afford to hand out Class 9 Stationary Spirit Cannon shells as rewards!
Such ill-gotten wealth, naturally, must be cleansed by an angel!
The two exchanged toast after toast, each deliberately cultivating an atmosphere of harmony and friendship.
Once the mood had been properly established, Nangong Wan could contain himself no longer. "Brother Death Abyss, I'll be frank. Our Holy Cult's Leader, Zhongli Wu, thirsts for talent, and you are the one he desires most!
There's no time like the present. Allow me to introduce you tonight?"
"Then I'll trouble you for the introduction, Brother Nangong!"
Ling Bai's eagerness to enter the Holy Spirit Cult was no less than Nangong Wan's. Side by side, the two soared through the night sky toward the Holy Cult's headquarters.
The headquarters was hidden deep underground beneath the edge of the Evildemon Forest, near Mingdu. After landing, Nangong Wan cast an envious look at the Death Abyss Bone Dragon.
"Brother Death Abyss, that bone dragon of yours from Martial Spirit Mimicry is remarkably convenient. It's like you're always maintaining your Martial Spirit Avatar at peak condition."
Martial Spirit Mimicry was a state in which a Spirit Master absorbed a spirit ring of the same species as their Martial Spirit. This allowed the Martial Spirit to become independent and exist separately from its master.
It was not some secret technique; even back during the Continental Elite Spirit Master Academy Tournament, the twin-control ice and fire Spirit Master from the Thousand Spirits team had chosen this path. Nangong Wan simply assumed Ling Bai preferred commanding his mimicked Martial Spirit in battle.
"Each approach has its merits."
Ling Bai offered no correction, letting the misconception stand. "Mimicry allows the Martial Spirit to remain manifested indefinitely, but the price is losing the physical enhancements of Martial Spirit Manifestation. You're left relying entirely on your Martial Spirit to protect your frail body."
"Hahaha! After using Martial Spirit Manifestation for so long, I sometimes wonder what a different style would feel like!"
Nangong Wan laughed heartily as he led the way, an imperceptible gleam flashing through his eyes as he secretly committed Ling Bai's words to memory.
A frail body.
They reached an unremarkable clearing at the forest's edge. Nangong Wan triggered a hidden mechanism, and a metal door rose with a grinding rumble. Lowering his voice, he intoned solemnly:
"The Saint Maiden's beauty is eternal, the Holy Emperor's life is without end."
Beep, beep, beep!
The password was accepted, and the metal doors thundered apart to reveal the Holy Spirit Cult's true headquarters: a palace complex that could only be described as magnificent sprawled across the underground space.
The Holy Spirit Cult occupied over a thousand acres, constructed entirely from solid granite with decorations of the utmost luxury.
Ling Bai stepped into the Holy Spirit Cult, the corners of his mouth curving upward in a grin harder to suppress than an AK-47's recoil.
Who could possibly understand this feeling? A Seraphim has entered the Evil Spirit Masters' main base!
The underground space teemed with Evil Spirit Masters and Holy Servants, numbering at least a thousand with cultivation ranging from three to seven rings. Ling Bai could not help but wonder: if he turned them all to pulp, how much would his spirit power skyrocket?
A dozen figures descended from above. Their leader cut an impressive figure with neatly combed white hair swept back from his face and a kindly smile that made him seem instantly trustworthy.
"Death Abyss Douluo, the Holy Cult has long admired your reputation."
"Cult Leader Zhongli, the pleasure is mine."
Ling Bai's tone remained calm, though he could sense the tidal surge of spirit power within the old man, no less solid than what he had sensed from Body Sect Master Du Busi. The man's identity was self-evident.
Holy Spirit Cult Leader, Zhongli Wu.
Arrayed behind Zhongli Wu were the Cult's Elders and Worships, each one an Evil Douluo whose name could stop children from crying at night. Most striking was the bewitching woman at Zhongli Wu's side: the Deputy Cult Leader, Rank 97 Evil Phoenix Douluo Feng Ling.
Ling Bai surveyed the 'dishes and snacks' before him, his eyes lingering on the Evil Phoenix Douluo for a few extra seconds.
This was not born from common male lust. After all, she was no longer young. He was simply curious about what kind of charm she possessed to make both Zhongli Wu and Yan Shaozhe, the uncle-nephew pair, fall for her.
Her looks went without saying; she was a top-tier beauty. Most eye-catching were the dark red patterns that extended from the corners of her eyes to her temples, lending her an allure that made hearts itch with unbearable desire.
Meanwhile, the Holy Cult's Evil Douluo were sizing up the infamous Death Abyss Douluo, rumored to be the continent's number one Evil Spirit Master.
Their gazes fell to the Death Abyss Bone Dragon at Ling Bai's feet: its mighty skeletal frame, death-scythe crimson claws, and domineering dragon might spreading unchecked. The experts among them nodded repeatedly in approval.
Zhongli Wu glanced at Scorpion Tiger Douluo Zhang Peng. Receiving the signal, Zhang Peng immediately stepped forward, contempt curling his lips as he provoked:
"Death Abyss Douluo, this seat is Holy Cult Worship, Scorpion Tiger Zhang Peng. I hear you're quite strong; even Taotie Douluo Elder Xuan fell to you. Care to exchange a few moves with me?"
This was Zhongli Wu's predetermined plan. Though Death Abyss Douluo's battle record spoke volumes, seeing was believing. He wanted to witness Death Abyss Douluo's abilities firsthand and had arranged for a direct challenge.
As Cult Leader and Deputy, he and Feng Ling could not risk the Holy Cult losing face in defeat. Zhang Peng, a Worship with spirit power matching Death Abyss Douluo at Rank 96, made the perfect candidate.
If Zhang Peng won, it proved Death Abyss Douluo was all reputation and no substance, and they would treat him as an ordinary subordinate thereafter.
If Zhang Peng lost, it confirmed Death Abyss Douluo lived up to his legend. His status would rise accordingly, and his strength would silence the veteran Evil Douluo, allowing Zhongli Wu to confidently assign him lucrative missions.
No matter who won or lost, the Holy Spirit Cult could happily accept either outcome.
Ling Bai guessed Zhongli Wu's little scheme with a slight shift of thought. However, this fight was an open plot. Meeting the searchlight gazes of over a dozen Evil Douluo, he said indifferently:
"This seat accepts your challenge."
At this, Zhongli Wu coughed lightly and put on a show of concern. "Scorpion Tiger, Death Abyss, we are all Evil Spirit Masters here. There is no need to be at each other's throats right after meeting. Harmony is precious…
If you must fight, remember to do it high up in the sky. Our base could only be built underground in the Evildemon Forest thanks to the Evil Emperor. Do not disturb the Evil Emperor's slumber."
Both men snorted coldly and shot skyward as twin streaks of light, bursting from the Holy Cult's base into the clouds. The Holy Cult's Evil Spirit Masters followed eagerly, positioning themselves to witness the clash between two Super Evil Douluo.
Though calling them two Super Evil Douluo was not entirely accurate, because Zhang Peng was not technically an Evil Spirit Master. He merely consumed spirit beast blood to aid his cultivation.
Back then, Dragon Emperor Douluo Mu En had personally acted to apprehend Zhang Peng. After a detailed investigation, he found the evil aura on him was minuscule and waved his hand to let him go. Zhang Peng later joined the Holy Spirit Cult regardless.
The two men's auras pierced the heavens. Dark clouds gathered as far as the eye could see, and lightning constantly struck around them like bizarre giant trees plunging from the sky into the clouds.
The provocation had come at Zhongli Wu's request; Zhang Peng himself harbored no intention of underestimating Death Abyss Douluo. His hands came together before his chest as nine spirit rings rose—two yellow, two purple, five black. His seventh ring blazed instantly, transforming him into a massive black tiger.
The tiger stretched over fifteen meters long, its tail raised high with a scorpion-like stinger gleaming darkly at its tip. Clouds gathered beneath Zhang Peng's feet as his dark purple beast eyes radiated fierce light.
The Death Abyss Bone Dragon took a careful look. Isn't this the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger?
No wait, the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger wasn't this lame!
At best, this is a miniature version!
No matter, I'll treat it like the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger!
The only time the Death Abyss Bone Dragon had ever suffered a loss was against the 100,000-year Dark Demon Evil God Tiger in the Star Dou Forest. It had memorized that aura deeply. Now facing Scorpion Tiger Douluo Zhang Peng, it would treat this as practice for its revenge!
Nine spirit rings manifested—gray, black, black, black, black, black, red, red, red. Even accounting for the secret techniques Evil Spirit Masters used to enhance ring ages, the configuration disguised by the Thousand Illusion Charming Appearance shocked the assembled Evil Douluo.
Zhongli Wu stared intently at the gray ring, his inner thoughts unreadable.
The Death Abyss Bone Dragon's battle intent soared. Ling Bai naturally would not suppress its desires. The Spirit Master world's rule was simple: might makes right. Only by crushing the Scorpion Tiger Douluo head-on could he order freely from the Holy Spirit Cult's menu in the future!
The fourth spirit ring flared with intense light. The Death Abyss Bone Dragon started with Eternal Scar!
Dragon claws crossed to slash out blood-red, X-shaped light blades. Space itself seemed to collapse as the sky instantly darkened. Zhang Peng's face drained of color.
Are you kidding me? This damn thing is a 10,000-year spirit skill?!
He let out a hoarse tiger's roar, and countless beast roars echoed in response. The eighth spirit ring bloomed with a deep black light as shadows continuously emerged from the dark clouds. They were spirit beasts of various forms, all pouncing toward Ling Bai with mournful howls.
Among the watching Evil Spirit Masters, Rank 93 Holy Spirit Cult Worship Blood Demon Douluo stroked his beard in amazement:
"Old Zhang is under heavy pressure. That Scorpion Tiger Martial Spirit is a subspecies of the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger, an absolutely top-tier Martial Spirit. Few in the Holy Cult can suppress him at an equal rank. Death Abyss Douluo truly is remarkable!"
A fourth spirit skill against an eighth. On the surface, Death Abyss Douluo held the complete advantage. Nangong Wan secretly pumped his fist in excitement. His relationship with Zhang Peng was average, but he felt an instant kinship with Death Abyss Douluo after their banquet. With a few more gifts, they might even become sworn brothers. He naturally hoped for Death Abyss Douluo's victory.
Zhang Peng's eighth spirit skill was called Twelve Beast Envoys. It released beast souls formed from his combined spiritual and spirit power, its core consisting of twelve 10,000-year beast souls he had tempered over many years.
Beast souls possessed extreme resistance with dual physical and spiritual attack capabilities, and Zhang Peng could also infiltrate any beast soul at will for surprise attacks!
He sacrificed one beast soul to redirect the Eternal Scar. Just as he prepared to launch his usual assault, however, piercing screams suddenly erupted. The beast souls reacted as if encountering their absolute nemesis, crying out in panic as they tried to flee.
Zhang Peng's expression shifted to horror. He felt his painstakingly refined beast souls violently resisting, even breaking free from his control to scatter in all directions.
He frantically turned toward Ling Bai. It could only be this guy's doing!
Twin evil demonic flames danced in Ling Bai's black eyes. With each breath, they formed a massive crimson vortex like a spinning black hole, greedily devouring all surrounding souls!
Death Abyss Spider Emperor's Ultimate Talent: Soul Devouring!
Soul Devouring originated from the Soul Devouring Spider Emperor and was a key reason the Death Abyss Spider Emperor was classified as an Evil Martial Spirit. Spirit rings and souls alike served as nutrients for its growth!
The beast souls could not put up the slightest resistance and were sucked into the Soul Devouring vortex one after another. Zhang Peng strained with all his might but could not protect even one. Some of the lower-ranked Evil Douluo trembled as they spoke:
"Is this Death Abyss Douluo? He seems even more evil than the Cult Leader…"
The words had barely left their lips when a sharp, ear-piercing metallic grinding suddenly rang across the sky. The Evil Spirit Masters looked up in astonishment to see seven hundred-meter chains dancing wildly like seven blood-stained giant dragons.
The surface of the blood-colored chains was inscribed with all sorts of cryptic and evil patterns., while malevolent, demonic eyes full of venomous hatred opened and closed upon them. As the chains danced, those gazes disturbed the soul, making even the Evil Spirit Masters frown uncomfortably.
Death Abyss Spider Emperor's Fifth Spirit Skill: Death Lock!
Zhang Peng had roamed the continent for a century, and even when facing the inescapable, net-like siege of the seven Death Locks, he could still react. His form retreated rapidly while his ninth spirit ring erupted, his Scorpion Tiger Avatar dispersing into countless black shadows.
"Strangle!"
At Ling Bai's command, the seven Death Locks unleashed a heaven-shaking shriek and began to strangle Zhang Peng's fleeing shadows!
The blood-colored chains stabbed in from every direction, and after just a few passes, the Death Locks had entangled every last shadow!
The fleeing shadows ground to a halt. No matter what spirit skills they used to resist these bizarre chains, they could not stop this slaughter that clung to them like maggots on bone. It was like the arrival of the Grim Reaper. You knew it was coming, but you could only wait quietly and feel utterly helpless.
Scorpion Tiger Douluo Zhang Peng reappeared in the vision of Zhongli Wu and the others. His limbs were pierced by the Death Locks and the chains coiled around him, binding him completely.
The sharp tip of a chain halted an inch from his forehead, the bone-chilling cold it radiated making goosebumps erupt across his body. His pupils reflected the infinitely magnified blade tip. His throat bobbed involuntarily, and then he saw Ling Bai's fiendish face with its ghost of a smile.
"The sparring is finished. Are you satisfied, Worship Scorpion Tiger?"
Zhang Peng struggled to turn his head, his face pale as he said:
"Death Abyss Douluo, I'm convinced…"
The Ultimate Death attribute attached to the Death Locks was too terrifying, as if they came with built-in targeting and penetration effects. His life-saving ninth spirit skill had proven completely useless. If Ling Bai wished, the next second his head would explode like a rotten watermelon hitting the ground.
The battle concluded. Zhongli Wu stepped forward at the perfect moment, clapping enthusiastically as he announced loudly:
"From this day forward, Death Abyss Douluo shall be ranked as a Holy Cult Worship, enjoying Deputy Leader-level blood food privileges! All Holy Cult members must obey Worship Death Abyss's commands!"
He turned to Ling Bai and said with great solemnity, "Worship Death Abyss, having you is like a fish finding water!
The Holy Cult is blessed to have you!"