Chapter 200: Title Douluo - Chrysanthemum
As Dai Yao eagerly pored over the Tang Sect's secret records, a thrill ran through him. "The descriptions are so detailed! Each immortal herb has an illustration, annotations, and a full profile. I have to admit, Tang San has delved deeply into the Tang Sect's lore."
Names like Youxiang Qiluo Immortal Herb, Qiluo Tulip, Eight-Petal Ice Grass, and Fiery Apricot Grove caught his eye one by one, vastly enriching his knowledge about these legendary herbs. The notes covered everything: harvesting, storage, effects, and precautions. Beyond the herbs mentioned in the original text, he saw records of treasures like the Black Jade Divine Bamboo and the Earth Dragon Golden Melon, along with lesser but valuable plants such as Snow Silkworm and Vermilion Lotus.
Closing the tome, Dai Yao felt a rush of excitement. He could hardly wait to venture into the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well to gather and store these herbs in his storage pouch.
"Tang San is a goldmine!" Dai Yao thought. "Just by reading what he's provided, I'm not exactly a master herbalist, but I definitely have some of Tang San's expertise."
A shrewd gleam passed over his eyes. With knowledge of herbs, toxins, and the deadly plants of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, he now had another means of exacting revenge on his enemies in the Star Luo Empire. Dai Yao's gaze turned cold as his mind focused on vengeance.
Then he thought, Tang San still has the Tang Sect skills, Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track and Purple Demon Eyes, not to mention his complex hidden weapons and techniques that can threaten even Title Douluo and gods. Skills like Buddha's Fury Tang Lotus and Rainstorm Pear Blossom could obliterate a Title Douluo, while Specter's Tear and Bodhi's Blood were lethal enough to wound deities. Dai Yao couldn't help feeling tempted by such power.
"Looks like I'll have to keep squeezing Tang San for all he's worth. He's still got plenty of treasures up his sleeve," Dai Yao mused, licking his lips with a glint of greed. Tang San was bound to acquire more ten-thousand-year spirit rings and spirit bones, treasures unmatched on the continent. Dai Yao was determined to get his hands on these, both to weaken his rival and to enhance his own power—a win-win in his book.
But just then, his pulse quickened. His protective barrier outside had been breached.
"Something's entered... Could it be a wild beast? Or someone coming to kill me?" He shook his head, dismissing the thought. Since the attempt on his life earlier in the year, Salas had posted two Spirit Saints to guard him. Not even a mosquito should be able to get close, much less a beast.
Moreover, he had strictly instructed his guards never to enter his room without his permission. Reassured, but still cautious, he left his cabin to investigate. To his surprise, the two Spirit Saints were nowhere in sight. Even when he called for them, they did not respond.
This isn't right! Spirit Saints wouldn't just vanish. Even if faced with a Contra, they'd still manage to warn me… Could it be… a Title Douluo? His heart raced as he considered this possibility.
His eyes flicked back to his cabin, where Zhu Zhuqing was still resting. He'd have to draw the intruder away to keep her safe.
"Is it an enemy or an ally?" He wondered, his thoughts heavy. Without hesitation, he burst into a sprint, his figure darting like lightning into the nearby forest.
"Oh?" A soft voice echoed from among the trees, clearly surprised by Dai Yao's speed.
Minutes later, Dai Yao was nearing the academy's teaching area and Jackson's quarters. His pulse quickened with each passing second. He knew this was the moment of greatest danger, the last opportunity for his pursuer to strike.
And then his gaze fell on a figure directly ahead—a man clad in black, his entire form concealed, but with nine distinct spirit rings gleaming on his body: yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, black.
Dai Yao felt a crushing weight, as though a mountain bore down on him, stifling his every breath.
"A… Title Douluo?" His voice wavered, realizing the sheer power facing him. "Well, I must say, I'm flattered."
But Dai Yao quickly regained his composure; he knew that his only chance for survival lay in staying calm. Rapidly, he filtered through the possibilities. It couldn't be from the Spirit Hall or the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. As for the Clear Sky Clan, Tang Hao was the only Douluo known to be active, but this intruder's ninth spirit ring was black, not red, ruling him out.
Could it be the old master of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan? But would a Title Douluo really go to such lengths to sneak up on a mere Soul Elder?
With this reasoning, Dai Yao settled down, his tone respectful but measured as he bowed. "Senior, may I ask the reason for your visit at this late hour?"
In response, the black-robed figure raised his hand in an orchid gesture, his movements curiously elegant. "You're quite sharp," he said, his voice laced with a strange femininity.
Hearing the distinctive voice and noticing the unmistakable gesture, Dai Yao immediately guessed the identity of his guest. His unease dissipated slightly.
"This iconic gesture and that soft tone—anyone familiar with Douluo Dalu would recognize this Title Douluo at once. This is Chrysanthemum Douluo, Yue Guan."
Dai Yao almost laughed at the absurdity. So much stress over nothing! But he decided not to reveal his knowledge. If Yue Guan had hidden his identity, it would be rude to expose him. Keeping a cautious expression, he faced the Chrysanthemum Douluo respectfully.
Still cloaked in his black garb, Chrysanthemum Douluo spoke in his soft, chilling voice. "So you've decided to join the Spirit Hall? Excellent. But I have a test for you. I'll give you two choices: One, change your mind now, and I'll let you go. Two, withstand my pressure for the duration of one incense stick, and I'll spare you."
Dai Yao sighed inwardly. Another "test of character" like the ones they love in this world. But alright, if he's here to measure my strength, I'll give him something to see.
"I remain firm in my decision to join the Spirit Hall. So I'll choose the second option."
"Stubborn!" sneered Chrysanthemum Douluo. Yet Dai Yao noticed a gleam of approval in the Douluo's gaze.
A stick of incense appeared in the ground, slowly burning down. "Let's begin," the Title Douluo intoned.
Dai Yao waited, but the pressure he expected did not immediately fall upon him. Chrysanthemum Douluo frowned slightly, surprised; he had released the pressure of a forty-level Spirit Ancestor, yet Dai Yao appeared unaffected.
So this is a personal test from the Spirit Hall to confirm my strength, he realized. They went as far as sending a Title Douluo to verify it.
The outcome of this trial would directly influence Dai Yao's standing and perceived value within the Spirit Hall. The more he revealed, the more seriously they'd take him. Steeling himself, he called out, "Senior, this pressure is quite mild. Please, intensify it!"
Chrysanthemum Douluo raised an eyebrow, then increased the pressure. Level forty-two, level forty-three… level forty-five. Yet Dai Yao's expression remained unchanged. For the Douluo concealed within the black robe, this was unexpected.
Soul masters generally couldn't withstand pressure beyond two-thirds of their spirit power level, and tool spirit masters often fared even worse. Chrysanthemum Douluo marveled at Dai Yao's resilience, particularly at his ability to maintain his composure as the pressure mounted.
In a display of mutual understanding, Dai Yao stood firm, determined to endure.
Despite Dai Yao's spirit power being only at level 44, the pressure from Chrysanthemum Douluo had already far exceeded this level.
"What kind of monstrous physique does this kid have?" Chrysanthemum Douluo marveled inwardly. "His expression hasn't even changed, and he hasn't been forced to reveal his spirit yet."
The sight pleased him. "He's already surpassing Nana's initial performance. I wonder what his true limits are."
In the forest, the two hidden Spirit Saints stared, dumbfounded. They had heard of Dai Yao's potential but never imagined it could rival the Spirit Hall's Golden Generation. As Chrysanthemum Douluo slowly intensified the pressure, even he found himself amazed. Is this truly a child not yet fifteen?
A competitive spark ignited in Chrysanthemum Douluo. He wanted to know just how much this young talent from the Star Luo Empire, burdened by vengeance and eager to join the Spirit Hall, could withstand.
Without warning, his black robes rippled as his spirit pressure intensified, the air heating up. When he increased it to the level of a fifty-rank Spirit King, Dai Yao finally showed a hint of strain.
As Chrysanthemum Douluo cautiously upped the pressure just past level fifty, Dai Yao's expression steadied, appearing almost unaffected. Chrysanthemum Douluo, impressed, raised the pressure further, the increments quickening.
Level fifty-one, fifty-two… fifty-five. Dai Yao's entire body ached as if a mountain bore down on him. White fur sprang forth as his muscles bulged, the "King" character on his forehead shining.
With his martial spirit fully unleashed, an aura of primal might erupted from Dai Yao, even making Chrysanthemum Douluo pause. "Salas wasn't exaggerating; Dai Yao's martial spirit surpasses the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon's quality. I haven't felt this kind of pressure since the late Supreme Pontiff Qian Xunji…"
"A true genius!"
Freed from some of the weight through his transformation, Dai Yao felt his spirit regain clarity. His spirit power steadied as his blood surged under the intense strain, every cell in his body absorbing the lingering effects of battle, honing his energy. He was growing stronger.
The spirit pressure continued to rise. As it reached level sixty, Dai Yao hit his absolute limit, his muscles trembling, every movement laborious. Finally, with the tearing sound of fabric, the White Tiger Eight Wings emerged, flapping lightly as he steadied himself.
"An external spirit bone, at last." Chrysanthemum Douluo's eyes gleamed with greed, though a quick examination with his spirit power confirmed his disappointment. "Indeed, it's as Salas said—fully integrated. This boy's luck is remarkable."
Through this pressure test, he now knew Dai Yao's true limit: the spirit power equivalent of a level sixty Spirit Emperor. Inwardly, he was astounded. Dai Yao just broke through to level forty-five, yet he withstood the pressure of a Spirit Emperor. A prodigy like this—Star Luo must be mad to let him go!
In the shadows, the two Spirit Saints could barely contain their shock. They glanced at each other, silently resolving to stay close to Dai Yao—they had to latch onto this rising star!
"Your Eminence," Dai Yao spoke up, voice strained, "this is my limit. Please, stop."
Seeing Dai Yao's external spirit bone emerge, Chrysanthemum Douluo understood he had reached his peak. With a faint chuckle, he released the pressure. "Oh? You knew who I was all along?"
Dai Yao met his gaze, calm but respectful. "Yes, Your Eminence, I recognized you."
The black robe on Chrysanthemum Douluo disintegrated, revealing his refined, slightly feminine features. Recalling his series of taunting moves, Chrysanthemum Douluo, even as a Title Douluo, felt a bit embarrassed. If word got out about this, where would I put my face?
"Your secret's safe with me, Your Eminence," Dai Yao said with sincerity.
The two Spirit Saints quickly knelt as well. "Your Eminence, this secret will stay with us."
Chrysanthemum Douluo's expression shifted from blue to pale before he nodded. "Very well." He eyed Dai Yao. "But tell me, how did you recognize me?"
"Salas had already informed me that a Title Douluo would be guarding me on my journey. Given that Spirit Hall's active Douluo are you and Ghost Douluo, and based on the mannerisms, I deduced it was Your Eminence."
Chrysanthemum Douluo gave a cold humph, walking over with feline grace. "You're correct. I was indeed assigned to protect you until we reach Spirit City."
He then softened, continuing, "The investigation into the assassin Shi Nian has concluded. We've found the mastermind."
"Oh? Who?" Dai Yao asked, a fierce glint in his eyes. He had suspected Shi Nian wasn't acting alone, and he swore he would exact retribution.
"It's the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. Do they frighten you?"
Dai Yao's gaze hardened, voice resolute. "This debt will be paid in blood. With Spirit Hall at my back, I have nothing to fear."
Chrysanthemum Douluo nodded approvingly. "Good. Rest assured, the opportunity to deal with them will come."
Understanding the implications, Dai Yao felt confident but cautious. While avenging himself with Spirit Hall's support would be convenient, something about the arrangement felt hollow. He then remembered another thorn in his side.
"Your Eminence, I have concerns about Tang San. A twin-spirit wielder, and his second spirit is the Clear Sky Hammer…"
Chrysanthemum Douluo's expression darkened. "Indeed. Thanks to you, we uncovered the Clear Sky Hammer early. If he had kept it hidden, he would've become a serious threat to Spirit Hall."
"Is there any chance we could eliminate him?" Dai Yao inquired.
"Not yet. Killing Tang San here in the imperial city would be a direct affront to Heaven Dou Empire. Besides, escape would be impossible. But there's no need to worry. We have plans," Chrysanthemum Douluo reassured him.
Plans, Dai Yao thought, exasperated. This must mean Spirit Hall will attempt to intercept Tang San's team on their way to Spirit City, as in the original story. But that didn't succeed, so what's the point?
He brushed the thought aside; as long as he had already defeated Tang San once, he would have no trouble doing so again. Next time, without tournament rules, he would make sure Tang San wouldn't be so lucky.
A mischievous gleam lit up Chrysanthemum Douluo's eyes as he added, "Dai Yao, I hear you've been charming Dugu Bo's granddaughter?"
(End of Chapter)
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