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"Becoming a Titled Douluo within five years is certainly a daunting task, but your greatest ordeal will remain the Deep Sea Demon Whale King. You have all personally witnessed its terrifying power," Bo Saixi remarked.
She paused briefly before continuing, "Last time, you left it severely wounded. I am certain a creature of its nature will not let the matter rest. Once it recovers its vitality, it will undoubtedly seek you out for vengeance!"
"Haha, Senior Bo Saixi, there is no need for concern on that front!" Davis replied with a faint, confident smile. "Since we were able to drive it away once, we can do it again. In fact, with our current strength, we might just be able to slay it outright this time!"
As he spoke, Davis's smile broadened. Having ascended to the rank of Titled Douluo, he finally possessed the true foundation to stand tall against any being in this world. Whether they were Super Douluos, Peerless Douluos, or even Demigods, he now had the status and power to face them as an equal.
Below the realm of true godhood, even a beast as formidable as the Deep Sea Demon Whale King was no match for the Star Luo Sacred Tiger. Even without resorting to a Martial Soul Fusion Skill, the whale king would find it impossible to truly harm him now.
In truth, Davis felt a flicker of anticipation at the thought of encountering the beast again. Slaying it would yield a Million-Year Soul Bone, a treasure that would likely catapult his soul power to the level of a Peerless Douluo or perhaps even a Demigod in a single leap.
Unaware of the ambitious thoughts swirling in Davis's mind, Bo Saixi nodded slowly. "That is true. Your current strength has already reached a level that even I find difficult to fathom. Furthermore, Anna now wields the divine Sea God Trident. As the Great Sea God's own weapon, it possesses a natural, absolute suppression over the Deep Sea Demon Whale King. To you, killing it may indeed not be an impossible feat."
"Hehe, exactly, right?"
"There are still five years remaining for the eighth trial. Since you wish to return home, you may depart. I look forward to seeing a far more powerful version of you all in five years' time..."
At this, a complex expression flitted across Bo Saixi's face—a mixture of genuine pride and a subtle, lingering sorrow. She murmured softly, "Perhaps you will give me a surprise and become Titled Douluos well before the five years are up, returning to Sea God Island ahead of schedule."
Davis understood the hidden weight behind her words. If they returned early, it meant the time for her to sacrifice her life for the succession would also arrive early. He offered no verbal comfort, feeling only a silent pang of pity for her fate. Even so, his resolve did not waver; he would still see Anna inherit the Sea God's throne.
"Alright, Anna, let's head back. First stop: the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well!"
After bidding farewell to Bo Saixi, Davis and his companions boarded a vessel provided by Sea God Island to return to the Douluo Continent. Having been away for three years, he was anxious to learn how the Star Luo Imperial Family—his family—was faring.
Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, a month and a half had passed. The ships from Sea God Island were significantly slower than the specialized vessels of the Mad Shark Fleet, extending their journey by two full weeks.
Throughout those weeks, the group remained diligent in their cultivation. Anna, in particular, seized every possible moment to train; she knew all too well that failing to reach Rank 90 within five years carried a price of death.
During this voyage, Davis's soul power finally broke through its bottleneck, reaching Rank 97. He was now a Rank 97 Power Attack System Super Douluo. Despite being "only" Rank 97, his unique domains and terrifying ninth soul ring gave him the confidence that even a Peerless Douluo might not emerge victorious in a fight against him.
Upon making landfall on the Douluo Continent, Davis immediately rented three carriages and set off at maximum speed toward the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. Anna's divine trials were the top priority. The unique environment of the well would provide a multiplicative effect on her cultivation. Barring any surprises, Anna would likely spend the next several years secluded there.
Davis had decided: until she became a Titled Douluo, she would not leave. It was a self-imposed decree of "No breakthrough, no exit."
Another half-month of travel brought them to the heart of the Sunset Forest. The familiar aura of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well was finally within reach.
Now a Titled Douluo, Davis's mental power had expanded exponentially, allowing him to scan several thousand meters in every direction. Through his spiritual perception, he sensed that Dugu Bo was currently at the well. Furthermore, the old man had clearly undergone a transformation of his own. Three years of cultivation in that blessed environment, aided by precious medicinal herbs, had pushed Dugu Bo to Rank 96—he had officially become a Super Douluo.
Sensing Dugu Bo's presence, the corners of Davis's mouth curled upward. It was time for a proper greeting.
With a thought, Davis gathered Anna and the others. Spreading his wings, he took to the sky, creating a localized whirlwind as he bridged the three-thousand-meter gap in a matter of seconds, his presence descending with overwhelming momentum.
Sensing the sudden, violent surge of power, Dugu Bo's expression shifted instantly to one of shock and grim determination. Fearing the sanctuary had been discovered by a powerful enemy, he prepared to release his martial soul for battle!
However, Davis moved with the speed of a lightning strike. Before Dugu Bo could even fully manifest the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor, a fierce gale howled past, and Davis's group appeared directly before him.
Before the old man could react, Davis flashed a smile and took the initiative to greet him. "Congratulations, Senior Dugu, on achieving the rank of Super Douluo!"
"...Little... Little friend? It's you!"
It took a long moment for Dugu Bo to process what was happening. As he recognized Davis's familiar face, his shock turned to relief, followed quickly by a cold sweat. He was shocked that Davis had returned after three years with such an imposing "returning hero" aura. He was relieved that Davis wasn't an enemy—for if he were, that uncanny speed meant Dugu Bo's head would have left his shoulders before he could even blink.
Davis was simply too fast. He could have subdued or killed a Super Douluo before a martial soul could even be summoned.
"Haha, indeed," Davis laughed. "We just returned from Sea God Island and wanted to visit you immediately. I didn't expect you to have become a Super Douluo! What a pleasant surprise."
"Heh, a surprise indeed," Dugu Bo replied with a wry smile. "But if you visit the Star Luo Palace and see your father and grandfather, you'll find an even bigger surprise waiting for you."
Though he spoke modestly, Dugu Bo was clearly thrilled by his breakthrough. Ten years ago, he was a man waiting to die, poisoned by his own power. Now, he was not only healthy but had reached a height he once thought impossible.
After the initial pleasantries, Dugu Bo's eyes narrowed as he scrutinized the young man. "Little friend, you must be a Titled Douluo by now. Tell me, what is your current rank? Why do I feel that your strength is even more oppressive than my own?"
"Since you've asked, Senior, I shall be honest. I am currently a Rank 97 Power Attack System Saint-Venerable Douluo..."
As he spoke, Davis released his martial soul and soul rings. The sight of the configuration—six black, two red, and one orange-gold—left Dugu Bo completely and utterly speechless.
(End of Chapter)