I've also recently started a new translation, please check it out and show your support! Douluo: AFKing to Become a God
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Among all the members of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, the person whose soul core was truly unique turned out to be Sword Douluo.
Sword Douluo's soul core differed slightly from others. While most people condensed their cores based on the essence of their martial spirits, Sword Douluo's soul core was formed through the fusion of his Seven Killing Swords and his boundless killing intent. It appeared far more perilous but also carried a terrifying amount of power.
When Sword Douluo successfully condensed his soul core, a surge of sword qi erupted into the sky, exuding an overwhelming sense of unrestrained dominance.
Similarly, Dragon Duke also condensed a soul core, which seemed to have improved his strength. Moreover, Dragon Duke had extensive knowledge of martial spirits and soul cores, offering Lin Gong numerous suggestions.
On the other hand, Yang Wudi watched everyone else's progress with envious eyes. He had always prided himself on his combat prowess, so why hadn't his soul power reached the Title Douluo level yet?
Even Bone Douluo found time to return to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. After witnessing the success of the soul core research, especially Sword Douluo's achievement, he immediately decided to condense his own soul core and even challenged Sword Douluo to a comparison.
In the end, Bone Douluo condensed a rather peculiar soul core—it wasn't aligned with his expertise in strength attributes but instead was a dark-attribute soul core that operated like a black hole.
As for Golden Eagle Douluo and Demon Ape Douluo obtaining their ninth soul rings, Lin Gong, Dragon Duke, and She Po assisted them in hunting within the Star Dou Great Forest.
Both Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo were highly confident in their newly formed soul cores. Not only did they feel their strength had significantly increased, but they also believed they might one day break through to even higher realms.
Following the research on soul cores, the strength of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect once again saw a substantial increase—a qualitative leap. The sect now boasted two additional experts at the Title Douluo level.
Particularly noteworthy was Sword Douluo, who immediately entered seclusion to cultivate. It seemed that the process of condensing the soul core had granted him profound insights, allowing his sword techniques and understanding of the sword path to advance to deeper levels.
From the looks of it, Sword Douluo intended to use this newfound understanding, combined with the effects of the Clear Heart Three-Leaf Clover from years ago, to attempt breaking through his own limits once again.
However, Ning Fengzhi had become even more cautious than before. Whether it was Golden Eagle Douluo or Demon Ape Douluo, only a few high-ranking members of the sect knew about their breakthroughs, and there was no widespread announcement.
Golden Eagle Douluo, whose real name was Lin Xiang, was a stern-looking middle-aged man dressed in golden armor, exuding an air of arrogance akin to a meticulously carved statue.
Demon Ape Douluo, on the other hand, appeared rugged, with an extremely muscular build. His demeanor was fierce and domineering, and he had long been responsible for matters of punishment and defense alongside Bone Douluo.
After breaking through to the Title Douluo level, these two individuals became remarkably low-key. They didn't even inform their families of their breakthroughs and simply continued cultivating.
As for Yang Xiong, he paid no heed to these matters. He left the sect with Lin Gong and planned to spend some time wandering around Tian Dou City, ready to respond to any impending upheaval.
Whether it was the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect or the Body Sect, both maintained an outward appearance of calm while internally preparing for the worst. Especially Ning Fengzhi, who was already gathering large numbers of personnel to deal with the looming crisis in Tian Dou City.
If the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and the Body Sect could be considered relatively relaxed, then the entire Tian Dou City, after this period of brewing tension, had nearly descended into chaos.
At the center of this whirlpool was none other than Shrek Academy.
Ever since news broke that Shrek Academy was hiding a hundred-thousand-year shape-shifting spirit beast, various factions had begun investigating the academy, intentionally or otherwise. Even some of the academy's teachers and students had been bribed.
Liu Erlong had always treated Xiao Wu as her own daughter and would never allow anyone to covet her. Liu Erlong's fiery temperament made her particularly formidable—her former nickname was "Slaughter Corner."
After disciplining several groups of intruders attempting to infiltrate Shrek Academy, the surrounding area seemed to have calmed down somewhat. However, it felt like the eerie calm before a storm.
Currently, Shrek Academy was protected by Liu Erlong and Flender, as well as Zhao Wuji, a top-tier Soul Douluo. Together, they formed the academy's "Golden Iron Triangle," possessing combat strength equivalent to a Title Douluo. No one below the Title Douluo level dared to provoke Shrek Academy.
Title Douluos were exceedingly rare in the world, with most concentrated in the Spirit Hall and a few major sects. As such, there were no lone Title Douluos causing trouble at Shrek Academy.
However, within just half a month, Tian Dou City had seen an influx of over a thousand soul masters, placing immense pressure on Emperor Xue Ye and the Tian Dou Imperial Family.
These soul masters came from all walks of life—not only independent wanderers but also experts from smaller sects and even some prominent figures from the Star Luo Empire, creating a dazzling array of talent.
As the situation grew increasingly chaotic, Shrek Academy became more and more dangerous. Even Flender and Yu Xiaogang felt the immense pressure, sensing that the entire Tian Dou City was teeming with hidden undercurrents.
Unfortunately, neither Yu Xiaogang nor Flender knew how to handle the current predicament.
A hundred-thousand-year shape-shifting spirit beast was the ultimate treasure in the world of soul masters, and its allure was entirely expected. However, neither Flender nor Yu Xiaogang could secure any outside assistance.
Yu Xiaogang's former backing, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, had been annihilated, bringing him nothing but trouble.
As for the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, it had recently adopted an unusually low profile. Since the news broke, the sect had remained silent—neither expressing interest in the hundred-thousand-year spirit beast nor offering any support.
As for Tang San, he was still rushing back to Tian Dou City as fast as possible.
Even the Spirit Hall had not made any announcements, neither declaring their intention to capture the hundred-thousand-year spirit beast nor displaying their usual air of righteousness.
…
Inside the Crown Prince's residence, Crown Prince Xue Qinghe was dressed in women's clothing, appearing tall and strikingly beautiful. Dressed in palace attire, she exuded an aura of nobility.
This was Qian Renxue, revealing her true appearance.
Before her stood four experts. One was Ling Yuan Douluo, who had previously attacked the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Another was Gui Bao (Ghost Leopard) Douluo, a gaunt, black-clad middle-aged man.
In addition to these two, there were two others who bore a striking resemblance to each other. Beyond their attire, their faces, movements, and even their physiques were nearly identical. Each held a staff, exuding a formidable presence.
These two were top-tier experts of the Spirit Hall: the Sixth Elder, Qian Jun Douluo, and the Seventh Elder, Jiang Mo Douluo. Both were 96-level powerhouses, and their martial spirit was the Coiling Dragon Staff—a top-tier weapon-type martial spirit with extreme strength attributes, rivaling even the Hao Tian Hammer.
Qian Renxue's expression was dark, clearly displeased: "Is that woman in such a hurry? This isn't the best time to initiate the coup in Tian Dou Palace."
"The previous battle against the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect has clearly made Emperor Xue Ye and Ning Fengzhi suspicious of a mole within the Tian Dou Imperial Family. Though Emperor Xue Ye has been quietly investigating, he's grown far more cautious than before."
"Ning Fengzhi is similarly cautious. My esteemed teacher has been preoccupied with sect affairs lately, neglecting my education. I suspect he also suspects issues within the Tian Dou Imperial Family."
"We've already tipped our hand. If we launch the coup now, our chances of success aren't high."
Upon hearing this, Gui Bao Douluo quickly interjected: "Your Highness, the Pope has already made thorough preparations. Using the appearance of the hundred-thousand-year spirit beast in Tian Dou City as an opportunity, our Spirit Hall has dispatched numerous soul masters, who have infiltrated the city in small groups. Once Emperor Xue Ye is dead, we can seize the palace. At that point, Your Highness need only rally the troops, and the Tian Dou Empire will be ours for the taking."
Qian Renxue fell silent for a moment before replying: "I don't recommend making a move at this time. Emperor Xue Ye has noticeably strengthened the palace's defenses. Even meeting with him has become troublesome, let alone assassinating him. After all, he's a Soul Douluo."
Gui Bao Douluo quickly reassured her: "Your Highness can rest assured. The Pope has already prepared thoroughly. We've developed a forbidden poison capable of killing a Soul Douluo without issue. Moreover, Emperor Xue Ye has neglected his cultivation over the years, and his body isn't as strong as it once was. This is the perfect opportunity to poison him."
Qian Renxue shook her head: "I feel uneasy about this. Things seem a bit strange, and I fear there may be unforeseen variables."
"Moreover, something about Tian Dou City feels off. Though we've arranged for many soul masters to infiltrate, I sense something amiss."
"What about potential variables within hundreds of miles? What's the status of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect? Has Tang Hao, the figure behind the so-called Tang Sect, surfaced?"
Gui Bao Douluo replied: "Your Highness, there are no other Title Douluos within hundreds of miles. The only possible interference might come from Dugu Bo."
"The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect has gone into hiding, likely still recovering from the damage inflicted during the last battle. Sword Bone Douluo hasn't been seen—rumor has it they're both in seclusion healing their wounds."
"As for Tang Hao, I haven't found any specific information. However, Tang San has traveled to Gengxin City with Titan, and Tang Hao is likely protecting them covertly. This is a golden opportunity for us."
"At that time, we'll have four Title Douluos on our side, including the Sixth and Seventh Elders. Even if the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and Tang Hao intervene, they won't be able to alter the outcome."
"We can split our forces into three groups: one to capture the hundred-thousand-year shape-shifting spirit beast at Shrek Academy under the guise of the Tian Dou Imperial Family, another to eliminate the so-called Tang Sect and erase the traces of the Hao Tian Sect, and finally, the two elders will personally assist you in seizing the palace and securing the throne of the Tian Dou Empire. A threefold victory."
Qian Renxue closed her eyes, carefully calculating every aspect of the Tian Dou Palace coup, including all potential variables.
Suddenly, Qian Renxue spoke: "Where is Dugu Bo now? He was the biggest variable during our attack on the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. I don't want him interfering with our plans."
Gui Bao Douluo replied: "Your Highness, Dugu Bo is elusive, but according to recent intelligence, he's currently at Yunwu Mountain within the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. If Your Highness is concerned, we can preemptively capture Dugu Yan and Yu Tianheng. That way, Dugu Bo won't dare act recklessly."
A faint smile appeared on Qian Renxue's face: "You've thought of everything, meticulously accounting for every detail."
Gui Bao Douluo quickly added: "I dare not take credit. This is all thanks to the careful planning of the Pope and the elders. Everything is guaranteed to proceed without a hitch."
Qian Renxue snorted coldly: "That woman certainly thinks of everything. Her main goal is simply to seize the hundred-thousand-year spirit beast amidst the chaos. I still feel uneasy about the situation. Tian Dou City seems unusually calm, and I need to think it over further to confirm the plan is foolproof."
Gui Bao Douluo quickly urged: "Your Highness, time is of the essence. If the hundred-thousand-year shape-shifting spirit beast escapes, it will be nearly impossible to capture it again."
Qian Renxue's expression turned icy upon hearing this.
Beside her, Qian Jun Douluo barked angrily: "Do not disrespect Young Miss. Whether or not she makes a decision is none of your business, nor is it up to that woman. You are to follow orders and nothing more."
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