I've also recently started a new translation, please check it out and show your support! Douluo: Seven Kill Shock the World
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After speaking, without waiting for Yun Ming to respond, a thin layer of dark purple light enveloped Leng Yulai's body, concealing all traces of her presence. Her figure dissolved into the night like dissipating smoke, vanishing instantly from sight, leaving behind only a faint trace of blood and an indescribable swirl of complex emotions in the air.
Yun Ming stood rooted in place, gazing at the direction where Leng Yulai had disappeared. His brows were furrowed, and his deep eyes shimmered with contemplation.
He could sense the profound fear and helplessness in Leng Yulai's words—emotions that stemmed from something far more terrifying than just the Holy Spirit Sect.
Was she hiding something even more dreadful? The Holy Spirit Sect had been lying low for decades; who knew how much they had grown? And what connection did her sudden change have with their resurgence?
Countless questions swirled in Yun Ming's mind, eventually coalescing into a long, heavy sigh. At least… she now knew the truth, which might be the first step toward pulling herself out of the quagmire of darkness.
He could only hope that she would ultimately make the right choice.
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At the Spirit Pagoda headquarters, within the Intermediate Spirit Ascension Area.
In stark contrast to the desolate silence of the outskirts of Shrek City, the Spirit Pagoda headquarters was ablaze with lights, exuding the cold, sterile aura of futuristic technology.
Beneath enormous metallic soul-guided lamps, a special room glowed with a soft and mysterious light. Two figures stood before virtual pods.
Gu La had changed into a white uniform worn by researchers within the Spirit Pagoda, his usual calm demeanor intact.
Beside him stood Qing Liuli, dressed in an identical uniform but exuding an even quieter and more focused aura. She cradled a specially designed crystal box engraved with intricate soul-guided runes, containing peculiar instruments and samples. Her gaze radiated the intense focus and anticipation of a dedicated researcher.
Before them stood Leng Yaozhu, clad in a fiery red gown, her posture tall and regal, like a blazing phoenix. Her exquisite face bore a hint of seriousness and concern, her gaze primarily fixed on Gu La.
"Gu La, Qing Liuli."
Leng Yaozhu's voice carried a tone of admonishment. "The environment inside the Intermediate Spirit Ascension Platform is complex, with extremely active energy. You may even encounter groups of spirit beasts over ten thousand years old."
"Though your strength and intelligence should see you through this trial without issue, do not be reckless or overly ambitious. Prioritize safety above all else. If you encounter spirit beasts you cannot understand or combat, retreat immediately. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Master," Gu La and Qing Liuli replied simultaneously.
"Qing Liuli, your main task is observation and documentation. Test your theories, but do not force results," Leng Yaozhu added, glancing at the crystal box in Qing Liuli's arms. "Safety first."
"I understand, Master. I will be cautious," Qing Liuli affirmed with a serious nod.
"Go ahead. I will stay here and keep watch." Leng Yaozhu stepped aside, gesturing for them to enter the metal pods.
Gu La and Qing Liuli exchanged a glance before stepping forward and lying down in the pods, closing their eyes.
As light flowed and space shifted, their vision cleared to reveal a bizarre and surreal world.
The Intermediate Spirit Ascension Platform was akin to a hybrid of the former Great Star Dou Forest, home to spirit beasts ranging from a thousand to ten thousand years old. Only those below the rank of Soul Sage, without donning battle armor, could enter.
What lay before them was not a real forest but an energy-simulated, vibrant yet perilous primeval jungle.
Majestic ancient trees towered densely, vines intertwined, and the air was thick with the scent of vegetation and the distinct musk of spirit beasts.
In the distance, the faint roars of beasts and cries of birds echoed, accompanied by fluctuating energy waves.
As soon as Gu La and Qing Liuli entered, their powerful spiritual forces spread outward.
"Qing Liuli, proceed with your research. Stay safe," Gu La instructed his avatar.
Within the Spirit Pagoda, Gu La treated his avatars as separate individuals to avoid drawing suspicion.
"Understood."
Qing Liuli nodded, her gaze locking onto a nearby "Rockscale Ground Lizard," its body entirely covered in stone-like scales as it gnawed on Blue Silver Grass.
This was a millennium-old spirit beast renowned for its formidable defenses, making it an ideal specimen for studying the stability of millennium spirit energy structures.
She did not rush to attack but instead quietly released her martial soul.
Pure Jade Green Lotus Cleansing Heart Lamp!
A jade-green lotus-shaped lamp materialized before her, emitting a gentle, serene glow that seemed capable of purifying the soul.
Four black rings and one purple ring rose from beneath her feet, with the fifth ring swirling with wisps of black, emanating an ominous aura.
"Fourth Soul Skill, Mind Leap!"
With a thought, a faint green flame flickered silently like a firefly, drifting out and vanishing into the head of the Rockscale Ground Lizard.
The lizard's body stiffened slightly, its eyes flashing with a momentary haze before it resumed feeding, seemingly unaffected.
However, an intricate connection had already been established between Qing Liuli and the tiny flame.
Through this "mental coordinate," she could instantly leap to the target's side—or into its mental plane—ignoring spatial distance. This was her life-saving technique for exploring dangerous environments and observing spirit beasts up close.
Moreover, if someone were to slay the Rockscale Ground Lizard, the flame would seep into the killer's mind through the resulting mental fissure.
Having completed this, a shadowy, ever-shifting mist-like soul spirit—the Calamity Beast—emerged above her shoulder, radiating eerie spiritual fluctuations.
This rare soul spirit, painstakingly acquired by Leng Yaozhu, specialized in enhancing mental manipulation abilities.
Known as the "Calamity Beast," it sowed discord among beings, absorbing the emotions and spiritual energy generated by conflict. It was infamous as an evil spirit beast in ancient times, exterminated by various races in unison.
Now resurrected as a soul spirit by the Spirit Pagoda, only Qing Liuli could withstand its incessant "calamitous" fluctuations and truly harness its power.
"Fifth Soul Skill, Concealed Calamity!"
The Calamity Beast fused with the Pure Jade Green Lotus Cleansing Heart Lamp, adding an indescribable allure and chaotic undertone to its glow.
Qing Liuli carefully manipulated the tiny flame embedded deep within the lizard's mind, subtly applying the influence of "calamity" while closely observing changes in the spirit beast.
She did not seek to directly control or corrupt it but rather fine-tuned its emotional state, studying the subtle fluctuations in its soul energy under specific emotions like aggression or fear. This allowed her to investigate the key points of stability in the integration of millennium spirit beasts' soul energy with emotions and willpower.
While Qing Liuli was fully immersed in her research, Gu La began his "enhancement plan."
He did not immediately search for a specific spirit beast but instead strolled to a relatively open area in the center of the forest.
Closing his eyes slowly, a vast and boundless surge of soul power brimming with endless vitality erupted from his body, akin to the awakening of a slumbering forest deity!
"Domain Activation – Boundless Forest Sea!"
Buzz—
Centered on Gu La, a deep emerald-green halo expanded rapidly, enveloping several kilometers of forest. Within the domain, all plants seemed infused with rampant life force!
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