As Flender's words fell, everyone sank into silence. Given the current state of the Spirit Empire, it seemed inevitable that they would eventually dominate the entire Douluo Continent. A mere Vast Sea City was hardly an obstacle for the Spirit Empire's army.
Across the Douluo Continent, only two forces remained capable of resisting the Spirit Empire—Heavenly Academy and Seagod Island.
Seagod Island lay far offshore, well beyond the Spirit Empire's reach. Meanwhile, Heavenly Academy maintained strict neutrality. Even after Ning Fengzhi joined Heavenly Academy, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan was a thing of the past.
Joining Heavenly Academy was no simple matter. Anyone joining the academy had to promise never to interfere in the conflicts of the soul master world and sever all ties with other sects. Additionally, forces joining Heavenly Academy were required to swear an oath: betrayal would result in the shattering of their martial souls.
Ultimately, the transcendence of these two forces was due to their having rank 99 Limit Douluos among their ranks. Moreover, both forces were known for their ruthless measures against enemies and their own members alike.
After some discussion, the group decided to first head to Vast Sea City. If the Spirit Empire truly reached Vast Sea City, they would then consider fleeing overseas.
Yang Podi had already made it clear within Heavenly Academy: they would no longer accept any forces opposing the Spirit Empire, nor would they harbor remnants of the Clear Sky Sect. Such actions would only invite disaster. If a conflict with the Spirit Empire arose from this, Yang Podi would not intervene.
Yang Podi's words were firm, showing no favoritism, not even toward his own grandfathers. Supporting others once had been enough; they could not assume he had endless patience.
Yang Wudi, Yang Wushuang, and Niu Gao couldn't help but darken their expressions upon hearing this, as though seeing this resolute side of Yang Podi for the first time.
Time flew by, and over a month quickly passed.
One morning, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo arrived at Heavenly Academy to discuss the next steps of their plan to enter the Star Dou Forest with Yang Podi.
Originally, Dugu Yan and Niu Meng were close to reaching rank 90. With a spirit bone or some other treasure, they could likely break through to the Title Douluo level. However, Yang Podi decided against it.
This trip to the Star Dou Forest was bound to be extremely dangerous. If the soul beasts retaliated, Yang Podi wasn't keen on expending his energy to protect others.
Thus, Yang Podi joined Chrysanthemum Douluo, Ghost Douluo, and Qian Renxue as they left Heavenly Academy.
All four were Title Douluos, so their flight speed was astonishing. In just two days, they reached the outskirts of the Star Dou Forest, where they met up with the main group.
For this journey into the Star Dou Forest's core area, the Spirit Empire had made extensive preparations. Besides Bibi Dong, Golden Crocodile Douluo had personally joined the operation. Additionally, there were Third Priest Azure Luan Douluo, Sixth Priest Fifteen Ton Douluo, and Seventh Priest Falling Devil Douluo.
Beyond Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo, the group also included Spirit Kite Douluo and Ghost Leopard Douluo.
The team further consisted of the Golden Generation's three members, Hu Liena and her companions, as well as ten soul saints.
It was evident that the Spirit Empire had gone all out for this hunt. Except for Golden Crocodile Douluo and the priests, most of the participants were either agile assault-type or flying soul masters, or those with strong teamwork capabilities.
Whether it was the combination of Fifteen Ton Douluo and Falling Devil Douluo or Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo, these pairs could unleash immense power together.
After assembling, the group quickly advanced into the Star Dou Forest.
Ghost Douluo took the lead, while Ghost Leopard Douluo brought up the rear. As the fastest among the group, they enhanced the team's mobility.
Throughout the journey, Golden Crocodile Douluo remained near Yang Podi, perhaps as a precaution.
Yang Podi thought to himself: logically, the Supreme Pontiff and the Hall of Worship usually did not get along. For them to send four Title Douluos to assist Bibi Dong in obtaining a spirit ring suggested they were both preparing for contingencies and protecting their "Little Princess," Qian Renxue.
Their progress through the Star Dou Forest was smooth. They encountered few soul beasts of note, and any that appeared were easily handled by Ghost Douluo, who was highly skilled at reconnaissance.
After two days, they finally reached their destination: the Star Dou Forest's core area.
Once inside, the group became more cautious. Occasionally, they encountered one or two ten-thousand-year soul beasts, which were quickly dealt with.
They eventually arrived at the Lake of Life. Throughout the journey, everyone had carefully suppressed their soul power to avoid alerting the beasts.
After two days of searching near the Lake of Life, they found their targets: the Titan Giant Ape and the Sky Azure Bull Python.
The Titan Giant Ape was frolicking near the lake, seemingly feasting on the corpse of another soul beast.
The Sky Azure Bull Python remained hidden within the lake. Though its full form was obscured, a long, sinuous figure was faintly visible beneath the water's surface.
Bibi Dong had long set her sights on these two beasts, particularly the Sky Azure Bull Python. Known as the Forest Emperor, it was acknowledged as the strongest soul beast, although most were unaware of the existence of the true fierce beasts within the Star Dou Forest.
The Sky Azure Bull Python possessed rare dragon blood and extraordinary lightning attributes, making it a prized soul beast.
The Titan Giant Ape, despite being frequently hunted, remained a formidable presence in the forest. Its bloodline was equally strong, excelling in earth and strength attributes. It boasted incredible speed and near-invincible defenses, with no significant weaknesses in its offensive and defensive capabilities.
Historical records suggested that even a ten-thousand-year Titan Giant Ape could challenge a hundred-thousand-year soul beast. Its rarity and power made it a coveted target for soul masters seeking spirit rings.
According to the plan, Yang Podi would not act against these two beasts directly. His primary role was to deter any fierce beasts that might appear. He would intervene only if such threats emerged.
The group concealed their presence and began stealthily approaching the Titan Giant Ape, preparing for a decisive strike. Soul beasts of this caliber were incredibly resilient. They were considered equivalent to rank 96 Title Douluos, with the Sky Azure Bull Python possibly reaching rank 97 in strength. Combined with their far superior physical prowess, these two were nearly unmatched among soul beasts.
Near the Lake of Life, the Titan Giant Ape seemed unaware of the impending danger. It turned to the lake and spoke, "Big Brother, I want to go out and play for a bit. Even though that senior warned us of potential danger, how could there possibly be any in the Star Dou Forest core area?"
From within the lake came a deep, rumbling voice: "Second Brother, you've grown too lax and reckless over the years. You must remember that many soul masters still wish to hunt you."
"Don't forget," the voice continued, "our Sister Xiao Wu's mother was killed by human soul masters."
The Titan Giant Ape snorted disdainfully, "If you and I had been there, we would have taught those vile soul masters a lesson. We would never have let them succeed!"
...
For access to additional chapters of
Director in Hollywood (30 chpater)
MV Director (30 chapter)....
Douluo Dalu:Breaking Clan(30 chapter)
Made In Hollywood (60 Chapters)
Pokemon:Bounty Hunter (30 Chapters)
Join pateron.com/Translaterappu