Douluo: The Unrivaled Demon Lord

Chapter 105 The Snow Empress's Crisis (Part 3): Ning Tian and Wu Feng
"For the sake of so-called love!"

After Xie Ji finished speaking, Shu Yan's expression froze for a moment before he continued:

"Love? What kind of love?"

The Evil Princess gave a strange smile, then said:

"Those two level-nine Soul Masters are from the same sect, and both of them have only broken through to the next level within the last two years. Their teacher seems to hold a very high position in the Sun Moon Empire. However... these two guys are really too foolish. They were actually bewitched by two female spies from the original Douluo Three Kingdoms. Under their instigation, they didn't hesitate to betray the teacher who nurtured them and the country that raised them. They even left their teacher with a big surprise before they left..."

"this…"

Shu Yan remained silent, and Tianmeng and Bingdi in the sea of ​​spirits also fell into a daze.

After a moment, Hyotei said in a cold voice:

"Humans are truly a heartless and ruthless race..."

Shu Yan's lips twitched; he felt that Hyotei's words seemed to have a rather broad scope of attack...

But on second thought, those two level-nine soul masters do indeed deserve the title of "born".

When Shu Yan overheard the conversation, the ninth-level Soul Master didn't seem like the kind of person who was obsessed with love. Could this be the legendary "contrast"?
In response, Shu Yan could only sigh silently, "The Love Continent truly lives up to its name!"
For a relationship that had no beginning or end, these two were willing to betray their sect and country. Normally, Shu Yan had only ever seen something like this in novels. Hmm? Something about this sounds a little off…

……

A moment later, Shu Yan waved his hand, collected all the storage soul tools from these people, then marked a location on the map and ordered them to wait for him there.

After becoming spirit slaves, these people's minds were affected to some extent, and they became somewhat dull-witted. To put it simply, they were somewhat like obedient puppets.

However, not all spirit slaves are like this. In the soul control method taught by the Evil Princess, spirit slaves like these few are the lowest level and the fastest to control. The controlled soul retains only the most basic intelligence and will unconditionally obey the master's commands. They can only rely on instinct in battle, and can forget about adapting unless the soul controller takes the initiative to control them.

More advanced spirit slaves can retain most of their original intelligence and consciousness after being controlled by the soul, and know how to adapt or use some conventional tactics in battle.

The highest-level spirit slaves are no different from ordinary people after their souls are controlled. However, their souls are completely controlled by the soul controller. In a sense, they are like a domesticated cat that will obey its master in every way. Even ordinary Limit Douluo cannot detect the problems on the controlled soul or in the sea of ​​spirit without spiritual attributes or specific conditions.

Shu Yan had owned several of these top-tier spirit slaves, and during one of their stories, he heard a name that surprised him.

The Holy Spirit Cult! This terrifying evil spirit master force, lurking in the shadows and unknown to the world, was something Shu Yan never expected. He never imagined that Xie Ji would be involved with the Cult of Life and Death.

Xie Ji expressed her innocence and then told Shu Yan about this past event.

More than four thousand years after that war, she encountered a group of evil soul masters within the territory of the Heavenly Soul Empire. It seemed that the group of evil soul masters had also come to collect the resentment of the souls of the dead. One of them was called a saintess by the others who accompanied her, and seemed to have a very high status.

The Evil Princess used her soul-controlling technique to completely subdue those people. From their memories, she learned about the existence of the Holy Spirit Cult and some of the secrets of this terrifying force.

However, she had absorbed too many resentful souls at that time, and her cultivation was on the verge of breaking through. She didn't have time to study it further, so she could only return to her lair to fight against the heavenly tribulation and break through.

After she broke through the Heavenly Tribulation and recovered from her injuries, she remembered the spirit slaves whose souls she had secretly controlled.

After investigating, she was somewhat surprised to find that the woman who was originally called the Holy Maiden had actually reached the peak of level ninety-eight, and her soul control was already starting to lose control of that person.

At that time, her cultivation was not as formidable as it is now, and her spiritual power was not strong enough to easily control a quasi-Limit Douluo. Before that woman officially broke through to Limit Douluo, Xie Ji used her to thoroughly plunder the Holy Spirit Cult, obtaining countless rare treasures, including even a crystal containing evil divine power. According to that woman, that thing came from a place called the City of Slaughter...

After listening to everything Xie Ji said, Shu Yan's expression remained unchanged. The focus now was not on dwelling on these things, but on everything that was about to happen in the inner circle.

……

Previously, Tianmeng had already used her mental power to leave a mark on that level nine soul master. With the help of the mark, Tianmeng quickly tracked down the location of that level nine soul master.

After confirming the location, Hyotei's expression darkened further.

Because the two people were hiding in a position that happened to be on the edge of Xue Di's territory.

Shu Yan's figure weaved through the wind and snow. From the memories of those people, he could confirm that the two level-nine soul masters had been lying low in the core circle for more than half a year, which was already an astonishing thing.

It should be noted that even a Title Douluo would need to mobilize their soul power to resist the low temperature in the core circle, not to mention the countless powerful soul beasts active in the core circle. The fact that these two were able to remain hidden in the core circle for more than half a year under such circumstances shows that they must possess considerable strength.

Following Tianmeng's guidance, Shu Yan continued his journey.

The surrounding temperature was getting lower and lower, and a long, drawn-out roar of a beast could be faintly heard from afar, but it was quickly drowned out by the howling wind and snow.

To the naked eye, this place is devoid of any life; it is almost a cold, dead land.

But if you observe with your mental power, you will be surprised to find that countless amazing creatures live on this seemingly desolate and lifeless land.

After advancing for about half an hour, Tianmeng suddenly called for a halt, and then it spoke:

“Ayan, be careful. Starting from the front, I sensed more than one trigger-type soul tool. Although I don’t know the specific effects, those soul tools are of very high grade. In addition, I also sensed a subtle mental fluctuation. One of those two level nine soul masters is a mental attribute soul master.”

"A ninth-level Spirit Master?"

Shu Yan was somewhat surprised.

Spiritual attribute Soul Masters have always been the most suitable group to become Soul Masters, especially the ninth-level spiritual Soul Masters, who are the most powerful and have the greatest potential among all ninth-level Soul Masters. Their strong spiritual power gives them a huge advantage in creating and controlling Soul Tools. Correspondingly, they receive the highest level of attention and training.

Such a defection of a level nine soul master is a significant loss even for the powerful Sun Moon Empire.

No longer paying attention to these things, with Tianmeng and Xieji providing cover, Shu Yan wasn't worried that the two level-nine soul masters would discover him. His only concern was not to trigger those trigger-type soul tools.

After bypassing numerous soul tools, Shu Yan quickly discovered a soul tool shield shimmering with a faint white light in the vast snowfield.

Within that soul-guided shield were the same level-nine soul master and another middle-aged man.

"That soul-guided shield has the effect of isolating mental power probing within a certain distance, but Ayan, look at how disheveled they are. Obviously, the low temperature in the core circle and the possible appearance of soul beasts have caused considerable damage to their physical and mental health."

Tianmeng said with a grin, her tone full of schadenfreude.

"Stop laughing. The core area of ​​the Far North is not far ahead. For two humans to be able to infiltrate the core area of ​​the Far North for more than half a year right under the noses of so many powerful soul beasts is terrifying. I really can't imagine how much damage they would cause to the Far North if they had other plans..."

Hyotei's tone grew increasingly low, his voice filled with undisguised killing intent.

"The Snow Empress's territory is not far ahead. I think I just sensed her presence."

"The Snow Emperor is in an even more dangerous situation than I am now. With her nearly 700,000 years of cultivation, she is a true pillar of strength for the far north. If something happens to her, the far north will lose its top combat power and its only emperor who can lead all the races of the far north."

"Like Xue Di, I have no confidence in the next great calamity. In the past, we have met more than once to discuss the calamity. I remember she once said that she wanted to complete the sealing of her original essence and fight one last time with a human body..."

Upon hearing this, both Tianmeng and Xieji were stunned for a moment, then Xieji frowned and said:
"With Xue Di's cultivation of nearly 700,000 years, it is absolutely impossible for her to seal her own origin. This is utterly impossible. She is committing suicide."

Generally speaking, soul beasts have two choices when they break through 100,000 years.

The first step is to overcome the Heavenly Tribulation and continue cultivating in one's original form, and then attempt to overcome the first Beast Tribulation to become a Beast in the future.

The second method is to transform into a human form and cultivate using a human body.

However, the option and method of transforming into human form is only available to 100,000-year-old soul beasts. Once they become ferocious beasts, they lose this option.

This is because once a soul beast breaks through to become a ferocious beast, its own power can no longer be limited by its self-sealing.

With the Snow Empress's cultivation level approaching 700,000 years, let alone self-sealing, the power within her body, once out of control, would cause unimaginable impact and destruction to the entire core area of ​​the far north, its power far exceeding that of the so-called level nine fixed-position soul-guided cannon.

Hyotei simply smiled at this, and then she continued:
"Perhaps this is true for ordinary ferocious beasts, but it's different for the Snow Empress."

"She is the daughter of the far north, born from the spiritual energy of the far north. She is born with the destiny of the far north and is the emperor of the far north, revered by all races. It is not difficult for her to take human form, because the heavens are definitely fond of her."

Ice Empress had absolute confidence in Snow Empress because she knew Snow Empress too well and understood just how terrifying her strength and resources were. Transformation was nothing to Snow Empress.

However, this was Xue Di's last resort.

Human lifespan is at most a few hundred years. If she hadn't been forced to, why would the Snow Empress have wanted to take human form?

Tianmeng smacked her lips with some emotion, then said:

"It seems these two are planning to take advantage of the Snow Empress's weakened state after her transformation. But... what's their source of confidence? Even if the Snow Empress is weak, killing two such weak Title Douluos shouldn't be difficult for her..."

"That makes sense, but what if the Snow Empress was sealed away at the most crucial moment of her transformation? In that case, no matter how powerful the Snow Empress is, she would ultimately be trapped like a turtle in a jar, with no power to fight back."

Shu Yan spoke up.

During the most crucial period when a soul beast transforms into a human, its power is completely suppressed into its own essence. At that time, the soul beast is truly powerless to resist.

All three fell silent upon hearing this. After a moment of thought, Hyotei continued, "..."
"Don't alert her yet. Taking action now will definitely attract Xue Di's attention. Although Xue Di is unlikely to kill Shu Yan with me around, it's basically impossible for us to persuade her."

“I know Xue Di too well. Unless it’s a true life-or-death decision, her pride won’t allow her to abandon everything and entrust the hope of life to a human…”

"As a close friend of hundreds of thousands of years, I don't want to see Xue Di die. Compared to the hopeless path of becoming a god, I have more faith in Shu Yan's potential."

Hyotei's voice was tinged with helplessness; if it were truly out of desperation, she would never have wanted to see Yuki-tei in such a predicament… “Yuki-tei, Yuki-tei, if you blame me in the future, I have nothing to say… I truly don't want to see you leave, and to bring you into our camp, I had no choice but to resort to this desperate measure…”

Hyotei uttered the last sentence in a voice that was almost a whisper.

Tianmeng's expression was somewhat complicated. It hesitated for a moment before asking:
"Bingbing, I've always wanted to ask you, was that joke that spread throughout the far north true...? Back then, did you really fall in love with the Snow Empress?"

As soon as the words fell, Ice Emperor felt a sudden pain deep in its heart. Its eyes were filled with rage, and Ice Emperor's claws struck out fiercely, sending Tianmeng flying with a single blow.

"Tianmeng, if you dare bring this up again, I will tear you to pieces..."

Hyotei's tone was chilling, revealing undisguised killing intent. Centered on her, Shu Yan's spiritual sea was faintly stained with a greenish-blue color, which was the power of Hyotei's origin. It was clear that Hyotei was not joking.

After regaining her senses, Tianmeng gave an embarrassed smile and then whispered:

"Bingbing, calm down... calm down, I promise I won't say it again, really. If I say it again, I won't be called Tianmeng Bingcan, I'll just take your surname..."

Hyotei's claws fell again. Hyotei glared angrily at Tenmu, then continued:
"Dream on! To share the same surname as you is an insult to this Emperor..."

Shu Yan ignored the farce in the Sea of ​​Spirit, but he agreed with Hyotei's words.

He didn't know much about the Snow Emperor, but based on his existing knowledge, the Snow Emperor was more domineering and difficult to get along with than the Ice Emperor. The saying "the higher you climb, the colder it gets" perfectly describes the Snow Emperor.

During this period of seclusion and observation, Shu Yan simply began to cultivate by utilizing the extremely rich ice-attribute elemental energy within the core circle.

His current cultivation level is level 65, but if he cultivates in the core circle, he is confident that he can break through to level 66 within a month.

He has plenty of time, so he can wait. If time were of the essence, he wouldn't have such patience.

……

Our gaze shifted from the snow-covered far north to Shrek City, where spring reigns all year round.

Shrek Academy, outer courtyard.

A handsome blond boy walked briskly along the lakeside path. Many of the students passing by seemed to recognize him. One of the female students asked curiously:

"Senior Ning, you seem to be in a hurry. Is something urgent?"

Ning Yufan paused, then turned around and smiled:
"It's a bit urgent, I'm sorry, I'm in a hurry, so I won't chat any longer."

After saying that, Ning Yufan turned and left. The female student opened her mouth, clearly wanting to say something, but after watching Ning Yufan's departing figure, she simply stomped her foot and left.

Ning Yufan hurried along a path worn by students around a corner, eventually arriving at the shore of Poseidon Lake.

"Little Lord…"

Ning Yufan bowed respectfully to the girl with short blonde hair in front of him. The girl had a pair of large, light blue eyes, and her long eyelashes were like small fans. Although there were a few freckles on her fair cheeks, they did not affect her overall pretty appearance and noble and gentle temperament.

Behind this girl was another girl with short red hair. Her eyes were also an unusual shade of red, which at first glance looked somewhat terrifying, but upon closer inspection, one would find that her features were extremely delicate, and her skin was as white as jade. However, her gaze was very cold, comparable to Ma Xiaotao's.

"No need for formalities. This is Shrek Academy, not a sect. These unnecessary formalities can be skipped."

Ning Tian said softly.

"Yes, my lord."

Ning Yufan straightened up. With his status and talent, he was indeed a rare young genius, but compared to the girl in front of him, he was still far inferior.

"How's that matter going?"

Ning Tian looked at Ning Yufan with a faint smile in his eyes.

“Um…Young Master, to be honest, I may be powerless to help with this matter.”

Ning Yufan scratched his head, then said somewhat awkwardly.

"Hmm, what do you mean by that?"

Wu Feng, standing next to Ning Tian, ​​frowned and then asked.

Ning Tian glared helplessly at Wu Feng, then looked at Ning Yu Fan and said:
"Fengmei is being strangely willful, please don't blame her..."

Ning Yufan smiled gently and didn't say anything more.

They've practically grown up together, so how could he not know Wu Feng's personality?
The other party was the daughter of a sect elder, whose status was even higher than his. Under such circumstances, he wouldn't be so petty.

"Could you tell me exactly what happened?"

After intimidating Wu Feng, Ning Tian turned his head and said softly.

Ning Yufan nodded, then spoke:
"It was indeed Senior Shu Yan and an inner court senior who led us to hunt souls in the Star Dou Great Forest. During the journey and after the hunt, I kept looking for an opportunity to talk to Senior Shu Yan, but unfortunately, that inner court senior was always by his side, and I just couldn't find a suitable opportunity..."

When Ning Tian officially enrolled, he asked him to pass on a message to Shu Yan, hoping to meet him. However, Wu Ming kept a close eye on Shu Yan at the time, and he really didn't dare to bring it up.

After all, Lan Yuxin was threatened by Wu Ming simply for expressing his affection for Shu Yan. If he said he wanted to invite Shu Yan to meet with his young lady alone later, he was afraid that Wu Ming would burn him to a crisp with a Golden Crow True Fire.

"A senior from the inner academy? What's her relationship with Shu Yan?"

Ning Tian's handsome brows furrowed almost imperceptibly before he asked a question.

"Yes, that senior's name is Wu Ming. Her martial soul is the top-tier beast martial soul, Golden Crow. She ranks among the top five in cultivation among all the inner court students. Now her cultivation level is Soul Saint, and she is hailed by many as the Golden Crow Saintess."

"As for relationships... she should be good friends with Senior Shu Yan, the two are very close, and... she also has a very good relationship with Senior Shu Yan's girlfriend, Senior Han..."

Ning Yufan honestly answered Ning Tian's question, and at the same time, he couldn't help but marvel once again at Shu Yan's charm.

Look, they haven't even met their own young sect members yet, and they're already eagerly inquiring about him.

"Senior Han..."

Ning Tian murmured softly; she knew something about this Senior Han.

He is undoubtedly the second best in Shrek Academy's inner court. He is a Soul Douluo who is not yet thirty years old. He has amazing talent and is also the heir of a large family.

The Nine Treasure Glazed Tile School and the Han Family are in commercial competition. The Nine Treasure Glazed Tile School has special channels that allow it to continuously smuggle rare metals and even high-level soul tools from the Sun Moon Empire, giving it a pivotal position in the soul tool market of the original three continents.

Although the Han family does not have such a special and enviable smuggling route as the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile School, they are backed by Dou Ling and have also secured a place in the mainland's soul tool market.

"Alright, you should go back now. I was a bit negligent in calling you here in such a hurry today..."

Ning Tian looked at Ning Yufan, then said softly.

"It's alright, young master. Just call me if you need anything. My grandfather warned me that if I dared to deceive or fool you, he would break my legs when he got back..."

Ning Yufan smiled gently, then laughed.

"Hmph... I'd rather break your legs..."

Wu Feng sneered from the side.

Ning Yufan glanced at Wu Feng, a strange light flashing in his eyes. He seemed to understand why Wu Feng had been so rude to him today. It seemed that the rumor circulating in the sect might actually be true...

……

After Ning Yufan left, Ning Tian turned to look at Wu Feng, sighed softly, and said:
"Let's go, Fengmei, we should go back to class."

Then, she lifted her leg and walked forward.

As they walked, Wu Feng suddenly grabbed Ning Tian's arm and said in a low voice:

"Young Master, have you really taken a liking to that Shu Yan?"

Ning Tian paused slightly, then said with a hint of helplessness:

"What are you thinking? I've never even met Senior Shu Yan, so how could I possibly like him..."

"My reasons for wanting to get to know him are twofold: firstly, because of my mother and some past events; and secondly, I want to build a friendship. After all, my purpose in coming to Shrek Academy is twofold: to cultivate diligently and to expand my network..."

Just as Wu Feng was quietly relieved, Ning Tian suddenly spoke up again:
"Of course, if given the chance, Senior Shu Yan would definitely be my best choice, without a doubt."

"In the future, I will definitely marry a powerful Soul Master whose Martial Soul talent and other aspects are top-notch. Only in this way can I secure my position..."

……

(End of this chapter)