Douluo Continent: From Internal Martial Arts to the Law of Heaven and Earth

Gu Yue unleashed a Dragon Fist at Tang Shan's side without any mercy, but abruptly withdrew her force just before it hit. The remaining force was less of a strike and more of an intimate touch.

"What if we can't finish developing it?" The girl pouted slightly, her bright eyes glancing around, a hint of dissatisfaction in her expression at Tang Shan's casual attitude.

Clearly, Gu Yue encountered almost the same situation as Tang Shan back then: his body had too much potential, and it would be a lifetime to fully develop it.

Come to think of it, it makes sense. After all, he was a Silver Dragon King who had transformed his cultivation. The effect of his divine origin on the physical body would be even stronger than the medicinal power of the few immortal herbs that Tang Shan had taken. The potential hidden in Gu Yue's body at this moment is simply unimaginable. Trying to fully tap into it would be nothing short of a pipe dream.

“Then you can try to improve your willpower first and see if you can forcefully break through to the Godhood, but this path is quite difficult.” Tang Shan put away his frivolousness and replied seriously.

"Improve willpower? How do I improve it?" Gu Yue tilted her head slightly, her long eyelashes trembling, her eyes filled with a hint of confusion. She wasn't Tang Shan. Tang Shan's willpower was already extremely strong, and it was only after several evenly matched battles that his willpower improved like a rocket.

“Then travel more and see more. The everyday life is the best way to hone your skills. The world is bustling and chaotic. Take a trip through it, and your soul will naturally find fulfillment.” Tang Shan replied softly. Traveling across the mainland is also a form of spiritual practice. If one’s spiritual world is as vast as a civilization, what difficulty is there in breaking through the void?

As they walked and talked, they unknowingly reached the edge of Sunset Forest. It was just afternoon, the sun had not yet completely set, but it was not as scorching as midday. The trees overhead cast interlacing shadows, letting in dappled sunlight, and a gentle breeze rustled through the leaves. The weather was just right.

The withered branches and fallen leaves crunched underfoot, making a soft crackling sound. A gentle breeze wafted through the woods, bringing the fresh scent of grass and earth, mixed with a faint floral fragrance, and a cool sensation that soothed the soul.

The highest peak in Sunset Forest has no name. It is located in the center of the forest, near the Yin-Yang Eye of Ice and Fire.

The two did not make much preparation for this trip. With their current strength, they were basically capable of sweeping through the entire Sunset Forest and did not need to worry about encountering difficult enemies.

The sounds of insects chirping and birds singing filled the air, rising and falling, clear and melodious, creating a natural and harmonious symphony that soothed the soul.

Sunset Forest is, after all, a habitat for spirit beasts, so encountering them is inevitable. The two, in good spirits, did not kill them, but merely punished them slightly before letting the ignorant spirit beasts go.

As for whether the injuries on their bodies would cause difficulties for the other party's future survival, that was beyond Tang Shan and Gu Yue's consideration. After all, they were the ones who started the trouble first, and since they decided to take action, they should be prepared to pay the price.

As they strolled along, the light and shadows shifted slowly through the forest. As the rosy clouds gradually painted the sky and turned the clouds golden-red, the two arrived at the foot of their target mountain.

From a distance, it doesn't seem like much, but only after getting up close can one appreciate the mountain's towering grandeur and imposing presence.

The continuous mountain ranges rise and fall, with peaks rising abruptly from the ground and piercing the clouds. Clouds and mist swirl around the mountainside, surrounding the highest peak of the sunset like stars surrounding the moon.

"How high is it?" Gu Yue lightly touched the ground with her toes, tilted her delicate chin up and looked up at the sky, her clear eyes full of curiosity and eagerness.

"About four or five thousand meters," Tang Shan replied. He looked up at the sky and frowned slightly. "Gu Yue, it's getting late. If we climb up now, we might miss the sunset. Should we speed things up?"

"No, there will be other opportunities if we miss this one, or do you only want to be with me this once?" The girl's eyes were bright as if they were immersed in starlight, and her eyes were full of emotions as they moved, with the Milky Way hidden in them, which was extremely moving.

"How could that be? I would do it any number of times!" Those bright silver eyes were like a key, completely unlocking Tang Shan's usual composure and calmness. He stretched out his long arms and pulled the girl into his arms. With his toes touching the ground, he used his strength and soul power together to leap up and begin to climb the peak in front of him.

call!

A fierce gust of wind swept through, and Gu Yue, feeling dizzy, thought she might have developed a fever from the wind. Otherwise, why would her ear tips and face be burning hot, and why would her mind be completely blank?

After a long while, the silver-haired girl, barely regaining her senses, hesitated: originally, she was supposed to climb the mountain with Tang Shan, but now Tang Shan was leading her—wasn't that a bit inappropriate? However, the young man's embrace seemed to possess a certain fatal attraction, warm and reassuring, making her infatuated, greedy, and even addicted, unwilling to leave for a long time.

Chapter 383 The Strange Mountain Road

"Xiaoxue, how's the purification effect?" Under the giant banyan tree, Golden Crocodile Douluo looked at Xue Qinghe beside him.

Xue Qinghe tapped his arm with his fingers, pondered for a moment, and then replied, "It's alright. The purification effect is quite good. That so-called bewitching martial soul is not as difficult to deal with as I imagined. There is no possibility of forcibly turning a person into an evil soul master."

The Spirit Hall primarily determines whether someone is an evil spirit master based on their behavior, not their spirit. In other words, even if you awaken an evil spirit, as long as you control yourself and don't do evil, you're at most considered a high-risk individual and won't be judged as an evil spirit master and hunted down by the Spirit Hall.

However, there is one type of evil spirit that is an exception. They are generally very powerful and also possess some terrifying characteristics. If a spirit master awakens this type of spirit, the chance of becoming an evil spirit master is as high as 99%.

These types of martial souls are mostly very powerful, but the price is that they will backfire on the soul master and may even lead to the soul master's death. The only way to avoid this situation is to cultivate using evil soul master methods. However, once you cultivate using evil soul master methods, you will be like the drug addict in Tang Shan's previous life, with no way back.

When Xue Qinghe was treating Zhu Zhuyun, he also took the opportunity to sense the bewitching martial soul. It wasn't particularly evil, and there was no possibility of forcibly turning a soul master into an evil soul master.

Even if such a possibility exists, Xue Qinghe is confident that he can keep Zhu Zhuyun from losing control. According to the nature of this martial soul, the cultivation method of evil soul masters should be dual cultivation, which is much simpler than drinking blood, eating meat, or absorbing life force.

"It's just a man. Let alone her hidden identity in the Spirit Hall, her mere identity as the Crown Prince of the Heavenly Dou Sect is enough to find countless men. As long as that man isn't Tang Shan, Xue Qinghe says she can have as many as she wants."

Golden Crocodile Douluo was completely unaware that Xue Qinghe's thoughts had already wandered off course in a very short time. He nodded and solemnly reminded her, "Xiao Xue, you must not be careless. Evil martial souls are unpredictable and mysterious. If you are slightly lax, they can easily take advantage of you. You must be careful when you purify that little girl."

"Grandpa Golden Crocodile, don't worry. I have a six-winged angel martial soul. Unless my martial soul falls, no evil or filth can have any effect on me," Xue Qinghe assured him, patting his chest.

After thinking about it, Golden Crocodile Douluo felt that Xue Qinghe's words were not wrong—the Six-Winged Angel Martial Soul can suppress all evil. As for the Martial Soul falling into depravity, that was nonsense. There had never been such an example in the Qian family. Even when the previous Pope did something inhuman, his Martial Soul was still normal. The Six-Winged Angel falling into depravity was absolutely impossible.

"Huh, they've been gone for so long, why hasn't Tangshan come back yet?" Looking at the setting sun, Xue Qinghe couldn't help but frown slightly.

"He's probably still out wandering around. What, you've only been apart for a few hours and you already miss him?" Since exposing Xue Qinghe's little thoughts, Golden Crocodile Douluo could finally tease Xue Qinghe without having to listen to excuses like "right-hand man," "capable assistant," or "pillar of the nation."

Faced with Golden Crocodile Douluo's teasing, Xue Qinghe was not as shy as usual, but felt a little sad, as if something was about to happen: "Grandpa Golden Crocodile, is something going to happen to Tangshan? Do you know where he went?"

"They seem to have gone to Sunset Forest. Don't worry, those two powerful figures are still with Tang Shan and Gu Yue, they'll be fine." Golden Crocodile Douluo shook his head helplessly, his voice kind and gentle, trying to soothe Xue Qinghe's emotions.

"But I still feel unwell. No, I have to go find him." A premonition stemming from his sixth sense made Xue Qinghe release his martial soul without hesitation. Brilliant wings spread out on his back, and with a sudden flap, he soared into the air.

"Sigh, why bother?" Golden Crocodile Douluo shook his head, stood up, and quietly followed behind Xue Qinghe.

Xue Qinghe was heading to Sunset Forest, where there were quite a few high-level soul beasts, which was quite dangerous. It would be better for the old man to go with him. Besides, Xue Qinghe might have received some kind of revelation. What if Tang Shan really encountered danger?

……

Let's call the highest peak in Sunset Forest Sunset Peak for now. Although Sunset Peak soars into the clouds, the initial mountain path is not steep at all; on the contrary, it is quite flat.

With immense perseverance, Gu Yue broke free from the embrace of Tangshan and walked alongside it on this mountain road.

"Tangshan, who carved this mountain road?" As Gu Yue walked up the stone steps, she tilted her head slightly, her clear eyes filled with a hint of doubt.

"I'm not sure either. Logically speaking, this is the core of Sunset Forest, so there shouldn't be a lot of human traces here." Tang Shan was also a little curious.

Sunset Peak is located in the heart of Sunset Forest. Let alone ordinary people, low- to mid-level Soul Masters would have virtually no chance of getting here unless they had incredible luck. The Soul Beasts along the way would be enough to bury them completely.

Who exactly carved out a mountain road in this desolate place? And what was the purpose of those who carved this road?

"Wait, something's not right. This mountain road doesn't seem to have been carved out. It's more like it was shaped directly by manipulating the soil and rocks with a soul skill." Gu Yue, whose elemental perception was extremely sharp, was the first to notice something was wrong.

Upon closer inspection, Tangshan also discovered the problem: the edges of these steps were rounded and the corners were concealed. The stone surface was flat and smooth, and the joints were perfectly fitted, as if they were a single piece, as if they were naturally formed, without any rough traces of chiseling.

It's impossible that it was formed naturally, so there's only one possibility: these steps were created by a powerful Soul Master using a Soul Skill.

“Let’s keep going up; maybe we can find some clues.” Tang Shan looked up at the mountain peaks that pierced the clouds, a rare moment of interest on his mind.

He wasn't afraid of any danger. Not to mention that his internal martial arts skills could sense danger and avoid it in advance, the fact that Bi Ji and Xiong Jun were secretly protecting him and Gu Yue was enough to keep them safe.

The man-made stone steps are not long, only a hundred or so steps leading upwards before reaching the end, where a slope of earth at a 30-degree angle rises into view.

The mountain path ahead was a bit more difficult, but for Tangshan and Guyue, it made no difference; they strolled leisurely and easily traversed it.

The vegetation on Sunset Peak is neither dense nor sparse, and there is nothing particularly special about it overall.

Tangshan turned around, climbed backwards, and looked out at the entire sunset forest, where a magnificent view came into view.

The layers of tree canopy spread out into an endless green sea under the setting sun, undulating gently with the wind, surging waves of turquoise of varying shades, completely enveloping the entire forest.

Flying soul beasts, whether in groups or alone, soared through the high sky, their wings sweeping across the clouds and drawing graceful shadows above the treetops, their clear cries echoing between heaven and earth.

Occasionally, one can see a few soul beasts fighting each other in the forest, their sharp claws intertwined, their soul power surging, and blood splattering everywhere, staining the grass and trees beneath them. At this moment, it does not appear cruel at all, but rather reveals a primitive, wild, and real tragic beauty and magnificence, which is the true appearance of the law of the jungle in nature.

A small, fair hand gently grasped Tang Shan's arm, and Gu Yue turned around as well. Her bright silver eyes quietly reflected the surging blue sea, her eyelashes drooping slightly, and a hint of understanding flashed in her eyes. A seed quietly sprouted in her heart.

Chapter 384 Reaching the Summit

Gu Yue's comprehension of the will is similar to that of a creator god, which may be related to the creator godhood he himself possesses.

Tangshan was not entirely sure how to enhance such a special kind of willpower, but the general method for enhancing willpower must be possible, which is nothing more than "tempering".

Tang Shan had originally thought that besides being exposed to the mundane world, there was another way to give Gu Yue some more experience and training. However, he did not expect that the other party would fall into a state of enlightenment by chance.

Before us lies the vastness of nature, where all things are born, grow, decay, and die. Order and chaos intertwine within it, seemingly complex, yet ultimately inescapable of "cycle."

Her spirit seemed to resonate and breathe with the scene before her, and her will was nourished and refined invisibly, beginning to grow rapidly. The artistic conception she created spread outwards from the silver-haired girl's body as the center.

"Is this how cheaters improve? It's truly unreasonable." Tang Shan couldn't help but mutter under his breath as he felt the ever-increasing intensity of Gu Yue's willpower. Compared to his own hard-earned and arduous cultivation and tempering, Gu Yue's improvement seemed much easier, smoother than silk!

Gu Yue's sudden enlightenment did not last long. In less than a quarter of an hour, she emerged from that dazed and confused state, her eyes still somewhat bewildered and confused, her small face still showing a hint of dazedness, clearly not having fully recovered yet.

"Gu Yue." Tang Shan called softly, gradually awakening the girl's sluggish consciousness. Her bright silver eyes looked at the person beside her, the confusion dissipating and her mind returning to clarity.

"Let's go." Tang Shan gently took the girl's hand and continued climbing towards the peak. The girl obediently followed. After savoring the profound realization for a moment, she opened her lips and described her feelings: "Tang Shan, I think I just had an epiphany. I've come to understand something. I feel like I've become the master of all things. I can interfere with everything, yet I let them develop naturally."

"Heaven and earth are ruthless, treating all things like straw dogs." Tang Shan's short sentence perfectly encapsulates the girl's lesson.

"What?" Gu Yue's eyes widened, a hint of curiosity and confusion appearing in her silver eyes. She felt that Tang Shan's words just now seemed to contain some kind of philosophy. She had a premonition that if she understood the meaning of those words, she would gain something extraordinary.

"Why think so much? We agreed to come out and have fun, why are you suddenly thinking about cultivation again?" Tang Shan tapped Gu Yue's head in annoyance. The girl wasn't bothered; her eyes crinkled with a playful smile, completely forgetting her curiosity about Tang Shan's words. Tang Shan was right. They came out to have fun, and any sudden enlightenment was a stroke of luck. Why force it?

Having lived together for so many years, Gu Yue and Tang Shan had been influenced by each other. Although Tang Shan remained focused on his cultivation, he now occasionally thought about relaxing for a few days and enjoying himself, a far cry from his previous mechanical life. Gu Yue, on the other hand, had no worries about her cultivation level and no deep-seated hatreds waiting for her to resolve. Carefree, she also took a bit more seriously in her internal martial arts training.

Climbing mountains is an extremely strenuous physical activity for ordinary people, but for Tang Shan and Gu Yue, two powerful soul masters, it was as easy as walking on flat ground.

A 30-degree slope had no effect; a 60-degree slope, with skillful control of their strength, only required a little more effort. As time passed, they soon reached the halfway point.

Halfway up the mountain, there is a solid platform formed naturally by changes in the terrain. A few crooked, short trees grow here and there, adding a bit of life to this desolate mountain.

"Let's wait until the sun has completely set before continuing our ascent," Tang Shan said to the girl beside him, watching the sunset draw ever closer to the horizon.

“Okay!” Gu Yue stood quietly beside Tang Shan, her silver hair gently swaying in the evening breeze, her profile gentle and clear, watching the sunset gradually sink.

Time ticked by, and in the instant the sun touched the horizon, it was as if the light of heaven and earth was suddenly ignited. The afterglow of the setting sun was like molten gold being poured out, a blend of crimson and golden purple, and the air itself seemed to be coated with a warm, bright halo. The brilliant golden light instantly dyed all the treetops golden-red, and the clouds in the sky shared the same color. Distant mountains and nearby forests were all enveloped in a magnificent glow, and before our eyes lay a scene of splendor and grandeur.

"Wow!" Gu Yue's eyes widened, her silver eyes reflecting the radiant glow of the sunset, and she couldn't help but exclaim softly. This magnificent scenery was the first time she had ever seen it, or rather, even if she had seen it before, she had never felt the shock and impact it brought to her soul.

As the sun slowly sank below the horizon, the last glimmer of light disappeared completely, the colors of the sky gradually faded, and the world was enveloped in a thick twilight.

……

The angel's dazzling wings became even more vibrant and beautiful against the backdrop of the sunset. However, the owner of the wings had no time to notice this magnificence. His mind was filled with thoughts of the person who had vanished without a trace. He darted among the treetops, his senses fully activated, but he still could not sense that somewhat familiar presence.

"Xiao Xue, are you overthinking this? I didn't sense any powerful beings in Sunset Forest." Golden Crocodile Douluo took a step and came to Xue Qinghe's side, asking with some doubt.

At the level of Limit Douluo, one's sense of aura is extremely acute. After arriving here, Golden Crocodile Douluo conducted a thorough investigation and did not detect any terrifying presences other than Xiong Jun and Bi Ji.

Xue Qinghe didn't reply, but just kept searching. Golden Crocodile Douluo shook his head, recalling the medicine garden that Dugu Bo had taken Tang Shan to earlier. He guessed that Tang Shan and Gu Yue should be there, and weren't Xiong Jun and Bi Ji nearby?

After Xue Qinghe had searched for a while longer, he decided to take her to Dugu Bo's herb garden. This would also be a good opportunity to urge her on. Golden Crocodile Douluo had figured it out: Xue Qinghe was obviously a bit slow to warm up. Even though he had pointed out her intentions before, she still hadn't taken the initiative at all.

Since Xue Qinghe was unwilling to take the initiative, he, as the grandfather, had no choice but to give him a push—literally.

There seems to be a spring in that herb garden, right? It wouldn't be surprising if the old man accidentally pushed someone in, would it? He wouldn't need to worry about what happened after that. He just needed to know that the angel's disguise was limited. Since the body had been seen naked, wouldn't that be considered a different kind of forced marriage?

A golden light flickered in the eyes of the Golden Crocodile Douluo, and a seemingly "perfect" plan quietly took shape. Unfortunately, a misjudgment led things to develop in an unpredictable direction, ultimately pushing Xue Qinghe into the abyss.

……

The sun completely disappeared below the horizon, its last rays barely maintaining the azure of the sky, and night slowly began to fall.

Bang bang bang!

With each burst of footwork, Tangshan could easily leap more than ten meters into the air, even over steep, almost vertical slopes of seventy degrees.

The further you go on Sunset Peak, the steeper it becomes, with slopes of 20 to 30 degrees everywhere, and mountain paths of 40 to 50 degrees are not uncommon. As you climb further up, the naturally formed mountain paths have long since disappeared, and what remains are basically 60 to 70 degrees, almost vertical mountain walls.

The significantly increased difficulty of the rock climbing didn't trouble Tang Shan; with a light touch of his toes, each burst of speed led to a rapid ascent. If there was any difficulty, it was the added weight he carried.