Word Count: 2,842 Words
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Bang!
The 'Young Master, please slay the spirit beast for me' had transformed into 'Princess, please appraise for me.' The bullet fired a year ago now struck Ling Bai squarely between the brows.
Xu Jiujiu stared intently at Ling Bai's slightly stiffened face with her beautiful eyes. She nervously clenched her small fists, as if an inner voice were shouting:
Say it! Hurry up and say it!
After three full seconds, a helpless male voice suddenly sounded in Xu Jiujiu's ears: "Never mind, going to the Heavenly Soul Auction House works just as well."
"Wait!"
Xu Jiujiu instantly lost her composure when she realized Ling Bai was about to leave. She instinctively stretched out her hands in an imploring gesture and anxiously said, "Don't go, don't go! I'll waive the auction house's commission for you, okay?!"
"If you leave so abruptly, I definitely won't be able to sleep tonight..." After complaining, she clasped her hands together. "Please, I beg you, just say 'Princess, please appraise for me'!"
The old woman and the little old man were dumbfounded. They both knew Xu Jiujiu's true identity as the youngest sister of the current Star Luo Emperor, noble in status and doted upon by all. For her to lower herself just to hear 'Princess, please appraise for me' showed that her relationship with this young man was far from ordinary.
"Alright, alright. Princess, please appraise for me."
"Finally, that feels better..."
Xu Jiujiu patted her ample bosom. Although the process was a tad humbling, the 'Princess Empowerment Plan' was overall quite smooth. At least she wouldn't wake up in the middle of the night, slapping herself in frustration and regretting having let Ling Bai leave so easily.
Taking the Aura Barrier, Xu Jiujiu professionally retrieved a detection-type Spirit Guidance Device. She performed a series of complex operations to confirm its identity and personally experienced its effect by activating its skill. Finally, she gave her assessment:
"This is a Class 8 Spirit Guidance Device called the Aura Barrier, crafted by a Spirit Guidance Master from the Illustrious Virtue Hall. It's an auxiliary-type device with an excellent concealment skill. Its greatest advantages are its wide applicability and low spirit power consumption. Whether for ambushes or hiding, it's exceptionally effective. It qualifies to be featured in the Starlight Gala that the Starlight Auction House is holding specially for the Continental Elite Spirit Master Academy Tournament.
With the protection of the Aura Barrier, major Spirit Master academies and ancient sects entering spirit beast forests to hunt for spirit rings could greatly reduce their casualty rates. If we promote it a few days in advance, the starting price can be set at two million spirit gold coins, with a final transaction price around four million."
"You're the expert in this area. I feel confident leaving it in your hands."
Generally speaking, stationary Spirit Guidance Devices were the most valuable, followed by long-range ones, with close-combat types ranking last. Auxiliary Spirit Guidance Devices were a mixed bag. Some, like the Invincible Barrier and Thousand Illusion Charming Appearance, were comparable in value to stationary devices, while storage devices were less valuable than close-combat ones. The Aura Barrier was slightly more valuable than ordinary Class 8 long-range Spirit Guidance Devices. Xu Jiujiu's assessment was quite fair, and Ling Bai had no objections.
"By the way, does our agreement from the Luminous Mystic Forest still hold, Miss Xu?" Ling Bai asked with a smile.
"Of course. A promise is a promise." Xu Jiujiu snorted lightly. "You can choose any treasure from the Star Luo Imperial Treasury. You can follow me inside right now."
BOOM—
The old woman who had entered the VIP lounge with Xu Jiujiu and remained silent until now suddenly erupted in fury. A powerful oppressive force burst forth, pressing toward Ling Bai like a giant hand. Her face, aged like withered bark, became as gloomy as still water. She said coldly:
"Only members of the Star Luo Imperial Family may enter the Imperial Treasury. How dare you deceive Her Highness the Princess!"
After returning to the Star Luo Empire, Xu Jiujiu had only mentioned that she had encountered a 50,000-year Dark Emperor Demon Vine, that Snake Lance Spirit Douluo She Chong had sacrificed himself through self-detonation to protect her, and that a passing Spirit Master named Ning Bai had rescued her. Since Evil Spirit Masters couldn't reveal themselves openly, Xu Jiujiu had concealed Ling Bai's true identity and their agreement.
"Grandma Yi Man!"
Xu Jiujiu was shocked. The old woman's name was Yi Man, a Rank 91 Titled Douluo known as Star Cloud Douluo. She had protected Xu Jiujiu since childhood. If she hadn't been in the midst of advancing to Titled Douluo when Xu Jiujiu went to hunt for her fifth spirit ring, She Chong wouldn't have been the one to accompany her into the Luminous Mystic Forest.
Xu Jiujiu had always kept her distance from the opposite sex, so Yi Man had disliked Ling Bai from the start. The matter of the Star Luo Imperial Treasury was the final straw that broke the camel's back.
The Star Luo Empire possessed countless treasures passed down over ten thousand years, including 100,000-year spirit bones left behind by predecessors. If Ling Bai were allowed to choose one item, and he shamelessly took a 100,000-year spirit bone, wouldn't the Star Luo Empire suffer a huge loss?
"Grandma Yi Man, this is an agreement between him and me!" Xu Jiujiu emphasized.
But Yi Man remained unmoved. She released the powerful oppressive force of a Titled Douluo around her body and sneered at Ling Bai:
"Miss Xu Jiu'er... What a joke! Don't tell this seat that you truly didn't know the person before you is Her Highness Princess Xu Jiujiu, the most noble member of the Star Luo Empire's imperial family! The princess is young and values her word but is inexperienced in worldly matters. Your despicable intentions cannot escape my eyes!"
Just as Xu Jiujiu was about to stop Star Cloud Douluo Yi Man, a cold and deathly aura suddenly spread throughout the room. The temperature plummeted dramatically. A terrifying pressure enveloped Yi Man's oppressive force and reversed it back at her. Yi Man's expression changed dramatically as she quickly moved to shield Xu Jiujiu.
A pitch-black door appeared in the center of the room. From behind the door came earth-shaking dragon roars and the howls of various unknown creatures. A gigantic dragon claw covered in pale bony protrusions stepped out, followed by a mountain-like majestic bone dragon. The bone dragon stood proudly with overwhelming dragon might permeating the surroundings. Its pupils seemed to burn with scarlet ghostly flames. The marble floor beneath its claws cracked inch by inch, sending debris flying in all directions.
"This... seat?"
Ling Bai enunciated each word slowly. Although a faint smile still hung on his face, everyone present could feel the bone-chilling coldness beneath that smile.
"Super Douluo... No, an Evil Spirit Master Super Douluo!"
Yi Man's face turned extremely ugly. Rank 95 was the dividing line for Titled Douluo. Those above Rank 95 were called Super Douluo, existences far surpassing ordinary Titled Douluo. This bone dragon was absolutely not something she could withstand, having broken through to Titled Douluo less than a year ago. Moreover, Ling Bai was an Evil Spirit Master, known for their sinister and vicious nature!
What terrified Yi Man even more was that the bone dragon's death attribute completely suppressed her Star Cloud's starlight attribute. Ling Bai very likely possessed an Ultimate Attribute!
Ultimate Death, Super Douluo, Evil Spirit Master.
These three niche terms combined made Yi Man's head spin with confusion. She had looked down on Ling Bai because of his youthful appearance and, considering the interests of the Star Luo Empire, didn't want him entering the Imperial Treasury. She had decisively decided to use her powerful cultivation as a Titled Douluo to suppress Ling Bai, planning to give him a stick followed by a carrot, and finally dismiss him with a reasonably good 10,000-year spirit bone.
The idea was beautiful, but reality was harsh. Yi Man stood half-bent with cold sweat pouring down her body. She seemed to have caused a tremendous disaster, provoking an unbelievably powerful enemy for the Star Luo Empire!
Xu Jiujiu was both terrified and confused. While Ling Bai's combat strength was indeed formidable before, his actual spirit power wasn't that high. How had he suddenly transformed into a Titled Douluo, and how had his Martial Spirit changed from a spider to a bone dragon?
Given the myriad Martial Spirits on the Douluo Continent and the diverse dragon bloodlines, a Martial Spirit changing could be understood as evolution. But for his spirit power to leap several major ranks in one year, combined with his identity as an Evil Spirit Master, she couldn't help but consider the worst-case scenario.
Ling Bai gently patted the Death Abyss Bone Dragon, and rings of spirit rings rose beneath his feet. Gray, black, black, black, black, black, red, red, red!
The Thousand Illusion Charming Appearance's disguise skill activated. The unprecedented nine spirit rings once again caused Yi Man and Xu Jiujiu's pupils to quake in shock, while the welcoming young lady and the black-grade appraiser old man rolled their eyes and fainted on the spot.
The light of the black second spirit ring flashed. The Death Abyss Bone Dragon roared skyward, its sound waves spreading through the air as if they had physical form, shattering the lounge's glass and exquisite porcelain ornaments. A hideous, ghastly white dragon claw pounced toward Star Cloud Douluo. A scarlet vortex representing death condensed in its palm, with countless punishing sharp weapons flickering within the vortex's core!
Second Spirit Skill: Extreme Punishment!
Yi Man let out a sharp scream. Her nine spirit rings—yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, black—the Spirit Master world's recognized optimal configuration, now appeared dim in comparison. Under immense pressure and fear, Star Cloud Douluo directly unleashed her ninth spirit skill, transforming into a dazzling purple nebula. Within the misty, dreamlike nebula floated countless specks of starlight.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Facing the dual crushing power of superior cultivation and attribute, Yi Man's resistance resembled a supporting character's final struggle before death in a movie. The Death Abyss Bone Dragon swatted away the nebula with one claw. Yi Man reverted to her original form, screaming as she was sent hurtling backward, smashing through three marble walls before finally stopping. Her body lay buried among a pile of scattered rubble, her life or death unknown.
The loud explosion drew the attention of many people in the Starlight Auction House. Staff members immediately got up and ran toward the VIP lounge.
"Stay back! It's me, the princess!"
Xu Jiujiu snapped back to reality and hurriedly shouted sternly to disperse them. She understood that she couldn't let anyone focus their attention on Ling Bai; otherwise, this Rank 95 Evil Spirit Master Super Douluo might go on a killing spree, potentially causing half of Star Luo City to be buried. Moreover, none of the Star Luo imperial family's Guardians had the ability to kill him, and the Star Luo Empire couldn't withstand the crazed revenge of a monstrous Evil Spirit Master who had leapt to Titled Douluo in just one year.
Now was not the time to blame Star Cloud Douluo. The most urgent matter was to calm Ling Bai's anger. She bit the tip of her tongue and faced the brutal Evil Spirit Master and the Death Abyss Bone Dragon alone. Mustering her courage, she said, "Ning Bai, this matter was Grandma Yi Man's fault. Please... please forgive us."
"Miss Xu Jiu'er, Her Highness Princess Xu Jiujiu..." Ling Bai said with a half-smile. "Your Titled Douluo didn't hesitate to use her power to oppress me. The fact that you can stand here and speak to 'this seat' is already considering our past acquaintance. It just so happens I need some sacrifices to elevate my cultivation to the next level, so I might as well start with your Star Luo Empire."
Xu Jiujiu's face instantly paled several shades at these words. This was the worst possible outcome. The dignity of a Titled Douluo could not be challenged; the Star Luo Empire would be in an irreconcilable conflict with a generation's Evil Spirit Master Super Douluo, all because Star Cloud Douluo attempted to pressure an Evil Super Douluo who was hiding his true strength. If this reached the ears of the other three great empires, they would laugh themselves silly.
"Grandma Yi Man was at fault, but the common people of the Star Luo Empire are innocent. Ning Bai, I've always believed you're not like the Evil Spirit Masters recorded in ancient texts who regard human lives as mere grass. I'm willing to make amends for Grandma Yi Man's actions today. Anything I have can be given to you. I hope you won't vent your anger on the civilians of the Star Luo Empire."
Xu Jiujiu's tone carried a hint of pleading. With the Continental Elite Spirit Master Academy Tournament gathering momentum, the Star Luo Empire's top-tier combat forces were all defending Star Luo City. If Ling Bai began a slaughter, the other cities under the Star Luo Empire would surely suffer heavy casualties and rivers of blood. As a princess of the nation, she couldn't sit by and watch.
At the same time, she couldn't help but inwardly curse Star Cloud Douluo for causing this trouble. The right to choose any treasure from the Star Luo Treasury was a coming-of-age gift from her imperial brother. She was free to give it to whomever she wished. This could have been an opportunity to build a good relationship with Ling Bai. Perhaps in the future, the Star Luo Empire might even need this Evil Super Douluo's help for some difficult matter.
"Farewell."
Ling Bai controlled the Death Abyss Bone Dragon to slowly rise into the air, intending to pressure Xu Jiujiu one last time. Sure enough, seeing him about to leave, she became anxious. A flash of inspiration suddenly struck her.
"The Star Luo Empire has a supreme treasure related to an Evil God. You'll definitely like it!"
With that, she took out an item from her Storage Spirit Guidance Device. It was an extremely strange object, entirely crystalline and blood-red in color, appearing to pulsate constantly, resembling a living, beating heart.
This heart looked as if it had been carved from a ruby. Deep blood-colored mist swirled around it, emitting eerie laughter that disturbed one's mind. Just holding it caused a thin layer of sweat to appear on Xu Jiujiu's face. She managed to say:
"Its name is the Bloodsea Heart. Ten thousand years ago, on a certain day, many places on the Douluo Continent suddenly had blood springs gushing forth. The blood springs contained an evil aura of slaughter and a highly addictive toxin.
The Star Luo Imperial Family was still the hidden sect called Star Crown Sect at that time. The blood spring that appeared near our sect was the most turbulent on the continent, almost forming a small-scale blood sea. Our ancestors led the sect members and exhausted all their strength to eliminate the influence of the blood sea. At the bottom, they discovered this Bloodsea Heart, which seals an evil energy far surpassing the Titled Douluo rank. It's highly likely related to an Evil God..."
Ling Bai believed her from the first moment she took out the Bloodsea Heart, because the Death Abyss Spider Emperor, which had been dormant in his Spiritual Sea for so long, suddenly went berserk. Electrolux and the Snow Empress were jointly suppressing it!
Screech—
The Death Abyss Spider Emperor frantically crashed against the golden cage constructed from the light power of the Ancient Golden Tree. Web-like cracks appeared on the cage and continued to expand. Electrolux and the Snow Empress wore solemn expressions. The gray spirit ring and the blood-red spirit ring engraved with seven golden patterns shone brilliantly, transforming into streams of light to repair the golden cage.
"This monster has grown stronger again..."
Ling Bai manifested in his Spiritual Sea. Electrolux said in a deep voice, "Each time you perform Soul Devouring, it absorbs the vast majority of the spirit power, recuperating and waiting for a chance to deliver a fatal blow. Its eruption may come even earlier than when you reach Spirit Saint!"
"We must deal with it!"
The Snow Empress said coldly, as chains of ice and snow bound the Death Abyss Spider Emperor like wrapping a rice dumpling, yet they couldn't restrain it further.
"It's useless," Electrolux shook his head. "This is Ling Bai's second Martial Spirit. Only he himself can handle it."
Ling Bai lowered his gaze and slowly walked toward the Death Abyss Spider Emperor. Gazing at those horrifying eight scarlet beast eyes, he said softly:
"You... recognize the Bloodsea Heart?"
The Death Abyss Spider Emperor tilted its head, seemingly considering whether to tell Ling Bai. Finally, it slowly opened its massive mouth, its hoarse voice uttering:
"Slaugh... ter... City!"