[DD]: 279

Han Li's breakthrough caused quite a commotion. Unlike others, he absorbed both soul rings and soul bones simultaneously.

Han Li's progression to a titled rank felt more like a formality—he was already far ahead, like someone overtaking others on the highway and now just coming back to buy a ticket. With the soul bone of Skydream leading the way and the legitimate twin arm soul bones of the Ice-Fire Dragon King following suit, the absorption of the Deep Sea Demon Whale King's soul bone proceeded smoothly and naturally. The moment the bone entered Han Li's body, it was quickly overwhelmed by his divine power, connecting seamlessly with all his other soul bones to initiate a transformation. As a result, Han Li, who had been meditating on the icy surface, was forcibly lifted into the air. This transformation didn't bring him any pain; on the contrary, it felt rather enjoyable. The resentments and lingering will of the Deep Sea Demon Whale King intended to confuse him, were instantly obliterated and devoured the moment they made contact with him.

Once all the soul bones were fully connected and infused with his divine power, Han Li willed his thoughts, and a set of armor appeared on his body—a pale red base color with a golden sheen. This full-body armor included a unique helm with multicolored dragon horns protruding from the top, wings, and a tail tipped with a hooked barb. Additionally, a pale red, translucent lens floated over his right eye, adding an eccentric touch to his already distinctive appearance. The chest piece lacked any whale motifs but featured a transparent blue crystal-like heart guard that occasionally shimmered with light. His arm pieces were less conventional, extending from the shoulders to the wrists in an openwork design. Twin dragons spiraled downward, their heads forming bracelet-like loops at his wrists, complete with carved dragon-head details.

As Han Li examined his new divine armor through his spiritual awareness, his mouth twitched involuntarily. He was quite satisfied with this exclusive divine armor forged from soul bones. The tail, wings, dragon horns, and even what resembled a combat scanner made the design feel like a fusion of Sagittarius and Scorpio's Saint Seiya armors with a Super Saiyan aesthetic. The style was peculiar, yes, but undeniably striking.

But... the pale red color?

Was that serious?

Han Li had theorized before that the color of divine armor might correlate with one's divine power traits. Still, he hadn't expected that even the golden sheen couldn't suppress this pale red tone. He used to tease Ye Lingling about her Nine-Hearted Begonia soul being pinker the stronger it got, and now the tables had turned. Fortunately, his looks were still up to the task of pulling off this eccentric divine armor. Although it leaned toward a sinister aesthetic, it was undeniably powerful.

"Never mind," he consoled himself.

"As long as it's strong enough."

He then began to absorb the golden soul ring of the Deep Sea Demon Whale King. The Deep Sea Demon Whale King was truly strong, in Han Li's view. It hadn't devoured countless lives in vain; its million years of cultivation and relentless refinement had resulted in soul power of exceptionally high quality. The vast soul power was swiftly converted into divine power by Han Li's divine core. His body radiated an intense divine aura, forcing Qian Daoliu and Ye Lingling to retreat further from the ice sheet, observing from a safe distance.

Meanwhile, Xiaobai fled even faster than the two. She had never expected that such a terrifying powerhouse would only now officially ascend to the rank of Titled Douluo.

91, 95, 98, 99.

Under the infusion of energy, Han Li's level soared like a rocket. Within mere minutes, he had reached the realm of Ultimate Douluo. As Qian Daoliu's eyes widened, Han Li continued absorbing energy. Would he break through to level 100?

Qian Daoliu felt a surge of excitement.

Once upon a time, wasn't this his dream as well?

At the center of the energy vortex, Han Li himself felt little pressure. The Deep Sea Demon Whale King's soul ring energy entered his body, leaving him only slightly strained. After all, whether in physical form or soul, he vastly outclassed it.

Suppressing the volatile soul power with divine power, he methodically carried out the transformation, marveling at the enormous reserves accumulated by his adversary over the years.

A million-year-old soul beast truly stood apart.

Compared to the Deep Sea Demon Whale King, Skydream seemed like a mere infant.

When Han Li accepted Tianmeng's sacrifice, he felt almost no pressure. If Skydream's energy entering his body had been like mist, then the Deep Sea Demon Whale King's was akin to liquid mercury—an indescribable gap.

Incidentally, Han Li took a moment to evaluate Qian Daoliu's total soul power. The disparity was at least a hundredfold. Although soul power wasn't the sole determinant of strength, it highlighted the terrifying might of the Deep Sea Demon Whale King. Han Li couldn't help but wonder whether, with a different species, it might have been capable of breaking through the Divine Realm's restrictions. Then, shaking his head internally, he dismissed the thought.

A pity? Not really.

Fortunately, he was now the greatest beneficiary. After absorbing the equivalent of three Qian Daoliu's worth of soul power, Han Li sensed himself colliding with something invisible. His aura began to surge once more.

"Was that the level 100 barrier?"

Han Li mused belatedly. In every aspect, he had long surpassed the rules set by the Divine Realm. This barrier was not an obstacle to him—it didn't even exert pressure. He barely exerted force, and it shattered. Just like that. At this moment, his divine core intensified its devouring power once again, while he appeared in the spiritual space. Unlike before, this time, his spiritual space had undergone a complete transformation. The space, originally a personal mental projection, now shimmered with starlight, making him feel as though he were in the vastness of the cosmos. Looking around, the interplay of vitality and desolation struck deeply at his heart. Han Li lowered his gaze and saw the deep expanse beneath his feet. Raising his right hand, he found a blue star floating in his palm. Its surface was densely covered with intricate lines of rules, and a faint white glow was rapidly devouring at a visible speed. Han Li could sense the excitement and joy emanating from that faint white light.

"My good child?"

Han Li's lips curved slightly as he reached out with his left hand and touched the white light with a single finger.

"Congratulations to the great father for stepping into the hundredth rank," came the slightly obsequious voice of the planar consciousness from within the white light, as always. Smiling faintly, Han Li didn't reply. Instead, he increased the infusion of his divine sense. The moment he touched the white light, he understood its intent. It was on the verge of completely devouring the instinctive rules established by the Divine Realm, thus fully taking control of Douluo Star. Only the final step remained for the planar consciousness.

Naturally, Han Li decided to lend a hand.

In the outside world, Han Li's divine core was spontaneously converting energy. Meanwhile, in his spiritual world, with his assistance, the white light belonging to the planar consciousness finally enveloped the blue star representing Douluo Star entirely. "Father," the planar consciousness called out affectionately. Once the white glow fully covered the star, the planar consciousness manipulated it to float up and land on Han Li's shoulder, where it nuzzled against his face with fondness.

"Is Douluo Star now fully under control?"

Han Li let it express its emotions before gently lifting it from his shoulder and holding it in front of his face. His question was rhetorical; he didn't need an answer to sense the change. Now that the planar consciousness had fully taken over Douluo Star, he could, with a single thought, obliterate the entire planet. Of course, the cost would be his own life as well.

"Yes, Father. Would you like to test it out?"

The small orb of light dispersed its white glow, revealing itself in a transparent form. It projected the entire landscape of the planet for Han Li to see in detail.

"No," Han Li shook his head. He was curious but knew now wasn't the time.

"Father, shall we sever the connection with the Divine Realm and modify the rules they established?"

The small orb showed no disappointment at his refusal. Instead, it eagerly projected several distinct lines, each wrapped in white light, and floated them up and down as if seeking his approval. Looking at the lines it projected, Han Li could see that the surface of each one was enveloped in white light. He could crush them at will if he desired.

"Well done. Maintain the status quo," Han Li encouraged it with a brief nod but refrained from acting rashly. Although the planar consciousness was under his complete control, he was not the planar consciousness. It was a peculiar feeling. Now was not the time. He could sense that the planar consciousness was eager to give him everything it had to demonstrate its loyalty and love. He, too, was curious about what changes this breakthrough might bring him. But not now. He was still absorbing the soul ring. He had reached the hundredth rank, but the Divine Realm hadn't turned its gaze toward him yet. There was no need to rush.

"Continue pretending to sleep. Keep everything as it is and await my call."

Without much deliberation, Han Li made his decision and issued the command. He could still sense the outside world, where the Deep Sea Demon Whale King's energy was nearly fully absorbed. It was time to return. As for this space, he could enter it at any time.

"Yes, Father," the small orb rubbed affectionately against his fingertip before dispersing its white glow. The blue star reappeared, quietly floating amidst the starry expanse.

In the outside world, Han Li opened his eyes. The last trace of energy merged into his body. He slowly descended onto the icy ground below, a faint smile gracing his lips.

"Xiao Li!"

Ye Lingling moved faster than Qian Daoliu, landing in front of him and curiously inspecting the armor he now wore. Qian Daoliu followed closely behind, his expression brimming with barely concealed excitement.

"The hundredth rank?"

"The hundredth rank."

Han Li smiled and nodded, confirming his guess.