Chapter 118: This Secret, I'll Hold Over You for Life

Word Count: 3,049 Words

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The colossal Godly Taotie Bull suddenly shattered into countless earth-yellow specks of light with a thunderous roar. An aged figure plummeted toward the ground, blood scattering in all directions like torn crimson silk.

BOOM—

Elder Xuan slammed heavily into the ground, creating a massive crater over ten meters in diameter. The physical pain was merely an appetizer; the mental trauma was the main course. The Abyss of Suffering had dredged up the inner demons buried deep within his heart for many years. His pupils were now densely covered with blood-red cracks resembling spiderwebs, and blood-tinged foam continuously spurted from his mouth, yet he still muttered:

"I'm sorry, children... It's... it's all my fault..."

On the ground, a black silhouette streaked across the battlefield like a swimming dragon, then softly emerged from Elder Xuan's shadow.

Shadow Dragon Douluo, Xie Qin!

The earth-shattering battle between the Death Abyss Bone Dragon and the Godly Taotie Bull had alarmed all Titled Douluo near Star Luo City, who raced toward the location. As an agility-type Titled Douluo, Xie Qin outpaced them all and arrived first on the scene.

"E-Elder Xuan... it's really you?!"

Xie Qin couldn't help but gasp upon seeing Elder Xuan's miserable state. The old man's body was crisscrossed with bloody wounds, tiny scarlet lights flickering incessantly within them. His face was deathly pale. Evidently, he had suffered a disastrous defeat in his battle against Death Abyss Douluo, severely wounded in both body and spirit, nearly paying the price with his life.

"This Evil Spirit Master..."

Xie Qin gazed upward at the ferocious and sinister Death Abyss Bone Dragon. A bead of cold sweat involuntarily rolled down his forehead. He had once been a student at Shrek Academy in the same generation as Ning Fengya and Du Weilun, selected for the Shrek Reserve Team and the Shrek Seven Monsters. Elder Xuan had led the team for both Continental Elite Spirit Master Academy Tournaments back then, and Xie Qin greatly admired his strength.

And now, he had actually lost!

A Rank 98 Titled Douluo defeated by an Evil Spirit Master!

The Douluo Continent was about to face another bloody storm!

On the distant horizon, four figures rushed over like meteors chasing the moon and stood opposite Ling Bai, their gazes fixed unwaveringly on the Death Abyss Bone Dragon.

Shattered Star Douluo, Heavenfiend Douluo, Giant Hammer Douluo, and Juli Douluo!

The four Guardian Douluo of the Star Luo Imperial Family!

Led by the Rank 95 Super Douluo, Shattered Star Douluo, the four Guardians encircled the Death Abyss Bone Dragon with their auras. Shadow Dragon Douluo Xie Qin hesitated for a moment, then also ascended to stand alongside them.

The five shared the same thought. This place wasn't far from Star Luo City, and other Titled Douluo were en route.

The Evil Spirit Master posed a tremendous threat; he absolutely could not be allowed to escape!

'The whole world is my enemy, huh...'

Ling Bai sighed softly, sweeping his gaze over the five Titled Douluo whose expressions were a mix of fear and resolute determination.

The social hierarchy on the Douluo Continent was:

Spirit Masters > Commoners > Dogs > Evil Spirit Masters.

Everyone sought to strike down Evil Spirit Masters. No reason was needed; beating them was simply the right thing to do. Even stray dogs on the street would dare to kick an Evil Spirit Master!

'Time to get moving.'

Streams of light flew from Star Luo City as Titled Douluo rushed toward the battlefield like hyenas catching the scent of meat. This was no longer a place to linger. The Death Abyss Bone Dragon moved according to Ling Bai's thoughts. The blood-red mark of its second spirit skill, Extreme Punishment, gathered at the center of its dragon claw.

The strongest among the five Titled Douluo was only the Rank 95 Shattered Star Douluo. He couldn't help but shudder upon sensing the icy aura of Ultimate Death radiating from Extreme Punishment, his body feeling as if plunged into an icy abyss.

Ling Bai seized the opportunity. The Death Abyss Bone Dragon flapped its bone wings and instantly charged toward Juli Douluo Cheng Gang. Under Cheng Gang's horrified gaze that seemed to scream, 'Out of all five of us, why pick me?!', Ling Bai swatted this Rank 91 Titled Douluo, who possessed the Fifteen Ton Ant Emperor Martial Spirit, away like a spinning top with a single claw strike.

"Ahhhhhh—"

Juli Douluo screamed miserably all the way down as he crashed into the ground, landing right beside Elder Xuan. Ling Bai broke through the weakest link in the encirclement, and the Death Abyss Bone Dragon swished its tail, departing gracefully.

In just a single exchange, Juli Douluo was brought to his knees, utterly unable to offer any resistance.

The remaining four Titled Douluo exchanged glances, not daring to pursue further. They returned to the ground to attend to Elder Xuan and Juli Douluo.

Given their past teacher-student relationship, Xie Qin helped Elder Xuan to his feet. A Rank 98 Titled Douluo was indeed resilient, unlike Juli Douluo beside them, who was crying out in agony with both arms broken and four ribs fractured.

Shattered Star Douluo spoke with a grim expression, "What a terrifying Evil Spirit Master! Even Taotie Douluo Elder Xuan fell for his tricks. The five of us together might not have been able to take him down. If we had truly fought head-on, one or two of us might have perished at his hands.

Little Xie, you and Elder Xuan should return to the Star Emperor Hotel to rest first. The students from Shrek Academy are there. Later, I will invite Immortal Doctor Douluo to heal Elder Xuan."

Shattered Star Douluo had been the referee in the finals during Xie Qin and Ning Fengya's tournament session, so addressing him as 'Little Xie' wasn't inappropriate. Xie Qin nodded slightly and guided Elder Xuan into the shadows, heading straight for the Star Emperor Hotel.

…

On the top floor of the Star Emperor Hotel, in Shrek's meeting room.

Taotie Douluo, Immortal Doctor Douluo, Shattered Star Douluo, Shadow Dragon Douluo, and even the Star Luo Emperor, Star Crown Douluo Xu Jiawei, had personally come to check on Elder Xuan. The small meeting room was crowded with five Titled Douluo.

The members of the Shrek team surrounded Huo Yuhao, eagerly asking about what had happened. Huo Yuhao gave a bitter smile:

"Two Spirit Douluo from the Body Sect suddenly appeared wanting to take me away. Death Abyss Douluo happened to pass by and, without a word, slapped them both to death. Elder Xuan discovered his identity as an Evil Spirit Master, and the two of them went outside the west city gate to fight. I really don't know anything else..."

Because this involved the Skydream Iceworm, he concealed the details of his deal with Death Abyss Douluo, playing dumb and claiming ignorance. In any case, Evil Spirit Masters were known for their eccentric temperaments; killing anyone who displeased them was commonplace, so no one would delve too deeply into the reasons.

"Death Abyss Douluo appears to be only Rank 95, with spirit power similar to mine, but his Ultimate Death attribute and the unfathomable nature of Evil Spirit Masters make his true strength impossible to judge by common standards."

Shattered Star Douluo sighed, "This guy seems to have popped out of a rock. There hasn't been a whisper about him for decades, yet he suddenly appears in Star Luo City. Who knows what evil deeds he's planning."

"Xiao Tian, Xiao Bai, Death Abyss Douluo has come with ill intentions. I cannot return to the sect for the time being; I must remain here to ensure your safety."

Shadow Dragon Douluo Xie Qin looked at the pair—the future of the clan—feeling the heavy weight of responsibility on his shoulders.

"Uncle Xie, do you think that Death Abyss Douluo might be targeting Bai-ge?" Ning Tian's quick mind flashed with inspiration, and proposed a possibility.

Everyone was stunned upon hearing this, but then understanding dawned!

Ten thousand years later, the Seraphim had reappeared on the Douluo Continent. Evil Spirit Masters everywhere felt threatened, fearing that the Seraphim would grow strong and eradicate evil.

Death Abyss Douluo, hidden for many years, could no longer sit still. Relying on his formidable strength, he infiltrated the Star Emperor Hotel, intending to strangle the threat in its cradle. However, Ling Bai wasn't in the hotel; he had gone out to report his safety to Shadow Dragon Douluo.

Death Abyss Douluo's plan fell through, and his mentality exploded. The two unlucky fellows from the Body Sect just happened to cross his path at that moment and became wronged souls.

"That makes perfect sense!"

All at once, everyone lit up with understanding and gazed appreciatively at Ning Tian.

Meanwhile, Ling Bai was dumbfounded. They could actually come up with that explanation. It's a pity they weren't writing novels!

Xie Qin patted his chest and declared, "I'll stand guard right outside your door. If Death Abyss Douluo launches a sneak attack, I'll..."

He initially wanted to say he would intercept Death Abyss Douluo himself, but then he recalled that Juli Douluo, who had similar spirit power, had been defeated in a single second. He was only slightly stronger than Juli Douluo; at best, he could hold out for three seconds.

Just as Xie Qin felt awkward, the green light in Immortal Doctor Douluo Wang Xian'er's hands gradually receded, signaling she had finished treating Elder Xuan.

Immortal Doctor Douluo was an elderly woman who appeared to be at least a hundred years old, with sparse white hair and a face full of wrinkles. Her brows were tightly furrowed, making the lines on her face seem even deeper.

"Xuan Zi's injuries are difficult to handle."

Difficult to handle?!

Wang Yan hurriedly asked, "Senior Immortal Doctor, what do you mean by difficult?"

The hearts of everyone from Shrek Academy leaped into their throats. Immortal Doctor Douluo's seniority and cultivation surpassed even Sea God Pavilion Elder Zhuang. She was undeniably the continent's number one healing-type Spirit Master. If she said this, did it mean Elder Xuan was beyond saving?!

Immortal Doctor Douluo explained, "Xuan Zi's external and internal injuries are not severe. He can fully recover with half a month's rest. However, his Spiritual Sea seems to have suffered severe trauma. I am powerless to help with that; he can only rely on self-healing."

"Thank you, Immortal Doctor."

Elder Xuan slowly regained consciousness. His face was now ashen, as if he had instantly transformed from the ruddy-faced Taotie Douluo into a frail old man nearing the end of his life. He sighed dejectedly:

"Death Abyss Douluo, a Rank 95 Titled Douluo with the Ultimate Death attribute, ranks among the top powerhouses in the continent's ten-thousand-year history. His life force is exceptionally vigorous; he's an extremely young Super Douluo, and living another two hundred years wouldn't be a problem for him.

Moreover, his spirit skills are among the most insidious and vicious I have ever encountered. They can actually evoke the most fearful, regretful, and confront-avoiding memories buried within people's hearts to attack a Spirit Master's Spiritual Sea..."

His aged, cloudy eyes swept over the Titled Douluo present as he continued, "Let me offer you all a piece of advice. Spirit Masters who intend to fight Death Abyss Douluo must either possess a flawless past with an iron-clad mental defense or be utterly unscrupulous, knowing no lower limits. Those with guilty consciences should avoid him at all costs."

All the Titled Douluo fell silent without exception. A flawless life—these words were easy to say but carried immense weight. In this world, who hadn't done a few things that weighed on their conscience?

The official and reserve members of the Shrek team also secretly reflected on themselves, and soon began clicking their tongues one after another.

Ling Bai glanced inconspicuously at Elder Xuan. The old man was indeed experienced; having fallen victim once, he had already grasped the essence of the Abyss of Suffering.

But the Abyss of Suffering was, in truth, an overt strategy. Take the Reserve Team for example: Bei Bei felt guilty toward Big Senior Sister Zhang Lexuan; the complicated relationship between Xu Sanshi and Jiang Nannan needed no explanation; He Caitou carried the tragic past of his entire family being massacred; and Huo Yuhao harbored deep hatred toward the White Tiger Duke.

Unless one could achieve true self-reconciliation or travel through time to alter the past, they would remain forever immersed in that abyss-like suffering.

"I am showing signs of my cultivation rank declining and must return to the Sea God Pavilion for a period of seclusion to stabilize my mind. Xie Qin, I'll trouble you to look after Shrek Academy."

"I will naturally do my utmost."

"Elder Xuan, please rest assured. The Star Luo Imperial Family will also assign Titled Douluo to protect Shrek Academy."

Xie Qin and Xu Jiawei spoke one after the other.

"Then I appreciate the effort." Elder Xuan forced a smile and stepped forward to pat Ling Bai and Huo Yuhao's shoulders. "The future belongs to you. If a powerhouse capable of resisting Death Abyss Douluo doesn't emerge quickly from your ranks, all living beings under heaven will be forced to live under the shadow of Evil Spirit Masters."

Elder Xuan knew that the Black and White Twin Holy Dragons couldn't withstand Death Abyss Douluo's Abyss of Suffering because both felt guilt toward a female Evil Spirit Master named Ye Xishui.

Among the three Rank 98 Titled Douluo, his own spiritual wound was unlikely to heal in this lifetime, and Jianmu Douluo Zhou Jiren's days were numbered. Conversely, Body Douluo Du Busi had a sliver of hope, simply because he was shameless enough.

However, even if Du Busi took action, he definitely couldn't kill Death Abyss Douluo. They could only wait for Ling Bai and Huo Yuhao to break through to the Titled Douluo realm. The former's Seraphim possessed a natural suppression over Evil Spirit Masters that could curb their malevolent flames; the latter's Spirit Eyes, being spiritual-type, could resist the Abyss of Suffering, and his Ice Jade Scorpion's Ultimate Ice did not fear Ultimate Death. Therefore, their successful growth was imperative!

Watching Elder Xuan depart for Shrek Academy, the Star Luo Emperor Xu Jiawei said worriedly, "The Body Sect has always been overbearing and cherishes every member possessing a Body Martial Spirit. Now that two Spirit Douluo have fallen simultaneously in Star Luo City, the Body Sect Master might personally descend upon us."

"Your Majesty, there is still one Spirit Emperor disciple of the Body Sect remaining in Star Luo City," Immortal Doctor Douluo recalled suddenly.

"Who?"

"Chen Yu, the direct disciple of the Body Sect's First Elder, Tiger Arm Douluo. His Body Martial Spirit Twin Palms were crippled by someone. Those two Spirit Douluo brought him to me for treatment, introduced by Princess Jiujiu. Three days ago, I performed the final meridian healing procedure for Chen Yu. He most likely hasn't returned to the Body Sect yet."

Chen Yu?

Ling Bai narrowed his eyes. Another old acquaintance.

Xu Jiawei sighed deeply. "I will dispatch a squad of Imperial City Guards to protect him. Guardian Shattered Star, please reside on the top floor of the Star Emperor Hotel until the tournament concludes and assist Shadow Dragon Douluo in defending against any potential surprise attacks from Death Abyss Douluo."

"Understood, Your Majesty."

…

Late at night, within the Princess Manor of the Star Luo Empire.

In the lavishly decorated bedchamber, Xu Jiujiu dismissed all the maids and, completely disregarding her princessly decorum, clutched her hair and shouted, "Ning Bai, you bastard! You only know how to cause trouble for me!"

"Your Highness seems upset. Should I give you some space?"

Just then, Ling Bai's figure appeared opposite Xu Jiujiu.

The instant Xu Jiujiu saw Ling Bai, she immediately took three steps in two strides and rushed forward, gritting her teeth. "Killing Body Sect members, heavily injuring Taotie Douluo—what exactly are you trying to do? Do you realize my imperial brother has already ordered an investigation into your whereabouts throughout the entire Star Luo Empire!

If others discover our private dealings, Shrek Academy won't let me off, and you'll end up dying without a proper burial place, just like those Evil Spirit Masters from previous generations!"

"They won't be able to find out anything, but..."

Ling Bai casually picked up a piece of fruit, smiling faintly as he asked, "Who does Star Cloud Douluo answer to? Is she reliable? It doesn't matter much to me since I'm alone, but if there's a slip-up, you won't be able to escape."

"If you know I can't escape, then stop doing such earth-shattering things!"

Xu Jiujiu flared up for a moment, then sighed helplessly, "Granny Yi Man is my person. I've already brought all the appraisers and receptionists from the Starlight Auction House who saw you into the Princess Manor."

"That's good. I came to ask you something. Where is Chen Yu from the Body Sect?"

"You wouldn't be planning to..."

Xu Jiujiu instantly grasped his unspoken intention.

"Shh~ Let's keep that between us."

Ling Bai raised his index finger, his smile amiable. "You just need to casually reveal Chen Yu's residence. I guarantee no innocents will be involved."

Xu Jiujiu was shocked beyond measure. Death Abyss Douluo wasn't aiming to eliminate the Seraphim preemptively as Xu Jiawei and Shrek Academy had speculated; his target was entirely the Body Sect!

"The Body Sect is not to be trifled with!" Xu Jiujiu still attempted to dissuade Ling Bai.

Ling Bai instantly flashed behind Xu Jiujiu, pressing down on her fragrant shoulder with one hand. His nostrils filled with her alluring scent as he leaned close to her ear and whispered:

"Princess Jiujiu, you wouldn't want others to know about your close relationship with an Evil Spirit Master, would you?"

This secret—he would hold it over her for life.

Xu Jiujiu trembled all over. Cooperating with an Evil Spirit Master was akin to making a deal with a tiger. She had intended to utilize Death Abyss Douluo's combat strength for certain covert operations in the future, which inevitably meant being implicated by his identity.

"Rose Hotel, Red Romance Room."

"Tsk, that kid sure knows how to enjoy himself..."