Douluo Dalu 2: The True God King

Credits: DammS

At a glance, the long, narrow alleyway was desolate — nothing but silence filled the space. Princess Xu Jiujiu's beautiful eyes narrowed as an innate sense of danger stirred within her. Something was off.

"Stay alert!" she commanded.

The two Soul Douluo behind her immediately went on guard. Reaching the level of Soul Douluo required immense effort and talent; none of them were weaklings. The eerie silence of the area made it impossible for them to remain complacent. If they failed to detect the abnormality here, they would truly be fools.

"Who's there? Why not show yourself and have a proper meeting?"

Safely sheltered between the two Soul Douluo, Xu Jiujiu's eyes flashed with vigilance. Her soft voice echoed down the alley, sweet but sharp like silk concealing a blade.

Her words hung in the air, but no one responded. The alley remained as empty as ever. Xu Jiujiu didn't relax; on the contrary, her nerves grew tighter.

A formless pressure slowly filled the area. It seeped into every crack, every pore, and every shadow. It was suffocating, like an invisible mountain pressing down on her chest. Her breathing grew labored.

"Senior, have I somehow offended you?"

Xu Jiujiu's voice was calm but carried a hint of unease.

"Why must you toy with us like this?" she continued, her gaze darting around, searching for signs of movement.

"This is Star Luo Imperial City. I hope you will reconsider your actions. I have no desire to make an enemy of you."

Her words were laced with both reason and warning. The imperial city was the heart of the Star Luo Empire, where its greatest power resided. She believed that no matter how strong this unseen enemy was, they wouldn't dare to act recklessly in such a place.

But Xu Jiujiu had failed to realize one crucial point — anyone daring to make a move within Star Luo Imperial City had no fear of its imperial power.

Just then, the oppressive silence was broken. Footsteps echoed from the depths of the alley, slow and deliberate.

A coarse, wild, and scornful voice rang out.

"Star Luo Imperial City? So what? When I feel like beating someone, I never care about the place."

The footsteps grew louder, and a hulking figure gradually came into view. He was over two meters tall, his body as thick and solid as a mountain. Bulging muscles strained against his clothes, and his chest heaved with each step. His arms were so thick that a horse could probably run along them.

His hair stood upright like sharp steel needles, and his face was rough and wild. His eyes, like twin copper bells, glowed with a sharp, ferocious light.

As he approached, an overwhelming aura of savagery filled the air. It was the aura of a predator. Xu Jiujiu and her guards felt it crushing down on them, making it hard to breathe.

The two Soul Douluo gritted their teeth and stood in front of Xu Jiujiu, using all their power to shield her from the aura. Despite their efforts, they could feel themselves being pushed back, step by step. Their faces were pale, and their hearts pounded in their chests.

Their instincts screamed the truth at them — this man was a monster.

"Who dares to trespass and insult Princess Jiujiu within the Imperial City?! Do you not fear death?!"

Despite the fear gnawing at their hearts, the two Soul Douluo remained firm, their voices steady.

The burly man blinked, then let out a booming laugh. His bristly beard quivered with every chuckle, and his sharp-toothed grin only made him more menacing.

"Impressive guts," he said, his voice like rolling thunder.

"You dare to stand in my way."

Without warning, his enormous hand shot forward.

Boom!

A single slap.

The air exploded with a deafening crack, sending shockwaves in all directions. Dust and debris surged through the alley like a wild storm. The ground within a kilometer radius sank several meters, and the surrounding palace walls crumbled to pieces. The thunderous rumble echoed endlessly as if a small earthquake had struck.

The two Soul Douluo guarding Xu Jiujiu didn't even have time to react. Blood sprayed from their mouths as they were sent flying hundreds of meters away, smashing through walls like ragdolls. Their bodies lay still on the ground, unconscious or worse.

The force of the impact even reached Xu Jiujiu, sending her sprawling onto the dirt. Her elegant turquoise dress was stained with dust and filth. Her long hair was disheveled, and she looked utterly helpless.

The once-pristine alley was now a scene of destruction. Dust clouds billowed, palace walls had collapsed, and the ground itself was riddled with cracks.

Xu Jiujiu sat on the ground, trembling. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she struggled to catch her breath. Her beautiful eyes were filled with fear.

Her two strongest protectors had been swatted aside with a single slap. This man — this beast — hadn't even used his martial soul. Such terrifying power could only belong to a Titled Douluo. But even among Titled Douluo, there was a clear distinction between the ordinary and the extraordinary. Only a Super Douluo could crush two Soul Douluo with such ease.

Her mind raced, filled with shock and dread. This man… who was he?

"Senior, this is all just a misunderstanding," Xu Jiujiu stammered, dragging herself backward, her face as pale as a sheet.

"I have never offended you. I swear it."

"Misunderstanding?"

The man sneered, his eyes cold as steel.

"You dare say that to me?"

His eyes blazed with fury.

"You were so arrogant when you were bullying my Dong'er just now. What, are you a coward now? Show me that same arrogance again!"

He took a step forward, his heavy footfall sending tremors through the ground. His eyes glowed with murderous intent.

"Listen well, girl. I like dealing with arrogant people. You should keep that energy going."

His words were icy daggers piercing her heart.

Her lips trembled as she finally realized the source of his rage.

"Senior... you're from the Clear Sky Sect?" she gasped, her voice filled with shock.

"Humph. I am Tai Tan, Second Elder of the Clear Sky Sect," he declared, his eyes fierce as lightning.

The name "Tai Tan" was like a hammer blow to her mind. He was one of the Clear Sky Sect's strongest figures. She instantly pieced it all together. Tai Tan had been following Wang Dong;er in secret. When she tried to corner Wang Dong'er earlier, she had unknowingly provoked him.

"Senior Tai Tan, please, this is a misunderstanding!"

Xu Jiujiu pleaded, her voice filled with urgency.

"We were merely asking Wang Dong a few questions. We never intended to harm him!"

"Misunderstanding? You think I'm stupid?"

Tai Tan's eyes flashed with rage.

"If that brat Su Yu hadn't shown up, you would've done far more than 'ask a few questions,' wouldn't you?"

He stepped forward again, raising his hand.

"But I'm not unreasonable. Since Dong'er wasn't hurt, I'll go easy on you. I'll just break one of your legs."

"No, please! Senior, I beg you—!"

Xu Jiujiu's heart filled with panic.

"Hold it right there!"

A sharp voice echoed from above. Several powerful auras surged toward them. In an instant, multiple figures descended from the sky, surrounding the scene. The reinforcements had finally arrived.

Tai Tan glanced at the approaching figures but showed no fear. Instead, he sneered, as if he had been expecting them.

"You're all a bit too slow," he muttered, his tone filled with disdain. "But no matter. I've already taught this little princess a lesson."

The arrival of the imperial guards and powerful experts brought a sense of relief to Xu Jiujiu's heart. She looked up at Tai Tan, her beautiful eyes brimming with fear and hatred.

"You'll regret this, Tai Tan," she hissed.

"The Star Luo Empire will not let this insult slide."

Tai Tan glanced at her and grinned, his sharp teeth glinting like knives. "Girl, you should pray the Clear Sky Sect never takes you seriously. If we did, you wouldn't even have the chance to talk back."

With that, he turned and vanished as if he had never been there, leaving behind only devastation and lingering fear.

The sound of something slicing through the air echoed as a figure suddenly appeared in front of Xu Jiujiu, blocking Tai Tan's path.

The figure was an elderly woman who looked to be at least eighty years old, her hair and beard completely white. She wore a bright red gown that contrasted strikingly with her snowy-white hair, creating an image of elegance and grandeur.

Her face was grim, her deep blue eyes filled with fury. A powerful aura surged from her body like a tidal wave.

"Granny Yi Man!"

Upon seeing her, Xu Jiujiu's face lit up with joy, as if she had found her pillar of support. This old woman was one of her closest protectors, someone who had been by her side since she was very young.

Yi Man turned to smile at Xu Jiujiu, then glared at Tai Tan with a stern, commanding gaze. Her voice was sharp as she rebuked him, "How dare you attempt to assassinate the princess of the Star Luo Empire within its royal capital? Your audacity knows no bounds!"

Tai Tan, however, remained indifferent.

"So what if it's the royal capital? So what if she's a princess? If you anger me, I'll twist off that so-called emperor's head myself."

"Old hag, get lost, or I'll smash you along with them."

"Arrogant fool! No regard for the Emperor, no respect for order—lawless scum!"

Yi Man's body trembled with rage. She had never seen someone so brazen.

"Since you dare to act so wantonly in the Star Luo Capital, this old woman will ensure you don't leave here alive!"

With that, Yi Man lunged toward Tai Tan. Her martial soul released a massive, ethereal fan that swept toward him like a storm.

Tai Tan raised his fist and struck forward. His punch seemed to solidify the air, creating a force that looked capable of shattering the sky itself.

With just one punch, the overwhelming force sent Yi Man flying backward.

"Granny Yi Man!"

Xu Jiujiu's face turned pale with horror. The sheer strength of Tai Tan's punch was utterly terrifying.

"Pathetic. How weak."

Tai Tan sneered, his eyes filled with disdain. He was just about to make another move when, in the distance, three more powerful auras surged toward him. Each aura was vast and powerful, shaking the heavens and earth.

"One, two, three, four..."

Tai Tan counted slowly, his eyes lighting up with excitement. He glanced briefly at Xu Jiujiu, then at the four approaching auras. Within three seconds, he shot into the sky like a cannonball, leaving the princess behind.

To him, those four new presences were far more interesting than Xu Jiujiu.

Xu Jiujiu let out a sigh of relief. Her back was already drenched with cold sweat. She struggled to stand up, her legs still trembling. But she didn't hesitate — she turned and sprinted toward the royal palace.

"As long as I reach my brother, I'll be safe."

She reassured herself. No matter how powerful Tai Tan was, the Star Luo Empire had its powerful protectors, including Title Douluo.

But she failed to consider one thing: since Tai Tan dared to cause trouble in the Star Luo royal capital, did he fear the Star Luo royal family?

Tai Tan soared into the sky. At the same time, four figures rapidly approached, surrounding him in midair.

Yi Man wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth. Tai Tan's earlier punch had left her slightly injured.

"Who is the rat that dares to act so recklessly in the Star Luo Capital?"

A man in his sixties with a spirited, commanding presence stepped forward and questioned Tai Tan. His words were sharp, filled with righteous authority.

His words instantly provoked Tai Tan's temper.

"You called me a rat?"

Tai Tan's eyes widened in anger, his copper-bell-like eyes glaring at the old man.

"And so what if I did?" the old man replied indifferently.

"You dare cause trouble in the Star Luo Capital? Do you think we're all dead here? I, Cheng Gang, the Protector of the Nation, specialize in dealing with fools like you."

Cheng Gang's boldness and arrogance were apparent. He dared to provoke Tai Tan without a hint of fear.

For a moment, even Tai Tan was stunned. But then, he burst into laughter, his voice echoing like thunder.

"You think you're worthy of calling me a fool?!"

With a surge of fury, Tai Tan's aura exploded like a violent storm, shaking heaven and earth. The four surrounding Title Douluo felt an intense pressure as if their blood had frozen in their veins.

At that moment, Star Cloud Douluo's face turned pale. Her heart sank as she realized that Cheng Gang had made a grave mistake.

"This guy is much more terrifying than we thought," Yi Man muttered, her face grim.

But it was too late. Tai Tan had already activated his martial soul. The image of a colossal, terrifying giant ape appeared behind him, its energy surging like a flood.

"Not good!"

"Disaster incoming!"

All four of them realized the severity of the situation. Their hearts sank.

The giant ape behind Tai Tan roared with rage, its deafening cry causing the air itself to tremble. Tai Tan followed up with a punch that seemed to tear through space. The sheer force of it sent shockwaves across the sky.

Boom!

The four Title Douluo, caught off guard, were all sent flying, blood spurting from their mouths.

"No choice. We have to go all out. Everyone, use your full power!"

They had no time to hold back. The four released their martial souls, their soul rings illuminating the sky. Each unleashed their true martial soul bodies.

The four launched coordinated attacks on Tai Tan.

But against a monster like him, they were as fragile as paper. Tai Tan's overwhelming might was on full display. He dealt with the four of them like they were mere toys. Each of his punches sent one of them flying. Blood splattered across the sky, and bones cracked with sickening clarity.

Despite their Title Douluo status, they were completely outmatched.

Of the four, Cheng Gang suffered the most. Cheng Gang was known as the Guardian Douluo, and his martial soul was an ant known for its immense strength. Under normal circumstances, his strength far exceeded that of other Title Douluo.

But compared to Tai Tan, his so-called immense strength was a joke. Tai Tan's first punch left Cheng Gang coughing blood. The second punch broke his ribs.

What followed was even more brutal. Tai Tan grabbed Cheng Gang and began slapping him like a ragdoll, delivering over a dozen vicious slaps. By the time he was done, Cheng Gang's face was so swollen that his mother wouldn't have recognized him.

Finally, Tai Tan casually flung Cheng Gang into the distance like a broken kite, his fate unknown.

With that, Tai Tan turned his attention back to the remaining three. His aura surged once more, and a terrifying shockwave sent all three of them flying.

"Pathetic. So weak," he muttered, shaking his head in disappointment. "Over there... there's something stronger."

Tai Tan's gaze locked onto the Star Luo Palace. From that direction, he sensed the presence of a powerful Super Douluo. He had also noticed earlier that Xu Jiujiu had fled in that direction.

"Did she think I wouldn't figure it out?"

Tai Tan sneered. Without a second thought, he shot toward the Star Luo Palace like a falling meteor.

The entire sky was stained with an earthy yellow hue as his violent aura filled the heavens. His presence was like a thundercloud of destruction descending on the palace.

...

Back at the Star Luo Palace, seven powerful auras erupted like blazing pillars of light, forming a massive barrier. The shockwave of Tai Tan's energy crashed against the barrier but failed to penetrate it.

Inside the palace, Star Luo Emperor Xu Jiawei's face was as dark as a stormy sky. His hands clenched into fists, the sound of his knuckles cracking like thunder.

"Humiliation... this is utter humiliation!"

He had never felt so enraged. Someone dared to wreak havoc in the heart of the Star Luo Capital — in his royal palace!