Douluo Dalu 2: The True God King

Credits: BerialAstral

"It's not enough to achieve Ultimate Douluo with a Dual Soul Core of the same resonance; it wouldn't provide a significant advantage over other Ultimate Douluo," explained Mu Wu.

"Considering the Ice God Palace's deep foundation, there isn't an urgent need for me to break through to counter any threats. That's why I set my sights on creating a Dual Soul Core of Yin-Yang Complementation instead."

"But the difficulty of achieving a Yin-Yang Complementary Dual Soul Core is immense. I've never been confident enough to attempt it, so I've refrained from rushing toward the Ultimate Douluo breakthrough," Mu Wu continued, detailing everything without holding back.

Su Yu nodded thoughtfully. Reaching Level 98 at the age of 75 was an extraordinary talent, even surpassing legends like Mu En and Long Xiaoyao. It made sense that Mu Wu, with his profound foundation, hadn't yet achieved Ultimate Douluo—not due to inability but because he was aiming for greatness. However, Su Yu knew how difficult the Yin-Yang Complementary Dual Soul Core path was; no human Soul Master had succeeded in this endeavor thus far. Among the three great human Ultimate Douluo, all had achieved their status through Dual Soul Cores of the same resonance.

Interestingly, Su Yu remembered a precedent—not a human, but the Beast God, Di Tian, who had achieved a Yin-Yang Complementary Dual Soul Core.

"Have you sought advice from the High Priest?"

Su Yu asked, curious about Hai Bodong's unique situation. Even Su Yu didn't fully understand how the system had transformed Hai Bodong's strength. All he could see were surface-level statistics.

"I have, but the High Priest did not follow the Soul Core path. He couldn't offer much guidance," Mu Wu replied.

"That said, the High Priest's path is exceptionally powerful. At the same level, no Soul Beast or Soul Master could rival him."

Su Yu stroked his chin, intrigued. Hai Bodong's abilities were unconventional. If even he didn't follow the Soul Core path, did that mean Su Yu himself might not need to either? Compared to Soul Cores, Su Yu was more inclined toward the Golden Core path—where the union of essence, energy, and spirit formed a flawless Golden Core. Wouldn't that be vastly superior to a Soul Core?

Still, Su Yu wasn't sure how to implement such a concept. For now, it was just a fanciful idea. After a moment of thought, he said, "I know someone who has achieved the Yin-Yang Complementary Dual Soul Core. When there's a chance, I'll inquire about it for you."

Su Yu was thinking of Di Tian. If they met again, he could casually ask about it. After all, Mu Wu's strength was directly tied to Su Yu's influence, so helping Mu Wu grow stronger was in his best interest.

"Thank you, Young Master," Mu Wu said with a hint of joy, fully trusting Su Yu's promise.

Waving it off, Su Yu asked, "Aside from you, is there anyone else in the Ice God Palace who could make use of the Dragon Pill?"

Rather than keeping the Dragon Pill for himself, Su Yu considered enhancing the strength of the Ice God Palace. Resources were something he wouldn't lack in the future, and for now, the Dragon Pill was of little use to him.

"Young Master doesn't need the Dragon Pill?"

Mu Wu asked, surprised.

"I don't," Su Yu replied confidently.

Mu Wu thought for a moment before answering, "Among us nine siblings, aside from me, Lu Yuan is the strongest. However, the one with the most potential is Lingguang. Her Ice Phoenix Martial Soul has an exceptionally pure bloodline, very close to that of a true pureblood Ice Phoenix. If fortune favors her, she could evolve into a pureblood Ice Phoenix and gain control over the Ultimate Ice attribute."

"But what Lingguang needs most is an ice-element treasure. As for the others, the Dragon Pill doesn't align with their attributes. Even if they took it, the effects would be limited," Mu Wu added.

Su Yu froze for a moment. So, the Dragon Pill couldn't even be given away? Other factions would treat it as a priceless treasure, yet here they were, checking if it aligned with their attributes. If Yan Shaozhe heard about this, he'd probably cry.

Still, among those Su Yu was close to, there were people with light attributes. One was Wang Dong'er, with her Bright Goddess Butterfly Martial Soul, and the other was Di Mingli, the Three-Eyed Golden Lion, possessing the Ultimate Light attribute.

Between the two, Su Yu leaned toward giving it to Di Mingli. Wang Dong'er was great, but… this was Di Mingli they were talking about. She had been by his side for nearly six years, one of the few people who could rival Zhang Lexuan in his heart. Feelings couldn't help but sway his judgment.

Thinking of Di Mingli, Su Yu felt a twinge of longing. It had been over a year since they last met. Without his barbecue, would she have reverted to her old habits of devouring the brains of light-attribute and spirit-attribute soul beasts? The thought was disgusting. He made a mental note to ensure she gave up that habit the next time they met.

Lost in thought, Su Yu snapped back to reality and addressed Mu Wu. "Earlier, you mentioned Shui Lingguang's potential to evolve into an Ultimate Ice Phoenix?"

"Yes. Lingguang's talent is extraordinary. If she succeeds in evolving, achieving Ultimate Douluo will be a matter of time," Mu Wu affirmed.

"I recall the Ice God Palace has several ice-element treasures, doesn't it?"

Su Yu asked.

"It does, but those treasures are protective artifacts that only the Young Master has the authority to access," Mu Wu explained.

Su Yu nodded.

"Understood."

Mu Wu grasped Su Yu's intent and respectfully bowed before quietly leaving the room.

"Shui Lingguang, huh? She's worth nurturing," Su Yu murmured to himself. He understood that Mu Wu's mention of Shui Lingguang was a subtle plea for favor. The Ice God Palace undoubtedly held treasures capable of advancing her Ice Phoenix Martial Soul, but their value was immense, and even Hai Bodong couldn't touch them without Su Yu's permission.

Su Yu didn't mind investing in Shui Lingguang if she truly had the talent. After all, strengthening the Ice God Palace aligned with his goals. Besides, similar treasures existed elsewhere, like those in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well—a treasure trove of miraculous herbs.

Given the opportunity, Su Yu planned to visit the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well and gather some of its incredible resources. Those herbs could solidify foundations, enhance potential, and solve many issues, including Xiao Hongchen's unstable roots from overusing medicinal enhancements. With the right herb, even her problems could be resolved effortlessly.

Not only Meng Hongchen but also Zhang Lexuan and the others would experience significant transformation if they could consume a celestial herb. The first generation of Shrek's Seven Devils reached godhood, and immortal herbs played a critical role in their success.

As Su Yu thought about this, a growing sense of anticipation welled up in his heart. It seemed it was indeed time to plan a trip to gather these treasures sooner rather than later. After all, the earlier he acted, the sooner he could reap the benefits.

Not long after Mu Wu left, Su Yu received a summons from Elder Ma.

With such a commotion in Star Luo Imperial City, the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy's leadership couldn't remain indifferent. This meeting was likely convened to discuss the recent events.

Of course, it wasn't just the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy that was curious. Other academies and factions in the city were also abuzz with speculation. The scale of the disturbance had drawn widespread attention, leaving many eager to uncover the truth.

...

Meanwhile, as dusk approached, Dai Hao returned from the imperial palace.

Such a major incident in Star Luo City couldn't be ignored. As a high-ranking duke, Dai Hao had to investigate. However, despite his inquiries, Xu Jiawei gave only vague and evasive responses, revealing very little.

This recent situation had planted seeds of suspicion in Xu Jiawei's heart toward Dai Hao. Were it not for the duke's political influence and the delicate relationship between the Star Luo and Sun Moon Empires, Xu Jiawei might have already taken direct action against him. On the other hand, Dai Hao, with his control over the military, certainly harbored ambitions of his own.

The two men maintained an outward appearance of mutual respect as sovereign and minister, but internally, they both had their agendas. The key difference was that Dai Hao remained unaware of the growing hostility Xu Jiawei felt toward him—an animosity sparked by the recent incident involving the Clear Sky Sect.

Returning to his palatial estate outside Star Luo City, Dai Hao found himself mulling over the strange tension in the palace. The Duke's estate was nothing short of opulent, with vast grounds and magnificently decorated halls that radiated luxury.

Dai Hao, being a Soul Douluo, moved swiftly and soon reached the outskirts of Star Luo City. By now, night had fallen, and the atmosphere was heavy with a quiet stillness. Suddenly, the silence was broken as an overwhelming force of gravity descended upon him without warning.

Caught completely off guard, Dai Hao dropped to one knee, the ground beneath him cracking from the sheer impact. His face flushed red as veins bulged across his straining arms. He immediately released his White Tiger martial soul, his body transforming as eight soul rings—yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black—lit up around him. His body expanded with a surge of power, but the crushing weight refused to relent.

"Who's there? Please show yourself!"

Dai Hao shouted, his voice ringing with urgency. Although a high-ranking Soul Douluo, he realized his assailant must be at least a Titled Douluo, and fear crept into his heart.

Who could this be? Who in Star Luo City would ambush him?

As his thoughts raced, a deep, thunderous voice rang out behind him. "You're Dai Hao, aren't you?"

"Yes, I am Dai Hao. May I ask where I have offended you, senior?" he asked, unable to turn around under the oppressive weight.

The mysterious figure ignored his question, replying only, "You're Dai Hao? Good, then I've found the right person."

Without further preamble, a powerful slap struck Dai Hao, sending him flying.

Dai Hao barely had time to react. His cheek swelled immediately, and several teeth were knocked loose. Yet his assailant wasn't done. They continued to pummel him relentlessly, each blow accompanied by insults.

"Stupid Dai Hao, thinking you're so clever? Look at you now!"

"Scheming against people? Is that your game?"

"You think being a Dai means I won't beat you senseless?"

With every word, a punch or kick landed on Dai Hao. Within moments, he was unrecognizable, his face swollen, ribs cracked, and his body covered in bruises. No matter what soul skills he used, they were effortlessly neutralized. Even his martial soul's true form was forcibly disrupted with a single strike.

Through it all, Dai Hao never caught a glimpse of his attacker. His strength, his status—none of it mattered. He was reduced to nothing more than a plaything for this mysterious figure.

"Who are you?"

Dai Hao finally roared in desperation, blood dripping from his lips. To his frustration, the assailant only mocked him further.

"You don't deserve to know who I am!"

"Look at yourself—worthless! Just be glad your last name is Dai; otherwise, I'd have taken your head already!"

The beating only stopped after Dai Hao lay limp on the ground, a broken and humiliated wreck. His internal injuries were severe, and it was clear that this encounter would leave lasting consequences. Even if he survived and recovered, his cultivation path as a Soul Douluo was effectively crippled. Achieving the rank of Titled Douluo was now a near impossibility.

As the mysterious figure finally left, their hulking frame was revealed under the city's lights—a towering, muscle-bound man with steel-like hair and fierce eyes that glinted like bronze bells.

It was none other than Tai Tan.

Earlier, Xu Jiawei's suspicions might not have troubled Niu Tian, but Tai Tan had taken them seriously. Learning that Dai Hao had suggested interrogating Wang Dong'er, Tai Tan couldn't contain his anger. He slipped away without informing Niu Tian and intercepted Dai Hao on his way home. The events that followed needed no further explanation.

For Dai Hao, this incident was not just a brutal assault—it was a harsh reminder that his ambitions had brought him to the brink of ruin.