Douluo Dalu: Lucky Star

"Alright, release your aura."

Compared to the others and the Ice Bear King, who had already triggered the heavenly tribulation, Han Li appeared much more at ease. By further enhancing his affinity with the rules, he could now weaken them, even if he couldn't yet fully control them. Moreover, he had finally grasped the nature of the tribulation before him—he understood it.

Beyond the law of lightning, the tribulation also contained the laws of judgment and destruction, cleverly concealed within the lightning law itself. This was undoubtedly the handiwork of the Asura God and the God of Destruction. No wonder even lightning-attributed soul beasts struggled to overcome tribulations. For beings on the Douluo Continent, where law comprehension was rare, even soul beasts with hundreds of thousands of years of cultivation would hardly notice these hidden rules. And even if they did, they would focus solely on the lightning, leaving themselves defenseless against the judgment and destruction laws.

Soul beasts with life attributes, like Bi Ji (Emerald Swan) and the Blue Silver Emperor, were better suited to overcoming tribulations. Their strength, coupled with their affinity for life, provided better resistance to the hidden laws.

"Tsk, those old schemers in the Divine Realm," Han Li sighed inwardly, before calmly beginning to suppress the power of the laws. He could weaken the law of lightning by about 50%. With the Deathgod Domain, he could also reduce the influence of the judgment law by about 30%. However, he chose not to touch the law of destruction. Even if the beings in the Divine Realm weren't watching closely, he wouldn't meddle with it.

Now that Han Li had gained some insight into the power of creation through Gu Yue, this tribulation was an ideal opportunity to comprehend the law of destruction. He wouldn't let it pass him by. As for the Ice Bear King, it likely could have managed on its own—but with Han Li weakening so much of the tribulation, if the Ice Bear King still couldn't overcome it, its fate would be sealed.

Later, he would attempt to capture a wisp of the destruction law, as long as he remained unnoticed.

Ignoring the surprised expressions of the three kings of the Extreme North behind him, Han Li focused entirely on comprehending the power of destruction. Meanwhile, the ever-dutiful Qian Daoliu, after Han Li closed his eyes, emitted golden light and positioned himself between Han Li and the three soul beasts, just in case.

Centered on the Ice Bear King, blue and white lightning continuously descended from the sky, creating a heavy atmosphere. However, for the three kings, who had endured multiple tribulations before, and even for the Ice Bear King, experiencing its first, it seemed more like thunder without a storm.

The lightning power in this tribulation was formidable, but a soul beast with a robust physique could still withstand it. Although the Ice Bear King was repeatedly struck, its body charred inside and out with blood flowing, its life force remained strong. It was even using lightning to purify its soul power, similar to how human soul masters advanced upon reaching the level of Super Douluo.

From Han Li's perspective, however, a different scene unfolded. Under the influence of the three laws, fragments of the ice law potentially embedded in the Ice Bear King's bloodline and body were being worn down by the tribulation, subtly attacking its soul. Under its powerful regenerative abilities, its body grew stronger with each assault, but the fragments of the law, though silently nurtured, were mostly destroyed. A small part fused with its flesh and blood, becoming instinctual, while the rest dissipated.

The methods of the Divine Realm were truly ruthless, Han Li thought with a sigh. For soul beasts that survived the tribulation, it might seem as though they'd grown stronger, as a portion of the laws had fused into their instincts, enhancing their law affinity. But simultaneously, much of their previous progress was erased.

In the short term, they appeared stronger, but they were unknowingly cutting off their future paths. Each tribulation would intensify, and given the limitations on the Douluo Continent, where comprehending laws was already difficult, it was even rarer outside of the divine trials where such knowledge was accessible. Based on the time it would take to comprehend the laws, the intervals between tribulations might barely allow them to keep up with the rate of erosion. Only the exceptionally talented could hope to survive a few more rounds, at best.

Unless you were like the Deep Sea Demonic Whale King, whose progress far outpaced the tribulation's pursuit, and you converted your soul power into divine power and your body into a divine body—or if you had a powerful background like the Silver Dragon King and Di Tian, granting you access to certain knowledge—the path was ultimately a dead end.

Even then, the journey remained incredibly arduous. The further one progressed, the harder it became to comprehend the laws. Otherwise, Di Tian would not have hesitated and delayed his tribulation for so long. And even if one could comprehend the laws and survive the tribulation, that would only draw the Divine Realm's attention—where elimination would be the best possible outcome.

Han Li quickly dismissed these thoughts; they were merely an extra discovery. His true focus remained on the law of destruction. The tribulation was already starting to wane, and opportunities like this were rare, so he had to seize the moment. The more he focused on the law of destruction, the more he found himself comprehending the law of creation within.

As the tribulation neared its end, Han Li followed his original plan and captured a wisp of the law of destruction, storing it within his body. Compared to before, his understanding of the law of creation had advanced significantly, leaving Han Li unsure how to feel. Everything—his ice and fire origins, his destructive methods—seemed aligned, yet his progress in the law of destruction was less than ideal.

"Oh well," he thought, adjusting his mindset.

"There were still gains."

The further comprehension of the law of creation was a pleasant surprise.

"I am not one for slaughter. With the power of creation in hand, who could refute me?"

Han Li mused.

At the edge of the square, the Ice Bear King's aura grew stronger as it recovered. Nearby, Shui Bing'er was nearly finished absorbing her soul ring. Specifically, she was now absorbing the head soul bone. Absorbing the hundred-thousand-year-old Snow Lotus, which lacked intelligence, posed no difficulty for her.

"Quickly get used to the new technique," Han Li said to the three rulers of the Extreme North.

"It's more important than you might imagine."

He didn't elaborate; more knowledge would only add to their concerns at this point.

Unexpectedly, the modified version of the Mysterious Heaven Skill he'd casually designed for the soul beast race had turned out to be a treasure for them. The higher their bloodline level and talent, the more effective it was, making future tribulations much easier to endure.

Han Li subconsciously shook his head, pausing mid-motion as the golden threads of fate around him thickened. Wasn't this also a manifestation of the power of fate? How wonderful! A smile deepened on Han Li's face. Since awakening his awareness, he had walked the right path all along. The law of fate—it was far easier to comprehend than the law of destruction.

About half an hour later, both Shui Bing'er and the Ice Bear King, Xiao Bai, completed their cultivation and approached. There was little to say about Shui Bing'er; now that she met the requirements, her next step, along with Dugu Yan, would be to undergo their divine trials. As for the Ice Bear King, Xiao Bai, it knelt and offered its faith energy to Han Li. Apart from the Snow Empress, Han Li had become one of the most important figures in its heart.

Han Li couldn't help but sigh. Compared to human soul masters, it was far easier to earn the loyalty of the soul beast race. Even among the mid- to high-level members of the Spirit Hall, while they accepted benefits, the harvest of faith energy was... less than impressive.

After sending off the Ice Bear King and the Ice Devil Titan, Han Li, along with the Snow Empress and the persistent Ice Empress, made their way toward the Icefire Dragon Cave. The distance wasn't far, and their pace was quick; within ten minutes, they arrived.

Amidst the glaciers, fiery red lava flowed slowly, emitting clouds of steam that cooled and condensed into snowflakes or ice crystals, which fell to the ground—a spectacular scene. Yet, there were no soul beasts in sight.

"For ordinary soul beasts, this place is unapproachable due to the conflicting elements," the Snow Empress explained when she noticed Han Li's puzzlement.

"Even if they come close, stronger predators hunt them. Over time, it became a barren zone."

The Ice Empress, nearby, smiled. Apart from those pesky flying soul beasts, her clan of Ice Jade Scorpions was among the powerful predators the Snow Empress had mentioned. But Han Li was uninterested in her expression. He wasn't here to admire the scenery or learn about the food chain of the Extreme North.

He turned to Dugu Yan and Shui Bing'er.

"Can you feel it?"

Both women nodded, their gazes fixed on the glacier's center, encircled by lava. They could feel something there, calling to them with great intensity. Han Li could sense it too, but he had no intention of approaching.

Seeing Han Li's question and their responses, the Snow Empress and Ice Empress exchanged incredulous glances. After their spiritual sharing, they had a vague understanding of Han Li's purpose. But to realize that the location of their divine trials was right before them, on their land, yet undetectable to them—this was hard to accept.

"Alright, go ahead. Sister Xiu'er and Zhuqing are progressing faster than you two. I still need to make another trip with Lingling."

Han Li hugged the two women and nudged them forward. In his view, although Rong Nianbing's trial conditions were strange, seemingly tailored to these two, it was likely to yield the greatest rewards among the divine trials they had encountered.

Unlike the original gods of the Douluo God Realm, Han Li held no particular stance. To put it bluntly, he was merely preparing to slip away, unhesitant to grant benefits to his successors.

"Got it. Lingling, you take care too."

After saying goodbye to Ye Lingling, the two women descended into the glacier's center and disappeared from view.

"After this, I'll be counting on you both," Han Li said, turning to the Snow Empress and Ice Empress.

"If they need help during the trial, please assist them. However, try not to get too close. If the Divine Realm detects you, it won't bode well."

The Snow Empress and Ice Empress nodded. Although uncomfortable, Han Li's attitude eased their minds somewhat.