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Douluo Dalu_ Legend of the Ancestral Dragon_chapter_0038
Chapter 38
Chapter 38: The Strongest Powerhouse of Spirit Hall
Only after Aotian sat down did Chrysanthemum Douluo and the others dare to take their seats.
Hearing Aotian's words, the three Elders immediately sat up straight.
Chrysanthemum Douluo asked, "Does Mr. Ao have any instructions?"
Aotian said, "You don't need to concern yourselves with the 100,000-year soul beast that transformed into human form in the Star Dou Great Forest. Go back."
Chrysanthemum Douluo was taken aback for a moment, then said, "Very well."
Although he was puzzled, he didn't dare defy Aotian's command. In the hearts of all the Spirit Hall Elders, Aotian's orders were equivalent to Bibi Dong's.
On this point, there was no doubt in any Elder's mind!
Noticing the bewildered expressions on the three Elders' faces, Aotian asked with a smile, "Aren't you going to ask why?"
Chrysanthemum Douluo replied, "Since you're telling us to return, Mr. Ao, you must have your reasons."
Aotian nodded. "That transformed 100,000-year soul beast is under my protection... as is that Titan Giant Ape."
"Understood. We will return to Wuhun City first thing tomorrow morning," Chrysanthemum Douluo said.
Aotian grunted in acknowledgment and asked, "Was it the Pope who sent you?"
"No, Her Majesty, the Pope, is currently in seclusion to cultivate. I took it upon myself to bring people here. I beg for Mr. Ao's forgiveness." Chrysanthemum Douluo stood up.
Aotian gestured with his hand, pressing down. "Sit down."
Chrysanthemum Douluo's heart relaxed, and he sat back down, asking, "Mr. Ao, many Soul Masters have come this time, including experts from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect. Do you need us to drive them away?"
"No need," Aotian said. "Just go straight back."
With that, he stood up. "I'll be leaving now."
Chrysanthemum Douluo and the others hastily rose, saying respectfully, "We respectfully see Mr. Ao off."
Aotian gave a slight nod, and with a flash, his figure vanished from the Grand Hall.
Only then did the three Elders, Chrysanthemum Douluo included, finally let out a full sigh of relief. They simultaneously raised their teacups to take a sip and calm their nerves.
"Elder Ju, that lord just now was..." a Soul Douluo couldn't help but ask, his curiosity piqued.
"That is not for you to ask," Ghost Douluo, whose face was hidden under his cloak, snapped.
Chrysanthemum Douluo waved his hand. "It's fine. I'll tell you. Mr. Ao is the number one powerhouse of our Spirit Hall. In the future, you must be completely respectful whenever you see him, understand?"
"Isn't the number one powerhouse of our Spirit Hall the Grand Priest?" the Soul Douluo asked in astonishment.
Chrysanthemum Douluo sighed. "The Grand Priest was defeated. Mr. Ao beat him with just a single finger."
A wave of shocked gasps instantly echoed through the Grand Hall...
...
Aotian returned to the hotel.
Xiao Wu was still in a deep sleep. Aotian chose not to tell her about her mother just yet, lest she start making a fuss to return immediately.
At dawn, a ray of sunlight shone through the window, and Aotian, who was half-reclined on the sofa, opened his eyes.
He had only dozed off for a moment, and the sky was already bright.
Xiao Wu was still sleeping like a log.
Aotian walked to the bedside and firmly pinched her smooth cheek.
With a yelp of pain, Xiao Wu woke up, instinctively jumping to her feet.
"Ow... that hurts so much," she said, sucking in sharp breaths and rubbing her cheek.
Her gaze fell on Aotian, who was sitting on the sofa not far away. She asked, "Did you just pinch my face?"
Aotian stood up and chuckled. "I'm so far away from you, how could I pinch you? You must have had a nightmare."
"Did I?" Xiao Wu got out of bed with a puzzled look.
"Hurry up and wash up. We're leaving as soon as we finish breakfast. The Star Dou Great Forest will be very lively today," Aotian urged.
"Lively? Is something going to happen?" Xiao Wu asked as she walked.
"You'll know when we get there."
"Oh."
...
After finishing the breakfast brought by a server, the two left the hotel.
The streets were filled with Soul Masters, all marching in a massive procession toward the city gate nearest the Star Dou Great Forest.
"Why are there so many Soul Masters?" Xiao Wu was astonished.
Many powerful Soul Masters made no effort to conceal their auras, releasing them to intimidate others.
Xiao Wu couldn't help but swallow. "Aotian, what on earth is happening?" she asked.
She remembered that the streets hadn't been this crowded with Soul Masters last night.
The Soul Masters who were releasing their auras seemed incredibly strong to her, capable of crushing her with ease.
Aotian led her forward, saying, "Someone discovered a transformed soul beast in the Star Dou Great Forest. Its strength is only at the Soul Emperor level. These people are now going to fight for that soul beast's soul ring and soul bone."
"Are you telling the truth?" Xiao Wu rushed in front of Aotian, grabbing his arm tightly as she asked.
"Of course, it's true," Aotian nodded. "Listen carefully, they're all talking about it."
Xiao Wu pricked up her ears and sure enough, she heard those Soul Masters discussing the transformed soul beast.
Her face turned pale. She grabbed Aotian and started pulling him along, saying anxiously, "Let's go, we have to get back as soon as possible."
"Don't be anxious. Your mother will be fine. Don't you have your friends Da Ming and Er Ming to protect her?" Aotian said.
"How can I not be anxious? There are too many of these Soul Masters. I'm afraid Da Ming and Er Ming won't be able to hold them off."
"Relax, I'm here. It'll be fine," Aotian said, pulling Xiao Wu into an empty alley before summoning the Long Ma.
Aotian swung himself onto the horse and extended a hand to Xiao Wu. "Get on."
Xiao Wu took his hand and was pulled up, sitting in front of him.
"Long Ma, follow them," Aotian said, gently patting the Long Ma's back.
The Long Ma let out an excited neigh and followed the massive procession of Soul Masters ahead.
"Can we go any faster?" Xiao Wu asked anxiously.
"Then let's go faster," Aotian instructed.
The Long Ma quickened its pace, swiftly overtaking the other Soul Masters' horses.
Aotian comforted her, "Don't worry, their horses are no match for mine."
As the Long Ma galloped past, the horses ridden by the other Soul Masters were instantly startled. They reared up on their hind legs, crying out in alarm.
"What the hell? What kind of horse are those two brats riding?" someone exclaimed in shock.
The snow-white Long Ma was much larger than an ordinary horse, with powerful, sturdy limbs. When it ran, it was like the wind.
Wherever the Long Ma passed, chaos ensued, leaving a trail of upended riders and panicked horses.
"Snatch his horse!" someone shouted, their eyes alight with greed.
But before they could act, they were thrown to the ground by their own mount.
A few powerful Soul Masters leaped from their saddles, jumping toward Aotian.
However, the moment they were in mid-air, they felt a tremendous force press down from above, as if a giant palm had descended from the sky.
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
In that instant, four or five people had leaped up, but all of them came crashing back down to the ground with shattered bones, screaming in agony.
Those at the front who had been about to make a move froze, their expressions a mixture of shock and uncertainty as they watched the Long Ma gallop past them.
After leaving the city gates, the road widened. The Long Ma broke into a full sprint, easily overtaking the other Soul Masters.
"Why are there so many Soul Masters?" Xiao Wu said, her face tense. The line of Soul Masters on the road seemed endless.
"Some Soul Masters set out early this morning and have already entered the forest," Aotian said.
"Long Ma, a little faster," Xiao Wu said, stroking the Long Ma's head.
The Long Ma accelerated again, becoming like a bolt of lightning, stunning the Soul Masters all along the road.
A journey that should have taken an hour was completed in less than half that time. Aotian and Xiao Wu arrived outside the Star Dou Great Forest.
Many horses were tethered outside the forest, their riders having already gone inside.
The terrain within the forest was complex and unsuitable for riding.
Aotian squeezed the horse's belly with his legs and said, "Let's go in."
(end of chapter)
Only after Aotian sat down did Chrysanthemum Douluo and the others dare to take their seats.
Hearing Aotian's words, the three Elders immediately sat up straight.
Chrysanthemum Douluo asked, "Does Mr. Ao have any instructions?"
Aotian said, "You don't need to concern yourselves with the 100,000-year soul beast that transformed into human form in the Star Dou Great Forest. Go back."
Chrysanthemum Douluo was taken aback for a moment, then said, "Very well."
Although he was puzzled, he didn't dare defy Aotian's command. In the hearts of all the Spirit Hall Elders, Aotian's orders were equivalent to Bibi Dong's.
On this point, there was no doubt in any Elder's mind!
Noticing the bewildered expressions on the three Elders' faces, Aotian asked with a smile, "Aren't you going to ask why?"
Chrysanthemum Douluo replied, "Since you're telling us to return, Mr. Ao, you must have your reasons."
Aotian nodded. "That transformed 100,000-year soul beast is under my protection... as is that Titan Giant Ape."
"Understood. We will return to Wuhun City first thing tomorrow morning," Chrysanthemum Douluo said.
Aotian grunted in acknowledgment and asked, "Was it the Pope who sent you?"
"No, Her Majesty, the Pope, is currently in seclusion to cultivate. I took it upon myself to bring people here. I beg for Mr. Ao's forgiveness." Chrysanthemum Douluo stood up.
Aotian gestured with his hand, pressing down. "Sit down."
Chrysanthemum Douluo's heart relaxed, and he sat back down, asking, "Mr. Ao, many Soul Masters have come this time, including experts from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect. Do you need us to drive them away?"
"No need," Aotian said. "Just go straight back."
With that, he stood up. "I'll be leaving now."
Chrysanthemum Douluo and the others hastily rose, saying respectfully, "We respectfully see Mr. Ao off."
Aotian gave a slight nod, and with a flash, his figure vanished from the Grand Hall.
Only then did the three Elders, Chrysanthemum Douluo included, finally let out a full sigh of relief. They simultaneously raised their teacups to take a sip and calm their nerves.
"Elder Ju, that lord just now was..." a Soul Douluo couldn't help but ask, his curiosity piqued.
"That is not for you to ask," Ghost Douluo, whose face was hidden under his cloak, snapped.
Chrysanthemum Douluo waved his hand. "It's fine. I'll tell you. Mr. Ao is the number one powerhouse of our Spirit Hall. In the future, you must be completely respectful whenever you see him, understand?"
"Isn't the number one powerhouse of our Spirit Hall the Grand Priest?" the Soul Douluo asked in astonishment.
Chrysanthemum Douluo sighed. "The Grand Priest was defeated. Mr. Ao beat him with just a single finger."
A wave of shocked gasps instantly echoed through the Grand Hall...
...
Aotian returned to the hotel.
Xiao Wu was still in a deep sleep. Aotian chose not to tell her about her mother just yet, lest she start making a fuss to return immediately.
At dawn, a ray of sunlight shone through the window, and Aotian, who was half-reclined on the sofa, opened his eyes.
He had only dozed off for a moment, and the sky was already bright.
Xiao Wu was still sleeping like a log.
Aotian walked to the bedside and firmly pinched her smooth cheek.
With a yelp of pain, Xiao Wu woke up, instinctively jumping to her feet.
"Ow... that hurts so much," she said, sucking in sharp breaths and rubbing her cheek.
Her gaze fell on Aotian, who was sitting on the sofa not far away. She asked, "Did you just pinch my face?"
Aotian stood up and chuckled. "I'm so far away from you, how could I pinch you? You must have had a nightmare."
"Did I?" Xiao Wu got out of bed with a puzzled look.
"Hurry up and wash up. We're leaving as soon as we finish breakfast. The Star Dou Great Forest will be very lively today," Aotian urged.
"Lively? Is something going to happen?" Xiao Wu asked as she walked.
"You'll know when we get there."
"Oh."
...
After finishing the breakfast brought by a server, the two left the hotel.
The streets were filled with Soul Masters, all marching in a massive procession toward the city gate nearest the Star Dou Great Forest.
"Why are there so many Soul Masters?" Xiao Wu was astonished.
Many powerful Soul Masters made no effort to conceal their auras, releasing them to intimidate others.
Xiao Wu couldn't help but swallow. "Aotian, what on earth is happening?" she asked.
She remembered that the streets hadn't been this crowded with Soul Masters last night.
The Soul Masters who were releasing their auras seemed incredibly strong to her, capable of crushing her with ease.
Aotian led her forward, saying, "Someone discovered a transformed soul beast in the Star Dou Great Forest. Its strength is only at the Soul Emperor level. These people are now going to fight for that soul beast's soul ring and soul bone."
"Are you telling the truth?" Xiao Wu rushed in front of Aotian, grabbing his arm tightly as she asked.
"Of course, it's true," Aotian nodded. "Listen carefully, they're all talking about it."
Xiao Wu pricked up her ears and sure enough, she heard those Soul Masters discussing the transformed soul beast.
Her face turned pale. She grabbed Aotian and started pulling him along, saying anxiously, "Let's go, we have to get back as soon as possible."
"Don't be anxious. Your mother will be fine. Don't you have your friends Da Ming and Er Ming to protect her?" Aotian said.
"How can I not be anxious? There are too many of these Soul Masters. I'm afraid Da Ming and Er Ming won't be able to hold them off."
"Relax, I'm here. It'll be fine," Aotian said, pulling Xiao Wu into an empty alley before summoning the Long Ma.
Aotian swung himself onto the horse and extended a hand to Xiao Wu. "Get on."
Xiao Wu took his hand and was pulled up, sitting in front of him.
"Long Ma, follow them," Aotian said, gently patting the Long Ma's back.
The Long Ma let out an excited neigh and followed the massive procession of Soul Masters ahead.
"Can we go any faster?" Xiao Wu asked anxiously.
"Then let's go faster," Aotian instructed.
The Long Ma quickened its pace, swiftly overtaking the other Soul Masters' horses.
Aotian comforted her, "Don't worry, their horses are no match for mine."
As the Long Ma galloped past, the horses ridden by the other Soul Masters were instantly startled. They reared up on their hind legs, crying out in alarm.
"What the hell? What kind of horse are those two brats riding?" someone exclaimed in shock.
The snow-white Long Ma was much larger than an ordinary horse, with powerful, sturdy limbs. When it ran, it was like the wind.
Wherever the Long Ma passed, chaos ensued, leaving a trail of upended riders and panicked horses.
"Snatch his horse!" someone shouted, their eyes alight with greed.
But before they could act, they were thrown to the ground by their own mount.
A few powerful Soul Masters leaped from their saddles, jumping toward Aotian.
However, the moment they were in mid-air, they felt a tremendous force press down from above, as if a giant palm had descended from the sky.
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
In that instant, four or five people had leaped up, but all of them came crashing back down to the ground with shattered bones, screaming in agony.
Those at the front who had been about to make a move froze, their expressions a mixture of shock and uncertainty as they watched the Long Ma gallop past them.
After leaving the city gates, the road widened. The Long Ma broke into a full sprint, easily overtaking the other Soul Masters.
"Why are there so many Soul Masters?" Xiao Wu said, her face tense. The line of Soul Masters on the road seemed endless.
"Some Soul Masters set out early this morning and have already entered the forest," Aotian said.
"Long Ma, a little faster," Xiao Wu said, stroking the Long Ma's head.
The Long Ma accelerated again, becoming like a bolt of lightning, stunning the Soul Masters all along the road.
A journey that should have taken an hour was completed in less than half that time. Aotian and Xiao Wu arrived outside the Star Dou Great Forest.
Many horses were tethered outside the forest, their riders having already gone inside.
The terrain within the forest was complex and unsuitable for riding.
Aotian squeezed the horse's belly with his legs and said, "Let's go in."
(end of chapter)
