Douluo Dalu: Volume 37: Seagod’s Trident

by Tang Jia San Shao

If it could be said that Shrek Seven were simply outstanding figures among young spirit masters, then now, they could be counted as a powerful group which could match up to many of their peers combined. As everyone rose to Spirit Douluo stage, Tang San with his two domain skills, Ning Rongrong’s 90 percent buffs, Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing’s battle spirit fusion skill, Oscar’s powerful buffing sausages, and Ma Hongjun with his seven headed flame phoenix, had no doubt become a near perfect group of powers. Even if they were to face Title Douluo of same quantities, they would definitely be able to fight back.

  Now, the only thing left was Xiao Wu’s resurrection. Tang San could clearly feel that with Xiao Wu having the same Top Class Seven Trials as Ning Rongrong, her final rewards would definitely not be worse than Ning Rongrong. Perhaps they would even surpass Ning Rongrong due to stacking. Tang San decided that after returning to the continent, he would hurry and look for suitable spirit rings to add to his Clear Sky Hammer, increasing his own soul power in the process. When the hammer finished absorbing the spirit rings, he would also revive Xiao Wu by then. As for the events that took place in the continent, they would have to wait after Xiao Wu’s resurrection. Using Clear Sky Hammer with eight rings as an insurance, his own Blue Silver Emperor being weakened by five rings wouldn’t matter. Simply finding other suitable ones would do. The power of Clear Sky Hammer with eight rings, would definitely not be weaker than Blue Silver Emperor. After all, Tang San planned to give the hammer at least rings that were higher than ten thousand years in rank.

  Settling his thoughts, Tang San held Xiao Wu’s hand tightly. Her waist was still slim and more flexible than before. He was satisfied when he kissed her hair. Xiao Wu was his most precious honey.

  The speed of the Great White Spirit Sharks in the sea was terrifying indeed, especially under Xiao Bai’s lead. As the ruler of the sharks, Xiao Bai was one of the overlords of the sea. Although they had left own fiefs and kept crossing over the fiefs of other sea spirit beasts, none the sea spirit beasts fail to get out of the way as they feared angering the overlords of the sea.

  After the rushing of three days under the sea breeze, a black horizon finally appeared a distance away in the sights of the Shrek Seven. At this moment, everyone cheered. They finally returned after leaving the continent for four years.

  Tang San and others set foot on the continent once more. Before Xiao Bai left, he used the sea chart to verify their location and then parted ways. Xiao Bai told Tang San that if they wanted to go back, just release the light of Seagod’s Trident, and she would be able to sense it and come within three days.

  After Xiao Bai circled in the sea three times, she left leading her tribe mates, eventually disappearing into the horizon.

  Setting foot on the continent again was something everyone was excited about, no doubt. But Xiao Bai’s departure also left them with a forlorn feeling. After all, they also lived on Seagod Island for four years. For normal people, how many ‘four years’ are there?

  Dai Mubai stood next to Tang San, “Little San, what’s our plan?”

  Tang San said, “Let’s go back to Heaven Dou City first. We left for so long after all. But I will not stay there for too long. I want to bring Xiao Wu to look for suitable spirit beasts to hunt and take their spirit rings. I will use the time to get past Title Douluo stage by putting spirit rings into the Clear Sky Hammer, to increase its power quickly and make it easier to revive Xiao Wu.”

  Dai Mubai said:

  “In that case, you might as well not delay, but just directly bring Xiao Wu to hunt spirit beasts. With your present strength, you wouldn’t even need to fear meeting hundred thousand year spirit beasts. We’ll go back to Heaven Dou City to wait for you first, I don’t know what the circumstances are over there.”

  Tang San said:

  “That’s fine too.”

  Speaking, he unfolded the map, and everyone gathered round.

  Pointing on the map, Tang San said:

  “This is our position, Xiao Bai was right, with their escort we’ve cut down at least half the journey, it’s straight east from here. It’s about ten days journey to Star Dou Great Forest, there’s lots of spirit beasts living there, so I’m planning to bring Xiao Wu there. If it goes smoothly, I believe that in one year at the least, two years at most, I can resurret Xiao Wu. Afterwards I’ll converge with everyone at Heaven Dou City. You head northeast from here, you’ll find the way after you’re on the official road, I estimate you can return to Heaven Dou City in around twenty days.”

  Ma Hongjun grinned:

  “Third brother, my brother. I won’t be polite with you. Xiangxiang is young, and homesick from being away for so many years. I won’t keep you company.”

  Bai Chenxiang hit him lightly, her face red. Indeed, as a girl, she hadn’t experienced the wind and rain like the Shrek Seven Devils. After so long, how couldn’t she miss home?

  Tang San smiled:

  “Don’t you believe in my strength? No need to keep me company, you all go back. Teacher presumably needs help there. Fatty, after going back, you’re in charge of supervising the Tang Sect. Hurry up and organize your martial hall at the same time. With your present strength, nobody would refuse you as hall master. Rongrong, little Ao, after you get back, tell uncle Ning that if he can, find a place for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School next to our Tang Sect. Watch out for each other.”

  Ning Rongrong and little Ao nodded. They both knew that because of what happened back then, emperor Xue Ye should have doubts about Ning Fengzhi. Emperor Xue Ye should have passed away in these years, and they didn’t know the sect’s circumstances. Consequently they were also anxious to get back, and didn’t propose going to Star Dou Great Forest with Tang San.

  Dai Mubai said:

  “Me and Zhuqing will go to the Academy. You don’t need to worry with us there. Even though it’s been four years, the Heaven Dou and Star Luo great empires are after all deeply rooted, Spirit Hall dealing with them isn’t just a morning’s work. Heaven Dou City is the capital as well, it wouldn’t have changed too much. That kid Xue Beng schemes deeply, he’s a clever guy, he’s bound to rule wisely when facing a threat like Spirit Hall. Don’t worry, don’t you have five years for your eighth trial, finish it as quickly as possible. Later we’ll go kill that hundred thousand year Deep Sea Demon Whale together, taking revenge and wiping out all grudges. Then once you’ve inherited the position of Seagod, we’ll put our cards on the table with Spirit Hall.”

  Tang San nodded,

  “Then take care as you go, hide as much as possible. Even if we’ve been gone for a few years, Spirit Hall is bound to have warrants of arrest out for us. Be careful on the road.”

  Dao Mubai waved his fist with complete confidence,

  “Those Spirit Hall bastards, if one comes we’ll kill one, if two comes then two. As long as we’re not completely out of luck and surrounded by Spirit Hall elders, what can they do against me?”

  They’d already challenged Title Douluo without Spirit Douluo strength, let alone when they were now all on Spirit Douluo level, and also without restraints. Even lacking one Tang San, with the five devils’ strength, two or three Title Douluo didn’t count.

  Tang San temporarily left Xiao Wu to Ning Rongrong, and took two steps forward. Reaching out with his left arm he hugged Dai Mubai, his left hand holding the Seagod Trident.

  Dai Mubai said in Tang San’s ear:

  “Little San, once we meet again, I want to see a complete Xiao Wu!”

  Tang San clapped Dai Mubai’s back,

  “Don’t worry, boss, you definitely will.”

  Releasing his arm, he also separately hugged Oscar and Ma Hongjun once. They had been partners for so many years, even if they wouldn’t part for too long this time, the feeling of leaving wasn’t wonderful.

  “Third brother, you can’t discriminate!”

  Ning Rongrong gave Xiao Wu to Zhu Zhuqing, taking the initiative to step forward spreading her arms, giving Tang San a big bearhug.

&
nbsp; Tang San smiled:

  “Shouldn’t I be afraid certain people will be jealous?”

  Oscar to the side crooked his head:

  “It’s nothing, who asked us to be brothers, I’m temporarily blinded. En, Rongrong, that should do it, I’ll really become jealous.”

  Ning Rongrong paid no attention to Oscar, looking at Tang San with red rimmed eyes:

  “Third brother, look after yourself on the way, take care of Xiao Wu. We’re all praying for her.”

  “I will. Unless I die, nobody can harm her again. I will take care of her.”

  Ning Rongrong let go and took Xiao Wu from Zhu Zhuqing. She turned her head, but tears still fell. She’d just left, when Zhu Zhuqing stepped up, equally hugging Tang San hard,

  “Third brother, we’ll all miss you. Come back soon.”

  Tang San smiled and nodded, rubbing the head of this youngest seven devil,

  “If boss Dai bullies you after you get back, go find Rongrong and have her help you. She can definitely beat the teeth out of him.”

  The corners of Zhu Zhuqing’s eyes were originally already red. Hearing what Tang San said, she couldn’t help giggling. Wiping the tears from her eyes, she still nodded cutely.

  Dai Mubai smiled wryly:

  “It’d be nice if she doesn’t bully me. Me bully her? I don’t have the skill.”

  Indeed, Zhu Zhuqing and Dai Mubai really showed that everything could be bested. That overbearing Dai Mubai couldn’t raise any temper when facing Zhu Zhuqing.

  “Third brother, can I hug you too?”

  Bai Chenxiang’s voice was timid.

  Tang San took the initiative to spread his arms, smiling:

  “Of course you can. You’re my little cousin! Even if Fatty sometimes is a bit jumpy, a bit lazy, he sincerely likes you. I also believe that he will focus wholeheartedly on you hereafter. Only that guy is the kind who’ll take the roof off if he doesn’t get a beating every three days, so you can’t give him too much face. Just go ahead and beat him. Also, keep him close.”

  While speaking, he hugged Bai Chenxiang.

  When Ma Hongjun heard the first half of what Tang San said he was originally extremely proud, but once it got to the latter half, he couldn’t help making a bitter face. He wanted to argue, but saw the warning glance Tang San shot him, clearly warning him not to bully Bai Chenxiang, and that he wasn’t allowed to go sleep around anymore.

  Dai Mubai rubbed his fist, grinning:

  “Leave that damned Fatty to me. If he has any errant behaviour or bullies Xiangxiang, as the elder brother, I’ll sort him out.”

  The girls all had red rimmed eyes. Tang San didn’t let Xiao Wu’s soul out, since he was afraid her soul would go unstable from emotions.

  Dai Mubai clapped Tang San’s shoulder hard, and said to everyone:

  “Let’s hurry up and go. If it goes on like this, we won’t be able to part. A temporary separation is the beginning of meeting next time. Go, go.”

  Speaking, he pulled along Zhu Zhuqing and led the way northeast. Zhu Zhuqing clearly saw that Dai Mubai’s eyes were also a bit red.

  “Everyone take care.”

  Tang San struck the Seagod Trident on the ground, the one hundred eight thousand jin weight making the ground shudder. Taking Xiao Wu from Ning Rongrong’s embrace, he no longer paused, but leapt up and headed east.

  Dai Mubai halted, turning his head to look along with Zhu Zhuqing. Everyone watched Tang San and Xiao Wu disappear, then gradually returned to their senses, quietly leaving with the sadness of farewell.

  Tang San brought Xiao Wu along for a full two hours before his mood gradually restored. Looking at Xiao Wu in his arms with a lifeless look in her eyes, firm conviction replaced sadness. No matter how, this time he had to completely resurrect Xiao Wu. This place was remote, so he might as well not travel on foot. The Blue Silver Emperor right leg bone flight ability launched, and he brought Xiao Wu up to fly through the air, meeting the morning sun.

  The Shrek Seven Devils had once again set foot on Douluo Continent. It seemed, the beacons had lit once again.

  After flying for close to four hours, Tang San distantly saw the wide official road. Opening up the map to take a look, this was within the borders of a subordinate kingdom on the edge of Heaven Dou Empire, Häagen-Dazs[1]. This kingdom was in the northwest of Heaven Dou Empire, sharing part of its border with Star Luo Empire. By following the official road from here, passing through Häagen-Dazs Kingdom and then Balack Kingdom, you could reach Star Dou Great Forest. And around two hundred li east from here was one of the Häagen-Dazs kingdom’s strategic points, West Lu City.

  Days of travel plus previously passing the Seagod sixth and seventh trials, Tang San was a bit weary. Even if his spirit power had already recovered, he still decided to bring Xiao Wu to rest a while in West Lu City. After he’d again travel by flight for Star Luo Great Forest. Travelling by air was at least twice as fast as on foot, he could reach his destination in at most five days.

  Two hundred li was to Tang San a very short distance since long ago. He brought Xiao Wu the whole way to around ten li away from West Lu City before landing. Due to his and Xiao Wu’s appearance really being too conspicuous, he took out two veiled bamboo hats from Twenty Four Moonlit Bridges, and they each wore one.

  Arriving outside West Lu City, this place was considered a main city, but slightly smaller than an ordinary main city. Outside the gates were roughly twenty soldiers inspecting the travellers. It seemed the inspection was quite strict. Each and every one of the soldiers looked ferocious, lined up in a neat formation, without the slightest show of slacking due to only guarding the gates.

  What made Tang San most curious was these soldiers’ uniform. Each soldier had the two characters for ‘Spirit’ in yellow on the left side of their chest. It also seemed like their equipment was quite good, each soldier wearing leather armor. Quite rare for soldiers patrolling a city gate.

  What was the meaning of this? Why did the soldiers wear the spirit mark?

  Tang San wondered, only, judging by these circumstances he clearly couldn’t pass through the gate with Xiao Wu. First let alone that he didn’t want to show his or Xiao Wu’s appearance to these soldiers, he absolutely couldn’t let them inspect the Seagod Trident. Juding by the rigorous inspection, entering the city armed clearly wasn’t easy. And the trident was so enormous.

  Thinking of this, the Seagod Trident brand on Tang San’s forehead flashed once, and enveloped by pale blue light, he and Xiao Wu quietly disappeared.

  Even though the Vast Sea Ocean Shroud had turned back into the Seagod’s Heart and completely merged with the Seagod Trident, after experimentation, Tang San had discovered that as long as he held the Seagod Trident, he could still use the original Vast Sea Ocean Shroud abilities, as if those four abilities had all been branded on his skull bone.

  Relying on the Vast Sea Ocean Shroud’s stealth ability, Tang San brought Xiao Wu to fly high, passing above the city walls and landing in West lu City. Finding a remote unobserved corner, he showed himself again.

  * * *

  [1] Häagen-Dazs - (哈根达斯) Seriously.

  Chapter 256: Spirit Empire

  Red light flashed, and Xiao Wu’s soul merged into her body, her beautiful eyes regaining their clarity. It was Tang San who woke her.

  “Ge, where’s this?”

  Xiao Wu couldn’t help looking around.

  Tang San lowered his voice:

  “We’ve already returned to the continent, and I decided to bring you to Star Dou Great Forest a while, give the Clear Sky Hammer spirit rings. This is Häagen-Dazs Kingdom’s West Lu City. When I was outside of the city just now I felt something was wrong, the soldiers by the gate all wore the letters “spirit”, I don’t know what it means. Let’s go look around.”

  Entering the city, he couldn’t always be hugging Xiao Wu, or people would easily get suspicious. After Xiao Wu’s soul returned to her body, he only needed to hold her hand.

  X
iao Wu raised the veil of the bamboo hat, looking deeply at Tang San. Even though he didn’t say it, how could she not understand the reason he would bring her to Star Dou Great Forest alone? She understood that it was impossible for her to change Tang San’s mind. Holding his left hand, she said:

  “We’ll go investigate. With the “spirit” characters, it should likely be related to Spirit Hall.”

  Tang San nodded:

  “We’re of the same mind. The kingdoms and duchies that are part of the two great empires have always had an ambiguous relationship with Spirit Hall, as Spirit Hall’s loyal supporters. It’s also just because of Spirit Hall that the two empires have never dared do anything against the kingdoms and duchies without thinking about it first. It seems like, in the four years we were gone, a lot has happened on the continent!”

  As the two spoke, they had left the corner and reached the streets. The city streets seemed about the same as always, densely lined with shops on both sides. Overall, this West Lu City seemed prosperous. The pedestrians walked quite fast, clearly influenced by the pace of life.

  Xiao Wu lowered her voice:

  “Ge, where do we go to ask around?”

  Cold light flashed in Tang San’s eyes,

  “Naturally we’ll go to the Main Spirit Hall here. West Lu City is Häagen-Dazs Kingdom’s capital, it should have a Main Spirit Hall. Who would know what’s happened more clearly than those Spirit Hall spirit masters?”

  Tang San decided to go to Spirit Hall to investigate the changes on the Continent, and Xiao Wu naturally wouldn’t object. Tang San’s gaze swept, just finding a man in his forties walking past in front of them. The man’s clothes were average, unable to tell if he was rich or poor. Tang San took the initiative to go up to meet him, barring his way.

  “Big brother, could I trouble you with some questions?”

  Tang San raised the veil of his bamboo hat, and asked politely.

  The middle aged man was startled by being blocked, and looked somewhat alertly at him, especially as he saw that more than three meter long package in Tang San’s hand,