The Spirit City, regarded as a holy land by soul masters across the continent, drew unprecedented attention today. As the Body Sect's convoy slowly approached the grand and imposing city gates, a sea of people was already gathered outside. Countless residents of Spirit City had assembled, craning their necks in curiosity and awe, eager to catch a glimpse of the Body Sect's core members who had been making waves in recent years.
As the curtain rose, Chen Yi and his group appeared one after another, immediately stirring a buzz and hushed whispers among the crowd. Almost simultaneously with the Body Sect stepping onto the territory of Spirit City, three powerful auras surged from within the city, appearing before the gates as if teleporting.
The leader was Dawn Douluo, who had previously met with Azure Luan in Star Lou City. But even more striking were the two men beside him—middle-aged, clad in the distinctive but more ornate standard armor of Spirit Hall, exuding an entirely different aura. One was tall and imposing, with a square, dignified face. His armor was a dark gold, engraved with lines of the sun and scepter, his presence blazing with authority as if clearing all the mist. The other was slightly thinner, with hawk-like sharp eyes, his dark-purple armor etched with stars, swords, and shields. His breath was calm and restrained, yet carried an immortal sharpness.
Simply standing there, the faint fluctuations of soul power around them made the air feel viscous. All three held the titles of Douluo-class powerhouses! Judging by their bearing and the concentration of their soul power, they were clearly not newcomers to this world.
Chen Yi's eyes swept over the two, his heart stirring slightly. He recognized Dawn Douluo, the vice commander of Spirit Hall's Angel Legion. But as for these two… judging by their armor and demeanor, they didn't seem to be any of the renowned Douluo clearly mentioned in the original work.
The foundation of Spirit Hall was truly unimaginable; not only were there the elders of the Pope's Hall and the worships of the Worship Hall above the surface, but there were also formidable figures hidden within the legion system.
When Dawn Douluo's gaze fell on Chu Shanhe, standing beside Chen Yi, his pupils involuntarily contracted. Although he had never seen Chu Shanhe before, he understood the other's identity at a glance. Not daring to be disrespectful, Dawn Douluo, along with the two titled Douluo beside him, lowered their heads slightly to Chu Shanhe and the Grand Elder, speaking formally:
"I greet His Excellency Body Douluo and Wisdom Brain Douluo."
Looking at Dawn Douluo, Chu Shanhe smiled slightly and waved his hand:
"No need for such courtesy from the three of you. I've always heard that the weather in Spirit City is varied, and seeing it today, it truly lives up to its name."
After a brief exchange of greetings, under the guidance of the three Douluo from Spirit Hall, Chu Shanhe and his party proceeded into the city. Spirit City's streets were wide and orderly, the buildings solemn and magnificent, with statues and flags of the seraphim—symbols of Spirit Hall—everywhere. The air was filled with a strong atmosphere of soul power and unique religious sanctity.
Along the way, countless soul masters and citizens saluted them with eyes full of awe and curiosity for the strong. After introductions, Chen Yi also learned the true identities of the two armored Douluo—they were the commanders of two of Spirit Hall's three main forces: the Holy Emperor Knights and the Douluo Knights, both a step away from Douluo Peak.
"Holy Emperor Knights," "Douluo Knights"… Chen Yi understood in his heart.
Compared to the Angel Legion, which wasn't mentioned here, the original work referred to the three main regiments of Spirit Hall early on, but they scarcely appeared later, becoming mere passing mentions. These two group leaders also scrutinized the Body Sect, their eyes falling especially on Chu Shanhe and the Grand Elder, revealing deep fear and assessment. They also noticed the passionate Xie Xiaoqing and the calm Ye Cien.
The events that occurred after Ghost Douluo returned to Spirit City—his "second silver awakening," teaming up with Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue to challenge the Worship Hall, directly suppressing two level 96 Worships, subduing Falling Devil Douluo, and defeating Lion Douluo with Martial soul fusion skills—had already spread among the high officials. This "second awakening of the Body Martial soul" left a deep mark in the minds of these high-ranking officers.
The group arrived at a palace complex reserved for the highest-level VIPs in the city. Dawn Douluo stopped, turned, and smiled at Chu Shanhe's group.
"You've come from afar and must be tired. This place has been prepared for your rest, and the environment is quite good. Please settle down for a while."
"Tomorrow, the Grand Worship and the Pope will formally hold the Honorary Elder Conferment Ceremony in the Elder Hall under the Douluo Hall, and there will be a banquet for all involved to attend."
Hearing this, Xie Xiaoqing and Ye Cien felt the arrangement reasonable and didn't think much of it. After a long journey, coming to Spirit Hall's territory and resting before the formal meeting was sensible.
However, Chu Shanhe, who usually seemed so "approachable" in front of everyone, suddenly grinned, unable to hide his heroic spirit and… fighting intent!
"Since you're all here in Spirit City, why wait until tomorrow?"
"Travel fatigue? That's nothing to us!"
To the astonishment of the three Douluo and the many Spirit Hall staff behind them, Chu Shanhe stepped forward. Suddenly, the aura around him, which had been as still as a mountain, erupted. The three titled Douluo of Spirit Hall inhaled sharply, their expressions changing.
"DONG——!"
The next instant, under the terrified gazes of all, Chu Shanhe's powerful body shot up from the ground like a cannonball, instantly breaking a hundred meters height and standing in mid-air. His sharp gaze pierced towards the distant tall buildings, and then he took a deep breath, his chest pounding like a bellows, his voice echoing with authority and unparalleled soul force:
"Once, beneath Mount Clear Sky, the battle between the Angel Douluo and the Clear Sky Sect was unparalleled. Chu longed to witness it, but sadly, I never saw it with my own eyes!
"Today, Chu Shanhe sets foot in Spirit City. I ask for nothing else!
"Your Excellency, I beg you—do not hesitate to teach me!!"
The word "teach" resonated throughout Spirit City, echoing into the distant mountains like a final war drum, trembling countless eardrums and stirring the hearts of all with pride and unrestrained challenge.
For a moment, all of Spirit City fell into dead silence. Whether pedestrians in the streets, soul masters in the halls, or representatives of the various factions who had come to witness the ceremony, all looked up in terror at the mountain-like figure hovering in the air, then turned their eyes to the tallest building.
The pillar of the Body Sect, one of the most mysterious powerhouses on the continent, had just arrived at Spirit City and, without even taking a seat, directly challenged the invincible Qian Daoliu of the Worship Hall!
Incredible! Astounding!
Immediately after, countless hearts surged with uncontrollable excitement! Since the legendary battle years ago between Clear Sky Douluo Tang Chen and Angel Douluo Qian Daoliu beneath Mount Clear Sky, there had not been such a public duel of this level in the soul master world.
"Buzz——"
No sooner had Chu Shanhe's words fallen than, atop the high tower, an endless majesty and power pierced space and time, resounding in everyone's ears.
"Body Douluo, Chu Shanhe… I have long respected your great name.
"I have long heard that the Body Sect's second awakening can seize the creation of heaven and earth, reincarnate Martial soul, and possess unfathomable divine power.
"With Brother Chu's visit today, I too am awakened."
As his words fell, a blazing golden streak shot from the tower's spire, not stopping in the skies above Spirit City but streaking straight into the northwestern wilderness, leaving only a long golden trail in the air.
"Hahaha! Good! Let's enjoy ourselves!"
Seeing this, Chu Shanhe laughed heartily, his voice shaking the four corners. Without looking at the expressions below, a dark golden light flashed across his body, his figure blurring into an afterimage as he pursued the golden streamer at a speed no slower than the other.
Wherever they passed, the air exploded!
"Let's go!"
"Follow them!"
"A battle at the peak! We can't miss it!"
In an instant, Spirit City boiled over like a barrel of dynamite. Like shooting stars, streamers of various colors and strengths soared from the city, eagerly chasing after the golden rainbow and Chu Shanhe's vanishing figure.
Among them were titled Douluo of Spirit Hall, soul clans, influential figures here for the ceremony, and countless scattered soul cultivators who longed to witness history firsthand.
Years ago, after the legendary battle between Clear Sky Douluo Tang Chen and Angel Douluo Qian Daoliu beneath Mount Clear Sky, there had not been such a level of public duel in the soul master world.
Today, the Body Sect's Sect Master, Body Douluo Chu Shanhe, had no sooner arrived at Spirit City than he boldly challenged the invincible Qian Daoliu in the sky.
This was not just a collision between the two peaks of the world, but also the most direct and shocking power dialogue between the rising ruling sect and the old holy land. It would become a struggle remembered in the annals of soul master history.
A true battle at the summit had begun!
…