Douluo Dalu: The Legend of The Spider Emperor

Morning dawned brightly, the sunlight bathing the land in warmth.

Early in the day, Qian Renxue, once again disguised as Xue Qinghe, left for the royal palace. As the crown prince, her duty was to handle daily state affairs, a task she took seriously.

For now, she would not return.

By mid-morning, the back garden of Qian Renxue's estate was in full bloom.

The garden was alive with vibrant flowers and lush green grass.

Xiao Hong, basking in the sun on the soft grass, had its sharp canine eyes fixed on the center of the garden.

There, the radiant Yearning Heartbroken Red and a Blue Silver Emperor with golden veins stood proudly, exuding an aura of unparalleled vitality.

Drool trickled from Xiao Hong's mouth as it gazed at the Blue Silver Emperor—a genuine 100,000-year-old soul beast plant.

A rare delicacy!

Xiao Hong was not one to discriminate between vegetarian and carnivorous meals. It devoured everything with enthusiasm.

Just as it prepared to pounce, Snake Spear Douluo stepped forward, blocking its path.

"I'm sorry, but this is a restricted area within the estate. No one is allowed to enter," he said sternly.

Xiao Hong narrowed its eyes, glaring at Snake Spear Douluo. "Are you serious? That brat Ye Hao joined your Spirit Hall, and as they say, family doesn't fight over trifles. Strictly speaking, I'm part of the Spirit Hall now. So, you're really going to stop me?"

"Uh…" Snake Spear Douluo hesitated, realizing the logic was sound.

However, Qian Renxue had given strict orders: no one, not even her closest allies, was to approach the Blue Silver Emperor or the Yearning Heartbroken Red.

Understanding the situation, Xiao Hong sighed and reluctantly gave up its plan to devour the Blue Silver Emperor.

As it turned to leave, it noticed the Death Spider Emperor weaving its intricate web in a nearby tree. The web shimmered with a purple sheen under the sunlight, glistening like silk.

"Hey, Spidey, get down here!" Xiao Hong barked.

The Death Spider Emperor obediently descended its web.

"Where's the master? Don't tell me he's still asleep?" it asked, glancing around for Ye Hao.

Xiao Hong scoffed, "You must be new here. That lazy brat never gets up before noon. Let's go grab breakfast without him."

Meanwhile, at Shrek Academy, chaos reigned in the wooden hut on the back mountain.

Ma Hongjun, Dai Mubai, Oscar, and the Grandmaster were all sprawled across the couches. Their faces were pale, their bodies weak as if recovering from a severe illness.

Clutching their rumbling stomachs, they groaned in pain, their expressions a comical mix of anguish and despair.

Moments later, Liu Erlong and Flender burst through the door, alarmed by the sight before them.

"Good heavens! What happened here?" Liu Erlong exclaimed, rushing to the Grandmaster's side. Seeing him writhing in pain, her heart ached.

"Xiao Gang, what's wrong? Are you hurt?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

Before the Grandmaster could respond, Dai Mubai groaned, "Vice Principal Liu, we've been to the toilet at least a dozen times since morning. I… I can't take it anymore."

Ma Hongjun, tears streaming down his face, added, "Yes, teacher, please call a doctor. If this continues, I'll die here!"

Flender frowned. It was clear they had all suffered severe food poisoning, but the source of the issue remained a mystery.

"Don't worry, I've already sent someone to fetch a doctor. But tell me—did you eat anything unusual? That might explain this…"

The Grandmaster, unable to endure any longer, bolted out the door, clutching his stomach. Moments later, the air was filled with a putrid stench so overpowering that even the flowers outside the hut wilted.

Following the Grandmaster's example, Dai Mubai and the others staggered out, clutching their stomachs as they ran into the forest.

Soon, the entire Shrek Academy descended into chaos, earning it the unfortunate nickname "Sh*t-rek Academy."

Back at Qian Renxue's estate, Ye Hao remained blissfully unaware of the disaster he had unwittingly caused.

Unbeknownst to him, the Death Spider Emperor had carefully orchestrated the events at Shrek Academy.

Before Ye Hao left the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, Xiao Hong had gathered all the precious medicinal herbs, leaving nothing of value behind.

The Death Spider Emperor, resentful of being constantly bossed around by Xiao Hong, had hatched a devious plan. It chewed through the remaining herbs, leaving behind scraps. To complete its prank, it had Ye Hao buy a strong, undetectable laxative, which it mixed into the leftover herbs.

The plan had initially been meant for Xiao Hong, but fate took an unexpected turn when Tang San unknowingly took the bait, distributing the tainted herbs to his companions.

Back in the present, Qian Renxue returned home after completing her duties as Xue Qinghe. She walked into the dining hall, where the Death Spider Emperor and Xiao Hong were feasting happily.

"Where's Ye Hao? Isn't he eating?" she asked, glancing at the empty chair.

Xiao Hong grinned. "Miss Qian, you don't know Ye Hao's habits, do you?"

The Death Spider Emperor chimed in, "Master sleeps until noon unless something urgent comes up. I wouldn't count on him waking anytime soon."

Hearing this, Qian Renxue sighed. "This child…"

However, she soon grew concerned. With Ye Hao now part of her team, his safety was paramount. In the unpredictable political landscape of Heaven Dou City, any misstep could lead to disaster.

Determined to wake him, Qian Renxue made her way to Ye Hao's room. Peering through the window, she saw him sleeping soundly, his soft snores breaking the stillness of the room.

She quietly opened the door and tiptoed to his bedside.

...

Sh*t-rek Academy.

The once-pristine back mountain of Shrek Academy had become a place of filth and unbearable stench. The situation was so dire that Flender issued an urgent order: "No one is allowed to go near the back mountain under any circumstances. Violators will be severely punished."

The mountain needed time to recover. As for Liu Erlong, she was rendered unconscious by the overwhelming odor and was currently bedridden.

Meanwhile, the victims of this incident—Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, Oscar, and Grandmaster—lay on their beds, their faces pale, their bodies weak. They looked as if they had just returned from the brink of death.

At this moment, Tang San clenched his fists, his expression grim. Only one thought echoed in his mind:

Ye Hao deserves death!

Even Xiao Wu was among the unfortunate victims. She had been running back and forth to the toilet since morning, to the point that her soul almost seemed to leave her body.

Weakly, she turned to Tang San, who lay on the adjacent bed, her voice trembling:

"Brother, what kind of 'immortal herb' was that? Forget enhancing soul power—it's made all of us…"

Her words faltered. She couldn't bring herself to finish the sentence.

At this moment, Tang San found himself the target of everyone's ire.

Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, Oscar, and Grandmaster glared at him, their eyes full of blame.

Tang San had sworn on his honor that the herbs he distributed would work wonders, only for them to suffer this humiliating disaster.

Tang San felt deeply regretful. He should never have touched those leftover herbs.

Ye Hao left them behind for a reason, didn't he?

(Ye Hao: Honestly, I didn't expect the effect to be this dramatic.)

Dai Mubai, his strength completely drained, groaned:

"Xiao San, thanks to you, not only has my soul power not improved, but I can't even feel my legs anymore. What are you going to do about this?"

Ma Hongjun, looking utterly defeated, muttered:

"What can we do? Tang San—no, I mean Xiao San—I trusted you. That's the only reason I ate that herb. Turns out, you're that kind of person. I can't believe I misjudged you."

Oscar, shaking his head with disappointment, chimed in:

"Xiao San, if you had a problem with me, you could have just told me. Was it really necessary to go to such lengths to torment all of us? This plan of yours hurts everyone, including yourself. Honestly, I'm impressed by how ruthless you are—even to yourself."

Finally, Grandmaster, trembling with anger, slammed his fist on the nearby table.

"Crack!"

Grandmaster's eyes widened in pain as he gasped, "Ssssss!" He immediately clutched his lower back—something had torn.

The excruciating pain forced him back onto the bed. It was clear that everyone had suffered significant injuries.

"Xiao San, you went too far this time." Grandmaster glared at Tang San and, with an exaggerated sigh, turned his head away as if disowning him.

Xiao Wu, her face flushed with tears, sobbed:

"Brother, you're so cruel!"

Tang San was speechless. It felt like a dagger had been thrust into his chest. He truly was innocent this time, but explaining that seemed impossible.

With no other choice, Tang San decided to tell the truth.

"Everyone, I swear this wasn't my doing. I haven't wronged any of you, neither recently nor in the past. How could I possibly hurt my own teammates like this?"

Dai Mubai, enraged, shouted:

"Then who's responsible for this? Tell me now, or I'll make them pay dearly—crippled limbs, broken bones, you name it!"

"Count me in!"

"Me too!"

Grandmaster, still wincing in pain, hesitated but raised a trembling hand:

"Also… me."

Seeing their determination, Tang San finally dropped his hesitation. His expression darkened, and he gritted his teeth.

"Fine. I won't keep this from you. This entire ordeal—it's all Ye Hao's fault!"

"YE HAO!"

The name echoed throughout the room as everyone shouted in unison.

Grandmaster's eyes gleamed with realization.

"Xiao San, didn't you mention before that Ye Hao had been to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well? He even took the immortal herbs you had prepared for us. Is that true?"

Tang San nodded grimly.

"Yes. That bastard took the best of the immortal herbs I'd prepared for all of you. What's worse, the leftovers we consumed had been tampered with. I discovered traces of a powerful laxative mixed into them—colorless and tasteless. Not even a skilled poison master like me detected it at first."

Upon hearing this, everyone clenched their fists, united by a common goal: revenge against Ye Hao.

The indignity they suffered would not be forgotten.

Meanwhile, the culprit behind it all—Ye Hao—was sprawled comfortably on his bed, deep in sleep, blissfully unaware of the chaos he had caused.

Qian Renxue entered his room, shaking her head in exasperation as she saw him snoring soundly.

She gently nudged his shoulder.

"Ye Hao, wake up, little brother. It's time to get up."

When Ye Hao didn't stir, she tried shaking him harder. This only caused him to roll over and burrow deeper into his blankets, leaving Qian Renxue baffled.

"Is he always like this?" she muttered.

Finally, with no other options, Qian Renxue climbed onto his bed, knelt beside him, and tugged lightly on his ear.

This did the trick. Ye Hao shot awake, wincing from the pain. Instinctively, he grabbed her hand, pulling her down onto the bed.

Before he realized it, Ye Hao had accidentally pinned Qian Renxue beneath him.

The two locked eyes. Time seemed to freeze.

Both their faces turned crimson as the atmosphere grew awkward.

"Sister Xue, are you trying to mess with me?" Ye Hao teased, his voice feigning innocence.

Qian Renxue, suppressing a laugh, retorted:

"Get off me, you brat. How long are you planning to stay on top of me?"

Realizing his position, Ye Hao scrambled to his feet, awkwardly scratching the back of his head.

Later, over breakfast, Xiao Hong and the Spidey exchanged knowing glances, their eyes full of mischief.

Watching Ye Hao and Qian Renxue enter the dining hall together, they could practically smell the gossip-worthy tension.

"What took them so long to come out? Something must've happened," Xiao Hong whispered.

...

"A house?" Ye Hao looked at Qian Renxue, utterly baffled. "Well, aren't you the generous one, rich lady."

Qian Renxue chuckled. "Given your current strength, Heaven Dou Imperial Academy is no longer suitable for you. After the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament concludes, I will arrange for you to officially join Spirit Hall."

She gestured at the deed in Ye Hao's hand. "As for this deed, it's for another house I own in the city. After dinner, you, Xiao Hong, and Spidey can move in. Conveniently, this house is right next to mine, and there's a secret passage between the two. If you're ever bored, you can come over anytime."

Time passed quickly. A month later.

One evening, after enjoying a sumptuous dinner at Qian Renxue's mansion, Ye Hao left with a satisfied expression.

He strolled along the bustling streets of Heaven Dou City, admiring the beautiful sunset. The vibrant colors filled him with a sense of peace and appreciation for life.

However, lurking in the shadows not far behind him were five figures—pink rabbit ears among them—Xiao Wu, Dai Mubai, Oscar, Ma Hongjun, and Tang San.

They followed him with an air of secrecy, their expressions dark with resentment.

It had been a month since their humiliating ordeal as "spraying warriors." Most of that time had been spent recovering in bed. Even thinking about that incident made their blood boil.

Not long ago, Ma Hongjun had spotted Ye Hao while wandering around the city. Recognizing him immediately, he returned to Shrek Academy and gathered the others to plan their revenge.

Their goal was simple: repay Ye Hao with interest. Like what had happened at the Soto Battle Arena, they planned to cripple Ye Hao and take the precious herbs that should have been theirs.

It was the perfect plan: they could vent their frustrations and acquire priceless rewards. With unanimous agreement, they decided to act that very night.

"Everyone, listen carefully," Tang San whispered. "When the time comes, don't hold back. We all go in together—no exceptions!"

Dai Mubai cracked his knuckles, a sinister grin spreading across his face. "Don't worry. This time, I'll make Ye Hao pay in blood. I'll wash away the shame of my defeat at Soto."

"I'm in!"

"Count me in too!"

Xiao Wu, biting her rabbit teeth in frustration, added, "Brother, Boss Dai, give me a chance to use my Eight-Stage Drop. I'm certain Ye Hao is the one who humiliated me back in Soto Arena as 'Spicy Rabbit Head.'"

The group nodded in agreement, their confidence soaring.

Xiao Wu's eyes glinted with murderous intent, sharper than even Tang San's.

"This time, I, Xiao Wu, swear to kill…"

Dusk Falls

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the bustling city transitioned into the calm stillness of night.

Xiao Hong, who had been trailing Ye Hao along with the Death Spider Emperor, whispered, "Haozi, do those people behind us seem… unhinged? Especially that rabbit. Isn't she worried about blowing her cover, running around with them like this?"

Xiao Hong had noticed the group's presence days ago.

For weeks, Ye Hao's movements had been shadowed by the same people—five figures, including a certain rabbit. This time, the group seemed more determined than ever.

When Xiao Hong informed Ye Hao, he was initially confused.

"I haven't caused any trouble recently. I've been going back and forth between my house and Qian Renxue's place, barely stepping foot in Heaven Dou Academy. Who could be holding a grudge against me?"

As for the rabbit… Ye Hao quickly pieced it together.

"Ah, so it's them—the last remnants of Shrek."

A sly grin crossed his face as he glanced at the empty street behind him.

"Let's deal with this upfront. If my guess is right, they've figured out I'm the one they've been looking for—Spicy Rabbit Head. That would explain why they're acting so crazed, even going all out. Tonight's going to be an interesting battle."

Ye Hao's pace quickened. Heaven Dou City had strict laws prohibiting fighting within its limits, especially at night. In less than an hour, the city would enforce its curfew.

The Death Spider Emperor chimed in. "Master, why don't we just catch the rabbit now and feast on her? A full-course rabbit banquet would be perfect."

Xiao Hong nodded enthusiastically. "That rabbit's been hopping around in front of us for ages. Aren't you tired of letting her off the hook?"

Ye Hao chuckled coldly. "Oh, I'm far from tired. But it's not the right time yet. When the day comes, I'll personally hunt her down and make her my sixth soul ring."

"For now, this is about teaching Shrek's people a painful lesson. Besides," he added, his tone cautious, "haven't you noticed? There are at least two Title Douluos supporting Shrek in the shadows. We need to be careful."

Ye Hao moved swiftly, leading his pursuers to an abandoned construction site on the western outskirts of the city. The area was desolate, with crumbling walls and incomplete structures—perfect for what was about to happen.

Stopping abruptly, Ye Hao turned to face the shadows, his gaze icy.

"Enough hiding. You've been tailing me for half a month. Aren't you tired?"

As his words echoed, Dai Mubai stepped out from behind a broken wall, his four soul rings glowing faintly in the dim light.

Having recently broken through to Rank 40, Dai Mubai unleashed his fourth soul ability, White Tiger Meteor Shower, a devastating area attack.

Before the attack could fully manifest, Ye Hao calmly activated his Death Spider Emperor possession, his arms transforming into black, razor-sharp spider spears. With a single strike, he split the incoming energy blast in half.

The ground beneath them shattered as thick, writhing Blue Silver Grass erupted.

Tang San emerged next, grinning wickedly as he directed the grass to form a massive net, aiming to trap Ye Hao and deliver the finishing blow.

Above, Ma Hongjun soared on fiery wings, launching scorching flames from above, while Oscar remained at the back, preparing to supply them with his spirit-boosting sausages.

Suddenly, Xiao Wu appeared behind Ye Hao, her third soul ring glowing brightly as she used her teleportation ability. She aimed to execute her signature Waist Bow, followed by the deadly Eight-Stage Drop.

This was Shrek's unity: all five members attacking as one.

But Ye Hao was no ordinary opponent.

With a flick of his razor-sharp spider spears, he shredded Tang San's Blue Silver Grass net. A quick horizontal slash dissipated Ma Hongjun's phoenix flames.

In a flash, Xiao Wu teleported behind him, but before she could strike, Ye Hao's body radiated a deep purple light.

She suddenly felt a crushing grip around her throat—Ye Hao had caught her mid-attack.

Tang San watched in horror as Ye Hao lifted Xiao Wu effortlessly with one hand while the other began a merciless counterattack against the rest of the team.

Tonight, Shrek's so-called revenge plan would leave them utterly humiliated once again.

Damn, these two chapters are long.