Douluo Dalu: The Legend of The Spider Emperor

"Sis, are you leaving Heaven Dou City?"

At Qian Renxue's mansion, after Ye Hao returned with Snake Spear Douluo, he first went to see Qian Renxue.

Upon learning that Qian Renxue was leaving for a while, Ye Hao couldn't help but ask the reason. Could it be that the undercover mission in Heaven Dou City had failed?

Qian Renxue pursed her lips and smiled slightly, looking at Ye Hao, and said, "Don't worry, sister just broke through to level seventy in soul power and currently urgently needs a suitable seventh soul ring."

So that's how it is. Ye Hao gradually let out a sigh of relief.

"The Sunset Forest outside the city?"

The Sunset Forest was the soul beast forest closest to Heaven Dou City, with a wide variety of soul beasts, making it the first choice for many soul masters when hunting soul beasts.

However, Qian Renxue slowly shook her head, "Not the Sunset Forest, but… Star Dou Forest."

"Star Dou Forest?" Ye Hao was surprised—Star Dou Forest was the largest soul beast forest on the continent, far beyond the scale of the Sunset Forest.

Qian Renxue continued, "This morning, I borrowed Xue Qinghe's identity and requested leave from that old man Xue Ye. Tomorrow morning, I will be leaving. While I'm not in the city, you must be careful. According to my subordinates' investigations, recently, for some reason, Dugu Bo has been frequently appearing at Shrek Academy. I think there must be something suspicious about it."

One has to admit, Qian Renxue's intelligence network was truly reliable.

Ye Hao pondered for a moment and said, "Sis, could it be that you have specific requirements for the seventh soul ring?"

"You're right." Qian Renxue nodded helplessly and said, "The seventh soul ring corresponds to Martial Soul True Body. You also know what Martial Soul True Body means for a soul master. The soul beast required for the seventh soul ring must be at least forty to fifty thousand years old. Although there are quite a few soul beasts of that level in Sunset Forest, based on the intelligence I have, there doesn't seem to be a single one suitable for me. That's why I plan to go to Star Dou Forest, where there are the most types of soul beasts, and try my luck—maybe I'll come across one."

"I'm fully prepared. If Star Dou Forest really doesn't have one, then my next step will be Sunset Forest. This is a double insurance plan. While I'm not in Heaven Dou City, you should return to Heaven Dou Royal Academy. That way, it's better than staying alone in the city, at least ensuring your safety."

Hearing this, Ye Hao curled the corners of his mouth into a bitter smile and helplessly said, "Sis, you don't know, but just now, I beat up Tang Hao's son, Tang San, along with some people from Shrek Academy. If it weren't for Dugu Bo showing up, their fate would have been even worse."

Hearing this, Qian Renxue was stunned for a while. She had only not seen him for a short time, and how had her brother caused such a big commotion again?

"What exactly happened?" Qian Renxue asked.

Ye Hao began narrating…

"…"

"And that's how it was. If it hadn't been for Dugu Bo showing up in time, I estimate those five from Shrek wouldn't have let it go."

Tang San and the others were like clinging leeches, insisting that the immortal herbs belonged to them, which left Ye Hao speechless.

Ye Hao had successfully removed the poison from Dugu Bo's body, and that's how he obtained the immortal herbs.

But somehow, it turned into Ma Hongjun and the others saying that Ye Hao had stolen what Tang San had prepared for them—this directly shattered Ye Hao's perception of fairness. How shameless could they be?

Fortunately, Dugu Bo had been hiding in the shadows, under Tang Hao's coercion; otherwise, Tang San and the others might have been beaten even worse by Ye Hao.

Dugu Bo's sudden appearance had caught Tang San completely off guard, giving Tang San a metaphorical slap in the face. Who had the gall to say the immortal herbs were theirs?

Hearing the whole story, Qian Renxue couldn't help but burst out in rage.

"Tang San is such a scoundrel, and as for Dugu Bo—he's a Title Douluo, and yet he allows himself to be coerced so easily? What's the point of his Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor poison then? When the tournament's finals are over, that's when Tang San's end will come. Don't worry, little brother, the Spirit Hall will never let someone so vile off the hook."

Actually, Ye Hao wasn't too worried about that. Even if Tang Hao came, Ye Hao wasn't afraid—he had Xiao Hong and the spider. He was sure Tang Hao wouldn't leave alive.

"Sis, how about I go with you to Star Dou Forest? By coincidence, my soul power has reached level fifty." Ye Hao suggested.

Qian Renxue: "!!!"

"Your soul power reached level fifty? Not long ago, you told me you were at level forty-four—how did you reach fifty so quickly? Are you cheating?"

Qian Renxue was truly puzzled. For others, advancing their soul power was extremely difficult. As a soul master herself, she understood how tough it was.

But for Ye Hao, advancing his soul power seemed as easy as drinking water.

At this, Ye Hao smiled slightly. He took out an unremarkable-looking herb from the Death God's Heart. It was entirely emerald green, with three snow-white leaves in the center, and a few tiny water droplets like morning dew.

"What is this?" Qian Renxue asked.

"It's called 'Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew,' an immortal herb I got from that old poison master. Like the YearningHeartbroken Red I gave you before, these are rare immortal herbs on this continent. I consumed Infernal Delicate Apricot and Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, which gave me a body immune to fire and ice."

After finishing, Ye Hao's eyes brightened, and he added, "I asked Xiao Hong in advance—this Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew suits me well. Consuming it will raise my soul power by at least four to five levels. Combined with the medicinal effects of those two other herbs I haven't yet absorbed, breaking through to level fifty is no problem at all."

After some thought, Qian Renxue agreed to Ye Hao's request, and early the next morning, they would set off together for Star Dou Forest.

After chatting with Qian Renxue for a while, Ye Hao eventually followed the secret passage back to the residence that Qian Renxue had arranged for him.

The first thing Ye Hao did upon returning home was to enter his room and remove the Death God's Heart tied to his hair. However, when he released Xiao Hong and the Spidey, he was taken aback.

Because he saw that the Spidey was covered in wounds, lying weakly on the ground. The moment it saw Ye Hao, it rushed into his arms as if it had found its savior.

"Master, save me! This dog has gone crazy!" The Death Spider Emperor wailed in pain. At that moment, Ye Hao instantly understood why Xiao Hong was so furious.

Before Ye Hao could say anything, Xiao Hong bared its teeth at both him and the Death Spider Emperor, its mouth beginning to gather searing Hellfire. Damn it, these two had schemed against it!

If it hadn't been for half a year ago—when Xiao Hong had eaten too many medicinal herbs and could no longer stomach any more—it would have consumed the two herbs that were left intact.

Yes, the very same two that Tang San and Xiao Wu had consumed.

Fortunately, Xiao Hong hadn't eaten them, or else the one turning into a "jet-propelled warrior" wouldn't have been Tang San and the others—it would have been Xiao Hong itself.

"You two are really something!" Xiao Hong was enraged and shouted, "You actually plotted against me! And you, Spidey! I really misjudged you. You even planned to use laxatives to turn me into a 'jet-propelled warrior.' I can't believe you came up with that!"

Ye Hao's mouth twitched uncontrollably in embarrassment, realizing he had no choice but to play mediator.

"Alright, Xiao Hong, don't be so angry."

"You shut up!" Xiao Hong bared its teeth at Ye Hao, growling in resentment, "And you! The Spidey wanted to mess with me, and instead of stopping it, you joined in as an accomplice. He's the mastermind, and you're the assistant. I really misjudged you two."

After saying this, Xiao Hong ignored them both, sitting alone in the corner of the bed, sulking in silence.

Ye Hao and the Death Spider Emperor exchanged glances, with Ye Hao sighing helplessly.

After much coaxing and apologizing, Xiao Hong's anger finally subsided somewhat.

Then, Ye Hao looked at the mark on the Death Spider Emperor's forehead, and an idea formed in his mind. He glanced at the Death God's Heart, and in an instant, some of the connections between it and the Death Spider Emperor were severed.

Seeing this, Xiao Hong was puzzled. "Ye Hao, what are you doing? Did you just release the Spidey from the Death God's Heart?"

At that moment, the Death Spider Emperor looked confused as well. It felt an unprecedented sense of relief and relaxation.

In response to Xiao Hong's curiosity, Ye Hao calmly explained, "When I first met the Spidey, it wanted to eat me. Back then, I had no choice but to use the Death God's Heart to bind it."

"But after spending more than half a year together, we went from being strangers to becoming family. So much has happened in that time. Looking back now, the Spidey trying to eat me when we first met was actually kind of cute."

As soon as he finished speaking, the Death Spider Emperor's eyes welled up with tears. It immediately walked over to Xiao Hong, bowed deeply, and expressed its sincere apology.

Seeing this, Xiao Hong could no longer hold a grudge and reluctantly accepted the Spider's apology.

At that moment, Xiao Hong suddenly thought of something and said, "Haozi, now that you've removed the Spider's restrictions, there's an empty spot in the Death God's Heart. And now, you're about to head to Star Dou Forest… Don't tell me you're planning to—"

Indeed, after living with Ye Hao for so long, the only one who truly understood him was Xiao Hong.

At that moment, Xiao Hong immediately realized what Ye Hao was really thinking. One man and one dog exchanged a knowing smile.

Ye Hao grinned and said, "Star Dou Forest is the largest soul beast forest in the Douluo Continent, with the most diverse types of soul beasts. The most powerful ones are the Azure Bull Python and the Titan Giant Ape—those two rule the entire Star Dou Forest. Just like the Spider, they are both hundred-thousand-year soul beasts."

Then, Ye Hao turned to Xiao Hong and asked, "Xiao Hong, do you think you can take them down?"

Hearing this, Xiao Hong smirked mischievously and turned to the Death Spider Emperor, giving a sly grin so devious that the Spider couldn't help but shudder.

"Spidey, your ranking is about to go up—you're no longer going to be the eternal 'Number Two.'"

The Death Spider Emperor was confused. "Wha... what do you mean by 'eternal Number Two'? Master, what is Xiao Hong talking about?"

"Nothing," Xiao Hong chuckled. "You'll find out soon enough."

Then, it added, "Two mere hundred-thousand-year soul beasts? Please, I haven't even shown my real power yet. Don't worry, I can take them out in no time. Just tell me—of the two, which one do you want the soul ring from? Once we get to Star Dou Forest, I'll deal with them."

Ye Hao shook his head with a wry smile. "After I absorb the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew, I'll only be a level fifty Soul King. If I absorb a hundred-thousand-year soul ring now, wouldn't that be a death sentence? I haven't lived enough yet."

"My plan is simple: capture one of them and place it into the Death God's Heart. Then… hahaha…"

At that moment, the Death Spider Emperor's eyes lit up. "And then I'll finally have a little brother to boss around!"

"Exactly."

"Smart kid."

Ye Hao and Xiao Hong nodded in unison.

Before dawn, Ye Hao brought the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew to his lips. The few crystal-clear droplets of water on the herb smoothly entered his mouth. The moment the liquid fully entered his body, the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew in his hands rapidly withered away, crumbling into dust and disappearing completely.

With Xiao Hong and the Spidey guarding him, Ye Hao had no concerns about his safety. He sat cross-legged on the bed, slowly closed his eyes, and began absorbing the essence of the immortal herb, aiming to fully absorb its power and break through to level fifty by morning.

Having already experienced the absorption of the Infernal Delicate Apricot and the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass, Ye Hao found that absorbing the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew was relatively easy, and he quickly entered the right state.

Meanwhile, at Shrek Academy, Tang San and the others returned under the cover of night. They were severely injured—seriously wounded.

Especially Ma Hongjun—his entire face was so swollen that he now looked like a real "pig-head." The Shrek group had found him all the way in the eastern part of the city.

At that time, he had been stuck head-first into an abandoned well. If it weren't for his chubby body stopping him from falling all the way in, he might never have been found.

After what happened today, Dai Mubai and the others were utterly defeated in spirit. They no longer dared to provoke Ye Hao recklessly, nor did they believe Tang San's words anymore. Brothers? Yeah, right…

He gave them the leftovers while keeping the best for himself and his little lover. Who was he trying to disgust?

Even if Tang San hadn't given them anything, Dai Mubai and the others wouldn't have complained—after all, the herbs were his to begin with. They wouldn't have had any resentment.

But the problem was that Tang San did give them some. And that's where the issue lay.

He gave them the leftovers, fabricated lies, and then manipulated them into confronting Ye Hao. Meanwhile, he planned to snatch whatever immortal herbs Ye Hao had left. This was a deliberate conspiracy.

And the result?

Dai Mubai and the others were the ones who suffered the most. Each of them was beaten black and blue, except for Oscar, who miraculously remained unharmed. The rest sustained varying degrees of injuries.

Inside the dormitory, everyone lay on their beds, completely drained. At this moment, they felt an unprecedented sense of relief—as if they had narrowly escaped death.

Everyone except Tang San.

He was still seething with hatred for Ye Hao.

Why is Ye Hao stronger than me? Why didn't the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well's immortal herbs belong to me? Why does he get all the benefits?!

These thoughts swirled endlessly in Tang San's mind, making him restless. His face twisted with resentment, growing more terrifying by the second. This setback was even more devastating than the humiliation he suffered at Heaven Dou Royal Academy.

Seeing this, Dai Mubai and the others, still nursing their injuries, staggered out of the dormitory.

In their eyes, Tang San had become a complete madman—a lunatic who would even betray his own brothers to get what he wanted. It was best to stay away from someone like that.

Outside the dormitory, Xiao Wu watched as Dai Mubai and the others left. She let out a long, helpless sigh. She had initially intended to comfort Tang San with a few words.

Who could have predicted that, from the darkness, a pair of hands would suddenly reach out and cover her mouth?!

Her eyes widened in terror.

At that moment, she suddenly recalled Ye Hao's parting words. She stretched her hands forward in desperation, hoping that Tang San would notice something was wrong.

But right now, Tang San was battling immense psychological turmoil. How could he possibly notice Xiao Wu's distress?

Gradually, Xiao Wu's consciousness began to fade…

The night wind was cold—so cold it sent shivers down the spine.

In the silent, pitch-black forest, this was still part of Shrek Academy's grounds. However, it was the deepest part of the academy's forest, an area rarely visited at night.

Xiao Wu lay alone beneath a massive tree. The biting wind made her tremble uncontrollably. Dazed, she slowly opened her eyes, finding everything around her unfamiliar.

In a panic, she scrambled to her feet and frantically scanned her surroundings.

Towering trees, more towering trees… and endless darkness.

At that moment, Xiao Wu was on the verge of a breakdown.

She had been captured. What would happen to her now…?

Just as she was about to burst into tears, a figure in a black robe suddenly emerged from the shadows of the forest.

"Little girl."

Just two simple words made Xiao Wu freeze like a frightened rabbit. Her entire body tensed up, and beads of cold sweat trickled down her face.

"...It's me."

The man lifted the hood of his black robe, revealing a mess of unkempt hair and a pair of dim, lifeless eyes that gazed at Xiao Wu. With a deep sigh, he murmured to himself—

What happened to my family?

I married a soul beast, and now my son is just as lucky.

At only six years old, Tang San had encountered a hundred-thousand-year-old Soft Bone Rabbit and naturally took her in as his little sister. Now, they had grown together to this point…

Their relationship developing into something more was practically inevitable.

Tang Hao had already chosen his path. He would walk it until the end.

But he did not want his son to make the same mistake.

That's why he had captured Xiao Wu.

He wanted to see for himself what this soul beast was thinking.

And if, in the end, she and Tang San didn't end up together, Tang Hao wouldn't hesitate to raise her like livestock—then kill her when Tang San needed a soul ring.

"...Who are you? Where is this place?"

Xiao Wu could sense the aura of the man before her.

He was even more terrifying than Dugu Bo—another Titled Douluo.

Her soul beast identity had long become her greatest fear.

From the moment she entered Heaven Dou City to this very moment, she had faced countless dangers because of it.

Tang Hao smiled faintly. He sat down on a large rock and gestured for Xiao Wu to do the same.

Seeing this, Xiao Wu had no choice but to comply.

Right now, she was nothing more than prey—and the hunter before her was an unstoppable force.

"My name is Tang Hao. I am Tang San's father."

The moment he revealed his identity, Xiao Wu felt the weight in her chest lighten slightly.

But she did not dare to relax.

First— She had never expected Tang San's father to be a Titled Douluo.

Second— If Tang Hao was a Titled Douluo, then her soul beast identity had likely been exposed long ago.

In that instant, Xiao Wu felt a sense of relief.

To be discovered by a Titled Douluo yet still be able to live safely for so many years—perhaps she was lucky after all.

"...Uncle, hello."

Xiao Wu greeted him nervously, her voice trembling.

Even though she was Tang San's "sister," she was still a weak soul beast in front of Tang Hao.

If he wanted to kill her and take her soul bone, it would be effortless.

Therefore, she could only act as cautiously as possible.

She knew—there was no such thing as an "ordinary" Titled Douluo.

Tang Hao observed her carefully. His weathered face softened into a meaningful smile.

"Relax. Don't be so tense. I mean you no harm."

Even so, Xiao Wu couldn't bring herself to believe it.

After all, why had he never acted before, yet suddenly decided to capture her tonight?

Xiao Wu might have been a soul beast in human form, but she still understood human nature.

Seeing her remain silent, Tang Hao let out a deep sigh.

Then, he said, "Little girl, do you know? Tang San's mother… was also a hundred-thousand-year-old soul beast."

Xiao Wu's eyes widened in shock.

It was as if she had just seen the dawn after a long night.

She looked at Tang Hao, her face full of disbelief.

"Uncle… you mean… Third Brother's mother was also a hundred-thousand-year-old soul beast? Just like me…?"

Her voice trembled.

Finally, everything made sense.

Why did she and Tang San feel such an intense closeness whenever they were together?

It was because half of Tang San's bloodline came from a soul beast.

Tang Hao's expression turned sorrowful, as if he had suddenly aged ten years in an instant.

With a sigh, he said, "You're right. When I was with his mother, she was already a mature soul beast. Compared to her… little girl, you are incredibly bold."

"You're still in your juvenile phase, yet you dared to come to Heaven Dou City, a place of endless dangers and scheming. I have to say, your courage is truly admirable. If another Titled Douluo were to discover you, your fate… I don't think I need to spell it out for you."

Xiao Wu fell silent. She lowered her gaze, looking lost.

"Are you telling me to abandon my brother?"

At those words, Tang Hao froze.

The flickering killing intent in his heart, which had not completely faded, suddenly vanished entirely.

Because this was the answer he had been hoping for the most.

Tang Hao looked at Xiao Wu with newfound relief and appreciation.

He reached into his robe and took out a small, crimson flower.

Its green stem and leaves were brimming with life. Just at a glance, it was clear that this flower was extraordinary.

"Take this, little girl."

Xiao Wu hesitated but eventually took the flower from Tang Hao's hands.

The moment it touched her skin, a faint red light flickered over her body, filling her with an indescribable sense of comfort.

"Uncle… what is this?" Xiao Wu asked in confusion.

Tang Hao gave a bitter smile, his eyes filled with nostalgia.

"This flower was left behind by Tang San's mother," he said. "She named it the Dawnflower—a symbol of the brightest sun at the break of dawn."

"With this flower, the aura of your soul beast identity will be completely concealed. From now on, you can stand by Xiao San's side without fear. You no longer have to live in hiding."

Hearing this, Xiao Wu was overwhelmed with emotion.

Holding the Dawnflower in her hands, she gazed at Tang Hao—not with fear, but with a newfound sense of familial warmth.

"Left behind…?"

A thought suddenly struck her, and her expression changed.

"Uncle, you said this flower was left by Third Brother's mother… Does that mean… Auntie… she's already…?"

At these words, Tang Hao's heart clenched.

The wounds of his past, so carefully buried, were suddenly ripped open once more.

The memories flooded back—so vivid, so painful.

The sorrow in his once-lifeless eyes transformed into something sharp and unwavering.

A powerful aura burst forth.

His messy hair danced wildly in the wind.

At this moment, Tang Hao no longer looked like a weary old man.

He looked like a vengeful war god.

"Little girl…"

Tang Hao paused for a moment, then sighed deeply.

"Xiao San's mother… is already dead."

"When we were discovered by the Spirit Hall, the former Pope, Qian Xunji, led multiple Titled Douluo in a massive siege against us. At the time, I was not yet a Titled Douluo—my soul power had only reached level 89."

"And my ninth soul ring…"

As he spoke, Tang Hao raised his hand.

A black hammer appeared, floating in his palm.

The ninth soul ring around it—a blood-red, hundred-thousand-year ring—glowed ominously.

Xiao Wu's eyes widened.

She knew exactly what that red soul ring represented.

She took an involuntary step back, fear flashing across her face.

No way…

Did Tang Hao… kill his own wife…?!

A terrifying thought surfaced in her mind.

Tang Hao shook his head and let out a bitter laugh.

"In the end, my wife chose to sacrifice herself for me."

"And this hundred-thousand-year soul ring… Little girl, do you understand now?"

Sacrifice.

Giving up everything.

Her life, her soul ring, her soul bone—her entire being.

Hearing this, Xiao Wu's tears welled up uncontrollably.

If that day ever came for her…

Would she make the same choice?

Would she also sacrifice herself… without hesitation?

After carefully placing the Dawnflower away, Xiao Wu still felt a lingering sense of unease.

She hesitated, then said, "Uncle… actually… that guy, Ye Hao from Heaven Dou Royal Academy… I think he might have already figured out my true identity."

"And… he wants to make me his soul ring."

"Ye—Hao!"

Tang Hao's deep, furious voice reverberated through the night.

Just hearing the name filled him with rage.

First, there was the Snake Spear Douluo, who appeared today. Wasn't he one of Spirit Hall's elders?

And now, Ye Hao's identity had been exposed.

Dugu Bo was right about one thing.

Tang Hao could not afford to show himself carelessly.

Otherwise, he wouldn't just be risking himself—he would be dragging his entire family into disaster.

"Humph!"

Tang Hao let out a low growl, his fury barely contained.

"Don't worry. As long as I am here, Ye Hao will never take you away."

"You will be participating in the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Elite Tournament. You and Tang San must win the final championship."

"If, at that time, Ye Hao still dares to target you, I will personally take action."

"Even if it costs me my life."

"And if things really come to the worst…"

At this moment, Tang Hao turned toward Haotian Sect's direction, his gaze filled with conflict.

"Then I will have no choice but to take the most drastic measure."

"Little girl, you must have noticed it too."

"That Ye Hao… His martial soul is the Death Spider Emperor. Based on what I know, there's only one explanation."

He looked at Xiao Wu, his expression grim.

"He is from Spirit Hall."

"And not just that…"

"He is most likely the son of the current Pope, Bibi Dong."

The moment he finished speaking, Tang Hao suddenly noticed Xiao Wu's entire demeanor change.

Her gaze grew sharp, filled with undeniable killing intent.

Her whole body trembled with rage.

Her nails dug into her palms, her expression twisted with hatred.

"Uncle, do you know…?"

Her voice was shaky, but her words dripped with venom.

Tears welled up in Xiao Wu's eyes, glistening droplets rolling down her cheeks.

"My mother was killed by Bibi Dong."

The moment these words left her lips, Tang Hao finally understood.

Why had she reacted with such intense hatred at the mere mention of "Ye Hao"?

Why had she repeatedly harbored thoughts of wanting to kill him?

Tang Hao sighed. "Little girl, it's late. You should go back now."

He pointed in a direction and said lightly, "Follow this path. In less than half an hour, you'll be back at the academy."

"Tonight—everything that happened between us, everything we've discussed—you must not tell Xiao San. Right now, he's still too weak. If he learns all of this too soon, I'm afraid he won't be able to control himself. It could even hinder his future cultivation. Do you understand?"

Xiao Wu's gaze became firm as she nodded.

After bidding Tang Hao farewell, she left, her heart heavy with emotions.

Tang Hao watched her disappear into the night.

As soon as she was gone, his expression darkened.

A moment later—he spat out a large mouthful of dark purple blood.

The Death Spider Emperor's poison had already spread throughout his body.

Like a flickering candle in the wind, he could collapse at any moment.

How much longer could he last?

Three to four years?

Perhaps five or six?

The Next Morning

As the first rays of sunlight bathed the city in golden light, the sound of galloping hooves broke the morning stillness.

Inside the fast-moving carriage, Xue Qinghe and Ye Hao sat together.

Their destination: Star Dou Forest.

Last night, after absorbing Full Moon Wearing AutumnDew, Ye Hao successfully broke through to level 50.

Now, just like Qian Renxue, all he lacked was one crucial soul ring.

"Ahhh—!"

A loud yawn.

Xiao Hong curled up into a ball, snuggling beside Ye Hao and instantly falling asleep.

On his shoulder, the Death Spider Emperor did the same—a dog and a spider, sound asleep.

Ye Hao chuckled helplessly.

With a thought, he activated Death God's Heart and stored them away.

Qian Renxue glanced at him. "They didn't sleep well last night?"

Ye Hao responded casually, "They stood guard while I absorbed Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew. That's why they didn't rest."

Suddenly, Ye Hao asked, "Sister, do you have ambition?"

Qian Renxue frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"

Ye Hao smiled. "As the saying goes, 'A man without ambition is destined for mediocrity.' As soul masters, we have to think for ourselves. Sister, my goal this time isn't just about getting my fifth soul ring."

Qian Renxue narrowed her eyes. "You're planning something else? Tell me."

Ye Hao leaned back lazily. "Sister, are you familiar with the two emperors of Star Dou Forest?"

She nodded. "The Azure Bull Python and the Titan Giant Ape. They live in the deepest part of the forest. My grandfather told me about them when I was a child. Among soul beasts, they are among the strongest. Their cultivation surpassed a hundred thousand years long ago, and no one dares to challenge them. That's why the Star Dou Forest's core is considered a forbidden zone for humans."

Her expression suddenly changed. "Wait… you're not planning to—"

Ye Hao chuckled, his gaze drifting to the beautiful scenery outside the window.

"The two Emperor Beasts… plus that rabbit… a family should always stay together."

Qian Renxue was stunned. Then she shook her head with a bitter smile.

"You're insane. Hundred-thousand-year soul beasts are beyond your current ability to handle. Even Spirit Hall fears those two. Even if we sent multiple Titled Douluo, the outcome would still be uncertain. You're way too young to be thinking about this. How did your ambition get this big?"

Ye Hao waved it off, confidence radiating from his expression.

"Sister, to be honest, Xiao Hong alone could take on an army. What's two hundred-thousand-year soul beasts to us? And if worst comes to worst, I still have Spidey's Death Domain.

"Inside that domain, no matter how much those two struggle… it'll all be pointless."

Qian Renxue thought for a moment, then looked at him seriously.

"Do you truly have the confidence?"

Ye Hao's response was a simple, relaxed smile.

"Sister, I've been part of Spirit Hall for a while now. I may not have visited our headquarters yet, but as a member, I should contribute something to the cause."

"Otherwise… wouldn't people talk?"

"Who would dare?! I'd like to see who dares talk behind your back!" Qian Renxue huffed.

"So, you're really planning to capture the Azure Bull Python and Titan Giant Ape?"

Ye Hao smirked. "Even bandits must prove their worth before joining a gang."

"My Reaper's Heart—I freed Zhi Zhi from it yesterday. Now, there's an empty spot inside. With Reaper's Heart's Abyssal Bind, I can trap one of them inside. Just like Spidey, once captured, it will be forced to obey me completely."

Qian Renxue's eyes lit up. But then she hesitated.

"What about the other one?"

Right. There were two of them.

But Death God's Heart had only one vacant slot.

Ye Hao scratched his head awkwardly. "As for the other one… I won't be greedy. Let it stay in Star Dou Forest. The Douluo Continent isn't that big—I doubt it could escape me forever."

With the plan settled, Qian Renxue nodded. "Since that's the case, I'll have Snake Spear and Bloodthorn Douluo assist you."

Ye Hao waved his hand dismissively.

"No need."

"When we reach Star Dou Forest, you can focus on hunting the soul beast you need. I'll take Xiao Hong and Spidey and head into the forest's depths myself."

"With them by my side, even if a Titled Douluo appears, I can make sure they never leave alive."

Five Days Later

Finally, their carriage arrived at the outskirts of Star Dou Forest.

As they stepped down, Ye Hao's eyes gleamed with excitement.

The towering ancient trees, the endless expanse of wilderness…

The largest soul beast forest in all of Douluo Continent lay before him.

What kind of secrets were hidden within?

At the same time, Snake Spear Douluo and Bloodthorn Douluo arrived at Qian Renxue's side.

From Death God's Heart, Xiao Hong and the Death Spider Emperor emerged.

A dog and a spider, grinning at each other—the look of hunters ready to feast.

Qian Renxue gave her brother a long look. "Be careful, little brother."

Ye Hao smiled. "You too, Sister."

With that, his six-winged purple light wings unfolded.

Death Spider Emperor leaped onto his shoulder.

Xiao Hong nestled into his arms.

With a flash of blue lightning, Ye Hao vanished into the sky.

Qian Renxue watched him disappear into the depths of the forest.

She sighed inwardly, then turned and led her two Titled Douluo into the jungle.

Deep in Star Dou Forest. Ye Hao had been flying for quite some time, soaring over the massive tree canopy.

Since absorbing Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew, his vision had become sharper, allowing him to clearly see the soul beasts playing below, even at high speeds.

"Haozi, we're still at the forest's outer perimeter. The soul beasts here are all below ten thousand years. None of them are suitable for you. We need to go deeper." Xiao Hong suggested.

Ye Hao nodded and increased his flight speed, pushing further into the depths of Star Dou Forest.

Upon reaching an area where the trees stood hundreds of meters tall, Ye Hao realized—flying at high speeds would be impossible here.

He landed in a suitable spot and took a deep breath.

The scenery left him in awe. The forest was eerily silent.

Towering ancient trees surrounded him, their trunks so massive that even ten grown men holding hands couldn't wrap around them.

The moment they entered the forest, the Death Spider Emperor sprang to life.

It hopped off Ye Hao's shoulder and skittered excitedly.

As a hundred-thousand-year soul beast, its aura was terrifying to other creatures.

To avoid frightening away potential prey, Ye Hao used Death God's Heart to conceal its energy.

Otherwise, the surrounding soul beasts would have fled in terror before he even got close.

Suddenly, Xiao Hong's ears twitched.

It glanced around sharply and warned, "Haozi, something's coming."

Xiao Hong's spiritual perception was stronger than most Titled Douluo.

It could detect danger long before it arrived.

Ye Hao immediately took cover behind a massive tree, patiently awaiting the arrival of his "prey."

CRACK. CRACK. CRACK.

A grotesque bone-snapping sound echoed through the trees.

Ye Hao listened closely.

A multi-legged creature.

Then, his eyes gleamed as he spotted a massive figure approaching from a few hundred meters away.

A hideous Demon Spider emerged from the shadows.

It was over five meters tall, with eight thick, powerful legs.

Its body was covered in a grotesque mix of purple and black patterns, exuding a sinister presence.

Ye Hao froze for a moment.

**Wasn't this the precursor to his second martial soul—**the Devourer Demon Spider?

"Looks like I'll never escape my fate with spiders in this lifetime."

Ye Hao let out a helpless chuckle.

At that moment, the Death Spider Emperor spoke.

"Master, this Devourer Demon Spider is around fifteen thousand years old—just the right age for your fifth soul ring. Shall we take it down?"

Ye Hao nodded.

"You two stay here. I'll handle this alone."

Stepping forward, Ye Hao emerged from behind the tree—his footsteps firm and unwavering.

His target: the fifteen-thousand-year-old Devourer Demon Spider.

As the owner of the Devourer Spider Emperor martial soul, Ye Hao knew this species' abilities inside out.

Among spider-type soul beasts, both the Devourer Spider Emperor and Death Spider Emperor were apex predators.

Today—one would fall, and the other would rise.