Chapter 64

"What?!" She long quickly retreated, his senses alerting him to an impending threat.

Suddenly, a sword descended from the sky, intercepting the attack aimed at Xiao Wu. It was a narrow escape for She Long, the Snake Lance Douluo.

Hovering mid-air was an old man, riding on a sword. His silver hair was neatly combed behind him, and he had a simple and unassuming appearance.

She Long's eyes widened in recognition and surprise as he exclaimed, "Chen Xin!"

Indeed, it was Sword Douluo, the super Douluo of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.

"Do you Spirit Hall members think you can run rampant in the Heaven Dou Empire?" Sword Douluo's voice resonated with anger, echoing throughout the area.

Qian Renxue's expression soured as she locked eyes with Sword Douluo. 

Both She Long and Ci Xue(Porcupinefish Douluo or Bloodthorn Douluo) were merely average Title Douluo at the 92nd spirit rank. In contrast, Sword Douluo boasted an impressive 97th spirit rank. 

The disparity in power was evident, leaving them with minimal chances of prevailing against him.

Gritting her teeth in frustration, Qian Renxue felt the weight of the situation.

Seizing the moment, Tang San joyfully addressed Sword Douluo, "Senior Chen Xin!" He pointed at Qian Renxue, his voice stern, "Don't let her escape. She's been masquerading as Xue Qinghe."

Chen Xin's expression froze, the revelation causing a momentary lapse in his thoughts. Disguised as Xue Qinghe? And she managed to deceive a Title Douluo? He pondered the incredibility of the situation but trusted that someone as astute as Tang San wouldn't fabricate such a claim.

Qian Renxue shot Tang San a disdainful look, her lips curling into a slight snort of contempt before redirecting her attention to Sword Douluo.

Just as she prepared to make her retreat, a voice echoed from behind her, "Need help?"

Turning swiftly, her eyes met the familiar visage of Hun Yu. Even behind his mask, she found an odd sense of reassurance whenever he was present.

"Where's Yun'er? You need to take him and leave," Qian Renxue urged, realizing her best chance was to stall Sword Douluo while Hun Yu and Yun'er made their escape.

Hun Yu's response was firm and resolute. "You know I can't leave, not after what I promised."

Their eyes locked in a silent understanding for a fleeting moment before Qian Renxue broke the gaze.

"Fine," she conceded.

She then shifted her attention to Porcupinefish Douluo. "Elder Ci Xue, take Yunfeng with you. Return to the Spirit Hall."

Ci Xue began to protest, "But, Young Master—"

Cutting him off sharply, Qian Renxue commanded, "Just do as I say. Go to the Elder Hall and request assistance from Grandpa."

Without further delay, Ci Xue took his leave.

Sword Douluo, hovering confidently on his sword above, sneered, "Sending a Title Douluo away? You've sealed your fate; there's no escaping now."

As the tension escalated, a new figure suddenly materialized. A middle-aged man exuding an air of calm intellect and scholarly grace appeared on the scene. The sudden appearance caused Qian Renxue's attention to waver momentarily from Sword Douluo to this newcomer—Ning Fengzi.

Cursing her luck internally

Dugu Bo walked alongside Ning Fengzi, it was challenging to confront the Porcupinefish Douluo.

"Retreating is not an option," she declared.

As she summoned her Seraph Martial Spirit, both Ning Fengzi and Sword Douluo were taken aback. "An Angelic Martial Spirit?"

"All of Spirit Hall will feel the repercussions for harming our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda," Sword Douluo proclaimed.

"Renxue, is there any way to neutralize Sword Douluo?" Hun Yu inquired.

She turned to Hun Yu, And responded, "I fear not. I am nothing but a Spirit Saint."

Recognizing that even a Spirit Saint would be overshadowed by the might of a Title Douluo and it is Super Title Douluo at that, Qian renxue could only hope for reinforcements from the Porcupinefish Douluo.

"We must do our utmost," Hun Yu said, extending his hand towards her. 

Taking the hand that Hun Yu had extended towards her, Qian Renxue tightly grasped it. She felt a surge of emotion.

"Hun Yu," she whispered, her voice low yet soft, carrying a hint of vulnerability.

Hun Yu turned his attention to Qian Renxue.

"I don't know if we can get out of here," she began, her voice trembling with a mixture of sadness and sorrow. "Years of my work have been rendered futile."

Hun Yu remained silent, allowing her to continue.

"I don't want to leave with any regrets," she confessed, her gaze unwavering. "There's something I need to tell you."

She hesitated, taking a deep breath before continuing, "I don't know when it started, but I... I love you." Her voice was barely above a whisper, yet it carried the weight of a lifetime of suppressed emotions.

Hun Yu slowly advanced, closing the distance between them until his face was mere inches from Qian Renxue's. 

With deliberate gentleness, he lifted his mask, revealing only his lips, and pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. 

His hand found its way to her slim waist, offering both reassurance and protection.

"Don't worry, I will protect you," he whispered, his voice tinged with determination.

Upon hearing Hun Yu's words, Qian Renxue felt an unexpected sense of security wash over her. Despite knowing that Hun Yu might not match her in strength, the sincerity in his actions and the surprises he had already presented made her believe that anything was possible.

Meanwhile, She Long, who had been observing from a distance, appeared dumbfounded. His expression was comically stunned, as if his jaw might actually hit the ground. He stared, wide-eyed, at the unlikely pair wrapped in an embrace.

"Young master in love?" he muttered to himself, disbelief evident in his tone. While he didn't doubt that the young master was capable of love, he feared the repercussions from the grand priest upon discovering this secret affair. "I don't know what will happen if the grand priest finds out," he thought anxiously.

Clearing his throat to regain his composure, She Long interjected, "Ah, miss, we're not in a situation for this." His words broke the intimate moment between Qian Renxue and Hun Yu.

Startled, Qian Renxue pushed Hun Yu away, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. 

As she turned her gaze, Tang San's clenched jaw betrayed his frustration and jealousy. He watched, begrudgingly(resentfully), as the woman who had once beaten him now shared a tender moment with the mysterious masked man.

A smug smile crept across Renxue's face as she discerned the change in Tang San's expression.

Beside her, Hun Yu pondered his next move. He knew that relying solely on his martial spirit wouldn't turn the tide. His keen senses scanned the surroundings, hoping to find an advantage. However, the landscape offered little hope—only the aftermath of devastation: strewn bodies and shattered structures.

Then, a realization struck him. 

Could the power of death be harnessed? Could he amplify his abilitiy using the lifeless forms around him? The idea was risky, even dangerous, but he had little choice. Clenching his fists, he steeled himself. "I can only hope this power remains within my control," he thought.

Meanwhile, Sword Douluo, blinded by his arrogance, looked down upon Hun Yu. "Huh... A Spirit Emperor like you should kneel and beg for mercy," he sneered. In his eyes, Hun Yu was nothing but a mere speck, easily crushed beneath his might.

Little did he know, Hun Yu was not to be underestimated.

Hun Yu activated his 6th spirit ring. Almost instantly, a blade materialized, coming out through his chest. The aura emanating from this weapon was unsettling—a pitch-black energy enveloped the blade, casting an ominous glow.

Confusion marred Sword Douluo's face. "What's this?" he murmured, eyeing the unfamiliar weapon. In all his years, he had never encountered a sword like this, its eerie energy sending shivers down his spine. "Do you truly believe this sword can stand against me?"

"Sword Douluo," Hun Yu retorted, his voice cold and resolute, "you talk too much."

Without further ado, Hun Yu lunged forward, his blade aimed squarely at Sword Douluo. Meanwhile, Renxue prepared to intercept Ning Fengzhi, while Shen Long readied himself to fend off the others.

As the distance between Hun Yu and Sword Douluo closed, the latter remained rooted in place, skepticism evident in his eyes. What could a mere Spirit Emperor possibly do to him? 

......

A/n - Should I add a second world such as 'Battle Through the Heavens'?