Douluo Continent: Starting with the Tiger Emperor Template

Chapter 91 Heading to Jingyang Mountains

"Hahaha—hahaha!"

Lu Ren couldn't help but burst into laughter, his laughter filled with barely suppressed ecstasy.

He could feel his spiritual power surging wildly like a tsunami, breaking through the mid-stage of the Spirit Abyss Realm and steadily stepping into the late-stage of the Spirit Abyss Realm!

The soul core with the attribute of curse power in the dantian slowly rotated, and with each pulse, it drove the curse power and soul power in the whole body to complete a perfect cycle.

Then, Lu Ren brought up his current interface:

[Host: Lu Ren]

[Soul Power Level: Level 50]

[Mental Strength Level: Spirit Abyss Realm, 18,752 points]

[Soul Ring Configuration: Purple, Purple, Black, Black]

[Currently available techniques: Imperial Chef, Crimson Blood Manipulation, Incantation, Projection Spells —]

18,752 points.

Lu Ren stared at the number, unable to suppress the smile on his lips.

After acquiring the Soul Core, his spiritual power soared from the mid-stage of the Spirit Abyss Realm to the peak of the Spirit Abyss Realm.

Just one last step and I'll be able to enter the Spirit Realm.

That's the Spirit Realm, a realm formed by spiritual consciousness, a world unto itself, with the soul as its origin and spiritual consciousness as its domain, a world unto itself, a realm of mind and spirit.

It is a spiritual realm that most Super Douluo and even Limit Douluo can reach.

And now, he is only one step away from that threshold.

What surprised him even more was that this soul core with the power of curses brought about a qualitative leap in all spells.

First, the efficiency of the reversal technique is directly doubled.

His reversal technique was already capable of rapidly repairing wounds, and now it has doubled that capability, meaning he has truly entered the realm of immortality.

Even if someone is instantly killed, the Reversal Technique can restore the body.

Even if someone has been dead for several days, there is still a possibility of reviving them.

Secondly, the performance and accuracy of all surgical procedures have been improved in all aspects.

The Soul Core is like a sophisticated engine, compressing and purifying the mixed energy of spell power and soul power before releasing it. Each output is more condensed and more efficient than the last.

Manipulating spell power became effortless, the switching delay between spells was almost negligible, and the performance and precision of all spells were improved in all aspects, making them even more powerful.

It can be said that Lu Ren, after acquiring the Soul Core, is able to completely overpower his predecessor before acquiring the Soul Core.

Feeling the earth-shattering changes within himself, Lu Ren's breath suddenly stopped for a moment.

Then he suppressed his surging emotions.

"Let's test the projection spell first."

Projection spells divide one second into twenty-four frames, achieving ultra-fast and continuous attacks through preset actions and high-speed execution.

This places extremely high demands on mental algorithms, in other words, it requires extremely high mental strength.

Each time you use it, you must first go through it in your mind and predict the reasonable movement trajectory.

With a thought, Lu Ren switched his spell to a projection spell.

He stood up from the ground, and frame after frame of movement extended forward in front of him in the form of a white phantom, perfectly in line with his expected trajectory.

The next moment, the whole world seemed to slow down in his eyes.

Dust particles floating in the air, like fragments frozen in amber, drifted slowly.

The night breeze blowing past the window flowed gently like ripples on water, the path of each wisp of air clearly visible.

The footsteps of the students in the distance were drawn out into a continuous, low hum, as if time itself was breathing.

Lu Ren himself stood in this stagnant space-time, moving freely.

He casually raised his hand.

His palm swept through the air, leaving faint afterimages. Before the afterimages had faded, his hand had already returned to its original position.

Step out.

"Whoosh—"

His figure vanished directly from the training room.

When it reappeared, it was already standing on the rooftop of the dormitory building.

The whole process probably only took a few seconds.

The entire process was completely silent, so fast that even the fluctuations of their auras didn't have time to spread.

A night breeze caressed my face, carrying the coolness of autumn in Mingdu. Above me was a sky filled with stars, and below me were the lights of the entire Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy.

"Is this the projection spell?!"

Lu Ren murmured softly, his eyes flashing with disbelief.

too strong.

That's incredibly powerful!

With super-fast movement and unlimited speed, touching an opponent will forcibly pull them into the rules of the projection spell. If the opponent cannot adapt to the movement of 24 frames per second, they will be hard-controlled for a full second!

In a life-or-death struggle, one second is enough to die dozens of times.

With this move, he can easily deal with Soul Masters above the Soul Saint level even without relying on his domain.

Even Soul Saints and Soul Douluos are just slow motion in his eyes in the face of absolute speed.

Lu Ren took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down.

The projection spell brought him great surprises, but his immediate priority was to quickly adapt to the spell and learn how to use it more efficiently.

After all, the preset actions at 24 frames per second need to be completed in an instant during combat, which requires a lot of practical training.

The corners of his mouth turned up slightly.

Why don't we just ask Ji Juechen about this?

That guy is a ready-made sparring partner.

On the training field, two figures faced off under the moonlight.

-

Within three feet of Ji Juechen, a pale gray sword intent domain silently unfolded.

The silver-white longsword in his hand transformed into streaks of light, each strike carrying an extremely sharp edge.

Jing Ziyan stood opposite him, holding a uniquely shaped soul tool in her hand. It was an oval-shaped metal sphere covered with countless tiny holes, each of which faintly shimmered with light.

"Your domain is much more stable than before." Jing Ziyan said, activating the soul tool in her hand. Dozens of extremely fine energy beams shot out from the holes on the surface of the metal sphere, scattering like a shower of flowers towards Ji Juechen. "What kind of miraculous pills did you take during your trip to Mingdu?"

Ji Juechen did not answer. He twisted his wrist holding the sword, and the silver-white longsword drew an arc in front of him.

The range of the sword intent expanded, engulfing all the dozens of energy beams.

The pale gray sword intent crushed and shredded the energy beam like a millstone, and fine fragments of light drifted out from the domain and dissipated in the night wind.

"Your soul tool's attack pattern is too simplistic, making it easy to predict," Ji Juechen said calmly, sheathing his sword.

"Stop talking nonsense. Did I ask you to evaluate my invention? I'm asking you—" Jing Ziyan stopped abruptly halfway through her sentence.

Her gaze passed over Ji Juechen's shoulder and landed on the edge of the training field.

A blurry afterimage was in the distance, hurtling towards them at an incredible speed.

In the blink of an eye, the place was empty one moment, and the next moment, Lu Ren was standing less than three feet behind Ji Juechen.

The whole process was so fast that Jing Ziyan only caught a blurry afterimage, and didn't even have time to see the trajectory of the afterimage clearly.

Jing Ziyan's pupils suddenly contracted.

A moment later, she subconsciously rubbed her eyes.

She just blinked, and Lu Ren appeared in front of them silently?

What the hell is this?

What kind of speed is that?

Even some agility-based Soul Saints and Soul Douluos couldn't possibly reach this level, right?

Ji Juechen noticed the change in Jing Ziyan's expression. She was first confused, then turned her head to look in the direction of her gaze.

When he saw Lu Renzheng standing relaxed behind him, a rare and obvious joy appeared in his usually indifferent eyes.

"You've emerged from seclusion?"

"Hmm." Lu Ren nodded, his tone casual yet serious. "I'll keep my promise and help you improve your field."

Ji Juechen's gaze fell on Lu Ren, and his brows suddenly furrowed slightly.

His perception is extremely sharp among Soul Masters of the same level, especially his ability to detect auras, which has almost become an instinct.

But at this moment, Lu Ren was standing right in front of him, yet his senses were completely blank.

Could it be that Lu Ren deliberately concealed his aura?

No, that's not right.

Ji Juechen rejected his own idea in his heart.

Lu Ren's aura had completely blended into the surrounding environment!

The night breeze blew past him without causing any disturbance, and the moonlight shining on him was as if it were shining on an ancient tree that had been growing for hundreds of years.

He stood there, as if he were part of the training ground, like a stone, a tree, a wisp of wind, completely unobtrusive yet impossible to ignore.

Ji Juechen's breathing suddenly became heavier.

He had seen this state before.

You've changed.

Ji Juechen's voice trembled slightly, a rare occurrence for him.

"You have the same aura as that arrogant guy from before, could it be that you—"

He seemed to realize something, his eyes suddenly flashing with a sharp light, and his voice rose several octaves: "You've entered the realm of oneness with heaven and man?!"

Heaven and man are one!

Lu Ren has actually entered the realm of oneness with heaven and man!

Ji Juechen stared intently at Lu Ren, his eyes filled with ignited fighting spirit.

He thought he was already quite remarkable for creating the rudimentary form of his domain, but after only seven days of seclusion, Lu Ren not only experienced a surge in cultivation but also effortlessly entered the realm of harmony between heaven and man!

Even Ji Juechen had never reached this level.

This guy always seems to take another big step forward just when he thinks he's reached his limit.

But that's what makes it more interesting.

"Fight me!"

Ji Juechen's right hand was already on the hilt of the sword.

"no problem."

Lu Ren readily agreed.

As soon as he finished speaking, six spirit rings rose from Ji Juechen's feet at the same time, and a gray sword intent domain instantly solidified within three feet of him.

He drew his sword, its blade tracing a cold arc in the moonlight, and was about to take a step forward.

The next second, he only felt a blur before his eyes.

Lu Ren's figure vanished from his spot and appeared in front of him almost instantly.

Ji Juechen's pupils contracted sharply.

Before he could even swing his sword, he felt three dull thuds in his abdomen—

This is—three attacks launched in the blink of an eye!

Ji Juechen only had time to form this thought.

Then he felt as if he were flying.

The silver-white longsword flew out of his hand, spinning in the air. Ji Juechen's body flew out diagonally like a baseball hit by a bat, tracing an arc in the air before crashing heavily onto the sand at the edge of the training field, kicking up a cloud of dust.

Jing Ziyan stared blankly as all of this happened.

From the moment Ji Juechen said he wanted to fight to the moment he was knocked away, it took less than a second.

Lu Ren didn't even use any soul skills; he simply closed in, threw a punch, and Ji Juechen was sent flying.

What the hell is this?

No, now is not the time to daydream!

Jing Ziyan almost instinctively pulled out her soul tool, her arm just as she raised it—

But a hand was faster than hers, already firmly pressing down on her wrist.

The force was very light, but just enough to prevent her from activating the soul tool.

"Shhh."

Lu Ren stood in front of her, raising his index finger to his lips in a shushing gesture.

A half-smile played on his handsome face, his eyes clear and devoid of any aggression, yet a layer of cold sweat had already seeped down Jing Ziyan's back.

When did he arrive?

She didn't see it at all!

I didn't even perceive it, let alone see it.

The distance from the training ground to her was at least fifty meters. One second Lu Ren was still sending Ji Juechen flying, and the next he was standing in front of her, holding her hand down.

Is this still human speed?

That guy is a freak!

Last time they sparred, Lu Ren clearly needed more than ten seconds to take down the two Soul Emperors.

Now, it only takes one or two seconds to take them down, and the speed is so fast that even she, a level six soul master, cannot catch his movement trajectory at all!

"How did you do that?"

A fighting spirit ignited in Jing Ziyan's eyes as she stared intently at Lu Ren.

Her gaze, however, was not like Ji Juechen's pure fervor, but rather mixed with intense curiosity and excitement, a desire to explore unknown forces.

Lu Ren smiled and released his grip, then his figure flashed away.

They disappeared from the spot.

Two seconds later it returned to its original position.

He was also carrying a person in his hand.

Ji Juechen was pulled back by the back of his collar. His feet had just touched the ground, and he was still in a daze.

A few dry grasses were stuck in his hair, and his face was covered in sand. He had no idea when Lu Ren had brought him back and then he was back in the same place.

Then Lu Ren let go, and Ji Juechen fell to the ground.

Before he could even react in shock, Ji Juechen stared wide-eyed at Lu Ren.

Ji Juechen: "???"

Jing Ziyan: "???"

The two looked at Lu Ren with eyes that seemed to be looking at the door to a new world.

A moment later, Ji Juechen looked down at himself, and doubt arose in his heart again.

How was he brought back?

He was clearly punched and sent flying, flying at least dozens of meters away, but in the blink of an eye, he was back in the same spot.

Ji Juechen didn't even know when Lu Ren brought him back.

"What...what is this?"

Ji Juechen's voice sounded somewhat dry.

In just seven days, Lu Ren has changed so much.

It's not just about the increased speed, but also about the composure and the natural sense of rhythm.

Every step and every movement he made in the battle was like a pre-designed scene, so seamless that it created an unreal illusion.

"Hehe, it's a secret."

Lu Ren uttered these words with a smile.

Ji Juechen: "————"

Jing Ziyan:

'

'

The two fell silent for a moment.

Neither of them pressed for details, because they knew that Lu Ren's willingness to show them was already the greatest sign of trust.

As for the underlying principles, that's their own destiny; asking too many questions would be overstepping boundaries.

The news of Lu Ren's emergence from seclusion quickly reached Jing Hongchen's ears.

The head of Mingde Hall personally came to the training ground, his gaze lingering on Lu Ren for a full three breaths, then slowly nodded, the upward curve of his lips impossible to suppress.

"It seems your gains in Mingdu are quite extraordinary. From level 47 to level 50, you have improved by a full three levels in just one month. Such a cultivation speed is rare to find even on the entire continent."

He paused, a hint of emotion in his voice: "I was worried that keeping you locked up in the academy would affect your cultivation progress, but it seems I was overthinking it."

Jing Hongchen did not press Lu Ren to reveal what had happened to him.

Everyone has their own secrets, especially young geniuses like these, whose extraordinary opportunities cannot be easily shared with others.

He only needed to know one thing: Lu Ren was a member of their Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy, and that was enough.

"I've come to see you with important business." Jing Hongchen's smile faded, and his tone became serious. "Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen have also broken through to level fifty. The three of you will go to Jingyang Mountain Range together to hunt soul beasts and obtain your fifth soul ring."

Lu Ren nodded.

"I'll go too," Ji Juechen immediately said. How could he miss out on something that involved fighting?

"Me too!" Jing Ziyan raised her hand, her tone full of eagerness.

At the same time, she thought to herself: You've done so many great things in Mingdu, you absolutely cannot leave me behind this time!

Ji Juechen gave her a somewhat naive look. As friends of many years, he had seen through Jing Ziyan's thoughts, so he explained, "I originally wanted to bring you along last time, but you were researching soul tools at the time, so I didn't want to bother you."

Jing Ziyan rolled her eyes at him: "If you do this again, I'll find a chance to hide your sword!"

Ji Juechen suddenly became anxious, but he wasn't very good at speaking, so he could only look at Jing Ziyan with longing.

Lu Ren watched this scene, and his smile deepened. These two really had a good relationship.

Looking at these two oddballs, Jing Hongchen couldn't help but smile: "Don't worry, you're involved too."

He continued, "This time, we also need to test the experimental data related to the soul tool, so there will be two additional soul tool masters who will bring Mingde Hall's new products to Jingyang Mountain Range with you."

"As for Ji Juechen and Jing Ziyan, you two will serve as bodyguards, responsible for protecting them and their soul tools. Consider it a mission, understand?"

"clear!"

Ji Juechen and Jing Ziyan said in unison.

Jing Hongchen nodded in satisfaction: "We'll set off first thing tomorrow morning. Pack your things and get ready."

After watching Jing Hongchen leave, Lu Ren stroked his chin.

Are we bringing two more Soul Masters on this trip?

Hopefully it won't be too much trouble.

Meanwhile, deep underground somewhere in Mingdu.

In the secret stronghold of the Holy Spirit Cult, only a soul-guiding lamp emitted a dim yellow light in the dark stone chamber.

Zhongli Wu stood with his hands behind his back, his long, silvery-white hair gleaming coldly under the lamplight.

His deep purple eyes fell on the old man in black before him, and his tone was calm yet carried an undeniable weight: "Zhang Peng, this task is entrusted to you. That should be fine, right?"

-

The elderly man, known as Zhang Peng, was dressed in black and had dark skin. He had two distinctive eyebrows, one higher and one lower.

However, Zhang Peng looked somewhat troubled.

"Master, as you know, Elder Mu once spared my life. I will always remember this kindness."

"Therefore, I was never born during the lifetime of Elder Mu."

His voice was hoarse and low, carrying a hint of suppressed hesitation.

"Now you're assigning this task to me? Doesn't that mean I'm being reborn?"

He was genuinely afraid that if he showed up, he would be targeted by Moon again.

We spared his life back then, but that doesn't mean we'll do it a second time.

Zhongli Wu said indifferently, "What a joke. They originally came to capture you with the intention of killing you, but they spared your life because you haven't harmed anyone. Is that considered a favor?"

He tilted his head slightly, his gaze sweeping over Zhang Peng's increasingly grim face: "Don't forget, before Mu En made his move, you were perfectly fine. The Three Kingdoms of Douluo were even issuing a full-scale warrant for your arrest. Otherwise, you wouldn't have needed to agree to join the Holy Spirit Cult, would you?"