The God Devouring Spear Emerges, Undercurrents Surge

Chapter 44: The God Devouring Spear Emerges, Undercurrents Surge

Inside the cave, the deathly silence was replaced by a deeper, heavier hum.

Ling Feng slowly opened his eyes. Deep within his pupils, an eerie dark-gold gleam flashed and vanished, like the eyes of a dormant beast. He spread open his right hand, his thoughts stirring slightly.

Hiss—!

A streak of dark-gold light instantly extended from his palm! It was not solid, but was instead formed purely from Soul Power and the Will of Destruction, yet it possessed a chilling metallic texture! Roughly three feet long, its entire body flowed with a profound dark-gold luster. Fine, strange patterns covered its shaft, pulsing faintly like a living creature. Its tip was not a single point, but three fanged prongs branching outward. Their edges were incomparably sharp, glinting with a ghostly cold light, while threads of visible devouring power formed tiny vortices between the prongs!

It was the successfully fused—God Devouring Spider Spear (Prototype)!

Ling Feng could clearly feel that this vicious weapon, refined from the core segments of the Eight Spider Lances, had produced a strange resonance with the Origin of Destruction within the Judgment Angel deep in his soul. It was no longer merely an external object. It felt more like an extension of his own Will of Destruction! A cold, violent force brimming with the desire to devour flowed through the spider spear, restless and eager to move. Yet under the absolute control of the Will of Judgment, it was like a wild horse fitted with reins, able only to let out unwilling whinnies.

"Devouring... evolution..." Ling Feng murmured, gently brushing his fingertips across the cold, dark-gold spear shaft as he sensed the terrifying potential contained within. With another thought, the God Devouring Spider Spear instantly turned into a streak of dark-gold light and sank into his palm, vanishing without a trace. Only an almost imperceptible dark-gold pattern remained beneath his skin.

God Devouring Spider Spear (Prototype) successfully fused!

Traits activated: Devouring Evolution (can slowly strengthen itself by devouring energy/Soul Power/life force/special materials), Corrosive Poison (contains the original deadly poison of the Man Faced Demon Spider and residual Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor Poison, possessing powerful corrosive and nerve-paralyzing effects), Destructive Pierce (possesses penetrating properties capable of ignoring part of an opponent's defenses).

Current state: Infant stage (requires a large amount of energy to nurture its evolution).

The system prompt confirmed his perception. A trace of satisfaction flashed through Ling Feng's eyes. Though it was only a prototype, the potential of this vicious spear far exceeded his expectations. It would become his sharpest fang for tearing apart powerful enemies and seizing everything!

He rose to his feet and stretched his limbs. The excruciating pain and Mental Shock of the fusion process had been like a baptism. Not only had it allowed him to successfully control this vicious weapon, but it had also elevated his mastery over his judgment and destruction intent to a new level. Though his Soul Power had not directly broken through, it had become more condensed and refined, faintly touching the threshold of level 35.

Boom!

Ling Feng threw a punch. He did not use a soul skill, relying only on his physical strength combined with Judgment Soul Power as he struck a protruding piece of hard rock on the cave wall. There was no earth-shattering blast. The rock seemed to collapse from within under an invisible force, instantly turning into a pile of fine stone powder that scattered down. The fractured surface was as smooth as a mirror!

Power! More condensed, more domineering power, carrying the essence of judgment and destruction!

"It's time to return." Ling Feng withdrew his aura and pushed aside the massive boulder and vines at the cave entrance. Daylight poured in, and the Star Dou Forest remained vast and ancient. After determining his direction, his figure became a faint streak of golden light and merged into the shadows between the trees. He was several times faster than before, carrying the restrained sharpness of someone reborn.

Heaven Dou Royal Academy, Cuiwei Garden.

Dugu Yan paced anxiously around the courtyard, her purple slit pupils repeatedly turning toward the gate. Ever since Ling Feng had hurriedly left yesterday, saying he had personal matters to handle, she had been unable to calm herself. The earth-shaking explosion from the direction of the Star Dou Forest had made her heart pound wildly.

"Yan'er, be patient." A slightly hoarse voice rang out. Dugu Bo appeared soundlessly beside the stone table in the courtyard. He poured himself a cup of tea, his expression somewhat gloomy, though his aura remained unfathomable as the sea.

"Grandfather!" Dugu Yan hurried forward. "Are you all right? Over at Star Dou..."

"Hmph, I ran into a madman." Dugu Bo snorted coldly, a frosty glint flashing in his eyes. "That bastard Tang Hao attacked without even asking what happened! If this old man hadn't been alert, I might have fallen for his trick!" He did not mention Ling Feng's information, nor did he speak of the Man Faced Demon Spider's self-destruction. He simply attributed the conflict to Tang Hao blindly protecting his son.

"Tang Hao? The Clear Sky Douluo?" Dugu Yan drew in a sharp breath, her face turning pale. "You fought him? Then Ling Feng..."

"That boy should be fine." Dugu Bo waved a hand, his molten-gold slit pupils narrowing. "The explosion happened after I left, and it was farther away. That brat is slippery enough; he won't get himself killed so easily. But you..." He looked at his granddaughter, his tone softening. "How do you feel? Is the Soul Power Ling Feng helped you regulate stable now?"

At the mention of Ling Feng's "guidance" in Thunderflame Valley, a faint blush rose to Dugu Yan's face. She nodded. "Yes. My Soul Power flows much more smoothly than before, and my control over my martial soul has improved too. Grandfather, Ling Feng..."

"All right, all right, I understand." Looking at his granddaughter's expression, Dugu Bo understood perfectly well, though he felt somewhat displeased. He waved a hand. "That brat's back."

As soon as his words fell, the courtyard gate was pushed open, and Ling Feng appeared at the entrance. His moon-white uniform trimmed in gold was spotless, his expression calm and his steps steady. He did not look at all like someone who had just gone through a fierce battle.

"Ling Feng!" Dugu Yan's eyes lit up. She hurried over, concern evident in her voice. "Are you all right? Yesterday, over in Star Dou..."

"I handled a minor matter. It was nothing." Ling Feng's gaze swept over Dugu Yan. Seeing the genuine worry in her eyes, he nodded slightly, then turned toward Dugu Bo at the stone table and cupped his hands. "Senior Dugu."

Dugu Bo set down his teacup. His sharp gaze swept over Ling Feng like something tangible, filled with scrutiny. He keenly sensed that Ling Feng's aura seemed even more restrained than yesterday—and more dangerous as well! In particular, deep within those calm golden eyes, there seemed to be an indescribable chill and devouring sensation, like an abyssal beast. The feeling passed in an instant, but it still made even this Titled Douluo's heart tighten slightly.

This brat... it's only been one day. Why does he feel like a completely different person? Star Dou Forest... what exactly did he do? Dugu Bo was filled with doubt, but his expression remained unchanged. He merely gave a faint "Mm." "It's good that you're back. That madman Tang Hao showed up in Star Dou. Consider yourself lucky you're unharmed."

Ling Feng's expression did not change. "Thank you for your concern, Senior." He walked to the stone table and sat down, his gaze settling on Dugu Bo. "Did Senior suffer any injuries during your conflict with the Clear Sky Douluo?"

"Just a little shock. Nothing serious." Dugu Bo waved his hand, his tone carrying a trace of pride. "That Tang Hao protects his cub like a mad dog! Hmph, I'll settle this score with him sooner or later!"

Ling Feng understood. It seemed Dugu Bo had not discovered that he had taken the spider spear's core segments amid the chaos. He simply believed Tang Hao had been avenging his son. That was for the best.

"Ling Feng, it's good that you're back." Dugu Bo changed the subject. From his robes, he took out an ancient scroll of dark-colored hide that gave off a faintly fishy-sweet scent, then tossed it to Ling Feng. "Here. What I promised you."

Ling Feng caught it. The hide scroll felt slightly cold and strange to the touch, neither metal nor leather. Several twisted characters were written across its surface in dark-green script—"Jade Phosphor Poison Codex: Upper Volume."

"This old man's lifetime of Poison Path knowledge. The upper volume records basic poison principles, Myriad Poisons Identification, and the brewing and antidotes for dozens of mixed deadly poisons. It'll be enough to keep you studying for a while." Dugu Bo's tone carried a trace of pride. "As for the lower volume... we'll discuss it once you've truly demonstrated value worthy of this old man's recognition."

Obtained Dugu Bo's exclusive poison manual, "Jade Phosphor Poison Codex" (Incomplete Volume: Upper Volume)!

Poison Path knowledge +100! Unlocked basic poison principles, Myriad Poisons Identification atlas, mixed poison brewing (beginner)!

The system prompt surged into his mind at once. Vast amounts of information on poisons, pharmacology, and formula analysis were branded into his memories. A sharp gleam flashed in Ling Feng's eyes as he solemnly put away the hide scroll. "Thank you for your generous gift, Senior."

To him, the value of this poison manual was no less than that of a soul bone! Not only could it greatly broaden his offensive methods, but it would also give him an entirely new understanding of poison. In the future, whether he needed to counter an enemy's deadly poison or concoct medicines for protection and detoxification, it would be immensely useful.

"All right, I've given you the item. This old man will enter seclusion for a few days to stabilize myself." Dugu Bo stood and glanced at Dugu Yan, who looked as if she wanted to speak but held herself back. Then he cast Ling Feng a meaningful glance. "Boy, the tournament is close. Take care of yourself. Yan'er, keep him company." With that, his figure flashed and became a streak of dark-green light, vanishing from sight.

Only Ling Feng and Dugu Yan remained in the courtyard.

The atmosphere became somewhat delicate. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, scattering mottled patches of light across Dugu Yan's faintly flushed profile. She looked at Ling Feng, concern and a trace of probing visible in her purple slit pupils. "Ling Feng, are you really all right? Yesterday... I kept feeling uneasy."

Ling Feng looked at the girl's undisguised concern, and something stirred in his heart. Dugu Yan's attitude toward him seemed to have gone beyond that of an ally. After a brief pause, he decided to reveal part of the truth to reassure her. "I encountered a few unexpected events, but the gains were considerable." He paused. A strand of dark-gold Soul Power quietly emerged from his fingertip like a spirit snake, carrying a cold and vicious aura. "I obtained an interesting 'weapon.'"

Feeling the terrifying devouring and destructive aura contained in that strand of Soul Power, Dugu Yan's pupils contracted and her heart skipped a beat. This aura... was more domineering and more dangerous than before! She had no doubt that once this so-called "weapon" was unleashed, its power would be absolutely earth-shattering!

"You..." Dugu Yan opened her mouth. Looking into Ling Feng's calm yet unfathomable golden eyes, she finally swallowed every question. Taking a deep breath, she broke into a radiant smile tinged with determination. "It's good that you're all right! The tournament is about to begin, and our Heaven Dou Team is counting on you!"

"Mm." Ling Feng withdrew his Soul Power and nodded. The tournament... Shrek... Tang San... It was time to meet that "protagonist."

Heaven Dou City, Crown Prince's Eastern Palace, study.

Xue Qinghe—Qian Renxue—sat behind her desk, dressed in a bright-yellow python robe. Her bearing was noble and regal. She held a secret report in her hand, but deep in her molten-gold pupils was a field of icy coldness.

"Poison Douluo Dugu Bo and Clear Sky Douluo Tang Hao clashed on the outskirts of Star Dou... The location is suspected to be the nest of a thousand-year Man Faced Demon Spider... Tang San was seriously injured, suspected of failing to obtain a soul ring and suffering an unknown Energy Backlash..." She read softly, her fingertip tapping heavily against the words "unknown Energy Backlash."

"Your Highness." A Shadow Guard cloaked entirely in shadow knelt on one knee, his voice low. "The residual energies at the scene are chaotic and mixed. There was deadly poison, domineering Soul Power, the violent aura of a self-destructed soul beast... and also a trace... an extremely weak remnant of judgment and destruction fluctuations of an exceptionally high rank. It shares the same origin as the domain aura Ling Feng displayed at the Great Soul Arena that day."

The same origin!

Qian Renxue's gaze abruptly sharpened like a blade! Fluctuations of judgment and destruction? Ling Feng?!

"Are you certain?" Her voice revealed neither joy nor anger.

"This subordinate swears upon his Martial Soul Origin that my perception is accurate. That fluctuation was faint and concealed by other energies, but its essence... was exactly the same as the aura of Ling Feng's domain core that day!" the Shadow Guard declared firmly.

The study fell into deathly silence. Only the candle flame flickered, illuminating Qian Renxue's shifting expression.

Ling Feng... had he also been in the Star Dou Forest at the time? Right in the core area where Dugu Bo and Tang Hao clashed? Perhaps... even at the center of that soul beast's self-destruction?

A chill silently crept up Qian Renxue's spine. She realized that she seemed to have gravely underestimated this "Son of Judgment" adopted by Bibi Dong! He had emerged unscathed from chaos of that level? Or... had that conflict been related to him from the beginning? And Tang San's failure to obtain his soul ring, along with the backlash... could that have been Ling Feng's doing as well?

If that was true... this boy's schemes, methods, and grasp of timing were enough to make one's blood run cold!

"Continue investigating!" Qian Renxue's voice was freezing to the bone, carrying unquestionable authority. "Activate every hidden agent. I want to know every movement Ling Feng made during that time in the Star Dou Forest! Do not overlook even the slightest detail! Also, keep Tang San of Shrek Academy under strict surveillance and monitor the recovery of his injuries!"

"Yes!" The Shadow Guard accepted the order, his figure vanishing as though he had blended into the shadows.

Qian Renxue sat alone behind the broad desk, her molten-gold eyes staring out at the heavy night beyond the window. Her fingers unconsciously rubbed the jade thumb ring on her hand.

"Ling Feng..." she murmured the name. For the first time, her eyes no longer held that lofty scrutiny. In its place was an unprecedented gravity, and even... a faint trace of wariness.

"You've hidden yourself very deeply... It seems this palace must reconsider how to 'entertain' you." A cold curve slowly lifted at the corner of her perfect lips, carrying the excitement and killing intent of a chess player encountering a formidable opponent.

Heaven Dou City, an inconspicuous remote inn.

The room was filled with a strong medicinal smell. Tang San sat cross-legged on the bed, his face still pale. His hands were wrapped in thick bandages, and strange dark-gold patterns faintly showed through the gaps. His eyes were tightly shut, cold sweat covering his forehead. The internal force of the Mysterious Heaven Skill circulated through his body with difficulty, attempting to dissolve the cold, violent, highly corrosive foreign energy entrenched in his Meridians.

"Urgh..." He groaned, and a thread of dark-gold bloody foam seeped from the corner of his lips.

"Third Brother!" Xiao Wu and Yu Xiaogang, who were standing watch beside the bed, cried out at the same time, their faces filled with worry.

"Don't... don't mind me..." Tang San gritted his teeth, his voice hoarse. "This energy... is too strange... It's corroding my Meridians... and my Soul Power..."

Yu Xiaogang frowned deeply as he carefully examined the dark-gold pattern exposed on Tang San's wrist. His expression was extremely grim. "This... doesn't seem to be poison alone... It feels more like a type of foreign Soul Power possessing metal attributes and chaotic intent! It is devouring Tang San's own Soul Power to strengthen itself! Dugu Bo's poison... could never possess such characteristics!"

"Could it be that self-destructed demon spider?" Xiao Wu asked anxiously.

"Possibly... but it doesn't seem likely..." Yu Xiaogang shook his head, his eyes filled with confusion and gravity. "This energy is of an extremely high level. It carries a sense of... judgment and destruction... What exactly is it?"

At that moment, the door was pushed open. Tang Hao's tall figure entered, his expression dark as water. Looking at his son's suffering, the killing intent in his eyes intensified.

"Dad..." Tang San weakly opened his eyes, filled with resentment and venomous hatred. "My injuries... and... I feel like... something very important... was taken from me..."

Tang Hao walked to the bedside. His vast, domineering Soul Power flowed into Tang San's body again, helping him suppress the rampaging foreign energy. He said in a deep voice, "I've already sent people to investigate. That Old Poison can't escape! As for that energy... hmph, no matter what it is, if it dares to harm my Tang Hao's son, I will make it pay the price!"

He paused, determination flashing in his eyes. "Little San, although your soul ring attempt failed this time, it may not necessarily be a bad thing. Your body has been eroded by this foreign energy. An ordinary soul ring may be difficult for you to withstand. I've thought of a place... perhaps it can turn this disaster into a blessing!"

"What place?" Yu Xiaogang and Xiao Wu asked in unison.

"Slaughter City!" Tang Hao's voice carried a bloodthirsty chill. "The power there is violent enough, chaotic enough! Perhaps only the power of such a place can suppress—or even assimilate—the damned foreign energy in your body! At the same time, it can allow you to truly transform through life-and-death battles!"

Slaughter City! At the mention of that name, Yu Xiaogang's expression changed dramatically, while Xiao Wu let out a cry. It was the legendary bloody purgatory!

But a terrifying gleam burst from Tang San's eyes, a light mixed with pain, hatred, and madness! His soul ring had been destroyed! His opportunity had been stolen! He had suffered a bizarre, severe injury! All that humiliation and fury burned through his reason like poisonous fire!

Slaughter City? So what if it was hell?!

As long as he could grow stronger! As long as he could gain the power to take revenge! Tang San feared nothing!

"I'll go!" Tang San's voice was hoarse but resolute, carrying the determination of someone willing to stake everything. "Dad, send me to Slaughter City!"

Heaven Dou Royal Academy, Cuiwei Garden.

Ling Feng sat cross-legged in the center of the cultivation room, his mind sinking into his sea of consciousness. The vast knowledge within the upper volume of the "Jade Phosphor Poison Codex" unfolded through his spiritual world like a scroll. The forms and traits of ten thousand poisons, their mutual generation and restraint... the brewing processes and detoxification keys for dozens of mixed deadly poisons... intricate and complex deductions of poison principles...

With the system's powerful analytical assistance, knowledge that ordinary people would need years or even decades to master was being absorbed, understood, and thoroughly integrated by him at a terrifying speed. Deep in his golden pupils, countless phantoms of tiny poisonous insects, exotic flowers and herbs, medicine cauldrons, and pill furnaces seemed to whirl past rapidly.

At the same time, a strand of dark-gold God Devouring Spider Spear Soul Power quietly emerged from his left palm like a spirit snake, coiling silently. In his right palm was a mass of ever-shifting emerald-green poisonous mist condensed through simulated Judgment Soul Power—it was the Jade Phosphor Purple Poison he was attempting to imitate according to the records of the Poison Codex!

He was trying to merge the power of the Poison Path into the God Devouring Spider Spear! Or perhaps... use the Will of Judgment to command deadly poison!

Suddenly!

Warning! Detected a powerful malicious lock! Location: 3,000 meters southwest, altitude: approximately 500 meters!

Target analysis: Soul Power intensity approximately peak Soul Emperor, martial soul attributes: shadow/wind! Carrying a concealment-type Soul Tool! Intent: long-range surveillance! Extremely dangerous!

The cold, urgent system alarm pierced into Ling Feng's sea of consciousness like sharp needles! Almost at the exact instant the warning sounded, an extremely concealed spiritual fluctuation carrying chilling killing intent pierced through the cultivation room walls like invisible tentacles and swept precisely toward his location!

Discovered? No! It was surveillance! From high above!

A frosty gleam exploded from Ling Feng's eyes! He did not hesitate in the slightest!

"Domain of Judgment!" he shouted inwardly!

Buzz—!

A golden domain instantly spread out from his body! Holy radiance and destructive pressure intertwined, forming a powerful dual barrier of spiritual force and Soul Power!

That concealed probing spiritual fluctuation struck the Domain of Judgment as though it had hit an invisible wall of iron. It was forcibly blocked, twisted, and even shredded by the trace of destructive intent contained within the domain!

"Mm?!" High in the southwestern sky, above the clouds, a figure entirely concealed beneath a black cloak and standing atop a strange shuttle-shaped Soul Tool suddenly shuddered. A look of horror appeared on his face beneath the hood! He felt the spiritual force he had extended vanish like a stone sinking into the sea. Not only had he instantly lost the target, but he had also suffered a fierce backlash from an incomparably domineering Will of Destruction. His sea of consciousness felt as if it had been struck by a heavy hammer, and agonizing pain surged through him!

Damn it! What powerful perception! What a domineering domain! The man in black was horrified. Without hesitation, he activated the Soul Tool beneath his feet and turned into a black streak nearly indistinguishable from the night, fleeing madly toward the outskirts of Heaven Dou City! The mission had failed! He had to withdraw immediately!

Inside the cultivation room.

"Trying to run?" A cold curve rose at Ling Feng's lips. Surveillance from high above? A peak Soul Emperor? Was it Qian Renxue's man? Or... another faction within Spirit Hall? Or perhaps... a force behind Tang San?

No matter who it was, since they had extended their claws, they had to be prepared to have them chopped off!

His thoughts raced, and he made his decision in an instant! This place was no longer safe! Since the other party could accurately pinpoint his cultivation room, it meant Cuiwei Garden's location had already been exposed! Remaining here would only make him a target!

Ling Feng abruptly rose, moving as fast as lightning! He quickly stored several important items in his storage Soul Tool, including the "Jade Phosphor Poison Codex." At the same time, Soul Power gathered at his fingertips as he left several sharp characters on the table: "Something has changed. Leaving temporarily. Do not look for me."

After doing all that, his figure flickered and merged into the shadows of the cultivation room like a ghost. The phantom of the Eye of Destiny appeared faintly between his brows, while powerful spiritual perception spread outward like an invisible radar, avoiding every possible surveillance point and pursuit.

The next instant, his figure appeared beneath the shadows of Cuiwei Garden's high walls without alerting anyone. He gave one final glance toward Dugu Yan's room, his eyes shifting slightly. Then he became a faint golden streak blending into the night. Soundlessly vaulting over the wall, he flickered several times before completely disappearing into the deep night of prosperous yet perilous Heaven Dou City.

The night wind was faintly cool as it brushed through the empty cultivation room. On the table, the six words—"Something has changed. Leaving temporarily. Do not look for me."—carried a cold, resolute air beneath the dim candlelight.

The undercurrents had arrived. The storm was approaching.