Chapter Summaries

Kraken searched the Forgotten Gobi for Bai Chenxiang but found traces of her battle with a powerful underground Soul Beast instead. After losing her trail, he spent the following months drifting through the Star Luo Empire’s western and central provinces, waiting for another opportunity.

• The one-armed old man celebrated receiving thirty thousand Gold Soul Coins and left with his companion.
• Kraken spent seven days crossing the Forgotten Gobi while searching for Bai Chenxiang.
• Kraken found evidence that Bai Chenxiang had fought a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast in the Quicksand Dead Sea and that both had gone beyond the Gobi.
• Kraken memorized the Soul Beast’s scent but abandoned the search after Bai Chenxiang’s trail ended.
• Kraken stopped actively seeking Title Douluos and drifted through the Star Luo Empire, where people noticed his Soul Douluo cultivation and Soul Bone.

After learning that Bai Chenxiang had vanished near the Forgotten Gobi, Kraken investigated the search and discovered that the Clear Sky Sect’s Fourth Elder had joined it. Kraken headed for the region to observe the search and prepare a disguise capable of fooling the powerful elder.

• Kraken recalled how he had defeated several Soul Masters who tried to rob him during his travels through the Star Luo Empire.
• In a Black Rock City tavern, Kraken overheard that Bai Chenxiang had been missing for months, with her last confirmed sighting near the Forgotten Gobi.
• Kraken reasoned that Bai Chenxiang’s disappearance would draw powerful factions and potential opponents, then left the tavern to exploit the turmoil.
• Kraken gathered intelligence near the Tang Sect and Clear Sky Sect’s sphere of influence and learned that the Clear Sky Sect’s Fourth Elder was overseeing the search.
• Kraken went to the Forgotten Gobi and considered how to camouflage himself against the Fourth Elder’s scrutiny.

Kraken waited in disguise in the Sighing Forgotten Gobi for the Clear Sky Sect’s Fourth Elder, then ambushed him with Dan-Devour as he entered the planned killing range. The Fourth Elder began resisting and summoning his Clear Sky Hammer, but Kraken’s next attack appeared behind his head.

• Kraken suppressed his presence and disguised himself as weathered Rock fragments in the Forgotten Gobi.
• After waiting for several days, Kraken sensed the Fourth Elder approaching and identified him as his target.
• The Fourth Elder advanced toward the Gobi’s core, passing within Kraken’s planned killing range while cautiously probing the area with Mental Power.
• Kraken struck the Fourth Elder’s left ankle with Dan-Devour as his attention turned away from the hiding place.
• The Fourth Elder fought the corrosive attack and began summoning his Clear Sky Hammer, while a Scorpion Tail appeared behind his head.

Kraken killed the Fourth Elder of the Clear Sky Sect by combining Dan-Devour with a precise strike from his Scorpion Tail, then absorbed the remains of his energy and took his Storage Soul Tools. He suspected the elder's death would bring other Clear Sky Sect scouts into the Forgotten Gobi and set out to hunt them.

• Kraken's Scorpion Tail pierced the Fourth Elder's weakened defenses while Dan-Devour drained his strength and life force.
• The Fourth Elder died, and Kraken emerged from his disguise to inspect the corpse.
• Kraken took the Fourth Elder's Storage Soul Tools, erased their soul imprints, and absorbed the remaining energy from his body.
• Kraken concluded that the Clear Sky Sect would notice the elder's death and that nearby Soul Douluo scouts might be searching the area.
• Kraken entered the Rock forest and followed the lingering traces of the Fourth Elder's aura to hunt the other intruders.

Kraken listened in Siles City as Soul Masters discussed the Star Luo Empire’s lockdown of the Forgotten Gobi and rumors linking it to Bai Chenxiang’s disappearance and the Clear Sky Sect’s losses. He treated the blockade as useful cover and left to keep gathering information about the continent’s powers.

• A goateed Soul Master told two companions that the White Tiger Guard had sealed the Forgotten Gobi and barred anyone from entering.
• The goateed man shared rumors that the lockdown was connected to Bai Chenxiang’s disappearance and trouble suffered by the Clear Sky Sect and Tang Sect.
• Kraken secretly listened from a storage room and considered whether Star Luo had discovered a valuable secret in the Forgotten Gobi.
• Kraken decided the blockade gave him more time and space, then continued listening to reports about major families and border clashes.
• Kraken left the storage room and disappeared into Siles City’s bustling streets.

Emperor Dai Tianfeng and Dai Weisi considered how Star Luo could respond to pressure from the Clear Sky Sect, Tang Sect, and Heaven Dou Empire after the Clear Sky Sect’s Fourth Elder died in the Forgotten Gobi. They rejected an attempt to win over the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and ordered an investigation into the elder’s death while preparing for possible conflict.

• Dai Tianfeng condemned the Clear Sky Sect and Tang Sect for demanding an investigation and criticized Heaven Dou’s movements along the border.
• Dai Weisi proposed winning over the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to weaken Heaven Dou’s alliance with the Upper Three Sects.
• Xu Chu warned that the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect lacked Title Douluo protection, depended on Heaven Dou, and might use Star Luo’s offer to bargain for its own benefit.
• Dai Weisi accepted Xu Chu’s objections, and Dai Tianfeng ruled out trying to recruit the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect under current circumstances.
• Dai Tianfeng ordered the White Tiger Guard to hold the Forgotten Gobi and uncover the Fourth Elder’s killer, granted the Clear Sky Sect and Tang Sect limited investigative rights, and told Star Luo to strengthen its border defenses without escalating the conflict.

News spread that a veteran Shrek Academy teacher was approaching Rank 90 and would seek a ninth Soul Ring, escorted by Feng Xiaotian, Huo Wushuang, and several Soul Douluo. Star Luo and Heaven Dou watched the expedition as it headed toward Sunset Forest, while Xue Beng sent Shrek a congratulatory gift.

• A mercenary in Siles City told tavern patrons that a Shrek teacher was preparing to obtain his ninth Soul Ring.
• The mercenary revealed that Feng Xiaotian and Huo Wushuang would lead the expedition, accompanied by several Soul Douluo.
• Dai Tianfeng learned that the group was heading toward Sunset Forest and ordered scouts to track it discreetly while continuing to investigate the Forgotten Gobi.
• Xue Beng ordered an observer to monitor Shrek's expedition without interference and sent the academy a grand congratulatory gift.

Zhao Wuji prepared to travel to Sunset Forest with a powerful Shrek Academy team to obtain his ninth Soul Ring. Dugu Bo accepted that Zhao Wuji could rely on the team, gave him a Bilin Pill, and watched them depart into the forest.

• Dugu Bo offered to accompany Zhao Wuji to Sunset Forest, but Zhao Wuji said he trusted the assembled team to handle the journey.
• Zhao Wuji showed Dugu Bo the team led by Feng Xiaotian and Huo Wushuang, with several Soul Douluo supporting them.
• Dugu Bo gave Zhao Wuji a Bilin Pill to use only in an emergency, and Zhao Wuji promised to repay the favor.
• Feng Xiaotian and Huo Wushuang greeted Zhao Wuji, and Zhao Wuji declared that the group would find him a suitable ninth Soul Ring.
• The team formed a defensive formation and set out for Sunset Forest, where something stirred deeper within.

As Zhao Wuji’s group camped in Sunset Forest, they discussed candidates for his ninth Soul Ring. Zhao Wuji chose the Earth Dragon Lizard, despite the dangers of hunting it in the mutated Dragon Fall Basin.

• Feng Xiaotian led Zhao Wuji’s group safely through the forest’s outer regions until nightfall.
• Feng Xiaotian asked Zhao Wuji what advice and targets he had received for his ninth Soul Ring.
• Zhao Wuji and the others discussed the Earth-Shaking Divine Ox, Black Armor Dragon Turtle, and Vajra Demon Ape as possible targets.
• Zhao Wuji described Dugu Bo’s recommendation, the Earth Dragon Lizard, and warned that it lived among dangerous mutated beasts in Dragon Fall Basin.
• Zhao Wuji weighed the candidates and chose the Earth Dragon Lizard for its strength, defense, earth control, and invincible-body ability.

Zhao Wuji’s group prepared to hunt the Earth Dragon Lizard in Dragon Fall Basin, unaware that a shadowy figure was watching and waiting to attack them when they were weakened. Feng Xiaotian located signs of the beast, and the group planned to set out at dawn.

• Zhao Wuji chose the Earth Dragon Lizard as his target and ordered the group to prepare for the hunt.
• Zhao Wuji’s group spent two days exploring Dragon Fall Basin’s outskirts as Feng Xiaotian and the Soul Douluos struggled with the fog and chaotic energy.
• Zhao Wuji assigned Feng Xiaotian to scout, Huo Wushuang to ready the frontal attackers, and the others to guard the camp and recover.
• A shadowy figure watched the camp from thirty li away and planned to strike after the group fought the Earth Dragon Lizard and weakened.
• Feng Xiaotian found signs of the Earth Dragon Lizard near the basin’s core, and Zhao Wuji ordered everyone to prepare to hunt it at dawn.

Zhao Wuji and his companions launched an assault on the nearly ninety-thousand-year-old earth dragon lizard in its canyon lair. The battle left the beast largely unharmed as Huo Wushuang attacked its exposed flank and uncovered eye.

• Zhao Wuji gave the Soul Douluos their roles and distributed Dugu Bo's Bilin Pills before leading the attack into the canyon with Feng Xiaotian and Huo Wushuang.
• The earth dragon lizard unleashed a shock wave that Zhao Wuji and Huo Wushuang countered, then emerged from the canyon and revealed its immense size and armor.
• The lizard used Earth Spike Assault, wounding the thorn vine Soul Douluo, while the support Soul Douluo healed him.
• Feng Xiaotian struck at the lizard's eye with his wind shuttle, but its reinforced eyelid deflected the attack and the beast retaliated with a massive claw sweep and stone spikes.
• Huo Wushuang charged the lizard's exposed left flank with Blazing Dragon Claw and fired Dragon Breath Pierce at its still-open left eye.

Zhao Wuji, Huo Wushuang, Feng Xiaotian, and nine Soul Douluos exhausted themselves in a coordinated battle and killed the Earth Dragon Lizard. Zhao Wuji began absorbing its nearly ninety-thousand-year Soul Ring while the others guarded him, unaware that a hidden figure had moved near the canyon.

• Zhao Wuji, Huo Wushuang, Feng Xiaotian, and the nine Soul Douluos kept attacking the Earth Dragon Lizard as its armor cracked and its strength weakened, though the fighters also suffered injuries and ran low on Soul Power.
• Feng Xiaotian noticed the Earth Dragon Lizard weakening, and Zhao Wuji ordered the group to create an opening for one final attack.
• Feng Xiaotian pierced the Earth Dragon Lizard's throat with Extreme of Wind, Huo Wushuang blasted its insides with his ultimate dragon breath, and Zhao Wuji shattered its neck with his eighth Soul Skill.
• The Earth Dragon Lizard died, and a dense black Soul Ring condensed above its corpse.
• Zhao Wuji began absorbing the Soul Ring while Feng Xiaotian, Huo Wushuang, and several Soul Douluos guarded him and the others inspected the area.
• An indistinct humanoid silhouette near the canyon's edge moved slightly, unnoticed by the group.

A living darkness silently devoured six exhausted Soul Douluos at the edge of the battlefield before the survivors realized they were under attack. Feng Xiaotian and Huo Wushuang gathered the remaining fighters around Zhao Wuji, but the darkness began twisting beneath Zhao Wuji as he absorbed a Soul Ring.

• A shadow silently drained a wounded Black Iron Heavy Shield Soul Douluo until he crumbled into ash.
• The darkness devoured several more Soul Douluos, including a Shadow Leopard Soul Douluo and two companions bandaging each other's wounds.
• A Gravity Domain Soul Douluo spotted a companion vanishing and screamed an alarm, but the darkness consumed him as well.
• Feng Xiaotian and Huo Wushuang discovered five companions had disappeared, and another Soul Douluo was devoured before they could intervene.
• Huo Wushuang attacked the darkness with Flame Dragon Breath, but it retreated into other shadows; Feng Xiaotian recognized the threat and led the survivors in protecting Zhao Wuji.
• As Zhao Wuji continued absorbing a Soul Ring, the darkness twisted beneath his shadow at the center of the formation.

As Zhao Wuji struggled to absorb a Soul Ring, a creature emerged from his shadow and erased Feng Xiaotian in an instant. Huo Wushuang went berserk and prepared to attack the creature, despite warnings that Zhao Wuji would be caught in the assault.

• Feng Xiaotian ordered the Soul Douluo to protect Zhao Wuji as a humanoid creature rose from Zhao Wuji’s shadow.
• The shadow creature teleported behind Feng Xiaotian and erased him with its gray-lit scorpion-tail hook.
• The creature sank back into Zhao Wuji’s shadow while Zhao Wuji continued absorbing the Soul Ring, unaware of Feng Xiaotian’s death.
• Huo Wushuang, overcome with grief and rage, activated his Martial Soul Avatar to burn the creature and Zhao Wuji’s shadow.
• An auxiliary Soul Douluo warned Huo Wushuang to stop because attacking the shadow would endanger Zhao Wuji.

A Gray-Haired Man emerged from Zhao Wuji’s shadow, erased Huo Wushuang’s remaining companions, and saved Zhao Wuji from the dragon breath. The chapter left Huo Wushuang alone against the Gray-Haired Man as Zhao Wuji’s breakthrough continued.

• Huo Wushuang unleashed Destruction Dragon Breath at the defenseless Zhao Wuji, while a Gray-Haired Man emerged from Zhao Wuji’s shadow behind the two support-type Soul Douluo.
• The Gray-Haired Man erased both support-type Soul Douluo with his Bone Tail Scorpion Hook as Huo Wushuang’s dragon breath struck Zhao Wuji’s position.
• A dark tentacle dragged Zhao Wuji from the blast, leaving him badly burned but alive as his Soul Ring absorption accelerated.
• Huo Wushuang attacked the Gray-Haired Man, who vanished and reappeared beside the Granite Soul Douluo.
• The Gray-Haired Man erased the Granite Soul Douluo, leaving only Huo Wushuang and the injured, ascending Zhao Wuji on the battlefield.

Huo Wushuang confronted the Gray-Haired Man, whose Bone Tail Scorpion Hook could erase and devour his opponents, and unleashed his Ninth Soul Skill, Flame Sun Burst. The extreme heat weakened Dan-Devour, so Huo Wushuang redirected his attack to collapse the cavern on the Gray-Haired Man.

• Huo Wushuang demanded to know who the Gray-Haired Man was and sensed a concealed aura resembling that of a powerful Soul Beast.
• The Gray-Haired Man dismissed Huo Wushuang's questions and raised his Bone Tail Scorpion Hook to use Dan-Devour.
• Huo Wushuang unleashed his Ninth Soul Skill, Flame Sun Burst, and its extreme heat visibly evaporated and weakened Dan-Devour.
• The Gray-Haired Man's hook pierced the flames and began draining Huo Wushuang's Soul Power and life essence, but Huo Wushuang intensified his attack.
• Huo Wushuang redirected Flame Sun Burst into the cavern ceiling, causing it to collapse and bury the Gray-Haired Man beneath falling boulders and lava.

Huo Wushuang’s attack failed to harm the Gray-Haired Man, who then threatened Zhao Wuji during his breakthrough and forced Huo Wushuang into an impossible choice. The Gray-Haired Man waited to see whether Zhao Wuji would succeed, fail, or be put at risk by Huo Wushuang’s decision.

• Huo Wushuang collapsed the cavern ceiling with Flame Sun Burst, but the Gray-Haired Man used a spatial displacement to escape unharmed.
• The Gray-Haired Man appeared beside Huo Wushuang and revealed that he had been holding back, leaving Huo Wushuang too exhausted to respond.
• The Gray-Haired Man moved beside Zhao Wuji, who was absorbing the Earth Dragon Lizard Soul Ring and nearing a breakthrough to Title Douluo.
• The Gray-Haired Man held his Bone Tail Scorpion Hook over Zhao Wuji’s temple and warned Huo Wushuang that attacking would put Zhao Wuji in danger.
• Huo Wushuang asked what the Gray-Haired Man wanted, and the Gray-Haired Man said he was waiting for Zhao Wuji’s breakthrough or for Huo Wushuang to make a choice.

The Gray-Haired Man threatened Zhao Wuji and offered to spare him during his breakthrough if Huo Wushuang surrendered himself to be absorbed. Huo Wushuang, seeing no other way to save Zhao Wuji, asked whether the Gray-Haired Man would keep his word and prepared to accept.

• The Gray-Haired Man explained that Zhao Wuji needed two or three days to absorb the ninety-thousand-year Soul Ring and said Huo Wushuang was too depleted to fight for long.
• The Gray-Haired Man revealed that he was not human and demanded that Huo Wushuang let him absorb him, promising not to kill Zhao Wuji while he attempted his breakthrough.
• The Gray-Haired Man warned that refusing would mean both Huo Wushuang and Zhao Wuji would die.
• Huo Wushuang recalled his fallen companions, lowered his resistance, and asked the Gray-Haired Man to keep his word.
• The Gray-Haired Man withdrew the Scorpion Hook slightly from Zhao Wuji and invited Huo Wushuang to relax and let himself be absorbed.

Huo Wushuang sacrificed himself to the Gray-Haired Man so Zhao Wuji could complete his breakthrough, and the Gray-Haired Man left the cavern without harming him. After Zhao Wuji became a Title Douluo, a blue-robed youth appeared and erased him, then departed.

• Huo Wushuang let the Gray-Haired Man kill him, and the Bone Tail Scorpion Hook devoured the power dispersing from him.
• The Gray-Haired Man watched Zhao Wuji continue absorbing the ninety-thousand-year Earth Dragon Lizard Soul Ring, then vanished without attacking him.
• Zhao Wuji completed his breakthrough into a Title Douluo and discovered that Huo Wushuang, Feng Xiaotian, and the academy members were gone.
• A blue-robed youth entered the cavern, claimed he had merely been passing through, and offered to escort Zhao Wuji.
• When Zhao Wuji tried to activate Positioning Tracking, the blue-robed youth touched his brow and caused him to vanish into dust.

Kraken reviewed the limits of his abilities after surviving Huo Wushuang’s Ultimate Fire and calculated how many more powerful Soul Masters he needed to restore the Demon Empress. He explained how he had exploited his exact promise to Huo Wushuang to kill Zhao Wuji after Zhao completed his breakthrough, then disappeared into the night.

• Kraken examined Dan-Devour and the Scorpion Tail Arm, noting that Ultimate Fire could weaken his killing technique and risk backlash.
• Kraken concluded that his incomplete state left him vulnerable and that he needed one Title Douluo or twenty Soul Douluo to initially restore the Demon Empress.
• Kraken explained that he had kept his promise not to kill Zhao Wuji during the breakthrough, then left and returned in disguise to kill him at their supposed next meeting.
• Kraken looked back at the burrow where the battle had ended and vanished into the mountain forest.