Douluo Dalu: Starting Evolution as the Man-Faced Demon Spider

Time seemed to fly by as Fang Chang anxiously awaited the rumored Soul Hunting Convention. However, despite the buzz, there was no indication it would begin anytime soon.

To prepare for the arrival of soul masters, Fang Chang had long retreated to his Star Dou Underground Nest. Over the next few days, he thoroughly examined every corner of the nest, laying traps in wider passageways to guard against potential intrusions by humans.

Yet, one day passed. Two days. Three, four...

An entire week had gone by since overhearing the adventurers' conversation, and still, there was no sign of the convention starting.

Could those humans have lied to me? Fang Chang wondered, growing increasingly suspicious.

During this period, however, the Star Dou Forest began to exhibit noticeable changes.

Starting on the fifth day after Fang Chang encountered the human soul masters, the number of humans in the area sharply declined. By night, campfires—once scattered throughout the forest—were nowhere to be seen.

This shift in human activity had a ripple effect. The forest's soul beasts, now free from human interference, grew bolder. Even some powerful species that typically resided deeper within the forest occasionally ventured into the outer regions.

That night, Fang Chang set his sights on a 120-year Wind Demon Wolf that had strayed from its pack.

These creatures typically moved in groups, but this one appeared to have been separated for some reason and was now wandering alone—unlucky enough to cross paths with the hunting Fang Chang.

This time, Fang Chang made no attempt to hide. Activating his Leap skill, he suddenly appeared directly in front of the wolf.

The Wind Demon Wolf snarled, baring its teeth in warning. From its throat came a low growl that vibrated through its fangs—a clear signal: Back off, or I'll bite.

Fang Chang ignored it entirely, advancing steadily toward the wolf.

Seeing its opponent approaching, the wolf instinctively backed up, raising its head to howl—a desperate attempt to summon its packmates.

But Fang Chang remained undeterred. For every step the wolf retreated, he took two forward. The gap between them quickly closed.

Finally, the wolf's instincts failed it. It ceased retreating, instead leaping forward in a desperate bid to fight Fang Chang head-on.

What greeted it was an icy, unyielding spider leg.

In one swift motion, Fang Chang's leg—sharp as a spear—pierced through the wolf's skull.

The leg hovered in midair, the wolf's lifeless body impaled on its tip. White and red fluids dripped from the spider leg, pooling on the ground below in a gruesome display.

Such sights no longer fazed Fang Chang.

He had grown into a true predator, with none of the unease he'd felt when first encountering such carnage.

Expressionless, Fang Chang retracted his leg, letting the wolf's body drop to the ground. He opened his maw, tore off one of its legs, and began to crunch on the flesh.

With humans gone, hunting had become much easier. He no longer had to worry about drawing unwanted attention from soul masters.

In fact, the idea of the Spirit Hall sealing off this part of the Star Dou Forest didn't seem so bad anymore.

After finishing the wolf, Fang Chang changed his direction. Instead of venturing further out, he headed toward the area near one of his nest's entrances.

Despite the lack of movement from the Soul Hunting Convention, Fang Chang remained vigilant.

If those soul masters storm in while I'm caught unprepared outside, it could be deadly, he thought.

For this reason, he restricted his hunting to the vicinity of his nest, always ensuring he could retreat quickly if needed.

After hours of cautious activity, the sky began to lighten with the red hues of dawn. Fang Chang, now weary, returned to his nest.

Sliding into the entrance tunnel, he used his spider legs to push a pre-prepared pile of leaves and brush over the entrance, camouflaging it once more.

Inside, he carefully inspected the traps he'd set in the central chamber, ensuring everything was in order before finally allowing himself to rest.

The chamber had undergone significant renovations.

There was now a stone bed and a crude set of stone tables and chairs. Though far from refined, they added a hint of familiarity and comfort to the space—a faint echo of the home Fang Chang once knew.

Lying against the central stone platform, Fang Chang's mind drifted as he fell into sleep.

When will this cursed Soul Hunting Convention start? he wondered bitterly. Living on edge like this is exhausting.

Meanwhile, outside the Star Dou Forest, in the plaza of the Spirit Hall's Whitewater City branch, a grand scene was unfolding.

A stunning woman in luxurious purple robes, her face veiled with sheer fabric, gracefully ascended the main platform, surrounded by a crowd of admirers.

The plaza below was packed with tens of thousands of spectators, divided into distinct groups.

The innermost circle comprised the Spirit Hall's elite and high-ranking officials from various factions. They sat at tables laden with fine food and drink, occasionally rising to bow respectfully toward the veiled woman on the platform.

She, however, seemed indifferent to the proceedings. She occasionally nodded to a select few elderly figures of high status but otherwise paid no attention to the crowd.

Surrounding this inner circle was a group of young participants, most of whom appeared between the ages of 14 and 25. These youths radiated strong soul power, with most having already reached three-ring Soul Elder levels.

Among them, three individuals stood out.

Two men and one woman, positioned at the center of the group, exuded an aura of unmatched confidence and strength.

These three, known as the Golden Generation of the Spirit Hall, were the focal point of reverence and whispers.

One of them, the woman, was even rumored to be the next Holy Maiden of the Spirit Hall—a potential successor to the current Pope.

Though they were among the youngest present, their power was undeniable. All three had reached the level of four-ring Soul Ancestors, placing them at the pinnacle of talent for their age.

Many speculated that the entire Soul Hunting Convention had been orchestrated to showcase their prowess.

After all, not everyone could be like a certain overpowered protagonist who reached god-like levels at age 13.

Behind these three stood participants representing the Whitewater City Spirit Hall branch. Among them were four familiar faces—members of the team Fang Chang had previously encountered.

The only unfamiliar figure was a strikingly curvaceous woman at the center of their formation.

As the atmosphere reached a fever pitch, the veiled woman on the main platform slowly rose to her feet.

In an instant, the plaza fell silent, the tens of thousands of attendees holding their breath in unison.