Douluo: Soul-Breaking spear

Chapter 81: The Star Dou Forest

With that decision made, Yang Potian and his father set out by carriage for the Sunset Forest. It was their fourth visit, and they knew their way around. But this time, their luck seemed to run dry. After spending seven or eight days there, they found nothing suitable for Yang Potian's needs. The soul beasts they encountered were either too low in age or of poor quality.

According to his estimates, Yang Potian could absorb a spirit ring from a soul beast of up to ten thousand years old. After all, his third ring was already four thousand years old, and he had further strengthened his physique by consuming a rare, five-thousand-year whale gelatin. In the original story, even thousand-year whale gelatin could improve a body's tolerance by five hundred years, so with what he had absorbed, his limit was significantly higher.

After some discussion, they finally decided to try their luck in the Star Dou Forest. The journey was longer, and it took them six or seven days by carriage to arrive.

Once inside, Yang Potian could immediately sense that the atmosphere of the Star Dou Forest was completely different from the Sunset Forest. Here, the energy of life was abundant, and both plants and animals thrived with a vitality that was almost overwhelming. Trees towered hundreds of meters tall, with trunks several meters thick, making even the most majestic trees back on Earth pale in comparison.

As they advanced, his father, Yang Zhentian, reminded him, "Son, the Star Dou Forest holds far more soul beasts of greater variety than any other forest, but it's also far more dangerous. You should know that the forest stretches across both the Heaven Dou and Star Luo Empires, and there's no power in this world that can conquer it."

"The forest's core area, especially, is known as the Zone of Life and Death. Not even Titled Douluos dare venture too far into it, so we must be extra cautious."

Once they entered, Yang Zhentian took out a detailed map of the Star Dou Forest. It divided the forest into three zones: the outer area, stretching roughly two hundred kilometers from the edge; the mixed zone, spanning five hundred kilometers; and the core area, another two hundred kilometers, with the central fifty kilometers known as the Zone of Life and Death. This Zone of Life and Death was rumored to contain the Lake of Life itself.

"Potian, our destination is the mixed zone of the Star Dou Forest. Here, we'll encounter a wide range of soul beasts — some as young as a hundred years, others up to ten thousand years or more. But we need to be cautious, as high-level beasts can appear without warning. Make sure to stay by my side and don't wander off."

Yang Potian examined the map and couldn't help asking, "Father, why does the Star Dou Forest lie partly in Heaven Dou Empire and partly in Star Luo Empire territory?"

"Because neither empire could ever fully conquer the forest. Even the most powerful warriors can fall prey to its dangers. In the last century alone, six or seven Titled Douluos have met their end here. Even the Clear Sky Clan lost an elder in this forest."

Yang Zhentian's warning was well-founded. Even traveling through the outer region, the journey was fraught with dangers, taking them nearly three days. They faced several attacks from soul beasts, some rare enough to be considered treasures — though unfortunately too young for Potian's requirements.

Upon reaching the mixed zone, they became even more vigilant, as ten-thousand-year beasts could appear at any time. That night, Yang Zhentian found an open area for them to rest, spreading a strong soul beast repellent around their camp.

"Father, why aren't we setting up a tent?"

"Remember this, Potian: in the Star Dou Forest, a tent would limit our field of view and make us vulnerable. Especially at night, powerful soul beasts tend to roam. It's safer to stay alert."

The two sat resting, though neither dared to sleep. No one ever risked sleeping in the Star Dou Forest.

Around midnight, Potian noticed a change. The sounds of insects and animal calls had all but vanished, and the air felt unnervingly still.

"Father, something's not right. Doesn't it seem a lot quieter now?"

"You're right. This silence probably means something's watching us."

They remained absolutely still, waiting for any sign of movement.

Suddenly, Potian's vision began to blur. The forest around him melted away, replaced by familiar scenes from his previous life on Earth. Fragments of his past memories floated into view, including moments from when he had first arrived in Douluo Continent and even his night with Ye Lingling.

The visions became increasingly vivid, and he felt himself falling deeper into a trance, losing his sense of reality.

In an instant, the scene shifted dramatically, transforming into a gruesome sight of bodies piled up, rivers of blood everywhere. He found himself on Qingyuan Mountain, the stronghold of the Yang Clan. His father, grandfather, and uncles were locked in desperate combat, surrounded by enemies. Titled Douluos led the assault, and among them were two faces he recognized: Snake Spear Douluo and Linguan Douluo, both known for their role in destroying the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.

The invading force appeared to be from Spirit Hall, besieging the Yang Clan with brutal efficiency. Potian saw his family members lying dead, including his younger sister and mother.

Then, without warning, a powerful image of the Soul Breaker Spear stabbed through his mind, shattering the nightmare like glass. The illusion fell apart, leaving Potian in a void of darkness.

He spat out a mouthful of blood and fainted on the spot. Yang Zhentian, realizing what was happening, picked him up and swiftly fled the area, clutching something mysterious in his free hand.

When Potian awoke, it was midday. The bright sunlight stung his eyes, and his whole body ached, as though he'd been through a life-and-death struggle.

(End of Chapter)

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