Douluo Dalu: Lucky Star

When Han Li returned to Heaven Dou City, he found that members of the Worship Hall, including the newly crowned Empress Qian Renxue, had already gathered at his temporary residence.

"Everyone's here, huh? What are you all discussing? And the Empress of Heaven Dou, are you really that free?"

Without a sound, Han Li's figure appeared above the group. Only Qian Daoliu slightly raised his head, having sensed Han Li's presence just before he arrived. The others, including the Ultimate Douluos Guang Ling and Golden Crocodile, only turned after he appeared, a testament to the strength differences even among the elite.

Master, you'd better hurry up and gain a divine inheritance, or you'll soon be outdated. By then, you'll be relying on your disciple.

Han Li found the divine inheritances granted by the God Realm quite disappointing, far from the promises made. Apart from the first few, he suspected the rest were simply for show, intended to foster goodwill. I've given you the opportunity; whether you succeed or not is up to you.

Guang Ling scratched his head awkwardly, feeling that his disciple's gaze was somewhat mocking, and shot back a fierce look.

"Don't even mention it. If I'd known, it would've been better to keep Xue Ye alive."

Qian Renxue seemed a bit irritable, and her tone was sharp.

"Oh? Even the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan has quieted down. Who's still giving you trouble?"

Han Li looked at her in surprise.

Qian Renxue opened her mouth to respond but turned away, seemingly unwilling to answer.

"Don't ask. The officials of the Heaven Dou Empire are pressing her to marry, claiming the empire cannot be without an heir," Guang Ling laughed, winking at Han Li.

"Huh?"

Han Li was stunned for a moment, then burst into uncontrollable laughter. To be honest, he hadn't expected Qian Renxue's predicament to be this, but after thinking it over, it made sense.

"If you laugh again, I'll announce that I'm marrying Lingling and make her Empress."

Qian Renxue stood up, visibly irritated by his reaction.

"That's not impossible. As long as Lingling agrees, I don't mind."

Han Li restrained his laughter, stroking his chin and nodding seriously as if considering it.

"You..."

Qian Renxue was left speechless, her mouth slightly open, unsure of what to say.

"Alright, enough joking. Just delay the matter for now."

Qian Daoliu, still protective of his granddaughter, interrupted Han Li's teasing and resumed discussing the divine trials.

Han Li casually found a seat and listened with interest. He didn't need Qian Renxue to explain; he already knew why everyone had gathered. It made sense they were all here—they were sharing insights. Although each divine trial varied, having some prior knowledge was better than going blind.

As Han Li suspected, the trials for the Angel God focused on the seven emotions, testing a person's character and moral compass. The trials were simply weighted differently for each person. During this time, Qian Daoliu also shared previously undisclosed selection criteria, the first being that one must possess the Angel Martial Soul. This confirmed Han Li's suspicion about the lack of rumors—the trials for the Angel God were monopolized by the Qian family, leaving outsiders without a chance, unless they were like Bo Saixi, able to transform their martial soul post-birth. But the Angel God had been silent for a long time.

Seizing the opportunity, Han Li vaguely recounted the steps for the Sea God and Asura God trials from memory, giving a brief introduction. He reminded them these were just for reference, as his trials had been rigged, making them less reliable. Nonetheless, the others listened intently.

"Alright, that's about it. We'll analyze the specifics when the time comes. By the way, Master, Martial Uncle, take these. You can use them to contact me remotely."

Han Li finished speaking, taking out several pendants from his wristband and distributing them. Golden Crocodile and the others accepted them solemnly, while Qian Daoliu examined his pendant, unable to discern anything from it, his curiosity about Han Li's methods deepening.

"When do we depart?"

Qian Daoliu asked after pocketing the pendant. They'd been in Heaven Dou City for some time, and while he enjoyed spending time with his granddaughter, he hadn't forgotten their main objective and was eager to meet the so-called Beast God, Di Tian.

"We'll leave tomorrow. At our speed, it will take no more than two or three days."

After exchanging glances with several of the women, Han Li responded seriously.

"Good. Everyone, go make your preparations."

Qian Daoliu turned to the others from the Worship Hall, his tone becoming more serious.

"Understood, Big Brother."

The group exchanged looks, nodded in agreement, and left.

"Grandpa, you'll be in charge of taking the Sky Azure Bull Python and Titan Giant Ape away. Stay on the outskirts of a nearby town to guard against any soul beast riots and protect Sister Yan and the others."

Han Li turned to Dugu Bo, who was standing nearby. Even though Dugu Bo had broken through to Level 96 and his martial soul had evolved, he still wasn't suited for direct combat. Keeping him on the outskirts was safer. Although Jiang Long and Jiang Jun were also level 96, they had a martial soul fusion technique, making them incomparable to ordinary Super Douluos. Besides, among the group, the weakest, Lion Douluo, was already Level 97.

"Got it."

Dugu Bo didn't argue and nodded in agreement.

Han Li had already spoken with him beforehand. If a major conflict broke out, Dugu Bo, armed with the Snow Swan Kiss, would be their last line of defense.

"How about we let Snake Lance Douluo and Porcupinefish Douluo come along as well? It's always better to have more people. I could also go with you."

Under the gaze of the others, Qian Renxue's voice softened gradually until she fell silent.

"No need. Regular Titled Douluos won't be of much help this time, and there's a high chance there won't be a fight. As for you, focus on advancing your divine trial."

Han Li shook his head, and his soul power surged. Over his head, a faint red soul ring wrapped in golden light appeared.

"Level 90 already? And that soul ring?"

Guang Ling, visibly excited, slapped Han Li on the shoulder—only to wince from the backlash of the force.

"Yes, 800,000 years. It's similar to a god-bestowed soul ring, self-condensed, but no soul bone."

The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well was no longer a secret, though Han Li hadn't revealed the identities of the Ice and Fire Dragon Kings. The group had a rough understanding of the situation.

"Hiss."

Even though they were somewhat prepared, Han Li's words left them stunned.

Qian Renxue, in particular, felt a growing sense of powerlessness. Despite having passed her first trial and reaching Soul Douluo faster than Han Li, with her soul core, soul bones, and the enhancement from immortal herbs, her eighth soul ring had barely reached 100,000 years. Even Qian Daoliu had been extremely satisfied with her progress. But now, 800,000 years—what kind of concept was that?

Still, she had grown somewhat accustomed to Han Li's breakthroughs. Remembering what her grandfather had said about the difficulty and time required to reach godhood, she managed to maintain her composure.

"I will become a god before you," Qian Renxue reaffirmed her determination.

"Mm, good luck."

Han Li smiled and encouraged her. If she could ascend faster, it would be beneficial to him as well.

Qian Renxue stared at him for a long moment, making sure he wasn't making fun of her, before nodding in satisfaction. In her mind, she resolved to accelerate her progress further, leaving the bothersome work to the ministers.

Qian Daoliu smiled from the side, pleased with the outcome.

Thanks to Han Li's help, the entrance to the Angel Shrine was no longer fixed at the Angel Statue. He and Qian Renxue only needed to carry a small angel statue to enter through prayer and borrow its power. This was the main reason Qian Daoliu had agreed to let Qian Renxue stay in the Heaven Dou Empire after her divine trial began, and why he was also willing to leave Spirit Hall.

Thinking of this, he subconsciously touched the small pendant on his chest. With this, he truly felt invincible under the heavens.

"Alright, Xiao Xue, it's time for you to head back."

Glancing at the time, Qian Daoliu urged.

"Fine. I won't come to see you off tomorrow, so be safe. And if things don't go well, just retreat. Three—no, five years will be enough. I'll help you regain your honor."

Qian Renxue nodded seriously, directing her gaze at Han Li.

"Alright, no problem."

Han Li was briefly stunned, then smiled. She's confident, huh?

"Okay, I'm leaving now."

Qian Renxue bid farewell to the group, then turned into a streak of light and disappeared from the courtyard.

"Let's rest as well."

In the courtyard, Han Li's voice echoed as the group dispersed.

...

The next morning, several figures transformed into streaks of light and sped toward the Star Dou Forest, unnoticed by anyone.

Two days later, in a small town on the edge of the Star Dou Forest, they gathered at an inn.

"Everyone, let's rest here for today. We'll enter tomorrow."

Han Li glanced at the Worship Hall members who didn't seem in the best condition and made the decision. For those whose martial souls didn't allow flight, long-distance flying wasn't exactly pleasant. But running on foot would cause too much commotion, so they had to endure it.

The group nodded and immediately retreated to their rooms.

"Xiao Li, you seem a bit tense."

Guang Ling, instead of leaving, casually slung an arm around his disciple's shoulder and led him outside.

"I am, a bit."

Faced with his master's concern, Han Li didn't lie. He exhaled and followed Guang Ling into the bustling streets.

"No need to feel so much pressure. If it doesn't work out, just take it slow. A Titled Douluo at 15—your master could only dream of that back in the day."

After paying for some food, Guang Ling handed Han Li a skewer of grilled meat, grinning unceremoniously.

"There's nothing a good barbecue can't fix. If one meal doesn't do it, then have two. I remember you were the one who told me that."

For the rest of the evening, Guang Ling didn't bring up anything related to cultivation. He just accompanied Han Li down the street, sampling all the local snacks.

"Get a good night's sleep. If it doesn't work out, we'll just run. I think what Xiao Xue said wasn't a bad idea. Let's go."

Guangling patted Han Li's shoulder meaningfully before heading into his room.

Watching his master close the door, Han Li returned to his room. He sat by the window, staring at the dark silhouette of the Star Dou Forest in the distance.

Still no beast tide.

I wonder what Di Tian's thinking. Tomorrow, I'll likely have my answer.

After sitting for a long time, Han Li's figure disappeared from the window, and the lights in the room dimmed.