Douluo Dalu: Lucky Star

"In those inheritances, none seem to suit me particularly well. How about I just stick with you instead?"

Guang Ling scratched his head in frustration as Han Li brought up the topic.

The elders of the Worship Hall had all coincidentally set their sights on the inheritance of the God of War, while Azure Luan planned to attempt the trials of the God of Phoenix and the God of Speed. Guang Ling, however, genuinely didn't know where he should go.

"It's fine. With Grand Uncle here, you don't need to worry. At least give it a try. Even if it only allows you to increase the age of your soul rings, it'll be worth it. If it doesn't work out, I'll speak to them and see if we can find something that suits you," Han Li said, feeling somewhat helpless. He couldn't create something out of nothing. Once he became a god, however, these issues would no longer matter—making someone a god wouldn't be difficult at all.

The emergence of three additional first-tier god slots had already been beyond his expectations. Now, even the Divine Realm wasn't paying attention. Perhaps his master's situation would have to be entrusted to the Sea God.

Hmm, still no word from Grandpa Dugu. Maybe I should strengthen him again—he doesn't have much of a competitive edge.

After giving Ye Lingling the Blue Silver Emperor's essence, aside from enhancing her healing abilities and influence over plants, its effects were limited. As for the Golden Holy Dragon's essence, I still haven't found a suitable candidate. Strengthening Grandpa Dugu once more to help his martial soul evolve again and improve his chances in the god trials seems like a good idea.

Yes, I'll do that, Han Li decided silently. With Sister Yan around, Grandpa likely wouldn't resist changes to his martial soul anymore. Once they both accept the sacrifice, I'll inform him.

"Oh, I was just saying. Don't worry about it—your matters are more important," Guang Ling shook his head. He had already achieved and even surpassed his goals; he didn't want to hold Han Li back over his concerns.

"I'll act within my limits," Han Li said with a smile, understanding his master's intentions.

With the pile of soul bones set aside, Qian Daoliu finally opened his eyes, watching the conversation between master and disciple with a smile. Sending Guang Ling to take on an apprentice might have been the wisest decision he'd ever made.

...

Perhaps knowing they'd part for a while, the group gathered together, chatting and laughing as they wound down their day.

The next morning, after Han Li provided their destinations, Golden Crocodile and the others were the first to depart. Their spirits were high, as if they'd regained the heroic ambition of their youth. Who would have thought that, in their old age, they'd once again have such a clear goal?

Han Li and the others left the small town, heading for a secluded area. It was time to deal with Da Ming and Er Ming. Although they were hundred-thousand-year-old soul beasts, the group had been through this before, so no one was particularly surprised. Only Qian Daoliu, seeing it for the first time, watched with curiosity.

Han Li took a bag from Dugu Bo's hand, and his Evil God Hook appeared, instantly disintegrating its contents. Two large ice blocks fell to the ground. Da Ming and Er Ming, weakened and still unable to break free, were in exactly the condition Han Li needed.

Nodding to Xiu'er and Dugu Yan, Han Li sealed the surrounding area and activated the Ice-Fire Domain. At the same time, the dragon horns on his head emerged, delivering a final blow to the two brothers. Under Qian Daoliu's widened gaze, the dazed beasts were manipulated directly into offering a sacrifice.

Two blood-red beams shot into the sky, and when Da Ming and Er Ming regained consciousness, they were powerless, unable even to self-destruct. Helpless, they could only watch as their entire beings, including their souls, flowed into Dugu Yan and Xiu'er. Amid their roars and curses, even their souls were consumed.

No one paid attention to their struggles. Until their deaths, they only knew that those who captured them had some connection to their beloved Xiao Wu and seemed to be from the Spirit Hall.

As the energy gradually calmed, Han Li watched as Dugu Yan and Xiu'er obtained their seventh soul rings, ascending to the level of Soul Sage. Above their heads, the sight of the blood-red, hundred-thousand-year soul rings and soul bones was striking. Qian Daoliu remained silent, finally grasping why Han Li's companions were so extraordinary.

Had he known this sooner, he'd never have allowed Qian Renxue to stay in Heaven Dou City.

Fortunately, Xiao Xue'er was thriving in her efforts. Comforting himself, he regarded Han Li with an increasingly curious gaze. This was beyond his understanding; even some gods didn't possess such abilities.

Han Li only smiled, choosing not to explain.

Since they'd be traveling together, Qian Daoliu would eventually have to accept certain things.

As Xiu'er and Dugu Yan continued meditating, Han Li turned his attention to Dugu Bo.

Dugu Bo summoned his martial soul, examined it briefly, and then moved aside. Taking a small ice crystal bottle from Han Li, he tossed it into the open mouth of his martial soul and sat down.

"Strengthening Grandpa's martial soul will make the god trials easier," Han Li explained to the puzzled Qian Daoliu, who nodded and continued observing.

Half a day later, Han Li removed the area seal, and the group emerged.

There was little need to discuss Xiu'er and Dugu Yan—they'd reached Soul Sage level, and with their soul cores' support, their future growth would be even faster. Han Li also handed them the soul bones sent by Di Tian; now was the time to maximize their use. With the god trials and the comprehensive enhancement from absorbing the soul bones, their path forward was clear—all they had to do was forge ahead.

As for Dugu Bo, his martial soul had evolved into a dragon-type martial soul, now combining abilities in lightning, water, fire, and poison. His protective golden light had transformed into a five-colored glow, and with his newfound strength, he successfully broke through to level 97.

Qian Daoliu, after reflecting for half a day, had finally settled his thoughts. Perhaps, in this final stage of his life, he would witness many more extraordinary things.

After a brief rest, Han Li looked at the others. The atmosphere was heavy—it was time for farewells.

"There's no need to feel sad. We'll see each other again soon. Besides, you all have the pendants, don't you?"

Among the group, Xiu'er and Zhu Zhuqing were the quietest. According to the plan, they would be leaving first. Xiu'er had rarely been apart from Han Li since she was six years old, and Zhu Zhuqing, though typically silent, was the most reliant on him.

"At most half a year, and we'll be able to do more than just have conversations," Han Li promised solemnly as he reattached the pendants to them.

With fewer people around, he felt a bit out of place himself. But for the sake of the future, they had to part temporarily. Han Li couldn't accompany them through the god trials—these were obstacles they had to overcome alone, a necessary price to pay.

"We'll pass the god trials as quickly as possible," the Xiu'er and Zhu Zhuqing exchanged a glance, their expressions resolute. Their inheritance locations weren't far apart; in fact, they were quite close, allowing them to form a duo.

"Alright. If anything happens, contact me immediately."

After giving each of them a hug, Han Li watched with a smile as they disappeared.

"Tsk, are you sure we shouldn't follow them, just to keep an eye on things?"

Guang Ling shook his head but cast a glance at Han Li.

"No need. Their strength is more than enough. Average opponents won't be a match for them. Besides, Master, the place you're going isn't in the same direction as theirs."

This had been planned long ago. He wanted everyone to improve, and babysitting wasn't part of the plan.

"Alright then, since you're confident, we'll head out too. See you later, and wish your master here some good luck."

Guang Ling lowered his arm from around Han Li's shoulder, gave him a light nudge in the chest, and pulled Dugu Bo, who was still saying goodbye to his granddaughter, along. He exchanged a glance with Azure Luan, and the two drifted away.

"Big Brother, I'm leaving my precious disciple in your hands. If he acts up, feel free to set him straight. Hahaha!"

His laughter echoed in the distance, lightening the mood that had been heavy from the farewells.

Han Li watched his master's retreating figure and couldn't help but laugh.

"Well then, Grand Uncle, we should be on our way too."

He glanced at the remaining four people. Thanks to Guang Ling's interruption, the atmosphere had improved significantly.

"Where are we headed?"

Qian Daoliu asked as he rose into the air.

"Let's head back to Heaven Dou City first. Lingling is there, so we need to make a stop anyway. Plus, Xiao Xue'er sent a message, so we can handle both matters at once. As for the Extreme North, there's no rush—we can wait for news from Di Tian."

As he spoke, wings appeared behind Han Li and the others as they took to the air. The remaining group all had decent flying abilities.

Upon hearing this, Qian Daoliu's body stiffened slightly. He unconsciously touched the small angel statue near his chest, then turned toward Han Li, trying to appear casual.

"When did Xiao Xue'er send you a message? What did she say?"

Though he knew the two communicated through the pendants and that he didn't have permission to access their messages—all communication still had to go through Han Li for now—he couldn't help but feel a bit bitter. He was her grandfather, yet he hadn't received any messages from her. Xiao Xue'er could have come to the Angel Temple to see him if she wanted.

Clearly...

Han Li noticed that Qian Daoliu's gaze had turned somewhat unfriendly. His eye twitched slightly as he realized what was happening—well, that's what happens when communication is inconvenient.

Hmm, when we get back, I'll have to remind Qian Renxue to show her lonely grandfather a little more attention. After all, Qian Daoliu would be accompanying him to Sea God Island soon, and he didn't want to keep facing that kind of gaze.

"It's nothing major. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan wants her to act as a mediator. Since it's on the way, we'll handle it as we go."

Han Li shook his head. The matter had been postponed long enough; the terms had changed.