Douluo Dalu: Lucky Star

The reason Han Li sought out Gu Yue wasn't just to pass the time; he intended to ask her to check with the other great beast clans to see if any soul beasts were nearing the end of their lives. If not, she could always bring one back—extending life for a few more decades through other means wasn't a bad idea, after all.

As for contracting a soul spirit, he had studied the method. Unlike Electrolux's deep magical techniques, Han Li's approach was more about adjusting the underlying rules to form a symbiotic bond between both parties. Initially, he considered using soul spirits but ultimately dismissed the idea. It couldn't resolve the fundamental conflict.

The simplest solution would be if soul beasts left no soul rings when they died and human soul masters didn't require soul rings for cultivation. But right now, that was out of his reach.

Besides, soul rings weren't entirely useless; they acted like pre-set spell slots—quick and convenient, requiring only a channeling of soul power. There was no need to reject them completely, was there?

The reason for all of this? Naturally, to gain allies. Ning Fengzhi was the first major faction leader to support him, so Han Li thought he could offer him a little special treatment. It wasn't a big deal to him, and it would improve his standing with the soul beasts.

Look, even though I haven't reached godhood yet and can't completely rewrite the rules, I'm trying my best!

The real reason was simple: it was just the easiest option.

The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda's martial soul had a flaw. Its inability to advance was due to a lack of sufficient energy.

In the original story, Ning Rongrong overcame this bottleneck by consuming immortal herbs—a method that essentially provided a higher-level energy infusion. Strength brings miracles.

The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda's auxiliary abilities were exceptional, representing vast potential. But, as the saying goes, "fate's gifts come with a price," and the energy needed to push it to greater heights was naturally immense.

The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda was similar to the Byakugan in Naruto—its functionality and abilities were elegant. But to cross the chasm to reach the next level, more effort was required.

As support-type soul masters, they typically relied on basic body strengthening and soul ring absorption. Why push further?

This vicious cycle of insufficient energy hindered advancement. Even with soul bones, it wasn't enough to break through that barrier.

Han Li could have used his accumulated immortal spiritual energy to help Ning Fengzhi's martial soul evolve, but could he afford that? Of course not. Gu Yue could provide faith energy, but Ning Fengzhi couldn't. And even if he could, how much could the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan contribute? Without knowing exactly how much energy the transformation required, Han Li decided not to risk it. He was building his power and couldn't spare it.

So, Han Li opted for a simpler, more direct method: he contracted a soul spirit for Ning Fengzhi to push his martial soul to the Eight Treasures level. That should be sufficient.

As a bonus, Ning Fengzhi would gain an additional bodyguard. Wouldn't that make him overjoyed? Moreover, this would have a significant impact on the continent. When Ning Fengzhi led the charge for Han Li, it would be even more persuasive.

If Han Li was satisfied with the outcome, he could always assist Ning Rongrong in the future.

As for the other disciples of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, Han Li couldn't help them right now, nor did he want to. After he ascended to godhood, the energy level and density of the Douluo Continent would naturally rise. Over time, they'd evolve independently. It might take a while, but why worry about the present when they could continue cultivating?

Ning Fengzhi would surely understand. After all, the only cost so far was a verbal martial soul oath.

After confirming things with Gu Yue, Han Li severed the connection and reached out to the group undergoing their divine trials.

As expected, Xiu'er and Zhu Zhuqing had already started their trials, progressing smoothly. According to them, it felt almost as if the trials were designed specifically for them. They just had to follow the steps.

The worship elders' situation, however, wasn't as ideal. They were still undergoing a screening process before the real trials began, though it wasn't too difficult.

So far, only Golden Crocodile Douluo had advanced to the War God's trial, though details of his progress were unclear. Han Li sensed he was in a mental illusion but chose not to interfere, waiting instead for Golden Crocodile to reach out when ready.

Guang Ling, Azure Luan, and Dugu Bo were in a similar situation. They had gone to the Phoenix God's inheritance grounds, joined by Spirit Kite Douluo, Han Li's soon-to-be master's wife, who wasn't actively working with them.

After consuming the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower and evolving her martial soul into a Phoenix, she, like Golden Crocodile Douluo, had entered the formal trial. The other three, however, withdrew and were preparing to head to the Speed God's trial next.

Regarding his soon-to-be master's wife, Han Li could only shake his head. He now understood why Guang Ling had been inactive.

She had once received favors from Bibi Dong. Although she wasn't as highly regarded as Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo, she still felt a lingering loyalty, which caused delays. At their levels, they were still young by cultivation standards, so there was no urgency.

In this case, Guang Ling had no choice but to bring her along. And from the looks of things, it was going well.

Compared to the younger generation, the older generation's situation made Han Li frown, but it wasn't surprising. Divine trials depended on talent and compatibility, but since they'd been given the opportunity, why not be a bit generous?

It seemed likely that Azure Luan would pass the Speed God's trial, but his master and Dugu Bo might not. At best, they might enhance their soul rings. They might still end up relying on the Sea God.

If all else failed, they'd have to wait until Han Li became a god. Don't want to arrange something for my master? Fine, when the time comes, I'll just kill you all. Han Li grumbled inwardly, though mostly in jest. Gaining two extra slots had already been a pleasant surprise for him.

Once he achieved his goals, wouldn't he be able to choose divine positions freely? He was shamelessly proud of his connections. After chatting with his master for a bit, Han Li severed the connection. Initially, he had reserved the Sea God's position for his master, but his master had declined.

In his own words, "An enhanced version of Ye Lingling, the top-tier Nine Heart Begonia soul master, would be far stronger than having me as just another combatant."

Guang Ling believed he couldn't beat the individuals Han Li had personally trained at the same level, so he gave up and asked Han Li to compensate him later. He even joked that he had already climbed his way to being an Ultimate Douluo and didn't mind waiting a bit longer. This made Han Li both amused and exasperated, but in the end, he agreed.

My master deserves the honor of entering the Endless Flame Domain. Han Li pushed aside his scattered thoughts and returned to his cultivation.

Meanwhile, Qian Daoliu was enjoying a rather pleasant life. He was spending quality time with his granddaughter. After Qian Renxue had handed over her duties, he helped her advance through her divine trials while also savoring family life. He was more than happy to stay in Heaven Dou City for a while longer.

...

Two days passed in the blink of an eye.

With half a day remaining before the agreed time, Han Li received a message from Gu Yue: they had arrived with the goods. Not wasting any time, Han Li informed the others and made his way to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's residence in Heaven Dou City.

"All right, let's go," Han Li said, looking at the excited Ning Fengzhi.

"All right." Ning Fengzhi immediately stood up, glancing at Sword and Bone Douluo as well as the eager Ning Rongrong.

"Just you alone will do; there's no need for everyone. Don't worry, it'll be quick," Han Li said, following Ning Fengzhi's gaze but declining the others. Even though they had sworn allegiance, it wasn't necessary to bring them along. They weren't that close.

Ning Fengzhi nodded. After all, there was no reason to fear Han Li now that they had pledged their loyalty.

Ignoring Ning Rongrong's hopeful gaze, and under the astonished eyes of Sword and Bone Douluo, Han Li stuffed Ning Fengzhi into his wristband.

"Don't worry. I'll have him back in half a day at most. If you're concerned, you can wait at my place," Han Li said, his Evil God Hook emerging from behind him as he stepped into the space portal, leaving the three of them in shock.

"Old Bone, can you do that?"

Chenxin (Sword Douluo) asked, looking at Gu Rong (Bone Douluo), who also had spatial abilities.

"I can't even compare. I can barely hop around the courtyard," Gu Rong muttered, his face flushing under the combined stares of Chenxin and Ning Rongrong before letting out a curse.

"Well, we'll just have to wait," Chenxin said, glancing at his old friend and then at Ning Rongrong before sitting back down. His sword felt a little dull now.

On the other side, after stepping out of the spatial rift, Han Li found Gu Yue and the others already waiting for him.

The once-intimidating great beasts that had glared at him the last time now stood obediently behind Di Tian, like schoolchildren standing at attention. Bear Lord even had a large bump on his head, as if he'd been beaten, his face practically screaming, "I've learned my lesson."

Han Li didn't bother probing into their internal dynamics. After exchanging greetings with Gu Yue and Di Tian, he led them toward the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.

As for the great beasts' clans, Han Li didn't need to ask. He had already sensed that Gu Yue had a fully constructed space around her, likely holding all of them within.

I'll have to learn that—it's way more practical than a ring.

Once inside the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, Gu Yue released the great beasts' clans and deployed her space, hiding it in the surrounding mountains.

Watching the great beasts direct their clans and discuss where to settle in the Sunset Forest, Han Li shook his head. And this was only part of their clans.

With the great beasts here, it wouldn't take long for the Sunset Forest to become a second Star Dou Forest. Meanwhile, the original Star Dou Forest would finally live up to its reputation as a true sanctuary for soul beasts, hidden from human soul masters.

Quite the covert operation, Han Li thought to himself as he sensed the space Gu Yue had deployed.

"Can I go inside and have a look? I've still got someone in my ring," Han Li asked.

It was only because they were on his turf that Han Li could detect this space so easily. Back in the Star Dou Forest, he hadn't noticed a thing and had needed a little trick to pinpoint its location.

"All right," Gu Yue replied without surprise, as she had already revealed this before.

With a wave of her hand, a silver portal appeared on the mountainside, and she stepped inside.

Without hesitation, Han Li followed her through the portal.