The heavy wooden door creaked open at Ju Doulou's knock, revealing the austere chambers of Crocodile Doulou. The level 98 Title Doulou sat cross-legged on a weathered mat, his eyes closed in meditation. Even at rest, his presence filled the room with an oppressive weight that made Ju Doulou's knees weak.
"Speak," Crocodile Doulou commanded, his voice rough like gravel, eyes remaining closed.
Ju Doulou quickly recounted his failed mission to the Red Thunder Family compound and Qian Doulou's subsequent order. As he spoke of the nine Title Douluo, each above level 95, Crocodile Doulou's eyes snapped open, their reptilian vertical pupils narrowing to thin slits.
"Nine Title Douluo?" he repeated, rising slowly to his feet. His massive frame towered over Ju Doulou, muscles rippling beneath his scaled skin. "And they dared to dismiss Qian Doulou's decree?"
Ju Doulou nodded nervously, taking an involuntary step back. "Yes, Elder. They seemed... confident in their strength."
Crocodile Doulou fell silent, his expression thoughtful. After a moment, he began pacing the room, his heavy footsteps echoing off the stone walls. "Red Thunder Dragon Family," he muttered, almost to himself. "Dragon Martial Soul practitioners..."
Understanding dawned in his eyes, followed by a flash of concern he quickly masked. As one of Spirit Hall's most powerful enforcers, he knew well the unique advantages possessed by those with Dragon Martial Souls. Unlike other Title Douluo, they could achieve complete dragon transformation, multiplying their combat effectiveness far beyond their nominal level.
The implications were clear. If the Red Thunder Family had multiple Dragon Martial Soul practitioners among their Title Douluo, their actual fighting capacity could far exceed expectations. It reminded him uncomfortably of the Blue Tyrant Dragon Sect, whose level 97 Title Douluo could match even level 98 practitioners in direct combat thanks to their dragon transformation ability.
"This requires careful consideration," Crocodile Doulou said finally, turning back to Ju Doulou. "I will not go alone. Such a force demands... appropriate respect."
Ju Doulou bowed deeply. "What shall I report to Qian Doulou?"
"Tell him I accept the mission," Crocodile Doulou replied, his voice resolute. "But I will be taking two additional Title Douluo with me. We must be prepared for any eventuality."
After Ju Doulou's departure, Crocodile Doulou made his way to the Elder Hall, his mind working through potential strategies. The Red Thunder Family's defiance was unprecedented, but their strength suggested it wasn't mere bravado. This would require a carefully measured approach.
The grand halls of the Elder residence echoed with his footsteps as he sought out his chosen companions. First, he located Azure Luan Douluo, the level 97 master whose control over wind and sky had earned him recognition throughout the cultivation world. The elegant practitioner was tending to his sky-blue spirit birds when Crocodile Doulou found him.
"Brother Azure," Crocodile Doulou called out, "I require your assistance with a delicate matter."
After explaining the situation, Azure Luan Douluo's refined features showed immediate understanding. "Dragon Martial Soul practitioners," he mused, stroking his beard. "No wonder you seek additional support. Count me in, Brother Crocodile."
Their next stop was the training grounds, where they found Mighty Lion Douluo, the level 96 powerhouse known for his ferocious combat style. The muscular practitioner was drilling younger disciples, his booming voice carrying across the courtyard as he corrected their forms.
When Crocodile Doulou explained the mission, Mighty Lion Douluo's eyes lit up with battle-hungry excitement. "A family of dragon souls daring to challenge Spirit Hall? Interesting... very interesting."
Gathering his chosen companions in a private chamber, Crocodile Doulou outlined his thoughts. "This is not a punitive expedition," he cautioned, particularly eyeing Mighty Lion Douluo's eager expression. "Our primary goal is to assess their true strength and, if possible, discover the source of their detailed intelligence about Spirit Hall."
Azure Luan Douluo nodded sagely. "And perhaps remind them that Spirit Hall's power extends beyond Qian Doulou alone?"
"Precisely," Crocodile Doulou confirmed. "But we must be cautious. Dragon Martial Soul practitioners are not to be underestimated, especially in numbers. We go to observe and evaluate, not to provoke unnecessary conflict."
The three powerful Title Douluo spent the next hour discussing strategy and coordination. Each had faced Dragon Martial Soul practitioners before, but never in such numbers. Their combined experience would be crucial in navigating this dangerous mission.
As they concluded their planning, Crocodile Doulou looked at his chosen companions with grave seriousness. "Tomorrow, we visit the Red Thunder Family. Be prepared for anything. They've shown they're not afraid to challenge Spirit Hall openly – we must be ready for whatever power they possess that gives them such confidence."
The other two Title Douluo nodded in agreement, their expressions determined. The mission ahead would test not just their individual strengths, but their ability to work together against a potentially superior force. The balance of power in the cultivation world might well hang on what they discovered at the Red Thunder Family compound.
As night fell over Spirit Hall, three of its most powerful practitioners prepared for what might be their most challenging mission yet. The Red Thunder Family's defiance had set in motion events that would reshape the cultivation world, and tomorrow's encounter would be just the beginning.