This was the culmination of Han Yu's efforts over the past few years. After choosing the thunder attribute, he had successfully developed a powerful technique, Chidori, using the shadow clone technique.
When activated, the high-intensity current formed by his thunder attribute soul power concentrated in his hand, capable of piercing through targets with incredible speed. The combination with the Sharingan amplified its power significantly.
While the combat ability of his shadow clones was limited, they proved invaluable for practicing soul skills and physical techniques. Han Yu could now create two clones, though he knew better than to push his limits. Splitting more would not only reduce their duration but also place an undue burden on his already limited soul power. Once, out of greed, he had created too many clones and ended up unconscious for days. Thankfully, the island had been free of soul beasts during that time.
Since that incident, Han Yu had been cautious. This was not a game world—there were no infinite lives, and he cherished his single existence. Any risky actions were to be avoided, even if it meant slower progress.
Shaking off the sentimentality as he looked back at the island where he had spent six years, Han Yu felt a surge of determination. "It's time to explore! I wonder if Senior Big Head Lang Ya misses me!"
He realized that the people he knew in the Body Sect were few: Long Aotian, Lang Ya, Du Bu Si, and Jin Shen Douluo. With a mix of excitement and trepidation, he prepared to leave his secluded life behind.
The storage soul guide flickered, and a small boat materialized on the sea. This was a gift from Du Bu Si, meant for Han Yu to use when he was ready to leave the island.
As Han Yu jumped onto the boat, a mechanical voice echoed in his mind.
"Ding! System awake! Detected that the host is about to venture into Douluo Continent. The main task 'Battle of Luck' has been released. Please go to Xingdou Great Forest alone to snatch the Tianmeng Ice Silkworm. Reward: golden treasure chest. This opportunity is unique."
"Do you accept? If accepted, the system will automatically teleport the host to the vicinity of Xingdou Great Forest! You can choose to decline!"
Han Yu paused, surprised by the sudden activation of the system. He had intended to return to the Body Sect and summon Du Bu Si to join him.
"Uh, System, is there any punishment for failure? Like… erasing the host?" Han Yu asked cautiously.
"Ding! Rest assured, this system is designed to help the host become stronger. There are no penalties for failure, and there will be rewards for success!" The system's indifferent voice reassured him, and Han Yu sighed in relief. At least the system wasn't malicious, and he had the option to decline the task.
"What does the golden treasure chest offer?" Han Yu wondered aloud, intrigued by the reward's significance.
"Ding! The golden treasure chest belongs to the god-level category in Douluo Continent and can open god-level items, soul bones, soul rings, artifacts, and treasures from other worlds," the system explained.
Han Yu's eyes lit up with excitement. He hadn't expected such a significant reward so soon. "System, I accept! Teleport me!"
"Ding! Mission accepted. Teleporting…"
A bright white light enveloped Han Yu, and he quickly vanished from the island.
"Wait! My boat!" Han Yu's voice echoed as he disappeared.
Moments later, a flash of light resolved, and Han Yu found himself not far from the Xingdou Great Forest. However, he landed awkwardly, tumbling to the ground and groaning in pain.
"System, what just happened?" Han Yu rubbed his sore backside, looking around in confusion.
"Ding! The system is running low on energy. Transmission interrupted. Current location: ten miles from the Star Dou Great Forest."
Han Yu couldn't help but twitch his mouth. He had known the system was unreliable, but this was a new level of incompetence. Fortunately, the distance wasn't too far, and he could reach the forest quickly.
"Forget it. I won't blame you this time, but seriously, who designed such an unreliable system?"
The system remained silent.
Han Yu got up, adjusted his hair, and channeled his soul power, sprinting toward the Star Dou Great Forest. With the mission titled "Battle of Fate," he knew he had to reach the Tianmeng Ice Silkworm before Huo Yuhao. Not only would the million-year soul ring be perfect for him, but the ice silkworm itself was also an enticing prize.
Meanwhile, in the God Realm, a man wielding a harpoon frowned as he stood enveloped in mist.
"Ten thousand years have passed, and the Tang Sect I founded is in decline. I need to find a way to revive it," he muttered to himself.
A girl with scorpion braids approached him, concern in her eyes. "Third brother, are you still worried about the Tang Sect?"
"Xiao Wu," he sighed, "we've only been here for over twenty years, but a whole decade has passed in Douluo Continent. The Tang Sect now has only two or three members left."
"The rise of soul guide devices has led to our decline. I can't just sit by and watch."
The harpoon man sighed deeply, worry etched across his brow.
"Third brother, the times are changing. The rise of soul guide devices has rendered hidden weapons obsolete. The Tang Sect's decline is inevitable, and as a god king, there's little you can do to change that. We can't descend to the mortal realm."
Xiao Wu leaned against the harpoon man, offering comfort. "It's alright. We'll find a way."
He managed a slight smile. "Oh? I wouldn't be so sure! I can sense that the son of destiny has been born, and my Tang Sect will surely rise again!" His eyes, filled with a distant gaze, seemed to pierce through the clouds, envisioning a brighter future.
Meanwhile, on the outskirts of the Star Dou Great Forest, Han Yu was sprinting, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.
Not far away, a thin boy wielding a white tiger dagger was locked in battle with a baboon-like soul beast. He appeared to be at a disadvantage, constantly evading the creature's relentless attacks, his life hanging by a thread.
Suddenly, a flash of white light erupted as the boy lunged forward, plunging the dagger into the baboon's chest. The creature froze momentarily before collapsing to the ground, a circle of white soul rings materializing around it. The boy had triumphed, albeit narrowly.
"Finally, I've encountered a human with spiritual attributes. If only I could cry, I would be in tears!"
A voice echoed in the boy's mind, followed by a sensation of something rushing into his body—swelling, painful, overwhelming. That was his last thought before an icy chill engulfed him, rendering him unconscious.
The sky, once clear, darkened ominously, and thunder rumbled ominously overhead. A heavy pressure descended, filling the air with tension.
Han Yu, having just arrived, was struck by a sharp pain in his heart as he saw Huo Yuhao's unconscious form. Desperation surged within him.
"No!" he cried out silently, instinctively rushing forward.