DD Spiritual Sword [621-626] END (Patreon)

Chapter 621: The Godhoods of the Asura God and the Holy Emperor

Gu Yuena put away the Golden Dragon King's bloodline power, shot the God of Destruction a mocking look, and said, "What's wrong, even you, God of Destruction, know fear? Just now you let killing intent slip toward me more than once, but forced it back each time. You really can't stand soul beasts, can you?"

"That's right. I don't like soul beasts," the God of Destruction said bluntly, not denying his disgust. "It wasn't easy for the God Realm to purge all beast-type deities. Your appearance will bring them back. The God Realm will fall into chaos again—who knows, another divine war like back then might break out."

"That's a mistaken view. Soul beasts or humans, they are all living beings of the world and ought to enjoy an equal right to become gods under the laws of heaven and earth," Tianlin said as he flew over with the others.

"Humans have short lifespans but strong cultivation ability; to become gods, they need to find a god position's inheritance, and creating a new position is even harder. Those are humans' strengths and weaknesses. Soul beasts live long and cultivate with difficulty, but to become gods they only need to reach the natural threshold—when a million years comes, survive the tribulation, and they ascend. That's the soul beasts' advantage. Every race has its own traits. Humans and soul beasts may be mutually hostile, but as a God King who oversees all planes, one should treat all races equally."

"But the God Realm has made the ten-thousand-year tribulations for soul beasts far too difficult now. As the new Asura God, holding the power of enforcement, I intend to adjust the soul beast tribulations back to their proper ancient difficulty."

Hearing this, the God of Destruction frowned. "You truly intend this? The Gods of Life and Kindness won't agree either."

"I'm not asking your opinions. I'm informing you," Tianlin said coldly. "I don't care how your laws worked before, but henceforth, the laws I administer must be fair. Everyone is bound by law: members of your God Realm Committee, and myself as well."

"Also, laws must not be altered lightly. Once established, I will promulgate them to all creation. They can't be casually changed by a mere committee vote. Not even by me. Whoever violates the law, I, Jun Tianlin, will not forgive lightly."

Tianlin might have lived freely before, but he had decided that before the human–soul beast issue was completely resolved, he would not relinquish the Asura God's seat—this was his promise to Gu Yuena.

As long as he remained Asura God, his stance on law had to be forceful, with strict enforcement.

"Not only that. I have now attained the Holy Emperor god position, but its divine seat is not yet set. I hereby define it: the Holy Emperor's divine seat is to find a path for humans and soul beasts to coexist."

In the Douluo God Realm, Tianlin's word was law now. As soon as he spoke, the God Realm Core acknowledged his divine seat—guiding humans and soul beasts onto the correct future path would be his responsibility.

"Haha, Destruction, accept your fate," the Asura God said, flying out of the God Realm passage. "I've told you, a god must not be too selfish. You may have been born in the God Realm, but it doesn't belong to you alone. All living beings have the right to enter it. You keep saying soul beasts are a source of pollution for the God Realm—your heart is far too small."

Seeing him, Tianlin was overjoyed. "Great! Senior Asura God, you're safe—that puts me at ease."

"Thanks to you, I'm not only fine, I've improved. I'm just one step from the Supreme God King level. Now I can wander farther across the cosmos. No more seat—my body feels light, and I feel wonderful," the Asura God laughed, patting Tianlin's shoulder. Choosing this successor was the best decision of his life.

"Forget it, have it your way. You'll administer the law from now on. I still have many sins to atone for," the God of Destruction sighed and turned back toward the God Realm.

Those words signaled his acceptance of Tianlin's stance. He had no real choice; seeing Tianlin's resolve, insisting further would mean another fight, and at this point Tianlin could crush him with a finger—why invite humiliation?

"Tianlin, thank you." Gu Yuena bowed lightly at Tianlin's side, expressing sincere gratitude.

She'd always feared that once Tianlin became a god he would break his promise and stop caring about soul beasts' fate. But he was now using Asura authority to change unfair laws against soul beasts and setting the Holy Emperor's seat to seeking coexistence. That showed how seriously he took it.

"And Senior Asura God, I owe you both gratitude and an apology," the Silver Dragon King said, looking embarrassed. "Tianlin already told me about you and the Dragon God. I didn't know you always did me a kindness, and I hated you for so many years."

"These are trifles. Don't dwell on them," the Asura God said casually. "Finish absorbing the Golden Dragon King's bloodline, and with Tianlin's Holy Emperor power a stronger new Dragon God should be born. As king of the soul beasts, assist Tianlin well. I'm off—there's an endless universe waiting for me to explore. I can't wait another moment."

With that, he didn't return to the God Realm, but flew straight into the cosmos. He was truly carefree now—go wherever he wished. Who knew how far he'd go? Maybe one day, tired of flying, he'd come back for a visit.

"Farewell, Senior Asura God!" Tianlin was genuinely grateful—the Asura God had helped him a great deal along the way.

"All right, Xiao Tian, let's go back too. Lingling says Gu Ran has set up a victory banquet in the imperial palace, waiting for us to return and drink our fill. Today your master permits you to drink," Chen Xin smiled. The war was over; celebrating with brothers and friends was a must.

Isn't it for this moment of reunion that people risk their lives to fight?

"Wait, take me drinking too, Chen Xin." A charming female voice sounded, and Chen Xin's cold face changed as if he'd encountered something terrifying—he fled fast, likely faster than a Supreme God King.

It was the Goddess of Lust. Seeing Chen Xin run, she stomped angrily. "You hateful man! Am I that scary? You won't get rid of me!"

"Uh, Senior, you and my master…?" Tianlin stared, dumbfounded, at the coquettish Goddess of Lust. He'd been in seclusion and didn't know what had happened.

"Hi, new Asura God, Lord Holy Emperor. I'm your future master's wife," the Goddess of Lust said. "Chen Xin was right—you're formidable, able to easily defeat such a terrifying monster. As a reward, I'll treat you to wine tonight at the celebration." She took out two bottles, one red, one blue. "These are the God Realm's finest wines, brewed by me: 'Desires Aflame.'"

A wine brewed by the Goddess of Lust with that name—Tianlin couldn't help asking, "Senior, is this wine… proper?"

She thought a moment, then held up the red bottle. "This one is proper, so it's for you."

Tianlin accepted the bottle. If this one was proper, then the other…

"Don't look at me like that. The blue bottle has my handmade Seven Emotions and Six Desires Powder, laced with my Original Sin power. Even a God King can't resist it. Good disciple, help your future master's wife—get your master to drink it tonight. Once my wish comes true, I'll give you the recipe. You don't know—when I came, so many goddesses in the God Realm were asking me about you, the Savior Holy Emperor."

Tianlin was about to reply when he suddenly felt two icy gazes—Qian Renxue and Ning Rongrong—just as Gu Yuena added fuel: "Tch. He's a good person, but still a lecher."

Two jars overturned at once. Before the girls could explode, Tianlin pulled them away from the Goddess of Lust.

Better not spend too much time with this woman, or she'd definitely be a bad influence.

As for his master Chen Xin, Tianlin could only wish him luck. It was obvious the Goddess of Lust had fallen for him and wouldn't give up.

Chapter 622: Promises and the Wedding

That night, everyone who took part in the battle returned to the imperial capital, Spirit City.

All work paused, and the city welcomed the returning heroes. A city-wide party began.

Gu Ran rushed up to Tianlin excitedly. "Boss, you're finally back! Sorry I couldn't help. I wanted to fight, but the ministers, sect masters, and master wouldn't allow it."

"They were right, Gu Ran. As emperor, you can't go to a place that dangerous—your people need you," Tianlin said with a smile. "Besides, don't you trust your boss? When have I ever lost?"

"Haha, true! Boss, the victory banquet is ready—let's return to the palace," Gu Ran said, leading everyone in.

Before these meritorious heroes, he kept no imperial airs—especially not with Tianlin, who was basically a grand imperial elder above the throne.

This, however, left Ning Rongrong rather dissatisfied. Tianlin naming her the founding empress thrilled her, but she had never gotten to feel like an empress—in the time it took her to ascend and return, Tianlin had abdicated, making her empress dowager out of the blue.

She felt like she'd aged several generations.

…

That night, cheers echoed in Spirit City all night long. Everyone knew that after today, Douluo would truly see peace.

The Emperor Battle Team members were all heroes, admired by all.

Academy students pestered Shui Bing'er, Huo Wu, and the others for stories of the divine war—especially Shui Bing'er, who personally exchanged blows with a God King–level foe. She would become a legendary graduate of the Royal Spirit Academy.

The Goddess of Lust continued hounding Chen Xin, trying everything to get him to drink the spiked desire wine.

Ning Fengzhi had vanished—Tianlin guessed where. He was likely hiding to research the God of Wisdom position. Proud as he was, he would never accept being a cripple for life. Now that his strength could be restored and he had a chance at godhood, he would seize it.

At the banquet, Tianlin proposed to Ning Rongrong again. Their earlier wedding had been too rushed; he had promised her a once-in-a-century wedding, and now was the time.

Following his example, Yu Tianheng, Dugu Yan, Yu Feng, the Shi brothers, and others proposed again to their partners, hoping to share in the wedding. Tianlin had no objections; as comrades who pacified the continent and defeated the Evil Sword Immortal, he was happy to hold a group wedding with them.

Gu Ran didn't jump on the bandwagon. He remained regretful about not joining the final battle, so he decided to be the officiant as emperor—to make up for it in a way.

The Goddess of Lust was very interested. Clinging to Chen Xin's arm, she said, "Chen Xin, you've never married, right? Let's join this wedding too?"

Chen Xin refused flatly. "This is the younger generation's wedding. We old-timers shouldn't butt in. Besides, I'll be a witness for Tianlin and Rongrong. Next time."

She felt a bit disappointed but not sad, because of his last slip—"next time." Did that mean they would hold one of their own in the future?

As everyone laughed, a figure quietly slipped away into the night—Qian Renxue.

…

At the city gates, Tianlin, who had been watching her, called out, "Leaving already?"

"I still have a lot to do. Besides, you haven't proposed to me," Qian Renxue said, turning back, a grievance in her eyes.

"Sister Xue, I'll never forget you—ever. You're not in this wedding, but…" Tianlin pulled her into his arms and whispered in her ear.

Her eyes, dim a moment ago, immediately brightened. "Really? You mean it—no regrets!"

Tianlin nodded. "Of course. I, Jun Tianlin, keep my word. But Rongrong will definitely be upset—you'll have to help me."

Qian Renxue teased, "Who told you to be such a flirt? Besides, I've envied her all my life—it wouldn't hurt to let her envy me once."

"All right, looks like I'll still have to handle this wine jar myself," Tianlin said helplessly. "There's one more thing, Sister Xue—take out Bibi Dong's soul."

"Mm." Qian Renxue flipped her hand, and a pure white soul seed appeared. Bibi Dong had bathed in hatred and slaughtered countless, yet just before death, she completely let go, leaving a soul seed so clean.

But that couldn't wipe away her crimes. Tianlin accepted the soul, used the Holy Spirit Pearl to infuse the utmost goodness, completely purged the Evil Spirit Pearl's remnants, repaired the soul, and flicked his arm, sending it somewhere unknown.

"Mother… has gone to reincarnate?" Qian Renxue asked.

"Yes. She'll live lifetime after lifetime, and by accumulating enough good to offset this life's sins, she'll atone. Don't worry—I sealed her memories with the Holy Spirit Pearl and left the Rakshasa god position to her. After she finishes atoning, she'll return to godhood. Her memories will be restored, and you'll be reunited," Tianlin said with a smile.

"Thank you, Tianlin!" Qian Renxue rose on tiptoes and kissed his lips lightly. "I'm leaving too. Before ascending, I'll travel the continent, doing good—besides my mother, I have many of my father's debts to repay to the world. Goodbye."

She left. Sometimes indecisive, sometimes dashing.

…

Days later, the wedding blessed by the entire continent was finally held.

Centered on Tianlin and Rongrong, it also included Yu Tianheng & Dugu Yan; Yu Feng & Huan Yin; the Shi brothers and their wives; Ma Hongjun & Bai Chenxiang, and more.

In the days before the wedding, proposals across the continent spiked. Single heroines who'd fought in the war, like Zhu Zhuqing and Shui Bing'er, were pursued by countless suitors.

Of course, they refused without mercy. They'd rather be Rongrong's bridesmaids.

Oslo searched frantically for true love but, alas, it doesn't come easily. He gave up and served as a groomsman.

He resolved that if he couldn't find love in the mortal world, he'd go to the God Realm to seek a goddess. With the Holy Emperor's boons, his aptitude had risen again; he now had a shot at First-Level God. The God Realm had many vacant positions after the Evil Sword Immortal's chaos—he'd strive for one.

Fireworks bloomed overhead. The weather was perfect—after all, even heaven and earth must give face to the Holy Emperor; who would dare cause trouble at his wedding?

Couples walked hand-in-hand from the square into the palace hall, where the seats of honor were not Gu Ran's, but Tianlin's parents'.

As the Supreme Emperor and Grand Empress Dowager of the empire, they fully deserved to act as the elders of all.

These two ordinary folk, destined for simple lives, never imagined such splendor. Unassuming and ungreedy, they accepted the glory Tianlin gave them and gladly passed their blessings on to the world.

A once-in-a-century wedding concluded perfectly under all the people's blessings.

Chapter 623: Finale

Time flew. Ten years had passed since that wedding.

In those ten years, under Gu Ran's rule, the continent developed rapidly. All kinds of soul tools were invented. With no wars, development focused on daily life rather than combat.

One of the biggest contributors was Oslo. He had no wife to keep him company and nothing else to do. He had a shot at inheriting a god position, but he looked down on third- or second-level gods, aiming for first-level instead.

In researching soul tools, he comprehended the laws of a First-Level God: the God of Sloth.

Sloth is innate to everyone—a drive for comfort and less labor. That drive to make life, study, and work easier pushes people to change—and progress results.

For example, people didn't want to walk step by step, so they invented vehicles; they wanted to read but didn't want to copy by hand, so they invented printing; wanting simpler, more comfortable, and more convenient modes of life, study, and work pushes people to change and invent tools.

With that philosophy—diligent for the sake of sloth, mastering sloth without being mastered—he attracted the God of Destruction's notice as that god atoned in the God Realm. Eager to complete the Seven Deadly Sins, the God of Destruction was impressed and granted Oslo the Sloth God's trials.

Yu Tianheng, buoyed by the Holy Emperor's rewards, jumped straight to level 99. The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon's lightning evolved into ultimate lightning, gained Thunder God's recognition, and he began the Thunder God Nine Trials.

The rest of the Emperor Battle Team also received trials. The Holy Emperor's boons gave each of them godhood potential.

Qin Ming became a Second-Level Wolf God. Dugu Yan became a Second-Level Poison God. Yu Feng became one of the Wind God's three subordinate deities—the God of Gale (alongside Breeze and Tempest).

Shi Mo and Shi Mo (the brothers) became Second-Level Gods of Defense and Resistance.

Zhu Zhuqing and Oscar remained the God of Speed and Food God, respectively. Shui Bing'er received the Phoenix God inheritance originally granted to Ma Hongjun in the original work.

With everyone set on their paths, Tianlin could relax and, as promised, take Ning Rongrong to travel the whole planet for their honeymoon.

They discovered several new continents, including the Sun-Moon continent.

Tianlin did not interfere with continents that already had human civilizations. He did, however, relocate two slightly smaller, uninhabited continents and merge them with Douluo, tripling its area.

This gave the people more land and resources.

Gu Ran accepted his boss's gift without hesitation, sending teams to develop the two new lands.

Over these ten years, Douluo's population surged, and both the number and strength of soul masters rose sharply.

If anyone was unhappy, it was Ning Fengzhi. He wanted to become a god too—the God of Wisdom position awaited exploration. But Tianlin had kee[ Ning Rongrong for ten years. With no other qualified heir, Ning Fengzhi had to keep managing the sect.

The sect was renamed the Nine Treasures Glazed Sect. Using the Holy Spirit Pearl, Tianlin removed the Ning family's bloodline defects, so even without immortal herbs, Eight or Nine Treasures Glazed Pagodas would appear from time to time.

Ning Fengzhi's sons had limited talent; they only advanced to Eight Treasures and were unfit to inherit the position of sect master.

One day, Ning Fengzhi's secretary ran into his study, thrilled. "They're back, Sect Master! Young Master Tianlin and Miss Rongrong have returned!"

He leapt up. "Really? Excellent! Those two took a ten-year honeymoon. Finally! Pass the order—we'll hold the ceremony to pass the sect master's seat to Rongrong."

"Fengzhi, calm down. The kids just got back; don't rush," Chen Xin advised.

"No time. Right now. What if they run off again?" Ning Fengzhi sounded like the Asura God once did—once he'd set a new target, he couldn't wait to resign his office life.

…

Just outside the study, Tianlin and Rongrong heard the roar. They pushed the door open sheepishly. Ning Rongrong said timidly, "Papa, Grandpa, we're back."

Even as a Holy Emperor and Holy Empress–level pairing, they still respected their elders as always.

"Good, good," Chen Xin smiled, ruffling their hair.

"Master, I heard outside—Father plans to pass the sect master's seat to Rongrong?" Tianlin said, awkward. "But I planned to head to the God Realm with Rongrong ahead of schedule."

"What?" Ning Fengzhi exploded, all sage-like calm shattered. "Xiao Tian, if you take Rongrong away, what about my Nine Treasures Glazed Sect? Right now, only I and she have Nine Treasures. Years ago I decreed: only Nine Treasures can inherit. Don't make me go back on my word!"

"Papa, don't be mad," Ning Rongrong said quickly, soothing him. "Brother Sword has important work to do. Douluo's expansion is complete, but the God Realm's isn't."

"Brother Sword is going to the God Realm to help the God of Destruction expand it. Only then can the rules change so that Second-Level Gods can bring their spouses, avoiding separation of mortals and gods."

In truth, Tianlin was strong enough to forcibly bring everyone up, but as the law's enforcer, he didn't want to flout the rules he set, just because he could. If the law doesn't bind the exalted, what's the point?

So he would proceed with the plan to expand the God Realm, restoring the ancient rules so Second-Level Gods could bring family.

He had promised his brothers and friends—they would not suffer a tragic separation.

Ning Fengzhi sighed and nodded. Had Tianlin been off to play, he'd be furious. But since it was official business, he accepted it.

"What about the sect? I want to become a god too. Someone needs to hold the fort," he grumbled.

Tianlin smiled. "Of course, Father-in-law. I'm here to deliver your successor as sect master—and your future guardian Douluo."

He looked back toward the door. "You two, get in here."

Two timid little figures peeped around the door, then shrank back, seeing strangers inside.

Chen Xin, Gu Rong, and Ning Fengzhi had already noticed. Kids ran around the sect all the time, and Ning Fengzhi was lenient. They thought it was just mischief. But now it seemed…

"Tian'er, Liuli, get in here. Pay respects to your grandpa and great-grandpa," Ning Rongrong scolded the two little rascals.

A boy and a girl of the same age, looking very alike—dragon-phoenix twins—walked in. The boy, braver, bowed. "Hello, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa. I'm Jun Yuetian, Liuli's older brother."

The girl, shyer, hid behind Ning Rongrong. "Mama, will Grandpa and Great-Grandpa be as nice as Grandpa and Grandma?"

Before coming, Tianlin had taken them to see Jun Tianhai and Mo Lan, who adored their grandchildren.

Ning Rongrong crouched and smiled gently. "Of course. They'll love you just the same. Go on."

Encouraged, the girl mustered courage and stepped out. "Hello, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa. I'm Jun Liuli, my brother's sister."

Even in introductions, they mentioned each other—their sibling bond was clear.

The boy was named Jun Yuetian—Tianlin's hope that he'd surpass him. The girl was named Liuli—Ning Rongrong's hope that she'd inherit the Nine Treasures Glazed Sect.

"Xiao Tian… they are your and Rongrong's children?" Chen Xin asked, excited.

Tianlin nodded. "Yes, eight years old. Yuetian, Liuli—report your spirits and levels."

Jun Yuetian stepped forward. "Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, my spirit is the Demon Sword. I'm eight, level 52, an attack-type battle soul master."

Liuli hid behind her brother. "M-my spirit is the Nine Treasures Glazed Pagoda. I'm eight, level 48, a support-type tool soul master."

The three elders were stunned. Those levels at eight? Even Tianlin hadn't been that strong at eight.

Tianlin smiled. "Both were born at level 30. With my Nuwa Emperor Meditation Method, they cultivate several times faster than a typical innate full soul power, so they're slightly higher than average. Not bad, right? Sadly, my Demon Sword, like Nine-Heart Begonia, passes only to one descendant; the Holy Spirit Pearl can't be inherited either. So Liuli can only have Nine Treasures. But that's fine—after a few years, she'll be ready to inherit the sect, right?"

"Of course—this talent is perfect. As expected of the Holy Emperor and Empress's children," Chen Xin said, scooping both up. "Liuli, don't worry. After you become sect master, Great-Grandpa will protect you. Yuetian too—Great-Grandpa will teach you all my sword arts."

"Old Sword, what's this? You're hogging both—give me one!" Gu Rong was anxious. If not for losing to Chen Xin, he'd have snatched one away.

"Uncle Sword, Uncle Bone, you'll scare them. Go discuss who holds whom. I'll watch them for now," Ning Fengzhi said with a smile, quickly sweet-talking the two elders into their usual bickering.

He then monopolized the kids, coaxing them to call him grandpa.

"Father-in-law, then Rongrong and I…?" Tianlin probed.

"Oh, you're going to the God Realm? As you like," Ning Fengzhi waved absently, still playing with the children. "Come on, Yuetian, Liuli—call Grandpa!"

Tianlin and Ning Rongrong were helpless. With grandchildren around, even a most beloved daughter and son-in-law became background NPCs.

…

Eight more years passed. Though they intended to go to the God Realm, they didn't leave while the kids were young. They waited until the twins were sixteen.

Afterwards, though their true bodies wouldn't descend easily, they could send a divine sense down sometimes. With the kids' talent, godhood was only a matter of time.

With everyone in the Nine Treasures Glazed Sect watching, Tianlin and Ning Rongrong opened the God Realm gate and ascended. Other relatives and friends would be brought up after the expansion, when more slots were available. Between their four god positions, they could bring all family.

…

Far away, Qian Renxue—traveling the land purifying evil and saving people—sensed the gate open and smiled beautifully. "You two are heading to the God Realm so soon? Then I should set off too."

Wings unfurled—Twelve-Winged Holy Seraph. Her contribution back then had been great, and her power had grown accordingly. Once fully absorbed, she would break through to Supreme God King.

She flapped her wings and flew toward the God Realm. "Xiao Tian, don't forget—you still owe me a promise!"

Chapter 624: Postscript of Douluo Continent

More than a century had passed since the great war.

In the imperial palace and the Royal Spirit Academy, statues stood everywhere—heroes who saved the world.

By now, all those heroes had ascended to the God Realm and become deities admired by all—except Gu Ran and Ye Lingling, who remained.

Gu Ran reigned for a hundred years, diligent and tireless, remembering Tianlin's teachings. The continent flourished.

Before leaving, Tianlin left each of them a wisp of Holy Emperor divine power. With it, both Gu Ran and Ye Lingling surpassed Limit Douluo, reached level 100, and though godless, enjoyed long lifespans and looked unchanged. Yet they often missed the days of fighting alongside brothers.

With only the two of them left on the continent, they often felt lonely and considered abdication.

But years ago, war began anew—not civil war, but the Sun-Moon Empire's collision with Douluo, which should have come ten thousand years later, arriving early.

It was somewhat related to Tianlin. When he shifted continents back then, he didn't move the Sun-Moon, but the movement of others tugged it along, pulling it into early collision.

The Sun-Moon's soul tool research was still ahead of Douluo's, though not by as much as in later ages.

In raw power, Douluo was far stronger. Gu Ran immediately sent envoys declaring no intent to war and a desire for peaceful coexistence.

But the Sun-Moon's ambition was great. Their combat relied on soul tools channeling soul power. Seeing Douluo's lagging soul tool development, they mistook it for weakness and launched a war.

Gu Ran inherited Tianlin's kindness—but also Gu Rong's ruthless edge. Kindness is not indulgence. If they come to your door, you must fight back.

He rallied Douluo's soul masters and demonstrated what a power gap looks like.

The Sun-Moon's strongest was their Mingde Hall Master, Silver Moon Douluo, a level 95 who could barely contend with Limit Douluo using soul tools.

But Douluo's lineup froze them in terror.

Because of the Holy Emperor's power back then, Douluo now hid nearly a hundred Title Douluo—and all with god-bestowed rings as rewards for contributions against the Evil Sword Immortal.

Beyond Gu Ran and Ye Lingling, there were several level-100 powerhouses. The people even made rankings beneath the emperor and empress.

First, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's Supreme Elder, Thunder God Douluo Yu Tianxin—the true "Thunder God," elder brother of Yu Tianheng. For the clan's sake, he refused Yu Tianheng's offer to bring him to the God Realm and chose to stay, so Yu Tianheng granted him Thunder God's mark, boosting his talent and lifespan. He could reportedly borrow Thunder God's power in battle, known as the Thunder God's Emissary; first among Title Douluo, ranked fourth overall.

Rakshasa Douluo Dong'er, the greatest genius in a century at the Royal Academy, with twin spirits: Devourer Spider Emperor and Death Spider Emperor. Many were put off at first by those frightening spirits, but upon meeting her, found her kind, open, and helpful. With her beauty, she became the academy's goddess. Gu Ran recognized her immediately as Bibi Dong reincarnated and ordered that she be cultivated and educated with care.

With abundant resources, she reached Title Douluo at a young age. After graduation, she joined the Spirit Hall to oversee soul masters across the land, dedicating her life to peace. Grateful to the academy and Gu Ran, she did not take the Pope's seat in old age, but returned to teach, hoping to train a better next generation. Now a respected vice dean, second only to Dean Gu Ran, she ranked third.

The Nine Treasures Glazed Sect's sect master, Jun Liuli—a continental legend, daughter of founding emperor Jun Tianlin. Kind-hearted and a savior of many, stunningly beautiful, reportedly inheriting the Kindness God King's position in the God Realm—having passed eight of nine trials. The world's foremost support. With the Divine Craftsman Lou Gao's farewell gift, the artifact Feiwen Huari Divine Sword, plus swordsmanship left by her father Tianlin and great-grandfather Chen Xin, she could support herself while fighting, making her battle strength second on the continent.

The Nine Treasures Glazed Sect's guardian Douluo, Demon Sword Douluo Jun Yuetian—a continental legend, son of founding emperor Jun Tianlin. A peerless prodigy whose sword dao shook the ages, nearly matching his father and great-grandfather. Decisive and merciless toward evil, he struck down countless villains; evildoers shuddered at his name. He had been acknowledged by a vacant God King position—the Evil God—but too proud to pick up someone else's legacy, he pursued the creation of his own god position, the Demon God, one step away from ascension. His maxim: "All beings are mired in sin. If gods won't save them, then I, the Demon, will."

Led by the emperor and empress, these four level-100s, and nearly a hundred Title Douluo, the Sun-Moon Empire was no match and was subdued within days.

Upholding Tianlin's "defeat with minimal killing," Gu Ran prioritized surrender. Most of the enemy yielded, and slaughter was limited.

With Mingde Hall's techniques in hand, soul tool development soared again.

After the war, Gu Ran and Ye Lingling abdicated in favor of their child, Gu Nianlin.

In retirement, they cultivated. For their contributions, they sensed the power of the plane and succeeded as the Plane's Lord and the Life Core deity.

Then Gu Ran sensed a foreign plane approaching—likely to collide in thirty or forty thousand years: the Abyss.

This was a higher-tier plane than Douluo. Once war began, the outcome was uncertain.

Gu Ran wanted to go to the God Realm to ask Tianlin for help, to pull that plane in and devour it first—thus elevating Douluo.

But Ye Lingling refused. As Holy Emperor, Tianlin should treat all planes equally—helping Douluo devour another plane would violate the natural order.

Ultimately, kind-hearted Ye Lingling made a decision. She borrowed the Holy Spirit Pearl from Tianlin, then transformed into a Nine-Heart Begonia and entered Douluo's core, using her Life Core godhood and the Pearl's inexhaustible life force to nourish the plane and help it advance, so that even when Abyss arrived, Douluo could resist.

Tianlin deeply respected her resolve and lent the Pearl without hesitation.

Thus Ye Lingling and Gu Ran parted for a time. She became a flower at the core, nourishing the world for three thousand years; Gu Ran guarded outside for three thousand years.

At last, after three millennia, the plane advanced. Aside from those with innate divine power, others could now break past level 100 without a god position.

Gu Ran and Ye Lingling also advanced their god positions to God Kings. They then retired to a beautiful, secluded place, continuing to guard the continent in secret.

Chapter 625: Afterword — God Realm Epilogue

The God Realm suffered enormous losses in divine seats during the Evil Sword Immortal turmoil.

At the time, besides the Evil God King and the Seven Deadly Sins, deities like the God of Strength, who resisted to the bitter end, were also slain. Fortunately, thanks to Douluo Continent's rapid development, numerous prodigies have emerged in recent years, gradually filling in the vacant divine seats.

Although the Evil God King was devoured, the true spirit of the Evil Sword Immortal did not fully dissipate after his death. It flew out of his body and drifted off to some unknown corner of the cosmos. Sensing this, the Good God King chose Tianlin's daughter Jun Liuli and passed a god position to her. Then, like the God of Asura, she flew into the universe to search for the scattered shards of the Evil God King's true spirit.

Knowing the current situation was entirely his fault, the God of Destruction, seeking atonement, did not pass on his god position. Instead, he took up the divine duties of the fallen gods alone to ensure the world could continue to operate.

He has hardly rested for nearly ten thousand years. Even the God of Asura back then would likely feel admiration seeing the God of Destruction now. Though the Goddess of Life felt distressed by her husband's unending toil, she did not stop him. She knew only by throwing himself completely into work could the God of Destruction temporarily forget the past and not be consumed by guilt.

As soon as Tianlin arrived in the God Realm, he began assisting the God of Destruction with the realm expansion plan. Black holes and space storms that once worried other god-kings were nothing to a God-Emperor-class Tianlin; he could easily disperse them. This invisibly saved Lei Xiang, Hai Long, and the others, though it also cost them their opportunity to enter the great gods' circle, leaving them to serve as local god-kings in their own planes.

With Tianlin's help, the God Realm expanded hundreds and thousands of times, and the power of the planes grew tremendously, allowing it to accommodate many more god-kings and even supreme god-kings.

Thus the God Realm Committee relaxed the quota for bringing family members. A second-rank god could bring one family member; first-rank, two; god-kings, three; supreme god-kings, four; and so on, up to a maximum of five for a God Emperor.

At that time, Tianlin and Ning Rongrong together held the first-rank Sea God position, the supreme God of Asura position, the supreme Holy Empress position, and the God-Emperor Holy Emperor position—allowing a total of fifteen family members.

That number was enough to bring all their most cherished kin: Tianlin's parents, Yin Yang, Dugu Bo, Gu Rong, and others. Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin each held their own god positions, so they didn't need spots, which freed up slots to bring Ning Rongrong's elder brother and sister-in-law, and so on—not to be wasted.

Chen Xin ultimately fell to the God of Lust's pursuit. After all, you can guard against a thief for a thousand days, but a thief only needs one day. The God of Lust tried a new trick every day to drug Chen Xin; one misstep, and he stumbled.

Still, even tempered steel can be softened. Perhaps he was ensnared because he chose to compromise. Who could ignore the allure of the God of Lust?

There was an upside: Chen Xin was even stricter with his son than his disciples, sending him to temper himself on Douluo Continent. His son later joined the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, married, and had children there. The Seven Kill Sword did not vanish as in the original tale; it finally had an inheritor.

Thanks to the rule that even second-rank gods could bring family, those unable to become gods—like Meng Yiran and the wives of the Shi brothers—were also brought up. Cleverly, they didn't have children in the human realm but waited until the God Realm, since children born below couldn't be brought up, while those born above didn't have to be sent back. Tianlin couldn't help but admire their stratagem.

As for Qian Renxue, now a supreme god-king, she had four slots. She used one to resurrect her grandfather Qian Daoliu, and the other three to bring her second grandfather, Golden Crocodile Douluo; her sworn younger sister, Princess Xue Ke, who would be left alone if she departed; and Bibi Dong's disciple, Hu Liena.

To Bibi Dong, Hu Liena was also a daughter—cherished from the bottom of her heart.

Hu Liena's mind control had been removed. Remembering everything from the time she was controlled, she neither blamed Tianlin nor dared to. They were enemies then, and she had struck first to kill. No matter how Tianlin retaliated would not have been too much. Besides, he merely made her work; he did not defile her.

Ironically, that left her a bit unwilling. With such a perfect opportunity, Tianlin remained unmoved—was she really so unattractive?

Years later, when Bibi Dong, having endured hardship, returned as a god, holding two daughters and smiling with pure happiness, Qian Renxue knew everything she had done was worth it. Now Bibi Dong's heart held no hatred, only love. Even as the Rakshasa God, she controlled the evil thoughts rather than being controlled by them.

…

In the Holy Emperor Palace, Tianlin hadn't been idle either. He diligently performed the Holy Emperor's duties and led his companion divine beasts—Silver Dragon King Gu Yuena, Snow Empress, Skydream Iceworm, Xiao Bai, Ice Empress, and others—to explore a path for coexistence between humans and soul beasts.

By now, Gu Yuena had fully fused the Golden Dragon King's power and, after passing the Dragon God's grand trial, had become the new Dragon God, ranking alongside the Holy Empress Ning Rongrong and the Twelve-Winged Holy Seraph Qian Renxue as the three strongest supreme god-kings under the Holy Emperor of the God Realm.

After tireless effort, Tianlin fulfilled his promise to Gu Yuena. He first found another habitable planet as in the original story, transferred all soul beasts from Douluo Star there, and put Di Tian in charge of protection and management, separating them from humans so they would no longer be hunted.

As for human soul masters' spirit ring needs, Tianlin combined the gods' technique of granting god-bestowed spirit rings with the later Spirit Ascension Platform method from the original story, and, using the Holy Emperor's power of creation, forged a large virtual plane. Within it lived countless virtual soul beasts—possessing vitality and soul power but no souls or thoughts. As long as soul masters slew them, they could obtain spirit rings; the probability of soul bone drops matched that of ordinary soul beasts.

The virtual soul beasts' age limits were divided by region—white, yellow, purple, black, and red—with sharply different danger levels. Soul masters could use myriad portals across the continent to enter the virtual plane.

To keep the virtual plane running, it needed to continuously generate vitality and divine power. Virtual soul beasts don't cultivate, so the plane's divine power had to remain sufficient at all times. One unit of divine power could convert to a thousand units of soul power for virtual soul beasts to absorb, allowing them to produce rings and bones. That part was easy—there were so many gods in the God Realm that they could inject divine power anytime, and the spent amount could be recovered with a few days of meditative cultivation.

Vitality was different. Even for gods, vitality is limited. Their immortality comes from the God Realm's central system supplying vitality and preventing its loss, not from endless personal reserves.

In the end, the Goddess of Life made a contribution by planting the repaired super-artifact, the Ancient Tree of Life, within Tianlin's virtual plane. With it, the virtual plane could generate its own vitality.

After virtual soul beasts were slain, the plane would spawn new ones to ensure an endless supply. As long as the Ancient Tree of Life stood, the virtual soul beasts would never be wiped out.

Tianlin drew this inspiration from online games: isn't soul master cultivation just like grinding levels?

In the human realm, the gates to the virtual plane were entrusted to plane lord Gu Ran and life core Ye Lingling—Ye Lingling leading, Gu Ran assisting.

Not that Tianlin distrusted Gu Ran, but Gu Ran, born of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and later the second emperor of the Douluo Empire, might be partial in his conduct—unfair to people of other continents and factions.

Ye Lingling was better at impartiality.

Gu Yuena was appointed manager of the plane, with the Snow Empress and other soul beasts assisting. After all, the plane was created to protect soul beasts. If it wasn't managed well, once humans invented soul tools capable of exploring space, they would inevitably reach the true soul beasts' planet and hunt them for cultivation.

Gu Yuena could not preemptively wipe out humanity while they were still unable to reach that level. Tianlin would never allow it.

Besides, with Tianlin going to such lengths for her, she had long put down her hatred of humans and gods. In their daily closeness, she even developed a faint affection for Tianlin. But she understood that Tianlin already had Qian Renxue and Ning Rongrong in his heart, so she didn't force anything. As a companion divine beast, her cultivation grounds in the God Realm were together with his, both in the Holy Emperor Palace—seeing him every day was enough.

Chapter 626: Afterword — Sword and Fairy Epilogue

"So busy!!!"

From within the Holy Emperor Palace came an angry roar, brimming with youthful tone—undoubtedly the Skydream Iceworm.

As one of the earliest divine beasts to enter the God Realm, it and several others shouldered a mission—think of them as the Virtual Soul Beast Plane Inspection Team.

Gu Yuena was the leader; it was the deputy. Just a handful of them keeping watch over an entire plane—busy beyond belief.

It didn't even have time to go on dates with Bing Bing.

Even Gu Yuena felt dissatisfied and was preparing to file a request to recruit a few idle gods to help.

At this moment, thanks to Tianlin's past adjustment of the soul beasts' god-tribulations, the normal-difficulty tribulations posed no threat to the likes of Di Tian, who dedicated themselves to cultivation.

After years of arduous training, two soul beasts first passed their tribulations and entered the God Realm: the Golden-Eyed Black Dragon King Di Tian and the Evil-Eyed Tyrant.

No sooner had they arrived than Gu Yuena drafted them. Di Tian was naturally loyal to her, and even the malevolent Evil-Eyed Tyrant felt absolute respect for Gu Yuena, who had solved the soul beasts' crisis.

There should have been a third—the Deep Sea Demon Whale King's wife, the Demon Empress. With her husband killed by Ning Rongrong, she was bent on revenge. In the human realm, she considered destroying Sea God Island first, but before acting, Tianlin used boundless divine power to transfer her to the new planet.

She wanted to take revenge on Xiao Bai, but as the island's guardian divine beast, Xiao Bai was one of the few soul beasts remaining on Douluo Star. Helpless, the Demon Empress focused on cultivation, intending to ascend and then seek revenge in the God Realm.

Unfortunately, her strength lagged far behind the Deep Sea Demon Whale King's. To become a god quickly, she mimicked him by devouring other soul beasts—far too aggressively—causing countless sea soul beast casualties.

At that rate, sea soul beasts would be exterminated by the Demon Empress even if humans didn't do it.

In the end, Di Tian could no longer tolerate it and personally killed her. He felt regret at the death of a soul beast with the potential for godhood, but there was no choice. For the continuation of the soul beast race, he had to act.

Ordinary killing he could overlook, but the Demon Empress by then was no different from Tang Hao's slaughter for soul bones. He would not let it pass.

With two new gods added, Gu Yuena's side grew much lighter, and she could occasionally enjoy afternoon tea with Tianlin—her happiest moments.

One thing puzzled her: Qian Renxue and Tianlin maintained the same propriety—respectful and restrained, with not a single step over the line thus far.

How was that different from her situation? Did it mean Tianlin didn't truly love Qian Renxue?

Of course not. Tianlin had promised Qian Renxue something. Until he fulfilled that promise, he would not consummate their marriage—out of respect.

Previously, the Holy Emperor's responsibilities delayed him, and understanding his predicament, Qian Renxue bore no grievance—she merely stayed quietly by his side.

Ning Rongrong also gradually got used to Qian Renxue's presence.

Now that the Holy Emperor's tasks were complete, and with the God of Asura's duties entrusted to the God of Wisdom Ning Fengzhi and the Sword God Chen Xin, it was time for Tianlin to take Qian Renxue to fulfill that promise.

On this day, all Tianlin's friends and family gathered again to see him off. Tianlin was going to a faraway place—another universe—to express his gratitude to those who had helped him.

"Tianlin, is it the Sword and Fairy world you mentioned before?" Gu Yuena asked.

"Yes. Want to come along? I think I can manage to bring three." Tianlin invited.

"Will you come back?" Gu Yuena didn't answer directly, but asked another question.

Tianlin nodded. "Of course. This is my home. My parents, children, master, and friends are all here. I will definitely return."

"Then I won't go. Someone should stay. Besides, your two children only recently arrived in the God Realm. I'll take good care of them." Gu Yuena smiled. Had Tianlin said he wouldn't return, she would have gone. But now, she wanted to stay and await his homecoming.

"Thank you!" Tianlin said gratefully. He had long sensed Gu Yuena's feelings, but he could give her no response now—only heartfelt gratitude.

Bidding farewell to all, Tianlin shielded the two woman and stepped into the spatial turbulence. Guided by the Holy Spirit Pearl, they flew toward the Sword and Fairy world.

…

…

…

In a place of boiling magma and surging heat, two figures were battling. One, dressed in white, handsome, with a divine mark on his forehead—clearly a god from the God Realm.

The other was tall and lean, with horns and red hair. Strange by human standards perhaps, but not ugly—rather, magnificently imposing: clearly a demon.

Their fight was fierce. Both seemed able to rend space at will—the white-clad man needed his sword, while the red-haired demon could slice it open with a sweep of his arm. Their disparity in cultivation was obvious.

In the end, the white-clad god was easily defeated by the red-haired demon, who even seized his sword.

As the man was about to plunge into the magma, the red-haired demon turned back and opened a passage to the human realm where he fell. "Hmph. Considering you're General Fei Peng's brother-in-law of sorts, I'll spare you. See that you don't offend me, Yanbo—"

Before he finished, he sensed another fluctuation in space—this time with three life signatures.

"Hmph, more guests? Does everyone think my Demon Realm's Yanbo Spring is a tourist spot?" With a casual flick, he launched three blood-red demon orbs.

Qian Renxue and Ning Rongrong had just stepped out of the spatial channel when they were startled. Each of the three oncoming demon orbs packed power no less than the Evil Sword Immortal's prime, even far beyond—at the God-Emperor level.

Tianlin hurriedly swung the God-Demon Sword, shattering all three orbs.

"Oh? Not bad. Stronger than the last one." The red-haired demon wasn't angry—in fact, he was intrigued.

"That attire and that domineering presence—are you Chong Lou? Then this must be Yanbo Spring?" Tianlin blurted out.

"Oh? You know me and Yanbo Spring. You hold the God-Demon Sword and bear the Holy Spirit Pearl. Heh, so it's you. What, did you defeat the Evil Sword Immortal and save that world?" Chong Lou had recognized Tianlin.

Tianlin smiled and nodded. "Of course. Lord Demon Sovereign, I didn't let you down."

"Not bad. Though still short of me and Fei Peng for now, since you've come to this world your power can keep rising. With full mastery of the God-Demon Sword, you'll reach the level to fight me. Go. I'll open a passage to the human realm. Come find me when your training bears fruit." Chong Lou was clearly more lenient with Tianlin than with the previous man; the Holy Spirit Pearl's coordinates to Yanbo Spring had been set by him, after all—he'd long known Tianlin would one day arrive.

"Great—but, Brother Lou, could we spar now? I want to see how big the gap is."

Seeing Tianlin proactively challenge him—and brazenly call him "Brother Lou"—Chong Lou admired his courage. "Heh, very well. I wasn't satisfied with that last bout anyway. I'll play with you first."

Only now did Tianlin notice the sword in Chong Lou's hand—Spring Nourisher, one of the Nine Springs artifacts. Then the man he'd knocked down earlier must have been Brother Guozi.

He had arrived right at the start of Sword and Fairy 7's plot. All the better—he could experience the arc with Brother Guozi and save the human realm, growing stronger through the trials.

"Thanks, Brother Lou. One more request: if I one day defeat you, would you act as the Demon Realm's witness at my wedding?"

"A wedding witness? Heh, sure. If you can beat me, I'll accept any condition." Chong Lou, who once sold a demonic sword for a single coin, never stood on ceremony. If someone stronger than him could fight him to the fullest, such a small ask meant nothing.

"Wedding? Witness? What do you mean?" Ning Rongrong didn't understand. They had already married twice—another wedding?

Qian Renxue happily explained: Tianlin had promised her a grand wedding with the strongest in the Three Realms as witnesses.

The strongest in the God Realm was General Fei Peng. Easy—pay him, and he'd do the job.

The strongest in the human realm was the first-generation descendant of Nuwa. Tianlin was on good terms with her and believed she'd be happy to help.

The hardest would be the Demon Realm's strongest, Chong Lou. Tianlin would have to defeat him to ask the favor.

Each of them, at full strength, far surpassed a God Emperor. Having these three witness a wedding would be the greatest honor.

To achieve this, Tianlin would need even more effort. The resolve alone moved Qian Renxue deeply.

"Unfair! Sword Brother is playing favorites. I want one too!" Ning Rongrong reacted exactly as Tianlin had predicted—jealous.

"Rongrong, I didn't crash your wedding back then. I quietly bowed out, remember?" At that single line from Qian Renxue, Ning Rongrong was speechless. She'd been secretly pleased Renxue hadn't shown up—only to learn this was the reason.

Honestly, she couldn't bring herself to steal this wedding now. Qian Renxue had waited and hoped for so many years. She could only keep pouting.

In the sky, Tianlin's God-Demon Sword clashed with Chong Lou's Flame-Blood Edge. Both wore smiles brimming with fighting spirit, their power making Yanbo Spring boil.

A new story began. Tianlin's path of growth would never cease. He would keep striving, on and on.

[END]

That's it, guys!

It's been a while since I last finished translating a book—feels good, man.

 I'll definitely miss this one. The plot is kind of weird, though—like Tianlin has too many cheats but still acts like a shounen protagonist.

 Overall, though, the story, dialogue, and characterization are peak.

 Definitely in my top 5 Douluo fanfics.

Credits:

Thank you everyone for reading and supporting this book!

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