Douluo: AFK to Become a God

T/N: Back now.

One week later, deep in the core region of the Star Dou Great Forest, a one-sided battle was underway.

"Ninth Soul Skill—Blazing Dragon Annihilation Slash!"

A towering golden figure, wielding a massive dragon-patterned broadsword and surrounded by nine soul rings—yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, black—unleashed its ninth soul ring as it shone brilliantly. Accompanied by the roar of dragons, the figure struck forward with a golden dragon-shaped blade wave over a hundred meters long, aimed at the hammer-wielding crimson figure ahead.

"Hmph, a mere spark dares challenge the sun and moon? Grand Sumeru Hammer—Explode!"

In his Clear Sky True Body state, Tang Hao snorted coldly. Using the secret technique of the Grand Sumeru Hammer, he channeled the power of all nine soul rings into his giant crimson hammer and struck down with force.

This secret technique, passed down through the Clear Sky Sect, allowed the user to condense all soul ring power into a single blow—greatly amplifying their attack. Its ultimate move, Ring Detonation, lets the user detonate each soul ring for an overwhelming burst of power—the higher the ring's quality, the more potent the result. However, the backlash is equally devastating.

Still, since his opponent was just a slightly above-average third-rate Titled Douluo, there was no need to detonate any rings. His usual Grand Sumeru Hammer technique was more than enough.

Boom!

With a thunderous roar, the crimson hammer instantly shattered the golden dragon-shaped blade wave and continued forward, smashing directly into the towering golden figure.

Boom!

Crack—crack—crack—

A single strike sent fractures spiderwebbing across the golden figure like shattered glass.

"Tang Hao! The Spirit Hall will never let you go!"

With just one strike, his ninth soul skill was destroyed and his Martial Soul True Body was on the brink of collapse. Knowing death was near, Spirit Hall's Sixteenth Elder Long Yu roared with hatred and unwillingness.

A week earlier, numerous high-level soul beasts had been found dead in the forest. Spirit Hall dispatched eight Titled Douluo—three of whom were consecrators—along with sixteen Obliteration Squads to investigate.

Due to the forest's vastness, the eight Douluo split up, each taking two squads.

Long Yu got lucky. Minutes ago, he sensed a strong soul power fluctuation and rushed over with his squads, only to find a hammer-wielding figure extracting a radiant right arm soul bone from the headless corpse of an 80,000-year Diamondback Ape.

Good news: he had found the culprit, who'd dropped a high-quality soul bone.

Bad news: that culprit was Tang Hao, the Clear Sky Douluo—the one who'd killed their former Pope and Spirit Hall's most wanted fugitive.

As Spirit Hall's elder, Long Yu immediately recognized him. After all, aside from the long-lost "Invincible on Land" legend, only Tang Hao wielded the Clear Sky Hammer with a red tenth-ring.

Realizing this, Long Yu instinctively chose to flee, knowing that even as a Rank 93 assault-type Douluo with two Obliteration Squads, he was no match.

He tried to escape—but he underestimated Tang Hao's power. Within two minutes, the two squads were wiped out, and Tang Hao had caught up.

Long Yu thought he could last a few rounds, but with just one attack from Tang Hao's True Body state, his ninth soul skill and Martial Soul were nearly shattered.

"So you're Spirit Hall dogs? Hahaha, then DIE!"

Hearing Long Yu's bitter last words, Tang Hao laughed maniacally and slammed his hammer down again.

He'd originally planned to kill them just to keep his soul bone hunting a secret. Now, knowing they were from Spirit Hall—his sworn enemy—it was a no-brainer. Kill them all!

Boom!

With another crash, the crimson hammer completely obliterated Long Yu's nearly broken Martial Soul True Body. Before Long Yu could even suffer soul backlash, his body was smashed into a bloody pulp.

"Hmph, cheapskate!"

Seeing no soul bone aura from the bloodied remains in the crater, Tang Hao scoffed and dismissed his True Body form.

Soul bones were rare—not every Titled Douluo had one, especially in Spirit Hall. Most of their Titled Douluo were talented commoners, who rarely got soul bones when weak, and found ordinary ones unworthy once strong.

Thus, many Spirit Hall Douluo would rank low on a wealth chart—though if they did have soul bones, the quality would be excellent.

Without lingering, Tang Hao left the forest. The elder he killed was likely only one of several Spirit Hall elites investigating the recent disturbances.

Since he'd already harvested three top-tier soul bones, more than enough for his son Tang San to reach Soul King rank (five rings), Tang Hao decided to call it quits.

Though proud and powerful, he knew he wasn't yet at his grandfather Tang Chen's level. A direct clash with Spirit Hall was still too dangerous.

Shortly after Tang Hao left, a silver-haired youth in white arrived at the battlefield with a dozen people.

Staring at the pile of flesh in the crater, the Lightfeather Douluo fell silent.

If his senses were correct, that bloody pulp... was Spirit Hall's Sixteenth Elder.

Time passed swiftly—more than two months went by.

One morning, inside Blue Tyrant Academy's simulated forest training grounds, Xiao Wu's soul power suddenly surged.

"Xiao Wu, did you break through?"

Sensing the change, Chu Chengzhou exited meditation and turned to her.

"Mhm! Brother, I reached Level 50!" Xiao Wu beamed.

"Great! My Xiao Wu is amazing! With a week before the Soul Master Tournament begins, let's head to Sunset Forest and get your fifth soul ring!"

Chu Chengzhou smiled brightly.

But the smile vanished from Xiao Wu's face—she froze.

Get a fifth ring?

She didn't need to kill beasts—her rings were self-conjured!

Soul masters who could self-conjure rings... nmmp~ how should she dodge this?

"Xiao Wu, let's go ask Dean Er Long for leave now. If we're lucky, a week is enough to find a suitable ring."

Ignoring her odd expression, Chu Chengzhou waved to Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing, then dragged Xiao Wu to Liu Erlong's office.

He had raised this little bunny for so long—time to open his heart fully.

Half an hour later, the sulky Xiao Wu and Chu Chengzhou left the academy.

Liu Erlong trusted Chu Chengzhou's strength and let them go alone. Since he declined help, she didn't send Flender or Zhao Wuji either.

"Xiao Wu, what's wrong? You seem unhappy~"

Chu Chengzhou asked teasingly.

"Brother, the tournament's so close—how about we postpone the hunt?" Xiao Wu suggested nervously.

She didn't want him to find out she was a 100,000-year transformed soul beast.

Not because she feared he'd covet her soul bone or ring, but because he might reject their taboo-like love if he knew.

After all, soul masters and soul beasts were natural enemies. Society frowned on such unions.

What she didn't know was—many, including Chu Chengzhou, actually found bunny girls even more appealing than equally pretty human ones.

(Chu Chengzhou: Respect to seniors like Tang "Sledgehammer" Hao, Snake Charmer Xiao Huo Huo, Undead Knight Ning Caichen, Hero Xu Hanwen, and Bug-Wielding Sword Immortal Luo Shiyi!)

"No need. The tournament isn't as important as my Xiao Wu. Even if we miss the first few days, Zhuqing and the others can hold the fort."

He booped her nose playfully.

Xiao Wu: "…"

They left Heaven Dou City on the fire phoenix spirit beast, Little Red, flying toward Sunset Forest.

As they neared the forest, Xiao Wu—long conflicted—took a deep breath. Time to come clean.

Sooner or later, her identity would be exposed. Better to confess.

"Brother, I need to tell you something..."

With a worried look, Xiao Wu grew solemn.

Finally, Chu Chengzhou thought.

"Brother, I'm sorry, I actually—"

Just as Xiao Wu began to speak, Chu Chengzhou interrupted her.

"Stop!"

"???"

Xiao Wu looked at Chu Chengzhou with a face full of confusion.

Facing her puzzled eyes, Chu Chengzhou smiled, pulled her into his arms, and said, "All I know is, you're the child bride I picked up and raised since we were little. No matter what your background is, you're still my future wife! Alright, now go ahead and tell me—what's your background? Let's see if it's scary enough to shock your brother."

Hearing those words, Xiao Wu was immediately moved to tears.

"Brother, have you heard of one-hundred-thousand-year-old soul beasts?"

Regaining her composure, Xiao Wu asked.

"One-hundred-thousand-year soul beasts? I've heard that they're extremely rare on the continent, incredibly powerful, and most peculiar of all—rumor has it that they can even take on human form.

Xiao Wu… don't tell me… you're actually a transformed one-hundred-thousand-year soul beast?!"

Chu Chengzhou widened his eyes in fake shock.

Xiao Wu trembled slightly, didn't speak, and simply nodded while holding tightly onto Chu Chengzhou.

"So you really are a bunny, huh? No wonder you never eat rabbit meat."

Stroking the rabbit ears atop Xiao Wu's head, Chu Chengzhou came to a sudden realization.

Because of the little bunny in his arms, he hadn't touched his favorite dish from his past life—braised rabbit head! That was quite the sacrifice.

"Brother, you don't mind that I'm a bunny?"

Seeing him focus on the wrong thing, Xiao Wu looked up and asked with a puzzled expression.

"Bunnies are so cute—who would hate them? And besides, my Xiao Wu is so beautiful."

Chu Chengzhou smiled and poked her forehead.

"Mm-hmm! Bunnies are adorable, so you're not allowed to stop liking me!"

She bumped her head against his chest and said seriously.

"Of course. I like Xiao Wu the most!"

For a moment, sweet words poured out of Chu Chengzhou's mouth like they were free.

Suddenly, Xiao Wu's expression turned stern. Without hesitation, she pinched a chunk of soft flesh at Chu Chengzhou's waist.

"Ugh, Xiao Wu, what are you doing?"

Chu Chengzhou was confused—what was the little bunny pinching him for, out of nowhere?

"Hmph~ Brother, fess up. Did you already know I was a bunny?"

With her left hand on her waist and a stern expression, Xiao Wu questioned him sharply.

Even though she often acted silly, Xiao Wu had her sharp moments.

Any normal person, upon learning that their little sister and childhood girlfriend was actually a one-hundred-thousand-year-old transformed soul beast, would be shocked—definitely not as calm as Chu Chengzhou was acting now.

Xiao Wu strongly suspected that he had known the truth for a while.

"Uh~ well, Xiao Wu, these little details aren't important. What matters is, you're definitely going to be my future wife!"

Chu Chengzhou laughed awkwardly.

"Hmph~ Brother, if you ever dare abandon me, you're dead meat!"

She gave a warning snort, then leaned her head on his shoulder.

"Nonsense. How could I ever abandon Xiao Wu?"

"Then stop flirting with Rongrong and Zhuqing!"

Chu Chengzhou: "…"

Two hours later, the Fire Phoenix Spirit Bird flew out of the Heaven Dou City area and landed in a secluded mountain forest.

"There's no one around. Xiao Wu, go ahead and condense your soul ring—I'll stand guard."

After scanning with his spiritual sense and detecting no one nearby, Chu Chengzhou had Little Red patrol from above, then turned to Xiao Wu.

"Mm-hmm!"

Xiao Wu nodded.

She laid out a blanket on the ground and sat cross-legged. Both her hands formed orchid fingers—her right palm faced upward on her thigh, and her left hand was upright in front of her chest—as she began to chant a string of strange syllables.

As the chant continued, Xiao Wu's eyes gradually turned red. Four soul rings—yellow, yellow, purple, black—quietly emerged, rhythmically moving around her body.

At the same time, a large illusionary rabbit shadow in pink and white gradually formed behind her.

A faint red glow spread from her body, growing stronger over time until the crimson light resembled blood flooding outwards.

Time passed, and from the intense red glow emerged a black radiance. That black light turned into shimmering starlight, which condensed into a single black soul ring.

The black ring descended and wrapped around Xiao Wu. At first, it didn't sync well with her existing four rings, but as the red glow intensified, the fifth ring stabilized—it was a ten-thousand-year soul ring.

But Xiao Wu didn't stop. That fifth soul ring was only just over ten thousand years old—nowhere near the limit she could handle.

Visibly, her fifth soul ring began to darken in color.

After a while, a painful expression crept onto Xiao Wu's face.

As a one-hundred-thousand-year-old transformed soul beast, she could condense a soul ring right up to her own limit.

For normal soul masters, attaching a soul ring of that age was like dancing on the edge of a blade.

What did "limit" mean? One year more and you'd explode and die—that's the true limit.

No sane soul master would dare attempt it.

But Xiao Wu was different. She could safely push her soul ring to the limit.

Her soul ring was like a divine-granted one—though she could only increase the age, not lower it, she could gradually push it forward to find her exact safe threshold.

Knowing how powerful a high-aged soul ring was, Xiao Wu naturally wanted her fifth ring to be as old as possible.

"Xiao Wu, that's enough. No need to push yourself so hard."

Estimating that her fifth ring had already reached around 26,000 years, Chu Chengzhou spoke up.

Before a ring undergoes a qualitative leap (like ten years to a hundred, a hundred to a thousand, etc.), a few extra decades or centuries don't make a huge difference.

Besides, her current fifth soul ring already had a solid 26,000-year base—it wasn't worth the extra suffering for a bit more age.

Xiao Wu ignored him. Though she could be playful and silly, she gave her all when it mattered.

Getting stronger in exchange for a bit of pain? That was nothing.

Hard work and perseverance—who didn't have that?

Besides, it wouldn't take long.

Minutes later, under the pressure of the aged ring, blood-tinged sweat beaded on her body. She had finally reached her limit.

She sensed that her fifth ring had reached her true threshold. No longer increasing its age, she began to calmly absorb the energy pouring into her—not just from the ring, but also from her true body: the ten-thousand-year Soft-Boned Rabbit.

The sun set, the moon rose, and night fell on the quiet mountain forest.

Suddenly, Chu Chengzhou, who was standing watch, saw a massive surge of energy erupt from Xiao Wu. Her soul power broke through level 50 and advanced directly to level 52—she had become a Soul King.

Seeing this, Chu Chengzhou waved his flag. His first soul ring lit up, and the Sky Blue Tree Spirit, Xiao Qing, appeared.

A stream of green energy full of life surged from Xiao Qing and entered Xiao Wu's body.

Instantly, Xiao Wu felt warm all over. The numerous internal injuries from pushing her ring to the limit vanished without a trace.

"Brother~ you're the best!"

Fully healed, Xiao Wu leapt into Chu Chengzhou's arms.

"Hmph~ Look at you, such a mess! There's a creek nearby—go wash up!"

He hugged the little bunny for a while, then poked her forehead with mock disdain.

"Hehe~"

Xiao Wu giggled, gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, and ran off toward the creek.

After some time, Xiao Wu returned, freshly washed and wearing a clean dress.

Having condensed a fifth soul ring and advanced to Soul King, her body had developed again.

Though she was not yet 14 by human standards, with five soul rings, she now looked like a beautiful 18-year-old girl.

Wearing a white crystal princess dress, Xiao Wu stood before him. For a moment, Chu Chengzhou was stunned—she was more alluring than ever.

"Brother, come brush my hair!"

Seeing him dazed, Xiao Wu shook her still-damp hair and pouted.

Chu Chengzhou smiled, walked behind her, and pulled out a special sandalwood comb. His hand emitted gentle fire-element soul power as he carefully brushed her hair.

"Xiao Wu~"

"Mm?"

"We've both grown up."

Smelling the faint fragrance in her hair, Chu Chengzhou murmured.

"What do you mean?"

Xiao Wu turned her head, confused.

"Oscar's dad became a father at fourteen."

Chu Chengzhou said quietly.

Immediately, Xiao Wu's face turned bright red.

Was the fantasy world experience… about to play out in real life? So embarrassing!

T/N: For up to 20 chapters ahead on all my translations, become a p@tron at [email protected]/LordHipposApostle