I've also recently started a new translation, please check it out and show your support! Douluo: Seven Kill Shock the World
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Soon, Chu Chengzhou spotted eight figures emerging from the small village below. Their martial souls manifested, surrounded by yellow, purple, and black soul rings.
There was the Power Attack Vajra Tiger Soul Douluo, the Power Attack Bloodthirsty Wolf Soul Douluo, the Agility Attack Shadow Leopard Soul Sage, the flying Power Attack Flame Sparrow Soul Sage, the flying Power Attack Storm Eagle Soul Sage, the Defensive Crystal Pangolin Soul Sage, the Control Iron Vine Soul Sage, and the Support Starlight Staff Soul Sage.
"Fire Phoenix?"
"Chu Chengzhou?!"
As Chu Chengzhou spotted the assassin squad, 'Tiger' and 'Wolf' also saw the Fire Phoenix hovering in the distant sky, with Chu Chengzhou standing on its back.
"Sparrow, Eagle, go and bring that guy down for me!"
Immediately, 'Tiger' revealed a ferocious grin and instructed his two flying Soul Sages.
"What do you mean 'go'? Run! Run immediately!"
Unlike the muscle-brained 'Tiger,' 'Wolf's face turned pale as soon as he realized it was Chu Chengzhou. He quickly called for everyone to retreat.
In 'Tiger's eyes, their assassination target had delivered himself to them—a stroke of great fortune.
But 'Wolf' didn't see it that way. If Chu Chengzhou could find them, it meant their intelligence network had already been compromised.
Moreover, if Chu Chengzhou dared to appear before them so boldly, he must have complete confidence in his abilities. At this moment, they were undoubtedly—no, absolutely—surrounded by high-level experts from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect!
Assassinating Chu Chengzhou? Running away was the priority!
They weren't suicide agents. Compared to their own lives, the emperor's orders suddenly didn't seem so important.
Besides, neither he nor 'Tiger' were nobodies—they were both Soul Douluos, recognized as experts across the continent. Even if they failed the mission, returning to Star Luo would spare them execution. The emperor might be angry, but he wouldn't kill them outright.
The seven who had been about to act were startled by 'Wolf's call. Though not entirely foolish, they quickly snapped out of it and hurriedly followed him in retreat.
When they first saw Chu Chengzhou, their initial impulse to charge forward stemmed from frustration—after all, Chu Chengzhou had forced them to stay cooped up in the village for so long.
But after 'Wolf's reminder, they immediately realized the situation.
Perhaps there were fools in the world—even many—but their assassination target, Chu Chengzhou, was certainly not among them. To appear before them like this, he must be fully prepared.
Seeing the eight Star Luo assassins flee without even engaging, Chu Chengzhou couldn't help but look astonished.
Weren't they supposed to be elite assassins sent by the mighty Star Luo Empire? How could they be so cowardly?
Beyond a hundred meters, arrows were fast; within a hundred meters, arrows were both fast and accurate!
With a flick of his hands, golden light flashed as the Nine Heavens Mystic Spirit Bow and three Flowing Gold Armor-Piercing Arrows materialized.
Holding the bow in his left hand and nocking an arrow with his right, Chu Chengzhou infused the arrows with metallic soul power. Immediately, the three Flowing Gold Armor-Piercing Arrows emitted sharp golden glows.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—
The next second, Chu Chengzhou released the arrows. With a faint whistling sound, the three arrows aimed at the three Soul Sages shot out as three streaks of golden light.
The golden streaks were incredibly fast, crossing over a hundred meters in an instant.
Among the targeted three, the Shadow Leopard Soul Sage was killed with a headshot, the Flame Sparrow Soul Sage was pierced through the heart, and the remaining Storm Eagle Soul Sage—whether due to luck, heightened danger awareness, or Chu Chengzhou's archery skills not yet reaching perfection—barely dodged in time. Though not hit in a vital spot, his right arm was penetrated by the Flowing Gold Armor-Piercing Arrow.
Even so, the Storm Eagle Soul Sage was gravely injured. The arrow shattered his right humerus. Without the ability to regenerate limbs, his arm was effectively useless.
One bow, three arrows—two dead, one injured. Though not perfect, Chu Chengzhou was satisfied.
After all, those killed were all Soul Sages, considered experts on the continent.
For example, the father of one of his former classmates was only a Soul Elder… Oh, wait—the last time he visited his grandparents to deliver immortal herbs, that city lord had advanced to a Soul Ancestor.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—
Another three Flowing Gold Armor-Piercing Arrows shot forth.
Golden streaks flashed, and the Iron Vine Soul Sage and Starlight Staff Soul Sage were instantly killed with headshots.
As for the remaining Crystal Pangolin Soul Sage, he could have avoided the attack—at least dodging the vital spots. After all, the targets were moving at high speeds, and hitting all three vital points with one bow wasn't easy.
However, perhaps because he was a Defensive soul master, the Crystal Pangolin Soul Sage was extremely confident in his defense. His sixth soul ring lit up as he activated his defensive soul skill, preparing to withstand the blow directly.
Then… it was over. This stubborn Crystal Pangolin Soul Sage was instantly killed by a Flowing Gold Armor-Piercing Arrow striking his head.
This proved that even a Defensive Soul Sage couldn't withstand Chu Chengzhou's soul-refined Flowing Gold Armor-Piercing Arrows.
Subsequently, Chu Chengzhou fired another arrow, finishing off the already injured Storm Eagle Soul Sage.
In less than half a minute, without even using theVoid Realm Illusion, Chu Chengzhou had used three volleys of seven arrows to take down six Soul Sages. Only the leading 'Tiger' and 'Wolf,' both Soul Douluos, remained from the Star Luo assassin squad.
Despite these impressive results, Chu Chengzhou wasn't arrogant.
He remembered the Battle of Jialing Pass in the original story: two Tang Sect hidden weapons, the Buddha's Wrath Lotus, instantly killed over seventy Soul Sages of the Spirit Hall and over thirty Soul Douluos.
Just two small hidden weapons wiped out nearly the equivalent of two or three lower-ranked sects' top-tier forces.
Compared to such terrifying results, his current feat of killing six Soul Sages wasn't particularly remarkable.
Without time to retrieve the bodies, Chu Chengzhou commanded Xiao Hong to chase after the fleeing 'Tiger' and 'Wolf.'
Fortunately, dispatching six Soul Sages hadn't taken much time. Moreover, since Xiao Hong had wings, her flight speed was faster than the two Soul Douluos running on land. Within just a few minutes, Chu Chengzhou caught up to the escaping duo.
"Damn!"
Glancing back and seeing Chu Chengzhou closing in from the sky, 'Wolf' cursed under his breath.
They had seen Chu Chengzhou nocking his bow and consecutively killing their six Soul Sages moments ago.
Never in their wildest dreams did they expect Chu Chengzhou's strength to reach such heights.
Chu Chengzhou only displayed five soul rings—how could a mere five-ring Soul King instantly kill Soul Sages?
Even as Soul Douluos, they wouldn't dare claim they could one-shot a Soul Sage.
At this moment, despair rose in 'Wolf's heart, along with resentment toward the empire's intelligence department.
A bunch of useless fools claimed the target's strength was between seven and eight rings, relying on the Dark Golden Fear Claw Bear summon. They said Chu Chengzhou himself was at most a six-ring level.
Yet here he was, killing Soul Sages like chickens. Could this be called a six-ring level?
"Tiger, stop running! You can't outrun them!"
Realizing their legs couldn't match the speed of a winged Fire Phoenix summon, 'Wolf' knew continuing to run was a waste of energy. He decided to stop and fight Chu Chengzhou.
Otherwise, by the time they exhausted themselves, they wouldn't even have the strength for a final desperate fight.
"Run, why aren't you running anymore?"
Seeing them stop, Chu Chengzhou asked mockingly.
"Leave some room for reconciliation; we may meet again in the future! Chu Chengzhou, my brother and I will leave Tian Dou, and we'll call this matter settled. What do you say?"
'Wolf' spoke solemnly.
It wasn't that 'Wolf' was scared—it was that he understood that even if they defeated Chu Chengzhou, escaping Tian Dou would still be impossible.
The empire had sent them to assassinate Chu Chengzhou, but after the intelligence leak, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect must have made moves. By now, their experts were surely lying in wait.
"You Star Luo dared to send assassins after me. I don't think there's any need for us to meet again."
Chu Chengzhou didn't give them face.
You came to assassinate me, and you want me to show mercy?
"Misunderstanding, misunderstanding! Brother Chu, my brother and I never tried to assassinate you!"
At this moment, 'Tiger' spoke up.
"That's right, Brother Chu! When did we ever try to assassinate you? You can't falsely accuse us! On the other hand, you attacked us without saying a word."
'Wolf' was momentarily stunned, surprised at how quickly his dim-witted brother had turned things around (and shamelessly). But life was priceless, and after recovering from his shock, he immediately went along with it.
There was logic to this: although they had planned to assassinate Chu Chengzhou, they hadn't actually acted yet.
Planning an assassination and carrying one out were two different things. Since the plan hadn't been executed, it couldn't be counted as an assassination.
"Hmph, do you really think I don't know your plans?
Let me tell you, the Star Luo intelligence branch near Tian Dou City has already been dismantled by me! Otherwise, how do you think I found you?"
Chu Chengzhou sneered disdainfully.
'Wolf': "…"
'Tiger': "…"
"Brother Chu, if you're this strong, you should've said so earlier!
It's better to make peace than to create an enemy. It's just a fiancée of a useless prince. Given your strength, I'm sure the emperor would be willing to let this slide!"
Suddenly, 'Wolf' slapped his thigh and exclaimed loudly.
In 'Wolf's view, the current situation wasn't caused by Chu Chengzhou abducting the empire's fiancée but because Chu Chengzhou had been hiding his true strength.
A mere four- or five-ring soul master couldn't possibly challenge the empire or the imperial family's dignity. But if it was a rare powerhouse on the continent, that would be a different story.
Their emperor, though domineering, was also someone who could endure.
Take the Star Luo Spirit Hall, for instance. They openly encroached on the empire's interests, inciting and supporting vassal kingdoms to break away from imperial control. Did the emperor protest? No, he endured it all.
Given the strength Chu Chengzhou had displayed, unless Titled Douluos intervened, he likely couldn't be subdued.
But for the sake of a mere useless prince's fiancée, would the empire really send Titled Douluo-level experts to deal with Chu Chengzhou?
Sneaking into Tian Dou alone—if anything went wrong and their Titled Douluo fell, who would bear the cost?
The costs were too high, and the risks enormous. There was simply no need for bloodshed.
Moreover, the Netherworld Spirit Cat family wasn't a minor clan. Even without Zhu Zhuqing, they had plenty of eligible women, albeit with slightly inferior cultivation talent.
Since Crown Prince Dai Mubai was already doomed, giving him a fiancée with mediocre talent wasn't a big deal.
If a useless person paired with another useless person, it might even inspire Crown Prince Dai Weisi to display the rare imperial virtue of "fraternal harmony"!
Upon hearing this, Chu Chengzhou raised an eyebrow, pondered for a moment, and changed his original plan.
Killing two Soul Douluos, while impressive, wasn't an unbearable loss for the Star Luo Empire—it was nothing major.
Only losing Titled Douluos or those capable of Titled Douluo-level strength would truly hurt the Star Luo Empire.
Though his wings had grown stronger, they weren't invincible yet. If he could use this opportunity to temporarily reconcile with the Star Luo Empire, it would be beneficial.
First and foremost, reconciliation meant no more assassination attempts from the Star Luo Empire.
Of course, he personally wasn't afraid of assassins. Without Titled Douluos, he had nothing to fear.
But he wasn't alone. His sisters and grandparents in Nuoding City didn't have his strength. If the Star Luo Empire was determined, they could uncover his origins, and the consequences would be unpredictable.
Additionally, if the Star Luo royal family could intervene and dissolve Zhu Zhuqing's engagement, it would undoubtedly be a good thing.
Even if reconciliation wasn't chosen, he currently had no means to deal with the Star Luo Empire—one of the two great empires on the continent.
Hmm, he'd jot this down in his notebook and settle scores when his wings were fully hardened.
"Grandpa Sword!"
Deciding, Chu Chengzhou called out to the rear.
Soon, Chen Xin appeared beside him.
"The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's Sword Douluo?!"
Seeing Chen Xin suddenly appear, 'Tiger' and 'Wolf' involuntarily shrank their pupils.
Good grief, just as they suspected earlier—it wasn't just Chu Chengzhou, but also high-level experts from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
What they didn't expect was that the expert wasn't just any ordinary powerhouse—it was the famous swordmaster Chen Xin!
Wasn't this overestimating them a bit?
"Do you two surrender?
I'll send someone to negotiate with your emperor. If we reach a settlement, I'll release you. If not, prepare to die."
Chu Chengzhou stated calmly.
Upon hearing this, the two exchanged glances and shouted: "We surrender!"
Nonsense, they had no chance against Chu Chengzhou alone, let alone with Chen Xin present.
Better to live miserably than die gloriously. First things first—save their lives.
Moreover, in their view, Chu Chengzhou's strength far exceeded expectations. If the empire could reconcile with him, their success would be monumental.
After all, a five-ring Chu Chengzhou was already slaughtering Soul Sages like chickens. Advancing to six or seven rings, wouldn't his strength easily rival a Titled Douluo?
In the future, upon becoming a Titled Douluo, he'd undoubtedly be one of the continent's top powerhouses.
Provoking such a carefree powerhouse was unwise. It was better to reconcile as soon as possible.
The continent had many Titled Douluos, most stronger than Dugu Bo. Yet why was Dugu Bo, considered a weak Titled Douluo, recognized as one of the most untouchable opponents?
Aside from being a "weapon of mass destruction," Dugu Bo was also a "lone wolf," with few attachments.
Once provoked, he could hide his only granddaughter and launch retaliatory attacks on his faction. The losses would be immense.
And if they couldn't kill him, they wouldn't even have a target for revenge.
Chu Chengzhou was similar—few attachments. Once he grew stronger, causing trouble every few days, even the vast resources of the Star Luo Empire wouldn't withstand much chaos.
The next afternoon, a luxurious carriage escorted by a team of royal knights entered the Chu residence.
"Brother, what urgent matter do you have for me?"
In the courtyard, glancing at the robust and thin middle-aged men beside him, Qian Renxue asked Chu Chengzhou.
"Brother Qinghe, the other day I left the city on business and was unexpectedly followed by Star Luo assassins. Fortunately, they were clumsy, and Grandpa Sword and I countered them.
However, as the saying goes, enemies should reconcile rather than escalate. I'd like you to help mediate negotiations between the empire and the Star Luo Empire to reach a settlement."
Without further ado, Chu Chengzhou got straight to the point.
"Hmm? Star Luo assassins? Are you injured, Brother?"
"No issue, petty assassins can't harm me."
Chu Chengzhou waved dismissively.
It was a pity, though—the six Soul Sages killed last night were all broke, not even a single soul bone on them.
"That's good! The empire naturally stands by your side. These repeated assassination attempts by the Star Luo Empire are despicable. Tell me your demands—I'll handle everything!
The mighty Star Luo Empire stooping to such underhanded tactics must be taught a lesson."
Qian Renxue immediately encouraged Chu Chengzhou to make bold demands.
As for reconciling with enemies? That was nonsense.
But Qian Renxue understood that reconciliation with the Star Luo Empire was advantageous for Chu Chengzhou at this stage.
When his wings were fully hardened and his fists stronger, he could revisit the matter civilly or uncivilly—by going all out.
"I believe Brother Qinghe knows about Zhu Zhuqing's situation. My request is simple: have the Star Luo royal family dissolve her engagement. As for the rest, Brother Qinghe, you decide.
By the way, these two are part of the assassin squad—Soul Douluos whose soul power was sealed by Grandpa Sword. Take them back with you.
If negotiations succeed, release them. If not, have them executed."
Chu Chengzhou gestured toward 'Tiger' and 'Wolf,' whose soul power had been sealed by Chen Xin.
"Brother, leave it to me!"
Without hesitation, Qian Renxue, the "good older brother," confidently accepted.
Honestly, Chu Chengzhou cared little for the compensation from a negotiated settlement. As Ning Fengzhi's son-in-law, he didn't lack ordinary wealth.
As for soul bones, the Star Luo Empire likely didn't possess any top-tier items.
If not for fearing the Star Luo Empire's reckless retaliation, endangering his loved ones, and considering Zhu Zhuqing's existing engagement—which made their relationship somewhat improper—reconciliation wouldn't even be necessary.
But then again, without choosing negotiation and reconciliation, he currently had no means to deal with the Star Luo Empire.
It was better to feign cooperation, at least to irritate the Star Luo Empire a bit.
What about releasing 'Tiger' and 'Wolf,' who knew his strength, if negotiations succeeded?
It didn't matter. His soul power cultivation was rapid, and his strength progressed quickly.
Not literally changing every day, but in a year or two, his strength couldn't be measured by his current combat prowess.
Take Bibi Dong, for example. Didn't she know Tang San, with his twin martial souls, was a super genius?
Bibi Dong knew but didn't take him seriously.
In her eyes, Tang San's age was a weakness. For ten to twenty years, his threat wouldn't surpass his father, Tang Hao.
But who would've thought Tang San's progress would be so fast? When she began her Rakshasa God trials, Tang San had just been born. When she achieved Limit Douluo realm, Tang San was still a young man. But when she completed her trials and inherited the Rakshasa God position, Tang San had already become the Sea God.
Facing Tang San's threat, Bibi Dong thought this way.
Facing Chu Chengzhou's threat, the Star Luo Empire would think similarly.
Young people were too young to pose immediate existential threats. They could be acknowledged but not overly prioritized—certainly not to the extent of sparing no expense.
Hesitating to eliminate potential threats decisively upon discovery was why villains ultimately failed.
After chatting for a while, Qian Renxue took his leave, bringing the soul-sealed 'Tiger' and 'Wolf' away from the Chu residence.
Returning to the Tian Dou Imperial Palace, Qian Renxue had the two detained for questioning before consulting Emperor Xue Ye.
Over an hour later, after finalizing the negotiation framework with Emperor Xue Ye, Qian Renxue returned to his Eastern Palace.
At this moment, a trusted subordinate reported: "Master, the assassins have confessed, but…"
"But what?"
Qian Renxue frowned.
"The two assassins separately recounted how they were captured. But their descriptions were exaggerated. I can't determine whether they colluded beforehand or if the facts were truly that exaggerated."
Recalling their descriptions—a five-ring Chu Chengzhou firing seven arrows in succession, killing six Soul Sages—the subordinate found it absurd.
A five-ring Soul King instantly killing Soul Sages, and six of them at that? Who exaggerates like that?
"Exaggerated?"
Qian Renxue raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"Master, here are their confessions."
The subordinate tactfully handed over the confessions of 'Tiger' and 'Wolf.'
Reading that a five-ring Chu Chengzhou had fired seven arrows, instantly killing their six Soul Sages, Qian Renxue fell silent.
It seemed his talented younger brother's strength was quite extraordinary.
Qian Renxue considered himself a genius, but even he couldn't kill Soul Sages at the five-ring level.
Moreover, Chu Chengzhou's method of killing Soul Sages wasn't even from his incomprehensible variant martial soul's soul skill.
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