Douluo Dalu (Novel) Universe:
In this multiverse timeline, time flows differently. While Lin Fan's team is still participating in the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament, a year and a half has passed in Li Si's world.
The Star Dou Forest.
Li Si walked side by side with two women, chatting and laughing as they made their way toward the forest's outskirts.
Soul beasts—whether ten-thousand-year or thousand-year—would cast a fleeting glance at the trio before fleeing without hesitation.
Initially, Xiao Wu had been terrified of Gu Yuena, the silver-haired woman on Li Si's other side. The presence of the supreme entity from the Star Dou Forest's depths struck Xiao Wu with primal fear, as if staring into the abyss itself.
Even now, Xiao Wu hadn't fully adjusted to Gu Yuena's presence.
"Are you sure about coming with us to the human world?" Li Si asked, breaking the silence as they neared the edge of the forest.
Gu Yuena, clad in white with her silver hair cascading down to her calves, carried an air of otherworldly grace. Her silver irises and eyebrows matched the ethereal tones of her appearance, not to mention… well…
"Yes," she replied, her voice calm but resolute. "I want to see the world—and see it with you."
Li Si didn't press further, though Xiao Wu's expression soured.
This woman… definitely isn't simple!
What did she mean by wanting "to see it with you"? Why not just confess outright?
Xiao Wu clenched her fists in frustration. Her naivety was long gone; she'd learned a great deal over the years.
This radiant silver-haired woman had clearly set her sights on Li Si.
What chance does a childhood sweetheart have against such a heavenly figure?
Li Si seemed to notice Xiao Wu's unhappiness. Smiling warmly, he reached out and took her hand.
Xiao Wu's mood instantly lifted, her earlier concerns melting away. Clearly, she had been overthinking things.
Then, to her dismay, Li Si reached out and took Gu Yuena's hand as well.
Xiao Wu: "???"
"You…!"
Biting her lip, Xiao Wu fought the urge to lash out. If not for Gu Yuena walking right beside them, she might have jumped on Li Si to give him a good scolding.
After what felt like an eternity, the three finally emerged from the Star Dou Forest. The location was still within the Heaven Dou Empire, though it wasn't the same entry point Li Si and Xiao Wu had used when they entered the forest.
Having spent a year and a half in the forest, returning to the outside world filled Li Si with a mix of emotions.
The depths of the Star Dou Forest were a paradise—pristine and breathtakingly beautiful. With Gu Yuena's companionship and Xiao Wu by his side, Li Si had lived the kind of idyllic life he had always dreamed of.
He had encountered slumbering soul beasts of unimaginable power and even the legendary ice silkworm from Douluo Dalu 2.
As the acknowledged "First Dragon King" by Gu Yuena herself, Li Si had no enemies in the Star Dou Forest. No soul beast dared to provoke him.
Now, holding the hands of both women, Li Si studied a map to determine their current location.
What he didn't realize was how his disappearance over the past year had thrown several factions into turmoil.
The Frenzied Search for Li Si:
The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, in particular, had gone nearly insane trying to locate him. Mobilizing nearly their entire sect, they scoured the Douluo Continent for Li Si, whom they believed to be their most promising prodigy.
Yu Yuanzhen and his kin had spent over a year on this fruitless search, their frustration mounting by the day.
Spirit Hall had also been quietly searching for Li Si, though their efforts were more subdued.
What none of these factions realized was that Li Si, having undergone a second martial spirit awakening, was now nearly unrecognizable. His appearance and aura had undergone a complete transformation.
Moreover, he had been residing deep within the Star Dou Forest, a place even Titled Douluo feared to tread. Finding him there was an impossible task.
As long as he refrained from using his Golden Saint Dragon King bloodline, it was almost impossible for anyone to identify him.
The only potential lead was Xiao Wu, though no one had yet made that connection.
Back to the Journey:
Eventually, the trio arrived in Heaven Dou City. Li Si was surprised to find the streets unusually crowded.
"Why are there so many people here?" he wondered aloud.
After a moment's thought, he realized, "Oh, it must be time for the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament."
Was it already that time?
Without his participation, Li Si mused about who might win this year's tournament.
Sure, the prize of three soul bones over 10,000 years was tempting, but to Li Si, they were now trivial.
Glancing at Gu Yuena, Li Si felt a wave of confidence. With her by his side, such treasures were meaningless.
Beasts like Di Tian had stockpiled countless rare soul bones over the years, including some over 100,000 years old.
As "Uncle" to Di Tian and the dragons, Li Si had even taken a stroll through Di Tian's treasure vault before leaving the forest. The sight had nearly brought Di Tian to tears.
Li Si had shamelessly taken most of the best items.
It was only when Di Tian was on the verge of attacking him that Li Si reluctantly returned some of the loot. Otherwise, he doubted he could have walked out of the vault alive.
Even now, Li Si felt a twinge of guilt. He had gone way too far.
Originally, his goal in entering the Star Dou Forest was to acquire the Eight Spider Lances. After seeing Di Tian's hoard, he had completely forgotten about them.
Noticing Li Si's intense gaze, Gu Yuena blinked in confusion. "What are you thinking about in broad daylight?"
Li Si: "…"
Injustice! You're the one with strange thoughts!
"Li Si, is this the most prosperous city in the Heaven Dou Empire?" Gu Yuena asked, her tone calm.
"Yes. It does seem quite crowded…"
As for its prosperity, Gu Yuena seemed unimpressed.
(End of Chapter)
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