Douluo Dalu: Lucky Star

Han Li naturally noticed the changes around Tang San.

However, he didn't care. To be precise, Tang San was no longer of any use to him.

The only reason Tang San was still alive was that Han Li needed to maintain his image. He didn't want his future deeds to be tainted with blood and gore when the stories spread, as that would tarnish the purity of the faith power he was cultivating.

After all, in most legends and biographies, the recorded events speak of "defeating," not "killing." The goal is to showcase the power of the gods while also highlighting their mercy. Isn't that the usual approach?

What was he planning? What did he intend to do?

Unlike the ordinary spectators, the representatives of the major factions and some nobility—especially those from the two great empires and duchies—watched Han Li with deep wariness after their initial shock, their expressions darkening.

For the empires, their only edge over the common folk had been the martial souls that allowed them to cultivate. Now, that advantage was gone. Unlike the sects, which valued talent, the empires relied on exclusivity.

Han Li's technique sounded promising on the surface, even beneficial. But there was a big difference between "enhancement" and "going from nothing to something."

And most crucially, there were simply too many people below. Their brief dominance couldn't guarantee a permanent lead, and their strength wasn't enough to ignore sheer numbers.

A new era was coming.

Some wanted to object, but when they looked at the two Titled Douluo lying at Han Li's feet, their blood still fresh, they wisely kept silent. No one thought they were stronger than the two Titled Douluo, and since they were on Spirit Hall's turf, they didn't want to risk disappearing without a trace.

Is he collecting faith?

Unlike the others, Bibi Dong knew more. After a brief moment of surprise, she quickly understood Han Li's intentions and felt a wave of relief.

He wasn't following the traditional path of divine inheritance. Instead, he was trying to emulate the Sea God and Angel God by collecting faith power to create his god position.

Having inherited a god herself, she knew that this process could take millennia, with no guarantee of success.

The advantage is mine!

These words flashed through Bibi Dong's mind as she glanced at Qian Renxue, who showed no emotion. Just a short while ago, Qian Renxue had begun her divine trial, and Bibi Dong could already sense that hated aura of light from her. Even so, Qian Renxue wasn't as fast as she was.

On the path to godhood, Bibi Dong was currently in the lead. She could almost see the moment when she would finally annihilate the Qian family.

She noticed that the members of the Worship Hall were gazing at Han Li with fervent eyes as if his actions weren't a surprise to them.

Hmph, hiding things from me again? she thought. But it doesn't matter. Once I reach godhood, anything standing in my way will be trivial.

Qian Daoliu, no matter how much effort you put in, it will be futile. When the time comes, I will destroy your hopes and make you watch as all your efforts crumble.

Seeing Bibi Dong's malice lessen after her initial shock, Han Li chuckled inwardly and shifted his gaze. Everything you believe is just what I want you to see.

"Mom, I have soul power now! I can cultivate!"

The young boy, sitting cross-legged on the ground, opened his eyes excitedly and stood up. The Blue Silver Grass in his right hand swayed gently, and the fluctuation of his soul power spread out. He had forgotten he was still in mid-air, feeling no fear as he stood on the soul power barrier Han Li created. Joyfully, he showed his mother his newfound strength.

"Yes, good boy… Mom can see it."

The young mother was moved to tears and was about to kneel with her son to thank Han Li.

"That's enough. There's no need for that. You deserved this for cooperating with me in demonstrating to everyone."

Han Li gently supported the mother and son, presenting his kind side to all.

At his feet, however, Tang San glared murderously at the child. That was his Mysterious Heaven Technique, the secret art of the Tang Sect. He hadn't even taught it to anyone, yet here it was, radiating from this child.

The young boy, meeting Tang San's gaze, took a frightened step back. The mother tightened her grip on her son's hand, having heard that Tang San wasn't human but a soul beast who ate children.

"Don't be afraid. He's already been subdued by me."

Han Li's reassuring voice calmed the mother and son. Since the boy's soul power was only at level three, Han Li refrained from letting him use his martial soul to further taunt Tang San. Still, he felt a slight sense of regret.

After sending the mother and son back to the ground, Han Li met the eager gazes of the crowd below.

"From now on, all levels of Spirit Hall will distribute the Mysterious Heaven Technique for free. Anyone can register and pick it up. Moreover, Spirit Hall will send dedicated personnel to provide guidance. Even for those who are illiterate, deacons will assist with cultivation."

"At the same time, the Soul Master Legions across the land will help maintain order, and I hope everyone will cooperate."

As he continued, his tone grew more serious, and the soul power he released, combined with his spirit's pressure, filled the sky. His Deathgod Domain displayed earlier, added an intimidating force to his words.

No one doubted the hidden killing intent and determination behind his announcement.

When the blood-red domain vanished, Han Li returned to his sunny, gentle demeanor and slowly descended to the stands amidst the crowd's gaze. After a brief silence, cheers and cries erupted from the audience, filling the air with noise.

In the stands, however, everyone looked at Han Li with complex expressions, remaining silent.

The joys and sorrows of people are not alike. Most were thinking about how to face the situation that would follow. As for resistance, after Han Li displayed strength, no one wanted to face such an opponent directly.

Bibi Dong didn't rush to conduct the final ceremony. People needed to vent their emotions, and she wasn't foolish enough to provoke them at this moment.

In the backstage area, a soul master in the Heaven Dou Empire uniform rushed in, ignoring the guards' attempts to stop him.

"Your Highness, something terrible has happened."

His hoarse voice reached everyone's ears, and it was clear his mental state was fragile.

"Don't panic. Tell me slowly what's happened."

Xue Qinghe spoke calmly as if already prepared.

After offering a polite apology to the others, she and the official moved aside to speak quietly. At the same time, everyone present tacitly extended their spiritual senses to eavesdrop, including the members of the Worship Hall, who already knew what was happening but felt the need to keep up appearances.

After a moment, Xue Qinghe returned, forcing a smile but saying nothing. Most of the people in the stands, however, had already pieced together the information.

The Heaven Dou treasury had been robbed. Emperor Xue Ye, who was inside at the time, had been attacked, seriously injured, and was now critically ill. It was uncertain if he would survive.

The national treasure had been stolen, and based on the evidence, the attacker likely used a heavy blunt weapon suspected to be the Clear Sky Hammer.

Just the phrase "suspected to be the Clear Sky Hammer" was enough to spark countless speculations.

The representative from the Star Luo Empire, along with Dai Weisi, were initially overjoyed upon hearing the news. But their smiles soon froze as they realized that, even with this information, they couldn't take action.

If they could gather this intelligence, they didn't believe Han Li would be unaware of it. Moreover, during the upcoming period when the Mysterious Heaven Technique was being promoted, Han Li wouldn't allow the Star Luo Empire to make any moves.

As expected, Han Li's voice rang out.

"Grandpa Dugu, it's been a long time since you've been to Heaven Dou City. Why don't you go back and stay there for a while?"

Dugu Bo nodded in agreement, and Xue Qinghe's expression relaxed slightly.

Bibi Dong remained indifferent to all that had happened, scanning the expressions of everyone in the stands as if looking down on them. All these petty schemes, this foolish "plot to steal the empire," had succeeded, but it was merely a gift for her.

When the crowd had calmed, she stepped forward again to announce the end of the tournament. She handed the three soul bones to Shui Bing'er and her team, then became the first to leave the venue.

As the crowd began to disperse, those from the Worship Hall and Xue Qinghe remained behind, surprising no one.

The Star Luo Empire's delegation was the first to leave, taking Dai Mubai's body with them. Han Li did not stop them; in fact, he was even looking forward to them conducting their investigations.

Before Ning Fengzhi left, he exchanged a few words with Xue Qinghe, but after glancing at the people near Han Li, he quietly departed.

As the crowd dispersed, news began to spread quickly across the continent in various forms, and at this moment, all levels of Spirit Hall received orders and began taking action.

"I have to return to Heaven Dou City and stabilize the situation as quickly as possible. I'll likely be traveling back and forth frequently between the two places from now on," Qian Renxue said, without any unnecessary words. Though she hadn't resumed her disguise, she didn't hide her voice, causing Tang Hao and the other two lying on the ground to widen their eyes.

"Yes, I won't see you off. If anything happens, contact me through the pendant. There might be a slight delay, but it still works as a form of instant communication. As for the crimes, just blame everything on the Clear Sky Sect."

Han Li smiled and gestured to the three people on the ground, unfazed by the fury in their eyes. This was part of the plan all along.

Though somewhat coincidental, what mattered was that the timing was right for a smooth transition. The Clear Sky Sect could shoulder this blame.

The charges of colluding with soul beasts and betraying humanity had already been proven. What's a little national treasure theft and an attempt on Emperor Xue Ye's life on top of that? As for motive—who knows? Maybe it was a mission from the soul beasts. Let those who enjoy speculation piece it together.

"Alright, I'll go see my grandfather and then get ready to leave. See you later."

"Okay, see you later."

The next time they met, she would be the empress—assuming, of course, she could reveal her true identity. Watching Qian Renxue's carefree departure, Han Li couldn't help but feel a bit of anticipation.

Glancing at the now nearly empty venue, Han Li let out a breath. The Soul Master Tournament was over, and a new era had begun.

"Let's go, Master."

Han Li looked at Guang Ling, who was squatting on the ground, teasing Tang Hao and the others, and called out helplessly.