Douluo Dalu 2: I got Kidnapped into Holy Spirit Cult

"Then shut up if you can't speak properly!"

Zhang Peng shot a sideways glance at Masked Douluo. Although he was still somewhat worried, he knew Jiang Jue had come prepared and must have already planned everything out. It wouldn't be appropriate to object outright.

"Elder Zhang, I think the Holy Son's plan is feasible."

"We're only planning to lure out an Ice Jade Scorpion, not trying to capture the Ice Emperor. There's no need to be overly cautious."

Wu Yun, who had been silent the entire journey, finally spoke up.

Since aligning himself with Zhongli Wu, Wu Yun hadn't had many chances to prove himself. He had even volunteered to be Jiang Jue's escort for this mission.

Now that an opportunity to demonstrate his worth had finally arisen, he naturally wanted to make the most of it.

Jiang Jue looked at Wu Yun in surprise. Could it be that Wu Yun had the curse of a jinx?

After all, Jiang Jue's true plan was to lure out the Ice Emperor.

"In that case, let's get moving."

"Make sure to protect the Holy Son at all costs," Zhang Peng ordered firmly, dropping any further arguments.

"But who will take the Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Ice Essence to lure the scorpion?"

Once again, Masked Douluo voiced another concern.

"Caw caw!"

The Soul-Devouring Crow perched on Jiang Jue's shoulder let out a strange cry, indicating that it would take on the task.

This was exactly what Jiang Jue wanted. If any of the four people present were to go, they'd likely bring back just an ordinary Ice Jade Scorpion.

Therefore, this mission required Jiang Jue's personal involvement.

The Soul-Devouring Crow was innately gifted with dual attributes of spirit and space, granting it the ability to teleport.

This was the reason why Jiang Jue's second soul skill resembled spatial displacement.

Currently, the Soul-Devouring Crow could teleport up to a thousand meters. Since it only consumed Jiang Jue's spiritual power, as long as it moved swiftly enough, it could lure out the Ice Emperor.

None of the others objected. After all, the Soul-Devouring Crow was merely Jiang Jue's beast spirit. If it were lost, he could always acquire another one, as long as Jiang Jue remained safe.

Half a day later.

Jiang Jue placed the Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Ice Essence into the Soul-Devouring Crow's mouth and secretly channeled the Life Energy from the Life-Giving Gold into the crow's body. This would prevent the crow from dissipating if it ventured too far from him.

"Go. We'll wait for you here."

The Soul-Devouring Crow nuzzled Jiang Jue's neck affectionately. Its scarlet eyes flashed with a glimmer of intelligence before it flapped its wings and flew toward a massive crevice ten kilometers away.

"Holy Son, are you ready?"

Zhang Peng gripped Jiang Jue's shoulder, his voice low and steady.

As soon as the Soul-Devouring Crow lured out an Ice Jade Scorpion, they would capture it and then make a swift escape.

The other three also began quietly gathering their soul power, waiting for an unlucky Ice Jade Scorpion to take the bait.

Everything seemed to be going perfectly according to plan. But Jiang Jue wasn't about to let it play out that smoothly.

When the Soul-Devouring Crow was about a kilometer away from the crevice, it halted mid-air and stopped advancing.

Then, it infused its spiritual power into the Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Ice Essence, releasing a bone-chilling cold that spread out as blue icy currents.

Rather than passively letting the Ice Essence emit its aura to attract an Ice Jade Scorpion, it actively amplified the aura to its maximum potential.

As the blue currents flowed into the giant crevice, a creature within instantly awoke.

"Hiss!"

A sharp sound echoed, accompanied by a terrifying sonic wave that caused the snow on the ground to rise three meters high, resembling splashing ocean waves.

A layer of jade-green light rapidly spread out from within the crevice.

"Caw!"

The Soul-Devouring Crow let out a startled cry, its eyes reflecting human-like fear. The space around it rippled as it instantly vanished.

The moment it teleported away, a flash of green appeared at the exact spot where it had been.

"That's the aura of the Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Ice Essence!"

A clear voice echoed from the green figure, which surprisingly retracted its imposing aura.

In the next moment, it transformed into a green streak of light, chasing after the Soul-Devouring Crow at an astonishing speed, leaving a trail across the sky.

The Soul-Devouring Crow's feathers stood on end as it continuously activated spatial teleportation.

"Holy Son, watch me shine!"

Wu Yun had already noticed the green streak but, underestimating it due to its small size and concealed aura, he mistook it for a mere ten-thousand-year Ice Jade Scorpion.

Before Jiang Jue could stop him, Wu Yun enveloped himself in darkness, sprouted wings, and charged toward the green light.

"Boom!"

A loud crash echoed as Wu Yun was sent flying back at an even greater speed, blood spraying through the air.

"Uh-oh! Retreat! Run!"

Zhang Peng's face turned grim. Grabbing Jiang Jue, he began weaving through the air, fleeing at top speed.

Fortunately, Wu Yun's attack momentarily delayed the green figure, allowing the Soul-Devouring Crow to return to Jiang Jue's side.

"Humans, leave the Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Ice Essence behind, or be buried forever in this frozen land!"

The green figure pursued them, its voice radiating overwhelming pressure.

Jiang Jue's expression remained unchanged, with a hint of excitement gleaming in his eyes. His plan had succeeded—now it was time to lure the Ice Emperor away from its territory.

"It can talk? A hundred-thousand-year soul beast?"

Masked Douluo was stunned.

"No… It's the Ice Emperor!"

Zhang Peng's voice trembled.

Even as a Rank 96 Super Douluo, Zhang Peng knew he couldn't defeat an Ice Emperor nearing four hundred thousand years, especially on its home turf.

Not even with Masked Douluo and Nan Gongwan combined. They were simply outclassed.

Realizing the danger, Masked Douluo accelerated even further.

Seeing the Ice Emperor gaining on them, Zhang Peng's expression turned ruthless.

Dark soul power gathered in his hand as he struck Nan Gongwan beside him.

"Elder Nan Gong, it's time for you to make your sacrifice for the Holy Sect," Zhang Peng said coldly.

Caught off guard, Nan Gongwan was struck, slowing him down.

Zhang Peng hadn't aimed to injure him but merely to delay him—just long enough to stall the Ice Emperor and buy them time to escape.

"You… Zhang Peng!"

Nan Gongwan's face contorted with rage, but before he could accelerate again, a jade-green tail pierced through him, leaving him no chance to fight back.

His eighth soul ring suddenly glowed brightly, igniting his body into a spiritual form that swiftly pursued Zhang Peng.

This was his survival skill: burning his physical body to allow his soul to escape.

"Elder Nan Gong, hide in my Soul Refining Banner. You'll be safe inside!"

It was Jiang Jue, waving the banner with an expression of deep concern.

Feeling hopeful, Nan Gongwan dove straight into the banner.

"Holy Son, I'm here!"

With a whoosh, his soul was sucked into the Soul Refining Banner.

Jiang Jue's lips curled into a sly smile.

(End of Chapter)