Douluo Dalu: The Legend of The Spider Emperor

A vast and breathtaking central lake lay in this part of the Star Dou Forest, encircled by towering ancient trees. The crystal-clear water reflected the sky above, and a faint mist hovered around, adding a mystical beauty to the scenery.

At the lake's edge sat a colossal figure, its body as massive as a mountain. Its jet-black fur shimmered with a faint golden hue under the scorching sun. With shoulders spanning more than seven meters wide and eyes the size of lanterns glowing with a golden luster, the creature exuded an overwhelming presence. Every inch of its body was covered in rock-hard muscles, resembling chiseled granite, emanating an aura of sheer dominance.

The Titan Giant Ape!

A true apex predator of the food chain!

At this moment, the Titan Giant Ape was playing mischievously by the lake, splashing water around carelessly, causing waves to ripple across the surface.

Not far from it, Ye Hao and Xiao Hong remained hidden under the protection of the Death God's Heart, rendering their presence undetectable to the beast.

"There's another one resting at the lake's bottom," Xiao Hong remarked, gazing into the depths. There, a terrifying soul beast slumbered—a creature with the body of a python and the head of an ox. The Sky Azure Bull Python, an existence even stronger than the Titan Giant Ape.

"Pick one, Haozi. Which will it be?" Xiao Hong asked.

The Death God's Heart had only one available slot, meaning only one of these mighty beasts could be absorbed into it. Ye Hao had to make a choice.

"That big dumb one," Ye Hao pointed at the Titan Giant Ape, sealing his decision.

"The Sky Azure Bull Python is far too intelligent. In contrast, that fool of a Titan Giant Ape is nothing but brute strength without much use otherwise."

"The Titan Giant Ape, huh?" Xiao Hong scrutinized the enormous beast. Just as Ye Hao had said, the creature resembled an oversized, playful child—nowhere near as composed and calculating as its brother, the Sky Azure Bull Python. This was indeed the perfect opportunity to capture it.

With their plan set, Ye Hao removed the Death God's Heart from his hair and released two powerful entities—the Death Spider Emperor and the Soul-Devouring Spider Emperor.

Upon emerging, the Soul-Devouring Spider Emperor surveyed the surroundings, its many eyes narrowing as a strange sense of familiarity washed over it.

"You… You two must be insane! You dare target the emperor of the forest?!" the Soul-Devouring Spider Emperor gasped in shock.

"That's exactly what we're doing." Ye Hao grinned, flashing his pristine white teeth. "Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Ye Hao."

The Soul-Devouring Spider Emperor: "…"

Target confirmed: Titan Giant Ape!

Ye Hao deactivated the Death God's Heart's concealment, revealing himself, Xiao Hong, and the two Spider Emperors to the world.

At that instant, deep beneath the lake, the sleeping Sky Azure Bull Python suddenly opened its massive eyes. Its enormous ox-like head slowly surfaced, breaking through the water.

Ye Hao wasted no time. The moment his concealment vanished, he activated the Death God's Heart, directing its power toward the Titan Giant Ape.

Their gazes locked.

Just as the Titan Giant Ape registered Ye Hao's presence, the Death God's Heart had already been flung toward it.

Boom!

A sudden explosion erupted as six enormous mirror-like barriers materialized, cutting off all possible escape routes for the Titan Giant Ape. In the next second, six chains crackling with dark purple lightning shot out from within, ensnaring the beast.

For a moment, the Titan Giant Ape was stunned. Then, its towering body erupted in a frenzy, its mountain-like fists hammering against the restraints, eyes burning with unbridled rage. It glared furiously at the lone human standing before it—its only desire now was to crush this despicable being!

Yet, something unexpected happened.

The chains seemed to have a will of their own, constantly shifting and maneuvering to drain the Titan Giant Ape's strength. The six mirror barriers forced it into a desperate corner, offering no path for retreat.

Dark lightning coiled around its massive form, sending violent shocks surging through its body. Muscles twitched involuntarily, and its fur bore deep burn marks from the relentless onslaught.

"Second Brother!"

A deep, thunderous voice echoed. The Sky Azure Bull Python surged from the lake, and the sky immediately darkened with thick storm clouds. Thunder rumbled, and lightning danced ominously above.

The Sky Azure Bull Python's enormous eyes locked onto Ye Hao and his two 100,000-year Spider Emperors. For a moment, confusion flickered in its gaze—why were these soul beasts serving a human?

"Sky Azure Annihilation Thunder!"

The Sky Azure Bull Python uttered in a low voice. In an instant, powerful arcs of lightning began to converge at the center of its massive horns.

A blinding bolt of electricity streaked through the sky, hurtling straight toward the Death God's Heart, aiming to shatter its restraints and free the Titan Giant Ape.

If it succeeded, the tides of battle would shift drastically, and they would no longer be at a disadvantage.

The Sky Azure Annihilation Thunder released by the Sky Azure Bull Python turned out to be ineffective. The Death God's Heart absorbed the full force of the lightning, converting it into its own power. Meanwhile, the six chains extending from the mirror-like barriers had already sealed off the Titan Giant Ape's body—its neck, limbs, and waist were tightly bound.

Ye Hao smirked. It was time.

Behind him, his six-winged purple light wings spread wide as he hovered directly above the Titan Giant Ape. The scythe-shaped mark on his forehead began resonating with the six separated mirror fragments of the Death God's Heart.

At that moment, the Sky Azure Bull Python fell into despair. It frantically swam toward its brother, sensing that if it didn't act now, the Titan Giant Ape would suffer a terrible fate.

However, before it could advance further, the Death Spider Emperor and the Soul-Devouring Spider Emperor blocked its path.

"You two traitorous soul beasts, get out of my way!" the Sky Azure Bull Python roared, its eyes burning red with fury. Its overwhelming aura sent shivers through the two Spider Emperors. Indeed, as the emperor of the forest, its power was undeniable. In a one-on-one battle, either of them alone wouldn't stand a chance.

However, together, they were unstoppable.

The Death Spider Emperor sneered, "Sky Azure Bull Python, we're not here to fight you. Just stay put. Once our master takes the Titan Giant Ape, we'll leave on our own."

The Soul-Devouring Spider Emperor knew firsthand how terrifying the Sky Azure Bull Python was. As a 100,000-year soul beast itself, it had once arrived in this part of the forest brimming with confidence, only to be utterly defeated.

"Bullshit!"

The Sky Azure Bull Python roared, and lightning crackled wildly around its horns. Its four ox-like eyes widened in rage, channeling more and more electricity. Its target had changed—it was no longer aiming at the Death God's Heart, but directly at Ye Hao.

Just as it was about to launch its attack, a searing Infernal Flame erupted from Xiao Hong's mouth, instantly engulfing the Sky Azure Bull Python. The heat was so intense that even the lake water evaporated in large amounts.

The Sky Azure Bull Python writhed in agony. Severely burned, it collapsed in the center of the lake, thick black smoke rising from its body, with scorched marks covering its flesh.

Seeing this, the Death Spider Emperor and the Soul-Devouring Spider Emperor were deeply shaken. They knew Xiao Hong was strong, but they hadn't expected this level of power—one strike was enough to take down the Sky Azure Bull Python.

"Big Brother!"

The Titan Giant Ape let out a sorrowful cry, its massive eyes filled with helplessness as it gazed at its fallen brother. At this moment, it desperately wanted to crush the hateful human before it.

"Titan Giant Ape, seal!"

Ye Hao's shout echoed through the area.

The six mirror fragments of the Death God's Heart swiftly converged, and the Titan Giant Ape's body began to shrink rapidly.

Before their very eyes, its originally hundred-meter-tall frame compressed to an unbelievably small size. Trapped inside the Death God's Heart, it found itself in a strange, unfamiliar space—completely stripped of its freedom.

Finally, Ye Hao let out a breath of relief.

Without wasting time, he turned to his team. "Spidey, Soul-Devouring Spider Emperor, prepare to retreat!"

The Death Spider Emperor obeyed without hesitation, and the Soul-Devouring Spider Emperor quickly followed.

"Xiao Hong, mission accomplished. Let's move!"

Xiao Hong gave a slight nod, casting one last glance at the wounded Sky Azure Bull Python before departing with Ye Hao.

The Death God's Heart had a strict limit—it could only absorb one 100,000-year soul beast at a time.

There was a distinction between the Death Temple and the Death God's Heart—they were two separate spaces.

Xiao Hong, for example, usually resided in the Death Temple, where he ruled as the absolute leader. Because of his outstanding performance, Ye Hao had lifted his restrictions, officially granting him a place in the Death Temple.

As for the Soul-Devouring Spider Emperor, it was later revealed to be a female spider. Under Xiao Hong's pressure, it reluctantly joined Ye Hao's forces.

Thus, the Death Temple now housed three powerful entities.

However, the Titan Giant Ape was too stubborn. As a result, it had no place in the Death Temple and could only be confined within the Death God's Heart—the reason why only 100,000-year soul beast could be sealed at a time.

"ROOOOARRR!!!"

The Sky Azure Bull Python let out an earth-shaking roar. The lake boiled, and massive bolts of lightning streaked across the sky. The heavens were covered in thick storm clouds.

Watching Ye Hao's figure disappear into the distance, the Sky Azure Bull Python was overcome with helplessness and fury.

Who the hell was this human?

Not only had he captured its brother, but he was also accompanied by two Emperor-class spider soul beasts—one of whom, the Soul-Devouring Spider Emperor, was a well-known powerhouse in the Star Dou Forest. Though weaker than the Titan Giant Ape, it was still a terrifying existence.

"From this day forward, I swear eternal hatred toward humanity!"

With this oath, the Sky Azure Bull Python sank into the deepest depths of the lake. Its injuries were too severe—if it kept chasing, it would only be throwing its life away.

Besides, what if that human had another hidden trump card?

Meanwhile, in Another Part of the Star Dou Forest

Qian Renxue had just finished absorbing her seventh soul ring, and her soul power had reached level 72. This soul ring was a perfect match for her.

"Uncle She, did we receive any updates on Hao during my absorption?" Qian Renxue stood up and asked Snake Spear Douluo.

Snake Spear Douluo hesitated, his face darkening. "There's been no news from Ye Hao yet. But just now, I sensed a surge of intense energy from not far away… I believe—"