SoulLand:Ascending to Godhood through Science

Considering the time spent traveling back to Nuoding City, You Chen estimated that maintaining his starlight avatars for two consecutive days was his operational limit. This conclusion became clear only after he reclaimed the parallel consciousness from his avatars.

Meanwhile, Spirit City remained under strict lockdown, despite no further attacks. Yet this heightened vigilance was of little concern to You Chen.

For him, the real obstacle wasn't the patrols or visible guards. It was the possible return of powerful external forces to Spirit City, those dispatched previously by Bibi Dong.

The signs were apparent—fewer civilians roamed the streets, and patrols had grown more frequent. Spirit Hall personnel now patrolled key areas, stopping and questioning pedestrians for identification. Those without proper documentation were summarily detained.

Even with the Concealing Aura Technique, You Chen's actions were limited. While his technique could mask his presence, it couldn't render him invisible. To avoid detection, he relied on precise timing to move through gaps in the patrols' line of sight or used his extraordinary speed to bypass them altogether.

Although this made navigating Spirit City more troublesome, the real issue lay elsewhere.

"It seems the external elites have started returning to Spirit City."

You Chen deduced this from the increased tension among Spirit Hall's forces. Spirit Saints and higher-level experts had likely been redeployed to strengthen the city's defenses. Without such reinforcements, Spirit Hall wouldn't stand a chance of capturing someone like him.

---

This was You Chen's fifth infiltration into Spirit City. After several successful missions, his actions had only grown more cautious. Each time, he left a larger buffer of energy and mental capacity.

However, Spirit Hall's vigilance had reached new heights. Streets were emptier, patrols were more frequent, and the city's tension was palpable.

"If my speculation is correct, the situation has changed significantly."

In You Chen's calculations, Spirit Hall's current tactics indicated that powerful Spirit Masters had returned to guard critical positions.

Spirit Hall likely knew that someone capable of such precise and efficient assassinations was no ordinary adversary. To trap him, they would need overwhelming force and meticulous planning.

If he continued with his missions and encountered someone like Chrysanthemum Douluo or Ghost Douluo, the risk would escalate exponentially.

Despite his careful planning, an unexpected variable disrupted his retreat.

While attempting to quietly leave Spirit City, You Chen caught the attention of a plainclothes Spirit Hall enforcer.

This Spirit Saint-level enforcer had been tasked with monitoring potential suspects. Spotting You Chen's subtle movements and evasive behavior, the enforcer's suspicions flared.

"Spirit Avatar!"

Without hesitation, the enforcer activated his Spirit Avatar, transforming into a colossal lightning serpent. He lunged toward You Chen, unleashing a barrage of electrified attacks.

You Chen's reflexes were impeccable. With a calm demeanor, he evaluated the situation and sighed internally. "Unfortunate."

Though caught off guard, You Chen maintained composure. In this world, where luck and destiny were tangible forces, he suspected his streak of bad luck might signal larger challenges ahead.

The serpent's lightning spears rained down, creating deafening explosions. Buildings crumbled under the force of the collateral damage. Civilians screamed and scattered, while nearby patrols turned their attention to the battle.

The Spirit Saint enforcer frowned. Despite his relentless assault, none of his attacks had struck true. The enigmatic intruder had dodged them all with unnerving precision.

When his massive tail swept toward You Chen, the latter didn't evade. Instead, he coiled his body and used the momentum to catapult himself out of the city.

Smack!

The serpent's tail cracked like a whip, propelling You Chen far beyond the city walls.

Hovering midair, the Spirit Saint enforcer snarled, unwilling to let his target escape.

"Roar!"

With a guttural cry, he pushed his Spirit Avatar to its limits, chasing after You Chen in a thunderous blur of lightning and fury.

You Chen's eyes narrowed as the enforcer closed the gap. "Persistent, aren't we?"

---

Even in mid-flight, You Chen maintained his strategic focus. Observing the incoming enforcer, he activated his Soul Deterrence Technique.

For a brief moment, time seemed to halt. The enforcer's vision filled with the image of two burning black suns—You Chen's oppressive gaze manifesting as an overwhelming mental force.

Caught in the technique's grip, the enforcer faltered. His Spirit Avatar momentarily lost control, sending him careening toward the ground in a chaotic tumble.

By the time he regained his composure, You Chen had vanished into the distance.

Safely entering the dense cover of the Star Dou Forest, You Chen blended seamlessly with his surroundings.

Compared to the open streets of Spirit City, the forest offered a labyrinth of obstacles and shadows. Here, the Concealing Aura Technique was nearly foolproof.

Half a day later, You Chen emerged from the forest, crossing into the Balak Kingdom. Only then did he confirm that Spirit Hall had lost his trail entirely.

"For now, I'll halt all missions targeting Spirit City."

While the rewards were tempting, the escalating risks were no longer worth the gains.

After several months of silence, Spirit City gradually returned to its normal rhythm. The citizens seemed to forget the spate of murders, and Spirit Hall shifted its focus back to other priorities.

Meanwhile, in Nuoding City:

Tang San, didn't you say you wanted to spar with me? Why bring me to such a secluded spot? There's no room to fight properly here."

Xiao Wu looked around the wooded area behind the academy with mild confusion.

"Xiao Wu," Tang San said with a warm smile, his eyes filled with affection, "don't you remember? Today is your birthday. How could I possibly spar with you on such an important day?"

Xiao Wu froze for a moment before awkwardly smiling.

Her "birthday"—a date she had made up months ago to deflect Tang San's questions—had completely slipped her mind.

"This is a gift I made for you."

Tang San handed her a small, intricately carved wooden box, his expression brimming with sincerity.

Xiao Wu accepted the box, her smile stiff and forced.

Inside, she felt a growing discomfort. Tang San's heartfelt gesture wasn't touching—it was overwhelming.

Her thoughts drifted back to their earlier days, wondering how their interactions had reached this awkward point.