Chapter 36: Winds before clash
The setting sun cast long shadows through the windows of Spirit Hall, painting the ancient corridors in hues of amber and gold. The sacred building, home to some of the most powerful cultivators in the world, hummed with its usual ethereal energy. However, on this particular evening, an undercurrent of tension rippled through its hallowed halls, sparked by the unexpected defiance of the Red Thunder Family.
The heavy wooden door creaked open at Ju Doulou's knock, revealing the austere chambers of Crocodile Doulou. The level 98 Title Doulou sat cross-legged on a weathered mat, his eyes closed in meditation. Even at rest, his presence filled the room with an oppressive weight that made Ju Doulou's knees weak. The chamber itself reflected its occupant's nature - sparse and utilitarian, with only a few necessary pieces of furniture and cultivation artifacts carefully arranged along the walls. The air was thick with the distinctive energy that only a cultivator of his caliber could emanate.
"Speak," Crocodile Doulou commanded, his voice rough like gravel, eyes remaining closed. His massive frame remained perfectly still, decades of cultivation allowing him to maintain absolute control over every muscle fiber in his body. The scales visible on his exposed arms shimpered faintly in the dying light, a permanent manifestation of his powerful Martial Soul.
Ju Doulou quickly recounted his failed mission to the Red Thunder Family compound and Qian Doulou's subsequent order. His voice trembled slightly as he described the overwhelming aura he had encountered there, the unmistakable presence of multiple high-level cultivators that had forced him to retreat. As he spoke of the nine Title Douluo, each above level 95, Crocodile Doulou's eyes snapped open, their reptilian vertical pupils narrowing to thin slits. The sudden movement sent a wave of spiritual pressure through the room, causing the various artifacts to vibrate imperceptibly.
"Nine Title Douluo?" he repeated, rising slowly to his feet. His massive frame towered over Ju Doulou, muscles rippling beneath his scaled skin. The movement was fluid, despite his enormous size, speaking to the perfect unity between his physical form and spiritual energy. "And they dared to dismiss Qian Doulou's decree?"
Ju Doulou nodded nervously, taking an involuntary step back. The spiritual pressure in the room had increased tenfold with Crocodile Doulou's rising agitation. "Yes, Elder. They seemed... confident in their strength." The words felt inadequate to describe the shocking display of power he had witnessed at the Red Thunder Family compound.
Crocodile Doulou fell silent, his expression thoughtful. After a moment, he began pacing the room, his heavy footsteps echoing off the stone walls. Each step left minute cracks in the floor, despite his careful control - a testament to the sheer power contained within his physical form. "Red Thunder Dragon Family," he muttered, almost to himself. "Dragon Martial Soul practitioners..."
Understanding dawned in his eyes, followed by a flash of concern he quickly masked. As one of Spirit Hall's most powerful enforcers, he knew well the unique advantages possessed by those with Dragon Martial Souls. Unlike other Title Douluo, they could achieve complete dragon transformation, multiplying their combat effectiveness far beyond their nominal level. The transformation wasn't merely physical - it granted them access to the primal power of true dragons, a force that had shaped the very foundations of their world.
The implications were clear. If the Red Thunder Family had multiple Dragon Martial Soul practitioners among their Title Douluo, their actual fighting capacity could far exceed expectations. It reminded him uncomfortably of the Blue Tyrant Dragon Sect, whose level 97 Title Douluo could match even level 98 practitioners in direct combat thanks to their dragon transformation ability. That particular encounter had left scars that still ached during stormy weather, a constant reminder of the fearsome power of dragon-type cultivators.
"This requires careful consideration," Crocodile Doulou said finally, turning back to Ju Doulou. His scaled fingers traced unconsciously over one such scar on his forearm. "I will not go alone. Such a force demands... appropriate respect." The words were carefully chosen, acknowledging the gravity of the situation without revealing too much of his concern to the lower-ranked Doulou.
Ju Doulou bowed deeply, his forehead nearly touching the ground. "What shall I report to Qian Doulou?" His voice carried equal measures of relief and anxiety - relief that Crocodile Doulou was taking the threat seriously, and anxiety about returning to face Qian Doulou again.
"Tell him I accept the mission," Crocodile Doulou replied, his voice resolute. The words seemed to carry the weight of fate itself. "But I will be taking two additional Title Douluo with me. We must be prepared for any eventuality." His mind was already cycling through potential companions, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses against dragon-type cultivators.
After Ju Doulou's departure, Crocodile Doulou made his way to the Elder Hall, his mind working through potential strategies. The Red Thunder Family's defiance was unprecedented, but their strength suggested it wasn't mere bravado. This would require a carefully measured approach. His footsteps echoed through the corridors, each step measured and purposeful, as he considered the delicate balance between displaying Spirit Hall's power and avoiding an all-out confrontation.
The grand halls of the Elder residence echoed with his footsteps as he sought out his chosen companions. The architecture here was markedly different from his own austere quarters - ornate carvings adorned the walls, depicting the great battles and achievements of Spirit Hall's history. Sacred formations were woven into every surface, maintaining the perfect environment for cultivation and meditation.
First, he located Azure Luan Douluo, the level 97 master whose control over wind and sky had earned him recognition throughout the cultivation world. The elegant practitioner was tending to his sky-blue spirit birds in the specially constructed aviary atop one of Spirit Hall's highest towers. The birds, each one a manifestation of pure spiritual energy, sang in harmonic patterns that strengthened the sacred formations throughout the building.
"Brother Azure," Crocodile Doulou called out, his rough voice contrasting sharply with the melodic atmosphere of the aviary. "I require your assistance with a delicate matter." The spirit birds fell silent at his approach, sensing the gravity of his purpose.
After explaining the situation, Azure Luan Douluo's refined features showed immediate understanding. His long white hair stirred in a wind that wasn't there, responding to his agitation. "Dragon Martial Soul practitioners," he mused, stroking his beard. The spirit birds around him fluttered nervously, picking up on their master's concern. "No wonder you seek additional support. Count me in, Brother Crocodile."
Their next stop was the training grounds, where they found Mighty Lion Douluo, the level 96 powerhouse known for his ferocious combat style. The muscular practitioner was drilling younger disciples, his booming voice carrying across the courtyard as he corrected their forms. The training ground bore numerous scars from previous sessions - cracked pillars and scorched walls that spoke of the intense nature of his teaching methods.
When Crocodile Doulou explained the mission, Mighty Lion Douluo's eyes lit up with battle-hungry excitement. His Martial Soul manifested partially, causing his hair to shift into a golden mane and his eyes to take on a predatory gleam. "A family of dragon souls daring to challenge Spirit Hall? Interesting... very interesting." The disciples training nearby scattered respectfully, sensing that something momentous was about to unfold.
Gathering his chosen companions in a private chamber, Crocodile Doulou outlined his thoughts. The room, designed specifically for strategic discussions, was heavily warded against eavesdropping. Ancient formations glowed faintly in the walls, ensuring absolute privacy. "This is not a punitive expedition," he cautioned, particularly eyeing Mighty Lion Douluo's eager expression. The warrior's battle spirit was already beginning to leak out, causing the air to shimmer around him. "Our primary goal is to assess their true strength and, if possible, discover the source of their detailed intelligence about Spirit Hall."
Azure Luan Douluo nodded sagely, his presence bringing a sense of calm to the charged atmosphere. A gentle breeze circulated through the room, carrying the faint scent of mountain peaks and distant storms. "And perhaps remind them that Spirit Hall's power extends beyond Qian Doulou alone?"
"Precisely," Crocodile Doulou confirmed, his scaled hands spread on the strategy table before them. The wooden surface was marked with various formations and maps, tools for planning military operations. "But we must be cautious. Dragon Martial Soul practitioners are not to be underestimated, especially in numbers. We go to observe and evaluate, not to provoke unnecessary conflict." His claws left slight indentations in the table's surface as he spoke, betraying his own tension.
The three powerful Title Douluo spent the next hour discussing strategy and coordination, their combined centuries of combat experience contributing to a comprehensive plan. Each had faced Dragon Martial Soul practitioners before, but never in such numbers. Their combined experience would be crucial in navigating this dangerous mission. They discussed formation arrangements, signal protocols, and emergency responses, leaving nothing to chance.
The chamber grew thick with their combined spiritual pressure as they delved deeper into tactical discussions. Azure Luan Douluo's wind nature caused papers to flutter occasionally, while Mighty Lion Douluo's battle spirit manifested as a golden haze in the air. Crocodile Doulou's presence was more subtle but no less powerful, his scaled skin seeming to absorb the light in patches.
As they concluded their planning, Crocodile Doulou looked at his chosen companions with grave seriousness. The sun had long since set, and the chamber was lit only by spirit stones that cast everything in a pale blue glow. "Tomorrow, we visit the Red Thunder Family. Be prepared for anything. They've shown they're not afraid to challenge Spirit Hall openly – we must be ready for whatever power they possess that gives them such confidence."
The other two Title Douluo nodded in agreement, their expressions determined. Mighty Lion Douluo's mane bristled with anticipation, while Azure Luan Douluo's spirit birds circled above him in agitated patterns. The mission ahead would test not just their individual strengths, but their ability to work together against a potentially superior force. The balance of power in the cultivation world might well hang on what they discovered at the Red Thunder Family compound.
As night fell over Spirit Hall, three of its most powerful practitioners prepared for what might be their most challenging mission yet. In their respective chambers, each began their evening meditation with unusual focus, knowing that tomorrow's encounter could reshape the power dynamics of their world. The Red Thunder Family's defiance had set in motion events that would reshape the cultivation world, and tomorrow's encounter would be just the beginning.
Throughout the night, Spirit Hall hummed with an unusual energy as word of the impending mission spread through its ranks. Lower-ranked disciples whispered in corners, sharing rumors and speculation about the mysterious Red Thunder Family that had dared to challenge their authority. In the highest towers, even the ever-vigilant guardian formations seemed to pulse with heightened awareness, as if sensing the momentous events about to unfold.
Tomorrow would bring either a reaffirmation of Spirit Hall's dominance or the beginning of a new order in the world of cultivation. Either way, change was coming, and its harbingers were three of the most powerful Title Douluo in existence, each now preparing in their own way for the challenges that lay ahead.