Douluo Dalu - Volume 12 - A Hammer Called Clear Sky Read online

  Liu Erlong’s sudden retreat avoided the poison fog it sprayed, making it angrier. Lashing its scorpion tail on the ground, it chased towards Liu Erlong.

  That’s right, this was a Pink Queen. From the outer appearance, Grandmaster could determine that this Pink Queen’s cultivation was approximately between three thousand five hundred years and four thousand years.

  “Third brother, assist me.”

  Ma Hongjun let out a shout, a phoenix cry ringing out from his body. This sound wasn’t made by his mouth, but produced by the rising flames on his body themselves. Blazing hot flames that were gold-red in colour instantly spread over his entire body, the third spirit ring on his body scattering a purple light. In a moment, a pair of enormous flaming wings instantly spread out from Fatty’s back.

  Wings spanning over four meters, although that somewhat didn’t fit with Fatty’s chubby body, the blazing hot air current made the Shrek Seven Devils swiftly retreat a couple steps, increasing their distance.

  Everybody had been cooperating for such a long time, of course Tang San understood Ma Hongjun’s intentions. He wanted to try out the newly acquired spirit technique.

  “Go.”

  Tang San only gave him a simple instruction. Lifting his right hand, a green ball of light was thrown out.

  The flaming wings on Ma Hongjun’s back suddenly flapped. Once again flying up with a gorgeous flaming tail, he chased after the green ball of light that was flying towards the Pink Queen, just like a raging meteor.

  This was Ma Hongjun’s third spirit technique, Phoenix Ascension.

  Relying on this spirit technique, he was able to temporarily have the ability to fly. During the process of flying, spirit energy would be drained continuously. At the same time, this technique would ignite his second spirit technique, Bathing Fire Phoenix. Combining the two spirit techniques into one, the attack power of his flames was temporarily increased by one hundred percent, and the attack range was increased by fifty percent.

  Starting from the third spirit technique, Ma Hongjun’s powerful Phoenix battle spirit started to show the strength beyond ordinary battle spirits. With the help of Tang San in removing his variant spirit’s evil fire restriction, this allowed him to release his spirit technique without second thoughts.

  The six tiny eyes on Pink Queen’s head immediately revealed a horrified expression.

  Not even Liu Erlong’s flames earlier gave this sort of feeling. At the same time, an intense anger was also contained within that fear. This was because she has already clearly sensed the presence belonging to the Giant Earth King from Ma Hongjun’s body.

  The reason why it felt horrified was naturally due to the flames on Ma Hongjun’s body, poisonous insect-type spirit beasts just like it were all afraid of fire, but after all, the Pink Queen did have nearly four thousand years of cultivation, it wouldn’t be bothered by ordinary flames.

  However, the phoenix flames on Ma Hongjun’s body was the nemesis of all poisonous insects. And the phoenix was the king of ten thousand birds, the suppression from its presence had already made the Pink Queen confused.

  The green light spread out in a flash, the enormous spider web not even giving the Pink Queen the chance to dodge. That was how exquisite Tang San’s technique was. The effect of Spider Web Restraint was instantly shown.

  In a puff, Pink Queen’s huge body was bound securely by the spider web. At this moment, it was already not fearful, but completely terrified. The spider web’s presence belonged to its natural enemy, the Man Faced Demon Spider, causing its entire body to become limp. Powerful toxins entered it body, instantly causing its defensive power to greatly decrease, and at this moment, Ma Hongjun dove down, landing in front of it with a bang.

  His flames suddenly dimmed. Everyone clearly saw the flaming wings on Ma Hongjun’s back spread out towards the sky as he landed onto the ground, his right fist heavily smashing the ground. In that instant, the air became violently distorted. A cage of light that was five meters in diameter enveloped the bodies of Pink Queen and him.

  The Pink Queen who was desperately struggling in the Spider Web Restraint became stiff in that distorted air, completely losing the ability to move. Following up, Fatty roared,

  “Fourth spirit technique, Phoenix Cry Sky Strike.”

  Boom—, a powerful phoenix blaze exploded in an instant. A loud and clear phoenix cry pierced the heavens, containing a majestic strength.

  A strong and heavy phoenix-shaped blaze spewed out from below the ground, soaring into the sky while bringing along Ma Hongjun.

  The area that was enveloped in that distorted air just now was now completely covered in flames. The fiery phoenix directly rushed ten or so meters into the sky, spreading out its wings in mid-air, surprisingly it looked just like a phoenix descending on the world.

  The Shrek Seven Devils who saw this beautiful sight couldn’t help but be somewhat dumbfounded. Although they all knew the effect of the fourth spirit technique was considerably good, but they all didn’t imagine Ma Hongjun’s strength would be that powerful to such an extent.

  Although Fatty’s flames were strong before gaining the Giant Earth King’s spirit ring, he didn’t have any effective means to attack. While Phoenix Fire Wire’s power wasn’t bad under the empowerment of Bathing Fire Phoenix, but at best it was only able to contend against spirit masters of the same rank, moreover there was only one method of attack.

  Part 2 (TL by DtAndroid)

  The large increase in fire effect and the slight increase in the duration of the flying ability from Phoenix Ascension were also unable to largely increase his attack capability. As a power attack system Spirit Master, this was something that had been nagging Fatty for a while.

  Yet right now, the fourth spirit technique Phoenix Cry Sky Strike released by Fatty completely changed the situation. With the combined boost from the second and third spirit technique, this attack had such a terrifying attack effect that even Flender, Zhao Wuji, Liu Erlong and the rest couldn’t help but contract their pupils. Among the Shrek Seven Devils, Dai Mubai whose spirit energy was the strongest also acknowledged that it was impossible to not fully retreat under this kind of attack.

  The sharp cries of Pink Queen inside the phoenix flames abruptly halted. Accompanying the gorgeous flaming phoenix slowly dispersing in the sky, Fatty lightly landed onto the ground. Although his face was somewhat pale, his expression was filled with excitement.

  Peng——, Pink Queen’s body dropped heavily onto the ground, its glittering and translucent body had completely transformed to a dark red colour, the entire body emitting an unpleasant burnt smell. Other than some mild convulsions, it couldn’t stand up anymore.

  If not for Fatty showing mercy by controlling the strength of the flames, that attack just now was enough to take its life.

  What made Fatty somewhat puzzled was that the spider web that bound the Pink Queen unexpectedly still remained, only turning into a fiery red colour and not turning into ashes.

  Only right now after releasing his fourth spirit technique, being in a state of excitement, he didn’t think so much about it.

  Grandmaster suddenly said:

  “Oscar, hurry. Kill it. The vital point is where the eyes are, then immediately start absorbing the spirit ring.”

  Oscar was momentarily taken aback, but once he saw the urgency radiating from Grandmaster’s eyes he immediately understood. Quickly rushing to the front, not even thanking Ma Hongjun, a dagger was drawn out from around the waist and immediately stabbed downwards. Although forty ranks of spirit energy did not give him any offensive ability, his strength compared to ordinary people was still much stronger.

  The Pink Queen’s shell had already been softened by Ma Hongjun’s phoenix flames. This beast’s life was ended effortlessly.

  Crossing his legs and sitting beside the Pink Queen, Oscar immediately started the spirit ring absorption process.

  At this moment, large amounts of the surrounding Pink Maidens had already retreated
like a tide. What caused them to retreat was not only the death of the Pink Queen, but more importantly the powerful pressure coming from Fatty’s phoenix flames made them so.

  Flender walked to the side of Ma Hongjun, slapping the back of his plump head,

  “Stop being smug already. Hurry up sit down and start recovering your spirit energy.”

  Ma Hongjun who got hit stuck out his tongue, hurriedly sitting down not far from Oscar, silently starting to cultivate.

  While his attack just now was very beautiful and its attack extremely powerful, simultaneously using the second, third and fourth spirit techniques to him who had recently gained a spirit ring and hence advancing to the forty one rank boundary, was still an immerse drain.

  In addition, in pursuing the flames’ visual effect, he went all out in depicting that perfect phoenix form in the sky, using up at least seventy percent of his spirit energy.

  Ning Rongrong muttered:

  “Every spirit technique gained is indeed a qualitative improvement. Who knows what my fourth spirit ring will be. Grandmaster, why do you let Oscar absorb that Pink Queen’s spirit ring? While the number of years of this spirit beast’s cultivation isn’t too bad, but it isn’t strong at all!”

  Grandmaster replied:

  “Regarding Spirit Masters who need spirit rings, there are no spirit beasts that are the most powerful, only spirit beasts that are the most suitable for them. This Pink Queen is much better for Oscar than the effect of any other spirit beasts. If I guessed correctly, after he has gained this fourth spirit ring, it will somewhat help the offensive strength of you all as a whole.”

  Tang San was taught by Grandmaster, with regards to Grandmaster’s way of thinking, he understood him the best. Getting an inspiration,

  “Teacher, do you mean that Little Ao’s fourth spirit ring will mix in the stimulating toxin from the Pink Queen’s poison fog?”

  Grandmaster nodded his head, said:

  “That is correct. What Oscar has is a food system spirit, even if he absorbs the spirit of poisonous spirit beasts, his spirit techniques will not produce toxins. So, this technique that originally belonged to the Pink Queen will have a certain transformation after he has absorbed it, the effect should be increasing the level of stimulation within a short period of time. I am unable to guarantee the extent of increase, but it should increase all attributes, just like back then the entire Mad Battle Team entering into a frenzy effect that you all had encountered. While his technique may also have after-effects, but I reckon it should not be as tyrannical as the Fanaticism ability.”

  Increasing all attributes? Just these few words were enough to make the hearts of the Shrek Seven Devils beat faster.

  The one with the most distinct expression was Ning Rongrong.

  Since that day Oscar confessed to her, she watched him diligently cultivate every day. Seeing Oscar getting a considerably useful spirit technique again, how could she not be happy for him? However, her heart also became more perturbed.

  Deciding at the start that she would reveal her secrets to Oscar after the spirit master competition, but as that moment got nearer Ning Rongrong’s mood changes also became faster.

  She discovered that right now she would thoughtlessly take more notice of Oscar, not because of his looks, but because of the dedication in his eyes. Ning Rongrong clearly knew, this dedication in Oscar’s eyes was formed completely because of her.

  He truly liked her, and so to be able to have the qualifications to chase her he continuously worked hard.

  Two yellow, one purple, the three spirit rings moved up and down Oscar’s body. Right now, the body of the Pink Queen continuously emitted traces of pink glitter, integrating into Oscar. When the pink light entered his body, Oscar’s expression slowly revealed a painful look.

  Grandmaster had mentioned before, the difficulty of absorbing a spirit ring was greatly related to the level of the spirit beast’s resentment.

  Not only did the Pink Queen bear a hatred for her murdered husband, she also died under Oscar’s hands, her resentment could not possibly be small.

  Absorbing it was naturally not easy, but after all it was still within the range that can be absorbed. At the same time its ability was not as tyrannical as the Man Faced Demon Spider back then. Although Oscar had to bear some pain, he would not be in any danger.

  Flender moved close to Grandmaster’s side, whispering:

  “Xiao Gang, you saw Hongjun’s attack effect just now, what do you think?”

  Although his mouth asked a question, the exaltation on his face could not be covered up at all.

  Seeing his direct disciple becoming stronger and stronger, he also felt a sense of fulfillment.

  Tang San’s radiance among the Shrek Seven Devils was overly blinding, the strength Ma Hongjun displayed just now made Flender rejoice beyond all expectations. To say the least, he felt that his disciple was finally not too far off compared to Tang San.

  As expected, Grandmaster approvingly nodded his head, said: “Remarkably not bad. Just now Hongjun’s outburst of attack power was not too different from the attack strength when Mubai uses up all his energy. It is enough to inflict fatal injuries onto fiftieth ranked spirit masters and those below it. What’s more important is that his attacks contain the effect of phoenix flames. Not only is the temperature of his flames very high, it also has a very strong adhering property, the boosted harm inflicted by the flames is almost comparable to the spirit power burst forth from the main attack. In terms of explosive power, right now among the Shrek Seven Devils Fatty is the strongest, slightly stronger than Mubai.”

  Flender laughed and said:

  “This is all thanks to Liu Erlong, if not for her pulling back just in time last night, Little Fatty would not have such a good reward.”

  Grandmaster was very familiar with Flender, this fellow had always regarded his reputation to be important, and while Grandmaster himself and him are close brothers, he wouldn’t mind giving him some criticisms. Of course, this was a reminder completely out of goodwill.

  “Flender, have you discovered Fatty’s current disadvantage?”

  Grandmaster faintly asked.

  “Disadvantage? You mean his ability to sustain his attacks?”

  Flender muttered.

  Grandmaster nodded his head and said:

  “Although Fatty’s instantaneous explosive power is very strong, but the drain on the spirit energy is simply too much. His ability to maintain combat is inferior to Mubai. Once his attack does not achieve the expected results, his combat strength will be weakened to a great extent for a short period of time. This is one of the restrictions on his ability for now. At the same time, there is another problem. His fourth spirit technique inherited the Giant Earth King’s Magma Earth Rending Strike, combining it together with his body’s phoenix flames, it transformed into the Phoenix Cry Sky Strike, but the fundamental issue did not change.”

  “This Phoenix Cry Sky Strike of his is divided into two parts. The first part is causing his opponent to become dizzy within the distorted air, and the second part is then taking advantage of the period where the opponent is dizzy to release the strongest attack. The time the opponent is dizzy is also the time he charges up, am I wrong?”

  Flender nodded his head, said:

  “You are the Grandmaster, of course you are not wrong.”

  Grandmaster said:

  “And so because of it, Fatty also inherited the Magma Earth Rending Strike’s disadvantage, which is the attack range. Think about it, will the opponent casually let him come close to activate his attack? As long as one escapes about five meters in distance away from him before he releases the first phase of Phoenix Cry Sky Strike, his attack will then become a futile effort. This can not only be achieved by agility attack system spirit masters, but even power attack system spirit masters who are slightly cautious can also easily do so. Speed is originally not what Fatty is proficient at. Although Phoenix Ascension enables him to fly temporarily, the mor
e important functions of it is to boost the effect of the flames and its power, and not boosting his speed. Hence, although the explosive power of his attack is very strong, he has to coordinate with others.”

  Listening to Grandmaster’s explanation, Flender immediately understood.

  “What you meant is that there must be someone to first help Hongjun lock down the opponent’s movements, and then he can unleash the Phoenix Cry Sky Strike’s greatest power.”

  Part 3 (TL by Bagelson)

  Grandmaster nodded:

  “Just so. Because Hongjun’s Phoenix Cry Sky Strike requires close proximity for the stun effect, it doesn’t lock down the opponent, therefore in my theory it’s used after the opponent has been restrained. And I would use little San’s Spider Web Restraint to restrain the opponent. Later restraining abilities requires coordinating with previous restraining abilities. Spider Web Restraint restrains the opponent’s movement, also bringing out its poison to decrease the opponent’s defense, at this time Fatty can further supplement with the additional restraint and display the Phoenix Cry Sky Strike. Only then will it be a one hit certain kill. This is only one among many methods of coordinating it, but concretely how still requires careful study. The key area is, spirit power cannot be wasted, to let each strength show its best effect.”

  Speaking of this, Grandmaster couldn’t keep an admiring light from his eyes,

  “These childrens’ gifts are exceptional. Take any one at random, they can all be considered top geniuses. Mubai’s toughness and strength, Oscar and Ning Rongrong’s dual support, Hongjun’s burst power, Zhuqing’s speed, Xiao Wu’s close combat technique, as well as little San’s cool mind. Combined together, it’s practically perfect. Perhaps right now they’re perplexed by having one less attacker from the dual support, but as each of their spirits gradually comes into its own strength, and the support effect advances one step further, this little team will only become even more frightening.”