[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-douluo-the-exiled-immortal-descends-sword-and-wi":3,"chapter-douluo-the-exiled-immortal-descends-sword-and-wi-douluo-the-exiled-immortal-descends-sword-and-wi-chapter-5":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Douluo: The Exiled Immortal Descends, Sword and Wine Slay the Gods",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1550370,2014,"Chapter 5 - 5 – Wine Is the Soul of the Sword, Li Zhexian’s Second Spirit Ring","douluo-the-exiled-immortal-descends-sword-and-wi-chapter-5",5,"\u003Cp>Zhu Zhuqing was still in a daze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had returned to her normal human form, her beautiful eyes blankly staring at Li Zhexian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His first Spirit Ring was at the thousand-year level!?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If word got out, no one would even believe it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What kind of monster was this guy!?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright,\" Li Zhexian said, waving a hand in front of her face. \"Snap out of it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I said, per our agreement, you owe me a favor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah? Oh, right.\" Zhu Zhuqing nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll keep my word—as long as it's not anything… weird.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Zhexian rolled his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You think too highly of yourself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing her face flush with embarrassment, he chuckled and continued,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I want your help in obtaining my second Spirit Ring.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhuqing blinked, then her eyes lit up slightly. She nodded without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her quick agreement actually caught Li Zhexian off guard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, hunting Spirit Beasts was dangerous business.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought for a moment, then added seriously:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll be upfront. I'm aiming for a thousand-year Spirit Beast.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If that's too much, I understand.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhuqing's expression remained calm as she stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I've already decided.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course she knew the risks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But compared to the danger, she was far more curious—how did this boy manage to absorb a Spirit Ring above his level?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After several steps, she noticed Li Zhexian hadn't followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She turned her head and frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm a girl and I said yes. What are you still hesitating for?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Zhexian pointed behind her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're walking the wrong way.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhuqing: \"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm Li Zhexian,\" he said, taking a swig from his wine gourd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You helping me out this time—consider me in your debt.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhuqing, having recovered from her earlier awkwardness, replied calmly,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I said I'd help, and I will.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Besides, you're way stronger than me. I doubt I'll be much help anyway.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Zhexian just smiled and didn't say more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They continued on together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching him drink wine nonstop, Zhu Zhuqing couldn't help but ask:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're drinking so much. Aren't you afraid you'll drop your sword in battle?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Zhexian wiped his mouth, swaying slightly as he replied,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You don't get it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To me, wine is the soul of the sword.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The more I drink, the more uninhibited I become—and the sharper my edge.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhuqing paused, gazing at his carefree figure ahead of her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A curious glint flickered in her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After about the time it takes to burn an incense stick, the towering trees grew even more imposing. The foliage took on a deep, inky green.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had officially entered the inner perimeter of the Star Dou Great Forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air carried a faint, bloody stench.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a warning from the Spirit Beasts to intruders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhuqing scanned the surroundings cautiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Li Zhexian, what kind of Spirit Beast are you after?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Zhexian frowned slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even he wasn't entirely sure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had originally planned a perfect Spirit Ring path for himself—but his first ring ended up being a thousand-year one, completely overturning his previous plans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm targeting the Swordtail Scorpion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Swordtail Scorpion was a type of Spirit Beast that dwelled in dark, shadowy places.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike common scorpions, its tail was shaped like a sword—non-poisonous, but extremely sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to books, one tail sweep from a Swordtail Scorpion could instantly kill Spirit Beasts of equal age.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its combat prowess was terrifying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Zhexian was determined to take his Qinglian Sword Martial Soul down a pure offense route.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Swordtail Scorpion was the perfect match.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Swordtail Scorpion?\" Zhu Zhuqing frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She hadn't heard of that Spirit Beast before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But just from the name, she could guess it was no pushover.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then let's pick up the pace,\" she said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If we wait too long, the forest will get far more dangerous after dark.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After half an hour, a hidden valley tucked behind the dense forest appeared before them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A chill, faintly foul-smelling wind blew from the valley's mouth, carrying an eerie, wailing sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Zhexian warned,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Careful. This kind of terrain is ideal for Swordtail Scorpions.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhuqing nodded solemnly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two cautiously entered the valley.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was about fifteen meters wide inside, damp and overgrown with wild grass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On either side of the valley walls, deep grooves crisscrossed like scars—visibly dangerous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Zhexian reached out and touched one of the grooves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Smooth as polished glass—not a hint of resistance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which meant whatever made these grooves was incredibly sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not bad at all,\" Li Zhexian muttered with a satisfied grin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These marks were undoubtedly left by Swordtail Scorpions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And their tail blades were even sharper than he'd anticipated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Swordtail Scorpion really is a perfect match for a sword-type Martial Soul.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If I can absorb one of their Spirit Rings, my Qinglian Sword will definitely level up.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he thought this, he glanced at Zhu Zhuqing's tense face and said with a smile:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zhu Zhuqing, if you want to back out now, it's not too late.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhuqing gave him a sideways glance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmph. Don't underestimate me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm not the kind of person who goes back on her word.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Zhexian was about to reply when—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From within the valley, a rustling sound began, soft but approaching rapidly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression shifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He grabbed Zhu Zhuqing and pulled her behind a massive boulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhuqing felt her small hand suddenly wrapped in his. Her cold little face flushed red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She instinctively wanted to pull away—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then she heard Li Zhexian whisper,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Look!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following his gaze—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She saw them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dozens of half-meter-long scorpions surged out from the depths of the valley like a dark tide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their bodies were a bluish-black, and their raised tails resembled long swords. Even from a distance, she could see the chilling gleam at the tips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They gathered in the open space of the valley, then raised their blade-like tails and began striking at the valley walls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>CRACK!—CRACK!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under their strikes, the rock walls crumbled like fragile parchment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shards of stone rained down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wh-What do we do now…?\" Zhu Zhuqing whispered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two of them were pressed so close together they were practically touching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice trembled slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Zhexian didn't notice—his full focus was on the Swordtail Scorpions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What were they doing?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Group training?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Isn't this a little too disciplined?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still receiving no answer, and feeling overwhelmed by the scent of the boy so close to her, Zhu Zhuqing couldn't take it anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her face was burning. She tried to shift away a bit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Li Zhexian, you—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before she could finish, he suddenly clamped a hand over her mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mmm!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Zhuqing's eyes widened in surprise as she stared at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Zhexian shook his head slowly, a serious look in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She understood immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both of them turned their eyes back to the valley.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And what they saw—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Swordtail Scorpions had stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They lowered their heads, their raised tails dipping down as they quickly scurried to either side, clearing an open path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Carried on a wave of stinking wind,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A massive, grotesque beast slowly crawled into view…\u003C\u002Fp>",1177,"2026-06-06T07:17:02.165Z",1,"novelbin.me","77350a445e2b7b4f21ff01e9b32ae606c8dc6488a6946b30986d6efa6e557985","douluo-the-exiled-immortal-descends-sword-and-wi-chapter-6","douluo-the-exiled-immortal-descends-sword-and-wi-chapter-4",442,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fdouluo-the-exiled-immortal-descends-sword-and-wi-cover.jpg"]