Xu Zihuang's opponent was a five-ring Spirit King, but under the unwritten rules, he was only an elementary existence.
Everyone with eyes could clearly see that Xu Zihuang was the spokesperson for the Tang Sect's youth group, so his appearance immediately drew the focused gaze of everyone.
As the referee announced the start of the match, a scene appeared that made the pupils of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy's deans and leaders contract.
A phantom dragon shadow flashed behind Xu Zihuang, and then deep purple dragon flames ignited all over his body. Heavy dragon scales, shrouded in dark light, almost covered his entire body. He stomped his feet on the ground, causing cracks, and then burst forward. The dragon flames, like a trailing tail, left destructive black marks behind him, as if the elemental power of heaven and earth could not touch those dragon flames.
"Purple Blaze Heaven Extinguishing Dragon!"
The academy's high-ranking officials exclaimed in shock.
How could the inherited Spirit of the Old Sun Moon Empire's imperial family be released from a Tang Sect disciple?
Xu Zihuang's opponent's expression was solemn, and without the slightest hesitation, he was about to release his Battle Armor.
However, the disadvantage of One-Word Battle Armor became apparent at this moment. Without the ability to directly integrate into the body from within, wearing it externally was simply a bit too slow.
Just as he was still putting on his Battle Armor, with only the fifth piece attached, Xu Zihuang had already reached him. Destructive dragon flames surged from his arms, transforming into exceptionally thick dragon claws. His first spirit ring lit up, and he brought his claws down, distorting everything they passed.
With a "boom" sound.
That Spirit King had no time to worry about the last piece of Battle Armor. He hurriedly raised his arms, which were already covered by Battle Armor.
The next moment, deep purple dragon flames erupted with a roar, and terrifying destructive dragon flames splashed out in fine ripples. The surrounding light was almost shattered, becoming incredibly dim.
He had originally thought that with his Battle Armor, he would be able to withstand it.
But the youth quickly realized he had thought too much. It wasn't that the opponent's power was so immense, but rather the destructive dragon flames attached to those deep purple dragon claws that terrified him.
Visibly, the Battle Armor on his arms, which had taken the attack, was quietly melting, and the spirit power shield he had released was also gradually collapsing. Feeling this change, his heart trembled, and he wanted to release a Spirit Ability to counterattack. He absolutely could not be instantly killed.
But Xu Zihuang reacted even faster. His thick left dragon claw clamped down on his opponent's arms, and his right claw slammed down fiercely on his head.
The blade-like claws, carrying deep purple dragon flames that destroyed everything, were about to strike, undoubtedly capable of instantly killing him.
Amidst the exclamations of the audience outside the arena, the referee quickly intervened. Eight spirit rings rose, and spirit power surged out, blocking the spot where the dragon claw was about to land.
Suddenly, Xu Zihuang's movements paused, and he retracted his dragon claw. Of course, he wouldn't inexplicably kill someone; he had merely intended to draw out the referee.
It was over.
As the referee announced the result, and with the youth still in a state of panic, Xu Zihuang walked back to the Tang Sect's resting area alone.
Cheers still rang out.
A group of contestants cast their gazes over with solemn expressions.
The woman with the wheat-colored skin from the War God Hall had an even stranger expression. She came from the Xu imperial family of the Old Sun Moon Empire, but her entire family had not awakened a Purple Blaze Heaven Extinguishing Dragon Spirit possessor for over a thousand years to date.
Nan Liujing wrapped his arms around himself, a thought stirring in his mind.
Due to the extremely scarce descriptions of the Purple Blaze Heaven Extinguishing Dragon Spirit in the original timeline, aside from the narration boasting that it was the Dragon God's companion sub-dragon, too destructive, and killed by the Dragon God out of fear, there was basically no other record.
From this perspective, the power of the Purple Blaze Heaven Extinguishing Dragon can only be said to be above average, good, but not too astonishing. Its damage output primarily relies on the dragon flames and the destructive attribute secretly attached.
Oh, as for its defense, judging by those thick scales, it's probably not bad either.
Next, it was the turn of the contestants with the third, fourth, and fifth draws.
The three contestants from the War God Hall successively entered the arena.
Soul Extinguishing Spear, Cloud Howling Dragon, and Sun—three top-tier Spirits.
What excited the audience was that whether it was the initial Nan Liujing, or Xu Zihuang, or the three from the War God Hall, facing their opponents, without exception, all of them easily defeated their opponents.
It should be known that the losers were all Spirit King cultivators, yet they were easily defeated, precisely proving the strength of the five individuals.
Especially Nan Liujing, who participated at an age far below the average age of contestants, soared in the ranking for the youth group's individual competition on the Federal Grand Competition's official website. He is currently voted into the top ten by the audience, and more and more people are getting to know him.
Not just limited to his dual identities as a hero who killed Evil Soul Masters and the one who forced Shrek Academy to apologize.
Inside the Douluo Arena, shouts continued, and the warm-up effect clearly met the official's expectations.
The competition was still ongoing. After saying goodbye to the Spirit Transfer Pagoda's youth group leader, Nan Liujing left alone.
Leaving the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy, he headed directly to a stadium about seven kilometers from his location. There, the youth group's individual competition was also in full swing.
Upon arrival, relying on his contestant identity, he was allowed to enter the stadium midway. Excited cheers and the fluctuations of spirit power collisions constantly reached his ears.
The stadium, capable of holding 30,000 people, was already packed.
His gaze swept over the intense matches on the separated small competition stages, and Nan Liujing suddenly paused.
Inside the contestant resting area, he saw a few familiar faces.
Dance Changkong, with a temperament like a cold plum, Xu Xiaoyan, with twin ponytails and a delicate appearance, and the cool Xie Xie.
That's right, Tang Wulin had sent a message in the group chat earlier, telling him that the East Sea small class was coming to Mingdu.
"Teacher Wu."
A gentle voice came. Dance Changkong's eyes flickered, and he turned to look.
"Liu Jing?"
Dance Changkong was a little surprised. His words also caught the attention of Xu Xiaoyan and Xie Xie. The two immediately brightened, and hurried towards Nan Liujing.
"Brother Nan," the two eagerly called out. They had thought he had forgotten his friends from these poor places, as he hadn't replied in the group chat earlier.
Nan Liujing smiled in response.
Dance Changkong asked, puzzled, "I remember you participated in the youth group competition. Why do you have time to come here now?"
Nan Liujing smiled and said, "I was the first to go on stage. After winning, I had plenty of free time, so I just came over."
Dance Changkong nodded knowingly, his gaze returning to one of the competition stages.
There, a handsome youth was locked in an intense battle with his opponent. Who else could it be but Tang Wulin.
He had taken third place in the Tianhai Alliance Great Competition's individual competition, so he was qualified to participate in the Federal Grand Competition.
"It's clear that Wulin has grown a lot over the past year." Nan Liujing looked over; Tang Wulin was basically suppressing his opponent. As he spoke, his eyes held a strange, rather fervent look.
"He still has a long way to go." Dance Changkong's words were cold, but a hint of a smile in his eyes betrayed him. He then asked, "I saw in the news that you went to Shrek Academy as an exchange student. How do you feel about it?"
Xu Xiaoyan and Xie Xie looked on curiously, because Teacher Wu's goal had always been to cultivate them to enter Shrek Academy.
Especially Xu Xiaoyan, Nan Liujing had spoken with her privately, promising that if she got into Shrek Academy, he would use his connections to transfer her to the Heavenly Spirit Pagoda headquarters.
Nan Liujing said indifferently, "Chaotic, decaying."
Dance Changkong hadn't expected him to use those words to describe it. A thoughtful look crossed his eyes. "Tell me in detail."
Nan Liujing said indifferently, "In this Federal Grand Competition, all the participants in the youth group are Inner Courtyard reserve students. There isn't a single Outer Courtyard student, which shows that the overall level of Outer Courtyard students is gradually weakening. As for the chaos, it's the escalating factional struggles within the academy."
Dance Changkong's gaze sharpened. As a direct disciple, he never cared about competition, and no one dared to compete against him. But he had indeed heard about the suppression of 'wild' students with the lowest backgrounds by collateral factions. Each time his teacher's friend, Blazing Dragon Douluo Feng Wuyu, appealed at the Sea God Pavilion, the subsequent investigation would find no problems.
In the end, it could only be left unsettled.
It seemed that the academy's atmosphere had not improved in the years since he left; it was still continuously deteriorating.
At this moment, in the resting area, a beautiful girl with a cold and alluring demeanor heard her number called and walked towards her designated competition stage.
Her perfect, delicate face, combined with her tall and capable physique, truly attracted the attention of the surrounding contestants.
Nan Liujing looked over.
It was Yuanen Yehui, but she was likely wearing a combat suit underneath, which concealed her extraordinary talent, making her appear unremarkable.
"Teacher Wu, let's find a chance to gather again for dinner tonight. I need to go watch my friend's match." Nan Liujing said, then turned and left.
As if there was some connection through their demon bloodline, Yuanen Yehui paused, turned her head, and met Nan Liujing's gaze.
Her beautiful eyes flickered, and she nodded seriously.
To prove to Nan Liujing that she was qualified to be his right-hand woman, she would defeat all opponents from the start of the youth group competition.
Then, the giant ape-like girl appeared, instantly eliciting a burst of exclamations and scaring off the contestants who had been coveting her beauty.
"My goodness, her arm is thicker than my waist."
"Oh, my heavens, such a beautiful girl, how can her Spirit be so fierce?"
"Who can possibly control her!"
A cacophony of voices sounded in Nan Liujing's ears. He glanced at the people speaking and thought to himself, "A bunch of people who don't know how to appreciate."
Boom!
At this moment, Yuanen Yehui's fist, larger than a basketball, slammed into her opponent, instantly sending him flying with one punch. She let out a low roar, and her muscular body leaped up to deliver a finishing blow. As her fist descended, and it seemed her opponent was about to be physically'sent to heaven,' the referee immediately intervened to stop her.
That punch landed on the spirit power shield, causing intense spirit power ripples and even clear cracks to appear.
"..." After two seconds of silence, Nan Liujing cleared his throat, "She is indeed quite fierce."
"What's wrong?"
Yuanen Yehui, returning victorious, stopped in front of Nan Liujing, puzzled. Her cool, pale, delicate skin glowed with a creamy luster.
Nan Liujing shook his head, "Nothing."
Yuanen Yehui blinked, a hint of confusion flashing across her deep eyes. She clearly hadn't noticed that those who had been staring at her before she went on stage were now all quiet.
"Where are Xinglan and Siduo?" Nan Liujing ignored the murmurs of people recognizing him and asked in a low voice.
Yuanen Yehui said, "They're in the west competition area. They probably haven't finished yet. I'll take you there."
"Alright."
The two walked side by side towards the west competition area.
"Is that Nan Liujing?"
"It's him."
"That's strange, isn't he competing in the youth group individual competition? How did he end up here?"
"Check the official website. He just won the first round, and his opponent was a Spirit King. Now the audience has voted him into the top ten."
"Holy cow, not just top ten, he's already in the top eight!"
They were all young people, and although most of them didn't know each other, they quickly became familiar. As they chatted, someone pulled out their phone to check, and immediately a wave of exclamations arose.
Previously, some people had been disdainful of Nan Liujing competing in the youth group, but now, watching the match highlights, his ability to manipulate his opponent's spirit power like a pet and his subsequent instant kill of his opponent by traversing a hundred meters in a second, completely convinced people that Nan Liujing was an ambitious wolf.
Everyone knew that even if Nan Liujing didn't make it to the end, his first match alone was enough to make him famous, and his reputation would spread based on absolute strength.
Upon arriving at the west competition area, Nan Liujing and Yuanen Yehui indeed saw Ye Xinglan and Wu Siduo on the competition stage.
Both of their opponents were three-ring cultivators.
Ye Xinglan wielded her Star God Sword, its light shimmering and flowing, and her opponent instantly became like a "white-cut chicken," riddled with wounds.
Wu Siduo's speed was astonishing, her phantom images intertwining. Although the Hell Civet was only considered a high-grade Spirit, she had developed its speed to the extreme for her current cultivation level. Her opponent couldn't even catch her traces; she could easily resolve the match without even needing to use her White Tiger Spirit.
The two girls rapidly gained fans among the audience, their increasing fame clearly evident.
By the end of the day's matches, in the youth group, Yuanen Yehui, Ye Xinglan, and Wu Siduo were already hailed as the "Three Most Beautiful Flowers."
While it sounded a bit vulgar, it caused more people to not only remember their distinctively beautiful faces but also their strength, which far surpassed their peers.
On the youth group side, as the competition gradually progressed, Nan Liujing's championship ranking decreased instead of increasing, dropping to fifteenth place.
More and more geniuses began to showcase themselves.
The atmosphere of the Federal Grand Competition also became increasingly intense.
Night.
Nan Liujing treated everyone, inviting them to dinner at the private custom restaurant Sun Kong frequently visited.
Contemporaries from all corners of the world thus got to know each other.
Upon learning that the three girls who came with Nan Liujing were all contestants in the youth group, and highly likely to become his opponents later, Tang Wulin, though helpless, was also eager to try. Dance Changkong often taught him that a strong enemy is not to be feared; what is to be feared is one's own cowardly heart.
Xie Xie and Xu Xiaoyan were there to gain experience and were not participating in the competition.
The dinner was lively.
Finally, Dance Changkong firmly insisted on paying for the meal, and Nan Liujing immediately agreed.
After dinner, by the roadside, since the official hotels were different, Dance Changkong and Tang Wulin's group had to take a car to another hotel, so everyone had to part ways.
"The final reward for the Blacksmith competition is very generous. Strive to win it."
Seeing the ride-sharing car arrive, Nan Liujing said a suitable reason and put his left hand on Tang Wulin's shoulder.
Within his spiritual sea, the heavenly tribulation pearl suddenly erupted with special energy, once again invisibly plundering another layer of Golden Dragon King Bloodline from his body.
In Tang Wulin's spiritual sea, Tang San was like a helpless husband, only able to watch as the bloodline was lost once again.
"This can't go on. If this continues, the Golden Dragon King's scales will be plucked clean sooner or later."
Blue-golden light flickered in his eyes. Tang San sighed lightly, his gaze becoming somewhat frantic. "Long pain is worse than short pain. Wulin, I hope you can understand why Dad is doing this."
"As long as Brother Nan, you don't participate in the Blacksmith competition, I'm sure I can take first place." Tang Wulin vowed confidently.
Watching the departing ride-sharing car, the smile on Nan Liujing's lips gradually faded.
He somewhat understood the pattern of the heavenly tribulation pearl plundering the Golden Dragon King Bloodline.
The last time he plundered the bloodline, he was a Spirit Elder. After that, there was no movement. This time he plundered the bloodline, he was a Spirit Ancestor.
He figured he could pluck it once per cultivation stage from Tang Wulin.
If that were truly the case, then according to the Spirit Master stages, he could still plunder the Golden Dragon King Bloodline five more times.
Nan Liujing sat cross-legged, his entire body trembling violently, dragon-scale light patterns appearing on his skin, and powerful vital energy surging like a mighty river, spreading a golden-red hue, as if a dragon's roar echoed.
Previously, after seizing the Golden Dragon King's second vital spirit ring from Tang Wulin, his first vital spirit ring had completely merged with him, significantly strengthening his physique. This time, after seizing the third vital spirit ring, the second vital spirit ring indeed actively merged with him as well.
As a Tool Spirit Master, Nan Liujing's most difficult area of growth was actually his physique. Or rather, any Tool Spirit Master, without external assistance, found it difficult to compare to Beast Spirit Masters of the same cultivation level in this regard.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have chosen a nearly self-mutilating method to undergo heavenly tribulation pearl body tempering. Without sufficient nutritional supplements and the Thunderclap Hell Vine's help, he wouldn't have been able to endure being struck by lightning.
His will was abundant, but his body had its limits.
Now, relying on the Golden Dragon King Bloodline, Nan Liujing's own bloodline was subtly undergoing a promotion. He wasn't directly replacing his blood, becoming a full dragon-blood lineage. Instead, with the help of the heavenly tribulation pearl, the Golden Dragon King Bloodline was passively integrated into his human bloodline.
"This is much more comfortable than heavenly tribulation pearl body tempering." Nan Liujing felt the surging energy within his body and couldn't help but murmur.
His integration of the Golden Dragon King Bloodline was smooth and natural, with almost no significant pain. Compared to Tang Wulin, who suffered excruciating pain every time, it was infinitely better.
He slightly raised his left hand, and a brilliant golden light shone, condensing into a candy-shaped light projection with a swirling pattern on it.
The third vital spirit ring replaced the second vital spirit ring's position within the candy Spirit. He remembered that the skill granted by this spirit ring was a sound wave-type skill.
Was it called Golden Dragon Roar?
Coincidentally, his mental force had already reached the initial stage of the Ling Yuan Realm, and with a sound wave-type skill, it was like adding wings to a tiger.
Boom!
As the last trace of bloodline merged into his body, Nan Liujing's body trembled, and the surging aura spread. The brilliant golden flow of light on his body receded, revealing a powerful and robust physique that concealed immense power.
The first nine layers of the Golden Dragon King Bloodline were merely fringe energy of the Golden Dragon King Bloodline. Starting from the tenth layer, it involved the true source power.
Originally, Tang San's will in the original timeline had warned Tang Wulin that it was best to only begin merging after breaking through to Titled Douluo. If his guess was correct and he could seize it five more times later, then wouldn't it be the tenth layer starting from the fifth seizure?
Nan Liujing's eyes were deep; his goal was certainly not limited to just these few layers.
…
Third day, morning.
"The second round of the Federal Grand Competition Youth Group Individual Competition is about to begin!"
The host's voice spread through the amplified spirit tool.
Inside the Great Spirit Arena, one hundred fifty youth group individual competitors who had advanced to the second round gathered. After the first round of competition, one hundred fifty people were unfortunately eliminated.
The remaining people, without exception, had much more composed gazes.
In the stands, waves of clamor followed one another, as if they would never cease.
High-ranking figures from all walks of life were selecting their preferred candidates, preparing to recruit them with generous offers after the competition concluded.
Nan Liujing's draw was number fifty-five. Five groups of matches would start simultaneously in each wave, so he would have to wait until the eleventh wave.
Since his other potential opponents hadn't gone up yet, he simply sat by the side of the arena, looking down and scrolling on his phone.
At this moment, footsteps gradually approached, accompanied by a faint fragrance. A pair of straight, wheat-colored, smoothly contoured beautiful legs appeared in Nan Liujing's lowered field of vision.
It was clear that the owner of these legs was an athletic person. The perfectly sculpted muscle contours were not overly bulky, yet they exuded a sense of firm and delicate beauty.
If he had to choose a woman he knew to compare with these beautiful legs, it would most likely be Yuanen Yehui.
However, Yuanen's skin was paler, as smooth as congealed fat, whereas these legs had clearly endured hardships, with several scars.
"Something wrong?" Nan Liujing looked up, and what met his eyes was none other than the woman who was very close to Commander Xiao Pojun and Dragon Tianwu in the War God Hall.
Xu Junlan, from the Old Sun Moon Empire's imperial family, her Spirit was the Sun.
"Can't I come find you if there's nothing wrong?" Xu Junlan looked down at Nan Liujing, a smile in her eyes.
Her facial features were quite defined, her appearance heroic and beautiful, with a tear mole at the corner of her eye. She had short, capable hair, and beneath her combat uniform was a slender physique.
Nan Liujing's eyes moved slightly, and he shifted half his body, "Sit and talk."
Xu Junlan's lips curved into a smile, and she didn't stand on ceremony, sitting down with a plop. Her buttocks were typically peach-shaped, and at nineteen years old, she was already quite mature.
She got straight to the point: "I'm from the War God Hall, one of the trainees at the War God Training Camp."
The War God Training Camp was where the War God Hall cultivated new talents. Ya Li was once a member there, and the most outstanding trainees each year would become reserve War Gods.
Their honor was equivalent to that of the Shrek Seven Devils.
"Trying to recruit me into the War God Hall?" Nan Liujing looked at her, silently releasing his mental force to block their conversation from others.
Xu Junlan clearly noticed the change in the outside sounds, and a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes.
She paused, then looked at his handsome face and gave a bright smile: "If you're willing, I can apply for you."
"I think I'll pass." Nan Liujing shook his head, "Judging from the scars on your body, the daily routine at this training camp is probably not simple."
At the mention of scars, Xu Junlan's bright smile vanished, replaced by a serious expression: "It's true that it's not simple, but they are the medals of every one of our trainees. I don't regret it."
"Left over from fighting Abyssal Creatures?" Nan Liujing asked casually.
"Uh… huh?" Xu Junlan subconsciously replied, then suddenly felt something was off. She widened her eyes and looked at Nan Liujing, surprised, "How do you know about the Abyss?"
In the Sun Moon Federation, unless one was part of the Blood God Legion, War God Hall personnel, or a few top-tier faction leaders, not many people actually knew about the Abyss.
"Fighting against nearly immortal Abyssal Creatures, and constantly risking your life, the trainees of your camp are truly worthy of the World's respect." Nan Liujing didn't answer directly, but instead expressed his sincere admiration for Xu Junlan and her comrades.
Among the Federation's high-ranking officials, some had despaired because Abyssal Creatures would revive after being killed, making them impossible to contain. Although the passage was currently sealed, only occasional Abyssal Tides brought out Abyssal Creatures, which humans could handle. However, many military leaders knew that the Abyss was just waiting for an opportunity. Once the passage broke open, humanity's future might come to an end.
After all, the Abyssal Saint Lord's only move, a mere projection, had killed two quasi-demigod peak Douluo of the Sun Moon Federation. Of course, Battle Armor had not yet been invented at that time. If it had been, perhaps those two heroes would not have sacrificed themselves.
Xu Junlan was stunned. What she saw in Nan Liujing's eyes was absolute sincerity.
No longer dwelling on why he knew about the Abyss, she smiled and said, "Thank you. At least your recognition makes me realize that what we are doing is not in vain."
The two exchanged smiles, and the conversation quickly became harmonious.
It was then that Xu Junlan explained her reason for coming, "I heard that you went to Shrek Academy as an exchange student from the Spirit Transfer Pagoda. But I think you'll only be wasting your time there."
"Why?" Nan Liujing looked towards the competition stage.
Xu Junlan followed his gaze and slowly said, "Your Spirit is the Coiling Dragon Rod, and it's the fierce and overbearing Thunder Dragon Soul. This type of Spirit Master, if they want to reach the peak, must undergo rigorous tempering, and facing powerful Abyssal enemies head-on is the best place for that."
"The Spirit Transfer Pagoda sends core disciples to the War God Training Camp for tempering every year. If you are willing to try and experience a crazy World, then go apply. Perhaps we can be comrades in the same place."
Xu Junlan's bright smile returned.
"I'm about to go on stage. See you."
With that, she stood up and left.
Nan Liujing didn't speak, watching her graceful retreating figure.
"Perhaps you can consider it."
Xia Mi's voice suddenly echoed in Nan Liujing's spiritual sea.
"Sister Xia?" Nan Liujing was surprised by her sudden Opening.
Xia Mi said, "After you obtained the heavenly tribulation pearl, you must have gained a World imprint. This thing has a very special function: once you kill a creature not from this World, you can plunder its origin to enrich yourself. As for the effect, I'm not sure."
Nan Liujing's pupils constricted.
This was something that Tang Wulin and Gu Yue, wielding the Golden Dragon Spear and Silver Dragon Spear in the original timeline, could do.
He could do it too?
Xia Mi continued, "While the Abyss is a great threat, for the owner of the heavenly tribulation pearl, it is also an opportunity."
"You should know that the Abyss is like a barnacle. The Abyssal Creatures that invade your World are like Parasites that absorb the World's energy. If you eliminate these Parasites, you will unknowingly gain the recognition of the World's origin. Even if the World Spirit doesn't help you, you can gather the power of faith yourself."
"Oh, right, you don't seem to need to condense a God Position. The God Position that fellow Lei Shen left for you is quite suitable. In the future, you only need to further advance it. That way, with the help of the power of faith, you might truly be able to break through and become a true God King."
Nan Liujing listened to Xia Mi's words, remaining silent for a long time, but a strange emotion appeared in his eyes.
The intense competition continued. Nan Liujing obviously wouldn't be scheduled in the morning. In the afternoon, he met his opponent, who was even weaker than yesterday, a level forty-nine Spirit Ancestor whose One-Word Battle Armor was not yet complete.
In the end, Nan Liujing easily defeated him.
As per usual, he greeted his team leader and left alone.
In a VIP viewing room in the Great Spirit Arena, Commander Xiao Pojun and others, who had also finished their matches and advanced to the third round, respectfully faced a middle-aged man sitting on a sofa.
The aura emanating from the man was extremely fervent, like a dazzling sun. His face was plain, the kind that wouldn't stand out in a crowd.
Yet, in the War God Hall, he held many resounding titles.
The First War God of the War God Hall, a ninety-seventh-level Super Douluo, a Three-Word Battle Armor Master, with the Sun Spirit, and the Titled Douluo name Hao Ri.
His real name was Ao Rui.
"What did he say?" Ao Rui had just rushed from the War God Hall, his gaze falling on his disciple, Xu Junlan.
Xu Junlan respectfully said, "Reporting to Master. I tried to slowly approach him about the War God Hall Training Camp, but I didn't expect that after just a few glances at the scars on my body, he concluded that they were from battling Abyssal Creatures. Then he even praised us, saying we were worthy of the World's respect."
Hearing this, Commander Xiao Pojun and Dragon Tianwu's eyes quickly softened.
Ao Rui's face was expressionless, "And then?"
Xu Junlan quickly said, "I could only explain to him some of the benefits of the War God Training Camp and going to the front lines to fight Abyssal Creatures, but he didn't react much. It was almost my turn to compete, so I left."
Ao Rui nodded slightly.
Dragon Tianwu asked in confusion, "Your Excellency, why is the higher-up so eager for this Nan Liujing to go to the front lines? Frankly, we acknowledge his cultivation and strength, but he is indeed a bit young. You know how dangerous the front lines are. Not to mention that Sky Phoenix Douluo would never allow it, the other powerhouses of the Spirit Transfer Pagoda would definitely not want such a genius in a dangerous environment."
"After all, only a genius who has grown up is truly a genius."
"His teacher is Zhen Hua, and he himself is a sixth-rank Forging Master." Ao Rui glanced at him and said.
As soon as his words fell, it was as if thunder exploded beside the ears of the three.
The three, who had already experienced many trials, were also stunned by this news.
Ao Rui smiled and said, "Such a young sixth-rank Forging Master, such astonishing cultivation talent, becoming a Divine Craftsman is a certainty. Therefore, the earlier you establish a camaraderie, the richer the future rewards. Besides, who told you that going to the front lines is necessarily dangerous?"
"Never mind, there's no harm in telling you. Our War God Hall's Deputy Hall Master Yu was once an investor in Godsmith Zhen Hua. During a reunion, Zhen Hua revealed his disciple's identity and planned to pave the way for him. Who would have thought that the successor chosen by the Godsmith was this Nan Liujing? So, the Deputy Hall Master felt that first come, first served, and proposed the exchange student plan. But it seems Zhen Hua hasn't told his disciple yet."
"There's such a thing?" The three were very surprised.
Deputy Hall Master Yu, who was the Deputy Hall Master of the War God Hall, the Divine Pen Douluo Yu Guanzhi, was a figure within the Federation who could be called the second most powerful person in the military.
No!
As the Sea God Legion suffered heavy losses and its glory faded, he subtly gained the momentum of being the military's number one figure.
Ao Rui said indifferently, "Back then, Zhen Hua's cultivation talent wasn't great, but he was exceptionally talented in forging. It was our Deputy Hall Master who recommended him to become an apprentice to the current president of the Tianhai City Forging Master Association, and later provided various medicines to increase his cultivation. That's how he became a Titled Douluo at thirty-seven and later a Divine Craftsman. You all know how profound this kindness is."
"Zhen Hua intends to pave the way, and the Deputy Hall Master also intends to win over the future Divine Craftsman in advance. It's hitting two birds with one stone, and everyone is happy."
The three looked at each other.
"Besides that, the person who intends to send Nan Liujing to the front lines is also the previous Pagoda Master of the Spirit Transfer Pagoda, the Battle Heaven Douluo who has long since retired behind the scenes for decades." Saying this, Ao Rui's tone became strange, "Not just Nan Liujing, Battle Heaven Douluo's great-grandson, who is known as the Crown Prince of the Spirit Transfer Pagoda, Qiangu Zhangting, will also be arranged to temper himself on the front lines."
"It seems the Crown Prince's position is unstable." Commander Xiao Pojun said faintly.
"Just keep it to yourselves, don't spread it around." Ao Rui reminded him.
"Yes." Commander Xiao Pojun quickly promised.
In fact, Ao Rui initially thought that Nan Liujing, as the disciple of Sky Phoenix Douluo, had secretly aroused Qian Gu Dieting's jealousy, who intended to eliminate him. He didn't expect that the old man would arrange the same for his own great-grandson, even proposing to send his great-grandson to the front lines to participate in battles.
Abyssal Creatures wouldn't talk about human relations; if you encountered them, it was a fight to the death.
This was the Spirit Transfer Pagoda's way of screening the next generation's decision-maker.
But such a Spirit Transfer Pagoda was even more dangerous.
"I have something to tell you this time." Ao Rui said seriously.
The three immediately stood tall, chests out, looking like new recruits despite having experienced countless battles.
"Whoever can defeat Nan Liujing will be rewarded with a complete set of Soul Forging metals needed for a Three-Word Battle Armor, forged by Godsmith Zhen Hua." Ao Rui said with a smile.
Hiss!
In an instant, the three trainees of the War God Hall Training Camp gasped.
With their status, they could certainly gather the materials for a Three-Word Battle Armor, but materials forged by Godsmith Zhen Hua were incomparable to those made by other Forging Masters.
Especially with so many Heaven Forging orders nowadays, Zhen Hua had already publicly stated that he would no longer perform Soul Forging. If any of them could defeat Nan Liujing, they might get the last batch of Soul Forging metals forged by Zhen Hua before his retirement.
"It's over."
Inside the stadium where the youth group was located, Xie Xie wailed continuously, and Xu Xiaoyan also sighed repeatedly.
Tang Wulin's face was solemn, but he was helpless.
Dance Changkong, however, was very calm: "Go, no matter win or lose, at least show your imposing manner."
"Yes."
Tang Wulin's eyes became firm again, and he strode towards a small competition stage that had been demarcated.
Also on the competition stage, a beautiful girl with enchanting features expressionlessly watched Tang Wulin stand opposite her.
It was Yuanen Yehui.
Yes, in the second round of the youth group individual competition, Tang Wulin had extremely good luck and drew Yuanen Yehui.
The referee, a Spirit King, stood between the two, and the audience, attracted by Yuanen Yehui's beauty and the unique appearance after her Spirit possession, was quite numerous, passively giving Tang Wulin immense pressure.
He took a deep breath, looked directly at Yuanen Yehui, and a burning flame ignited in his eyes.
"Both sides, prepare." The referee didn't waste any words; after confirming that both sides were ready, he immediately announced, "Match start!"
Whoosh.
Knowing that his cultivation was weaker than the opponent's, Tang Wulin's strategy was to set up a trap and wait for the enemy. Two purple spirit rings rose from beneath him.
Within his right palm, thick Blue Silver Grass vines continuously surged out, like vibrant life, constantly swaying. At a glance, one might even mistake them for pythons.
At the same time, the first layer of Golden Dragon King Bloodline was activated, and faint scale-like golden patterns appeared on his skin.
Just as he released his Spirit and Golden Dragon King Bloodline, he suddenly heard a deafening roar. As his pupils contracted, what appeared in his field of vision was a giant ape nearly four meters tall.
Its brown fur shone with a deep luster in the sunlight, its muscles bulged like steel, and under its roar, the surging sound waves spread out, causing the competition stage to shake, making people feel intimidated before even fighting.
Thump.
With a fierce stomp that shattered the ground, Yuanen Yehui charged towards Tang Wulin with extreme speed. Her basin-sized fist carried a terrifying gust of wind, tearing through the air, and punched towards Tang Wulin.
Tang Wulin quickly dodged, but he barely managed to avoid it, and a stinging sensation from the cutting wind appeared on his face.
Then he witnessed the fist shatter the floor, leaving behind a devastated, cracked earth.
Yuanen Yehui's speed was even more astonishing than many had imagined. Just as Tang Wulin dodged to one side, the giant ape twisted its waist and swung its arm backward.
At the critical moment, the pre-arranged Blue Silver Grass helped greatly. A large number of vines quietly emerged from the ground, tightly gripping the swinging arm.
The distance between Tang Wulin and her was less than a shocking thirty centimeters. If he had been any slower, he, who was not very good at speed, would have definitely suffered a violent impact.
Whoosh whoosh whoosh.
As the spirit power fluctuations on Tang Wulin's body became increasingly intense.
More Blue Silver Grass emerged from the ground, wrapping the giant ape like a package. Tang Wulin even skillfully focused on the areas where her body exerted force.
His first Spirit Ability was used, and his second Spirit Ability was not delayed either. More sharp-edged Blue Silver Grass leaves surged out, attempting to pierce the giant ape's skin and then paralyze her.
But Tang Wulin's expression quickly changed. As the controller of his Spirit and Spirit Abilities, he could clearly feel that the Blue Silver Grass leaves were like hitting a steel plate; they couldn't penetrate the skin at all, let alone pierce into the muscles to inject paralyzing toxins.
"Roar."
Yuanen Yehui ignored the slight stinging pain and immediately roared. Her first spirit ring lit up, and a deep fluctuation spread from her massive body. Dominated by deep yellow, an invisible force seemed to empower her from within the earth.
First Spirit Ability, Tai Tan's Strength.
Her two fists broke free from their restraints and slammed together, the explosive air current instantly tearing apart all the Blue Silver Grass on her body, sending grass fragments flying everywhere.
Her deep eyes locked onto her target, and as Tang Wulin became alert, she delivered a powerful punch without any hesitation.
Tang Wulin was frustrated by the weakness of his Spirit; otherwise, his original plan was to entangle the enemy and then use the Golden Dragon Claw to deliver a finishing blow. Even if he couldn't win in one strike, injuring the opponent wouldn't be a problem, and then he would continue to maneuver.
Yuanen Yehui was a Spirit Ancestor after all.
But as things had developed, the situation was already beyond his control. Only by forcefully activating the Golden Dragon Claw could he still hope to turn the tide.
As the Blue Silver Grass was torn apart, Tang Wulin's entire body felt as if his blood had ignited, incredibly active and fervent. His right hand bloomed with a brilliant golden light, and under the astonished gazes of many spectators, it transformed into a dragon claw covered in thick golden dragon scales.
Purple light flickered in his eyes, capturing the massive fist. He chose the most suitable angle for a clash, and Tang Wulin exerted force with his right arm, suddenly extending a claw.
The shattering effect was the key to helping him turn the tide, although he would most likely trade injuries.
Just at that critical moment, an alarm blared in Yuanen Yehui's heart. Her second Spirit Ability was instantly released, and a surging aura spread from her fist.
She forcefully shifted her fist and the dragon claw, which were about to collide, away from each other.
Tang Wulin's dragon claw struck empty air, and his expression couldn't help but change.
Just as he was about to make a move, Yuanen Yehui was faster. She threw a straight punch with her left arm, and a visible concentration of aura formed around it. The air was violently compressed, followed by the eruption of a nearly transparent air cannon.
Tang Wulin had no time to dodge. He could only place his Golden Dragon Claw in front of him, forcefully resisting the blow.
With a loud bang, the air cannon exploded, and the surrounding space visibly warped. Tang Wulin was sent flying backward. The scales on his Golden Dragon Claw were severely damaged, and his vital energy was extremely chaotic. If not for the protective effect of the scale patterns all over his body, a single blow would have severely injured him.
Yuanen Yehui adhered to the strategy of striking while the iron was hot. She charged her right fist, drawing in the surrounding air, compressing it fiercely, and then firing it like a cannon.
The air cannon traced an uncatchable, spinning trajectory in the air, about to land on Tang Wulin.
The referee intervened. Seven spirit rings rose beneath him, and he grabbed the air cannon, crushing it.
There were healing Spirit Masters nearby. As the referee announced the result, they immediately began to treat Tang Wulin's injuries.
Yuanen Yehui's massive body returned to its original form, clad in a combat suit. The contrast between her ape-like might and her enchanting allure brought a great sense of surprise to the audience.
Cheers erupted for a time.
"You really have good luck."
Having been eliminated, there was naturally no need to stay in the resting area. Inside the milk tea shop in the stadium, a group of people sat together.
Tang Wulin's right arm hung weakly, and he said with a bitter smile to Nan Liujing, who had arrived just as the match ended, "I originally thought I could last a few more rounds, but I didn't expect to be knocked down so quickly. No wonder they say Tianhai Alliance is a Spirit Master desert; the gap is not just a little bit."
Nan Liujing glanced at Yuanen Yehui, who was drinking milk tea with a calm expression, and casually asked, "What do you plan to do next?"
Dance Changkong wasn't there; his junior sister from Shrek Academy, Shen Yi, was the leader of Shrek Academy's youth group contestants, and the two had gone to catch up.
Xu Xiaoyan raised her hand and said, "We will stay in Mingdu for a few more days. Teacher Wu also wants us to observe the geniuses from the outside world."
Xie Xie sighed, "Although I couldn't participate in the match, watching it greatly increased my knowledge. At least we are very confident that we will join Shrek Academy in two years."
"Then I wish you all the best in advance." Nan Liujing picked up his fruit tea and said with a smile, "Cheers."
They were all young people, and the atmosphere became lively. Amidst laughter, they each raised their drinks and clinked them together.
Even Yuanen Yehui, who was used to being a loner, was somewhat affected.
"I have a question, you… you… uh." Tang Wulin looked at Yuanen Yehui, hesitating, unsure how to address her for a moment.
Calling her 'you' was too impolite, and 'you' (formal) was also a bit much.
"Just call me normally." Yuanen Yehui said faintly, "Are you asking why I suddenly released an aura to change the direction of our attacks when you attacked?"
Tang Wulin's eyes lit up, "Exactly. From the end of the match until now, I've been thinking about this question. Logically, my Golden Dragon Claw's momentum couldn't compare to yours. Under normal circumstances, you could have just punched directly; there was no need to pull away."
"Of course, if it involves some special method to see through my attack, you don't have to say."
Yuanen Yehui said faintly, "It's not some special method. It's just that when you attacked, there was a dangerous aura in that claw that wasn't hidden. Otherwise, I would never have used my second Spirit Ability."
"Dangerous aura." Tang Wulin pondered, if he wasn't mistaken, she was referring to the shattering effect.
So, this thing could be seen through.
Hmm!
Suddenly, just as Tang Wulin was about to thank Yuanen Yehui for clearing his confusion, a scene that stunned everyone appeared.
The next second, Tang Wulin, who had been fine just a moment ago, turned green and then purple, and his entire aura instantly withered.
It was as if his soul had suddenly been drawn out.
Seeing him about to fall, Nan Liujing moved extremely fast, embracing him and grasping his wrist. A wisp of spirit power was injected, but he couldn't find any problem.
"Xie Xie, call Teacher Wu." He said in a deep voice.
Xie Xie frantically pulled out his phone.
Dance Changkong quickly answered: "What's wrong?" His voice was cold.
"Teacher Wu, Wulin is in trouble! Please come quickly, we're at the milk tea shop in the stadium." Xie Xie said anxiously.
There was no response, and the call wasn't even hung up; only the faint sound of rushing air could be heard.
In less than half a minute, Dance Changkong arrived. He immediately saw the crowd of onlookers gathered in the milk tea shop, and within the crowd, the crying Xu Xiaoyan, the solemn Xie Xie, and the expressionless Nan Liujing and Yuanen Yehui.
"Teacher Wu." Xu Xiaoyan spotted the familiar figure in the chattering crowd and quickly called out.
Dance Changkong forcefully pushed through the crowd and came to Nan Liujing's side, looking at Tang Wulin, who was lying on the ground, unconscious.
He also held his wrist and released a wisp of spirit power to check, but still couldn't feel any problems.
"What happened?" he asked Nan Liujing in a deep voice.
Nan Liujing shook his head: "I don't know, Wulin suddenly became like this."
Dance Changkong frowned, quickly picked up Tang Wulin, and with a flash of his figure, he was about to go find the healing Titled Douluo from the Federal War God Hall stationed at the Central Stadium.
"What about Xie Xie and me?" Xu Xiaoyan asked blankly.
Nan Liujing calmly said, "For now, stay here at the stadium and wait for news."
Xie Xie clenched his fists, his worry almost palpable. "What on earth happened to Wulin? He was fine just now."
…
Rushing all the way, even putting on his two-word battle armor, Dance Changkong frantically rushed to the Central Stadium, attracting the attention of a series of patrol guards.
He had already called Shen Yi on the way, notifying her to come as well.
To put it bluntly, he was alone now. Shen Yi, at least, had the identity of Shrek's leader and could better access that War God Hall worshiper.
When Shen Yi arrived, she saw her senior brother surrounded by one red mecha, five black-grade mechas, and twenty-odd purple-grade mechas.
At this scale, unless it was an Ultimate Douluo, it would be difficult to escape.
Many people were also observing nearby, discussing animatedly.
Dance Changkong, wearing his battle armor, had rushed to the Central Stadium with an imposing aura, leading uninformed people to believe that Evil Soul Masters had attacked again, almost causing panic.
"I am Shen Yi, leader of Shrek Academy. I can prove this person's identity is safe." Shen Yi quickly took out her identification and walked to Dance Changkong's side under the gaze of the Federal mecha pilots.
"You take Wulin over there, I'll stay here." A rare expression of nervousness appeared on Dance Changkong's handsome face.
Shen Yi nodded and handed her identification to the pilot of the red-grade mecha.
The latter took it, confirmed its authenticity, and then allowed Shen Yi to take Tang Wulin away alone, while Dance Changkong remained behind, as he had violated the prohibition.
Central Stadium, medical room.
Shen Yi looked respectfully at the old man who was releasing gentle spirit power by the bed.
After a while, the old man stood up with a strange expression and said to Shen Yi, "This child's body has no problems at all. His vital energy is full, and his spirit power is stable. It's just that his soul seems to have lost contact with his body. I am not skilled in soul-related treatment. You had best quickly take him back to Shrek Academy to find the Holy Spirit Douluo."
Upon hearing this, a hint of solemnity appeared on Shen Yi's pretty face, "Thank you for your help."
The old man shook his head.
"May I ask you to come forward and lift the arrest warrant on my senior brother?" Shen Yi asked respectfully.
The old man nodded, "You go first, he will be released." He owed Ya Li a favor, so he was naturally willing to help.
Shen Yi thanked him again, held Tang Wulin, and left the Central Stadium.
And in a police station near the Central Stadium, where Dance Changkong was being held, he was only released after receiving orders from above.
He and Shen Yi quickly met up.
Looking at the still unconscious Tang Wulin, Dance Changkong became anxious like a father, "What did Elder Ye say?"
Shen Yi calmly said, "Elder Ye said Wulin's body is fine, but it's very likely that his soul is the problem. Senior brother, you must immediately take Wulin back to the academy and ask Teacher for help, to have Saint Spirit Crown take action."
Back to the academy…
Dance Changkong was stunned. His original plan was to bring back the few children he had personally nurtured.
"Is the child's life more important, or is your utterly insignificant misunderstanding more important?" Shen Yi angrily shouted.
Dance Changkong was jolted awake by the scolding, "Alright, I'll go ask Teacher for help. Xie Xie and Xiaoyan, I'll temporarily entrust them to you."
"En." Shen Yi nodded gravely.
Dance Changkong left in a hurry. Fortunately, with Shen Yi's intervention, the elder leader responsible for Shrek Academy's adult group competition was willing to lend his black-grade mecha to send the two back by air.
No one noticed the faint trident light shadow on Tang Wulin's forehead.
…
The competition has reached its third day. There have been successes and regrets. In this Federal Grand Competition, across all age groups, various forces have presented astonishing contestants. So, who will ultimately claim the championship in their respective categories? Cast your vote for your supported contestant! — "Mingdu Sports Daily"
As the only cross-age contestant in the youth group individual competition, Nan Liujing has already defeated opponents who were a Spirit King and a Spirit Ancestor in two rounds, and is advancing towards the third round. What position will he ultimately stand in to receive the cheers of the audience? — "Mingdu Sports Daily"
The contestants from Shrek Academy's youth group have been advancing triumphantly. Whether in individual or team competitions, they remain the legendary team that once dominated the Advanced Spirit Master Elite Tournament across the entire continent. So, who will finally stop their progress! Or rather, will no one ever! — "Shrek Times"
At dusk, Dance Changkong and Tang Wulin successfully arrived at Shrek City, with the black-level mecha moving at full speed.
Looking at Tang Wulin sleeping on the seat cushion, Dance Changkong's eyes were somewhat unfocused. He never expected his return to be like this.
He didn't even know how to face the Teacher who treated him like his own son.
Hopefully, Saint Spirit Crown can figure out the problem with Wulin.
As the exclusive vehicle for the elders, the aircraft was not subject to regulation and entered Shrek Academy very smoothly, landing on the Inner Courtyard's helipad.
As the cabin door opened, Dance Changkong quickly picked up Tang Wulin and walked out. But as soon as he left the aircraft, his eyes trembled.
Not far away, a tall old man stood there. His hair was completely white, his body was bathed in hazy, dim yellow sunlight, and his eyes were as stern as they had been years ago.
"Old... Teacher," Dance Changkong subconsciously called out.
Elder Zhuo looked at Dance Changkong with a complicated expression. "Bring that child and follow me."
He turned and walked away.
Dance Changkong understood that his junior sister had helped.
Without thinking too much, he quickly followed his Teacher's footsteps, heading towards Sea God Island.
Inside Sea God Pavilion, Ya Li was already waiting.
As soon as Elder Zhuo entered, he shouted, "Ya Li, quickly save my grand-disciple."
Ya Li didn't even bother to acknowledge him, looking with Yun Ming at Dance Changkong, who was walking in behind him.
Remember our 101 reading website.
"Greetings, Two Excellencies," Dance Changkong said respectfully, holding Tang Wulin and unable to bow.
Ya Li and Yun Ming nodded in response, then their gazes fell on Tang Wulin.
"Put him down," Ya Li gestured.
Dance Changkong complied.
Ya Li gently raised her delicate hand, and pure life energy, fused with the power of the Praying Angel's origin, quietly floated out, quickly enveloping Tang Wulin.
With the strongest healing Spirit Master in the World making a move, Yun Ming and the other two could only watch quietly.
At that moment, within Tang Wulin's mental force, Tang San's divine sense looked at the figures appearing on the light screen before him, muttering to himself, "It seems I gambled correctly. This Dance Changkong has a close relationship with the powerhouses of Shrek Academy."
Tang San's expression was solemn. He gripped the Sea God Trident in his right hand, and the Sea God's will emanated from his glabella. Soon, a soul he had imprisoned within the mental force gradually began to merge with the body.
Yes, Tang Wulin had become like this because Tang San had forcibly separated the connection between Tang Wulin's body and soul.
The goal had been achieved, and he could slowly let him recover.
Having done all this, Tang San closed his eyes, and his divine sense emanated outwards, enveloping the Golden Ancient Tree without Yun Ming and his party noticing in the slightest.
"Is the Golden Tree Spirit present?"
A majestic voice echoed through the Golden Ancient Tree.
Old Jin, who had been closing his eyes, sensing the origin of the plane's life, suddenly opened his eyes, a trace of surprise flashing within them. "It's Tang San's voice. Could it be that he has returned?"
"No."
Old Jin reacted. Although this voice was powerful, it seemed somewhat unstable and couldn't be compared to the full-strength God King-level mental force he had first encountered with Tang San. It seemed to be just a wisp of divine sense.
Suppressing the doubts in his heart, Old Jin tentatively responded with his will: "Is that Sea God?"
Tang San's expression was majestic: "You are to awaken my mother immediately. I have important matters to discuss."
"It really is him." Old Jin's eyes flickered, but he didn't say much, respectfully saying, "As you command."
Within the blue-gold World hidden in a corner of the Golden Ancient Tree, a giant Blue Silver Grass vine remained in an almost solidified posture, its soft life aura pulsating, until a beam of golden light fell upon it.
Thousands of Blue Silver Grass leaves nearby swayed. In her sleep, Ah Yin, who was secretly converting the life energy she had obtained from the Golden Ancient Tree into her own use, gradually woke up.
"Does the Tree Spirit have something to say?" Ah Yin's voice was gentle, without any hint of panic.
Old Jin wished he could kill Ah Yin, but his tone was still quite polite. "Blue Silver Emperor, a wisp of Sea God's divine sense wishes to see you."
"Little San?" Ah Yin's beautiful eyes moved slightly.
"I will establish a channel of will to facilitate your communication with Sea God," Old Jin said softly.
"Thank you," Ah Yin replied.
Old Jin said no more, and the Golden Ancient Tree space soon became filled with brilliant golden light.
In the sky, a graceful figure and a majestic blue-gold light figure looked at each other, none other than Ah Yin and Tang San.
Old Jin closed his eyes again, seemingly unconcerned, but since it was he who had set up the channel of will, he could naturally hear the conversation between mother and son.
"Mom," Tang San's majesty was gone, his tone becoming respectful.
"Little San, you've come at just the right time," Ah Yin said hurriedly. "Wulin's Golden Dragon King Bloodline inexplicably lost a layer."
Tang San said with an exceptionally calm tone, "I already know."
Ah Yin paused, then realized, "Oh, right, I almost forgot you left a divine sense in Wulin."
"Mom, listen to me," Tang San said solemnly. "Next, I will forcibly strip the remaining nine layers of Golden Dragon King Bloodline from Wulin's body. Please help me keep them, and give them to Wulin when he grows up in the future."
Ah Yin understood immediately: "Is it because the bloodline has decreased again, right?"
"Exactly," Tang San said with a murderous tone. "I've already remembered the person who deserved death for taking Wulin's bloodline, but now is not the time to act."
"The nine layers of Golden Dragon King Bloodline I'm entrusting to you involve the power of the Golden Dragon King's origin. I can tolerate the previous layers being taken, but the latter nine layers are absolutely not permissible, which is why I thought of hiding them with you."
"How should I cooperate with you, Mom?" Ah Yin naturally wouldn't refuse.
"Like this..." Tang San immediately began to explain.
Old Jin's eyebrows raised slightly. Tang San saying these things clearly showed he wasn't trying to hide them from him. Otherwise, a simple "shield your senses" would have made him unaware of anything.
Thinking about it, in a few more years, he would be devoured by the Blue Silver Emperor. If it weren't for Nan Liujing acting as an intermediary to let him know the true face of Sea God, he estimated he'd be sold out and still helping count the money. Why would there be a need to avoid him now?
"Golden Tree Spirit." After instructing Ah Yin, Tang San turned to Old Jin.
"Please speak, High God," Old Jin said hurriedly.
Tang San said solemnly, "For the next few days, please help maintain the transfer channel. After it's done, when this Lord returns to Douluo Star, I will certainly grant you a great opportunity."
Heh... With immense disdain in his heart, Old Jin still wore a smile on his face. "High God is too kind. Just give the orders, and I will surely help perfectly."
"Very good." Tang San was quite satisfied, having regained the Sea God's face lost to Nan Liujing. In the future, he could show great Buddhist compassion and leave behind the seeds of the Golden Ancient Tree.
Inside Sea God Pavilion, everyone was completely unaware that a transfer operation was being prepared in secret.
"It is indeed a problem with the soul," Ya Li said with a solemn expression.
"Can it be cured?" Elder Zhuo looked at Tang Wulin. As his grand-master, how could he not be worried?
"No need to cure him," Ya Li shook her head.
Hearing this, Elder Zhuo and Dance Changkong's expressions suddenly froze. The latter's eyes were even lifeless, as if he had lost his soul, and his legs went soft, almost stumbling.
He treated Tang Wulin as if he were his own son, too.
"Li'er saying 'no need to cure' means that the child's soul is gradually recovering. Don't misunderstand her," Yun Ming reminded them at the right time, seeing the lifeless expressions of the master and disciple.
Elder Zhuo: "..."
Dance Changkong: "..."
Ya Li asked softly, "Little Changkong, does this child have a very powerful bloodline within him?"
Dance Changkong sighed inwardly, thinking that she truly was the number one healing Spirit Master on the continent. She could see Tang Wulin's condition at a glance. Normally, unless Tang Wulin himself released it, the bloodline would be very difficult for outsiders to detect.
He said, "To answer your Excellency, yes. Wulin's Spirit is just the most common Blue Silver Grass Spirit, but his bloodline is very special. It once even directly suppressed a Bone Dragon King Spirit Master of the same cultivation level."
Elder Zhuo's eyes lit up, and his gaze towards Tang Wulin was clearly different.
His Red Dragon Nine Forms had always been troubled by the lack of a suitable successor. This self-created Spirit Ability precisely required someone with a powerful bloodline to master it.
Ya Li pondered, "The soul has always been a place that the Spirit Master's world finds difficult to fully comprehend, and even I haven't delved too deeply into it. But I speculate that, most likely, this child's bloodline is too powerful, causing his mental force to be somewhat unable to suppress it."
"Of course, this is just my personal guess. For the next period of time, you will temporarily stay on Sea God Island, so I can observe the changes in secret."
"Thank you, Your Excellency," Dance Changkong said respectfully.
Ya Li smiled in response.
Yun Ming said, "Li'er and I still have matters to attend to, so we'll leave first."
With Dance Changkong's stunned expression, the couple quickly departed.
The vast Sea God Pavilion suddenly fell silent.
The atmosphere was a bit awkward. The master and disciple, who had already misunderstood each other due to Long Bing acting as an inside agent for the Holy Spirit Cult and infiltrating Shrek Academy, leading to a series of subsequent incidents, now didn't know how to speak.
Elder Zhuo and Dance Changkong both missed Shen Yi a bit.
With that girl around, at least the atmosphere would be livelier.
Outside Sea God Pavilion.
"Brother Ming, what did the Federation say?" Ya Li asked, hooking her arm through Yun Ming's and looking up with her fair, pretty face.
Yun Ming stopped, his gaze sweeping into the distance. "The Federation intentionally broadcasted the video of you apologizing to that child Nan Liujing. Humiliating us isn't their main goal. Elder Long is the one they're trying to provoke. Fortunately, Elder Long has been much more composed this time after the previous lesson."
"Overall, this matter is both big and small. Dealing with it would only be a waste of words. It's better to wait until the students achieve good results before speaking."
Ya Li sighed, "Your concession clearly hasn't reassured certain people."
Yun Ming smiled faintly, "That's normal. Even if a fierce tiger temporarily removes its claws and fangs, it's still a fierce tiger. My concession to the Federation is just to tell them my current attitude and to provide a respectful platform for both sides to communicate. If anyone doesn't even want this easily maintained respect, then don't blame me for using other methods."
As the couple chatted, they were unaware that an invisible force had already enveloped Tang Wulin where he lay, and the Golden Dragon King Bloodline suppressed within his mental force was constantly being transferred.
"Putting it with Mother, it should be stable now, right?"
Tang San felt the Golden Dragon King Bloodline being temporarily stripped away. His heart ached. Moving the bloodline required a large amount of his divine sense power.
And only the latter nine layers were transferred; the first nine layers remained, serving as a balancer to stabilize the Golden Dragon King's divine core.
Tang San naturally wished he could kill Nan Liujing, but he also had to admit that precisely because Nan Liujing took three layers of the Golden Dragon King Bloodline, the remaining Golden Dragon King remnant soul within the divine core weakened, and its threat greatly decreased. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to complete the transfer at all.
No.
Tang San reacted. If that person who deserved death hadn't taken the bloodline, making him unable to resort to such a desperate measure, he wouldn't have needed to transfer it at all!
Bastard!
...
"That's great!"
At the Mingdu Royal Hotel, in the lobby, Xie Xie and Xu Xiaoyan cheered and high-fived each other.
They had just received news from Shen Yi that Wulin had been sent to Shrek Academy by Teacher Dance Changkong and was currently stable.
Nan Liujing looked at the cheering Xie Xie and Xu Xiaoyan, his mind active.
Tang Wulin's sudden incident was probably not that simple.
He wondered which little scoundrel was causing trouble in the dark.
Shen Yi said, "During this period, before your Teacher Wu returns to East Sea City, you two will stay with me."
"Yes," Xie Xie and Xu Xiaoyan nodded like pecking chicks.
Tap, tap, tap.
Suddenly, footsteps approached, then quickly stopped.
Shen Yi, Xu Xiaoyan, and Xie Xie instinctively looked up.
Nan Liujing saw their gazes gradually focus on him and said, "If I'm not mistaken, the person who came should be looking for me, right?"
"Right."
A calm voice came from behind the sofa.
Nan Liujing's eyes moved slightly, and he stood up to look behind him.
Then he was a little surprised.
The person who came was none other than the Tang Sect's youth group leader, Xu Zihuang.
His light blue hair, handsome features, and purplish eyes were highly recognizable.
"Can we talk alone?" Xu Zihuang's tone was very calm, making it difficult to glean any useful information from it.
Nan Liujing became interested. "You find a place."
"Please follow me." Xu Zihuang politely nodded towards Shen Yi. Shrek Academy and the Tang Sect were closely connected, so he naturally knew this disciple of the Red Dragon Douluo.
The two left.
Xie Xie and Xu Xiaoyan's eyes were clear, innocent and unknowing, but Shen Yi looked at their departing backs, deep in thought.
The Tang Sect seemed to be preparing to select a Sect Master successor, and this Xu Zihuang was considered a strong contender for the position.
But she had heard from her Teacher that Sentimental Douluo's target seemed to be someone else, and not a member of the Tang Sect.
Could it be this Nan Liujing?
On the other side, Nan Liujing followed Xu Zihuang to another quiet area in the lobby.
It was also set up like a tea lounge, the only difference being that with the press of a button on the tea table, sound-insulating spirit tools automatically rose up.
"Please sit," Xu Zihuang said very politely.
Nan Liujing sat down and said directly, "I don't like beating around the bush. Say what you have to say."
The two had no previous interactions, and he didn't think the other party was here to be friendly.
Xu Zihuang said in a deep voice, "The Deputy Hall Master asked me to pass a message to you."
Nan Liujing's eyebrows raised slightly.
Xu Zihuang said solemnly, "If you are willing to go to the front lines for training later and achieve a third-level merit, the reward he promised you before still stands."
Nan Liujing said nothing, his eyes deep.
Zang Xin had promised him a fierce beast soul spirit and a hundred-thousand-year-level Immortal Herb!
"That's all I have to say. You can think about it and then let me know." Xu Zihuang stood up, ready to leave. As he passed Nan Liujing, who was still seated, he suddenly stopped, clenching his fists, his voice tinged with a hint of unwillingness,
"I don't know why the Deputy Hall Master values you so much, but I hope you have the strength to earn my recognition, otherwise, I will never accept a weak leader."
With that, his footsteps gradually faded away.
Nan Liujing leaned back against the soft sofa, looking at the ceiling, and chuckled softly, "It seems I've become a target. No wonder those people from the Tang Sect looked at me strangely."
His smile gradually faded, and he muttered to himself, "You all want me to go to the front lines for training. I wonder if you discussed it beforehand, or if it's just a coincidence."
Pressing the button for the sound-insulating spirit tool, Nan Liujing adjusted his collar and returned to his residence with a distant gaze.
You want to see if I'm strong or weak, right?
I'll show you soon!