More than twenty days later.
Behind the teaching building of Blue Tyrant Academy, within the quiet forest.
With a single step, Chu Chengzhou, his body glowing with a faint aura, appeared ten meters away as if shrinking the ground beneath his feet.
Next, he continued stepping forward. Several afterimages of Chu Chengzhou appeared within the forest, left behind as he rapidly shifted his position.
Before the afterimages could fade, Chu Chengzhou raised his head to look at the sky. A few more steps forward—he seemed to be stepping on invisible stairs in midair—and in the blink of an eye, he had leapt a hundred meters into the sky.
A formless, mysterious force field emanated from his body. Despite only being a Four-Ring Soul Sect, Chu Chengzhou stood steadily in midair.
"A red-grade movement technique truly is profound!"
Looking down and taking in the entire view of Blue Tyrant Academy, Chu Chengzhou sighed inwardly.
Just moments ago, the movement technique he had been auto-training in the idle panel had evolved into a red-grade skill. Chu Chengzhou had immediately rushed to the forest behind the academy to test it out.
It did not disappoint. This movement technique, on par with a hundred-thousand-year soul skill in terms of quality, had become not only more mysterious but also granted him the ability to fly.
On the Douluo Continent, aside from flying-type soul masters with wings, only Titled Douluo could truly master flight.
But unlike the innate aerial mobility of a Titled Douluo, Chu Chengzhou's ability to fly stemmed entirely from the upgraded movement technique. It had automatically taught him how to use his soul power to construct a levitation field around himself. And thanks to the plugin panel's nature, he was able to fully grasp it instantly.
Of course, perhaps due to his relatively low soul power level, his flying speed wasn't fast—much slower than his ground movement using the same technique—and the soul power consumption was also quite high.
Still, those were minor flaws. The fact that the red-grade technique included flight exceeded his expectations, and Chu Chengzhou had no complaints.
While the Fire Phoenix Summon did already grant him a flying creature, being able to fly himself as a summoner was an entirely different concept.
And in certain special situations, the ability to fly was critical.
"Let's call it... Ground-Piercing Divine Radiance!"
He originally wanted to name the movement technique "Ground-Piercing Golden Radiance," one of the 36 Heavenly Spirit Arts, but upon seeing the light-blue, non-elemental soul power glowing around his body, Chu Chengzhou decided to tweak it a bit.
He then opened his attribute panel and swapped out the forging technique in the idle slot for this Ground-Piercing Divine Radiance.
For now, this red-grade skill—on par with a 100,000-year soul skill—was sufficient. He could focus on raising the grade of his other techniques next.
As for his most important Martial Soul?
Chu Chengzhou indeed wanted a higher-quality True Spirit Banner Martial Soul, but at the current pace of his idle panel, it would take 2,500 days—over six and a half years—for another transformation. Better to wait until his idle training efficiency improved again.
And that might not be far off. If his estimates were right, he would break through level 50 within a month or so. Once he became a Five-Ring Soul King, his plugin would likely upgrade again.
Meanwhile…
Spirit Hall, Elder Hall.
At this moment, nearly twenty Titled Douluo—each with soul power above level 90—were gathered in the Elder Hall.
"Hmph! I'll say it one more time—I've decided to award the Spirit-Concentrating Wisdom Skull to Hu Liena. Does anyone dare oppose me?!"
With a cold snort, Bibi Dong slammed her gem-encrusted scepter onto the ground. A ring of soul rings—yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, red—flared around her. Her terrifying aura burst forth, her beautiful yet imposing face staring down every elder in Spirit Hall.
Facing the radiant glow of Bibi Dong's ninth, hundred-thousand-year soul ring and her immense pressure, many of the elders—still below level 95 Titled Douluo—fell silent.
At this moment, one of Bibi Dong's two "Heng Ha Generals," Ghost Douluo Gui Mei, spoke up:
"Everyone, Hu Liena is the personal disciple of Her Holiness the Pope and the designated Saintess-in-training of our Spirit Hall. Reaching level 50 at the age of twenty—she naturally deserves to be awarded a soul bone."
"Old Ghost is right. What's wrong with awarding a soul bone to our Spirit Hall's Saintess-in-training?"
Chrysanthemum Douluo Yueguan struck a flamboyant orchid-hand gesture and spoke in a half-mocking tone to the elders in the hall.
Seeing Yueguan's effeminate demeanor, many of the elders couldn't help but twitch at the corners of their mouths.
Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo had known each other for decades, always appearing together, both of them unmarried... Could it be that...Alright, best not to think further. At the very least, they were the public face of the Elder Hall—some respect had to be shown.
Though the two of them weren't part of the Worship Hall as consecrated elders, they were both Level 95 Titled Douluo, and with a Martial Soul Fusion Technique at their disposal, their combined strength was by no means inferior to the lowest-ranking consecrated elders—perhaps even greater.
In terms of status within the Elder Hall, they arguably stood above the other ordinary elders, serving as the symbolic representatives of the institution.
As for their vocal support of Bibi Dong's decision to grant the 60,000-year-old Spirit-Concentrating Wisdom Skull to Hu Liena?
Well, their previous objections to awarding three soul bones to the so-called "Golden Generation" had been on orders from Second Worship Golden Crocodile Douluo of the Worship Hall, who had asked them to make things difficult for Bibi Dong. Coupled with the fact that soul bones were precious and not to be granted lightly, they had gone along with it.
After all, it wasn't as if the soul bones were coming from their own pockets—why sabotage someone else's plans and incur the Pope's displeasure?
But this time, since the award was going to Hu Liena alone, they had no real grounds to object.
After all, as Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo had said, Hu Liena was the Pope's personal disciple, Spirit Hall's designated future Saintess, and a top-tier talent. Awarding her a soul bone? Totally reasonable—should be expected, even.
Of course, none of the present elders who chose to stay silent would ever admit that their sudden compliance had anything to do with the terrifying pressure from the Pope's ninth, 100,000-year soul ring.
"Good. Since no one objects, this matter is settled."
Seeing the hall silent, Bibi Dong nodded with satisfaction, then withdrew her soul rings and pressure, and left the Elder Hall.
Bibi Dong had always been paving the way for Hu Liena. The upcoming Continental Soul Master Tournament was a crucial step in that plan.
If her disciple Hu Liena could lead the Spirit Hall team to ultimate victory, such an accomplishment would greatly reduce opposition when the time came to formally anoint her as Spirit Hall's Saintess.
Hu Liena was a spiritual-type soul master, and head-type soul bones were particularly effective at enhancing spiritual power. With a 60,000-year-old Spirit-Concentrating Wisdom Skull, her strength would improve dramatically.
When that time comes, even that upstart Chu Chengzhou from Blue Tyrant Academy—regardless of how skilled his illusion techniques may be—would be defeated by Bibi Dong's prized disciple!
As for that Tang San, who appeared on the Heaven Dou Royal Academy's participant list—possessing a mutated Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul and already at the Five-Ring Soul King level?
The surname Tang, a mutated Blue Silver Grass, and cultivation up to Soul King level… There was a high chance he was the child of Tang Hao and the Blue Silver Empress. After all, an ordinary Blue Silver Grass soul master could never reach that level.
Still, considering that Bibi Dong had been able to personally kill the despicable Qian Xunji back then only thanks to Tang Hao seriously injuring him first—As long as Tang Hao didn't stir up trouble in Spirit Hall, she, the current Pope, had no interest in laying a hand on Tang San.
After all, Tang San was just a junior. While he was talented, he wasn't worthy of her attention. Her own disciple could easily defeat him.
Bibi Dong's arrogance and her underestimation of potential opponents weren't without reason.
The progress of the Rakshasa God trials had already surpassed the halfway point. How could she possibly lose?
Bibi Dong: The tide is in my favor? I am the tide!
Once she ascended to the Rakshasa God's position, even a half-god like Qian Daoliu wouldn't be worth her attention!
Perhaps the only one on the continent qualified to be her opponent would be her daughter, Qian Renxue, who was born with innate level 20 soul power and destined to inherit the Angel God's legacy.
Soon after, in the Pope's Hall:
Summoned by her teacher, Hu Liena entered and bowed before Bibi Dong. "Teacher, you called for me?"
"Mmm. Nana, take this."
With a nod, Bibi Dong operated her soul power and made a jade box on the table in front of her levitate into Hu Liena's hands.
"Teacher, this is...?"
Sensing the special soul power fluctuations from within the box, Hu Liena looked at Bibi Dong in delighted surprise.
If she wasn't mistaken, this was a soul bone, right? Wuwuwu~, her teacher was just too good to her!
"The Wisdom Skull of Spiritual Condensation. It's around 60,000 years old. Nana, don't let me down," Bibi Dong said gently.
"Teacher, this soul bone is far too precious. Perhaps... you should take it back?"
Upon hearing it was a 60,000-year-old skull soul bone, Hu Liena trembled, her face showing a hint of fear.
The value of a soul bone wasn't just in its ability or age—the location mattered greatly too.
Among the six main soul bone slots, skull and torso bones were far more valuable than limb bones of the same age.
This wasn't just due to their lower drop rates—it was because of their actual effects.
Skull bones were the only ones that enhanced spiritual power, and torso bones provided the greatest physical improvements after fusion.
A skull bone of 60,000 years in age was second only to 100,000-year limb bones. Even a 90,000-year limb bone couldn't compare in value.
Such a rare treasure—she, a mere five-ring Soul King who hadn't earned much merit—how could she possibly accept it?
"That's enough, Nana. No need to say more. Just refine it."
Bibi Dong waved her hand.
"Yes, teacher! I won't disappoint you!"
Clutching the jade box tightly, Hu Liena's expression was full of determination.
At that moment, she couldn't help but think of that shameless youth who had once locked her in a dark room, and kissed her in an illusion before leaving.
Hmph! Chu Chengzhou, just wait! This time, I'll definitely defeat you!
A week later, after a month of rest, the advancement round was about to begin.
Unlike the lively preliminaries, the advancement round of the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament was closed to the public, to protect participants' privacy and safety.
The advancement matches were still divided by the two great empires. A total of 30 teams that passed the prelims competed in their respective empires. The three seeded teams had already secured a spot in the finals and did not participate in this round.
On the Heaven Dou Empire's side, 15 teams—including the five that qualified from its regional preliminaries—had already registered and gathered at the competition location.
Though there were fewer teams now, each had passed the preliminaries, making them the elites of the elites. The overall strength of the participating academies had clearly improved.
The 10 teams from the five kingdoms and duchies arrived even earlier to acclimate to the environment.
They came with promises from their respective kingdoms. If they performed well in the finals, their rewards would far surpass what Emperor Xue Ye had promised—after all, the smaller nations were far more desperate for talent.
In the wars of the Douluo Continent, soul masters had long been the decisive force on the battlefield.
And the number of high-level soul masters directly measured the strength of any given power.
This was precisely why Spirit Hall, which controlled over half the continent's soul masters and boasted many Title Douluos, held such a lofty status. Even the two great empires dared not offend it lightly.
Even knowing that Spirit Hall secretly supported kingdoms and duchies, even while encroaching on imperial interests, the empires dared not openly oppose them.
They even had to 'humbly' sign subsidy policies for low-level soul masters—Spirit Hall got the credit, the empire paid the bill.
Of course, this policy greatly benefited soul masters of common birth.
At the very least, it relieved them from worrying about how to survive when their strength was still insufficient.
The Royal Hunting Grounds, located 50 km southwest of Heaven Dou City, had complex terrain and a vast area. It was used by the royal family for hunting and training.
Ordinary citizens were never allowed near it. The Royal Knights, ten thousand strong, patrolled and trained there. They rotated every three months to maintain peak combat readiness.
Aside from the imperial guest elders, the Royal Knights were the empire's strongest fighting force.
To avoid unnecessary conflict and prevent teams from scouting each other, the 15 academy teams were housed separately in the hunting grounds.
It was clear the empire had thoroughly prepared for the advancement round. When the Blue Tyrant Academy group arrived, the first sight they saw was the massive Royal Knight regiment.
These knights wore shiny silver armor. Their warhorses—Sky Soul Horses, with traces of soul beast blood—were quick, strong, and durable, perfect for cavalry.
Even with the knights and heavy armor, the horses moved swiftly. A charge from such a unit would be absolutely devastating.
The Royal Knights numbered 50,000, with all captains above the 100-man level being soul masters—an elite, albeit very expensive, force.
But its deterrent effect was undeniable. The kingdoms and duchies under Heaven Dou's rule dared not act rashly under its shadow.
"Please present your credentials."
The Blue Tyrant team was stopped by a squad of Royal Knights. The credentials served as proof of qualification.
Liu Erlong handed over the document. A knight in silver armor with a red plume dismounted and saluted.
"Welcome, soul masters of Blue Tyrant Academy. I'm Brooke, captain of the Royal Knights' second battalion. Please follow me."
Brooke didn't remount. The group, escorted by 50 heavily armed knights, proceeded deeper into the hunting grounds.
After crossing a small hill, the view opened into a wide grassland. The sight was refreshing and peaceful.
Large military camps formed a circle in the grasslands. Brooke pointed to them and said, "The advancement matches will be held within these camps, ensuring safety and privacy."
Blue Tyrant Academy was assigned to an independent compound with five barracks. Though not luxurious, the area was tidy and well-prepared.
Until the matches concluded, the 13-member team would live here.
Yes—Zhangzhu, Jingling, and Huang Yuan, the substitutes, had come too. Though not scheduled to compete, they had to be present in case the main team suffered unexpected losses.
The three had no complaints—after all, as substitutes, if they joined the empire upon graduation, they would be granted noble titles with fiefs.
If Chu Chengzhou and the others won the championship, their titles would be promoted to Viscounts.
Emperor Xue Ye made no distinction between main and substitute team members in his rewards.
In short, these three were getting a free ride to nobility.
The advancement round used a round-robin format. But with fewer teams, the duration was cut from nearly a month to 14 days.
After settling them in, Brooke saluted Liu Erlong. "Please rest early. The matches begin tomorrow. A guide will escort you to the arena."
"There is no opening ceremony. Matches start directly. Outcomes will be judged jointly by imperial and Spirit Hall officials to ensure fairness."
"Thank you."
Liu Erlong returned the salute with a smile.
After Brooke and his knights departed, Liu Erlong quickly assigned rooms.
She shared one with Zhangzhu. Flender and Zhao Wuji took another. Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing stayed in one room. Chu Chengzhou, Oscar, and Ma Hongjun in another. Tailong, Jingling, and Huang Yuan in the last.
Chu Chengzhou wasn't too happy—he suggested sharing a room with his three girlfriends.
He argued that since they were dating, it was natural to live together.
Not enough bed space? No problem—just squeeze in or sleep on the floor!
Unfortunately, before Liu Erlong could respond, the girls flatly rejected the shameless idea.
Sleep together under one blanket?Pah~ Keep dreaming! You may have no shame, but we do!
Shortly after settling in, they received two guests: Ning Fengzhi and Qian Renxue disguised as Xue Qinghe.
"Ning-uncle? Brother Qinghe? What brings you here?"
Chu Chengzhou, who was bored and sitting in the courtyard, immediately smiled and greeted them.
Apparently feeling secure in the hunting grounds, Ning Fengzhi came without attendants. Sword Douluo didn't accompany him either.
Qian Renxue wore plain noble clothing, nothing extravagant. Beside the elegant Ning Fengzhi, she seemed like a mere background figure—an unremarkable noble.
Had Chu Chengzhou not already known her true identity, he would never believe that this quiet young man was the stunning Angel Lady he met outside the Star Dou Great Forest.
Qian Renxue smiled gently. "Little brother, I heard you arrived~. I came with my father to watch the advancement matches and thought I'd visit you."
"How is it here? If it's not comfortable, I'll arrange a better place."
"No need, Brother Qinghe. This place is already great."
Chu Chengzhou shook his head.
"Ah! Silly me—Ning-uncle, Brother Qinghe, please, come in and sit!"
He slapped his forehead and quickly invited them inside. It wasn't his home, but you couldn't leave guests standing at the gate.
"Mmm. We actually have something to discuss with you," Ning Fengzhi said as he entered with Xue Qinghe.
T/N: For up to 30 chapters ahead on most of my translations, become a p@tron at [email protected]/LordHipposApostle