After returning to the hotel, Wang Yan gathered everyone in the meeting room.
"After watching the match between Qianling Academy and Zheng Tian Academy, what are your thoughts?" he asked, his gaze falling on Bei Bei and the other pre-selection team members.
"For Qianling Academy," Bei Bei began confidently, "Xu Sanshi and I should be able to secure victory without needing to involve Ziyang or the others. Whether it's individual matches, coordination battles, or full team fights—we'll win."
His tone was resolute, and the self-assured smile on his face surprised those unfamiliar with the situation. Zhu Ziyang, upon seeing Bei Bei's determined look, could vaguely guess the source of his confidence.
"However," Xu Sanshi added, "when it comes to Zheng Tian Academy, Bei Bei and I can't make the same promise. We'll definitely need at least one main team member's support to ensure victory."
"Oh?" Wang Yan raised his eyebrows in surprise. He hadn't expected that Bei Bei and Xu Sanshi had hidden cards. His curiosity piqued, he asked immediately, "Why is that? What exactly have you two been hiding?"
Bei Bei paused in thought, then said, "Actually, Ziyang and Nannan probably already know this. After they entered the Inner Court, Xu Sanshi and I were chosen by Dean Yan Shaozhe as the next generation of Shrek's Seven Devils. We're Ziyang and Nannan's designated teammates for the next tournament."
"I knew that," said Ziyang, nodding.
Wang Yan, on the other hand, was clearly stunned. But a flicker of delight soon appeared in his eyes. To be personally selected by Dean Yan Shaozhe meant that these two possessed talents and abilities that even the dean held in high regard.
"That must mean you both have some kind of special ability, right?" he asked eagerly.
"Correct," Xu Sanshi said. "What earned us a spot as the next Shrek's Seven Devils was our bloodline power."
"Bloodline power?" Huo Yuhao, Wang Dong, and Xiao Xiao echoed in confusion. This was the first time they'd heard of such a thing.
"It has to do with the origin of a martial soul," Wang Yan explained. "In short, bloodline power can enhance or even evolve a martial soul."
"Continue, Xu Sanshi."
"Ziyang and Nannan already know," Xu Sanshi said. "My martial soul used to be the Xuanming Tortoiseshell Shield, but now it's evolved into the Black Tortoise Shield. I awakened the Black Tortoise bloodline, a divine beast legacy passed down in my family. That transformation is what upgraded my martial soul."
"Black Tortoise?!" Wang Yan and Ma Xiaotao exclaimed simultaneously. "You're from the Xuanming Sect?"
"Yes," Xu Sanshi nodded. "In fact, my bloodline is the strongest in the history of our sect. At my current level, once I fully activate the Black Tortoise bloodline, I can match a newly advanced Soul King. When I reach the seventh ring, my martial soul will evolve again into a super beast soul—the true Black Tortoise Martial Soul. That's the reason Dean Yan selected me."
"The Black Tortoise Martial Soul at the seventh ring!" Wang Yan took several steps forward, his eyes shining. "That's one of the legendary divine beast martial souls! Its control over water rivals Ultimate Ice, and its defense is unmatched. Its growth potential could even surpass Elder Xuan. No wonder Dean Yan picked you!"
"Teacher Wang," Wang Dong asked hesitantly, "is Xu Sanshi's Black Tortoise bloodline really that powerful?"
Wang Yan nodded seriously. "You all know Elder Xuan, right? Do you remember what his martial soul is?"
"Uhh…" Wang Dong frowned. "Wasn't it… some kind of divine bull?"
"It's the Gluttonous Divine Bull," Huo Yuhao replied with a roll of his eyes.
"Exactly," Wang Yan said. "Elder Xuan's martial soul carries the Gluttonous Beast bloodline, which—like the Black Tortoise—is one of the divine beasts of ancient Douluo Continent. But unlike Xu Sanshi, Elder Xuan's martial soul was already fixed at birth. Unless he finds some divine miracle, he can't evolve it further."
"Even so, he still became a Level 98 Super Douluo, with a real chance of reaching Level 99 Limit Douluo."
"Now do you understand what it means for Xu Sanshi's martial soul to evolve into a true Black Tortoise?"
"Teacher Wang… are you saying Xu Sanshi could become a Limit Douluo too?" Xiao Xiao gasped, eyes wide in awe.
"Absolutely—as long as he survives, it's almost guaranteed," Wang Yan said firmly. "And he's not alone. Among all of you here today, quite a few possess the potential to become Limit Douluo."
"Ziyang with his dual Ultimate martial souls, Xiaotao with her Ultimate Fire, and Yuhao with his Ultimate Ice—all of them are destined to reach that level."
"Nannan, with her Lunar Jade Rabbit, and Xu Sanshi with his divine bloodline—they have an 80% chance."
"I'm truly blessed," he added emotionally. "To witness the rise of such unparalleled talents in my lifetime…"
"Bei Bei," he turned with a smile, "since you were also selected as one of the next Seven Devils, I assume your bloodline isn't weak either?"
Bei Bei nodded. "I possess the Light Holy Dragon bloodline. Once activated, my power rivals that of a newly advanced Soul King. Like Sanshi, my martial soul will evolve into the Light Holy Dragon when I reach seven rings."
"Light Holy Dragon?!" Wang Yan's voice trembled. "No wonder… Everything makes sense now!"
Ma Xiaotao and Jiang Nannan looked at Bei Bei in shock, then turned to Zhu Ziyang for confirmation. When he nodded slightly, the two girls understood it all.
"With a Light Holy Dragon Martial Soul, Bei Bei's future as a Limit Douluo is not just possible—but inevitable," Wang Yan said in awe.
"Teacher Wang, what about the rest of us?" Tang Ya asked, faking a pitiful expression. "Aren't we just… embarrassingly normal in comparison?"
"Exactly!" Wang Dong chimed in, full of indignation. "Why can't Xiao Ya, Xiao Xiao, Brother Caitou, and I become Limit Douluo too?"
Wang Yan sighed. "I don't mean to discourage you—but between Level 98 and Level 99 lies an insurmountable chasm. Crossing it requires either heaven-defying fortune… or a super martial soul. Every Limit Douluo in recorded history possessed such a martial soul."
"That's… just bloodline elitism!" Tang Ya protested. "What, are we no better than soul beasts now?"
"I know it sounds unfair, but it's the hard truth," Ma Xiaotao said gently. "Xiao Ya, you're from the Tang Sect—you should know better than anyone how crucial martial souls are."
"…You're right," Tang Ya admitted reluctantly. She turned to Bei Bei and said, "Bei Bei, once you become a Limit Douluo, you better not forget the Tang Sect!"
"Xiao Ya, you're unbelievable…" Bei Bei laughed. "I'm the Senior Brother of the Tang Sect, remember? Besides, Teacher Wang didn't say it was impossible for the rest of you. Everyone has a chance to become a Limit Douluo—in theory, at least."
"Hah! You said it yourself—'in theory'!" Tang Ya teased.
"Teacher Wang," Wang Dong interjected, "what about my Radiant Butterfly Goddess? Isn't it rare and powerful enough to reach that level?"
Wang Yan shook his head. "Your martial soul is rare, yes—but it's still a long way from being a super martial soul."
"Then what about the Clear Sky Hammer?" Wang Dong asked suddenly, his eyes flashing.
"Of course, the Clear Sky Hammer is a super martial soul," Wang Yan answered without hesitation. "Historically, there have been several Clear Sky Douluo—all Limit Douluo."
Ma Xiaotao's eyes narrowed. "Wang Dong… why do you ask that? Don't tell me you—"
"Hehe! That's right," Wang Dong declared proudly, chest puffed out. "I'm from the Clear Sky School!"
"…You're from the Clear Sky School?" Tang Ya froze. Unpleasant memories surged in her mind.
"Uh—Xiao Ya, the elder who refused to help the Tang Sect was already dealt with by the clan. And I did join the Tang Sect myself, didn't I? Can't you let go of the grudge already?" Wang Dong quickly said, trying to ease the tension.
"…Fine. Since you joined the Tang Sect of your own will, I'll forgive the Clear Sky School—on behalf of the Tang Sect!" Tang Ya declared grandly.
That declaration—made with all the drama of a stage actress—left everyone in the meeting room both amused and bewildered.
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