I've also recently started a new translation, please check it out and show your support! Douluo: AFKing to Become a God
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"Qiangu Dongfeng… what a cunning man."
Magma dripped from his tightly clenched fist, burning wisps of smoke into the metal floor.
If not for the knowledge that Qiangu Dongfeng was collaborating with the Holy Spirit Sect, anyone would assume the sect simply coveted the formula and targeted Gu La.
After all, who could imagine the master of the Spirit Pagoda consorting with notorious evil soul masters? Even Yun Ming hadn't expected someone he barely considered a rival to go so far as to ally with evil soul masters just to kill him.
But for now, the more pressing issue was the putrid soul power steadily closing in as the train rocked violently.
There was nothing Gu La could do about Qiangu Dongfeng's madness at the moment. He resolved to retaliate in the future. He had dared to provoke Tang San—how could he possibly fear a mere Qiangu Dongfeng?
The bone wings of the two evil Soul Emperors spread wide, and a torrent of rain mixed with the stench of rotting flesh poured down.
"Still, it leaves a bad taste in my mouth."
A sinister grin stretched across Gu La's lips as an intense white light, unique to condensed flames, erupted from his clasped palms.
When his second soul ring lit up, his body transformed into flowing magma, narrowly dodging a venomous black claw strike. The attack tore through his molten form, landing on the seats three rows behind him, which were reduced to a foul-smelling liquid by the residual energy of the soul skill.
The magma quickly reformed, restoring his body to its original state.
"Who sent you?" The figure reshaped from magma walked through flames as Gu La raised his right arm. Steam rose from the interaction of rain and lava, partially obscuring his figure in a mysterious, ethereal haze.
"To track down the passenger information of a federal train—you're quite capable!"
Gu La's words sent a chill through Wu Zhangkong, who resolved to report the evil soul masters' activities to Shrek Academy no matter what.
There was a mole within the Federation!
Flame Vortex!
The vortex of ultimate fire suddenly bloomed, its golden-red tongues wrapping around the decaying wings of the evil soul masters like living creatures. The two Soul Emperors were ensnared as if trapped in an invisible swamp. Ultimate fire was potent enough to fight above their level, and the searing vortex continued to contract, further restricting their movement.
At this precise moment, Wu Zhangkong's Skyfrost Sword swept past with two icy flashes. Wherever the blade passed, frost crystallized around the necks of the two Soul Emperors attempting to ambush him. As their heads fell out of the train, the rain froze into icy flowers around their severed necks.
"Worms!"
The leader's vertical eye cracked open, and countless vengeful faces emerged within the inky-black lightning.
"I'll make sure you die!"
Eighth Soul Skill, Dark Stain Corrupt Soul Technique!
The dark lightning seemed to contain all filth, evoking an instinctive revulsion—a rejection from the soul itself.
In the surrounding space, arcs of electricity wriggled like maggots, radiating immense menace.
Secretly, the electric arcs crept toward Gu La, intending to control him and force him away. But Gu La's mental defenses automatically blocked them.
Wu Zhangkong frowned. He wasn't confident in swiftly defeating an eight-ring evil soul master in True Body form. A single misstep, and everyone in the carriage except himself would perish.
But he couldn't retreat—he absolutely couldn't allow the evil soul master to threaten the children.
Recalling a distant silhouette from his memories, Wu Zhangkong fully activated his battle armor, enunciating each word:
"Sky Frost Dragon Slash!"
The qi of the Skyfrost Sword coalesced into a dragon shape, merging with his icy killing intent and protective will to unleash a blow beyond his limits.
As the frost dragon's shadow filled the entire carriage, Gu La subtly retreated half a step. His telekinetic force silently pressed against the Soul Douluo's neck. To Wu Zhangkong's eyes, it appeared as though the distracted evil soul master had accidentally impaled himself on the sword.
Though strange thoughts crossed his mind, Wu Zhangkong showed no mercy. With a second swing of the Skyfrost Sword, the head of the evil soul master soared high into the air, freezing mid-flight into an icy sculpture in the stormy rain.
The downpour howled outside the carriage, and shards of hardened glass hung like blades along the window frames.
As Wu Zhangkong sheathed his sword, icicles clinging to the hilt fell, refracting vivid red light amidst the bloodstains on the floor.
Passengers cowered amidst the wreckage of seats until a golden glow emanated from Gu La's palm. Its warmth dispelled the chill brought by the storm, and someone finally let out a sob of relief.
"The evil soul masters are dead?"
The passengers still couldn't believe it, their faces pale with lingering terror.
"Leave the cracks to me."
Wu Zhangkong's sword qi swept through, ice-blue soul power coalescing into countless threads. Wherever the sword qi passed, torn metal sheets were forcibly frozen together, sealing even the holes pierced by the evil soul masters' claws.
"It's over."
Wu Zhangkong wasn't good at comforting others. Gu La sighed, switching martial souls and releasing Aromatherapy and Grassy Terrain to calm emotions and heal wounds.
Watching Gu La work, Wu Zhangkong's eyes flickered. This kind of soul master should belong to Shrek Academy.
After today's events, he hesitated. After all, his teacher, Scarlet Dragon Douluo Zhuo Shi, possessed a fire-attribute martial soul, perfectly suited to guide Gu La.
He believed the Spirit Pagoda wouldn't have any Title Douluo taking disciples—Shrek Academy still had a chance!
Sweat trickled onto the communicator in his palm as Wu Zhangkong stared at the number labeled "Teacher." The severed bond between teacher and student, cut seven years ago when he left Shrek, now burned painfully in his throat. When Gu La used Grassland Terrain to purify the last traces of blood, he abruptly pressed the call button.
"...Finally decided to contact me?"
"Teacher…"
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In the distance, the long wail of a train whistle echoed. Through the curtain of rain, the outline of Tianhai City loomed faintly, resembling a slumbering steel behemoth.
Late at night, in the station, Tang Wulin wiped the grime from his hair, waiting for officials to arrive. Gu La called him over to help rescue survivors. Seeing the deceased passengers, the still-innocent youth felt heavy-hearted.
Suddenly, the sound of fabric tearing came from the neighboring seat. Xie Xie tugged at his collar in frustration: "Damn it, that bastard's static fried my brand-new silk lining."
Xu Xiaoyan curled up in the corner of her seat, leaning against Gu Yue. The malevolent evil soul masters had terrified the young girl who had just left home.
"Drink this."
Gu La handed over a thermos. The dark brown liquid emitted the sharp scent of tequila.
Seeing her hesitation, he jiggled the Spirit Pagoda emblem on his left hand: "This is specially supplied by the Spirit Pagoda—Soul Calming Soup. It soothes the mind and helps with sleep. You'll feel better after a nap."
When Xu Xiaoyan mustered the courage to take the cup and sipped it cautiously, the platform suddenly lit up with blinding searchlights.
Thirty-six fully armed federal special operatives spread out in tactical formation. The violet-eyed woman leading them pressed her earpiece: "Repeat, all personnel of G-307 are prohibited from moving. Repeat…"
Wu Zhangkong's eyebrows furrowed slightly, and he gave an almost imperceptible shake of his head. Pulling out the emblem representing Shrek Academy, he stepped forward to negotiate with the federal special operations team.
The captain of the special operations team looked at the frosty Wu Zhangkong and inwardly groaned.
When handling matters, dealing with second-generation elites of the Federation didn't require much caution. But encountering someone from Shrek Academy was the worst—just one mention of a "school mission," and they'd be dismissed, leaving the Federation unable to intervene.
"Teacher Wu, I've been informed of the situation you described. However, there are reports from passengers that the evil soul masters attacked the soul-guided train because of your student. He must come with us to explain."
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