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I've also recently started a new translation, please check it out and show your support! Douluo: Seven Kill Shock the World
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Early the next morning, at the entrance of Lan Ba Academy.
Standing before the white marble gates of the academy, Flender and Liu Erlong couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as they watched the seven young men and women arriving one by one.
At this moment, aside from Ma Hongjun, whose soul power level was slightly lower, everyone else had reached level 40. Two of them even exceeded that level.
A soul power level of 40 was a realm that more than half of the soul masters on the continent could never reach. Even those considered geniuses typically achieved it only in their twenties.
But these boys and girls? The oldest among them was just sixteen, and the youngest was only thirteen.
The two teachers could already envision how each of them would become trailblazers of their era.
As their former and current principals, Flender and Liu Erlong were filled with pride.
"Huh? Principal Flender, Principal Liu, where's Teacher Zhao?"
Seeing only Flender and Liu Erlong present, without Zhao Wuji, Oscar couldn't help but ask.
He clearly remembered that after yesterday's practical training session, Liu Erlong had announced that she, Flender, and Zhao Wuji would accompany them to hunt for soul rings in the Sunset Forest. Why was Zhao Wuji absent?
"Teacher Zhao isn't feeling well, so he won't be joining us this time."
Adjusting his glasses, Flender explained nonchalantly while secretly rejoicing inside.
At this, Chu Chengzhou, standing beside Oscar, raised an eyebrow. Not feeling well?
Zhao Wuji, a Soul Sage, had been perfectly fine yesterday. He hadn't fought any powerful opponents—so how could he suddenly be unwell?
However, Chu Chengzhou didn't dwell on it. This trip to the Sunset Forest was solely for hunting fourth soul rings, and with Flender and Liu Erlong leading the group, there was no need for Zhao Wuji. His absence wouldn't make much of a difference.
Seeing that everyone had arrived, Liu Erlong cleared her throat and said, "Let me say something!
This trip to the Sunset Forest is not just for hunting soul rings. Although Flender and I will be accompanying you, there's one thing I need to clarify.
After discussing with Flender, we've decided that the entire process of this soul-hunting journey will be completed by you all on your own. Unless absolutely necessary, we won't intervene.
This trip is also the first phase of your graduation exam. The second phase will be the Advanced Soul Master Tournament a few months from now. Do you understand?"
As she spoke, Liu Erlong's gaze swept over the group with seriousness.
When her eyes landed on Chu Chengzhou, she added specifically, "Chu Chengzhou, given your special circumstances, aside from your Sky Azure Tree summon, you are forbidden from using any other abilities."
Chu Chengzhou's strength was somewhat excessive. If he weren't restricted, this soul-hunting trip would lose its purpose as a trial.
Chu Chengzhou: "..."
Because I'm too strong, I'm being singled out?
No sooner had Liu Erlong finished speaking than Ma Hongjun couldn't help but ask, "Principal Liu, what counts as passing?"
Liu Erlong smiled and nodded approvingly. "Good question! It's not hard to pass.
For the first phase, you can rely on teamwork to hunt suitable soul beasts. As long as we don't have to step in to save you, and Chu Chengzhou doesn't use anything other than his Sky Azure Tree summon, you'll pass!
As for the second phase—simple! Just win the championship at the tournament, and you'll barely scrape by with graduation!"
Surprisingly, Ma Hongjun and Oscar, who were usually prone to complaining, didn't whine this time.
Under teamwork, hunting soul beasts for soul rings wasn't difficult.
After all, each of them had optimal soul ring configurations, powerful martial souls, and formed a highly complementary team.
They had support, food production, agility attackers, power attackers, and even roles that could act as healers (Sky Azure Tree summon), defense, and control (Xiao Wu). With such a well-rounded team, helping teammates hunt soul beasts for advancement wasn't particularly challenging.
As for winning the championship at the Soul Master Tournament?
With Chu Chengzhou's Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear summon—Big Bear—even if the rest of the team were mediocre, a single powerhouse carrying six others would still suffice.
"Alright, let's head out now!"
Seeing no objections or differing opinions, Liu Erlong gave the order to depart. The group of nine set off toward the Sunset Forest.
Flender and Liu Erlong led the way, followed by Chu Chengzhou and the others.
To avoid drawing too much attention, Chu Chengzhou summoned Xiao Bai (Light Lion) and Xiao Hong (Phoenix) only after leaving Tian Dou City.
Traveling required mounts, after all!
Compared to the Great Star Dou Forest, the Sunset Forest differed in several ways besides its smaller size.
The Great Star Dou Forest was located in the central part of the continent, within the tropical zone, and most of its vegetation consisted of tropical plants.
In contrast, the Sunset Forest was situated in the central region of the Tian Dou Empire. Though not quite in the frigid zone, its temperature was significantly cooler than that of the Great Star Dou Forest, resulting in predominantly temperate-zone plants characteristic of the northern parts of the continent.
Tropical plants gave a dense, humid impression, while temperate plants felt fresher but less densely packed.
Thus, traveling through the Sunset Forest was much easier compared to the Great Star Dou Forest. At the very least, in most cases, there was no need for someone to clear a path through thick undergrowth.
Due to its smaller size and proximity to the imperial capital of the Tian Dou Empire, as well as its neighboring Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect—one of the top three sects—the Sunset Forest was frequented by many high-level soul masters.
Consequently, though the forest still had a fair number of soul beasts, very few were over ten thousand years old. Most were below that threshold.
Compared to the Great Star Dou Forest, hunting a suitable soul beast in the Sunset Forest required not only strength but also immense patience.
By the time they had entered the Sunset Forest for most of the day, they had encountered numerous soul beasts, but their ages were generally low.
Though they had come across a few thousand-year-old soul beasts, they were all just over a thousand years old—far from what the group sought.
Fortunately, these soul beasts seemed to know their limits and didn't provoke Chu Chengzhou and the others. The group simply ignored them.
"Let's rest for today and resume tomorrow!"
Seeing the sky darken, Flender called a halt.
Thanks to storage soul tools, everyone was well-prepared. In no time, two tents—one large and one small—were set up.
Looking at the erected tents, Liu Erlong thought for a moment and then said to the group, "Xiao Wu, I'll share a tent with you three girls!"
According to the original plan, the three teachers would share one tent, and the seven students would share another.
But now that Zhao Wuji was absent due to his supposed illness, only Flender and Liu Erlong remained.
With four boys and three girls among the students, Liu Erlong decided to bunk with the girls.
After all, she and Flender were alone together. While conditions might have made it unavoidable before, now that they had the option, sharing a tent felt inappropriate.
Upon hearing this, Flender's expression immediately changed. He quickly signaled Xiao Wu and the others with exaggerated winks.
Last night, he had painstakingly convinced Zhao Wuji to stay behind. This situation absolutely couldn't go awry now.
"Huh? Principal Flender, did something get into your eye?"
Seeing Flender's exaggerated winking, Ning Rongrong, oblivious as always, asked.
Flender: "..."
How could I have such a clueless student?!
"Cough cough, Erlong, this soul-hunting trip is meant to be a trial for the little monsters. If you bunk with Xiao Wu and the others, their vigilance will inevitably drop, defeating the purpose of the exercise."
Glaring at Ning Rongrong, Flender spoke with feigned solemnity.
"Is that so?"
Liu Erlong raised an eyebrow.
"Of course! If you don't believe me, ask Ma Hongjun and the others."
Flender gestured toward Ma Hongjun, subtly giving him a signal outside Liu Erlong's line of sight.
At this critical moment, Ma Hongjun showed some awareness. Connecting the dots about Zhao Wuji's sudden "illness," he immediately realized that his teacher Flender likely wanted some "alone time" with Principal Liu.
Nodding, Ma Hongjun said, "Principal Erlong, for better training results, I think it's best if all seven of us stay together. Otherwise, as my teacher said, our vigilance might decrease.
Moreover, there will come a time when you and the teacher can no longer protect us. We can't develop a dependency."
His teacher had been single for fifty years. Now that he was finally taking the initiative, as a disciple, Ma Hongjun couldn't drag his feet or oppose him.
Hearing this, Flender was deeply moved, silently praising his student. This chubby kid, though usually careless, was dependable when it mattered.
After pondering for a moment, Liu Erlong found Ma Hongjun's reasoning reasonable and stopped pressing the issue.
Night fell. After lighting a campfire and eating dinner, Flender and Liu Erlong entered the smaller tent.
As for keeping watch, that responsibility naturally fell to Chu Chengzhou and the others.
Though the Sunset Forest wasn't as dangerous as the Great Star Dou Forest, nocturnal soul beasts still roamed, so arranging watch shifts was essential.
However, this task was simple and didn't even require specific guard rotations.
Summoning his True Spirit Flag, Chu Chengzhou activated his first soul ring. With a surge of soul power, a massive emerald-green tree materialized beside the two tents.
Over a month ago, Chu Chengzhou had already leveled up the Sky Azure Tree summon to a ten-thousand-year level. Even though plant-type summons like Xiao Qing lacked intelligence, at this age, it possessed a decent amount of wisdom.
Though not comparable to humans, Xiao Qing was more than capable of standing guard and driving away weaker soul beasts.
There was no particular arrangement for Flender and Liu Erlong's tent since there were only two of them.
But for Chu Chengzhou's tent, the sleeping arrangements were more deliberate.
Out of respect for the two teachers, the seven students appeared harmonious on the surface and shared the same tent. However, Dai Mubai was undoubtedly the one ostracized by the others.
Thus, inside the tent, Dai Mubai slept on the far left, followed by Ma Hongjun, Oscar, Chu Chengzhou, Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing.
As the night deepened, the tent grew quiet.
After a day of travel and with Xiao Qing (Sky Azure Tree) standing guard outside, everyone had gone to bed—or at least appeared to have done so.
At this moment, Chu Chengzhou lay on his side with Xiao Wu, who had fallen asleep, in his arms.
But his consciousness had already pulled Ning Rongrong, who was separated by one body, into a luxurious hospital suite-like illusion.
Scenario simulation, role-playing...
"Hey, don't rip my stockings~"
The "nurse" Ning Rongrong, clad in tattered clothes, playfully punched Chu Chengzhou.
"Hehe, Rongrong, stockings are meant to be ripped!"
The "young and handsome hospital director" Chu Chengzhou continued tearing at the garter stockings on the nurse's thighs.
Before long, the sound of a girl's singing echoed within the illusion.
While the youth and maiden enjoyed themselves, Flender in the neighboring tent began to stir.
In the darkness, Flender quietly shifted his body, inching closer to the sleeping Liu Erlong.
The tent wasn't small. Initially, there was a three-foot gap between them, but thanks to Flender's persistent efforts, the distance between them was now less than half a foot.
A few minutes later, seeing himself almost close enough to snuggle up to Liu Erlong, Flender inwardly rejoiced.
Swish swish
Just as Flender prepared to move closer, a series of sharp whistling sounds suddenly erupted outside the tent.
The abrupt noise startled Flender so much that he didn't dare move.
Perhaps the sound was too loud, and Liu Erlong, who hadn't been in a deep sleep, woke up.
"Huh, Flender, why are you over here?"
About to get up to check the situation outside, Liu Erlong noticed Flender almost pressed against her.
"Erlong, it's cold. Let's huddle together for warmth~"
Caught red-handed, Flender awkwardly chuckled.
Liu Erlong: "..."
Inside the neighboring tent, Chu Chengzhou, who had been enjoying himself in the illusion, also noticed the commotion outside and quickly diverted part of his attention to the real world.
Using his Monkey King Sun Wukong-esque Fiery Eyes Golden Gaze, Chu Chengzhou saw through the tent. In the distance, a crimson python approached, and the whistling sounds were Xiao Qing wielding her vines to drive away this uninvited guest.
"Don't sleep anymore, everyone wake up! Oscar, your prey has arrived!"
Seeing the uninvited crimson python, Chu Chengzhou immediately canceled the illusion, woke the sleeping Oscar beside him, and exited the tent to prevent the python from fleeing if it realized it couldn't match Xiao Qing.
Though Xiao Qing was a healing-type summon, the distinctions between soul beast types weren't as rigid as those for soul masters. With her ten-thousand-year age, her strength rivaled that of a six- or seven-thousand-year combat-type soul beast.
As for the crimson python, its age appeared to be around four thousand years—it was no match for Xiao Qing.
Sure enough, sensing the presence of prey but seeing a formidable tree guarding them, the crimson python began to consider retreating.
After all, the forest was full of prey; there was no need to risk a fight with this tree.
"Xiao Qing, restrain it!"
Seeing signs of the python preparing to flee, Chu Chengzhou immediately commanded Xiao Qing.
Instantly, thick roots surged from the ground, accompanied by dense vines, cutting off the python's escape route.
Before long, everyone emerged from the tent, fully dressed.
"Oscar, that four-thousand-year-old Crimson Fire Python looks suitable for you."
Pointing to the crimson python, which was over five zhang long and as thick as a water barrel, Chu Chengzhou addressed Oscar.
"Crimson Fire Python? Does it have any notable abilities?"
Oscar glanced at the python, puzzled.
"You're clueless!"
Ning Rongrong rolled her eyes and explained, "The Crimson Fire Python is a type of python soul beast. Besides spitting fire, it has a unique auxiliary innate ability that manifests as releasing red mist.
Whether inhaled or touched, this red mist temporarily raises one's comprehensive potential and boosts strength.
However, this auxiliary ability has a side effect—it induces intense heat, akin to taking aphrodisiacs. Aside from the Crimson Fire Python itself, other soul beasts or soul masters can't resist it.
And if exposed for too long or inhaling too much..."
As a girl, Ning Rongrong refrained from elaborating on the consequences.
"Mm, Rongrong is right. With this innate ability, Oscar, if you absorb its soul ring, you might gain a sausage with an enhancement effect."
Chu Chengzhou nodded and continued.
"I'll take it!"
Without hesitation, Oscar immediately agreed.
A soul power-enhancing food item was an essential skill for any high-level food system soul master!
The next second, tiger roars, phoenix cries, and cat screeches rang out as Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, and Zhu Zhuqing activated their martial souls.
"Nine Treasures Shine with Glazed Light: One for Strength, Two for Speed, Three for Soul!"
Ning Rongrong's hand glowed with nine-colored radiance, forming a nine-layer pagoda. Her yellow, yellow, and purple soul rings flashed consecutively, sending streams of light into the three of them.
Xiao Wu didn't act; otherwise, just her second soul skill, Charm, would've completely controlled the Crimson Fire Python.
With a light leap, Zhu Zhuqing, enveloped in her Netherworld Spirit Cat martial soul, transformed into an assassin hidden in the shadows, blending into the night.
"Third soul skill, Phoenix Wings Soaring! Second soul skill, Molten Lava Phoenix!"
With a shout, Ma Hongjun's second and third soul rings lit up. A pair of black phoenix wings ignited with orange flames materialized behind him, propelling him into the air.
"Third soul skill, White Tiger Vajra Transformation!"
Dai Mubai's muscles bulged, his tiger claws gleaming with cold light as he charged toward the Crimson Fire Python, whose retreat was cut off by Xiao Qing's roots and vines.
"First soul skill, Molten Lava Beam!"
Mid-air, Ma Hongjun puffed up his cheeks. As soul power surged, a scorching beam of molten lava shot downward, illuminating the surrounding night sky.
Sensing the intense soul power fluctuations above, the Crimson Fire Python, currently entangled with Xiao Qing, twisted its body to evade Ma Hongjun's attack.
However, Xiao Qing wasn't unintelligent. Several thick roots struck out, knocking the python back into position.
The next moment, the blazing molten lava descended, clinging to the python's head like sticky clay.
Even though the Crimson Fire Python was a fire-element soul beast with considerable fire resistance, its crimson scales, though not exceptionally sturdy, were corroded by the molten lava.
Moreover, Ma Hongjun's molten lava beams differed from ordinary fire attacks. While regular flames lacked substance, the molten lava had physical form—similar to the difference between ordinary incendiary bombs and napalm.
The intense heat of the molten lava not only melted through the python's forehead scales but also scorched the flesh beneath to a charred black.
The phrase "hot-headed" aptly described the Crimson Fire Python at this moment.
Hiss hiss
Intense pain surged through its body, and the Crimson Fire Python began writhing and hissing.
"Second soul skill, White Tiger Fierce Light Wave!"
A ball of milky-white light struck the wound on the python's forehead.
Boom—
A blinding flash erupted with a thunderous explosion. Charred scales mixed with blood and flesh splattered everywhere, causing the python to suffer a concussion, exposing its blood-streaked white skull.
The excruciating pain caused the Crimson Fire Python to instinctively struggle, its massive body thrashing wildly.
Taking advantage of the chaos, Dai Mubai rushed forward. His tiger claws moved in a blur, leaving deep gashes on the python's body.
However, whether due to inexperience or insufficient strength, Dai Mubai failed to focus his attacks on a single point. Though he inflicted numerous deep wounds, none were fatal.
Hiss—
Regaining its senses, the Crimson Fire Python opened its jaws wide, its crimson glow intensifying as it sprayed red mist onto its massive body.
Cornered and desperate, the python unleashed its trump card, temporarily boosting its strength.
Instantly, the group sensed the python's power skyrocket.
Seeing the red mist rapidly approaching, Dai Mubai's pupils contracted, and he hastily retreated.
But he was a step too slow. Due to his martial soul activation and augmenting soul skills, parts of his upper body were exposed, and his skin unavoidably came into contact with the red mist.
The next second, Dai Mubai felt his strength slightly increase. However, the side effects Ning Rongrong had mentioned earlier kicked in—an unusual heat surged within him.
But the battle wasn't over yet. Ignoring the sensation, Dai Mubai waited for the red mist to dissipate before resuming the fight alongside Xiao Qing's roots and vines, as well as Ma Hongjun occasionally raining down molten lava beams from above.
Despite activating its trump card and innate ability, the Crimson Fire Python was overwhelmed by the coordinated attacks. Even with its boosted strength, it was outnumbered and outmatched, its defeat inevitable.
After a few more exchanges, the python slipped up. Its massive body was struck by Xiao Qing's powerful roots and sent flying toward a nearby tree.
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