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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After leaving the Tian Dou Grand Arena and heading back to Lan Ba Academy, Chu Chengzhou fell into deep thought.
Earlier, Oslo had mentioned that his spot on the main team of Tian Dou Royal Academy was taken by someone named Tang Yin.
At first, Chu Chengzhou didn't react, wondering who this Tang Yin was.
But when Oslo described Tang Yin as having blue hair and a rather unique martial soul—Blue Silver Grass—Chu Chengzhou immediately realized who he was talking about.
Tang Yin? Wasn't this the alias Tang San used during his training in Slaughter City in the original storyline?
Chu Chengzhou: Tang Yin? So you're still denying your real name, Tang San?
Tang San had appeared? Not only had he awakened the Blue Silver Emperor bloodline, turning his hair blue, but he'd also joined Tian Dou Royal Academy, become part of the main team, and even reached the level of a Soul King with a ten-thousand-year fourth soul ring?
The change in Tang San's hair color wasn't hard to explain. His Blue Silver Grass martial soul was essentially an unawakened form of the Blue Silver Emperor. Awakening the Blue Silver Emperor bloodline two years earlier than in the original timeline wasn't impossible.
However, possessing a ten-thousand-year fourth soul ring and reaching the Soul King level was quite extraordinary.
Oh right. Without the Ice and Fire Immortal Herbs to enhance his body, if Tang San managed to refine the hundred-thousand-year Blue Silver Emperor right leg bone left behind after his mother sacrificed herself, it would significantly boost his physical strength. Additionally, his fourth soul ring—similar to his fifth soul ring in the original storyline—could grow stronger as his body's endurance improved. It wasn't impossible for him to possess a ten-thousand-year fourth soul ring.
Perhaps when he advanced to the Soul Ancestor level, his fourth soul ring was still a purple thousand-year one. But after advancing to the Soul King level, his body could handle a ten-thousand-year soul ring, allowing his fourth innate soul ring to evolve and upgrade to a black ten-thousand-year one. That made sense.
But the question remained: why had Tang San already reached the Soul King level at this point?
If Chu Chengzhou remembered correctly, in the original storyline, refining the hundred-thousand-year Blue Silver Emperor right leg bone didn't result in an increase in Tang San's soul power level, right?
Even with Tang Hao's guidance from a young age, such a drastic leap in strength shouldn't have occurred.
In the original storyline, during the Soul Master Tournament, Tang San's strength at 41st-level Soul Elder was largely due to the effects of the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass and Infernal Delicate Apricot herbs.
Without the talent boost from these two herbs, how could his soul power level be an entire tier higher?
'Could it be that he's already attached soul rings to his second martial soul?'
Chu Chengzhou thought to himself.
But soon, Chu Chengzhou dismissed this guess.
Even if Tang Hao didn't fully understand the correct method of cultivating twin martial souls, he would've surely warned Tang San not to attach soul rings to his second martial soul in the early stages.
In fact, the proper method of cultivating twin martial souls wasn't difficult to deduce.
Why did twin martial soul users explode when attaching soul rings?
By referencing ordinary soul masters who exploded while attaching soul rings, it was easy to conclude: their physical constitution wasn't strong enough to bear double the number of soul rings required for two martial souls.
Not strong enough physically? Then refine soul bones, especially high-quality ones, which would easily solve this issue.
Bibao Dong, being the first successful case of twin martial soul mastery on the continent, was likely due to the fact that most historical twin martial soul possessors weren't from major factions.
Non-major faction twin martial soul users rarely had the chance to obtain top-tier soul bones, so their physical constitutions weren't much stronger than ordinary soul masters of the same level. Forcibly attaching soul rings to their second martial soul naturally resulted in death by explosion.
As for resisting the temptation to attach soul rings to the second martial soul?
Easier said than done. When faced with bottlenecks, who wouldn't gamble their life to break through?
Anyway, Tang San's appearance, awakening the Blue Silver Emperor bloodline, and becoming a Soul King didn't matter much.
A five-ring Tang San, at best, could unleash combat power equivalent to a six-ring Soul Emperor. At that level, he was no match for Big Bear (the Dark Golden Terror Claw Bear).
After all, since Chu Chengzhou advanced to the Soul Ancestor level, his fourth soul ring had been continuously upgrading while idling.
By now, after nearly eight months, Big Bear's age was no longer just over eleven thousand years—it had reached over twenty thousand.
A twenty-thousand-year-old Dark Golden Terror Claw Bear, though not overwhelmingly powerful, was undoubtedly among the top under eighty levels. It could even hold its own against weaker Soul Douluos.
Even though Chu Chengzhou's soul power level wasn't high enough to sustain prolonged intense battles with Big Bear, dealing with a five-ring Tang San was more than sufficient.
Moreover, Chu Chengzhou had always been kind-hearted and held no grudges against Tang Hao or Tang San. He hadn't even met them face-to-face, and there was no reason they had to clash in the future.
Uh, what if defeating Tang San in the Soul Master Tournament caused him to mysteriously and unknowingly fall into a "death-seeking path"?
Hmm, this was something to consider. He'd follow his future father-in-law closely then.
After all, Tang San himself wasn't a problem, but his father, Tang Hao, was a formidable figure—a true Boss-level threat to Chu Chengzhou at this stage.
And his father-in-law always brought one of the two Sword and Bone Douluos as a bodyguard. With their protection, and considering the Spirit Hall would attract more of Tang Hao's hatred, even if Chu Chengzhou did trigger a "death-seeking path," Tang Hao probably wouldn't bother with a small fry like him.
Early the next morning, Chu Chengzhou and his group headed to the Tian Dou Grand Arena.
As soon as they entered the arena, two staff members approached and guided them to the participants' rest area.
Starting today, the Tian Dou division would hold fourteen matches daily.
The arrival of Lan Ba Academy drew attention from many other participating academies.
However, since they hadn't yet revealed their strength, aside from their opponents for the day—the Blazing Fire Academy team—the other participants in the rest area quickly shifted their focus away from Chu Chengzhou's group.
"Brother, can you tell how strong they are?"
Looking at the Lan Ba Academy group, Huo Wu, a member of the Blazing Fire Academy team, quietly asked her brother Huo Wushuang.
"I don't have that ability, but last night Father told me that this year's Lan Ba Academy isn't weak.
Among their eleven members, three are Soul Ancestors, five are Soul Elders, and there are three whose exact strength even he couldn't perceive. One is their captain, and the other two are the girl with rabbit ears and the girl with light brown long hair."
Looking at Chu Chengzhou, Xiao Wu, and Ning Rongrong at the head of the Lan Ba Academy group, Huo Wushuang spoke with a serious expression.
With mastery over secret techniques to suppress their presence, Chu Chengzhou and Xiao Wu could conceal their aura to the point where even Title Douluo-level experts couldn't see through them—let alone Huo Wushuang's Academy Dean father.
As for Ning Rongrong, though she hadn't cultivated any suppression techniques, her Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul had some unique properties.
For Seven Treasures, Eight Treasures, and Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda soul masters, unless they released their martial souls or used soul power, perhaps only legendary hundred-level deities could discern their soul power levels.
"Three Soul Ancestors, and three others even Father couldn't perceive?"
Huo Wu widened her eyes and whispered in shock.
After all, her father was the president of Blazing Fire Academy—a Soul Douluo-level powerhouse—and he couldn't even gauge the strength of three juniors?
Of course, being unable to perceive someone's strength didn't necessarily mean they were strong. It was likely that these three possessed items or techniques to suppress their presence.
Even so, Huo Wu still felt immense pressure.
After all, including herself, the Blazing Fire Academy team only had three Soul Ancestors. The rest of their members were still below level 40.
And the team captain, even if not the strongest member, couldn't be too far behind in strength. Otherwise, they wouldn't command respect.
This meant that the Lan Ba Academy team had at least four Soul Ancestors! And there was a good chance the two girls were also Soul Ancestors.
"Sister, Father often says that talented soul masters emerge in abundance on the continent. There's truth to that.
But we don't need to surpass everyone else. Being overly competitive only leads to mediocrity. We just need to do our best.
Besides, there are five spots to advance from the preliminaries. With our strength, we'll definitely make it through."
Huo Wushuang patted his sister Huo Wu's shoulder and reassured her.
It wasn't that Huo Wushuang lacked ambition—it was just that on paper, their chances of winning against the Lan Ba Academy team weren't great.
Moreover, most of the Blazing Fire Academy recruits were fire-attribute soul masters. Their team's martial soul types had certain weaknesses, making them vulnerable to counters.
Huo Wu: "..."
Glaring fiercely at her unambitious brother, Huo Wu turned her head.
The match hasn't even started yet! How can you, as the captain, already assume we've lost?
On the other side, Chu Chengzhou's group found a spot in the rest area and sat down, sizing up the Blazing Fire Academy team.
"Brother Chu, how strong is the Blazing Fire team?"
Ma Hongjun whispered to Chu Chengzhou.
"Three Soul Ancestors, the rest are Soul Elders."
Glancing at the Blazing Fire Academy team about twenty meters away, Chu Chengzhou casually replied.
"Only three Soul Ancestors? Seems like the Blazing Fire team isn't that impressive. But still, Brother Chu, you'll have to cover for us."
Ma Hongjun shrugged.
Their Lan Ba Academy team had five Soul Ancestors and one Soul King, with Chu Chengzhou's overwhelming strength. Even though Ma Hongjun wasn't among the six strongest members, he still looked down on the Blazing Fire Academy—one of the Five Elements Academies.
However, there were still Tai Long and the other three substitutes playing, and Oscar, a food-type Soul Elder with little combat ability. Excluding Chu Chengzhou, their overall strength was inferior to the Blazing Fire Academy team.
"Brother Chu, do you have any tactical arrangements?"
Oscar asked.
At the same time, Tai Long and the other three players who needed to compete turned their attention to Chu Chengzhou.
Chu Chengzhou waved his hand dismissively: "No tactics. Just play freely. Oscar and Jiang Zhu, stand by me after the match starts."
What's strength for if not to charge recklessly?
No tactics were needed—or rather, the tactic was to charge recklessly, pushing through everything and crushing all opposition.
"By the way, Oscar, there are girls on the Blazing Fire team. Don't use your Desire Flaming Sausage."
Suddenly, Chu Chengzhou gave Oscar a reminder.
The sausage's effect might be potent, but it was akin to taking certain drugs. While Chu Chengzhou could somewhat trust others, with Ma Hongjun around, using it against female soul masters was out of the question.
Forget winning or losing—with so many spectators present, if something embarrassing happened—or worse, if someone lunged forward—it would completely ruin Lan Ba Academy's reputation.
"It's called Burning Flame Sausage, not Desire Flaming Sausage!"
Oscar reiterated with a dark expression.
Chu Chengzhou blinked: "Isn't it the same thing?!"
"Not the same!"
Oscar strongly protested.
Chu Chengzhou waved his hand: "Oscar, I'm the captain—I decide!"
Oscar: "..."
When will I, a food-type soul master, ever get to speak up confidently?!
The Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament's preliminary round officially began.
Excluding yesterday's matches between the reserve team of Tian Dou Royal Academy and the Tian Shui Academy team, the remaining twenty-six teams participating in the first round divided into groups. The first and second groups each had ten teams, while the third group had six. Lan Ba Academy was in the first group.
Perhaps because their opponent was one of the renowned Five Elements Academies, the match between Lan Ba Academy and Blazing Fire Academy was placed on the central main stage.
As a once-every-five-years event, and with the young soul masters being targets for recruitment by various factions, the VIP seats today were almost identical to those during yesterday's opening ceremony. Not only were the big shots of the Tian Dou Empire present, but Emperor Xue Ye also remained seated in the central position of the first row.
However, the number of seats in the first row of the VIP section had increased from three to four.
To Ning Fengzhi's right sat a middle-aged man with a square face and an unusually tall frame that made him appear somewhat thin.
This man was none other than Gu Rong, the Bone Douluo of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda Sect, often referred to alongside Jian Xin as the "Sect-Stabalizing Protectors".
At this moment, accompanied by the soul-guided lights, the ten participating teams of the first round began entering the arena.
"Huh? Fengzhi, isn't Rongrong playing?"
Seeing that his precious granddaughter wasn't among the seven members of Lan Ba Academy, Gu Rong frowned and privately transmitted a message to Ning Fengzhi.
He had come specifically to watch his beloved granddaughter Ning Rongrong compete, even fighting his old friend Chen Xin for this. Yet his precious granddaughter wasn't playing?
Sensing Gu Rong's displeasure, Ning Fengzhi smiled and replied: "Uncle Gu, don't worry. This might be a tactical decision. If you miss her, you can find her after the match."
"This little princess doesn't think of me, an old man. It's been so long since she returned."
Gu Rong complained again.
For Gu Rong, this "empty-nester", his precious granddaughter Ning Rongrong was his heart's treasure. After not seeing her for over half a year, he missed her dearly.
Besides, Gu Rong wanted to meet Chu Chengzhou.
According to his old friend Chen Xin, his precious granddaughter might have developed feelings for this young man. As an elder, Gu Rong felt it was his duty to scrutinize this young man and see if he was worthy of his granddaughter.
On the arena.
Led by Chu Chengzhou, the Lan Ba Academy team, and led by Huo Wushuang, the Blazing Fire Academy team, stepped onto the competition stage.
"Captain of the Blazing Fire Academy team, Huo Wushuang, Level 42 close-combat battle soul master."
Wearing a crimson open-chest suit, Huo Wushuang stepped forward and saluted Chu Chengzhou.
"Captain of the Lan Ba Academy team, Chu Chengzhou, Level 48 support soul master."
Since the other party had greeted him, Chu Chengzhou couldn't ignore it and returned the salute.
"Level 48?"
Upon hearing this, Huo Wushuang's pupils contracted.
Chu Chengzhou looked younger than him, yet his soul power level was already at 48?
Like the big simp from the God Wind Academy, was he born with full soul power?
Wait... support soul master?
Suddenly, Huo Wushuang's lips curled into a smile.
Support? Perfect! I, Huo Wushuang, love crushing supports!
Huo Wushuang: This match is in the bag!
In Huo Wushuang's eyes, the leader of Lan Ba Academy must've been kicked in the head by a ten-thousand-year-old stupid donkey! Besides Chu Chengzhou, the support soul master captain, the other six players consisted of five Soul Elders and one unknown Soul Ancestor.
For battle soul masters, the gap between Level 41 and Level 48 was significant. But for support soul masters, there wasn't much difference. As long as the major soul power level remained unchanged, the effectiveness of support skills stayed the same, with only slight differences in endurance.
Thus, the only person on their side who could be considered a main force was the Soul Ancestor with the peach-blossom eyes.
On their side, the Blazing Fire team had three Soul Ancestor battle soul masters—weren't they guaranteed to win?
However, Huo Wushuang was still young and didn't know the dangers of society. Some soul masters might appear support on the surface, but in battle, they could be far more ferocious than battle soul masters.
At this moment, the referee entered and shouted: "Both teams, bow!"
Led by Chu Chengzhou and Huo Wushuang, the fourteen competitors from both sides simultaneously bowed to each other.
"Preliminary Round 1, Lan Ba Academy vs. Blazing Fire Academy. Please release your martial souls. The match will begin in one minute!"
Instantly, on the central main stage, the fourteen participants activated their martial souls or summoned their equipment. Numerous yellow and purple soul rings lit up.
Participants in the Soul Master Tournament were elites from various advanced soul master academies. In most cases, their soul rings were optimally configured, with few having white first soul rings or hundred-year third soul rings.
"!!!"
Suddenly, Huo Wushuang's eyes widened, and he stared incredulously at Oscar, who displayed four soul rings—yellow, yellow, purple, purple.
What was going on? If he wasn't mistaken, the peach-blossom-eyed soul master's martial soul looked like… a sausage? A food-type soul master?
Lan Ba Academy's lineup consisted of one support soul master, one food-type soul master, and five Soul Elders?
Something wasn't right. Something was very wrong!
At this moment, Huo Wushuang had a bad feeling.
Standing on the Soul Master Tournament stage were undoubtedly the elite youths of the soul master world. There might be fools, but it was impossible for an entire team to be foolish.
Aside from Chu Chengzhou and the sausage soul master, Lan Ba Academy likely had at least two more Soul Ancestors. Surely the other two weren't also supports?
So the question was: why were they sending out supports and food-types instead of their main forces? Were they planning to surrender, or did they have absolute confidence that this lineup was enough to defeat them?
Huo Wushuang felt the latter was more likely.
After all, this was the first round of the preliminaries. Surrendering outright would be unlucky, and the impact on morale would be far greater than surrendering later in the tournament.
"Huo Wu, target Chu Chengzhou at the start."
Huo Wushuang narrowed his eyes and whispered to his sister Huo Wu behind him.
The strongest member of the Blazing Fire team wasn't their captain but his sister, Huo Wu.
Compared to the food-type soul master, Huo Wushuang believed that Chu Chengzhou, the captain of Lan Ba Academy holding a flag-like martial soul, was more likely to possess formidable strength.
Same reasoning: a team captain might not be the strongest, but their strength couldn't be too far behind, or they wouldn't qualify as captain.
Take himself, for example. If his strength couldn't command respect, even with a president father, he wouldn't qualify as the captain of the Blazing Fire team.
Hearing this, Huo Wu was momentarily surprised but nodded nonetheless.
Since her older brother was the captain, once on the arena, the entire Blazing Fire Academy team—including herself—had to obey the captain's orders.
Soon, the one-minute preparation time passed, and the match officially began.
"First soul skill, Summoning: Sky Azure Tree!"
The instant the match began, Chu Chengzhou raised his banner, activating his first soul ring. Waves of soul power surged as a massive Sky Azure Tree, with a trunk diameter exceeding four feet, a height of several dozen meters, and a canopy covering over 150 square meters, materialized beside him.
This time, Chu Chengzhou didn't suppress the size of the Sky Azure Tree summon, Xia Qing.
If the battlefield were in the wilderness or a forest, Xia Qing's size, while large, wouldn't stand out. But on the compact arena stage of the Soul Master Tournament, it seemed enormous.
After all, the arena's diameter was only thirty meters.
True enough, the thick roots growing from the base of Xia Qing's trunk not only extended beyond their side of the arena but also spread into the formation of the opposing Blazing Fire Academy team.
Looking at the thick roots extending toward them from the base of the giant tree, the Blazing Fire team fell silent.
If they weren't mistaken, that tree was probably mobile, right?
"Lads, charge!"
Pointing his banner at the Blazing Fire team, Chu Chengzhou shouted, issuing the attack command.
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