Douluo: AFK to Become a God

Although the Xuan Shui Turtle's summoning age was thousands of years higher than Xiong Da's, in terms of combat strength, Xiong Da still surpassed it by a fair margin.

A higher summoning age meant greater power—but also much more soul power consumption. Just summoning Xiong Da already left Chu Chengzhou stretched thin. If he tried to summon another spirit beast on top of that, wouldn't he just become a "three-second guy"?

Instead, assigning his Martial Soul to passive training would speed up his soul power cultivation even more.

And with his upgraded plug-in efficiency, leveling up his Martial Soul through hanging would only take about 1,250 days—roughly 3 years and 5 months.

Of course, it wouldn't actually take that long. As his soul power continued to increase, the plug-in would level up, and the efficiency would go up too.

"Ge, congrats! How strong is this Xuan Shui Turtle summon?"

Xiao Wu ran up with a cheerful grin after seeing Chu Chengzhou had advanced to a five-ring Soul King.

"Strength level? Let's just say... this little bunny of mine wouldn't be able to handle it."

Chu Chengzhou smirked.

Xiao Wu: "…"

Just by rough estimate, a typical 20,000-year soul beast corresponds to a six-ring Soul Emperor. With the Xuan Shui Turtle nearing 30,000 years old, and considering its elite bloodline, its strength could easily compare to that of a seven-ring Defense-type Soul Sage.

Especially in defense—between its solid turtle shell and its innate soul skill Xuan Shui Guard, the Xuan Shui Turtle would be one of the top-tier defense Soul Sages. It could even rival an early-stage Soul Douluo with poor soul ring allocation.

In terms of attack, its innate skill Xuan Shui Control gave it the strength to match a strong-attack seven-ring Soul Sage (so long as they weren't using Martial Soul True Body).

Then, Chu Chengzhou waved his banner, his fifth soul ring lit up, and a giant Xuan Shui Turtle, nearly 10 meters long, suddenly appeared.

"Roooaaar—!"

The moment it appeared, the Xuan Shui Turtle raised its head and let out a deep bellow.

'It actually looks pretty badass~'

Xiao Wu walked around it, giving it a close look.

The intimidating black shell, thick limbs covered in black scales, razor-sharp claws, fierce turtle head—this summon looked like it was not to be messed with.

Too bad... Chu didn't get a soul bone from its shell. If he had, Sister Xiao Wu would've been laughing for days.

"By the way, ge, what did you name this big guy?"

Xiao Wu asked curiously.

There was Xiao Qing (Sky Azure Tree), Xiao Bai (Light Lion), Xiao Hong (Phoenix), and of course, Xiong Da (Darkgold Dreadclaw Bear). So this Xuan Shui Turtle had to get a name too.

Would Chu, in his usual shameless fashion, call it Xiao Shui? Or maybe just A Gui?

Hearing the question, Chu Chengzhou frowned—his naming block was acting up again.

Then suddenly, inspiration hit him. "How about... Gui Er?"

"Gui... er?"

Xiao Wu's eyes widened. What kind of crappy name was that?

"Not Gui'er (turtle child), it's Gui Er! As in Turtle Number Two!"

Chu Chengzhou corrected her pronunciation and asked, "What do you think?"

Xiong Da and Gui Er... honestly had a nice ring to it.

"...As long as you're happy."

Xiao Wu gave him a deep look and said nothing more.

But in her heart, she decided—she must have naming rights over their future kids. Otherwise, they'd definitely hate her forever.

With their mission in Star Dou Great Forest complete, Chu Chengzhou recalled Gui Er and summoned Xiao Hong. He and Xiao Wu then left the forest.

Rather than return directly to Heaven Dou City, Chu instructed Xiao Hong to follow the route back from Spirit Hall to catch up with the Heaven Dou Empire's main competition squad.

—

Meanwhile, in Spirit City's Pope's Hall—

Xie Yue, Hu Liena, and Yan stood anxiously in the hall, glancing at the back of Bibi Dong from time to time.

Finally, Bibi Dong spoke: "Xie Yue, Yan—your request to train in the Misty Grand Canyon is approved."

"Thank you, Your Holiness!"

The two bowed with respect.

Before the Soul Master Tournament finals, as part of Spirit Hall's most elite "Golden Generation," Xie Yue and Yan were proud.

After all, with more than half of the continent's soul masters joining Spirit Hall, leading the younger generation there was no small feat.

But the more pride before the match, the more crushing the defeat after.

This tournament had opened their eyes—there were always stronger people out there.

Chu Chengzhou and Xiao Wu from Lanba Academy, Tang San from Heaven Dou Royal Academy—they simply weren't on the same level.

And worst of all, they were younger. Especially Tang San, who wasn't even 15.

If it had just been one person stronger, it could be chalked up to luck. But three? That called for serious reflection.

Faced with defeat, some give up—but others fight back.

As elites of Spirit Hall, Xie Yue and Yan's pride wouldn't let them give up. So they applied to train in the Misty Grand Canyon.

"You two may leave," Bibi Dong waved her hand.

"Yes, Your Holiness."

Only Hu Liena remained in the hall.

"Nana, do you really want to go? In the thousand-year history of the Slaughter City, very few have survived to earn the title of Killing God. Are you sure?"

Bibi Dong turned around, her expression serious.

She knew how deadly the Slaughter City was—she had been through it herself. And back then, she was far stronger than Hu Liena was now.

Of course, the rules of Slaughter City meant no soul skills—only martial soul and physical combat were allowed. Thankfully, Hu Liena had a soul bone in her head, which would give her an edge.

Moreover, Bibi Dong knew the Slaughter City was a divine trial ground. Earning the Killing God Domain offered a chance at inheriting a god's position. Even if Hu Liena failed, it would greatly strengthen her as a soul master.

In Bibi Dong's original plan, Hu Liena would go after reaching the six- or seven-ring level.

"Teacher, I've already decided."

Hu Liena's expression was firm.

She had been just as devastated as Xie Yue and Yan—perhaps even more so.

Worse yet, Bibi Dong had given her a rare soul bone before the tournament—and even with that, she was still crushed by Chu Chengzhou.

If not for never directly facing Tang San, she likely would've lost to him too.

Failing to win the tournament felt like a betrayal of Bibi Dong's expectations. Even if Chu Chengzhou—the one who beat her—was her secret crush.

She needed to prove herself. Not just to her teacher, but to those elders who doubted her. She wasn't just a pretty face.

Her proof? Becoming a Killing God.

Her teacher had returned from Slaughter City. So could she.

"…Sigh. In three days, I'll send you there myself."

Looking at her determined disciple, Bibi Dong sighed and gently patted her head.

What if her disciple wasn't strong enough?

No problem. That's what teachers are for.

If anything happened to Hu Liena, Bibi Dong would make the Slaughter King pay.

Training was one thing—sending someone to their death was another.

—

As night fell, a massive camp was set up by the road, large enough to house over a thousand.

Just as the campfires started burning, a streak of crimson light appeared in the sky.

Seeing the camp below, Chu Chengzhou had Xiao Hong descend.

The Heaven Dou main team wasn't fast, and Xiao Hong was quick. From the inner Star Dou Forest, it had only taken half a day to catch up.

At the tents assigned to the Lanba team—

"You broke through to Soul King?"

Seeing Chu Chengzhou and Xiao Wu return, Liu Erlong stepped forward and asked.

"Yep, Dean Erlong. Your academy now has another Soul King graduate."

Chu Chengzhou smiled and nodded.

The Lanba team's strength far exceeded the school's average. Now that the tournament was over—and they had performed excellently—graduation was well earned.

"Tsk. We really are getting old. Two years ago you had two rings, and now you've hit five…"

Flender glanced at Liu Erlong and Zhao Wuji and sighed.

"Ahem. Dean Flender, please watch your words. You may be old, but Dean Erlong is most definitely not!"

Ning Rongrong cleared her throat, her pretty face stern as she spoke.

Flender froze, then quickly turned to Liu Erlong.

Sure enough—her expression had darkened.

"Haha… Erlong, I didn't mean you, I swear. Don't be mad~"

Flender chuckled awkwardly.

Just then, a royal knight approached. "Greetings, Lanba Academy."

"Young Master Chu, His Highness the Crown Prince invites you."

A courteous invitation from Angel-sis?

Yeah... no way he was skipping that.

Inside a tent at the center of the camp, Qian Renxue immediately greeted Chu Chengzhou with a warm smile upon seeing him enter.

"Brother, I see you've just returned—you probably haven't had dinner yet, right? Come, eat with me."

She pointed at the hotpot already set on the table inside the tent.

Being the crown prince of the empire, even while traveling, her meals were never anything less than luxurious.

"If Brother Qinghe is treating, how could I refuse?"

Chu Chengzhou nodded and smiled, then sat down without hesitation.

As they enjoyed the hotpot and chatted casually, Qian Renxue got to the main point:"Brother, I heard from Dean Liu that you've already graduated from Blue Tyrant Academy. What are your plans now?"

"My plans? Train hard, obviously—and fulfill my father's last wish."

Chu Chengzhou replied nonchalantly.

"Oh? Your father's last wish?"

Qian Renxue was slightly surprised and looked curious.

Chu Chengzhou nodded."Brother Qinghe, I came from a humble place, but maybe you don't know—before my father passed, he had a grand dream: he wanted to establish the Chu family as a renowned soul master clan. As his son, it's only right I carry out his will."

Qian Renxue: "..."

So that's the excuse you're using for dating multiple women?

The world truly is full of wonders—but someone who could justify his playboy behavior in such a righteous and noble tone... that had to be Chu Chengzhou.

Chu Chengzhou: Playboy? No, no—I just have a big heart and want to give all the girls a home.

"Ahem... such lofty ambition, brother!

By the way, I assume you haven't purchased any property in Heaven Dou City yet? I have a place there—consider it my gift to you as a place to settle down."

Clearing her throat, Qian Renxue revealed her true intention behind inviting Chu Chengzhou over for dinner.

Indeed, her main goal was to give Chu Chengzhou a house.

Qian Renxue understood—Chu might be close to her, the prince of Heaven Dou, especially since he was the future son-in-law of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, but he'd never truly serve under her.

Now that he had graduated and hadn't yet bought a home, gifting him one would be a perfect way to strengthen their bond.

A present-day genius and future powerhouse—even if he couldn't be her subordinate, it was enough that he could be an ally.

As long as her identity as a Spirit Hall spy remained hidden, she was still Chu Chengzhou's "big brother." And when big brother needs help—how can little brother not come through?

With that relationship, Chu would likely side with her against any power besides the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, and possibly even support her claim to the imperial throne.

Chu raised an eyebrow at her offer.

A free house? He could work with that.

But... if she's giving him a house this time, will she offer a woman next time?

"Brother Qinghe, given our relationship, I'll accept your generosity without hesitation."

Without pausing, Chu agreed on the spot.

Qian Renxue nodded in satisfaction.

To someone of her wealth and status, a mansion was nothing.

If Chu weren't such a notorious flirt, she might've even given him a real chance.

—Two months later—

Heaven Dou City, Chu Residence

Back when Qian Renxue had said she'd give him a house, she hadn't meant just any house—this was a mansion. In fact, it was one of the most luxurious residences in all of Heaven Dou City, just a few blocks from Dugu Bo's estate. In terms of safety, it was second to none.

If any thieves dared to act up, and if Dugu Bo happened to be home, he'd be there in an instant.

Qian Renxue had even renovated the place before Chu moved in—everything was spotless and pristine.

And so, Chu Chengzhou officially settled in the capital. In his past life, he never became a capital resident, but in this one, it was a breeze.

Now, under the bright morning sun, Chu lounged in a chair in his courtyard, mentally pulling two of his girlfriends into an illusion space for one-on-two personal instruction.

Since they were his girls, Chu was fair—whatever he gave to Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing also got.

They could skip some skills, but not the three core techniques for training essence, qi, and spirit: Indestructible Golden Body, Nine-Breath Meditation, and Eternal Thought.

After the Soul Master Tournament, Ning Fengzhi (his future father-in-law) had initially objected to his precious daughter moving into Chu's place. After all, they weren't married yet, and the dowry hadn't been given. It didn't look good.

But unfortunately for Ning Fengzhi, his beloved daughter had already given her heart (and soul) to Chu, and had no interest in returning home.

Eventually, Chu gave a formal engagement gift—specifically, the secret portion of his forging technique that covered thousand-tempers refining.

Truthfully, in this era where soul tool technology hadn't risen, even that level of metal forging wasn't especially valuable.

If a blacksmith tried learning it on their own without guidance, they might not master high-level thousand-tempers forging even if Chu became a god.

He hadn't agreed to teach it earlier not just because he wanted to keep it secret, but because it was a pain—if they failed to understand it and asked him to personally teach them? What a hassle.

As an engagement gift, however, it was different. He gave it, they took it. If they couldn't learn it, not his problem.

Suddenly, as Chu was guiding Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing in the illusion space, he froze—his mind flooded with insights.

The two girls blinked and exited the illusion—Chu had become so absorbed in his sudden enlightenment that he forgot to maintain it.

These insights came from his forging technique, which had now been elevated once again—after his illusion art, Nine-Breath Meditation, and control techniques were upgraded, it was the forging technique's turn.

White-grade corresponded to hundred-tempers. Yellow and purple meant thousand-tempers. Black stood for spirit-forging. Now that it was upgraded to red-grade, it corresponded to soul-forging.

And more—it also included techniques for fusion forging. While it didn't give specific alloy recipes, knowing the technique meant Chu, now a Forging Saint, could experiment to figure them out.

Kind of like a master who remembered how to craft but forgot the ingredients—he just had to re-figure it out.

Back in the Armor Warrior era, forging masters capable of soul-forging were revered even by titled Douluo, right?

After some time, Chu finished absorbing the insights.

Now, among all his techniques, only his defense art remained at black-grade—it would likely upgrade in about a month.

[Auto-Training: 1. Indestructible Golden Body (Red), 2. Forging (Red), 3. Nine-Breath Meditation (Gold), 4. Defense (Black), 5. Fourth Soul Ring (Black), 6. Martial Spirit: True Spirit Banner (Top-Tier)]

Glancing at his training list, Chu swapped out the forging technique and slotted in Eternal Thought to train his spiritual power.

If "qi" training (soul power) was at gold-grade and "body" training was at red-grade, then "spirit" training couldn't fall behind.

"Uh... what are you three doing?"

Finished adjusting his queue, Chu looked up to see his three girls crowding around him with concern.

"You're asking us? What was up with you just now? We called you and you didn't respond."

Xiao Wu scolded.

"Are you sick or something?"

Zhu Zhuqing asked worriedly.

"Don't tell me... you were daydreaming about all three of us serving you together?"

Ning Rongrong squinted suspiciously.

"It was a good thing! Your dazzlingly talented husband just leveled up one of his top-tier arts."

Chu chuckled and deflected. He'd share techniques with his girls—but no need to mention the existence of the system.

"Really?"

Xiao Wu raised an eyebrow but didn't push.

She was used to it by now. In her eyes, Chu Chengzhou was a once-in-a-generation genius, especially when it came to creating new techniques.

He didn't just invent them—he upgraded them constantly.

"Which one was it, you scumbag?" Ning Rongrong asked curiously.

"Rongrong, have the Seven Treasure Auction House send me some rare metals."

Chu grinned and gave her a playful pat.

Now that he'd reached the soul-forging level, his previous spirit-forged equipment—Azure Cloud Armor, Soulsever Bow, and Titanium Piercing Arrows—needed to be replaced with even better ones.

"Rare metals? You upgraded your forging art?"

Ignoring his cheeky hand, Ning Rongrong's eyes widened.

So Chu the Scumbag could now create soul-forged metals?

"Exactly! Oh—and Rongrong, rare metals are expensive, and your poor fiancé can't afford them. How about your dad gives me a super VIP card—one that lets me pay with my face?"

Chu said shamelessly.

Her dad was the richest ore magnate on the continent. What was wrong with the son-in-law buying stuff on his tab?

"My dad isn't your dad yet~"

Ning Rongrong blushed and mumbled.

"I already gave the engagement gift—if he's not 'our dad,' who is?

Rongrong, remember this: from now on, you're a member of the Chu family. When you find something good, be sure to bring it home."

Chu said with a heartfelt tone.

After all, with a father-in-law that rich, wasn't it only right for the son-in-law to help spend some of it?

Ning Fengzhi: This son-in-law is... incredibly filial!

T/N: For up to 30 chapters ahead on most of my translations, become a p@tron at [email protected]/LordHipposApostle