Douluo Dalu 2: The True God King

"Not playing anymore. It's boring."

Wang Dong'er swept the chess pieces into disarray with a single motion, her face grim with frustration. Playing chess with Su Yu was utterly unenjoyable.

No matter how hard she racked her brain, Su Yu would always crush her, leaving her with no chance to win. The more they played, the angrier Wang Dong'er became, until finally, she couldn't hold it in any longer.

Su Yu chuckled softly and said, "It's just a game. Why are you getting so worked up?"

"Hmph."

Wang Dong'er snorted lightly and glared at Su Yu. This infuriating guy! He didn't even know how to let her win a little. In just a few moves, he'd completely wipe her out. Did he not care about her dignity at all?

Su Yu smiled faintly, carefully resetting the chess pieces one by one. In a calm tone, he said, "Life is like chess. Every step requires foresight. Sometimes, you shouldn't focus so much on immediate gains and losses."

"You, on the other hand, are too impatient. The moment I set a trap, you walk right into it. How could you not lose?"

Wang Dong'er wrinkled her delicate nose and grumbled, "How am I supposed to see through all that? Didn't you always say that I'm stupid?"

Hearing this, Su Yu found it amusing and said, "I called you stupid, and you think of yourself as one?"

"If you don't use your brain, what will you do when you suffer in the future?"

"Isn't that what you're here for?" Wang Dong'er replied matter-of-factly.

Asking her to use her brain? That was just asking too much. All she needed to do was follow Su Yu's lead. After all, Su Yu was the one with the brains.

Su Yu was momentarily stunned at her response. He looked at Wang Dong'er in surprise, and a trace of softness appeared in his starry eyes.

"Aren't you afraid I'll betray you?" Su Yu asked.

"Hmph, then it'll just mean I trusted the wrong person. It's not like these old bones of mine are worth much. If you want to sell me out, go ahead."

Wang Dong'er replied casually.

Su Yu was taken aback, gazing deeply at Wang Dong'er. His expression grew even gentler.

Such unconditional trust—it warmed his heart.

This silly girl might have many flaws, but her sincerity and trust made it impossible for him to let her down.

If Xu Jiujiu had been like Wang Dong'er, he wouldn't have turned her away.

It wasn't that Su Yu disliked women or was immune to their charms. He simply disliked those who approached him with ulterior motives.

If every girl who came near him had pure intentions, he wouldn't have rejected them.

Su Yu was not some naive romantic, nor did he pretend to be some virtuous person.

He was a simple man, one who liked beautiful women with long, wavy hair. He never pretended to be pure or innocent. He was, at heart, a flirt. Pretending to be otherwise would be pointless.

But most of the people who approached him had hidden agendas, which was why he rejected them.

True love is rare, but once found, he would never let it go.

As thoughts churned in his mind, Su Yu's gaze grew even softer.

"Why are you looking at me like that? Were you moved by me?"

Under Su Yu's gentle gaze, Wang Dong'er's heart almost melted. But at this moment, she was Wang Dong, not Wang Dong'er.

She could only act nonchalant.

Su Yu smiled faintly and said, "It's getting late. Let's get some rest. Tomorrow, we'll set off."

As he spoke, Su Yu stood up and headed toward the bathroom.

Wang Dong'er stared at Su Yu with sparkling eyes, debating whether or not to sneak a peek.

But catching a glimpse of Shui Lingguang and Lanlan nearby, she gave up on the idea.

She'd wait until they reached the Clear Sky Sect. Then, as Wang Dong'er, she could openly watch. Hehe.

As if imagining some scene, Wang Dong'er revealed a lovesick smile.

Shui Lingguang, on the other hand, looked at her with a strange expression. This was undoubtedly the most peculiar mistress she had ever seen.

Not only was she not very smart, but she also seemed a little mentally off.

"Poor young master," Shui Lingguang thought to herself. "How did he end up with someone like her?"

...

The Next Morning.

After breakfast, under Wang Dong'er's expectant gaze, the two prepared to set off.

"Lingguang, I'll leave Lanlan with you. Take her around Heaven Dou City for a while. I'll be back soon."

Su Yu decided to leave Lanlan behind.

Lanlan's identity was special, and the Clear Sky Sect was a dangerous place. Bringing Lanlan along might lead to unforeseen complications.

Su Yu never trusted the integrity of certain people.

As for himself, Su Yu wasn't worried.

After undergoing the Ice God's Nine Trials, he had a legitimate reason to be under the Ice God's protection.

His concerns about certain threats had diminished significantly.

As long as he didn't overtly reveal his identity as the Young Master of the Soul Beast Clan or flaunt his Dragon God's power, there shouldn't be any major issues.

After all, a certain haughty goddess, while not invincible, wielded an ultra-divine weapon and could stand toe-to-toe with a god-king.

Even if she couldn't defeat a particular opponent, she could hold her own.

Moreover, that opponent's injuries still hadn't fully healed. How did Su Yu know? Well, that was a story for another time.

"Young Master, don't worry. I will take good care of Lanlan. Please, take care of yourself," Shui Lingguang said with concern.

Even with Haibodong's protection, she couldn't help but worry if she wasn't watching over him.

"Don't worry, Sister Lingguang. Su Yu won't be in any danger at the Clear Sky Sect!" Wang Dong'er confidently patted her chest.

Shui Lingguang remained skeptical of Wang Dong'er's assurance. Her beautiful eyes stayed fixed on Su Yu.

"I know. Don't worry," Su Yu said calmly.

"Brother, come back soon. Lanlan will miss you," Lanlan said, reluctant to part. She clung to Su Yu, clearly attached to him.

She wanted to go with him, but Su Yu wouldn't allow it for some reason.

"I will come back soon. Be good and listen to Sister Lingguang, okay?" Su Yu said gently, a warm smile on his face.

"Lanlan will listen," Lanlan nodded obediently.

"I knew Lanlan was the best."

Su Yu smiled, then exchanged a glance with Wang Dong'er. The two activated their soul tools and soared into the sky.

Shui Lingguang watched their figures fade into the distance, lost in thought.

...

Their flight was swift.

The Clear Sky Sect wasn't far from Heaven Dou City. After only a brief rest along the way, they arrived at their destination by approximately 10 a.m.

In the distance, a towering mountain appeared within Su Yu's line of sight.

This mountain was not only majestic but also extremely steep.

From afar, three of its sides appeared to be sheer cliffs, as if carved by a blade. Only one side was relatively gentle, though even that was daunting for ordinary people to climb.

On the gentler side, some vegetation managed to grow.

The steep peak was surrounded by rolling mountains, but even the highest among them only reached halfway up the peak.

A sea of clouds drifted gently above these mountains. The steep peak's tip was visible just below the clouds, and above the sea of clouds, one would need to pass through the mist to see its summit.

"Where the clouds are deep, one knows not where they lead."

Su Yu gazed at the towering peak that seemed to pierce the heavens and smiled. "Your Clear Sky Sect's headquarters should be on the highest peak, right?"

Wang Dong'er glanced at him in surprise. "How do you even know that?"

Su Yu chuckled. "What's so rare about that? Our Ice God Palace isn't useless, you know. Of course, we know where your Clear Sky Sect is."

Wang Dong'er laughed and patted Su Yu on the shoulder. "So, flying up there—do you think you're up to it?"

Su Yu rolled his eyes at Wang Dong'er. "Who do you think you're talking to? A mere peak of less than 3,000 meters—do you think it can stop me?"

"Ah, yes, yes, you're the greatest."

Wang Dong'er gave a thumbs-up, her tone filled with mockery.

Su Yu reached out and ruffled Wang Dong'er's hair. Then, his soul-guided wings flapped behind him, and he turned into a streak of light, shooting straight toward the main peak.

The full-body soul armor crafted by Jing Hongchen had already been remade by Su Yu.

When Jing Hongchen first designed it, he had left room for upgrades.

In the past two years, although Su Yu had mainly been undergoing trials and improving his strength, he hadn't neglected his skills in soul device crafting.

With his astonishing mental power and tireless research into soul device blueprints, Su Yu had naturally become an eighth-level soul engineer.

Sixteen years old, and already an eighth-level soul engineer—a feat never before seen.

It could only be said that Su Yu's talent in soul devices was truly exceptional. Challenges that could trap others for years were resolved by him in mere moments.

Of course, credit must also be given to the soul device blueprints, which helped Su Yu avoid many pitfalls. Without them, it would have taken him at least another two years to reach the eighth level.

The leap from a seventh-level soul engineer to an eighth-level one was massive.

An eighth-level soul engineer was considered an elder in the Mingde Hall and held a very high status.

As for Shrek Academy, it was even more significant—Shrek currently did not have a single true eighth-level soul engineer.

It was well known that soul engineers from the original Douluo Continent were automatically considered half a level lower than those from the Sun-Moon Empire.

With Su Yu's current level, he could already compete for the title of the strongest soul engineer on the original Douluo Continent.

As his soul device skills improved, his full-body soul armor was naturally upgraded as well.

Su Yu had spent considerable effort upgrading the entire set of full-body soul armor to eighth-level soul devices.

Whether it was the Snow Sword or other components, they were all of the eighth level.

An eighth-level soul armor set like this was practically priceless in the outside world—more valuable than most soul bones.

Its enhancement to combat strength was also significant.

Ordinary Soul Douluo wearing this armor could even fight a standard Titled Douluo.

In Su Yu's hands, it was more like icing on the cake.

As Su Yu soared into the sky, Wang Dong'er shouted excitedly and quickly followed.

Whoosh!

Su Yu shot upward, breaking through the sea of clouds. The blazing sun shone brightly above, and the sky was a vast expanse of blue. A sense of boundless freedom surged in his chest.

Su Yu couldn't help but let out a long, clear roar. His voice, infused with spiritual power, reverberated, disturbing the sea of clouds.

Within the Clear Sky Sect, many of its accomplished members felt a sudden pressure in their chests. Even the Titled Douluo among them felt a sense of suppression.

In the main hall, Niu Tian's cyan eyes gleamed with shock.

"What incredible spiritual power. Such mental strength is no less than what Tai Tan possesses."

Niu Tian murmured, a strange smile forming on his face.

"This guy shows up and immediately tries to intimidate our Clear Sky Sect. Bold, very bold."

Niu Tian muttered to himself but didn't act. He had already guessed who the visitor was.

However, while Niu Tian could remain calm, the other members of the Clear Sky Sect could not. They thought an enemy had arrived.

A series of gray shadows darted out of the Clear Sky Fortress, rising into the sea of clouds to surround Su Yu.

These individuals were all between the ages of 25 and 35, brimming with vitality. The moment they appeared, they formed a tightly organized formation.

The group's strength averaged around the Soul Sage level. Dozens of figures gathered, creating an intimidating sight.

However, Su Yu simply snorted. His domineering spiritual will, combined with his immense mental power, burst forth.

The dozens of figures trembled simultaneously and fell back in disarray, their previously tight formation instantly scattering.

Swish! Swish! Swish!

One after another, powerful figures emerged from the Clear Sky Fortress. Each exuded a formidable aura.

Most notably, they could all hover in the air without external aid—proof that they were all Soul Douluo or stronger. Among them were even Titled Douluo.

The Clear Sky Hammer was, after all, one of the most exceptional weapon martial souls. With so many strong individuals appearing at once, the scene was quite intimidating.

But Su Yu remained calm, his hands clasped behind his back, utterly unbothered.

In the Clear Sky Sect, the only ones who could threaten him were Niu Tian and Tai Tan.

As for the others—sorry, they didn't even register on his radar.

The Clear Sky Hammer was indeed powerful, once hailed as the strongest tool martial soul. But Su Yu's Ice Emperor Martial Soul was even stronger.

Just as the situation seemed to reach a standoff, with tension mounting, Wang Dong'er finally caught up.

"Su Yu, why are you flying so fast? Wait for me!"

Wang Dong'er emerged from the sea of clouds, hir voice full of complaint.

The moment she finished complaining, she noticed the group confronting Su Yu. A look of confusion crossed her face.

"What are you doing? Who told you to surround him? Get lost, all of you!"

Wang Dong'er, clearly annoyed, waved her hand to dismiss them.

The Clear Sky Sect's strong cultivators exchanged baffled glances. This person… wasn't an enemy?

"This is an honored guest of our Clear Sky Sect. Are you blind? Get out of my sight!"

Wang Dong'er waved impatiently. The leaders of the group looked at each other, saluted Wang Dong'er, and vanished without a word or sound.

"Why were you confronting them? Are you okay?"

As a hopeless romantic, Wang Dong'er's concern was entirely focused on Su Yu.

"What could happen to me?"

Su Yu shook his head and smiled.

"As long as you're okay. Come, come, follow me inside."

Wang Dong'er grabbed Su Yu's hand and eagerly led him toward the fortress in the distance.

It was a gray castle perched at the peak of the mountain—majestic and imposing.

From afar, the gray castle stood resolutely, unmoved by wind or rain, exuding an aura of invincibility, as though it were destined to dominate the very summit.