Douluo Dalu (Soul Land): Shadow Monarch

"I didn't expect you to have twin martial souls." Yu Tianheng shook his head with a wry smile, stepping back a few paces. He was acutely aware that in a life-or-death duel, if Cheng Xiao's massive dragon claw had reached his chest, he would have been instantly pierced.

"Damn, is Cheng Xiao even human? His two martial souls are both incredibly powerful, more than enough for any regular spirit master. Yet he has both? What's the point of even trying to train?" Below the arena, the windbird spirit master Yu Feng clicked his tongue in amazement, watching the decisive outcome between the two competitors.

Although they already knew Cheng Xiao was formidable, no one expected him to defeat Yu Tianheng so effortlessly—even after Yu Tianheng had broken through the fortieth rank and possessed the powerful Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon martial soul.

Staring at Cheng Xiao, who had returned to his normal form, Yu Tianheng pondered for a moment before asking, "Cheng Xiao, how did you manage to transform into a dragon just now? Your dragon form seems much more powerful than mine."

"Hmm... that wasn't a dragon transformation; it was a dragonfication." Cheng Xiao nodded, smiling as he replied.

Hearing the term "dragonfication," Yu Tianheng was stunned. Though "dragonfication" and "dragon transformation" sound similar, the differences between them are significant. Even the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon clan leader, Yu Yuanzhen, could only achieve dragonfication briefly through his true martial soul form.

In the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon clan, anyone who achieved dragonfication before becoming a Titled Douluo was an unquestionable candidate for the clan leader position.

Yu Tianheng, considered a twin star of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon clan along with his brother, was among the most talented, yet he could only manage dragon transformation—not dragonfication.

"Cheng Xiao, I, Yu Tianheng, always honor my promises. Since I lost, there's nothing more to say." The spirit enhancement surrounding Yu Tianheng gradually faded, and a solemn expression appeared on his face. "In the future, if you ever need help, just ask. I'll do everything in my power to support you."

Yu Tianheng wasn't foolish. With Cheng Xiao's talent, his future would undoubtedly be bright. Yu Tianheng's best course of action was to help Cheng Xiao as much as possible before he reached his full potential; it was, after all, a mutually beneficial endeavor.

"Alright, it so happens that I recently discussed something with Sister Yan's grandfather, and we'll need your help." Cheng Xiao patted Yu Tianheng's shoulder with a smile and then turned to look at the other members of the Emperor Battle Team, his smile growing even brighter.

Upon hearing this, Teacher Sun Buyu, who had just finished recording the match data, immediately left, wasting no time. A genius with twin martial souls was unprecedented at the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, so Sun Buyu was already planning to report this discovery to the three deans to ensure Cheng Xiao would stay at the academy.

However, what Sun Buyu didn't know was that while he was planning to keep Cheng Xiao, Cheng Xiao was considering how to poach members of the Emperor Battle Team to form his own force. After all, building an organization couldn't be left entirely to Dugu Bo.

…

Meanwhile, at Shrek Academy.

In a secluded room within Shrek Academy.

After securing a lucrative deposit from Ning Fengzhi for his hidden weapons, Tang San left the meeting. Hidden weapons were something only he, Tang San, could produce on the entire Douluo Continent, so he was able to charge Ning Fengzhi a hefty price for his designs.

However, Ning Fengzhi wasn't naive. He knew the value of these weapons, and once all the hidden weapons were produced, he would have his chance to reclaim his investment.

After finalizing the deal with Tang San, Ning Fengzhi went to withdraw Ning Rongrong from Shrek Academy and prepare for her enrollment at the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy.

After leaving the meeting room, Tang San headed straight to Grandmaster's office. As soon as he entered, he noticed the Grandmaster sitting there, looking deeply troubled.

"Teacher, what's wrong?" Tang San asked, puzzled, as he took a seat.

"Ah, it's because Xiao Wu fought Tai Long. Defeat the young, and the old ones come out," Grandmaster sighed, shaking his head with a wry smile.

"He's still here?" Tang San asked with a dark expression. "Tai Long's grandfather is a Spirit Douluo-level expert. Flender and the other teachers have already gone to persuade him to leave, but who knows how it's going," Grandmaster said helplessly.

"Teacher, let me take a look. I might have a way to resolve this," Tang San replied confidently, standing up.

"You think you can solve it?" Grandmaster was slightly taken aback, but then waved his hand and said, "Go on, but be careful not to get hurt; you haven't fully recovered yet."

"Mm." Tang San nodded slightly before turning and leaving Grandmaster's office.

…

Outside Shrek Academy's main gate, Tai Long and Tai Nuo stood alongside an elderly man with a massive, mountain-like physique. His hair was short and spiked, standing stiffly like steel needles atop his head.

The old man's build was enormous, seemingly larger than both Tai Long and Tai Nuo combined. Standing there, he was as immovable as a mountain, exuding an intimidating aura. Though he was aged, his spirit remained robust.

The respect in Tai Long and Tai Nuo's eyes as they looked at the elderly man indicated his high status within their family.

This elderly man was Tai Tan, the clan leader of the Strength Clan. An eighty-sixth-ranked power-type Spirit Douluo, known as the "Hercules of the Generation," and one of the three greatest blacksmiths of the time, Tai Tan was fiercely loyal, bold, and highly protective. Because his master, Tang Hao, had been exiled from the Clear Sky Sect, Tai Tan had resolutely led his clan to leave the sect as well.

"Grandfather, I beg you, please go back. Let Father handle this; why did you have to come yourself?" Tai Long clasped his hands together in a pleading gesture, anxiously begging his grandfather.

At his words, Tai Tan crossed his arms and cast a cold glance at his son and grandson. "Quiet! If I hadn't heard about you losing to a girl, would I be this angry? Not just you—even your father wouldn't be able to stop me."

Hearing this, Tai Nuo, who had been about to speak, fell silent. He knew all too well just how fiery his father's temper could be, and saying anything more now would be asking for trouble.

Watching Tai Long and Tai Nuo cower under Tai Tan's wrath, Xiao Wu, standing at the academy's gate, snorted in contempt. "Tai Long, with your strength, you think you could pursue me? Dream on!"

Upon hearing this, Tai Long, who was already humiliated, lowered his head in shame.

"Girl, don't be so harsh." Tai Tan glared at Xiao Wu and said coldly, "My grandson may not be strong enough now, but he's still talented. His interest in you is only because you're cute and pretty."

"Your unruly attitude, however, is something I advise you to change. Otherwise, you're not even qualified to become the Strength Clan's granddaughter-in-law."

"Who wants to be your clan's granddaughter-in-law?" Xiao Wu's body trembled with anger, and she was at a loss for words. This was the first time anyone, especially an old man, had spoken so shamelessly to her.

"Xiao Wu, mind your manners," Flender, who had been observing the situation for a while, gave Xiao Wu a warning glance and said evenly, "Elder Tai Tan, perhaps it's best if you let the young ones handle this matter on their own. Intervening like this benefits neither you nor me."

"Flender, I'm not here to trouble you," Tai Tan replied, his voice unwavering. "If this girl can last one incense stick's time against me, I'll let this go. Otherwise, I won't leave easily."

At that moment, a figure clad in blue emerged from the academy's interior, following a group of students who had gathered to watch the commotion.