Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor

Niu Dali lived on the other side of the cave, a space that, apart from basic daily necessities, was devoid of unnecessary clutter. As a dedicated soul master, he was deeply passionate about his training. His only indulgence was his love for watermelon and fried chicken; beyond that, he cared little for luxuries.

After a simple breakfast made of various soul beast meats and medicinal ingredients, Qin Ming bid farewell to Niu Dali with Chen Ming and led him to explore some key locations within the academy: the main building, the library, the training grounds, and the cafeteria.

Midway through their tour, a few diligent soul masters had already begun training in the various facilities. By the time they had visited all the major sites, the sun was high in the sky. Most students, whether focused on training or socializing, had started their day.

However, with only 500 students enrolled at Heaven Dou Royal Academy—and some living in Heaven Dou City—the expansive campus often appeared deserted, save for a few key facilities.

Despite his observations along the way, Chen Ming didn't encounter any familiar faces that hinted at storylines or events from the original narrative. Apart from being briefly introduced to a few children of dukes and princes by Qin Ming, most others weren't worth mentioning.

After a quick medicinal meal at the cafeteria and a brief discussion with the staff in charge of student supplies about his needs, Chen Ming and Qin Ming went their separate ways. Qin Ming returned to report to the three education board members about his impressions of Chen Ming and the morning's events. Meanwhile, Chen Ming, with nothing else to do, decided to find a place to train.

When he returned to the poison-affinity mimicry training field, he found the area outside the cave crowded with people. A chaotic mix of colorful hair and flashy decorations glinted under the sunlight, and the noisy chatter made it feel more like a bustling market than the entrance to a training ground.

At the cave's entrance, Niu Dali stood awkwardly, blocking the way of numerous noble scions trying to enter. Despite repeating his explanations over and over, many still attempted to force their way into the mimicry training field.

Pushing, threats, and angry outbursts—Chen Ming witnessed firsthand the entitled nature of these Heaven Dou nobles.

"For the last time, by the authority of the three education board members and Prince Xue Xing, only poison-affinity soul masters are permitted to enter. If anyone dares to force their way in, I'll report this directly to Prince Xue Xing and let him settle the matter!"

As he spoke, Niu Dali summoned his Black Mamba martial soul. His body expanded, and five soul rings—one white, one yellow, and three purple—appeared around him. The Soul King-level soul power he released sent many of the lesser nobles scurrying back.

Still, some stubborn individuals, either overly confident in their abilities or emboldened by their powerful backgrounds, refused to retreat. While they didn't dare storm the training field due to the mention of the education board and Prince Xue Xing, they resorted to petty attempts at coercion.

"They don't even bother with bribes? These idiots keep lowering my expectations…"

Watching the scene unfold, Chen Ming sighed internally. He gained yet another insight into how the world of Douluo Dalu operated.

He knew that entering the mimicry training field now would inevitably stir up trouble. But seeing the state of these nobles, Chen Ming realized this drama could drag on for months.

Would he have to wait several months, leaving the mimicry training field untouched and wasting precious time that could be spent cultivating?

Impossible. Absolutely impossible!

Thinking of this, Chen Ming unceremoniously pushed through the crowd. Under the glares of the privileged young nobles, he walked straight up to Niu Dali.

"Teacher Niu, I want to enter and train."

"I already said... Oh, it's you, Xiao Ming. You can go in." Niu Dali instinctively wanted to refuse, but upon realizing it was Chen Ming, he changed his tone. With a slight shift of his body, he made way for Chen Ming.

"Why does he get to go in? What's his background?"

A noble youth, who looked as if he'd been utterly drained of energy, pointed at Chen Ming and angrily questioned Niu Dali.

"Background? Let me tell you, no background will get you in! He's a Poison Soul Master; you want to deny him the right to train?"

Niu Dali snapped back irritably.

After all, he was a teacher at Heaven Dou Academy, a Battle Soul King, and a baron of the Heaven Dou Empire. Just because he was mild-tempered and avoided trouble didn't mean he was a pushover. Did these kids think they could just walk all over him like some spineless fool?

"Poison Soul Master? Seriously...?"

The oppressive aura of the Soul King nearly caused the noble youth to stumble. With the help of his companions, he managed to steady himself. While his face still showed defiance and anger, his voice softened noticeably when speaking to Niu Dali.

Meanwhile, the more quick-witted noble youths shifted their attention to Chen Ming.

"Hey, classmate, wait a moment. I'm the second son of the Baron Yun family. I have a favor to ask."

"I'm the third son of the Viscount Li family. I..."

"Ignore them; I'm the sole heir of the Earl Wang family. Listen to me first."

A swarm of young nobles surrounded Chen Ming, many holding letters, parcels, flowers, and other gifts.

Faced with this sudden wave of trouble, Chen Ming didn't slow down; instead, he moved even faster. With a light tap of his toes, his figure transformed into a blur, moving at a speed surpassing that of most agility-type Grand Soul Masters. In the blink of an eye, he vanished into the depths of the cave, leaving the scheming young nobles at the entrance.

By custom, a Soul Master entering the training grounds for the first time should be introduced and guided by the teacher in charge of the mimicry training area. However, due to the troublesome crowd outside, Niu Dali couldn't leave them unattended, leaving Chen Ming to explore the mimicry training area on his own.

He had to admit that the mimicry training grounds of the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy were of an extremely high standard. While it lacked the rare and precious toxic soul beasts like the Jade Phosphorous Flower of the Seven Absolutes, the extensive use of toxic materials in the training area made up for this shortcoming.

From Chen Ming's perspective, the training grounds were at least 70-80% as effective as his family's cave. Additionally, the safety level was far superior, eliminating the risk of falling into a deep meditative state by chance and ultimately dying from neglecting his soul power.

As Chen Ming's footsteps echoed, a figure hidden in the corner of the simulated environment slowly opened her eyes. Upon seeing Chen Ming, a look of displeasure filled her emerald-green pupils.

PS: Dugu Yan is good but I never read a douluo fanfic with Meng Yiran adding in the harem. Btw, she's the one who kissed Tang San's cheek after losing a duel.