Douluo: Dragon King's Divine Elegy

Chapter 96 The Koreans are too fierce, Yuan En Ye Hui is afraid.
Several more days passed, and the atmosphere in Shrek Academy's outer and inner courtyards became polarized.

Singing and dancing filled the outer courtyard, while dark clouds loomed over the inner courtyard.

The fact that Ma Xue and Lei Qianjie decided to represent the Spirit Pagoda in the Federation Grand Competition enraged Yun Ming. He wasn't blaming the two students, but rather he rebuked the elder in charge of student promotions.

The factional struggle within the academy has been brought into the open, leaving no room for negotiation.

Although Yun Ming had previously used public opinion to purge a number of corrupt officials in Shrek City, and several elders had stepped down as a result, overall, Yun Ming was tough on foreigners but soft on domestic ones. As a result, the reform measures he wielded failed to completely sever the overall network of relationships among the various forces that were dependent on Shrek Academy.

The Sea God Pavilion meeting that began today is a post-event investigation to punish certain elders.

It could even be said that if the students from the collateral branches weren't quite strong, Yun Ming probably wouldn't have even held the Sea God Pavilion meeting; he might have just taken action directly.

"Over the years, they have worked diligently for the academy. Even if they haven't made any great contributions, they have certainly put in a lot of hard work. The senior academy positions should not be removed as easily as last time. In my opinion, removing the positions is enough. This will stabilize the morale of the academy and facilitate the reform. As for the issue of students staying or leaving, we can discuss it after the Federation Grand Competition."

Inside the Sea God Pavilion, the atmosphere was oppressive. More than twenty elders gathered together. Long Yeyue, leaning on her cane, spoke earnestly to Yun Ming.

Whether it was the two slaps from Qian Gu Die Ting that opened up Long Ye Yue's meridians, she now never mentions seniority when she speaks, but instead always talks about prioritizing the overall interests of the academy, making it really difficult for Yun Ming to refute her.

Yun Ming frowned slightly.

Yali didn't want to interrupt, so she remained silent.

The elders from collateral branches first looked at Long Yeyue with gratitude in their eyes.

Afterwards, the six elders, led by the vice dean of the inner court, hurriedly apologized to Yun Ming, saying that they would never make the same mistake again, and earnestly listened to Yun Ming's reform requests.

Everyone waited quietly for Yun Ming to make his final judgment. After a moment, he sighed inwardly, intending to give one last chance, and said, "For these two charges of favoritism and abuse of power, I can strip you of all your honors."

No one dared to speak; they listened silently.

Yun Ming said in a deep voice, "The senior member positions can be reserved for the time being. After the Federation Grand Competition, the reform plan will be implemented by you few. The process and results will determine my evaluation of you."

"Yes," the elder, whose case was later found to have serious problems, quickly replied.

With the matter temporarily resolved, Yali spoke up to ease the tension, "Regarding the selection of adult participants for the competition in Mingdu, everyone can recommend each other."

“No need for recommendations.” Long Yeyue spoke up, drawing everyone’s attention to her. “Since we’re just idling around anyway, I’ll be the consul general for this trip to Mingdu to compete, and I’ll also be in charge of selecting all the accompanying personnel.”

Upon hearing this, the elders were surprised, because Long Yeyue had not been involved in academy affairs for many years, at most she would help with simple matters within Shrek City.

As the previous deputy head of the Sea God Pavilion, she held considerable prestige, and for a time, no one dared to speak up to dissuade her.

Long Yeyue said calmly, "The place that discriminates against Shrek Academy the most in the entire Douluo Continent is Mingdu, so the consul general leading the team must be very powerful. Yun Ming, you can't get away, Ya Li has to assist you, Zhuo Shi has to manage the affairs of the outer academy, and Yue'er has been in seclusion and hasn't come out yet. So, isn't the best candidate to lead the team me, this old woman?"

“This…” Yun Ming hesitated clearly.

It was precisely because the competition venue was in Mingdu that he dared not entrust Long Yeyue with the responsibility of leading the team. If she lost her temper and caused trouble in Mingdu, the cooperation he had established with the Federation would immediately collapse.

Long Yeyue raised an eyebrow: "What? Don't you trust me?" She snorted and shook her head, "Fine, I'm too old and useless. Since you're not too happy, then find someone else."

Yun Ming's lack of firmness internally began to take hold. In the past six months, Long Yeyue had been too compliant, which made him complacent. Therefore, after a quick internal assessment of the pros and cons, he chose to concede.
“Going to Mingdu will indeed require a top-tier Soul Master to oversee things. Very well, the Consul General’s mission will be entrusted to you.”

Long Yeyue nodded calmly.

...

“You’ve been following me all this time, and you’re still working at a bubble tea shop? If the younger generation from other factions in the Spirit Pagoda sees this, they’ll laugh at me.”

As dusk settled and pedestrians became shrouded in a hazy glow, Nan Liujing sat on a bench in front of the milk tea shop, teasing the girl who was walking towards him.

Half a year has passed. After returning home, Yuanen Yehui no longer hides her true gender. Because she often uses the Fallen Angel Martial Soul, her already cold and beautiful face has become more alluring.

But unlike truly alluring women who can arouse your desire with just a few words, her demeanor remained aloof, creating a stark contrast.

“Once a contract is signed, of course it must be fulfilled.” Yuan Enhui smiled slightly, her porcelain-white skin glowing softly in the dim sunlight.

Nan Liujing shrugged. He had considered buying out the other party's contract, but was rejected.

The two walked side by side toward the exit of the academy, with people occasionally passing by.

Nan Liujing explained his purpose, "Come with me to Mingdu tomorrow."

Yuan Enhui exclaimed in surprise, "I'm allowed to participate in the Federation Grand Competition?"

“Yes.” Nan Liujing nodded with a smile. “The Spirit Pagoda has a total of eight spots for those who can participate in the competition without taking the test. Originally, one of them was for me, but I’m not participating in the junior group competition, so the designated spot was given to you.”

"Thank you." Yuan Enhui quickly expressed her gratitude, but then realized, "If you give me your spot, what about you?"

Nan Liujing said, "I want to participate in the youth group competition."

A hint of surprise flashed across Yuan Enhui's eyes, "Youth group?"

“If I participate in the junior group competition, everyone else can only compete for second place.” Nan Liujing said very calmly. Although it sounded pretentious, Yuan Enyehui believed it without a doubt.

In the past six months, since officially joining the Spirit Pagoda, she has sparred with the other party, but she has been completely outmatched every time.

Logically speaking, the Titan Giant Ape Martial Soul should have strong enough defense, right?

A stick!

If Nan Liujing ever gets serious, he can knock her back to her original form from her Martial Soul Possession state with a single blow.

She's terrified of Nan Liujing's stick now; it's too powerful.

"Since you're representing the Spirit Pagoda in the competition, the rewards will naturally be plentiful," Nan Liujing said with a smile. "You're already level thirty-nine, right?"

"Hmm." Yuan En Ye Hui was tempted when the reward was mentioned.

Compared to the original timeline, in this life, due to the changes brought about by the Fallen Angel Martial Soul, her cultivation progressed much faster, truly demonstrating the cultivation level of a top genius.

Nan Liujing tempted, "If you can get into the top three in the junior group, you will get a Soul Selection Card."

"What is this?" Yuan Enhui asked, stunned.

Nan Liujing explained: "That means that as long as you use this Soul Selection Card, you can choose a Soul Spirit under 11,000 years old from any Heavenly Pillar-level Spirit Transfer Tower in Douluo Continent without paying any money."

hiss.

Yuan Enhui gasped. Even the most ordinary ten-thousand-year-old soul spirit would cost at least 80 million Federal Credits. As for those soul spirits with powerful bloodlines, the price would be double.

"Can we choose a breed with strong bloodlines?"

Yuan Enhui asked nervously, clearly ignited by his enthusiasm.

“Of course,” Nan Liujing said gently. “I took a look at the Soul Spirit and felt that the Vajra Baboon would be a good fit for you. There happens to be a Vajra Baboon that is 10,300 years old in the Heavenly Spirit Tower. As long as you get into the top three, I assure you, the Soul Spirit will be waiting for you to fuse with it.”

A slightly unnatural flush appeared on Yuan Enhui's face. The Golden Baboon, the largest ape-type soul beast and the king of strength, was in no way weaker than the Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear at the same age. As for himself, with the Titan Giant Ape Martial Soul, there was no better soul spirit choice than the Titan Giant Ape Soul Spirit.

...

The following day at noon, as the sunlight intensified, a dazzling radiance poured down, illuminating the steel forest with a breathtaking glow. As one of only two megacities on the Douluo Continent, Mingdu's size and prosperity were enough to awe anyone who entered.

Skyscrapers are just a daily occurrence, and buildings of all shapes and sizes stand tall, demonstrating the city's open-mindedness.

In the air, suspended lanes intertwined to form a network, with numerous flying cars weaving through them. Throughout the city, on almost every street, giant holographic projection screens appeared, playing highlights from previous competitions.

People flocked to take photos and check in.

The Mingdu Soul Guide Station was almost overwhelmed by the influx of tourists, creating an extremely crowded scene that prompted the authorities to deploy more police officers to maintain order.

Mech squads patrol every street to prevent violent clashes and incidents of evil spirits causing trouble.

At the Mingdu Royal Hotel, several Black Demon Soul-Guided Helicopters slowly descended from the helipad. The cabin doors opened, and a group of people walked out.

Each of them was full of vigor and came from different factions within the Spirit Pagoda.

Xu Dongzhen, the master of the Mingdu Spirit Pagoda who had been waiting outside the helipad, quickly stepped forward and bowed to Qian Gu Qingfeng, saying, "Greetings, Councilor Qian Gu."

"Qian Gu Qing Feng said calmly, "These children must be tired from their journey. Let's take them to rest first."

"Yes." Xu Dongzhen was not a soul master of the Tianfeng lineage. The main reason was that the master of the Mingdu Spirit Tower was changed every few years. Sometimes Leng Yaozhu was respected, and sometimes Qian Gu Dongfeng was respected.

The tower masters come and go, but the foundation remains constant.

"plz follow me."

Xu Dongzhen led the way, and the group of dozens of people from Chuanlingta walked into the hotel.

The Royal Hotel occupies a vast area and is fully equipped with all kinds of facilities. It has been officially contracted out and used as a place for some top powers to stay.

It can be said that if someone is assigned to this place, then the relevant contestant must have at least one Super Douluo behind them.

As we moved forward, we entered a magnificent hall, where we saw many figures, both men and women, mostly young people.

Nan Liujing calmly observed the people coming and going around him.

In modern society, it is almost impossible to tell where these people's accents and clothing come from, but the confidence on their faces highlights their mentality and the power of the forces they belong to.

The participants are divided according to different regions. The exact number of participants is unclear, but in the previous youth group individual competition, there were 790 participants, and the final champion was the War God Temple. That person can only participate in the adult group competition in this year's competition.

"Do you see those two people by the window on your right?" Qian Gu Qing Feng transmitted his voice.

Nan Liujing followed the gaze and saw two figures, one tall and slender, the other robust, talking with smiles on their faces. Although they were chatting and laughing, their auras were unusually sharp and even full of killing intent, undoubtedly indicating that they had been through countless battles.

Qian Gu Qingfeng said calmly, "One of them is called Xiao Pojun, and the other is called Long Tianwu. They are both contestants from the War God Hall participating in the youth group individual competition of this tournament. At the same time, they are both level 61 Soul Emperors and two-word Battle Armor Masters."

Nan Liujing's eyes flashed with fighting spirit as he said, "To be able to fuse a two-word battle armor at level sixty-one is no simple feat." Normally, a one-word battle armor corresponds to a Soul King, while a two-word battle armor corresponds to a Soul Emperor of mid-level or higher.

The fact that they were able to fuse a complete set of two-word battle armor upon first entering the Soul Emperor realm is enough to demonstrate how strong their talents are. No wonder Shrek Academy didn't participate in this year's youth group competition; the gap is so obvious that losing would be embarrassing.

"Those people fifty meters to your left, next to the sofa, are from the Tang Clan," Qian Gu Qing Feng added.

Nan Liujing shifted his gaze and indeed saw a dozen or so men and women dressed in uniform, rather old-fashioned clothing, but there seemed to be no adult contestants among them.

Among the crowd, a young man stood out. He had short, light blue hair, handsome features, and eerie purple eyes. He was not physically imposing, but he exuded a destructive aura. When light fell on him, it created a broken and distorted beauty.

He simply smiled and remained silent in the face of his companions' eloquent conversation.

Seemingly sensing that someone was watching him, Xu Zihuang subconsciously looked up.

Just then, Nan Liujing shifted his gaze to continue observing the others.

The familiar figure caused Xu Zihuang's eyes to change slightly, revealing an unusual gleam.

As the most talented disciple under the age of twenty in the Tang Sect, his dream is to become the future sect leader. However, the sect's higher-ups seem to have other choices. The person chosen by the vice hall master is none other than Nan Liujing, who became famous for defeating Shrek Academy in the Soul Master Desert Sky Sea Alliance Competition.

It's him.

Xu Zihuang's gaze narrowed slightly, and a ripple of destructive darkness appeared in his eyes.

"It's the Spirit Pagoda; they've arrived," a Tang Sect disciple couldn't help but say.

Suddenly, the group that was talking fell silent, and like the dozen or so participants from different factions in the hall, they turned their gazes toward the Spirit Pagoda group that was walking further and further away.

The Spirit Pagoda is a formidable force in every Federation Grand Competition, but just like Xu Zihuang, Nan Liujing attracted even more onlookers.

Ordinary people may gradually forget the examples Nan Liujing has done, but Soul Masters will not!
"To be honest, he's young, but he's really handsome. He looks like the kind of guy who's explosively powerful. Tsk, when he grows up, he'll probably ruin a lot of girls." A woman with wheat-colored skin and two claw scars on her face walked up to Xiao Pojun and said in a flirtatious tone.

"Aren't you focusing on the wrong thing?" Xiao Pojun complained, then his gaze turned serious: "The Spirit Pagoda dared to let him participate in the youth group competition, so it must be something special."

The burly Long Tianwu spoke in a rather deep voice: "As is customary, in the first match of the individual competition, the organizers will select the most suitable player as a stepping stone for the famous players to enhance the atmosphere. But no matter how the stepping stone is selected in the youth group, it must be at least a Soul Master level. I'm curious how he's going to make the battle process look good."

Nan Liujing's age is not a secret, so people's estimates of him are nothing more than Soul Master cultivation. To be honest, at this age, this level of cultivation is already very impressive.

No one doubts how bright Nan Liujing's future will be, but there is one major drawback: the future may be his, but the present is not necessarily so. After all, the contestants are generally at least six years older than him, which is a difficult hurdle to overcome.

The woman with wheat-colored skin licked her lips and said with regret, "It's a pity that she was taken away by the people of the Spirit Pagoda. Otherwise, she could have joined our War God Hall and fought to the death with the creatures of the abyss in the Endless Mountains. That would have been a great place to hone a Soul Master."

The scars on her face were left from the injuries inflicted by creatures from the abyss. They could have been repaired, but she refused, choosing to keep the scars as a reminder that the abyss had not been eradicated and that humanity's future was not peaceful.

"That guy is no simpleton either." Xiao Pojun narrowed his eyes, staring in the direction of the Tang Clan.

In each tournament, the main rivals of the War God Temple are nothing more than the Spirit Pagoda and the Tang Sect. The three take turns or occasionally win consecutive championships, and there is basically no possibility for other forces to reach the top three.

As for Shrek Academy, it is said that they will participate this year, but they will not participate in the youth group competition, which is a pity.

"It's good that they're not simple. We came all this way to participate in the Federation Grand Competition hoping to encounter more geniuses, didn't we?" the woman chuckled. "I hope my opponent isn't a pushover. I can already tell he's done for before I even arrive."

"That's enough!" Xiao Pojun and Long Tianwu shouted.

...

It is reported that the number of tourists visiting Mingdu has exceeded 500,000. According to the official railway bureau's estimate, Mingdu will receive more than 5 million tourists during the competition. Mingdu's highest administrative official, Sun Kong, has officially issued the highest security directive to ensure that tourists can safely enjoy the entire competition. — Central Daily News

After thousands of years, Shrek Academy has returned to the continent-wide Soul Master Competition. Can they reclaim their former glory? —Shrek Times

Rumor has it that Nan Liujing, who caused Shrek Academy to issue a public apology at the Tianhai Alliance Grand Tournament, will skip a grade to participate in the youth group competition. He even boasted to a friend that if he participates in the junior group competition, everyone else will be there to fight for second place and wish him good luck! —Anonymous Media Report

(End of this chapter)