Douluo Dragon King: One-Sword Soul Douluo, Shadow of the End of Dharma

[Special side quest detected: Rejoin the Phantom Troupe]

[Mission Objective: Reinvite Wu Changkong to join the troupe (previous member's ID has expired)]

[Quest Reward: Random Soul Bone Chest x1]

When he had just achieved some success in the White Night Alchemy, he specifically sought out various original characters who had not yet matured, attempting to recruit them into his ranks.

However, by this stage, most of the top experts had already matured and naturally looked down on the then-newcomer alchemy potions.

However, there were some unexpected gains during this process—for example, Wu Changkong's lover, Long Bing, successfully joined the troupe.

Because of his lover, Wu Changkong had briefly joined the troupe, but before he could receive the drug, his affair was exposed.

One of them is missing and his fate is unknown; the other voluntarily left Shrek Academy, desperately searching for traces of his lover, and eventually, heartbroken, went into seclusion in East Sea City.

The story of this ill-fated couple is truly heartbreaking.

"...Is she still alive?"

Wu Changkong's lips moved, countless questions he wanted to ask gathered at the corners of his mouth, but in the end he only dared to ask cautiously.

He didn't even dare to listen to the next answer, afraid of hearing the one he couldn't accept, but deep down, there was still a glimmer of hope...

"He shouldn't be dead."

Bai Ye remained calm. He could sense the number of each true member of the guild, and as long as the number hadn't disappeared, it meant the person was still alive.

For now, there's nothing unusual about Long Bing's 792.

But we'll have to find out exactly what's going on.

Upon hearing this answer, Wu Changkong sat heavily on the ground, lowered his head, covered his face with his hands, and his vision gradually blurred. His mind, which had been dormant for many years, seemed to explode with a bang, feeling both joy and sorrow.

His past experiences at Shrek Academy, the disillusioned look in his teacher's eyes, the fear of losing his lover...

None of these things seem to matter anymore.

What could be better news than this?

"It's good that you're alive, it's good that you're alive..."

Wu Changkong murmured to himself, leaning against the wall, and finally his dull eyes came to life.

But knowing that your loved one is alive is clearly not enough.

He turned to face Bai Ye, his gaze fervent and resolute, his tone unusually humble and sincere:

"Commander... Commander, please tell me!"

"Where is she?!"

Nothing could stop Wu Changkong's feelings—even if he had to kowtow to Bai Ye in public, he would not waver in the slightest.

Bai Ye remained expressionless, clearly indicating that he wouldn't tell the other party so easily.

"How dare you face her in this state?"

Seeing that Wu Changkong was somewhat stunned, Bai Ye pressed his advantage, his tone inevitably carrying a hint of disdain:

"Ten years ago, when you were about to graduate from the outer academy, you were already a Soul Emperor and a two-word Battle Armor Master, but you were almost killed by his father on a whim."

"Ten years have passed, and you've only just stepped into the threshold of the seventh ring, yet your spiritual power is still only at the peak of the Spirit Sea Realm."

"Why go see her? To run into her father and get killed again? This time, no one will cover for you."

"What good are you now, besides watching her die?"

"..."

Wu Changkong opened his mouth, but couldn't utter a single word in rebuttal. He slumped down, feeling utterly bitter.

After that encounter ten years ago, he suffered a hidden injury and devoted most of his energy to finding Long Bing, neglecting his cultivation.

And indeed, that's exactly what the group leader said.

The Wu Changkong of today is no longer the spirited young man he once was...

Just as he was feeling disheartened and at a loss, a piece of paper formed from special energy fell in front of him.

The crimson sheen and the clear writing resonated in his heart, each word striking a chord that rekindled hope.

[Contract already generated]

[Brigade No. 7432]

"The troupe has never been about seniority; you are no longer worthy of your original number."

Bai Ye spoke calmly, and at the same time took out two items sealed with metal materials from the Soul Guidance Space.

[Eternal Ice Grass]

[Holy Light Flame (Purple)]

[Effect: Significantly heals most negative effects (mental damage, soul damage, and hidden physical injuries)]

"Commander...commander?"

Wu Changkong took the items, his expression quite bewildered.

He didn't understand why the other party was willing to spend so much money, as he was approaching thirty and had already lost his peak growth period.

Right now, he's just an ordinary Soul Saint.

"I don't offer anything for free here. You haven't forgotten the rules of the guild."

"...I'll sign, Commander."

Upon hearing this, Wu Changkong did not hesitate. He bit his fingertip and pressed his mark onto the contract.

The next second, a scarlet mark appeared on his forehead and disappeared in an instant.

The guild does not restrict its members from joining other factions, but there are several guidelines and bottom lines—

1. Be absolutely loyal to the leader and the organization.

2. Under no circumstances should you proactively reveal your identity to outsiders.

3. Members are not allowed to fight amongst themselves without the leader's approval.

4. All orders from the regimental commander must be resolutely carried out; all will from the regimental commander must be absolutely upheld…

This is the fundamental reason why Bai Ye is willing to cultivate his power.

He doesn't care about background or talent at all.

Loyalty always comes before strength.

[Special side quest completed: Rejoin the Brigade]

[You have obtained a random Soul Bone Chest x1]

"Dancing in the Sky".

Bai Ye suddenly spoke, looking at the cold-faced man she had finally managed to bring under her wing.

He wouldn't say he particularly liked the role, but the actor's talent was indeed top-notch.

"Commander."

Wu Changkong bowed his head in greeting. He was no longer the impetuous genius he once was. Years of experience and setbacks had mellowed his former brilliance, making him more reserved and composed.

He spoke with a serious expression, showing great respect to the man who was willing to give him another chance.

"I will look into Long Bing's matter."

Bai Ye nodded slightly, looking the guy up and down: "Your biggest task now is to teach these kids well."

"Five years."

"To enable them to reach the top of the list of young geniuses, surpassing the Shrek Seven Devils reserve team of the same level."

"I will provide you and them with the best possible resources."

"I hope you won't let these five years go to waste."

Currently, in the main storyline of White Night, cultivating the team and power is of paramount importance, especially since this generation of protagonists also has the blessing of luck, making the mission rewards very generous.

Only by accumulating sufficient power and absolute strength can he be confident of gaining entry into this era of change.

"Do you understand?"

"Yes, Commander! Changkong will do his utmost!"

Wu Changkong looked serious; this was his first mission after rejoining the troupe.

Whether it was to repay the kindness shown to him or to reunite with his lover, he had no right to give up.

The only way to repay this debt is with my life!

"I hope so."

Bai Ye got up and glanced at the time again; more than two hours had passed.

It's about time.

Bang!

At that moment, the atmosphere in a certain part of the classroom suddenly changed dramatically, rising abruptly.

"Xie Xie broke through the second ring road?"

Wu Changkong was somewhat surprised, but quickly understood.

After all, it's a premium potion produced by the guild leader, so it's not surprising that it has such an effect.

Rather, it's more accurate to say that Xie Xie, who was born with full soul power, has only broken through to the second ring, which is already a sign of laziness.

Even the most talented person can't level up 10 levels in three years!

"Go and get the mental testing device."

Bai Ye's gaze swept over his little apprentice, who was enveloped in a golden halo, his expression thoughtful.

The benefits of lifting the first seal on the Golden Dragon King are only now becoming apparent.