Douluo Dragon King: The Twin Dragons of Time and Space, Mistaken for Dragon God

Qian Gu Dongfeng's face turned as black as the bottom of a pot: "Yun Ming? What are you doing at my Spirit Pagoda?"

Yun Ming smiled, a smile as gentle as a spring breeze, but his words left no room for reply: "The Tower Master of a Thousand Ages, the Deputy Tower Master Leng, such extraordinary talents are truly remarkable. Shrek Academy is deeply impressed by their brilliance; how could we possibly miss out?"

He took two steps forward, and when his gaze fell on Chu Nan, his eyes held a genuine appreciation. The boy stood there, a lollipop dangling from his mouth, looking rather nonchalant, but his eyes were clear and bright; he hadn't shown any fear during the three-way standoff. Good character.

He spoke to Chu Nan in a tone as if coaxing a child, but it carried great weight: "Child, I am Yun Ming, the Pavilion Master of the Sea God Pavilion at Shrek Academy. I now invite you to join Shrek Academy. If you wish, you can be taught by multiple elders, without having to be confined to one person or one school."

Qian Gu Dongfeng's beard was practically sprouting—even though he didn't have one at all. He was seething with rage—that old bastard Yun Ming, he usually acted like a hermit, but when it came to snatching people, he was ruthless! And the "joint instruction from multiple elders"? Wasn't he just trying to abduct her?

"Yun Ming! Shrek Academy has overstepped its bounds!" Qian Gu Dongfeng's voice rose eight octaves. "This boy awakened his martial soul in my Spirit Pagoda, so naturally he belongs to my Spirit Pagoda!"

Yun Ming spoke calmly and in a composed tone: "Awakening at the Spirit Pagoda does not mean belonging to the Spirit Pagoda. The Continental Federation has long stipulated that the destination of an awakened person should be chosen by themselves and their guardian."

"He's an orphan!" Qian Gu Dongfeng practically roared. "His guardianship should rightfully be me at the Spirit Tower—"

"Then you should choose even more carefully."

Ya Li gently interjected. She glanced at Chu Nan, then at Qian Gu Dong Feng, her gaze scrutinizing: "The child's future cannot be taken lightly."

She knew perfectly well what Qian Gu Dongfeng was thinking. Who among them couldn't see through his intentions? What "thinking of the child"? He clearly wanted to tie this child to the Qian Gu family's war chariot. Such talent would be a waste if it were cultivated as a tool.

Qian Gu Dongfeng was choked speechless, his lips trembled twice, but he couldn't utter a single word.

Just then, another voice came from outside, louder and harsher than the ancient East Wind.

"It looks like this place is quite lively."

Another group of people entered. They were all dressed in the same war god robes, with the emblem of the Federation's War God Temple embroidered on their chests. The middle-aged man at the head of the group had eyes like an eagle, and his aura was even more domineering than the ancient east wind.

Chu Nan nearly bit off the lollipop stick in his mouth. Ugh, another one. Is this some kind of "genius auction" or something? Should he put a label on himself that says "highest bidder wins"?

The leading War God stared at Chu Nan, his voice like a resounding bell, each word landing squarely on the ground: "The Federation's War God Hall has a responsibility to examine and protect talents like these who are crucial to the future of the continent. Young man, the War God Hall is the Federation's highest military institution, with top-tier resources, discipline, and combat experience. If you join, you will directly obtain the qualification of 'War God Reserve,' with limitless potential."

The atmosphere at the scene was quite subtle.

Qian Gu Dongfeng's face was so black it could drip ink. In his heart, he had already cursed the ancestors of the War God Temple for eighteen generations. Shrek Academy stealing people was one thing, but did these muscle-bound bastards know anything about cultivating geniuses? What they called cultivation? They called training humanoid soul-guided artillery! Sending a perfectly good original martial soul in, only to have it come out as a strongman who can only swing his fists, the thought of that was heartbreaking.

Leng Yaozhu frowned slightly, pondering in her heart—the War God Temple has strict discipline and too many restrictions. With the special nature of this child's martial soul, what he needs is free exploration and diverse guidance. Military management will only limit his development.

Yun Ming's smile faded slightly, but his tone remained restrained: "The Temple of War is certainly important, but teaching and nurturing are areas where Shrek Academy excels. This child needs guidance and development, not simple military training."

Ya Li nodded in agreement, her tone gentle yet firm: "This child is young and possesses a unique martial soul. The environment of the War God Temple is probably not the most suitable for him at this moment."

The leader, the God of War, was somewhat embarrassed. But when it came to the early cultivation of top geniuses, the Temple of War was indeed inferior to Shrek Academy and the Spirit Pagoda, two long-established academic powerhouses. He felt incredibly aggrieved, but he couldn't forcefully take what they wanted—after all, what they said was indeed the truth.

"Hmph." He snorted, giving himself a way out. "In that case, the Temple of War will continue to monitor the situation. However, with such talent, if he goes astray, the Temple of War will be the first to object!"

The meaning is clear—I've got my eye on this kid, so you two better watch out.

Caught between three forces, Chu Nan's lollipop tasted bland. His mind raced—Qian Gu Dong Feng, that old fox, working for him would probably mean working 007 non-stop for his family, pass! Yun Ming Ya Li had a good reputation, but Shrek Academy's teaching was undeniably excellent; going there now would mean being closely watched and not having any freedom. The War God Temple offered a secure civil service job, but thinking about the discipline… forget it.

He stole a glance at Leng Yaozhu. Her cold, beautiful face and aloof demeanor lacked the calculating air of Qian Gu Dongfeng. Besides, this deputy tower master was truly pleasing to the eye; much more comfortable than facing that old man, Uncle Qian Gu. Cultivating with a beautiful master made him feel better! As for Qian Gu Dongfeng… sigh, Uncle, it's not that I look down on you, it's just that your looks aren't up to par.

Furthermore, Leng Yaozhu is portrayed as a relatively positive character with principles in the original work. Becoming Leng Yaozhu's disciple would allow one to utilize the resources of the Spirit Transmission Tower while avoiding direct control by Qian Gu Dongfeng—the cost-effectiveness is absolutely amazing!

Chu Nan took a deep breath, stepped forward, and bowed to everyone present: "Thank you for your kindness, Tower Master, Deputy Tower Master, Sky-Supporting Douluo, Holy Spirit Douluo, and all the senior War Gods. I am deeply flattered."

Then he turned to Leng Yaozhu, his eyes as "sincere" as a freshly baked bun: "I have thought this through carefully, and I know my martial soul is special and my future is uncertain. The Spirit Pagoda has the deepest research on martial souls and abundant resources, making it an excellent place to lay a foundation. The Vice Pagoda Master's previous guidance has greatly benefited me. If you do not mind, I am willing to join the Spirit Pagoda and humbly request to become a disciple of Vice Pagoda Master Leng Yaozhu!"

There was a three-second silence.

Qian Gu Dongfeng's face darkened visibly, becoming so black it could drip ink. He was furious, on the verge of exploding—"Outrageous! I, the dignified Tower Master and Patriarch of the Qian Gu Clan, actually lost to Leng Yaozhu?! Is my hairstyle wrong today? Is this brat blind?!" His fists clenched so tightly they cracked, his knuckles turning white, but he couldn't lash out in front of everyone, so he could only swallow his anger.

Leng Yaozhu was slightly taken aback, then nodded: "In that case, I will accept you as my disciple."

She was actually a little surprised. This child clearly had better choices—the Shrek Academy's reputation, the resources of the Temple of War, weren't those better than following her? But he chose her. Did he see through Qian Gu Dongfeng's ambition, or... simply find her pleasing to the eye?

Yun Ming watched this scene, his gaze lingering on Chu Nan for a moment. This child was even more astute than he had imagined. Choosing Leng Yaozhu over Qian Gu Dongfeng showed that he could distinguish who truly cared for him and who merely wanted to use him. Such a mindset, coupled with that talent…

He turned to Qian Gu Dong Feng, his tone still gentle, but what he said almost made Qian Gu Dong Feng vomit blood on the spot:

"Congratulations, Tower Master. However—the growth of one's Origin Martial Soul cannot be limited by a single tower or location. Shrek Academy has the most comprehensive teaching system, and it has its own unique strengths in broadening horizons and solidifying theoretical foundations. Once this child has a solid foundation and is a little older, he should come to Shrek to exchange and learn from others, so as not to waste his talent."

He paused, his gaze calmly fixed on Qian Gu Dong Feng, his tone now carrying an undeniable air of authority: "I think, for the sake of the child's future, the Tower Master of Qian Gu won't stand in the way, will he?"

The words "for the child's future" were emphasized slightly, and coupled with Yun Ming's calm gaze, the sense of oppression was overwhelming. The meaning behind his words couldn't be clearer—you can take in students, but this child is also going to be taught by Shrek Academy. If you dare to stop me, then you're disregarding the child's future. Can you, Qian Gu Dong Feng, bear that label?

Qian Gu Dongfeng was so angry he felt like vomiting blood, but refusing under such public scrutiny would only make him appear selfish and narrow-minded. He gritted his teeth and squeezed out a few words: "Hmph, Pavilion Master Yun is right. Once his cultivation reaches a certain level, he can go to Shrek Academy for exchanges."

But he was already planning his next move—exchange, huh? Fine, I'll send ten or eight Soul Saints with me then, let's see how many you can poach!

The members of the Temple of War exchanged glances, and the leader said in a deep voice, "The Temple of War will take note of this matter. The Federation will continue to monitor the progress of our exchanges and learning."

The turmoil has finally subsided for the time being.

The ancient east wind swept away, its silhouette shrouded in black mist. Leng Yaozhu stood there, looking at her newly minted apprentice, her feelings a complex mix. This child possessed extraordinary talent; whether choosing to become her disciple was a blessing or a curse, she couldn't say for sure.

Yun Ming and Ya Li bid each other farewell and left. As they exited the Spirit Pagoda, Ya Li softly asked, "Brother Ming, why did you insist that he come to Shrek Academy for exchanges in the future?"

Yun Ming smiled, gazing at the distant sky: "That child isn't a bad person; he has his own judgment. As long as he studies at Shrek Academy, he'll be influenced by Shrek's philosophy to some extent. It won't be a bad thing for his future..."

He paused, then added, "Besides, don't you think... this child's choice of Leng Yaozhu is quite interesting?"

Yali nodded thoughtfully.

The members of the War God Temple also turned into streaks of light and disappeared into the sky.

The awakening room finally fell silent.

Only Chu Nan and Lao Zhou remained, staring at each other blankly.

Chu Nan licked the nearly melted candy stick and sighed, "Well, at least we have somewhere to eat."

Old Zhou pointed tremblingly at the still-smoking awakening device, his voice shaking, "Little...Little Ancestor, this..."

Chu Nan blinked innocently, "Brother Zhou, do I look like I have money? I'm a member of the Spirit Pagoda now, so this counts as damage to public property, right? Can I apply for... reimbursement?"

Old Zhou opened his mouth, then closed it, then opened it again, finally forcing out a smile that looked more like a grimace: "No, no need... This... we can just follow the procedure..."

Chu Nan nodded in satisfaction, bit off the last bit of sugar residue, and flicked the candy stick precisely into the trash can three meters away.

"Brother Zhou, you are a good person."

Old Zhou: "...Thanks."

Leng Yaozhu's lips twitched slightly as she watched this scene.

This apprentice... seems a little different from what I imagined.