Chapter 15:
Tian Dou Royal Academy.
A young man and woman strolled casually through the sun-dappled campus paths, drawing glances from passing students. More than a few people quietly whispered about how perfectly they matched—like a pair of nobles from some idealized painting.
The young man appeared seventeen or eighteen, strikingly handsome with a calm, self-possessed demeanor. The girl beside him looked slightly younger, around sixteen, with delicate features and a lithe figure that hinted at future elegance.
These two, of course, were none other than Li Chang'an and his new "junior sister"—Dugu Yan.
Following Dugu Yan's not-so-subtle suggestion, Li Chang'an, playing the part of the attentive senior, had dutifully taken on the role of campus tour guide.
In truth, Dugu Yan was fourteen, but due to the body-enhancing effects of absorbing two spirit rings, she appeared more mature than her age suggested. Meanwhile, Li Chang'an, technically just seven, had undergone significant physical growth from his own cultivation. Now, he looked older than Dugu Yan, despite being several years her junior.
While this might seem implausible, it was a well-known phenomenon in the world of Soul Masters. Spirit rings often stimulated rapid physical development, though the extent varied between individuals. Factors like martial soul type, physique, and even innate genetics influenced how dramatically a person's body matured after acquiring rings. Some saw explosive growth, others none at all. It wasn't a strict science, but it was normal.
"…The academy's main campus sits on the hillside," Li Chang'an explained as they ascended a broad stone stairway. "The combat simulation areas are spread across the mountain slopes, its base, and even around the lakeside."
The steps beneath them were carved from white marble, each etched with vivid depictions of various soul beasts—some fierce, some majestic—showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. The branches of willow trees danced overhead, casting shadows across the path as the sunlight filtered down between the leaves. The air smelled faintly of flowers and fresh grass—peaceful and invigorating.
"By the way, Senior Brother," Dugu Yan said, turning to him as if the thought had just occurred to her, "We've been walking for a while, but I still don't know your name."
"Me?" Li Chang'an replied casually. "I'm Li Chang'an. And you, Junior Sister?"
"Ah—" The girl turned to face him, hands clasped behind her back, and flashed a playful smile. "My name is Dugu Yan. Senior Brother must remember it well~"
Her voice was light, her tone teasing. Her features, equal parts youthful purity and budding allure, gave the impression of innocence wrapped in subtle seduction. For a brief second, Li Chang'an was genuinely caught off guard. Despite having seen his share of beauties in his previous life—celebrities, models, influencers—this girl had a natural charm that was uniquely dangerous.
'What a little vixen…' he thought.
"I'll remember it," he replied evenly, expression calm, voice unbothered—as if entirely unaffected by her obvious flirtation.
Dugu Yan blinked, taken aback. Her first real attempt at playful teasing had seemingly… failed? Doubt crept in. Was she not his type? Was she not attractive enough?
No matter how confident a girl might seem, a budding crush always came with moments of insecurity.
Of course, Li Chang'an had already seen through her interest. But he also knew the golden rule: what comes easy isn't valued. If he allowed himself to fall head over heels now, he'd lose the upper hand in all future interactions.
Besides, his current identity was... sensitive.
He wasn't just any student—he was the Emperor's son-in-law.
As long as he lacked the strength to challenge the imperial family, he needed to play things safe. No matter how flirtatious a girl was, he couldn't be seen straying—not yet. But once he reached the level of a Soul Douluo… or better yet, a Titled Douluo… that was a different story.
Then, he wouldn't need to care about protocol. Even if he married three wives and four concubines, the Emperor would still send him gifts and sing his praises.
That was the difference between power and powerlessness.
The main campus buildings of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy were low and expansive, constructed in the style of fortified compounds. The outer walls stood five meters tall, painted a regal golden-yellow and inlaid with glazed tiles that shimmered under the afternoon sun.
Li Chang'an led Dugu Yan around the key areas of the academy, offering polite commentary while resisting the urge to let the conversation drift into more personal territory.
Eventually, it was time to part ways.
Dugu Yan had only come today to complete her enrollment paperwork. Her official move-in would be two days later.
They exchanged goodbyes. Dugu Yan lingered, reluctant to leave, but Li Chang'an merely smiled and watched her go, then turned and returned to his dormitory.
Once back in his room, he sat cross-legged in the cultivation alcove, closed his eyes… and shifted his consciousness to his soul beast clone.
Deep within a secluded cave…
A massive green serpent, over ten meters long, slowly coiled and twisted across the stone floor. Its outer skin looked brittle and pale, coated in a thin, cloudy membrane like an old sheath ready to be discarded.
With each movement, the snake's body rippled—until fine cracks began to appear across its head and torso. The dead outer skin began to peel away, revealing the vibrant, emerald-green scales underneath—crystalline, gleaming, and unmistakably new.
The snake squirmed and writhed, its old skin splitting further.
A moment later, it slithered free entirely.
The creature that emerged was longer, stronger—nearly twenty meters in length now. It had molted… and evolved.
"Finally broke through… a thousand-year soul beast."
Li Chang'an, observing through his shared consciousness, nodded inwardly.
Through relentless hunting and devouring of weaker soul beasts, his soul beast clone had evolved from a hundred-year level to a thousand-year level in a shockingly short time.
But more importantly—the transformation had deepened his link to it.
Until now, despite sharing one soul across two bodies, their connection had limitations. He could only focus on one body at a time. Multitasking had been difficult—whichever body wasn't being directly controlled felt clumsy and dull, like a puppet waiting for strings to move.
But now… it was different.
Now, he could control both bodies simultaneously.
True dual-awareness.
The clone had evolved, and the soul bond had changed. This was no longer just a trick—it was the first step toward truly becoming something beyond human… beyond beast.
Something more.
********
If you want to read more there's 15, 30, 50 chapters there of my written fanfictions and translated works in my Pat.Reon.
Here is the link:
https://patreon.com/LordFisherman?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink
And if you can't find it just type my name: patreon.com/LordFisherman