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I've also recently started a new translation, please check it out and show your support! Douluo: AFKing to Become a God
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The metallic arena gleamed coldly under the soul-guided lights. As Gu La descended the steps, his head bowed, he was still reflecting on the strange sensations from earlier.
The avatar's autonomy had far exceeded that of the previous four incarnations—almost no active control was needed from him to achieve perfect responses.
"Spiritual type martial soul… or a special case? Or perhaps an inevitable facet of the future…"
Gu La muttered under his breath, his fingertips brushing against the soul-guided device at his side. It contained numerous plant-type soul beast seeds, but their bloodline levels were too low to hold much value for cultivation.
A thoughtful glimmer flickered in his golden pupils, and he made a decision: "I'll find some spiritual type plant soul beast seeds for comparison."
The sudden burst of commotion nearby interrupted his thoughts.
Xie Xie sat slumped on the steps of the rest area, clutching his silver hair in frustration. His usually bold brows now furrowed deeply, like a bitter melon. "What kind of joke is this?! That brute who knocked me out with one punch was actually a girl!?"
He repeated the phrase mechanically, not even noticing the lemon water Tang Wulin handed him until cool droplets slid down the bottle and onto his combat uniform.
"Huh, didn't you notice, Xie Xie?"
Tang Wulin sipped his free drink, pointing with the straw toward Yuanen Yehui, who was currently receiving treatment. The unconscious girl's face appeared softer, more delicate. "I thought it was pretty obvious. I assumed you picked her because she looked like a girl."
Xie Xie raised his head, his silver hair drooping limply as he sighed in exasperation. "Who could've guessed that?"
Just as he spoke, a rain of emerald light suddenly erupted within the venue.
Ya Li hovered in midair, her angelic soul spirit spinning above her palm, forming a wheel of healing light. As the holy radiance swept over the area, the ten unconscious individuals' soul power and mental energy quickly recovered.
The Crystal Pure Flame had targeted the spirit and mind, leaving no external injuries on the ten. They soon awoke one after another.
Ya Li keenly noticed that under the influence of Gu La's peculiar soul skill, Yuanen Yehui's Fallen Angel martial soul remained unusually quiet, showing no signs of attempting to invade her mind.
With that in mind, Ya Li allowed the ten second-year students to continue serving as challengers.
Yuanen Yehui's mind still lingered on the memories from earlier, feeling unexpectedly light. Her gaze grew complex as she stared at Gu La, who stood off in the distance, lost in thought.
The subsequent trials progressed like a clock whose hands had been sped up.
Gu Yue ascended the stage, riding waves of elemental tides. With just a simple interchange of ice and fire elements, she forced her opponent to the edge of the arena.
What should have been violent and explosive elements became docile under her fingertips, behaving like obedient pets. Unlike Gu La, she did not make a grand display, casually selecting an opponent and easily securing a flawless victory after stalling for time.
As dusk fell, Xu Xiaoyan's martial soul transformed into a star staff. Under its absolute control, she engaged in a back-and-forth battle with a defense-type soul master, earning a perfect score.
The ninth trial was a virtual illusion, and the tenth trial was a comprehensive evaluation. There were no surprises, and everyone passed effortlessly.
Without Cai Yue'er nitpicking, all participants were officially accepted as students, gaining free access to Shrek Academy's facilities—free food counters, training grounds, simulated cultivation areas, and more.
After passing through the final metal door, Wu Zhangkong awaited the group at the finish line. A faint smile of satisfaction graced his otherwise aloof expression. "Congratulations. You've successfully passed the trials, juniors."
"Oh yeah!" Xu Xiaoyan cheered, only to realize no one else joined in. She quickly covered her mouth and shrank back sheepishly.
Wu Zhangkong continued, "Tang Wulin, your teacher has requested you visit him in the inner court after completing the trials. The rest of you can head to the dormitories first. Classes will officially begin the day after tomorrow."
"Additionally, try to get your secondary profession certified as soon as possible. The association is where students earn money and conduct transactions, and it will greatly assist you in crafting battle armor in the future."
Though outwardly cold, Wu Zhangkong's heart was warm. After giving them detailed instructions, he led Tang Wulin to the inner court.
Gu La followed along, heading toward Sea God Island.
The ferry to Sea God Pavilion cut through golden waves. As Gu La gazed at the approaching Golden Ancient Tree, he noticed that the seemingly motionless branches were trembling with a mysterious rhythm.
The Golden Ancient Tree emanated boundless life energy, nourishing the entire Sea God Island.
The Sea God Pavilion, built against the tree, appeared to be slumbering in the twilight. The words "Sea God Pavilion" on the plaque shimmered with a liquid gold-like glow.
The Sea God Pavilion was Shrek Academy's highest decision-making body and also its repository of secrets and treasures. All confidential artifacts were stored here. In the current era, more than ten Super Douluo guarded the pavilion year-round.
As Gu La stepped onto the stairs, he suddenly paused—the hidden Super Douluo were observing him and Tang Wulin with scrutinizing gazes.
Living on Sea God Island must be quite dull. Even a new face could become a topic of conversation and speculation.
The crisp sound of leather boots echoed on the wooden floor. Gu La lowered his gaze, studying the intricate patterns on the ten-thousand-year-old tree-type soul beast material used for the flooring. Bathed in the glow of the Golden Ancient Tree, the patterns shimmered like stars.
Yun Ming crossed space to appear before Gu La, his deep-set eyes brimming with indescribable emotions.
"Follow me."
Gu La inwardly chuckled. Yun Ming was quite composed.
He then realized why. He had mentioned that Shrek would meet its destruction in ten years. Given Yun Ming's indomitable spirit, he would undoubtedly attempt to resolve the issue himself first. Only after exhausting all options would he seek external help—and ultimately turn to Gu La.
With this in mind, Gu La felt no urgency.
The Spirit Pagoda, the Federation, and the Holy Spirit Sect—all three forces sought Shrek's demise. Even as the strongest person on the continent, Yun Ming couldn't uncover the true intelligence while operating under such heavy obfuscation.
In the end, he would have no choice but to rely on Gu La.
At that point, Gu La could glimpse the secrets behind Yun Ming's self-created godhood, sparing himself countless years of arduous cultivation.
Upon arriving beneath the Golden Ancient Tree, in the underground chamber, Yun Ming explained:
"The predecessors of Shrek constructed one hundred and eight rooms beneath the Golden Ancient Tree, encompassing cultivation environments for all types of martial souls on the continent."
"But this place isn't just for simple cultivation. More importantly, it offers an opportunity for reflection—to seek out a unique path of one's own."
Pausing briefly, Yun Ming cast a meaningful glance at Gu La. "Which attribute room would you like?"
Gu La already had a plan. With his avatars, the Groudon martial soul could progress continuously without encountering bottlenecks before ascending to godhood.
On the other hand, the Celebi martial soul, fully awakened with its essence, required personal development. Though the complete Celebi divine beast might not possess overwhelming combat strength, its ability to traverse time and space was more precious than any other power.
"I'd like a room with both time-space and spiritual attributes."
As for wood attributes, the entire environment beneath the Golden Ancient Tree was saturated with related traits, so there was no need to seek them out specifically.
Yun Ming nodded thoughtfully and replied, "The seventh corridor to the right, the last room."
"When your meditation ends, so does your enlightenment. Take care."
He returned Gu La's earlier words to him.
Muttering something about being petty, ensuring Yun Ming could hear it, Gu La headed toward the seventh corridor to find the meditation room.
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