Tang San and Ma Hongjun's combined strike barely rippled across the arena floor. Their vines, flames, hidden steel all crashed together, but the black iron blade — Fifteen — intercepted with casual disdain.
Xiao Tian never even raised his hand. Too lazy, too detached. Everything was left to his spirit sword.
The clash ended embarrassingly fast. Once again, Tang San's heart twisted. The Human Emperor didn't even lift a finger against us… is this the difference between 'genius' and 'heaven‑chosen'?
"Stop it!" Flender's roar cracked across the air. He rushed forward, seizing Tang San and Ma Hongjun by the shoulders, pulling them back before they embarrassed themselves further. His face was livid, owl eyes narrowed.
"Xiao Tian! Even if you leave, even if you truly want to quit Shrek—you cannot harm your classmates like this! Don't you value even friendship?"
His words struck like choked thunder, but Xiao Tian only looked at him with mocking amusement.
"Friendship? Who attacked first? Who struck with malice before thought? Dean… don't demand virtue from me when they spat it away first."
His ridicule sliced Flender's pride deeper than blades.
At that moment, Zhao Wuji cracked his knuckles. The air boomed with the strain of his muscles, as if tigers awakened in his bones. "Enough!" His voice was a growl.
"Xiao Tian. You boasted you only used thirty percent of your strength. Then prove it. Fight me. No running, no excuses. Face me head on!"
Beside him, Qin Ming — pale, subdued — stepped forward too. His voice shook but his eyes burned. "Yes. I want to see it also. If you think you're stronger than your peers, show us. Show me, the one who owes Shrek."
Inside Xiao Tian's spiritual space…
Daming's deep rumble stirred. "Xiao Tian, should we act? If they want strength, let us remind them what true power is."
Er Ming leapt in agreement instantly, fists slamming his own chest in excitement. "Yes! Yes! I'm dying of boredom stuck in darkness! Let me out. A single punch will crush these so‑called Saints. They want to stop us from leaving? Ha! They court death."
But Xiao Tian only smiled faintly, helpless and firm.
"No. If you two step out, the world roils with storms we don't need. Trust me. I have help enough already."
As if summoned by his confidence—
Shhhfff!
From the sky, a streak of silver screamed down. With a quake, a long, gleaming sword stabbed the earth squarely before Zhao Wuji and Qin Ming.
The very ground trembled in submission under its weight.
A voice rolled before the man appeared, sharp as thunder, ancient as heaven.
"Teachers, daring to bully your juniors… shameful. Unworthy of your names."
The next instant, a tall, white‑robed elder appeared, his aura crushing like mountains. Chen Xin. Sword Douluo.
His Seven Killing Sword hummed back into his hand as he stepped before Xiao Tian, protecting him and the three girls with a sweep of will strong enough to make every veteran's breath stagger. Murderous intent glistened in his eyes as they locked onto Zhao Wuji and Flender.
Flender's mouth went dry. Cold sweat soaked his owl feathers. "Chen… Xin…?" His voice cracked. Didn't he leave back to his sect days ago? Why has he returned now of all moments?
Could it be fate that drew him back at the exact second Shrek fractured?
He forced a crooked smile, retreating slightly. "Your Majesty Sword Douluo… a misunderstanding. Purely a misunderstanding…"
Chen Xin's smile was icy.
"A misunderstanding? Hah. Looked more like ambush, to me."
The blade flickered. Wind crackled.
A casual swing — he didn't even step forward — and the edge of his wordless strike flung Flender skidding across the ground. The Dean spat blood, owl wings cracked, his frame shaking. Yet the moment he staggered upright, he immediately bowed his head.
"Yes… yes, it is our fault. Sword Douluo, please… please be magnanimous."
"Humph." Chen Xin's eyes glinted with scorn. "Only for one reason — Shrek's still bound through Tang San's cooperation with our sect. That single thread saves you tonight."
His gaze shifted to Qin Ming, whose lips trembled.
"And you—Qin Ming, yes? You call yourself teacher? You won't need to return. You are unworthy of leading any academy's youth from this night forward."
Harsh words stabbed through him. Qin Ming paled, yet his heart twisted strangely with gratitude. For with those words, he was spared death.
"This… may be the best ending I'll ever have," he thought.
Chen Xin sheathed his sword and turned to Xiao Tian, his face softening into a smile rare and proud.
"Xiao Tian. My boy. Let us go."
He couldn't hide his own awe. He had watched the duel in full tonight. Even he, Sword Douluo, felt impressed — for Xiao Tian had retrieved sword rain mid‑air, something even he found difficult.
Inside, fire stirred. For decades he had been stuck at the bottleneck of Level Ninety‑Six. Tonight, his heart had cracked open. Inspiration surged again. A breakthrough was near. How could he not be joyous?
Xiao Tian nodded once. Before turning, he glanced at Dugu Yan, cool voice toward her:
"Want to walk with us? Safer alongside Grandpa Jian's escort."
Dugu Yan raised her chin, refused to look weak. "Fine. But… only so I can challenge you again once we reach the Capital!"
Her tone was sharp, but fire gleamed in her eyes.
Xiao Tian only smiled, offering no reply.
Yu Tianheng watched all this in silence, expression stiff. Embarrassment twisted inside him like knives. He wanted to shout, to protest… but dared not. To speak here would expose fear. To admit safety in Xiao Tian's steps would break all his years of cultivated pride. So he stood silent, face pale, envy stabbing his gut.
Only when Chen Xin led Xiao Tian, Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing out of Soto City's gates did Flender and Zhao Wuji finally breathe relief again. The aura crushing their lungs faded.
Zhao Wuji rubbed his jaw, muttering bitterly. "Dean, what now?"
Flender's owl‑eyes narrowed with exhaustion. He sighed deeply. "Return to the Academy. Discuss later. We've lost too much tonight."
In Xiao Tian's system space
Ding!
[Congratulations! Host has successively defeated the "God King" Tang San, the "God of War" Dai Mubai, and the "God of Phoenix" Ma Hongjun, triggering critical hit reward!]
[Critical Reward: The secret of the character "Zhe" (Douluo Adaptation).]
[Secret of Zhe: A supreme healing scripture. Instantly restores the user or ally to original peak state. Cures any injury, no matter how dire.]
Xiao Tian's eyes widened faintly as the information downloaded into his mind.
"…What a reward."
For one always on brute sword path, with no internal recovery method, this was beyond precious. He had carved attack, not survival. But this? This was salvation.
Even a fraction learned may equal lifetimes of healing. More potent than Nine‑Hearted Begonia!
His lips curled. "Perfect timing."
That same night, Soto City's shadows rippled. From the arena's hidden quarters, a black‑robed, masked figure slipped silently into the alleys. His steps were serpentine, venomous aura faint. Snake Spear Douluo, envoy of Qian Renxue.
Leaving before dawn, he streaked toward Tiandou Capital.
That boy… barely twelve, yet already Soul Sect. His growth mirrors even our Young Master's destiny. I must deliver this news. Qian Renxue will want him noted.
Days later, dusk painted the horizon gold-orange. Sword Douluo's group finally reached Tiandou City.
Chen Xin turned, mood light as he guided them past marble gates and shining walls. "Tonight, rest in an inn within the Capital. Tomorrow, I'll escort you to the Academy's Education Committee of the Three Elders. They will oversee your admission procedures themselves."
He smiled. His heart — finally at peace. At last, Ning Rongrong and her protectors had left that shabby ruin of Shrek.
"Yes, Royal Academy is for nobility. Xiao Tian may be suppressed by factions, princes, cliques. But let me see who dares push him with me standing!"
His laughter rolled quiet in his chest.
This journey had unlocked his heart. Breakthrough — Level Ninety‑Seven — hovered like dawn rays on his horizon.
"Thank you, Grandpa Jian." Xiao Tian nodded, watching with calm warmth.
Dugu Yan beside him stretched, content. "We'll take our leave tonight. Tomorrow, I'll see you again under the Academy's sun. And Xiao Tian—don't think tonight's duel the last. I'll prove my venom can cut sword."
Her words were proud, tinted with reluctant admiration.
But Xiao Tian's voice brushed her ears spiritually as she stepped away.
"Dugu Yan… you may want to ask your grandfather soon. Your body is poisoned deep already. It shows. Your hair — was not always this shade, was it?"
Dugu Yan froze as if lightning pierced her bones, her hand trembling toward her green‑tinted locks.
Her heart slammed. How did he—know?!
--
Unlock 50 exclusive advanced chapters for just $10 – don't miss out! Check the synopsis/description for the link! 🚀
Loved this fic? 🔥 Then you'll absolutely binge my other hits — "Douluo Dalu: The Godly Drunkard System" & "Douluo Dalu: My Harem System is Bugged!" — don't miss out!