Douluo: The Peerless King of Beast Tamers

Chapter 280 Zhou Sichen's Plans: Showing His Edge

Lin Jiayi took out a plaque with a metallic sheen and a cold blue light emanating from its edges. The front of the plaque was engraved with intricate inscriptions, and there was a faint flow of soul power.

He shook a disc-shaped, crystal-like object on the door, and its crystalline surface rippled with a halo of light.

With a soft "beep," the double metal doors slid open silently to both sides, and the air escaping from the door gaps carried a faint smell of disinfectant.

The surface of the metal door was covered with fine runes, clearly indicating that it had undergone special protective treatment.

Lin Jiayi led everyone inside.

The room is about 300 square meters in size. The floor is covered with light blue energy conduction patterns, and the walls are inlaid with light gold decorative strips.

Inside were many large soul tools, each more than two people tall, entirely silver-white, with their surfaces covered with sophisticated instruments and flashing indicator lights.

Lin Jiayi clapped his hands, the sound particularly clear in the empty room, drawing the attention of the Shrek Academy students who were looking around with surprised eyes to him.

"This is our academy's physical testing area. All students who enter the academy must complete physical tests here every year."

Lin Jiayi's voice was calm and powerful: "Don't be nervous later. No matter what kind of soul conductor device you use, it will not cause any harm to your bodies."

"However, everyone needs to put away your soul tools now to avoid affecting the data during the scan later. When the scan is performed, please hand over your storage soul tools to other students and make sure you don't have any metal on you."

Upon hearing Lin Jiayi's words, the Shrek Academy students all took action.

Zhou Sichen methodically removed his soul tools one by one. First was the Level 7 Hundred Transformations Core. Zhou Sichen lightly snapped his fingers, and the Hundred Transformations Core was transformed into a crystal cube, which he then stored in his soul tool.

Next came three soul tool rings, each engraved with different runes. Finally, his hand stopped at the Red Dust Blessing ring that was tightly fitted to his chest.

As Zhou Sichen removed the mortal's protection, Lin Jiayi's gaze instantly sharpened, and his pupils contracted slightly.

As the Dean of Studies at the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy, he was undoubtedly a confidant of Jing Hongchen and was extremely familiar with Jing Hongchen's works.

With just one glance, he recognized that this soul tool was made by Jing Hongchen, and that it was a top-level level nine defensive soul tool.

Its unique patterns and exquisite craftsmanship all demonstrate its extraordinary nature.

"Wait a minute." Lin Jiayi quickly walked up to Zhou Sichen, his eyes filled with scrutiny and surprise: "If I remember correctly, this student's name is Zhou Sichen, right?"

Zhou Sichen nodded calmly, not surprised that Lin Jiayi knew his name, since the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy must have had information about them before.

He smiled slightly, revealing a gentle expression: "Is there a problem, Teacher Lin?"

Zhou Sichen knew perfectly well that Lin Jiayi had stopped him because he recognized the Red Dust Protection.

But that was Zhou Sichen's purpose.

After the Mirror of the Mortal World from the original novel was left at Shrek Academy, it didn't have much use except for research.

But it's different in Zhou Sichen's hands. He has already analyzed the data and information about the Red Dust Blessing and left it at the academy, so there's no need to keep this soul tool at Shrek Academy.

Although Zhou Sichen doesn't need the protection of the mortal realm right now, this soul tool represents more than just powerful defense.

The Red Dust Blessing was named after Jing Hongchen's surname, which naturally holds a special meaning for him. Anyone familiar with Jing Hongchen would most likely recognize this top-tier level nine soul tool.

The fact that this soul tool is now on Zhou Sichen's body speaks volumes.

Lin Jiayi's gaze was fixed on the Red Dust Blessing in Zhou Sichen's hand, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes, including shock, doubt, and a hint of barely perceptible vigilance.

He asked softly, "Where did you get this soul tool?"

Zhou Sichen replied with a smile, "This soul tool is called Red Dust Protection, and it was a gift from the Red Dust Hall Master."

His voice wasn't loud, but it reached everyone present clearly in the quiet room.

Not only were the teachers of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy, led by Lin Jiayi, shocked, but the unsuspecting students of Shrek Academy were also incredulous.

In their view, could the soul tool given by Jing Hongchen be an ordinary soul tool?

In the eyes of Lin Jiayi and other teachers, the value of this soul tool is simply immeasurable.

The strategic significance and value of a level nine soul tool is beyond the comprehension of these teachers.
But now, such a top-tier level nine soul tool has been given to Zhou Sichen by Jing Hongchen.

For a moment, the atmosphere in the room became subtle, and everyone's eyes were focused on Zhou Sichen, filled with curiosity and speculation.

Lin Jiayi's pupils trembled slightly as he stared intently at the Red Dust Blessing that shimmered with a mysterious aura in Zhou Sichen's hand.

He was well aware of the identity of the young man before him—a direct descendant of the Dragon God Douluo, whose bloodline possessed a power powerful enough to shake the entire Soul Master world.

Six months ago, during the clash between Shrek Academy and the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy, he heard about Zhou Sichen's legendary achievements from Elder Ma.
He single-handedly broke through the spirit fusion skill of Meng Hongchen and Xiao Hongchen. That battle not only amazed the Shrek Academy members, but also made the higher-ups of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy realize just how terrifying this young man was.

Before coming to the physical testing room, Lin Jiayi received a secret mission.

The dean personally instructed that it was imperative to thoroughly understand Zhou Sichen's true abilities through this physical test.

But he never expected to see this level-nine soul tool, which was enough to overturn his understanding, in such a setting.

Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen, as Jing Hongchen's most beloved grandchildren, were only equipped with level eight soul tools when they passed away.

The Red Dust Protection in Zhou Sichen's hands was a top-tier defensive treasure personally crafted by Jing Hongchen.

What made him even more uneasy was that the head of the hall had never revealed the matter of the gift to him. What secrets were hidden in it?
Logically speaking, someone who would bestow such a strategic treasure as a level nine soul tool should at least be one of their own, right? Lin Jiayi pondered to himself.

What is the connection between the descendants of Dragon God Douluo, a figure who dominated the world two hundred years ago, and Jing Hongchen?
The network of relationships behind this is perhaps far more intricate than he imagined.

Seeing Lin Jiayi standing there for a long time, looking dazed, Zhou Sichen smiled meaningfully: "Teacher Lin, what's wrong? Is it about the Red Dust Blessing? If you have any questions, you can also confirm with the Red Dust Hall Master."

The boy's voice was gentle and warm, yet it contained an undeniable confidence.

Lin Jiayi suddenly came to his senses, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

He suppressed the shock and greed surging within him and forced a stiff smile: "It's nothing, it's nothing. It was a gift from the hall master. I was wondering why it looked so familiar."

His gaze involuntarily swept over the soul tool again, and his Adam's apple bobbed unconsciously.

The value of a level nine soul tool far exceeds that of a ten-thousand-year soul bone, and it is even comparable to some hundred-thousand-year soul bones.

Such a treasure would make anyone envious.

But Lin Jiayi knew all too well that the price of coveting it was something he could not afford.

Jing Hongchen holds a transcendent position in the Sun Moon Empire. If this treasure and its owner were to suffer any mishap within the academy, it would not only be a severe blow to the academy's reputation but also a blatant challenge to Jing Hongchen's authority.

Thinking of this, he forced himself to look away and gestured for Zhou Sichen to begin the physical test.

Zhou Sichen calmly put the Red Dust Protection into his arms and slowly walked towards the futuristic-looking Level 6 Body Testing Soul Guidance Device.

This soul tool is entirely silver-white, its surface covered with intricate runes and sensing devices, and its energy core at the top shimmers with a ghostly blue light.

It can not only detect basic data such as soul power, bone age, and physical fitness of soul masters below level 70, but also accurately scan for hidden information such as soul bones and even special bloodlines, making it the most advanced detection equipment in the soul master world. The moment Zhou Sichen stepped into the detection chamber, the door closed automatically, and countless pale golden scanning rays enveloped him.

His pupils contracted slightly, and although he appeared calm on the surface, he was secretly observing the operation of each component, memorizing the structure and principles of this soul tool.

"Physical strength: Level 70! Physical resilience: Level 70! Soul power: Level 58..." The teacher in charge of recording suddenly paused, looking up at Zhou Sichen in shock.

The physical strength and resilience of a level 58 Soul King have both reached the level of a 7th-ring Soul Saint!

Such physical data is extremely rare even in the entire Soul Master world.

Especially for Soul Masters, strong physical attributes mean they can wield heavier Soul Tools and maintain stable output in high-intensity battles.

"Bone age: 14 years old, height: 2.03 meters, weight: 100 kilograms, soul bone bonus... beep beep beep!"

A sharp alarm suddenly sounded, the body measurement chamber shook violently, and the red warning lights flashed wildly.

The air in the entire physical testing room seemed to freeze, and everyone's eyes were focused on Zhou Sichen.

What kind of soul bone could cause this level-six soul tool to issue such a strong alarm?
The moment the alarm shattered the silence, Lin Jiayi's fingernails almost dug into her palms.

He stared intently at the figure shrouded in scarlet warning light inside the testing chamber, his breathing becoming heavy.

As a seasoned Soul Master, he knew all too well what this piercing alarm meant—it was the highest level warning that the Level 6 Physical Testing Instrument would trigger when it encountered special energy fluctuations that exceeded its computational limits.

“External soul bone… at least 100,000 years old.” Lin Jiayi’s voice was dry and hoarse.

While ordinary soul bones are precious, they wouldn't cause the equipment to malfunction. Only external soul bones, which are capable of evolution and can resonate with their host in a special way, could cause such a violent energy disturbance.

What alarmed him even more was that Zhou Sichen probably had more than one piece of...

The quill pen in the recorder's hand left messy ink marks on the parchment. This elderly man, with twenty years of experience in physical testing, stared wide-eyed behind his glasses, his eyes almost popping out of their sockets.

"Physical strength, nerve reflexes, muscle toughness... all indicators are at level 70? This... how is this possible!" He slammed his hand on the casing of the physical testing machine, the metal surface making a hollow echo: "The instrument has been calibrated three times, there is absolutely no malfunction!"

Lin Jiayi's gaze swept across the data panel, his pupils reflecting the glaring "Level 70".

If it were just a single indicator breaking the limit, he might be able to attribute it to special training or exceptional talent. But when more than twenty data points, including speed, strength, and mental strength, all stopped at the instrument's upper limit...

A terrifying thought began to spread through his mind—this was not Zhou Sichen's true strength at all, but rather that this level-six soul tool was no longer able to bear the surging power within the boy's body!
"Director Lin, the next agility test." The assistant's voice trembled noticeably.

Lin Jiayi waved his hand, his gaze fixed on the composed smile on Zhou Sichen's lips.

The boy leaned casually against the cabin wall, but in his eyes, it seemed as if an ancient beast was lurking within that young body, ready to awaken at any moment.

At the age of fourteen, his soul power level of fifty-eight was enough to make all the geniuses on the continent pale in comparison.

It should be noted that Xiao Hongchen, the most renowned twin genius of the Sun Moon Empire, was already praised as a once-in-a-century talent when he broke through to the fifth ring at the age of fifteen.

The boy in front of them not only surpassed his peers in soul power cultivation, but also displayed a despair-inducing talent in multiple fields such as physical fitness and soul tool mastery.

Lin Jiayi's temples throbbed as he suddenly recalled Old Ma's meaningful words before the match: "You will know that the monsters of Shrek Academy are not the same as ordinary geniuses at all."

He had scoffed at it then, but now he felt a chill run down his spine.

Zhou Sichen's worldly protection, mysterious external soul bone, and almost abnormal physical qualities... all these intertwine to create a being that subverts common sense.

“Perhaps…” Lin Jiayi swallowed the bitterness rising in his throat: “We are witnessing the rise of a monster that is enough to rewrite the history of Soul Masters.”

His mission, which was originally just to test the boy's abilities, has now turned into a thrilling spying operation—a slight misstep could lead to him being completely swallowed up by the torrent of this power.

Lin Jiayi took a deep breath, his knuckles turning white from the excessive force, yet he still maintained the dignified demeanor of a dean of students.

He raised his hand to signal the recorder to calm down, his voice as steady as ever: "Continue according to the procedure."

But everyone present noticed that his gaze never left Zhou Sichen.

The mysterious young man, who was surrounded by an aura of mystery in the testing chamber, was looking back at them with a half-smile, his eyes hiding an unfathomable sharpness.

As the tests continued, even more astonishing data kept refreshing everyone's understanding.

During the explosive power test, Zhou Sichen casually threw a punch, and spiderweb-like cracks appeared on the energy barrier on the surface of the strength testing device.
During the mental strength test, the sophisticated sensing crystal suddenly shattered under his gaze, and the flying fragments drew strange arcs in the air.

Every piece of data challenged the psychological defenses of the teachers present, but Lin Jiayi had to suppress his inner shock and mechanically direct the testing process.

Zhou Sichen stood in the center of the testing chamber, letting the various scanning beams flow over his body.

He knew very well that every bit of strength he displayed at this moment was adding to his own advantage.

When his physical strength broke through the level 70 limit, he even deliberately released a faint but real pressure. As the testing equipment emitted a piercing beep, the smile on his lips deepened.

This young body harbors wisdom and ambition far beyond its time.

"He's deliberately showing off." Lin Jiayi finally confirmed this terrifying fact in his heart.

The boy's undisguised strength was not only a deterrent to the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy, but also a psychological battle.

Jing Hongchen is a cunning and shrewd man. His most beloved grandchildren are still studying at Shrek Academy. How could he easily make a move against Zhou Sichen, who has the protection of Hongchen?

Not to mention, the talent this young man has shown has already surpassed that of the best students in the entire academy. Such a promising talent is worth recruiting at all costs, even if he is an enemy.

But they were even more aware that, given Zhou Sichen's status and position, there was absolutely no possibility of him being recruited.

Zhou Sichen's plan was extremely shrewd.

He understood Huo Yuhao's lesson from the original story better than anyone else: keeping a low profile and being patient would only lead to missed opportunities.

In this dog-eat-dog world, only by showing your fangs can you instill fear in your opponents.

He wanted more than just the soul tool technology in Jing Hongchen's hands; he wanted all the top talents in the Sun Moon Empire to realize that Shrek Academy had a brilliant and talented individual who was worth abandoning everything to follow.

As the test ended, Zhou Sichen slowly straightened his clothes, his gaze sweeping over the teachers with their varied expressions.

Lin Jiayi appeared calm on the surface, but his eyes betrayed his wariness. On the recorder's parchment, the ink was blurred and indistinct due to sweat.
In the corner, several young teachers whispered among themselves, their eyes filled with awe and fear.

This was exactly the effect he wanted: to create a shock with absolute talent and make everyone at the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy understand.

The consequences of provoking him and Shrek Academy are beyond their means.

"Thank you, teachers." Zhou Sichen smiled and bowed, her voice clear yet sharp: "I hope to learn more from your teachers in the upcoming exchange."

These words, when heard by the crowd, sounded more like an invisible provocation.

Lin Jiayi forced a polite smile in return, but in his heart he already knew that this seemingly ordinary physical test was actually a war without gunpowder, and Zhou Sichen had already gained the upper hand.

P.S.: Please add this to your favorites, give it a recommendation vote, and vote for me with monthly tickets!
(End of this chapter)