Douluo Continent II: The Dragon King Suppresses the World!

Chapter 38 Exchange and Discussion

Two weeks passed quietly, and Elder Xuan gave them two unique and effective training sessions. Elder Xuan's teaching method was extremely special: unreserved practical combat exercises.

Each time, the nine of them would be cleverly divided into different groups, leading to fierce and spectacular battles. The only requirement that Elder Xuan gave them was that they must not hold back in the slightest during the battle, because with Elder Xuan by their side, there was no need to worry about any dangerous situations.

Most of the time, it was Ye Qi'an and Gu Yuena who teamed up against the other seven. Bei Bei, Xu Sanshi, and the others finally understood, through numerous encounters, why Ye Qi'an and Gu Yuena had been able to enter the inner courtyard despite their lack of special privileges. It was simply because either of them possessed the formidable strength to easily defeat all seven of them. Whenever everyone thought victory was assured and the outcome was certain, Ye Qi'an would unleash his incredibly powerful Dragon Emperor Sky-Tearing Claw, or Gu Yuena would skillfully employ an elemental fusion technique, instantly crushing their chances of winning.

It was during this continuous and overwhelming training process that the seven of them could clearly feel their own strength steadily improving every day.

Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong's cultivation of the Haodong Power became increasingly proficient. In just half a month, Huo Yuhao clearly felt that he was approaching the edge of level 27 in soul power, and it seemed that he would soon be able to break through again.

Xiao Xiao successfully broke through to level 29 in her soul power. With just one more small step forward, she could advance to a level 30 Soul Master by hunting soul beasts.

On this very day, it was time for Elder Xuan to provide teaching guidance. On this occasion, they would temporarily suspend their regular classroom learning and head to the assessment area. However, as Huo Yuhao and the other seven stepped into the assessment area, they unexpectedly encountered some unfamiliar faces.

Bei Bei, He Caitou, Xu Sanshi, and Jiang Nannan had already arrived. Besides them, Xuan Lao, Ye Qi'an, Gu Yuena, and some other students were also in the assessment area. Including Ye Qi'an and Gu Yuena, there were a total of nine students, and all of them were wearing bright blood red school uniforms, including Ye Qi'an and Gu Yuena.

Of the seven students, excluding Ye Qi'an and Gu Yuena, Huo Yuhao only knew Ma Xiaotao.

Ma Xiaotao also noticed Huo Yuhao and immediately gave him a playful smile. Huo Yuhao suddenly felt embarrassed, and his face turned red.

The other six trainees beside Ma Xiaotao were four men and two women, and they all looked to be around the same age as her.

When people occasionally glanced at these inner court disciples dressed in red, their eyes held not only envy but also deep admiration and respect. The red-clad inner court students undoubtedly represented the most powerful fighting force at Shrek Academy.

"In ten days, the new Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament will begin. I believe you can all guess each other's identities. That's right, you are the regular and substitute players for this competition. Today, I'm having you meet, firstly to let you get to know each other, and secondly, to let you understand each other's abilities." With that, Elder Xuan turned to Huo Yuhao and the other six, "Don't think that you're just going to the competition as spectators..."

Upon hearing that they might have a chance to perform, Huo Yuhao and the other six were both surprised and delighted, their hearts filled with anticipation.

Elder Xuan snorted coldly and said, "Don't be too happy yet. Sending you out to compete is inevitable, but you can only win, not lose. If any of you accidentally lose the match, the consequences will be more than you can bear..."

"Understood." Huo Yuhao and the other six responded in unison, their voices clear and loud.

Elder Xuan nodded slightly and said, "Alright, everyone, please introduce yourselves and get to know each other, starting with the regulars and substitutes."

"Ye Qi'an, an inner court disciple, currently studying in the outer court, a second-year student, a level 45 offensive-type Battle Soul Master." Ye Qi'an took the first step forward and introduced himself calmly and confidently.

"Gu Yuena, an inner court disciple, is currently a second-year student in the outer court, a level 46 control-type Battle Soul Master," Gu Yuena said softly, following Ye Qi'an.

When Gu Yuena walked out, the eyes of several male students in the inner courtyard lit up instantly. Gu Yuena's appearance was considered one of the best in the entire inner courtyard. However, when they saw Ye Qi'an's fierce eyes, which seemed to want to devour people, they immediately averted their gaze.

Don't underestimate Ye Qi'an just because he's only a fourth-ring Soul Master; his illustrious achievements have already made him famous far and wide. Legendary tales about him circulate throughout the inner courtyard: how he single-handedly defeated five Soul Kings and one Soul Emperor with only one Soul Skill and a spear. Such feats might not be remarkable for other experts in the inner courtyard, but the key is that Ye Qi'an is only a little over twelve years old. They couldn't possibly achieve such excellence at that age.

Even those inner court students who weren't very familiar with Ye Qi'an and Gu Yuena knew perfectly well that the two were an inseparable couple. The strongest among them was only a Soul Emperor, probably not even enough to defeat Ye Qi'an alone. If Gu Yuena were added, it would become a double whammy of husband and wife fighting. While they wanted to watch the spectacle, they didn't want to become the ones being toyed with.

After Ye Qi'an and Gu Yuena finished their introductions, Bei Bei from the reserve team was the first to step forward. "My name is Bei Bei, a fifth-year student in the outer academy, and a level 42 Power Attack type Battle Soul Master."

He Caitou was the second to step forward and said, "He Caitou, fourth year of the outer academy, Soul Guidance Department, Level 4 Soul Guidance Master."

Xu Sanshi then spoke third: "Xu Sanshi, fifth year of the outer academy, level 43 defensive-type Battle Soul Master."

"My name is Jiang Nannan, a fifth-year student in the outer academy, and a level 41 agility-based Soul Master," Jiang Nannan said softly, standing next to Xu Sanshi.

It was Xiao Xiao's fifth turn. She smiled and said, "My name is Xiao Xiao. Hello, seniors. I am a second-year student from the Outer Academy, a level 29 Control System Battle Soul Master."

When the inner court disciples heard the words "level 29," their eyes widened in surprise. Level 29? They wondered if they had misheard.

After Xiao Xiao came Huo Yuhao, who respectfully said, "Greetings, seniors. My name is Huo Yuhao, a second-year student in the Outer Academy, and a level 26 Control System Battle Soul Master."

Second, level 26? Level 29 was one thing, but now there's a level 26? Does Shrek Academy really have no one else to use? Despite thinking this, their expressions remained unchanged.

Finally, it was Wang Dong's turn. He noticed the surprise of the senior students in the inner academy, proudly puffed out his chest, and said loudly, "Wang Dong, second year of the outer academy, level 31 Power Attack Battle Soul Master."

Elder Xuan nodded, then pointed towards the inner courtyard and said, "It's your turn."

The first person to emerge from the inner courtyard was none other than Ma Xiaotao. She announced loudly, "Inner Courtyard, Ma Xiaotao. Level 67 Power Attack Type Battle Soul Emperor."

After Ma Xiaotao, a tall male student stepped forward. He had a calm demeanor, sharp eyes, and a deep voice, saying, "Inner Court, Dai Yueheng, Level 64 Power Attack Type Battle Soul Emperor."

After Dai Yueheng, another male student stepped forward. He had a gentle smile on his face and said, "Inner Court, Chen Zifeng, Level 57 Power Attack Type Battle Soul King."

The fourth person was finally a female disciple. She looked quite ordinary and calmly said, "Inner Court, Xixi, Level 56 Agility-Attack Battle Soul King."

The fifth person was also a female student. Compared to Xixi, she was much more beautiful. She said softly, "Inner Court, Ling Luochen, Level 55 Control-type Battle Soul King."

The sixth person was a slender male student, only about 1.6 meters tall, who said somewhat shyly, "Inner Academy, Yao Haoxuan, level 55, Control and Support Type Battle Soul King."

The last inner court disciple was beautiful, and even her voice was soft: "Inner Court, Gongyang Mo, Level 59 Support-type Battle Soul King."

Elder Xuan nodded slightly and said, "Alright, you've all gotten to know each other briefly. To help you remember each other better, today's training task is a friendly match. Only through combat can you better familiarize yourselves with each other's abilities..."

"Elder Xuan, Nana and I won't participate," Ye Qi'an said immediately after Elder Xuan finished speaking.

"Why?" Elder Xuan asked, looking at the two with a puzzled expression.

"You probably haven't seen Nana and my fourth soul skill yet, have you?" Ye Qi said, calming himself down.

Huo Yuhao and the others all shook their heads.

"My fourth soul skill is the Golden Dragon Berserk Domain, which can instantly put everyone within the domain into a berserk state. In the berserk state, strength, defense, and speed will all increase by a factor of two. At the same time, everyone within the domain will receive my bloodline bonus, and their attack power and defense power will be increased by one-third of their own." Ye Qi'an said as he released his fourth soul skill.

Golden light emanated from Ye Qi'an, instantly enveloping the surrounding space. Everyone felt a powerful and violent force rushing towards them, their bodies involuntarily tensing up, and all their attributes amplified.

Elder Xuan narrowed his eyes slightly, sensing the effects of the Golden Dragon's Berserk Domain soul skill, and nodded: "Not bad, it is indeed a powerful domain skill. Gu Yuena, what is your fourth soul skill?"

Gu Yuena said softly, "My fourth soul skill is the Devouring Heaven and Earth Domain, which can instantly absorb all the heaven and earth energy and elements within a certain range to restore or enhance combat power." After speaking, Gu Yuena also released her soul skill, and for a moment, the surrounding energy seemed to surge towards her.

A hint of appreciation flashed in Elder Xuan's eyes as he said, "Very good. You two will observe from the sidelines and provide excellent support for everyone. The rest of you, prepare for the friendly match!"

Ma Xiaotao and Dai Yueheng walked out separately, keeping a certain distance between each other.

Ma Xiaotao said, "For the starting lineup, my first choice is Gongyang Mo, and for the reserve team, my first choice is Huo Yuhao."

Wang Dong nudged Huo Yuhao, who exchanged a glance with him and gave a helpless smile under Wang Dong's questioning gaze.

Gongyang Mo smiled slightly and said, "Xiao Tao, you have a good eye."

Ma Xiaotao waved to Huo Yuhao and said, "What are you waiting for? Come over here quickly."

"Oh." Huo Yuhao then quickly walked over and stood next to Ma Xiaotao.

Ma Xiaotao raised her chin at Dai Yueheng in a somewhat provocative manner: "It's your turn."

Dai Yueheng looked at Ma Xiaotao with some doubt and said in a deep voice, "Chen Zifeng and Xu Sanshi."

Chen Zifeng and Xu Sanshi immediately went to Dai Yueheng's side.

Ma Xiaotao immediately made another choice: "Xixi, Beibei".

Dai Yueheng said, "Ling Luochen and Yao Haoxuan."

Ma Xiaotao naturally chose two people: "He Caitou and Wang Dong".

At this moment, the choices of both sides were completed. Jiang Nannan and Xiao Xiao, the last remaining members of the reserve team, naturally joined Dai Yueheng's side. Ma Xiaotao's side consisted of herself, Gongyang Mo, Huo Yuhao, Xixi, Beibei, He Caitou, and Wang Dong, still seven people each, but both teams had been completely broken up.

Elder Xuan, clutching his large wine gourd, chuckled and said, "Very good. Now that you've chosen your opponents, I'll give you ten minutes to plan your tactics. After ten minutes, the sparring will begin. The loser will simply have to shout, 'I'm a pig!'"

After speaking, Elder Xuan turned to look at Ye Qi'an and Gu Yuena and said, "Since you didn't participate, which side do you think will win?"

"The team with Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong will definitely win," Ye Qi'an said without hesitation.

Gu Yuena nodded in agreement.

After hearing Ye Qi'an's words, Elder Xuan asked with great interest, "Oh? Ye Qi'an, why are you so certain that the team with Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong will win?"

Ye Qi'an smiled confidently and said, "Elder Xuan, Huo Yuhao's mental detection ability can play a huge role in team battles. In addition, Wang Dong and he cooperate well, and the two of them also have a martial soul fusion skill. Furthermore, Huo Yuhao's second martial soul is the Ice Jade Scorpion."

Elder Xuan nodded slightly and said nothing more.

At this moment, both teams were nervously discussing tactics.

On Huo Yuhao's side, Ma Xiaotao looked at everyone with a firm gaze and said, "Everyone, follow my instructions. Huo Yuhao, you will provide everyone with intelligence at any time."

On the other side, Dai Yueheng was also making arrangements in an orderly manner: "We must make good use of our respective advantages and win this battle quickly."

Ten minutes passed quickly, and Elder Xuan gave the order: "Begin!"

As Ye Qi'an had predicted, Ling Luochen was completely suppressed after Huo Yuhao released his Ice Jade Scorpion Martial Soul.

Ma Xiaotao charged towards Dai Yueheng like a tiger unleashed from its cage. Her fiery soul power burned fiercely, and her aura was overwhelming. Dai Yueheng did not back down either, and his whole body shone brightly as he met Ma Xiaotao's attack.

Huo Yuhao quickly activated his mental detection, clearly relaying the movements and soul power flow of both sides to his teammates: "Senior Ma, there's an opening on the right. Senior Xixi, watch out for Chen Zifeng behind you!"

Wang Dong spread the wings of the Goddess of Light Butterfly and entangled with the opponent's agility-type Soul Master in the air.

Bei Bei unleashed her Thunder Dragon Claw and engaged Xu Sanshi in battle, while He Caitou manipulated his soul tool, continuously releasing powerful attacks to support his teammates.

Under Huo Yuhao's precise command, Ma Xiaotao's side gradually gained the upper hand and ultimately won the victory.

Elder Xuan descended from the sky, a satisfied smile on his face, and said, "Hurry up, the losers accept their punishment, and I'll give you another chance."

"I'm a pig!" Dai Yueheng shouted without hesitation, his facial muscles twitching slightly.

Yao Haoxuan and Chen Zifeng also shouted out their slogans in desperation.

While Ling Luochen was saying this, his gaze remained fixed on Huo Yuhao.

Xiao Xiao was quite at ease; since the seniors had already called out to her, it wasn't shameful for her to do so herself!

Jiang Nannan's voice was a little softer, and she whispered, "I'm a pig."

Xu Sanshi smiled obsequiously and said, "As expected of the girl I like, even calling yourself a pig sounds so charming."

Jiang Nannan's almond-shaped eyes widened, and she angrily shouted, "Get out!"

Wang Dong, standing next to Huo Yuhao, almost burst out laughing, but quickly turned her head away. Huo Yuhao's facial muscles were also tense as he suppressed a laugh.

The following matches seemed to confirm what Ye Qi'an had said: as long as Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong stayed together, that team would definitely win.

Looking at everyone's performance, Elder Xuan nodded in satisfaction: "Not bad, not bad. Through these few sparring matches, everyone has gained a deeper understanding of each other's abilities. However, don't be arrogant. In the real competition, the opponents will only be stronger."

Everyone nodded, their expressions serious.

"Alright, you can all go back now. Pack your things and meet at the academy gate first thing tomorrow morning to head to Xingluo City for the competition."

.........

(End of this chapter)