Douluo: The Martial Soul Asura Armor, a Good Spirit Turning Evil

Yan Shaozhe cleared his throat and steered the conversation back on track: "Let's get down to business."

He unfolded a document, which was filled with lists of names and schedules.

"The Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament is held every five years, with the next one scheduled for next year. As is customary, the spots for the Shrek Seven Devils will be determined through a qualifying tournament three months before the tournament."

Qian Duoduo chimed in, "But this year is a special case. The Sun Moon Empire has been making frequent moves, making the competition more prestigious and politically significant than in previous years. The academy needs a strong team; we can't rely solely on luck in the qualifiers."

"Therefore, the academy is prepared to specially approve you as the designated Shrek Seven Devils." Yan Shaozhe looked at the two of them. "With the direct suppressive power of the Shura Armor and Ye Guyi's Holy Angel, I believe you are also worthy of the status of the Seven Devils."

Duanmu Yan asked, "What about the other candidates?"

"Still screening." Yan Shaozhe closed the file. "But your core positions won't be changed."

Qian Duoduo added, "To put it bluntly, we've already given you the title of Shrek Seven Devils and the resources are in place ahead of time. Don't let me down later."

Duanmu Yan's brows twitched slightly.

The Shrek Seven Devils.

Everyone knows what this title means in the academy.

It's not just about honors, but also about a complete set of tailor-made training programs and resource allocations.

"The academy's intention is to finalize this in advance to facilitate subsequent resource allocation and tactical refinement," Yan Shaozhe added.

"We evaluated the combination of your two martial souls during the inner court assessment. The direct suppression of the Asura Armor combined with Ye Guyi's Holy Angel has high practical value."

Ye Guyi asked, "When will it be officially announced?"

"It's not certain yet." Yan Shaozhe glanced at Duanmu Yan, "but training will start next week. I'll have someone adjust the schedule for your inspection team's mission."

Duanmu Yan remained silent for two seconds.

The Shrek Seven Devils.

In the past, he wouldn't have been interested in such a title.

But things are different now.

Electrolux's remnant soul slumbered in his mind. He needed resources, time, and a higher platform to find the Blade of the Living.

"I'm fine," he said.

Ye Guyi nodded in agreement: "Me too."

Yan Shaozhe leaned back in his chair with satisfaction, and Qian Duoduo also smiled.

The four of them sat at the desk and drank tea for a while. Perhaps sensing that the time was right, Yan Shaozhe suddenly changed the subject:

"Duanmu Yan, would you be interested in becoming my disciple?"

Duanmu Yan was taken aback.

Qian Duoduo stood up abruptly: "Yan Gongji, what do you mean?"

For Qian Duoduo and for the Soul Guidance Department, Duanmu Yan was never just an ordinary student who took a side course.

He is talented and eager to learn. His relationship with Qian Duoduo is that of both teacher and friend. Although they are not formally master and student, they are in a similar relationship.

Moreover, the Soul Guidance System is inherently weaker than the Martial Soul System. It's not easy for Qian Duoduo to tolerate someone poaching such a golden talent right under his nose.

"The literal meaning." Yan Shaozhe leaned back in his chair, slowly picking up his teacup. "Such a promising talent can't just be left to fend for itself. Although the inner academy assigns mentors, can they be the same as direct disciples?"

"Bullshit!" Qian Duoduo slammed his hand on the table, making the teacup jump. "You know Duanmu Yan's talent in the Soul Guidance Department. A level six Soul Guidance Master, what can your Martial Soul Department give him?"

"Soul tools?" Yan Shaozhe raised an eyebrow. "His martial soul is the Asura Armor, which requires the use of soul power and combat skills, not your metal lumps."

"A lump of iron?" Qian Duoduo's face turned red. "Yan Shaozhe, do you believe I'll show you the power of this lump of iron right now!"

The two deans glared at each other across the coffee table, the tension in the air growing stronger.

Duanmu Yan and Ye Guyi exchanged a glance, neither daring to interrupt.

Yan Shaozhe slowly put down his teacup, then suddenly laughed: "Hehe, Lao Qian, what's the rush? I didn't say I had to snatch it."

Qian Duoduo looked at him warily.

He and Yan Shaozhe had been at Shrek Academy for the same amount of time. They had become good friends together since they were in the outer academy. He knew Yan Shaozhe too well. If this old fox suddenly let his mouth open, it was definitely not for anything good.

"This is what I'm thinking—" Yan Shaozhe interlaced his fingers, turning his gaze to Duanmu Yan, "Duanmu Yan, it's your choice. Join the Martial Soul Department, and I'll personally mentor you, with priority given to you by the Sea God Pavilion's resources. Of course, you can continue to stay in the Soul Guidance Department as well."

Qian Duoduo's eyes widened upon hearing this, but the words stuck in her throat.

Yan Shaozhe's move was too ruthless. By giving the choice to Duanmu Yan, any further trouble from him would be considered unreasonable.

The two of them looked at Duanmu Yan at the same time.

Duanmu Yan remained silent for a few seconds.

He glanced at Yan Shaozhe, then at Qian Duoduo.

One of the deans was shrewd and calculating, while the other was straightforward and hot-tempered, but both genuinely wanted to teach him.

Duanmu Yan did not rush to speak.

He was weighing his options.

The benefits of becoming Yan Shaozhe's disciple are obvious—

With the resources of the Sea God Pavilion, the Dean's personal guidance, and the more secure spots for the Shrek Seven Devils, the situation is even more stable.

From then on, I faced far fewer constraints when acting within the academy.

But the downsides are also clear.

Having a direct disciple means being bound to the master.

This means he can no longer run to the mainland after accepting a mission, disappearing for ten days or half a month at a time, just like before.

This means he needs to attend various events, maintain Shrek's image, and so on—

It was tied up.

Duanmu Yan disliked being tied down.

He lives only to kill evil spirit masters.

Entering the inner courtyard is to become stronger, and becoming stronger is to kill even more thoroughly.

As for carrying on Shrek's glory and bringing honor to the academy...

He never cared about these things.

Yan Shaozhe and Qian Duoduo were both looking at him.

Ye Guyi looked at him, without urging him, and just waited quietly.

"Thank you for your kind offer, Dean Yan," Duanmu Yan said calmly, "but I cannot become your disciple."

Yan Shaozhe raised an eyebrow slightly, but did not speak immediately.

Qian Duoduo was stunned, clearly not expecting him to refuse.

"Why?" Yan Shaozhe asked, his tone devoid of emotion.

"I'm not suited to be tied down," Duanmu Yan said bluntly. "I'll continue to take on missions from the inspection team, and I'll continue to kill those who deserve to be killed. Becoming your disciple represents your reputation. My methods might cause you trouble."

He paused, then added, "Besides, I'm not very good at being an apprentice."

The office was silent for a few seconds.

Yan Shaozhe stared at him for a while, then suddenly smiled.

"Okay." He leaned back in his chair. "Having your own opinions is a good thing. But—"

He changed the subject, pointing at Qian Duoduo: "Aren't you going to pay respects to Old Qian either?"

Duanmu Yan shook his head: "I won't bow. Dean Duo has already taught me enough; I don't need that title."

Qian Duoduo opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but seeing Duanmu Yan's calm eyes, she swallowed her words back.

He knew Duanmu Yan's temperament all too well; once he made up his mind, nothing could change it.

"Alright, alright." Qian Duoduo waved her hand. "If you don't want to worship, then don't. Anyway, I still have to teach you."

Yan Shaozhe didn't say anything more, picked up his teacup and took a sip: "That's all for today. Go back and prepare well, and don't be late for training next week."

Duanmu Yan and Ye Guyi got up to take their leave.

As they walked out of the office, Ye Guyi gently nudged his arm: "You really dared to say that just now."

Duanmu Yan did not answer, but quickened his pace.

After all, I was still hungry.