Douluo Continent: Ink Bamboo as a Cauldron to Break Through Ten Thousand Heavens

Chen Cheng gazed at Chu Chen, who was intently studying the documents, lost in thought:

"This little girl has good comprehension and her ability to absorb knowledge is slightly stronger than Huo Yuhao's. However, she is not a spirit-type soul master. Although the Yin-Yang Robe martial soul also increases spiritual power attributes when it is cultivated, most people in the Douluo Continent II era do not pay attention to spiritual power. Cultivating the Purple Demon Eye is considered to be a top performer who persists in cultivating spiritual power."

"Judging from this girl's cultivation progress, even if someone in her family is involved, the help they can provide wouldn't be much more than what Xiao Xiao could offer. Someone unfamiliar with Yin-Yang attributes added auxiliary abilities to her first two spirit rings instead of finding spirit beasts that could activate Yin-Yang attributes. This is probably why Shrek Academy doesn't want to invest heavily in her. It's already difficult enough to cultivate a student of average talent; now that they've discovered she's gone astray, they don't know if continuing to invest will straighten the crooked tree. Moreover, an academy is ultimately an academy; it can't force anyone to stay. Officially, it doesn't have that right. Therefore, they can only try to appeal to her emotions or tie her down with benefits. This makes the investment a bottomless pit, so Shrek Academy certainly won't be that sucker."

"However, her martial spirit is still very valuable. When she was learning Tai Chi in the morning, even though she didn't deliberately activate her martial spirit, Xiao Xiao, who was also a beginner, couldn't reach her rhythm and feeling. But later, she deepened her understanding of Yin and Yang and integrated them into her boxing style. Perhaps she can really achieve something? At that time, I can try to use my soul power and martial spirit to simulate the operation of Yin and Yang in Tai Chi. It can be considered as picking up scraps from someone else's work in a certain sense."

Thinking of this, Chen Cheng couldn't help but laugh out loud. He quickly covered his mouth, realizing how embarrassing it was to stare at the girl with such a silly grin!

However, Chu Chen was focused on her studies and didn't look up at all.

"Sigh, Shrek Academy's assessment methods still have problems. Despite starting with the slogan 'There are no useless spirit souls, only useless spirit masters,' it's actually the academy on the entire continent that's most strict about talent and places the most emphasis on spirit soul quality. The assessment methods born from such a place don't even give a fair chance, not even those who truly work hard. Shrek has been 'theory of genius above all else' for a long time!"

"If I want to change this situation, I certainly can't do it on my own. After all, Elder Mu is now all-powerful, but he doesn't have absolute authority in Shrek Academy. Some things still need to be discussed and compromised. To carry out truly sweeping reforms, it's impossible without influence and absolute power."

"Perhaps I can try to bring my own forces into the Tang Sect and gradually develop them into my own power. This would make it easier to deal with the upcoming war or to implement my plans in the future."

Thinking this, Chen Cheng glanced at Chu Chen and decided to ask her if she would like to join the Tang Clan during dinner that evening. He also decided to discuss the development of the Tang Clan with Bei Bei.

Gathering his thoughts, Chen Cheng shifted his attention back to soul tools, continuing his research on the level-five soul tools he could use. By utilizing mechanical technology to eliminate the soul power required for energy gathering and firing, he could significantly reduce the soul power needed without affecting the soul tool's functionality. When Chen Cheng truly reached the Soul King level, these soul tools would be even more energy-efficient than ordinary level-five soul tools.

The downside was that Chen Cheng had only completed a small portion of the research and design by lunchtime. However, he wasn't too annoyed. If the technology he possessed were truly promoted, it would cause a huge stir. As the first person to try it, he naturally couldn't rush things. He had to continue developing this technology properly, and he would also have a part in promoting technological progress in the future.

"So, Chu Chen, are you interested in joining our Tang Sect?"

At the dinner table, Tang Ya held Chu Chen's hand, acting like a caring older sister, and patiently explained the Tang Sect's unique skills to her in detail. She believed that the Tang Sect's unique skills were very tempting for a support-type Soul Master.

Beibei also spoke up, "Our sect is currently in decline and doesn't have many rules. After you join our Tang Sect, we'll all be family. If you need anything, just ask, and we'll all lend a hand when needed."

Chu Chen nodded and agreed.

"It has to be said that the Tang Sect's unique skills are quite tempting for ordinary support-type Soul Masters, especially those without much power or talent. It's simply another way to strengthen themselves. But unfortunately, what has been passed down are all the versions that Tang Shenwang (the founder of the Tang Sect) censored. People usually believe that the younger generation surpasses the older generation, but Tang San seems afraid that the younger generation will crush him, so he even went so far as to censor the sect's techniques." Chen Cheng watched from the side and sighed when he saw that the matter had come to an end.

He then called out to Beibei, saying, "Chuchen didn't pass the freshman assessment after all. Even though I mentioned it to Director Du before, her potential probably isn't enough to keep her here. How about we find a place for her to settle down? As Tang Sect gradually grows and expands, it will need a definite address. The recruited members and businesses also need a region to develop."

Beibei pondered for a moment, then nodded in agreement. After taking on this task, everyone continued to speak freely.

After the meal, Chen Cheng took Huo Yuhao and Chu Chen to the Soul Guidance Department to continue their evening studies.

As Huo Yuhao began practicing the Chaotic Cloak Wind-blowing Technique, Chen Cheng guided Chu Chen in her studies. Chu Chen's physical abilities were slightly stronger than Huo Yuhao's at the beginning, and she tried her best, but being a girl, her learning speed was still slightly slower compared to Huo Yuhao's initial progress.

When the three of them left the experimental area, Chen Cheng handed over the medicinal herbs for the body-refining bath to Chu Chen. After all, men and women are different, and he couldn't let her do it in the experimental area like Huo Yuhao had done before, so he had to let her take it back and soak in it.

Chen Cheng repeatedly explained the operation of the Xuan Tian Gong and some key points of cultivating the Purple Extreme Demon Eye, and then the three of them said goodbye.

After Chen Cheng spent another night cultivating outside, as the sun rose and purple clouds appeared in the east, Huo Yuhao and the other three came to Chen Cheng's place.

  

"Alright, now I'm afraid I'll have to teach four people Tai Chi at once! Oh dear, I really brought this on myself. Why did I have to bring it up in the first place?"

Sure enough, after Xiao Xiao explained the situation to the three kids yesterday, Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong were also very enthusiastic today, pestering Chen Cheng to come and study with them.

After instructing them on the basic movements, Chen Cheng let the three children practice on their own. Then, he came to Chu Chen, ready to guide her in combining her martial spirit with Tai Chi, to see if she could gain anything from it.

Chu Chen conjured her Yin-Yang Martial Soul Robe onto her body, assuming a stance. Her movements shifted from slow to circular, the white robe swirling around her like a blooming white lotus. When she performed the "Grasp the Sparrow's Tail" move, her long sleeves twisted with her waist, drawing powerful arcs in the air, the folds seemingly brimming with tension. During the "Cloud Hands" move, her arms formed loops, the wide sleeves billowing out in layers, stirring the surrounding morning mist and shimmering light.

Gradually, the yin and yang energy on the white robe seemed to circulate around him, and the wide robe fluttered slightly in the wind. With each breath, the white robe seemed to come alive—the cuffs billowed like flowing clouds, and the hem swept the ground like a startled swan, yet remained untouched by dust.

As he retracted his fist, a glint of light seemed to flash in his eyes, his breath was steady, and his steps were firm. Standing upright, his white robe flowed smoothly and neatly around his body, without a trace of disorder. The yin and yang energies swirling around him further accentuated Chu Chen's exceptionally outstanding temperament.

"Wow, is this the state I should be in for the second day of practice? When I was practicing, I felt that Zhang Wuji could learn it after watching it only once, which was really outrageous. But seeing that someone can actually learn it so quickly makes me feel relieved. Everyone has their own expertise, and every profession can produce an expert. However, because she didn't have the same enlightenment as me before, she can't directly apply the techniques of borrowing force and striking force to Tai Chi. In addition, there are no descriptions and teachings of Tai Chi in this world, so it's difficult for them to have a clear mental image of Tai Chi like I do, and it's also difficult for them to know where to go next."

Chen Cheng highly praised Chu Chen's performance. Afterwards, he shared some of his insights and views on Tai Chi. The three of them finished their morning exercise and headed to the cafeteria.

Along the way, Chu Chen remained mostly silent, walking alone at the back as if deep in thought.

Previously, Chen Cheng had received an invitation from Director Du to participate in and watch the elimination rounds of the freshman assessment. So, after finishing his meal, he gave Chu Chen the key to the experimental area and went to the assessment area with the three little ones.

The elimination rounds no longer have as many zones as before. The partitions have been repositioned, and now there are only 16 zones, each of which is more spacious, allowing trainees to showcase their abilities.

The elimination rounds will last for three days, with one match each in the morning and afternoon each day, to determine the final three teams. And indeed, only these three teams will receive a substantial reward in the freshman assessment.

The trainees drew lots one by one from Director Du. After the draw, they went to their respective areas to begin the assessment. The assessment time was shortened so that the winning teams could rest as soon as possible to recover for the afternoon's competition. The losing teams went directly back to the classroom for class.

When Chen Cheng saw Huo Yuhao's opponent in the area, the corner of his mouth twitched involuntarily.

"I suspect there's something fishy about this draw! How can someone immediately be matched against a seeded team? Why didn't your Ning Tian team even present their rankings before giving them the honor of being a core disciple?"

That's right, Huo Yuhao and his team's opponents in their area were none other than Ning Tian's team. And Ning Tian was a three-ring Soul Master, possessing the world's number one support martial soul—the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda!

Chen Cheng looked around from the stands and noticed that Director Du was indeed looking in their direction, showing great interest in the Guard Squad.

"Alas, Huo Yuhao, it's not that I've ruined you, it's this chaotic world that has ruined you! And Ning Tian, ​​although I did accept your commission before, seeing you about to be defeated so early, I really feel a little sorry for you."

The match did not stop because of Chen Cheng's inner monologue and strange expression. Under the referee's instructions, the two sides exchanged names.

"Ning Tian, ​​Class 9 of the freshmen, a level 31 auxiliary-type weapon spirit master." The voice was calm, but after he finished speaking, instead of Huo Yuhao introducing himself, they were stunned and didn't make a sound for a while.

Chen Cheng was practically dying of laughter in the stands: "Hahahaha, I was completely stunned! I bet Huo Yuhao will be complaining about his luck at lunch. Out of 64 teams, he drew an opponent with a Soul Master in the very first match. His luck is unbelievable!"

Seeing that they didn't speak, the red-haired girl said with a hint of disdain, "Class 9, freshmen, Wu Feng, level 25 offensive-type Soul Master."

The girl with long, light green hair on the other side also spoke up: "Nanmen Yun'er, Class 9, Level 24 Agility-type Battle Soul Master."

Huo Yuhao and the others had recovered and reported their names and levels in turn. When Wu Feng heard that Huo Yuhao was only level 18, he clearly curled his lip and showed a nonchalant expression.

Chen Cheng was quite interested; even knowing the outcome, he wanted to see what methods Huo Yuhao and his group would use this time.

"Now we'll see what kind of tricks Huo Yuhao and his team can pull off!"