Douluo Dragon King: Doumu's Blessing, I Am the Star Lord

As for Guyue...

She swiftly and decisively froze Ma Hongjun's phantom image, then casually used a spatial teleportation technique to throw him into a spatial rift undetectable by the system.

Then, by sheer coincidence, it ended up in Na'er's assessment space!

The system neither determined that the opponent was defeated nor that Gu Yue was injured. It just got stuck in a bug and dragged on until the assessment time was up. The system could only determine that the level was not cleared.

Qian Gu Qingfeng, Xia Zheng Leng, and Leng Yao Zhu, who were standing nearby, had been watching the whole thing. Now, listening to the three little ones' complaints, they couldn't help but chuckle.

Aside from Na'er, who is carefree and only wants to win, the other two are trying their best to avoid passing the test.

Gu Yue even unintentionally helped Na'er.

Ya Li looked at the three little ones who were still joking with each other, her face still maintaining the gentle smile that Holy Spirit Douluo always had. However, there was a hint of unspeakable helplessness, as well as an uncontrollable shock and sigh in that smile.

The Black-level assessment is a challenge that only the top disciples of Shrek Academy are qualified to take on. Not to mention that the system has been running for nearly ten thousand years, and this is the first time that a Red-level trial has been automatically triggered right after the Black-level assessment ended.

Even more outrageous is that Qian Gu Xing Ci not only withstood the full force of Tang San's modified phantom, but also nearly shattered the gatekeeper, and then precisely exited the game just one second before the system judged the level to be cleared.

She cleared her throat, suppressed the surging emotions in her heart, and forced a smile as she spoke: "The three of you are truly geniuses. Even among the most outstanding geniuses in Shrek Academy's history, very few have been able to deliver such a performance at this age."

Congratulations to the three of you for successfully completing the assessment. Now, I'll take you to the Golden Tree.

As soon as she finished speaking, the group followed Ya Li's footsteps and slowly walked out of the trial building, which was made entirely of dark silver metal.

Unlike the bustling outer courtyard, the core area of ​​Shrek's inner courtyard exudes a tranquility and profoundness that has been accumulated over 20,000 years.

Underfoot is a smooth, warm bluestone path worn smooth by time, flanked by ancient trees over a hundred years old, their thick branches intertwined and stretching towards the sky, weaving a dense canopy overhead.

Golden sunlight filters through the leaves, casting dappled patterns of gold on the flagstones. The wind rustles through the trees, carrying the fresh, clean scent of grass and wood, along with an increasingly rich, warm, and vibrant life force.

The aura was not intense, nor did it scorch like a raging fire; rather, it was like the warm sun melting snow in spring, seeping into one's limbs and bones in gentle, subtle ways.

Just by taking a casual breath, one can feel the restless soul power in their dantian instantly become soothed and peaceful, and every pore on their body seems to open up, greedily absorbing this refreshing warmth.

"Wow, the air here is so refreshing!" Na'er skipped and hopped ahead, her nose twitching slightly, her big eyes shining like they were filled with starlight.

Looking at her lively and spirited appearance, Yali's smile became more genuine, and she nodded softly, explaining, "This is the life force emanating from the Golden Ancient Tree."

This ancient tree has been rooted in Shrek Academy for a full 20,000 years. It is the foundation of the entire academy and one of the few places on the Douluo Continent where the essence of life gathers.

Leng Yaozhu walked beside her, her phoenix eyes sweeping over the ancient trees on both sides, which were exceptionally lush and nourished by the life force. "I have long heard that the Shrek Golden Tree is the core of life on the continent. Seeing it today, I can see that the aura it exudes alone can nourish the entire forest with such spiritual charm. It truly lives up to its reputation."

"Yes." Xia Zhengleng gently took Qian Gu Qingfeng's arm, her voice tender.

As they talked, the cobblestone path beneath their feet meandered forward, passing through dense forest, until the view suddenly opened up before them.

A vast lake, as clear as a sapphire, suddenly appeared before everyone's eyes.

This is the soul of Shrek – Poseidon Lake.

The lake was calm and still, like a huge, meticulously polished crystal, clearly reflecting the blue sky, white clouds, and willow branches hanging down from the shore.

The lake water is crystal clear, revealing swaying emerald green water plants and silver fish swimming by with their tails swaying. Occasionally, a few white water birds skim across the surface, their wings lightly touching the water, creating ripples that slowly spread out into the distance.

The lake shore is covered with soft, carpet-like grass, dotted with blue and purple wildflowers. When the wind blows, the sweet fragrance of the flowers mingles with the moist scent of the lake water and the life force of the ancient golden trees, bringing a sense of peace to the mind and making one unconsciously slow down.

Qian Gu Xing Ci's gaze fell upon the lake surface.

He could clearly sense that this seemingly calm lake also contained a vast and gentle life energy.

The life essence contained within is an excellent tonic for the wounds inflicted by the split between Gu Yue and Na'er.

The two girls exuded a much more relaxed and gentle aura than usual.

Gu Yue walked beside him, her cool gaze sweeping across the lake and landing on the area in the distance shrouded in golden light, a hint of gentleness flashing in her eyes.

"Xingci! Guyue! Come and see!" Na'er had already run to the lakeside and squatted on the shore, gently splashing the lake water with her tender white hands.

Yali slowly walked to her side, "The water of the Sea God Lake has long been a spiritual water that nourishes the soul master's essence. If you suffer internal injuries or excessive depletion of soul power, resting in the lake for a few days will allow you to recover several times faster than outside."

Every year, our grandest Shrek Academy event, the Sea God's Fate Blind Date Festival, is also held on this lake.

The group continued along the lake shore, and the deeper they went into the lake, the stronger the sense of life became.

In the end, the aura transformed into a tangible golden mist, enveloping everyone. With each breath, they could feel the soul power within their dantian pulsating and growing joyfully.

The vegetation in the forest is becoming more and more lush. Even the most ordinary grass and trees by the roadside are growing greener and taller than elsewhere. Ancient trees that are thousands of years old can be seen everywhere. However, these ancient trees, which are considered sacred trees in the outside world, are as small as toys in a child's hands in front of the huge tree at the end of the lake.

After passing through a dense forest of golden leaves, the entire ancient golden tree was finally revealed to everyone without reservation.

At that moment, everyone instinctively stopped in their tracks.

It didn't look like a tree at all; it was more like a golden mountain rising from the ground and piercing the clouds.

Its trunk is thicker than you can imagine; even if a dozen adult men held hands and formed a circle around it, they might not be able to encircle it.

The bark is a warm, golden color, with faint, gilded sap slowly flowing between its crisscrossing grooves.

The main trunk extends straight upwards, and at a height of tens of meters, it branches out into countless branches as thick as the body of a giant dragon. These branches then divide into finer branches, layer upon layer, spreading out endlessly in all directions.

Like a giant golden hand that blots out the sky, it firmly covers half of the inner courtyard under the tree canopy.

Standing under the tree and looking up, you can't see the end of the canopy at all; you can only see layers upon layers of golden leaves, gleaming with a warm and gentle luster in the sunlight.

Each leaf appears to be meticulously crafted from the purest gold, its veins clear and complete, its edges shimmering with a soft light. When the wind blows, thousands of leaves sway gently, rustling softly like celestial music from ancient times.

Ya Li stood to the side, a gentle smile of pride on her face, and softly introduced to everyone: "This golden ancient tree is the root of Shrek Academy, the soul of Shrek Academy. For 20,000 years, countless wars have raged on the continent, countless times darkness has descended, but as long as this tree is still here, Shrek Academy will never fall."

Chapter 44 The Golden Tree, Stealing from the Wall (Please Read Further)

Qian Gu Xing Ci still looked up at the golden ancient tree, the golden star pattern between his brows pulsating slightly. He could clearly sense that deep within this tree lay a vast, boundless, and almost inexhaustible source of life.

Xia Zheng coldly gazed at the golden specks of light dancing in the sky and sighed softly, "No wonder they say that cultivating under the Golden Tree for a day is equivalent to several months of arduous training outside. Just standing here, I can feel that the flow of my soul power has become smoother than ever before."

Upon hearing this, Yali smiled and stepped aside to make way for the tree heart, making an inviting gesture and saying in a gentle tone, "Everyone, please come in."

The group walked slowly toward the trunk of the ancient golden tree. Countless golden fireflies fell upon them, gilding each of them with a gentle golden hue.

Behind them, the shimmering waters of Poseidon Lake stretched out, while before them stood the majestic golden tree. The sedimentation of 20,000 years of time and the youthful vigor blended together in this moment.

Yali led the group through the tree-lined path of the island in the center of Poseidon Lake, finally stopping in front of the legendary building that blended seamlessly with the ancient golden tree.

Sea God Pavilion.

This is not a house in the ordinary sense, but a wooden pavilion leaning against the trunk of an ancient golden tree.

Golden logs meander along the gnarled branches of the ancient tree, the bark patterns seamlessly blending with the wood grain, as if the golden tree had been there since it took root.

The upturned eaves are hidden among layers of golden leaves. When the wind blows, the golden leaves rustle and the warm, life-giving scent of wood wafts out.

This is the absolute core of Shrek Academy, a sacred place recognized by the soul master community on the continent for 20,000 years.

Yali pushed open the large wooden door that blended seamlessly with the grain of the ancient tree, and the group slowly walked in.

Before your eyes is an extremely spacious main hall, with the floor paved with warm white jade. The main seat at the far end is suspended in mid-air, surrounded by a faint yet powerful aura that could eclipse the heavens and earth.

Just as everyone stood still, a figure appeared without warning in front of the main seat.

He wore a simple moon-white robe, his figure was as upright as a pine tree, and his face was handsome and peaceful. Even though he was just standing there, he gave people the illusion of being as majestic as a mountain.

He didn't release any soul power, yet the entire Sea God Pavilion seemed to revolve slowly around him.

Even titled Douluo like Qian Gu Qingfeng and Leng Yaozhu subconsciously restrained their aura in his presence.

It was none other than Yun Ming, the current master of the Sea God Pavilion and the number one person on the continent, the Sky-Supporting Douluo.

This was also the first time that Qian Gu Xing Ci, Gu Yue, and Na'er had faced this legendary Sky-Supporting Douluo directly. Na'er curiously raised her eyes to examine him.

Gu Yue remained aloof, though her gaze sharpened slightly.

Qian Gu Xing Ci nodded slightly, bowing respectfully without any arrogance or servility. His eyes showed no fear, only a direct respect for the number one person on the continent.

Yun Ming's gaze slowly swept over the three children, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes. His gentle yet authoritative voice rang out: "The secluded training ground in the core area of ​​the Golden Tree has already been prepared for you."

He pointed to the long corridor deep in the main hall, his tone calm: "Gu Yue, go straight to the third room on the left. Na'er, go straight to the second room on the right. Qian Gu Xing Ci, the deepest room at the end of the corridor. You can focus on your cultivation here; no one can disturb you."

As soon as he finished speaking, his figure vanished into the air as silently as when he appeared, leaving only the echo of his voice gently reverberating in the corridor.

It's worth mentioning that to the left of the Eternal Star Farewell is a place that is perfectly suited for light and dark elemental soul masters to cultivate.

On the right is the secluded retreat of Dean Cai, a one-armed man who wishes to remain anonymous.

Following the directions, Gu Yue slowly walked to the third door on the left side of the corridor.

The wooden door was ajar, and the moment she touched it, she could clearly sense the surging tide of elements behind it. With a gentle push, the door opened, and in an instant, an aura of the seven elements, so dense it was almost tangible, rushed out.

The intense heat of fire, the gentle warmth of water, the lightness of wind, the weight of earth, the holiness of light, the profundity of darkness, and the etherealness of space—the seven most fundamental elements of heaven and earth flowed and surged in an orderly fashion in this small room. The walls were covered with intricate and precise spirit-gathering arrays, continuously drawing the elemental power from within a hundred miles to this place. Even the most ordinary elemental soul masters could see their cultivation speed increase several times over upon entering this place.

Yun Ming's voice rang out again in the room, gentle yet clear: "This secluded cultivation room is the legacy left behind by Shrek Academy's top elemental experts throughout the ages. The magic array can draw upon all the primordial elements in the world, helping you comprehend the elements and hone your control over them."

Gu Yue listened quietly, her face expressionless, yet her heart remained undisturbed.

What others might consider a sacred sanctuary of elements, something rare and unattainable, was of little use to her. She was, after all, the reincarnation of the Silver Dragon King, the master of all elements in this world. The elements of heaven and earth moved according to her will, so why should she need to comprehend them?

What truly stirred her heart was the life essence of the golden tree seeping through the stone walls and wooden beams.

These are of great benefit to her splitting and healing the wounds of the Asura God.

---

On the other side, Na'er pushed open the wooden door of the second room on the right.

The moment the door opened, dazzling silver light instantly filled the field of vision. The extremely rich spatial elements filled every corner of the room. Tiny, transparent spatial ripples could be seen everywhere in the air. The ground underfoot was not a solid surface, but a stable, mirror-like spatial layer. Stepping on it would cause circles of spatial ripples to appear.

The walls of the room are engraved with spatial arrays that even titled Douluo would have to study diligently, transforming the entire room into an independent and stable spatial secret realm.

"This secluded cultivation room is a cultivation secret realm specially created for space-type soul masters." Yun Ming's voice echoed in the space. "The magic array can stabilize the origin of space, help you comprehend the power of space, and can even simulate the spatial fluctuations of interdimensional travel, which will have a transformative effect on your spatial abilities."

He paused, his tone carrying a hint of reverence for her talent: "Na'er, your silver dragon bloodline talent is the only one I have ever seen in my life."

"If you are willing to join my sect and become my disciple, I can not only provide you with a more suitable lineage, but also devote all the resources of the Sea God Pavilion and Shrek Academy to help you fully unleash your bloodline potential, ensuring your future achievements are limitless."

The opportunity mentioned in those words was enough to drive any Soul Master on the entire continent mad. But Na'er, without a second thought, shook her head, her small face filled with determination, her clear voice showing no hesitation: "I won't become a disciple! Absolutely not!"

She spoke with absolute certainty, and after finishing, she glanced around warily, as if afraid that Yun Ming would suddenly appear and insist on taking her as his disciple.

Chapter 45 The Golden Tree Spirit, the Pure and Immaculate Tang God King (Please continue reading)

At the end of the long corridor, Qian Gu Xing Ci pushed open the heavy wooden door at the deepest part.

Unlike the previous two rooms, there was no surging elemental energy or dazzling light inside the door, only a deep, tranquil, and vast sense of starry sky that greeted you.

On the antique shelves around the room, dozens of pieces of extraterrestrial meteorite iron of varying sizes were scattered about. Each piece of meteorite iron was completely black, but its surface was covered with clear star patterns, quietly reflecting the entire universe. Pure and powerful stellar energy slowly diffused from the ore, faintly resonating with the star pattern between his brows.