Douluo Dragon King: Embarking on the Path to Godhood from the Start

Chapter 97:

"Our class monitor is amazing! She actually managed to challenge the dance teacher, who's in a higher grade!"

Xu Xiaoyan watched the collision in the center of the training field and couldn't help but gasp softly.

The turbulent energy flow, a blend of icy blue and dark gold, made her heart pound even through the protective shield.

Tang Wulin's gaze was fixed on the arena, and he said in a deep voice, "Yes, after a winter break, Brother Chen has become even stronger."

"Sigh, it seems we can forget about catching up with Brother Chen."

Xie Xie touched his nose, his tone somewhat wistful, but then his eyes regained their fervor.

"However, since our boss is so strong, we underlings can't fall too far behind! We need to work even harder!"

Before their discussions had even subsided, the situation in the center of the battle platform had already changed dramatically!

After the ear-piercing, tearing metallic clang reached its peak, spiderweb-like fine cracks suddenly appeared on the surface of Wu Changkong's imposing "Heavenly Frost Slash," which had formed an ice-blue light blade!

Immediately afterward, under the continuous impact of Yu Chen's claw shadows, which were imbued with a sharp, dark gold aura, the light blade shattered with a deafening roar, turning into countless ice crystal fragments that scattered in all directions!

Although Yu Chen's claw shadow had dimmed by nearly half, its remaining force was still fierce, like the claws of death, slicing through the pervasive cold mist and ice crystals, heading straight for Wu Changkong's face!

This unexpected turn of events almost made Tang Wulin and his two companions, who were watching from the sidelines, skip a beat.

Faced with this unexpected outcome and the subsequent attack, Wu Changkong's eyes flashed with a sharp light.

His soul power surged violently, no longer limited by the level 39 restriction. At the critical moment, the Heavenly Frost Sword blocked in front of him, and the sword body burst out with a more solid blue light!

"clang!"

With another crisp sound, the remaining claw shadows were successfully blocked and dispersed. Wu Changkong stood with his sword in hand, his figure as steady as a mountain, but everyone could see that he had just used soul power far exceeding the Soul Master level!

"I never imagined you'd come to this."

Wu Changkong sheathed his Heavenly Frost Sword, looking at Yu Chen who was slowly landing opposite him. His usually cold voice carried a rare hint of complex emotion.

"In a few years, you'll probably be qualified to fight me at full strength."

He paused, then added, "Now... I'm starting to regret not forcibly bringing you into the Tang Clan."

He wasn't joking.

In the previous exchange, if he had truly only used Soul Master level Soul Power and had completely adopted the combat mindset of a Soul Master, then Yu Chen's series of attacks, which combined time acceleration, the burst of dragon physique, and special claw strikes, could indeed have put him at a disadvantage, or even resulted in his defeat.

He could have easily dodged it with his superior agility, but that would have been tantamount to admitting defeat at the "same level".

Therefore, he chose to enhance his soul power to block, which saved face but also meant that he admitted that the "Soul Master" condition he set had been broken by Yu Chen.

"I was too overconfident in this competition; I set the requirements too low."

Wu Changkong was very frank and directly admitted his defeat, saying, "According to the rules I initially set, I lost."

"It's Teacher Wu who's being too kind."

Yu Chen deactivated his second bloodlust state, the fine dragon scales slowly faded, his aura fluctuated slightly, but his eyes remained bright.

He knew that if Wu Changkong used higher-level soul power or richer Soul Emperor-level battle techniques from the beginning, he would have no chance of winning.

On the other edge of the training ground, Gu Yue had already dissipated the various elemental lights surrounding her, and her two purple soul rings quietly disappeared.

She looked at Yu Chen, who had become the focus of attention, and a glimmer of pride, relief, and a little bit of emotion flashed deep in her purple eyes.

That look seemed to say, "Hmph, you're quick to show off, but my elemental combination didn't even get a chance to be displayed."

Feeling her gaze, Yu Chen turned his head and looked at her. Meeting her slightly reproachful eyes, he could only give her a helpless smile that mixed with apology and "I'll definitely do it next time."

The subtle interaction between the two was quietly observed by the perceptive Xu Xiaoyan.

"The class monitor and the others...did they really make Teacher Wu...admit defeat?"

Xu Xiaoyan only found her voice at this moment, and it was still filled with disbelief.

In her past understanding, teachers, especially powerful teachers like Wu Changkong, were almost invincible symbols of authority.

"Yes... although Teacher Wu increased her soul power, according to the rules it is indeed..."

Tang Wulin and Xie Xie exchanged glances, feeling both shocked and taken for granted—after all, he was their Brother Chen.

At this moment, in the center of the battle platform, although he was "defeated" by his disciple under the rules, Wu Changkong showed no displeasure on his face. Instead, he revealed a faint, almost gratified expression.

"very good."

His voice remained steady, but it carried more weight.

"It seems that you did not slack off at all during the winter break, and even made a qualitative leap."

"That's good. Over the next semester, I will develop a more appropriate and challenging training plan based on your current abilities. Don't let your guard down."

"Yes, Ms. Dance!"

Yu Chen and Gu Yue responded in unison, and then left the competition area side by side.

The two naturally walked to the side, their hands quietly clasped together, their fingertips conveying the excitement and tacit understanding after the battle.

Although Gu Yue had a little "complaint", Yu Chen's outstanding performance also made her proud.

Wu Changkong's gaze then turned to the remaining three: "Tang Wulin, Xie Xie, Xu Xiaoyan, it's your turn next."

"Your combat training will be conducted in the form of team battles."

"Xie Xie, you are a Great Soul Master, so you'll be on your own. Tang Wulin and Xu Xiaoyan, you two are both Soul Masters, so you'll form a team to fight against Xie Xie."

"Objective: Defeat him, or survive long enough under his control."

"Yes!" Tang Wulin and Xie Xie immediately responded loudly, full of fighting spirit. Xu Xiaoyan was a beat slower, but quickly nodded in agreement, "Yes, Teacher Wu!"

"Tang Wulin, Xu Xiaoyan, this is your first time working together. I'll give you five minutes to familiarize yourselves with each other's martial souls and soul skills, and to have a preliminary discussion of tactical coordination. The battle will begin in five minutes."

After announcing the rules, Wu Changkong walked to the side and stood quietly to observe.

Tang Wulin and Xu Xiaoyan quickly went to a corner and began to talk.

Tang Wulin demonstrated his control over the Blue Silver Grass and the explosive power of the Golden Dragon Claw, while Xu Xiaoyan quietly introduced the characteristics of her Star Wheel Ice Staff, which was relatively ordinary during the day but had a slowing effect, and... the changes that might occur at night.

With time running out, the two could only devise a simple strategy:

Tang Wulin's Blue Silver Grass restricted Xie Xie's movement, while Xu Xiaoyan looked for opportunities to interfere and control him with the cold air from her ice staff. Finally, Tang Wulin sought an opportunity to close in and win the decisive battle.

Five minutes later, the battle began with Wu Changkong's "Start" command.

Although Xu Xiaoyan was new to the place and her coordination with Tang Wulin was still awkward, both of them were control-type Soul Masters (although Tang Wulin was more like a strong attacker), which to some extent did indeed restrain Xie Xie, who pursued extreme speed, as an agility-type Soul Master.

Tang Wulin's solid foundation and tenacious style stabilized his position, while Xu Xiaoyan carefully used the cold energy of her ice staff to continuously create small-scale slowdown zones, disrupting Xie Xie's rhythm.

In the end, thanks to Tang Wulin's skillful use of Blue Silver Grass to entangle and restrict Xie Xie, followed by a perfectly timed Golden Dragon Claw attack, Xie Xie was forced into a corner and had no choice but to admit defeat.

"The teamwork is passable, but their coordination and adaptability are still far from sufficient."

Wu Changkong offered a sharp critique of the combination of Tang Wulin and Xu Xiaoyan, and also pointed out Xie Xie's impatience and weaknesses when facing the chain of control.

Finally, he looked at everyone:

"Starting tomorrow, we'll have more regular joint training sessions. I'll be your opponent, and we'll have one sparring session each morning, noon, and evening. I'll adjust the intensity and methods based on your performance. Get ready."

"yes!"

The five responded in unison, feeling both pressure and anticipation.

Fighting against Wu Changkong is undoubtedly the fastest way to improve your combat skills.

Wu Changkong said no more and turned to leave the training room.

"Wow! Class monitor, Sister Guyue, you guys are amazing!"

Once Wu Changkong's footsteps faded into the distance, Xu Xiaoyan immediately sidled up to Yu Chen and Gu Yue, her little face full of admiration.

"To actually get someone as strict as the dance teacher to... well, I agree!"

"Hehe, Xiaoyan, as long as you work hard, you'll definitely become stronger quickly too."

Gu Yue loosened her grip on Yu Chen's hand and gently took Xu Xiaoyan's hand, offering gentle encouragement.

"Yes! Sister Gu Yue, I'll do my best! I definitely won't hold everyone back!"

Xu Xiaoyan nodded vigorously, feeling the strength and warmth of this new group. Her unease dissipated considerably, replaced by a firm determination.

"Oh right, it's almost lunchtime."

Xie Xie glanced at the time on his soul-guided communicator and suggested,

"Shall we go to the cafeteria together? It'll be a good opportunity for Xiaoyan to get acquainted with the specialties of our Donghai Academy cafeteria, and also..."

He glanced at Yu Chen and Tang Wulin and laughed, "Brother Chen and Wulin's 'unique appetites'."

"Hehe, Xie Xie, you're quite thoughtful." Yu Chen chuckled and patted Xie Xie's shoulder.

"Let's go together and see if the cafeteria has any new dishes after the holiday."

So, the group of five left the training room and walked towards the academy cafeteria, chatting and laughing.

After the morning's tests and practice, the tension of the new semester seemed to have lessened considerably, replaced by a familiar sense of unity and camaraderie.

......

On the other side, in Wu Changkong's office.

"Director Long, is there something you need?"

Looking at the uninvited Dean of Students, Long Hengxu, Wu Changkong frowned slightly and asked directly.

"That's right, Ms. Wu."

Long Hengxu wore his usual smile, but his tone was more formal than usual.

"You're surely aware that the academy has invested a significant amount of resources to maintain the high standards of training for Class Zero. The dean and the board of directors are also under considerable pressure, as they need to see results..."

"I see."

Wu Changkong interrupted his preamble, his voice cold and clear, "If you have any requests or arrangements, just say so. There's no need for formalities."

Long Hengxu choked for a moment, then breathed a sigh of relief. He liked Wu Changkong's straightforward style.

"Alright, then I'll get straight to the point. The 'Tianhai Alliance Youth Soul Master Competition' will officially begin in about a month. The academy hopes to send Class Zero to represent Donghai Academy in the competition."

He observed Wu Changkong's expression and continued:

"The college doesn't have strict requirements for the rankings in this competition, but we hope that Class Zero can play to their own style and level, and at least leave an impressive and wonderful performance on the field. This will help enhance the college's reputation and benefit future recruitment."

"Of course, don't feel any pressure. Right now, the goal the academy has set for you is to get a good ranking."

"I believe that achieving this goal will be no problem for Yu Chen under his guidance."

After hearing Wu Changkong's words, Long Hengxu abandoned his prepared remarks and directly stated his purpose.

"The SkySea Alliance Grand Tournament?"

Upon hearing Long Hengxu's words, Wu Changkong's eyes lit up, and he nodded without hesitation:

"No problem, just give me the relevant information and requirements for the competition."

"Ah? Great! That's wonderful!"

Long Hengxu was surprised that Wu Changkong agreed so readily, and a huge weight was lifted from his heart. He quickly took out a document that he had prepared beforehand from the folder.

"The materials are all here, thank you so much, Ms. Wu! I won't bother you any longer!"

After delivering the message, Long Hengxu left the office with satisfaction and headed to Dean Yu Zhen's office to report back.

......

On the other side, at the Donghai College cafeteria,

Gu Yue, Yu Chen, Tang Wulin, Xie Xie, and Xu Xiaoyan sat side by side, eating Chinese food.

Having witnessed Yu Chen and Tang Wulin's terrifying appetites for the first time, Xu Xiaoyan was stunned by the tall plates on the table. As for Gu Yue, she didn't eat much in the cafeteria.

After lunch, Yu Chen's soul communication device rang. Upon checking the number, he saw it was Mu Chen.

During the phone call, Mu Chen directly told Yu Chen about the Tianhai Alliance Grand Competition.