"We'll begin with the competition for class leader and vice leaders. I will take you all to the Grand Martial Arena. There, you'll engage in a free-for-all battle. The rules are simple—if you're the last one standing, you're the class leader. The second and third to last standing will become vice leaders. Keep in mind: don't even think about pretending to be knocked out. If all four of your limbs or your torso touch the ground, you're out and eliminated from the match."
"Of course, if you're not interested in becoming class leader, that's fine too. The role doesn't come with many perks—just a few added responsibilities. The only real benefit is a slight edge when applying for the inner court and having a bit more say in academy matters. You should all know that the highest governing body in Shrek Academy—and even Shrek City—is the Sea God's Pavilion. Nearly every elder in the Pavilion has served as either a class leader or a vice leader. With only six grades and six classes, that means only six class leaders exist at any one time. Your odds of entering the inner court increase significantly if you hold that title."
After finishing her explanation, Shen Yi walked up to Gu You and whispered, "Hold back your soul power a little."
Gu You gave a subtle nod. Even if he suppressed himself to the level of a single soul ring, he was confident he could steamroll through anyone who came his way.
"Alright, you have fifteen minutes to prepare. Form alliances if you want. Everything is up to you. We only care about the results."
Fifteen minutes to form alliances?
The entire class erupted into intense discussion. After all, anyone who made it into Shrek Academy wasn't weak. In a scenario like this, having strong connections was practically a guaranteed win.
During this window, Tang Wulin walked straight up to Gu You.
"Can we talk?"
Gu You looked completely indifferent. "Go ahead."
Off in the distance, Xie Xie watched the two speaking and couldn't help but feel confused. Was Gu You really the type to forgive someone so easily?
"How did you know my parents were—"
"Ever heard of memory observation techniques?" Gu You cut him off before he could finish.
Memory observation?
In Tang Wulin's understanding, that was an eerie, mysterious technique—something only evil soul masters would possess.
He shook his head instinctively.
"So," Gu You said coolly, "anything else worth discussing?"
"I want your help," Tang Wulin said seriously. Maybe only Gu You had the power to help him rescue his mother, who had been kidnapped by some unknown force.
"And why should I help you?"
"My Golden Dragon King bloodline. I'll give it to you unconditionally, if you help me. But my bloodline is unique. Each seal requires the aid of rare herbs and treasures to unlock before I can use its true power. You know the secret of this bloodline, don't you?" Tang Wulin gave a bitter smile.
Even Gu You looked surprised by his words.
"Is it worth it?"
"I don't know. What I do know is that my parents raised me, gave me everything. They are my whole world—an irreplaceable part of my life. The moment I awakened the Blue Silver Grass martial soul, I knew my life might never be anything special..."
Gu You fell into deep thought. At least the kid was filial. With a sigh, he replied, "I accept your offer. I'll provide you whatever you need to unlock each seal. I'll also try to use my connections to search for your parents. But know this—the force behind their abduction is anything but ordinary."
"Thank you!" Tang Wulin bowed deeply. Even if there was a chance of failure, he had to try.
"Don't, don't, don't. I don't like that. Makes it look like I'm bullying you. Honestly, I've always liked your personality. But tell me something—how did you even come up with the idea of absorbing that Sacred Beast soul bone?" Gu You asked with a puzzled expression. He didn't believe Tang Wulin was the type to do something so foolish.
"Let's just say... I was tempted. I don't blame anyone else," Tang Wulin replied vaguely, choosing not to expose his father's involvement.
"Forget it, I won't press further. For today's class competition, you'll stick with me. Even without your bloodline, don't give up. Blue Silver Grass might seem like a useless martial soul, but think about it—how many people over the past ten thousand years have awakened it with soul power? There might be secrets within your Blue Silver Grass that no one knows yet. I can sense something too, but it's a mystery you'll have to uncover yourself."
"Tang Wulin!" Xie Xie suddenly called out. He approached with Xu Xiaoyan, while Gu Yue remained to the side, calmly meditating.
"Everyone... I'm sorry," Tang Wulin said with eyes closed.
"Yeah, what you did last time wasn't right, but we've known each other for years. Even the boss doesn't hold a grudge. Don't talk like you're giving up. From now on, we'll just be normal friends again." Xie Xie smiled.
Tang Wulin didn't say anything. A single tear slid from the corner of his eye, but in its place, new determination welled up in his heart.
Without his bloodline, he was finally his true self. So what if he had a trash martial soul? He remembered the dreams he once had, of reaching the sea of stars. Even if he was destined to be weak, he'd be a weakling who earned respect!
"Hey, do you really have a 100,000-year soul ring?" Just then, the previously skeptical Yang Nianxia walked over to Gu You.
"Yeah," Gu You replied simply.
"Then let's form a team. I'm a power-type battle soul master. My martial soul is the Darkgold Bear." Yang Nianxia's tone was straightforward. After asking around about Gu You, he couldn't help but admire him. A 100,000-year soul ring? Say no more. It was only a matter of time before Gu You became a Titled Douluo—maybe even more.
Darkgold Bear?
Tang Wulin was stunned upon hearing that.
The Darkgold Bear was a variant of the legendary Darkgold Terrorclaw Bear. No soul master had ever possessed that martial soul before. Probably because it was just too overpowering for the human body to withstand.
The Darkgold Bear retained nearly all of the Darkgold Terrorclaw Bear's attributes, except for the claws. Strength and defense—it had both in spades. Easily the best tank-type martial soul.
Gu You, however, remained totally unmoved.
"Sorry, my team's already full," he said. With his power, did he really need a frontliner?
Yang Nianxia awkwardly stepped back, but a spark had been lit in his heart. Someday, he wanted to challenge Gu You one-on-one.
The fifteen-minute prep time ended quickly. Led by Shen Yi and Wu Zhangkong, all 108 students of Year One Class One marched out in full force.
(End of Chapter)
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