I've also recently started a new translation, please check it out and show your support! Douluo: Seven Kill Shock the World
------------------------------------
Seeing that Gu La showed no signs of action after defeating the variant giant, Tang Wulin stepped forward, puzzled. "Aren't you planning to take this Giant spirit soul? Spirit Pagoda should have a secret method for pre-contracting spirit souls."
"No need." Gu La shook his head lightly, his gaze deep as he looked toward the top of the tower. "There's still one more spirit soul waiting above. After I've seen them all, I'll decide which one suits me best."
"Truly enviable," Xie Xie muttered, clicking his tongue as envy flickered in his eyes. "Is this the privilege of being a core disciple of Spirit Pagoda? It makes me want to switch allegiances."
He subconsciously felt inferior about his second spirit soul—a common purchase through the Tang Sect channels.
That said, if given the choice, Xie Xie would undoubtedly remain loyal to Tang Wulin and the Tang Sect without hesitation. Their bond far surpassed the value of any spirit soul. Personally, he also leaned more toward the Tang Sect.
Beside him, Xu Lizhi remained silent, his round face filled with worry.
Had it not been for the risk of being expelled from Spirit Pagoda without fusing a spirit soul, he would have preferred to stay on the twelfth floor to accompany Ye Xinglan. For now, he mustered his strength and followed the group to continue climbing.
As they passed through the thirteenth floor of Spirit Pagoda, all four felt an unusual soul power fluctuation. But the moment they stepped onto the fourteenth floor, the scorching heatwave nearly suffocated them.
"It's so hot!"
Xu Lizhi's plump body suffered greatly in this high-temperature environment, with beads of sweat rolling down his cheeks.
But he gritted his teeth and remained silent, using his sleeve to continuously wipe the sweat from his forehead. As a Shrek Academy student, he was curious about the rare spirit souls prepared for Spirit Pagoda's core disciples.
Squinting, they looked up to see a dazzling "sun" suspended from the dome. Its intense light made it almost impossible to look directly at. Even more shocking was the faint humanoid silhouette visible within the artificial sun's core.
"That's… a Sun Elf!" Tang Wulin's pupils contracted sharply, his voice trembling slightly with surprise. "A legendary rare soul beast that only has a one-in-ten-thousand chance of forming when a fire elemental activates its dormant light elemental bloodline!"
Fighting against the scorching heat, he continued to explain. "What's even rarer is that this soul beast has an innate instinct to chase the sun, often leading to its own destruction in the process. To cultivate it to the ten-thousand-year stage, Spirit Pagoda must have invested unimaginable treasures."
At this point, Tang Wulin couldn't help but think of his own Golden Dragon Whisperer. The randomly purchased spirit soul he had acquired for a hundred thousand federal credits paled in comparison to the Sun Elf before him. A spirit soul of this caliber was truly priceless for fire-attribute soul masters.
"Chasing the sun?" A sharp glint flashed in Gu La's eyes, and a meaningful smile curved his lips. Wasn't this characteristic perfectly suited to him?
"Desolate Land!"
With a soft shout, a brilliant golden-red light erupted around Gu La. The instant his martial soul ability activated, the entire fourteenth floor felt like it had been thrown into a furnace, with the temperature soaring again.
The heat distorted the airwaves, forcing Tang Wulin and the others to retreat, gathering soul power on their bodies to resist the unbearable heat.
The intensity of the "Harsh Sunlight" weather condition depended on the energy channeled into the technique. Even as a weather-based skill, Gu La's ultimate fire-infused domain approached temperatures close to true ultimate fire.
The golden orb hovering above his head radiated a heat and majesty indistinguishable from the real sun.
Most astonishingly, this artificial sun contained a trace of true solar essence—an irresistible temptation for a Sun Elf obsessed with chasing the sun.
"Chirp—"
A clear cry pierced through the heatwave. After a brief moment of hesitation, the Sun Elf abandoned the virtual sun prepared for it by Spirit Pagoda without hesitation.
It transformed into a streak of light, joyfully plunging into the golden orb created by Gu La, dancing gracefully amidst the blazing flames while emitting cheerful chirps.
Three breaths later, a complex contract array emerged on the Sun Elf's forehead, slowly floating toward Gu La.
"This is more like it." Gu La smiled in satisfaction. Compared to the brute force of the previously defeated variant Giant, this Sun Elf that actively sought a contract clearly suited him better. With elegant grace, he raised his right hand and accepted the precious contract.
Following Spirit Pagoda's teachings, Gu La temporarily sealed the Sun Elf within his body. On the day he broke through to Soul King, this powerful spirit soul would officially recognize him as its master.
"Is that it?"
Xie Xie stared incredulously, his eyes wide. He glanced toward the exit of Spirit Pagoda, then turned to look at the golden-red glowing mark on Gu La's forehead, his tone tinged with envy.
"Even smoother than Xiaoyan and Ye Xinglan, gaining recognition without even fighting. It seems this Sun Elf is a perfect match for you."
Gu La gently touched the mark on his forehead, feeling the warm energy fluctuations emanating from it. A faint smile graced his lips.
"I didn't expect it to go this smoothly either." He glanced at the now-extinguished artificial sun in the room after the spirit soul disappeared. "But this is a good thing. Let's go out and check if the three of them are done."
Tang Wulin nodded. His arms were covered with faint golden dragon scale patterns as he resisted the heat. Looking around at everyone, he said, "Even if the next spirit souls return to normal difficulty, they're not something we can easily handle right now. There's no need to invite trouble."
"Abandon the challenge!"
Tang Wulin called out loudly. As the space rippled, the four were enveloped in gentle golden light and reappeared moments later in the rest area outside Spirit Pagoda.
Xu Xiaoyan was sitting on a crystal bench, swinging her legs. Her silver hair shimmered softly under the sunlight.
Seeing them emerge, she immediately jumped up and waved. "What a coincidence!" Yuanen Yehui, sitting beside her, also rose, a hint of amusement flashing in her dark purple eyes.
"You just came out, and so did they." Xu Xiaoyan hopped over, still carrying traces of coldness, clearly having obtained her new spirit soul not long ago.
Tang Wulin asked with concern, "Are you satisfied with the soul skills provided by your spirit soul?"
"Of course!" Xu Xiaoyan clasped her hands together, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I now have an area control skill! I can immobilize a whole group of people!"
Yuanen Yehui nodded lightly. "The soul skills suit my martial soul well."
Just then, the doors of Spirit Pagoda opened once more.
Ye Xinglan walked out slowly, her steps lighter than usual. Her pupils seemed to hold countless swirling stars. She exuded a restrained yet profound aura, like a legendary sword returned to its sheath.
"Sister Xinglan!" Xu Lizhi was the first to rush over, his round face full of concern.
Ye Xinglan's lips curved slightly upward—a subtle change that those familiar with her knew meant she was in an excellent mood.
Her gaze swept across the group, and she raised an eyebrow slightly upon seeing Gu La. "You're already out? Didn't continue to challenge higher levels?"
"Not necessary." Gu La pointed to his forehead, where the golden-red mark shimmered faintly as he spoke.
After exchanging pleasantries, they learned that Xu Xiaoyan and Yuanen Yehui had already settled their fees and completed the spirit soul transfer procedures.
As an inner court elite, all of Ye Xinglan's costs were covered by the academy and her family. And Gu La, as a core disciple of Spirit Pagoda, enjoyed free access to spirit soul resources—no additional payment required, allowing him to leave with his spirit soul directly.
Leaving Spirit Pagoda, the sunset's glow outlined their figures in gold. Tang Wulin stretched lazily. "Let's go back to the academy. We'll celebrate with dinner tonight!"
"I want Huo Yuhao's roasted fish!" Xie Xie immediately raised his hand.
"I know a place—it's the most authentic restaurant in Shrek City. It'll definitely satisfy everyone." Xu Lizhi rubbed the back of his head, smiling innocently.
The group laughed and joked as they headed toward Shrek Academy. Behind them, the colored glass tiles of Spirit Pagoda refracted dazzling hues in the setting sun, as if witnessing another step forward for these young individuals.
Gu La soaked in the essence of youth, his myriad thoughts settling into calmness. He relished the peace and tranquility of the moment.
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)