Chapter 43: Journey Begins
Chen Sheng sat cross-legged on his bed in the hotel room, the moonlight filtering through the window casting silver light across the floor.
Tomorrow they would leave for Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, but tonight, he had important business to attend to.
I've accumulated quite a few treasure chests recently, he thought, closing his eyes and accessing his system space. Let's see what rewards await.
[Opening Treasure Chest...]
[Congratulations to Host! Obtained: Decorative Jade]
Chen Sheng frowned slightly. Useless. Just a mundane item.
He stored it away without much thought and opened the next chest.
[Opening Treasure Chest...]
[Congratulations to Host! Obtained: Soul Ring Age Enhancement Card - 100,000 Years]
Chen Sheng's eyes lit up. Now this is valuable!
The card appeared before him, glowing with red light. According to the system description, this card could increase any soul ring's age by exactly 100,000 years.
He quickly reviewed his soul ring configuration on his Ancient White Tiger:
- 1st: 27,800 years (displays Yellow, actually Black)
- 2nd: 120,700 years (displays Purple, actually Red)
- 3rd: 153,700 years (displays Purple, actually Red)
- 4th: 125,400 years (displays Black, actually Red)
- 5th: 154,000 years (displays Black, actually Red)
- 6th: 1,000,000 years (Divine Gold)
- 7th: 1,000,000 years (Divine Gold)
The first soul ring is 27,800 years. If I use this card on it, it will become 127,800 years—solidly in the red ring category with significantly enhanced abilities.
Without hesitation, Chen Sheng activated the card. It dissolved into golden light that flowed into his body, targeting his first soul ring.
He released his Ancient White Tiger martial soul. The white tiger emerged with crackling lightning, and immediately the first soul ring began to glow intensely.
The ring's color deepened from black to crimson red. The age increased from 27,800 years to 127,800 years, and the spirit ability underwent enhancement.
The speed boost has improved, Chen Sheng analyzed as information flooded his mind. From 50% speed increase to 200% speed increase. This will make my already overwhelming speed even more terrifying.
Satisfied, he dismissed the martial soul and opened the next treasure chest.
[Opening Treasure Chest...]
[Congratulations to Host! Obtained: Ten High-Grade Spiritual Stones]
Ten crystals materialized, each one radiating dense spiritual energy. They were palm-sized, translucent with swirling colors inside—concentrated spiritual power in physical form.
Chen Sheng's eyes gleamed. Perfect timing. I can use these to awaken more Dragon Elephant.
He held the first spiritual stone and activated his Heaven Devouring Demon Technique. His palm began absorbing the stone's energy, drawing it into his body like a whirlpool consuming water.
The spiritual energy flowed through his meridians, directed by his will toward his physical cells. His nine awakened Dragon Elephant cells hungrily absorbed the power, but more importantly, the energy began stimulating dormant cells.
ROAR!
Inside his body, Chen Sheng felt—and heard—a mighty elephant's roar as his tenth dragon elephant awakened. The sensation was overwhelming—a surge of raw physical power flooding through his muscles and bones.
His body's offensive and defensive capabilities increased by 100,000 kg.
But the spiritual stones contained so much energy that the process didn't stop.
He continued devouring stone after stone, the spiritual power accumulating and flowing into his cells.
ROAR!
The eleventh cell awakened.
ROAR!
The twelfth cell awakened.
When all ten spiritual stones had been completely absorbed, Chen Sheng opened his eyes. His body felt different—denser, more solid, as if his very flesh had transformed into divine metal.
Twelve dragon elephant awakened, he thought with satisfaction. That's 1.2 million kg of physical offensive and defensive power. This level of physical strength rivals a Level 100 God Officer in pure combat ability.
He clenched his fist experimentally, feeling the terrifying power contained within. A casual punch from him now could probably shatter a small mountain.
And this is still just the beginning. There are 840 million cells total. If I could awaken even a fraction of them...
The thought was both exciting and daunting.
Chen Sheng shook off his contemplation and opened another treasure chest.
[Opening Treasure Chest...]
[Congratulations to Host! Obtained: Bronze Mirror]
Another useless item. He stored it without examination.
[Opening Treasure Chest...]
[Congratulations to Host! Obtained: Million-Year Divine Soul Ring]
Chen Sheng's breath caught. A third million-year ring!
The golden soul ring materialized before him, pulsing with overwhelming divine energy. Its aura alone was enough to make the air in the room vibrate.
This can become my eighth soul ring for Ancient White Tiger, Chen Sheng realized immediately. I'm currently Level 80. This will push me even higher.
Without hesitation, he released his Ancient White Tiger martial soul again. The white tiger emerged, its seven soul rings—Yellow (Red), Purple (Red), Purple (Red), Black (Red), Black (Red), Red (Gold), Red (Gold)—rotating around it magnificently.
Chen Sheng guided the million-year divine ring toward his martial soul.
The ring descended, and immediately his body was flooded with unimaginable power. The absorption process began, the divine energy integrating with his martial soul and spirit power.
His cultivation base surged.
Level 81... 82... 83... 84... 85... 86... 87... 88... 89... 90!
The bottleneck between Spirit Sage and Titled Douluo shattered like glass.
Chen Sheng felt his entire being transform as he crossed into the realm of Titled Douluo—a rank that represented the true peak of power on the Douluo Continent.
At just thirteen years old, he had become the youngest Titled Douluo in continental history by an enormous margin.
The eighth soul ring settled into place, glowing with brilliant golden light. Information about its ability flooded Chen Sheng's mind:
Eighth Soul Ability: Thunder Locking Execution
The target would be bound by chains of divine lightning, unable to move or defend. The lightning would then continuously damage them with extreme intensity, eventually reducing them to ashes and dust. The ability ignored most defensive measures and grew stronger the longer it was maintained.
An execution ability, Chen Sheng thought with satisfaction. Perfect for dealing with enemies who need to be completely eliminated without any chance of escape or resurrection.
He continued opening the remaining treasure chests, but they contained only mundane items—decorative objects, common books, minor trinkets. Nothing of real value.
By the time he finished, early morning light was beginning to filter through the window.
Chen Sheng stood and stretched, feeling the incredible power flowing through his body. Level 90 Titled Douluo, twelve Dragon Elephants awakened, and an eighth divine soul ring.
My displayed power is still Level 42, he reminded himself. But my true combat ability now exceeds Level 99 Extreme Douluo and rivals a Level 100 God Officer in raw combat strength.
He looked out the window at the dawning sky. Time to begin the journey to Heaven Dou City.
---
The morning sun cast golden light over Shrek Academy as the teachers and students gathered at the main gates. Everyone had packed their belongings, ready for the journey to Heaven Dou Imperial Academy.
Flender stood before the dilapidated wooden plaque engraved with "Shrek Academy," his expression complex. He reached out and touched the weathered surface, memories flooding through his mind.
Seventeen years. Seventeen years he'd poured into this place, transforming it from nothing into an academy that had produced remarkable students despite its limited resources.
And now, it was ending.
His eyes welled up with unexpected emotion.
Zhao Wuji noticed and stepped forward, patting Flender's shoulder roughly. "Come on, old bird. We're just leaving temporarily. At worst, I'll keep you company here in retirement later."
Flender glared at him, voice thick with suppressed feeling. "Am I that old to retire?"
Zhao Wuji chuckled. "No, no, we're not old. We're both only around fifty. That's not old for Spirit Saints, is it?"
He paused, then added mischievously, "Though you're older than me and still single. That's got to sting."
"I—" Flender was momentarily speechless. He glanced at Yu Xiaogang, who happened to be looking at him with a similar expression.
Both men exchanged a bitter smile and shook their heads simultaneously.
Some battles we just can't win, Flender thought.
"Enough of this," he said loudly, waving his hand to dismiss the painful topic. "Let's go!"
The group assembled—Flender, Yu Xiaogang, Zhao Wuji and auxiliary teacher Shao Xin leading the way, with the Shrek Seven Devils following behind.
Flender's eyes gleamed with a familiar calculating light as he addressed the students. "Little monsters, I'll lead the way, and you must keep up with my speed. This will be good training!"
He grabbed Yu Xiaogang before the Grandmaster could protest, then shot forward at Spirit Saint speed.
Yu Xiaogang, being carried like luggage, frowned in annoyance. "Flender, what you're doing won't effectively train the children. Their foundations are already very solid. This kind of endurance running doesn't provide much benefit."
Flender retorted cheerfully, "Xiaogang, there are some things you just don't understand. And even if it doesn't provide training, it speeds up our journey, allowing us to reach the Royal Academy earlier and start real training sooner."
Yu Xiaogang immediately saw through the real reason. "I think you just want to stay in fewer inns along the way to save a lot of money."
Flender didn't even have the grace to look embarrassed. "Hehe, save where we can. Every gold coin counts!"
Zhao Wuji picked up the auxiliary Soul Master Shao Xin beside him with a resigned sigh. "This Flender fellow, he's not afraid of wearing us old bones out."
The Shrek Seven Devils quickly followed, their spirit power enhancing their speed and endurance. As Flender gradually increased the pace, the differences in their capabilities became apparent.
Ma Hongjun glanced at Chen Sheng, who was effortlessly carrying Ning Rongrong in a princess carry while maintaining perfect running form. He whispered to the others, "Brother Sheng is a monster. He's carrying Rongrong and can still run so fast, without even breaking a sweat."
Indeed, Chen Sheng showed no signs of strain whatsoever. With his physical strength and Titled Douluo cultivation, this pace was laughably too easy.
Dai Mubai, struggling slightly himself, glared at Ma Hongjun. "Fatty, I think you should talk less and save some energy for the journey."
Ning Rongrong, comfortable in Chen Sheng's arms, smiled contentedly. "Thank you, Brother Sheng. I know I'm slowing you down."
"Not at all," Chen Sheng replied easily. "You weigh nothing."
Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing, running nearby, both shot jealous glances at Ning Rongrong's privileged position.
[DETECTED! Ning Rongrong's Emotion (Shy, Admiration, Gratitude) Congratulations to Host! Treasure Chest acquired!]
[DETECTED! Xiao Wu Emotion (Competitive Spirit) Congratulations to Host! Treasure Chest acquired!]
[DETECTED! Zhu Zhuqing Emotion (Determination) Congratulations to Host! Treasure Chest acquired!]
Flender wasn't completely unreasonable. When he noticed those behind him struggling to maintain the pace, he would slow down slightly, giving everyone a chance to recover before accelerating again.
By the end of the first day, they had covered a full five hundred kilometers—one-fourth of the total two thousand kilometer distance to Heaven Dou City.
"At this rate, we'll reach the Royal Academy in three more days," Flender announced proudly as they stopped for the evening.
By evening, the Shrek group settled into an inn in a small town—really just a large village.
Flender was about to demonstrate his legendary money-saving abilities by booking only three rooms total: one for the teachers, one for the male students, and one for the female students.
Chen Sheng couldn't stand the thought of multiple people cramped in one room. "Dean Flender, I'll pay for additional rooms."
Before Flender could protest, Chen Sheng handed over enough gold coins to book proper accommodations for everyone.
Flender looked torn between pride and practicality, but eventually accepted. "Well... if you insist on wasting your money, young man..."
That night, Zhu Zhuqing, Xiao Wu, and Ning Rongrong shared a room as they had at Shrek Academy. After washing up, the three girls gathered on one bed to chat.
"So," Xiao Wu began with a mischievous smile, "Rongrong, you looked very comfortable being carried by Brother Sheng all day."
Ning Rongrong blushed. "He offered! I didn't ask!"
"We noticed," Zhu Zhuqing said coolly, though her eyes held a hint of amusement. "You certainly didn't refuse."
"I'm a support-type Soul Master," Ning Rongrong defended herself. "My physical endurance isn't as good as yours. Brother Sheng was just being considerate."
"Next time, we should take turns," Xiao Wu declared. "It's only fair that we all get equal time with Brother Sheng."
"I don't need to be carried," Zhu Zhuqing said coolly, though a faint blush colored her cheeks at the thought.
"That's not the point!" Xiao Wu insisted. "It's about fairness in our competition!"
The three girls continued their planning and scheming late into the night.
---
The next morning, the Shrek group continued their journey toward Heaven Dou City. However, instead of the brutal pace from yesterday, Flender allowed them to proceed normally.
"Can't wear you out before the real training begins," he explained generously.
The journey was pleasant. They passed through beautiful countryside, small towns, and eventually crossed the border from Balak Kingdom into the Silvis Kingdom.
By evening, they arrived at Silvis City—the capital of the Silvis Kingdom and a major metropolitan center. It was far larger and more prosperous than Soto City.
Flender, surprisingly abandoning his usual stinginess, led everyone to a rather good hotel. He booked five comfortable rooms and ordered a lavish dinner with multiple courses.
Yu Xiaogang looked at Flender suspiciously. "Flender, what's gotten into you today? Did you hit your head?"
Flender smiled innocently. "The little monsters have traveled for two days and worked hard. As their dean, I naturally want them to eat well and rest well."
Dai Mubai whispered to Oscar, "I'd rather see the dean serious. Every time the dean smiles like that, I always feel like there's some trap waiting for us."
The meal was indeed excellent—roasted meats, fine vegetables, fresh bread, and even some wine for the adults. Everyone ate well and began to relax.
After several rounds of food and drinks, Flender finally revealed his true intentions.
"So," he said casually, "tonight, we'll go to the Great Spirit Arena in Silvis City for a team battle."
There it was.
Dai Mubai chuckled knowingly. "Dean, as students of the academy, shouldn't the rewards we win be handed over to help with expenses?"
Flender put on a righteous expression. "How could the academy take advantage of you? All income earned from victorious spirit battles belongs to you. I would never steal from my own students!"
Dai Mubai was stunned for a moment. Did the dean really change his ways?
Ma Hongjun, as Flender's direct disciple, understood his teacher best. He silently mouthed one word to the others: "Gambling."
Everyone immediately understood. Flender would be betting on their victory. With their skill level, the odds would favor their opponents, meaning Flender could make a fortune.
So that's why he's being generous, Chen Sheng thought with amusement. He's investing in order to multiply his returns.
"Alright, let's go," Flender said cheerfully, standing up. "Time to make some money—I mean, time to give you young people some valuable experience!"
---
The Great Spirit Arena in Silvis City was indeed much larger and more impressive than the one in Soto City.
As the capital of an entire kingdom, it had grander architecture, better facilities, and more prestige.
Upon entering, the Shrek Seven Devils all put their masks back on—maintaining their arena identities as the mysterious team from Soto.
Flender led them confidently to the registration desk. "We'd like to register for a team battle."
The staff member checked their Spirit Fighter Badges, then his expression became awkward. "Everyone, I'm afraid you won't be able to participate in a team spirit battle here at the Great Spirit Arena of Silvis."
Flender's face darkened. He slammed his fist on the desk, making everyone nearby jump. "Why can't we have a team spirit battle here? Are you looking down on us because we're from a small academy?!"
The staff member quickly waved his hands in denial. "No, no! You've misunderstood completely! Please, let me explain!"
He took a breath and continued, "Your team is already a Gold-ranked Spirit team. The problem is, we simply don't have any Gold-ranked teams at the Spirit Ancestor level here at the Silvis Great Spirit Arena. There's one Silver-ranked team, but it would obviously be unfair to have them fight you—they'd be slaughtered."
Flender's anger subsided slightly, but disappointment replaced it. "Is there no other solution? We came all this way..."
---