Douluo Continent II: The Dragon King Suppresses the World!

"Xiao An, with your talent, mastering Soul Forging is only a matter of time. Before becoming a Divine Craftsman, you also need to master Heaven Forging. Heaven Forging is a more advanced and difficult forging method based on Spirit Forging and Soul Forging. Forgers who perform Heaven Forging need to have an extremely profound understanding and precise control over various metal materials."

"During the Heavenly Forging process, the blacksmith combines his own power with the power of heaven and earth, guiding the elements of heaven and earth to blend into the metal being forged. Metal objects forged through Heavenly Forging often possess great power and special properties."

"Heavenly forging is extremely difficult, requiring a high level of physical fitness, mental strength, and understanding of the elements from the blacksmith. Successful heavenly forging can create divine artifact-level equipment, but divine artifacts forged by mortals are ultimately not true divine artifacts. Only gods can forge true divine artifacts."

"Heavenly Forging is a realm, and everyone's understanding of it is different. I cannot teach you this; you can only comprehend it yourself."

Siyuan's words kept echoing in Ye Qi'an's mind. He didn't even know when he entered Shrek Academy. He wandered around Shrek Academy like a lost soul, Siyuan's words repeating in his mind.

"Pray for peace, pray for peace." Just then, an urgent voice came.

Somewhat lost in thought, Ye Qi'an turned around and saw Vice Dean Cai Mei'er walking towards him.

"When did you get back? I was wondering why I couldn't find you. Turns out you came to Dong'er's place. Come with me." Cai Meier came up to him and, without saying a word, pulled the distraught Ye Qi'an away.

Coming to his senses, Ye Qi'an asked, bewildered, "Dean Cai, what's wrong? What happened?"

Cai Meier said, "You'll find out when you come with me."

"Oh," Ye Qi'an nodded in response.

The two arrived at the first floor of the Sea God Pavilion together. Sure enough, at the conference table, Elder Xuan sat at the head of the table, followed by Elder Song, Xian Lin'er, and Yan Shaozhe. In addition, Ye Qi'an and Cai Mei'er were also present. These people could be considered half of the Sea God Pavilion's conference members.

Upon seeing Ye Qi'an, everyone showed kind smiles, but when they saw Ye Qi'an's distraught appearance, they couldn't help but look puzzled.

Elder Xuan frowned slightly and asked, "Qi An, what's wrong? Why are you so restless?"

Ye Qi'an snapped out of his daze and quickly bowed, saying, "Elder Xuan, seniors, I just heard Senior Siyuan's words about Heavenly Forging and I was momentarily lost in thought. Please forgive me."

Upon hearing this, everyone's expression turned serious.

Old Master Song nodded slightly and said, "We have all heard about the difficulty of Heavenly Forging; it is indeed a challenging path."

Elder Xuan said, "Mei'er has already told me about your trip. It seems that the Soul Master world on the continent is indeed about to undergo a major change! First, there was the Holy Spirit Cult, then the Dark Holy Dragon Emperor Douluo Long Xiaoyao made his comeback, and now there are the three evil Soul Master brothers. I'm afraid that we will face considerable trouble in the near future. These evil Soul Masters are no longer something that ordinary members of the inspection team can deal with. We must also be cautious. Qi'an, tell me about the results of your experimental research."

"Okay, sure." Ye Qi'an nodded.

"Three people participated in this experiment. The three who needed to obtain spirit rings were Huo Yuhao, Li Yongyue, and Mo Xuan. After Li Yongyue and Mo Xuan condensed their bloodlines, their sixth spirit rings were condensed on their own. Based on the results, the bloodline condensation experiment can be considered perfect. As for Huo Yuhao, he obtained his spirit ring by hunting spirit beasts. Regarding twin martial souls, I haven't thought of a solution yet."

After Ye Qi'an finished speaking, everyone fell into deep thought.

Xian Lin'er spoke first, saying, "This method of bloodline condensation is indeed wondrous. If it can be further improved, it will undoubtedly be a great help to our continent. However, the issue of twin martial souls is indeed thorny and requires careful consideration."

Yan Shaozhe nodded slightly and said, "That's right. The unique nature of twin martial souls makes obtaining soul rings very difficult. However, Qi An, your research has taken an important step forward. I believe that given time, you will definitely find a solution."

Cai Meier looked at Ye Qi'an, her eyes full of anticipation: "Qi'an, have you made any new discoveries or come up with any ideas during your research that could provide clues for solving the problem of twin martial souls?"

Ye Qi'an pondered for a moment and said, "I don't have a clear idea yet, but I think we can start by exploring the mutual influence between twin martial souls and their relationship with bloodline. Perhaps we can find a way to balance this and make it easier to acquire soul rings for twin martial souls."

Elder Xuan nodded slightly and said, "Yes, this direction is worth trying. However, while conducting research, we must also pay attention to safety. The appearance of these evil soul masters has made the situation more complicated, and we must be fully prepared."

Elder Xuan nodded slightly, a thoughtful look in his eyes: "Alright, that's all for today. Everyone, go back now. You can start preparing for today's proposal when you get back. We'll hold the Sea God Pavilion meeting tomorrow to finalize it. Shao Zhe, go and call the Shrek Seven Devils, Gu Yuena, and Ye Xiyao. I have something to say to them."

Before long, Bei Bei, He Caitou, Xu Sanshi, Jiang Nannan, Xiao Xiao, Huo Yuhao, and Wang Dong'er all arrived. Following them were Gu Yuena and Ye Xiyao. However, they were clearly not qualified to sit at the Sea God Pavilion conference table, so they stood in a row in front of Elder Xuan.

As a member of the Sea God Pavilion meeting, Ye Qi'an was naturally allowed to sit, so Gu Yuena and Ye Xiyao stood beside him respectively.

"Hmm, everyone's here. Good. I called you all here because there's something important I need to discuss with you." Elder Xuan picked up the wine gourd beside him and took a swig.

Beibei respectfully said, "Elder Xuan, please speak."

Elder Xuan said, "There are less than three months left until the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament. I believe you are all almost ready, right?"

Beibei said, "Yes. I was planning to report to you too. Since Yuhao and Caitou came back, we've had several practice sessions together. Whenever you have time, please test our current abilities."

"Let's skip the testing for now. The reason I've called you here is to discuss the tournament. We recently received some news. It's not good news for the academy, but it's an opportunity for you. The new Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament will be held in the Sun Moon Empire. Undoubtedly, competing on the turf of our biggest rival will put you under immense pressure. The Sun Moon Empire recently negotiated with the three kingdoms originally from the Douluo Continent to modify the tournament's format to some extent and is widely soliciting opinions from numerous academies and sects across the continent."

"Change the competition format?" Beibei's eyes sharpened.

As members of the top academy on the continent, there is no doubt that the changes to the format of the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Battle Tournament will inevitably have a bias against Shrek Academy.

Elder Xuan said, "Yes, they're changing the competition format. The first thing they'll change is the eligibility criteria. The age limit for participants will remain the same—under twenty. That won't have much impact. But they'll expand the scope to include all sects. In other words, the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Battle Tournament will be changed to the All-Continent Youth Soul Master Tournament. The number of participating teams will also increase significantly. If the new format is ultimately approved, the number of participating teams will at least double."

Huo Yuhao asked, "Elder Xuan, what are the chances of this new competition format being approved?"

Elder Xuan replied without hesitation, "Very much! The emergence of this new competition format has immediately garnered support from various sects across the continent, especially powerful ones. A major competition is the best opportunity to showcase oneself, and for these sects, it's naturally an invaluable publicity resource. They're naturally eager to participate. For example, a sect like the Body Sect—wouldn't they be confident of winning the championship?"

"Confident? Who gave them that confidence? Five years ago, I could easily defeat them with my level 40 soul power. Now that the sect is participating in the competition, I can still easily defeat them. Putting aside everything else, do those participating academies even have the strength to defeat a Title Douluo?" Ye Qi'an, sitting at the conference table, said.

Elder Xuan waved his hand and said, "No matter how the competition rules change, I have confidence in you. The change in the competition rules is not necessarily a bad thing for the academy, but it is a good thing for the Shrek Seven Devils. The seven of you belong to the same sect."

Upon hearing this, the Shrek Seven Devils were suddenly startled.

Xu Sanshi asked in surprise, "Elder Xuan, do you mean you're allowing us to represent the Tang Clan...?"

Elder Xuan smiled slightly and said, "It's not that I allow it, but rather it depends on whether you yourselves are willing."

The expressions on the faces of the seven people changed, and they looked at each other.

Elder Xuan said, "If the seven of you participate in the competition under the name of the Tang Sect, then the academy will send another team to participate."

Beibei hesitated, "But if we ultimately win the championship, the glorious legacy that the academy has maintained for so many years will be lost... And if we represent the Tang Sect, we'll also face some problems. For example, we haven't prepared any substitute players yet. Also, can the academy send a suitable team to participate?"

Elder Xuan laughed and said, "Have you forgotten what Ye Qi'an just said? He's the same age as you all. His sister Ye Xiyao and Gu Yuena are both Soul Saints. With such a lineup, even if we rebuild an unfamiliar team in the academy, we can easily win. Now, you seven can give me an answer."

Beibei and the others looked at each other, exchanging various thoughts in their eyes.

A moment later, Bei Bei stepped forward and solemnly said, "Elder Xuan, we, the Shrek Seven Devils, wish to represent the Tang Sect in the battle."

Huo Yuhao, Wang Dong'er, and the others nodded in agreement.

After learning of the seven people's thoughts, Elder Xuan showed an expression of knowing this all along. He simply told them to prepare well and that he would tell them how to register after the competition rules were finalized.

"Now that it's decided, I'll be leaving. Na'er, Xiyao, let's go," Ye Qi'an said, standing up from the chair next to the conference table at the Sea God Pavilion.

After leaving the Sea God Pavilion, the three did not linger. As soon as they crossed the Sea God Lake, Ye Qi'an spotted two familiar figures.

Upon seeing these two, Ye Qi'an's gaze froze, and he muttered, "You two are really persistent!"

Jing Ziyan put her hands on her hips and said reproachfully, "What, Ye Qi'an, aren't you welcome? If you're not convinced, let's have a fight first!"

Jing Ziyan might be joking, but Ji Juechen took it seriously! Holding the Longyuan sword that Ye Qi'an had forged for him, he pointed the blade forward, ready to unleash a torrent of sword energy. His reputation as a sword fanatic was well-deserved.

"You guys aren't studying at the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy, so you didn't come all this way just to fight me, did you?" Ye Qi'an frowned slightly.

Ji Juechen immediately shook his head, but Jing Ziyan immediately chimed in, "We came here so we could play many matches."

"There's absolutely no need for that!" Ye Qi'an said. "Playing so many matches? Don't you guys have school to attend?"

Ji Juechen said, "I dropped out of school."

Jing Ziyan said earnestly, "When you were about to leave, we discussed it and agreed that sparring with you each time would help us grow stronger than what we learn at the academy. We both prefer to become Soul Masters. So, we felt that this place might be more suitable for us. That's why we came here. Anyway, we don't have any ties. You just need to find us a place to stay. Then, you can spar with us every day, or if you don't, we'll go wherever you go."

Ji Juechen brandished the Dragon Abyss sword in his hand and said, "Has everything been explained? Can we begin?"

Gu Yuena showed no intention of helping Ye Qi'an; instead, she stood aside and watched the spectacle.

"You're using the sword I forged for you to hit me?" Ye Qi'an looked at the Longyuan Sword in Ji Juechen's hand, a complex emotion welling up in his heart.

Ji Juechen remained expressionless, but his eyes were filled with a thirst for battle. "This sword is the perfect test of your strength."

Jing Ziyan said with a grin, "Ye Qi'an, stop making excuses and hurry up and have a match. We've been looking forward to it for a long time."

Ye Qi'an shook his head helplessly, "Why are you doing this?"

Ye Xiyao stepped forward at this moment, "Brother, since they are so persistent, why don't you fight them? Let them see how powerful you are."

Ye Qi'an took a deep breath, his eyes gradually sharpening. "Fine, since you insist on fighting me, I'll grant your wish. This battle will be fought by my sister, Ye Xiyao." Before Ye Xiyao could react, Ye Qi'an reached out and grabbed her collar, instantly pulling her in front of the two of them.

Ye Xiyao looked stunned and before she could speak, Jing Ziyan and Ji Juechen were also taken aback.

Jing Ziyan was the first to react, putting her hands on her hips and saying, "Ye Qi'an, aren't you cheating? But it doesn't matter, since you're letting your sister fight, we're not afraid."

Ji Juechen nodded slightly, and the Longyuan Sword in his hand trembled, faintly radiating sword energy.

Ye Xiyao glanced helplessly at her brother, "Brother, are you just going to sell your sister like this?"

Ye Qi'an smiled slightly and said, "Since you're my good little sister, Xi Yao, I'll only give you two moves before you defeat them."

Ye Xiyao snorted lightly, "Brother, you think too highly of me. But since you put it that way, I'll give it a try." Turning to look at Jing Ziyan and Ji Juechen, her eyes blazed with fighting spirit, "Come on, let me show you my strength."

Jing Ziyan's lips curled up. "Hmph, quite the boast. Let's see how powerful your two moves really are."

Ji Juechen remained expressionless, but he slightly raised the Dragon Abyss Sword in his hand, ready for battle.

However, in reality, the battle ended faster than anyone expected. Ye Xiyao's figure flashed, her soul power erupted instantly, and a powerful beam of light shot out from her hand.

Jing Ziyan and Ji Juechen hurriedly tried to defend themselves, but the light was extremely fast and instantly broke through their defenses. After one move, the two were forced to retreat repeatedly.

Without pausing, Ye Xiyao launched another attack, condensing her soul power into a powerful shockwave that rushed towards Jing Ziyan and Ji Juechen. The two of them had no time to make an effective defense before being blasted away by the shockwave.

The battle ended in an instant. Jing Ziyan and Ji Juechen got up from the ground, their faces showing complex expressions.

"Alright, now that you're done fighting, come with me. Shrek Academy doesn't provide you with a place to stay, so I'll take you to my manor." Ye Qian waved his hand and said, then went to Gu Yuena's side, took her hand, and walked towards the outskirts of Shrek City.

…(End of this chapter)