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

Wu Changkong's gaze swept calmly over the four people, and he slowly spoke:

"There are two main reasons why I brought you here for this test."

He held up one finger:

"First, to help you better understand your true position among Soul Masters of the same level."

"Compared to historical geniuses, have you surpassed them, matched them, or fallen short? This is more intuitive than any theoretical preaching."

Then, he raised his second finger:

"Secondly, this is a screening process, and also an assessment. It assesses your character, potential, and... whether you are qualified to access another world."

The atmosphere of the conversation gradually deepened as Wu Changkong spoke in a low and clear voice.

"you,"

Wu Changkong paused, his gaze landing squarely on each person's face. "Have you heard of the 'Tang Clan'?"

"The Tang Clan?!"

These two words seemed to possess a special magic, causing Tang Wulin and Xie Xie to tremble simultaneously, their faces instantly showing astonishment and an almost instinctive awe.

In contrast, Yu Chen and Gu Yue's reactions were much more subdued.

After all, one of them was a time traveler and the other was the disciple of the deputy tower master of the Spirit Pagoda, so they wouldn't be intimidated by a mere title.

Tang Sect, a name that has left a deep mark on the history of Douluo Continent, yet is also constantly controversial.

It was on par with Shrek Academy and was praised by some as the cradle of guardians and legends, while others privately denounced it as "the continent's chronic disease" or even "the root of turmoil."

Twenty thousand years ago, the Spirit Hall, led by the madwoman Bibi Dong, prepared to unify the continent, but was opposed by the Three-Handed Man with a harpoon.

They finally managed to kill him, only to have him resurrected by a powerful resurrection technique. Then, he used the sword sheath, ultimately leading to the Spirit Hall's defeat. Shrek Academy also began to grow powerful from that period onward.

For the next several millennia, the continent remained in a stalemate, with numerous factions vying for power and undercurrents swirling. It's hard to say that they weren't involved behind the scenes, given that the Tang Clan's true nature was that of an "arms dealer."

If the mainland is too "peaceful," who will they sell their concealed weapons to?

If it hadn't collided with the Sun and Moon Continent later, the situation on the continent probably wouldn't have changed.

Until the light of the soul tool completely overshadowed the traditional hidden weapons, the Tang Sect once declined. If it weren't for the intervention of the Three Cuts of the God Realm, who took Dai Yuhao in as a slave, the Tang Sect would probably have been destroyed long ago.

But in this day and age... Yu Chen shook his head slightly in his heart.

The Tang Sect has long since transformed itself, deeply rooted in the forefront of soul guidance technology, with its tentacles reaching across three continents, and possessing certain core technologies and strategic resources that even the Federation cannot match.

They also secretly provided various forms of aid to the other two continents, selling them powerful soul tools to prevent them from being destroyed by the Federation.

In order to protect themselves, the other two continents can only rely on the Tang Sect, which allows them to easily obtain various scarce resources from the other two continents.

"No wonder..."

Yu Chen sighed inwardly.

"With such a history, such technology, and such a style of doing things, it's no wonder they were blown up by a 'god-slaying soul-guided cannon' in the original work. Who could accept having a traitor in their own ranks, especially one that's incredibly strong?" (Well, except for the Uchiha clan (＾ω＾))

"But none of this concerns me."

Yu Chen marveled at the Tang Sect's ability to cause trouble, but it didn't matter. He was self-aware enough that he couldn't achieve ideals like unifying the world or world peace, and that was none of his business.

"Dance teacher,"

Tang Wulin snapped out of his shock, his voice hesitant.

"The Tang Sect... wasn't it rumored that it had declined, or that its main forces were located on the other two continents? It seems that we rarely hear about the Tang Sect's public activities on the Douluo Continent anymore."

Wu Changkong shook his head and said definitively:

"No. The Tang Clan never truly disappeared; it simply chose to hide even deeper."

"Just as the Spirit Pagoda's influence extends across three continents, so too does the Tang Sect."

"In Douluo Continent, the Tang Sect still exists and possesses a foundation and influence that cannot be ignored."

"The federal government is well aware of this, but there has been a tacit understanding between them."

He pointed to the ground:

"The technology park we are in now is one of the many industries under Tangmen."

"And the 'Hall of Heroes' that you just experienced is one of the most advanced Soul Master training and evaluation systems developed by the Tang Sect."

"Every opponent you face is a simulation of the combat data of the real and famous members of the 'Shrek Seven Devils' in the history of the Tang Sect."

He waited a few seconds, allowing the message to settle in the young mind, before revealing it one by one:

"Tang Wulin, the one who defeated you was that genius from ten thousand years ago who possessed the Three Lives Soul-Suppressing Cauldron and the Nine Phoenixes Arriving Flute, the later Phoenix Flute Douluo, Xiao Xiao."

"Xie Xie, the one who made you suffer so much was Jiang Nannan, the Demon Rabbit Douluo of the same era, who was famous for her graceful skills and ghostly movements."

His gaze shifted to Yu Chen and Gu Yue:

"As for the two of you, the one you encountered in the advanced and ultimate levels was Huo Yuhao, the founder of the Spirit Pagoda, who is known as the legendary Spirit Ice Douluo, during his second-ring Great Soul Master period."

The Second Ring Road? Yu Chen's lips twitched almost imperceptibly.

When Huo Yuhao was at the second level... well, according to the "official history," he seemed to be more of a support and control character, right?

The "quality" of this simulation data... He suppressed his inner complaints and didn't interrupt Wu Changkong.

"Therefore, you have absolutely no need to be discouraged or doubt yourselves because of today's victory or defeat."

Wu Changkong's tone softened slightly.

"You are facing one of the most outstanding geniuses in history, even if it is only a simulation of a portion of their strength."

"By continuously challenging and improving in the Hall of Heroes, you may even have the opportunity to face the original Shrek Seven Devils and even more legendary figures in the future."

Upon hearing these words, especially the name "Huo Yuhao," Tang Wulin, a staunch admirer of the Tang Sect, subconsciously swallowed hard, his eyes gleaming with intense passion.

But then, as if remembering something, he habitually turned his head to look at Yu Chen sitting next to him, his eyes filled with inquiry and a hint of barely perceptible dependence.

Yu Chen, who was gently rubbing his temples with one hand to relieve the fatigue from the mental exertion, caught Tang Wulin's gaze.

Yu Chen stopped what she was doing, smiled gently at him, and said in a calm but firm voice, "Wu Lin, look at me."

Once Tang Wulin's gaze was focused on him, Yu Chen continued:

"This is your own path. If you admire the Tang Clan and agree with its path, then follow your own heart and make the decision."

"Remember, no matter what organization we join or where we are in the future, you will always be a brother I acknowledge. This bond will not change in the slightest because of the different factions we belong to."

"W-what?"

Tang Wulin was stunned, then asked somewhat anxiously, "Brother Chen, you...you're not planning to join the Tang Sect? This is the Tang Sect! The Tang Sect, which has a history of 20,000 years!"

In his simple and pure worldview, the Tang Sect was almost synonymous with legend, and it would be inconceivable for a genius like Yu Chen not to join.

Faced with Tang Wulin's question, Yu Chen simply shook his head calmly, his gaze honest:

"I'm sorry, Wu Lin. I've already made my own choices and chosen my own path. Gu Yue and I are already considered members of the Spirit Pagoda. The Tang Sect is good, but it's not suitable for our future."

Tang Wulin opened his mouth, as if he wanted to say something more, but Wu Changkong raised his hand to stop him.

"Alright, Wu Lin."

Wu Changkong's voice carried its usual calmness.

"Everyone has their own ambitions, and the choice of path ultimately depends on the voice of one's own heart."

"Yu Chen and Gu Yue, with your talent and character, no matter which path you choose, you will surely shine with your own brilliance in the future."

"As for your practical courses and future development, the academy and I will make separate plans for you."

"Thank you, Teacher Wu." Yu Chen and Gu Yue nodded in thanks at the same time. They could feel the respect and fairness in Wu Changkong's words.

Although the two most promising students in the class were already "taken" (reserved by the Spirit Tower), Wu Changkong, as a true teacher, showed the proper demeanor, neither forcing them nor treating them differently because of it.

Wu Changkong's gaze returned to Tang Wulin and Xie Xie, his tone becoming exceptionally serious:

"I want to remind you that organizations like the Tang Sect and the Spirit Pagoda are different from ordinary Soul Master Associations or interest groups."

"Once a choice is made, it often means a long-term commitment or even a lifelong connection."

"Changing allegiance in the future will not be easy, and may even come at a considerable cost. Therefore, you must consider this carefully and not rush into a decision."

Tang Wulin and Xie Xie exchanged a glance, both seeing the hesitation and struggle in each other's eyes.

The fact that neither Yu Chen, the class's "backbone," nor Gu Yue, the strongest student, chose the Tang Sect cooled their excitement slightly.

But... that's the Tang Clan!

It is a living legend, a place where you can come into contact with the legacy of legendary figures like Huo Yuhao and Xiao Xiao!

Just as Tang Wulin was caught in a dilemma, Yu Chen reached out and gently patted his shoulder, his voice gentle yet firm:

"Wu Lin, you've grown up. You're a Soul Master capable of standing on your own now. You don't need to follow behind me forever. Go find your own path and your own sky."

He smiled, his eyes clear:

"Do you really think that if you join the Tang Sect and I join the Spirit Pagoda, we brothers will become enemies and fight each other?"

"No, that won't happen. Perhaps in the future, when you hold a high position in the Tang Clan and become even more powerful, I, as your elder brother, will need your help."

These words were like a warm current, dispelling the last trace of gloom and unease in Tang Wulin's heart caused by the possibility of "parting ways".

His intense desire to join the legendary Tang Clan, intertwined with the new and responsible thought of "becoming strong enough to protect his older brother who has always taken care of him," instantly ignited a flame in his heart.

Tang Wulin abruptly raised his head, his gaze becoming incredibly resolute. He looked at Wu Changkong, his voice clear and powerful:

"Teacher Wu! I've thought it through! I request to join the Tang Sect!"

"Dance teacher, I want to join too!"

Xie Xie shouted almost immediately afterward. His good brother Tang Wulin had made his choice, and naturally he was unwilling and would not fall behind.

Looking at the burning fighting spirit and determination in their eyes, Wu Changkong remained silent for a moment before confirming again:

"Tang Wulin and Xie Xie, joining the Tang Clan is no child's play."

According to the sect rules, once you join, the skills you learn and the resources you acquire are all tied to the Tang Sect.

If one wishes to withdraw in the future, all assets must be returned, and the process will not be easy.

Have you really thought this through? I suggest you go back and discuss it with your families before making a final decision.

Xie Xie shook his head first, his tone resolute:

"Teacher Wu, no need. I don't want to miss this opportunity. I believe my family will ultimately understand and support my choice!"

Tang Wulin nodded emphatically, indicating that his mind was made up.

Wu Changkong said no more, and slowly nodded:

"Alright. In that case, I respect your choice. Someone will contact you regarding the relevant matters later. Remember what you said today, do not betray your conscience, and do not betray the Tang Clan."

He then looked at Yu Chen and Gu Yue: "As for the two of you, I will inform you about the arrangements for practical training and improvement after the holiday."

With this, all the final assessments and important decisions for the first year of Class Zero at Donghai Academy have finally come to a conclusion.