Douluo Continent: A Sister Who Loves Me From the Start

Shrek Academy. Poseidon Island, Poseidon Pavilion, Quiet Room.

Ma Xiaotao lay quietly on a large, smooth, white bed. The black flames that had been constantly erupting from it were gone, but her face remained very pale, and a layer of black mist occasionally flashed across her face.

A layer of golden light enveloped the large bed, making it appear as if Ma Xiaotao was sealed within it.

Two people stood quietly by the bed. The one on the left was Yan Shaozhe, the dean of the Martial Soul Department of Shrek Academy. Standing beside him was an elderly man who was frail and nearing the end of his life.

The old man seemed unable to straighten his back at all. Although he was standing there, his waist was almost bent at a ninety-degree angle, and he was supporting his body with a cane in both hands.

Yan Shaozhe looked at Ma Xiaotao on the bed with a solemn expression and said in a deep voice, "Teacher, although we have now sealed the Black Phoenix Flame in Xiaotao's body with the Ten Thousand Years of Mystic Ice Bed and your power of light, this is not a long-term solution. The Black Phoenix Flame is extremely domineering. Once it breaks through the restraints, it will probably be uncontrollable, and Xiaotao's mind will also..."

The hunched old man was none other than the Sea God Pavilion Master of Shrek Academy, and also the true strongest person in Shrek Academy, Elder Mu.

No wonder he always reclines on a deckchair; it turns out he suffers from a hidden ailment that prevents him from even straightening his back. Who could imagine that such a frail old man possesses strength surpassing even the Gluttonous Douluo, and holds such a high seniority?

Old Master Mu said, “You’re right. Even I have never seen such a Black Phoenix Flame before. I’ve seen the sword that Xuanzi brought back. What a sword of judgment! It can actually convert any soul power into the power of light and darkness at will. I already had a high opinion of soul tools, but I didn’t expect that the Sun Moon Empire’s development in this area would still exceed my imagination.”

"The reason why Xiao Tao's martial soul mutated was because the dark energy on the Sword of Judgment entered her body, triggering the suppressed evil aura. The two complemented each other and instantly gained dominance in her body. Xiao Tao fought against it with her tenacious will, struggling to regain control of her body. Although the will after the fusion of darkness and evil was very powerful, her body was still dominated by fire. The two collided fiercely in an instant."

"Xiao Tao is truly a strong child. She has an unyielding character, and I can even imagine her mindset of mutual destruction when the two clashed. Even when she was clearly outmatched, she forced the dark and evil forces to compromise. Instead of confronting her head-on, she directly merged into her phoenix flames, trying to assimilate her. Xiao Tao only managed to win the match by taking advantage of the time of the anomaly."

“You’re right about one thing: the more severe the suppression, the stronger the rebound. After that evil intent and dark power merged with the phoenix flames, it began to cause a crazy mutation. I can’t guess the specifics. But the result wasn’t entirely bad.”

Upon hearing Elder Mu's words, Yan Shaozhe exclaimed in surprise, "Teacher, isn't this bad? If we hadn't controlled Xiao Tao, she might have become an evil soul master!"

Old Mu tilted his head, glanced at him, and frowned, saying, "You're almost a hundred years old, how come you still can't remain calm in the face of adversity? You're good in every other way, but your personality has some flaws. Otherwise, I wouldn't have had Lin'er restrain your power."

Yan Shaozhe's heart skipped a beat, and he said respectfully, "Yes, teacher, I was wrong."

Elder Mu said calmly, "It would be good if you truly acknowledge your mistake. Stay calm in the face of adversity. Everything has two sides. It's true that Xiao Tao's phoenix flames have been completely corrupted, making it impossible to suppress the foreign energy as before. However, that evil and dark energy has also completely unleashed the original power within her phoenix flames. Otherwise, why would these black flames be so powerful?"

Yan Shaozhe himself was a top-tier expert, possessing the cultivation of a Super Douluo, and had devoted his life to martial souls. Hearing what Elder Mu said, he immediately understood. "Teacher, do you mean that Xiao Tao's Evil Fire Phoenix martial soul has already undergone mutation and evolution?"

Elder Mu led the way, saying, "That's right. Not only has it evolved, but it has evolved very thoroughly. Apart from the fact that she can't control it herself, I can say that her flames are the strongest fire in the world today. That is, the ultimate fire."

"The flames of the phoenix are inherently the ultimate flames. However, Xiao Tao's flames were not pure due to the evil aura within her body, and this has always been a problem for her lineage. This time, the mutation of her martial soul has awakened the power of her phoenix bloodline, transforming her into a black phoenix. But her power is unprecedented. If Xiao Tao were conscious now, with her strength after just entering the seventh ring, she might be able to contend with an ordinary titled Douluo."

Yan Shaozhe's eyes flashed with light, "Ultimate Fire, it's actually Ultimate Fire! But Xiao Tao's current state means she can't control this Ultimate Fire at all!"

Elder Mu sighed, "So everything has two sides. We can only seal her here now. Otherwise, if she gets out of control, she could very well become the most powerful evil soul master in the history of Douluo Continent. Once her cultivation reaches the level of a Title Douluo, it will be too difficult to suppress her. Evil soul masters have always grown at an extremely terrifying rate."

Yan Shaozhe said with a worried expression, "But this can't go on forever. I can feel the Black Phoenix Flame within her growing stronger. There will come a day when we can't suppress it anymore. Could it be that when that day comes, we really will...?"

Old Mu shook his head and said, "Don't be too anxious. Her current situation isn't entirely unsolvable. It's just not right now."

Yan Shaozhe was taken aback. "Teacher, do you have a solution?"

Old Mu said something in a low voice.

Yan Shaozhe nodded repeatedly, his face gradually showing relief. "I see. That's the only way. I'll play the bad guy then. It's the only option I have."

Elder Mu said, "Those kids are almost back. I never imagined they could preserve Shrek Academy's honor with a lineup far inferior to their opponents. Especially that final battle, their achievements have exceeded my expectations. After this battle, their potential for advancement will be fully unlocked. They have given so much to the academy, and the academy will certainly not be stingy with their contributions."

Chapter 198 Yu Mo, I Was Wrong

……

Elder Mu said, "Those kids are almost back. I never imagined they could preserve Shrek Academy's honor with a lineup far inferior to their opponents. Their achievements have exceeded my expectations. After this battle, their potential for advancement will be fully unlocked. They have given so much to the academy, and the academy will certainly not be stingy with their contributions."

Yan Shaozhe's eyes revealed obvious excitement. "Teacher, don't worry, we will reward them according to our agreement. When Wang Yan returns, he will give a detailed account of the competition. I will record the entire competition process in the college history and give them that unprecedented reward."

"Hmm." Dragon God Douluo Mu En seemed to have thought of something, a faint smile appeared on his lips, and an imperceptible smile flashed in his eyes.

……

It has to be said that the treatment of this wounded soldier is really too good. He has three meals a day without fail, rare and precious herbs are served at every meal, and every day a healing-type Soul Saint from the Star Luo Empire will treat Shen Yumo.

Shen Yumo's complexion gradually regained its color, and a glimmer of light appeared in her eyes, but she remained lying in bed.

Five days have passed since he forcibly dug out his soul bone. In these five days, his legs have basically healed, new bones are gradually growing, his internal injuries have been almost completely healed, and the barrier of level 57 is gradually loosening, with a faint hint of a breakthrough. This is not a reason for joy.

Looking at her legs, Shen Yumo felt a pang of sadness. Those were gifts from the Ice Emperor and the Snow Emperor! They not only boosted her speed before level 50, but also significantly increased her combat power. And now, they were gone…

Every time she thought of this, Shen Yumo felt a bitter taste in her mouth. Although she knew the authorities and the academy would compensate her for her loss—meaning she still had a chance to regain the two leg soul bones—the implications were completely different…

"Sigh." Shen Yumo sighed heavily. She picked up a spiritual fruit from the table and ate it.

The sweet juice lingering on the tip of the tongue is quite pleasant; it's juicy and delicious.

Just then, a beautiful figure walked over, her beautiful eyes looking at the boy lying on the bed. There seemed to be something different in her eyes, an expression that was different from usual.

"Yu Mo." She quietly walked in, her eyes fixed on Shen Yu Mo.

"Oh? Nannan, you're here." Shen Yumo propped herself up and tried to stand up, but in Jiang Nannan's eyes, this was an extremely dangerous move. She quickly went to the bedside and helped Shen Yumo up.

Shen Yumo pouted helplessly, "I'm fine, I don't feel any pain at all, why are you taking it so seriously?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Nannan immediately became displeased. Her delicate eyebrows furrowed into a deep frown, and she scolded with boundless tenderness, "What do you mean 'nothing'? Your soul bone was forced to self-destruct, and you say you're okay? Does it mean that nothing's wrong only when all the bones in your body are shattered?"

"Pah, pah, pah! Nannan, that's so mean..." Shen Yumo said, taking her little hand in the process.

"Okay, Nan Nan, I was wrong! I will definitely take good care of my injuries." Shen Yumo smiled brightly.

"You're just being cheeky," Jiang Nannan rolled her eyes in annoyance.

They already had an unspoken understanding between them. Even after such an event, she didn't deliberately bring it up, nor did she mention the words she had spoken with Meng Hongchen. In her view, the past was the past, and she could only blame that person for being short-sighted, unlike her.

Shen Yumo didn't mention that girl to Jiang Nannan again. Sometimes he would think of her silently, and sometimes he would just sigh. If you don't like someone, you don't like them. There's no use saying anything. What's the use of liking someone? He didn't want to do things one-sidedly.

But is that really the case? Shen Yumo simply didn't see Meng Hongbao's true attitude. The reason was simple: she didn't know this girl well enough to pretend. Even if she was sad or happy, she wouldn't show it on her face. But this time, she still managed to fall for it.

After the competition, Meng Hongchen often locked herself in a room, just like her lonely heart, which could only remain stagnant.

Staring blankly at the carving knife in her hand, Meng Hongchen's eyes were filled with confusion. What should she do? No matter what, she couldn't imagine, couldn't accept, the fact that she had hurt him.

Her face looked haggard, her eyes were dull and lifeless, and she no longer had the charm of the girl next door she used to have.

Jiang Nannan's words kept echoing in her mind. So he liked her... She wasn't just indulging in wishful thinking, she wasn't deluding herself. She couldn't imagine what it felt like to be hurt by the person you love; it must be incredibly painful...

Just then, Xiao Hongchen walked in. Seeing his sister's conflicted and distressed expression, he felt incredibly heartbroken.

But recalling everything during the competition... it was so real, so terrifyingly real that it shattered the pride in my heart without a trace.

He sighed. He understood that if this matter wasn't resolved properly, it would become a knot in his sister's heart that she could never untie, and it would develop into a demon in her heart, leaving her feeling frustrated and depressed all the time.

She and Shen Yumo had to make a clean break! But when it comes to matters of the heart, things are really hard to predict.

"Little sister... if you like someone, go for it. I'll always be your strongest support." Xiao Hongchen revealed a doting smile that was unique to older brothers.

Meng Hongchen's body trembled, and her slender fingers suddenly tightened their grip on the carving knife. A burst of brilliant light flashed in her eyes, and her breathing became rapid.

"But...but I hurt him..."

"Haha, silly sister, what does hurting him prove? After all, it was the Continental Elite Soul Master Tournament, where you had to go all out. This shows not only that you value the tournament, but also that you respect your opponent! Since you hurt him, why not try to make amends?"

"it is good!"

Shen Yumo slumped on the hospital bed, her eyes lifeless and her expression indifferent. She wiggled her legs, hoping to get out of bed and move around as soon as possible, but her mind was already far away.

He didn't know what he was thinking; a strange sense of unease enveloped his thoughts...

But just then, a soft cry drew his attention, and his pupils contracted, his mind jolting!

"Yu Mo, I'm sorry..."

The final awards ceremony was not open to the public and was not grand. But the prizes were by no means inferior.

As the runner-up, the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy left Star Luo City and returned to the Sun Moon Empire immediately after receiving the award on behalf of their team leader on the second day of the competition.

Shrek Academy, however, stayed an extra day to wait for Elder Xuan. Their prizes, besides gold soul coins, included a total of four soul bones. In addition to the three soul bones the champion was entitled to, there were also extra left and right leg bones. Clearly, this was prepared specifically for one person.

……

……

Chapter 199 Return to the Academy

Shrek Academy, however, stayed an extra day to wait for Elder Xuan. Their prizes, besides gold soul coins, included a total of four soul bones. In addition to the three soul bones the champion was entitled to, there were also extra left and right leg bones. Clearly, this was prepared specifically for one person.

Emperor Xu Jiawei of the Star Luo Empire originally intended to invite Elder Xuan to the Royal Treasury for the selection, but Elder Xuan refused. As the strongest person in Shrek Academy on the outside, he did not want to be involved with the Star Luo Empire. In the end, Wang Yan represented the academy in the selection. He knew his team members well enough, and his ability to identify soul bones was no less than Elder Xuan's.

The final decision caused the emperor great distress, but there was nothing he could do about it.

The value of three soul bones cannot be measured solely in monetary terms. The pressure of this reward is partly responsible for the fact that the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament changes its host country every year. While the top four all receive prizes, the reward for soul bones is only three for the champion and one for the runner-up.

Soul bones are inanimate objects; they only function when absorbed by a Soul Master. Therefore, whether it's a nation or a sect, once a Soul Bone is obtained, it's almost always given directly to their most outstanding members. The biggest difference between a Soul Bone and a Soul Ring is that once a Soul Master dies, the Soul Bone remains, unlike a Soul Ring which disappears.

The profession of Soul Master has existed for tens of thousands of years. While Soul Bones have been accumulated to some extent, they are still far from sufficient compared to the number of Soul Masters. More importantly, with the Soul Master community's research on Soul Bones, methods for synthesizing Soul Bones have been gradually developed, making Soul Bones even more scarce.

If it weren't for the rapid development of soul tools, and if there hadn't been a clash between the Sun Moon Continent and the Douluo Continent, the most advanced research on the Douluo Continent today would probably be soul bone synthesis.

Soul bone synthesis involves combining several related soul bones using a special method to create a new soul bone. The synthesized soul bone has a high chance of increased power, but also a nearly 50% chance of being damaged.

Because soul bones are so precious, although the method for synthesizing them now exists, very few people actually dare to try it.

Elder Xuan made a round trip between Star Luo City and Shrek Academy in just one day. He didn't let Wang Yan distribute the four soul bones directly, but instead paid for the Shrek team's expenses at the Starlight Auction House first, and then immediately ordered everyone to pack their bags and return to Shrek Academy. Only when he returned to the academy could he truly feel at ease.

Xiao Xiao and Wang Dong have fully recovered from their overexertion. Bei Bei, Ling Luochen, and Dai Gangheng are also fine after being detoxified. Jiang Nannan is unharmed. Xu Sanshi, however, was unconscious for two days before waking up, but he is so weak that he has difficulty speaking and needs a long period of rest. Shen Yumo, whose injuries were the most severe, has also recovered completely. Although he lacks a leg bone, his vitality is very strong, and his leg bone has healed in less than ten days, thankfully preventing him from becoming lame.

Having almost been reborn, Shen Yumo conquered everyone with her strength and ruthlessness! Everyone's eyes held more or less a hint of admiration. She was indeed a ruthless person. She could dismantle her soul bone at will, and she did it herself. Her perseverance and ruthlessness were beyond the reach of ordinary people.

Elder Xuan returned from Shrek Academy with a sufficient number of flying soul tools. Just like the last flight, he personally led everyone. Shen Yumo and Xu Sanshi, whose injuries hadn't healed, were protected by his soul power. The others, as before leaving Shrek Academy, flew together using flying soul tools.

"Yu Mo, what exactly did she say to you? You always have a smile on your face." Jiang Nannan asked with great resentment before leaving.

She remembered that day, she went to take care of and keep Shen Yumo company as usual, but when she got to the room, she found that Meng Hongchen had actually come! Uh... speechless.

The two of them even exchanged a tender glance, which was incredibly enviable. To be honest, she was jealous.

Yes, after hearing Xiao Hongchen's words, Meng Hongchen resolutely went to Shen Yumo's ward, confessed her feelings to Shen Yumo, and sincerely apologized.

After receiving the heartfelt confession, Shen Yumo was stunned. It turned out that she had been thinking of him all along! In other words, they both had feelings for each other!

After a serious and responsible conversation, Shen Yumo was stunned. Love is such a strange emotion, a mixture of love and hate, that she didn't care at all when Jiang Nannan was mentioned.

The two, who had hit it off, chatted more and more enthusiastically. Meng Hongchen even gave him a sweet kiss and pledged her life to him! Shen Yumo's head was still buzzing, as if it had been just yesterday. Since it was mutual, everything was fine.

The morning after receiving their awards, the Shrek Academy students changed into ordinary clothes and, without alerting the Star Luo Empire's officials, quietly left Star Luo City and flew straight to Shrek Academy. It was time to go home! The trepidation they felt upon arrival had completely transformed into pride and glory.

Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy. Mingde Hall.

This is a spacious hall, decorated entirely in a metallic style, predominantly in pale gold tones. It's not luxurious, but it exudes a sense of quality. A plaque hangs high above the entrance, its large, dark gold characters conveying a sense of awe and authority: Mingde Hall.

"Get up." Rui sat on a chair in the center of the hall. He looked to be in his early forties, not tall, but broad-shouldered. In the simplest terms, he was short and stout.