Douluo Dragon King: Doumu's Blessing, I Am the Star Lord

"Good! Good! Good!" Zhenhua was overjoyed and quickly helped Qian Gu Xingci up with a smile. "Xingci, I don't care about those formalities here."

As he spoke, he turned to look at Mu Ye and teased, "Forging is the most strenuous task. Shouldn't you give my apprentice a good boost?"

Mu Ye's lips twitched as he looked at Zhen Hua's smug expression. He turned and walked towards the kitchen next to the forge, cursing, "You old bastard, all you know how to do is exploit me! You're turning against the Heavenly Gang! Xing Ci is also my apprentice!"

Zhenhua watched Muye's retreating figure and burst into laughter, filling the forging room with a relaxed and harmonious atmosphere.

Chapter 11: A Saintly Grandson Emerges from Under the Dragon Staff; Final Exams Are Approaching

Four years later, in the Spirit Pagoda, on the 107th floor, in the tower master's office.

The office was simply yet grandly furnished. Outside the huge floor-to-ceiling windows was the bustling cityscape of Mingdu. Qian Gu Dongfeng sat behind a large sandalwood desk, his brows furrowed and his fingertips unconsciously tapping the surface.

"Knock knock knock—" The crisp knocking broke the silence inside.

Qian Gu Dongfeng didn't even raise his head, his tone carrying a hint of barely perceptible weariness, and he said in a low voice, "Go in."

The door was gently pushed open, and Qian Gu Qingfeng, dressed in an elegant brocade robe, stood tall and straight. Behind him followed Qian Gu Xingci, who had long since shed some of his childishness, his figure becoming even more upright, and his face handsome. The two walked slowly into the office.

Qian Gu Dongfeng paused in his tapping of the table, looked up and saw Qian Gu Qingfeng and Qian Gu Xingci. His tightly furrowed brows instantly relaxed. "It's Big Brother and Xingci. Please sit down." With that, he got up and personally poured two cups of hot tea for the two of them.

After the two sat down, Qian Gu Dong Feng pushed a teacup in front of them and asked, "Is there something you need today?"

Without any further pleasantries, Qian Gu Xing Ci raised his hand and took out a smooth and lustrous storage soul tool, placing it gently on the desk with a composed gesture.

Qian Gu Dongfeng swept his spiritual power over the object and exclaimed in surprise, "Xing Ci, the divine base alloy was forged so quickly!"

Qian Gu Xing Ci said calmly, "I learned forging from my master a while ago and finished it in the process. But Uncle, since it's for Zhang Ting, who is almost a Soul Saint, the fusion forging of two metals to make a two-word battle armor is still a bit lacking. I will be able to complete the spirit forging of four metals in a while."

Qian Gu Dong Feng waved his hand, "I used to spoil Zhang Ting too much, and I didn't even let him participate in the creation of the battle armor. But battle armor can only reach its maximum effect if he participates in its creation. He has now chosen mecha engineer as his second profession, and with the high-fusion metal you provided, he is making rapid progress. With this batch of divine base alloy, let him start with the one-word battle armor."

Upon hearing this, Qian Gu Xing Ci clicked his tongue inwardly, his thoughts drifting back to the changes in Qian Gu Zhang Ting over the past four years.

Since deciding to fully support Qian Gu Xing Ci, Qian Gu Dong Feng was determined to thwart Qian Gu Zhang Ting's ambition to seize the throne, and simply used the "Dragon Staff produces a holy grandson" technique.

First, he made Qian Gu Zhangting undergo special training in the Unyielding Staff Technique, then he made him watch videos of Yun Ming and Guan Yue's spiritual ascension when they were young, and finally he made him personally experience the complex daily affairs of the Tower Master.

After these three moves, the foolish glint of ambition in Qian Gu Zhangting's eyes vanished instantly.

He suddenly realized that the tower master was going to confront this strong man who could have whipped him like a top when he was young. How could he possibly tackle that pile of documents that was taller than a person?

After learning about his uncle Qian Gu Xing Ci's extraordinary talent, Zhang Ting repeatedly said that he had seen his uncle's extraordinary talent since childhood and that he was born to be the tower master.

Later, upon learning that Qian Gu Xing Ci would become a master craftsman, perhaps out of longing for the four-character battle armor, or perhaps out of the fervent affection of Qian Gu Dong Feng, Qian Gu Zhang Ting ultimately chose mecha manufacturer as his second profession.

Pulling his thoughts back, Qian Gu Qingfeng picked up his teacup, took a sip, and asked, "Dongfeng, what's your story about the Thunderous Yama Vine? There's been any progress on what I mentioned to you before."

Qian Gu Dongfeng's smile faded slightly, and his tone became more serious: "This matter is both difficult and simple; the key lies with Xing Ci."

Upon hearing this, the gentle breeze of a thousand ages slowly nodded in approval.

Qian Gu Xing Ci asked, "Uncle, why do you say that?"

“Even if we offer a very high price now, it’s impossible to get Zhang Geyang to voluntarily detach his soul. No one would be willing to take that risk. But what if the Thunderous Hell Vine asks to detach itself?” Qian Gu Dongfeng slowly explained, “Zhang Geyang doesn’t have any lightning attribute, so he’s not compatible with the Thunderous Hell Vine. The contract they formed isn’t strong, and it often rebels.”

Therefore, we should find an opportunity to let Xingci meet Leiming Yanyu Teng. With the power of extreme thunder, there is a high chance that he will gain Leiming Yanyu Teng's approval.

At that time, Zhang Geyang will only be providing some resources.

Upon hearing this, Qian Gu Qing Feng slowly nodded in agreement.

Qian Gu Xing Ci recalled the scene he saw when he entered and asked, "Uncle, when I came in, you looked anxious. Is something else bothering you?"

Qian Gu Dongfeng smiled bitterly, "The final exams for Shrek Academy's new students are coming up soon. The Spirit Pagoda always suffers from this. But since the students come from all the major families, I can't force them to investigate."

After a moment's thought, Qian Gu Xing Ci came up with a plan. "Uncle, what's your relationship with the Dean of the Sun and Moon Royal Soul Masters?"

"Our personal relationship is alright." Qian Gu Dongfeng was taken aback for a moment, then nodded.

"Then could I, Gu Yue, and Na'er be registered there?" Qian Gu Xing Ci asked with a smile.

Qian Gu Dongfeng instantly understood Qian Gu Xing Ci's intention; a glint of light flashed in his eyes, and the worry on his face vanished. The route for Shrek Academy's new student assessment wasn't fixed, but the final stop would inevitably be Mingdu.

In Mingdu, the proud Shrek Academy students preferred to challenge the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy rather than the Spirit Pagoda, which was an unwritten tradition.

Qian Gu Xing Ci added, "It won't be long before I break through to the Soul Master level. At that time, Gu Yue and I will be Soul Masters, plus Na'er as a Soul Venerable, which will be more than enough to deal with those Shrek Academy freshmen."

Qian Gu Dongfeng said, "Don't worry, I'll take care of the identity issue. The Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy has been suffering under Shrek's rule for a long time, and they will agree."

The thought of having a chance to humiliate Shrek Academy instantly dispelled Qian Gu Dongfeng's resentment, and even his tone became much lighter.

He couldn't help but feel secretly fortunate. If it weren't for Qian Gu Xing Ci, even geniuses like Gu Yue and Na'er wouldn't have been able to be suppressed by Qian Gu Zhang Ting.

This was the first time he had truly felt how worry-free it was to have a powerful heir.

Unlike before when they promoted Qian Gu Zhangting, they don't need to suppress geniuses.

Taming geniuses is the key to success!

Young people are arrogant, aren't they? Go tell the Dragon-Panning Staff of the Eternal Stars what you have to say.

Mingdu, Sun and Moon Royal Soul Master Academy.

"Dean, these are some of the strongest students in this year's freshmen. Please take a look," a burly man said respectfully.

He was the Dean of Studies of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy, and sitting opposite him was the current Dean, Wu Hongchen, a level 98 Super Douluo, known as the Golden Toad.

"Hmm," the silver-haired middle-aged man sitting in the chair responded indifferently, then pushed several documents to the opposite side, "Make arrangements for these three people to enroll."

The burly man flipped through the documents, his eyes widening in surprise. "Dean, who are these three important figures here?"

“It’s been over ten thousand years, we can’t let them continue to run rampant.” Wu Hongchen stood up and added, “Have the others get ready, I’ll go have a chat with those old men.”

The burly man bowed and left, his heart still unsettled. It seemed many people were now dissatisfied with those lunatics from Shrek Academy…

Shrek Academy.

Outside the window, lush greenery abounds. Inside, several long wooden tables are pushed together, displaying a large map of the continent. Ink lines outline the territories and cities of each state, with the location of Mingdu prominently circled in red.

Le Zhengyu's fingertips touched the edge of the map, his blond hair gleaming in the dim light from the window. He leaned forward slightly, his gaze sweeping over the marked assessment stations, his tone carrying the sharpness of a young man: "According to the rules of previous years, the first few stations are optional, the key is the last station."

Duan Hunxiao stood on the other side of the table, his fingertips lightly tapping the red circle of Mingdu. His expression was calm, but unlike his usual coldness, he seemed more deliberate at this moment: "The academy's intention is to make Mingdu the final stop. We will eventually have to go and have a spar with the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy."

“Of course.” Le Zhengyu’s lips curled up slightly, a hint of confidence flashing in his eyes. He raised his hand and pointed to the location of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy. “We have won for ten thousand years. We must continue Shrek’s supreme glory.”

Duan Hunxiao nodded, drawing a clear route on the map with his fingertip. Starting from Shrek Academy, the route would head west, passing through several cities, and finally reaching Mingdu: "This is the route. Once we reach Mingdu, we'll go directly to the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy."

“No problem.” Le Zhengyu raised his hand and patted the map, his eyes full of eagerness. “I want to see what worthy opponents you can come up with.”

The other trainees who participated in the assessment gathered around, looking at the finalized route and destination. They all had fighting spirit on their faces. Shrek's pride was ingrained in their bones. They were all confident and determined to win the upcoming trip to Mingdu and the competition with the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy.

Chapter 12: Stereotypical Behavior, Ling Guangzhiming, Golden Body Shattered

A month later, Qian Gu Qingfeng and his wife, along with Leng Yaozhu and their three children, arrived at the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy.

As soon as they entered, Wu Hongchen personally greeted them. His gaze swept over the two Limit Douluo and one Super Douluo behind the three of them, his eyes revealing surprise, while his face wore a polite smile.

"Welcome to the academy, everyone." He reached out and shook hands with Qian Gu Qingfeng, his tone earnest. "Your Majesty, the Purgatory is even more splendid than before."

After some pleasantries, Wu Hongchen led everyone to the reception hall, gestured for the waiter to serve tea and refreshments, and said with a smile, "Ever since the three of you, young friends Xingci and his companions, swept through the elite first-year students of our academy, everyone in the academy is sincerely convinced. With three of you taking the field today, you are sure to achieve a resounding victory."

Gu Yue remained as aloof and serene as ever, merely nodding slightly upon hearing this, her gaze calm and unwavering; Na'er, on the other hand, paid no heed to these words, clutching the delicate little cake in her small hands, taking bite after bite, her cheeks bulging, her eyes only filled with the sweet aroma.

Qian Gu Xing Ci smiled slightly and tapped the table lightly with his fingertips: "Dean Hong Chen is too kind. I'm just afraid that if we start sparring later, it will cause trouble for the academy."

Wu Hongchen was taken aback, then laughed loudly: "If this is considered troublesome, I'd love to come here more often!"

Meanwhile, at the main gate of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy, the atmosphere was already tense and ready to fight.

Two gatekeeper instructors, their bodies swirling with soul power, stood firmly in the way, their expressions cold and hard: "Without an appointment and permission from the academy, no one is allowed to enter! Shrek Academy is no exception!"

Below the steps, the six Shrek Academy students stood side by side, their auras heavy. Duan Hunxiao stepped forward, his brows furrowed, his tone firm and unyielding: "We are here on the academy's orders for a sparring match. Why bother with an appointment? Move aside!"

"Without the Dean's personal order, not a single step may be taken!" The gatekeeper stood firm, his soul tool already glowing faintly, ready to fight.

A chill flashed in Duan Hunxiao's eyes—a mental shock!

The two felt a tightness in their chests, as if struck by a heavy blow, and were instantly jolted backward, nearly falling over.

"Make your move!" Duan Hunxiao shouted, and He Xiaopeng, Ye Xingmo and the others stepped forward, their soul power carrying a powerful aura, directly breaking through the guards' obstruction.

"Outrageous! How dare they force their way into the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy!" The gatekeeper was both shocked and furious. He hurriedly raised his hand to activate the soul communication device, his hand trembling, his voice so urgent it was almost cracking: "Dean! The six Shrek students have forced their way into the school, we can't stop them! They're heading towards the Soul Arena!"

Ignoring the shouts behind them, Duan Hunxiao and his six companions continued their rampage, their soul power subtly spreading out as they charged forward. Students along the way gave way, their eyes filled with astonishment, and the entire main gate area instantly descended into chaos.

Inside the reception hall, Wu Hongchen's soul-guided communicator suddenly rang sharply. He raised his hand to answer it, and as he listened to the urgent report on the other end, the smile on his face gradually faded, a layer of frost covered his brows, and his aura became several degrees heavier.

He hung up the call, looked at the crowd, and said in a calm but clearly angry voice, "They're here."

The group set off immediately, and when they arrived at the Soul Arena, it was already bustling with noise. On the Soul Arena, the six Shrek Academy students stood quietly, their soul power slightly concentrated, their expressions arrogant, as if victory was already in their grasp. The discussions among the audience below the stage rose and fell.

Qian Gu Xing Ci, Gu Yue, and Na Er walked onto the stage side by side, their steps steady. The figures of the young boy and girl did not appear thin at all on the huge Soul Battle Stage.

As soon as he stepped onto the stage, Qian Gu Xing Ci glanced at his white outfit with the sun and moon pattern printed on it and casually said to the two people beside him, "Putting everything else aside, the Sun Moon Academy's uniform is much better looking than Shrek Academy's dark green one."

Gu Yue glanced down at the hem of her clothes, then thought of Shrek Academy's indescribable school uniform and couldn't help but nod: "I really don't know which genius designed that outfit."

Na'er chimed in, still chewing on her half-eaten pastry, and mumbled, "Exactly, it's hideous."

These words fell right into Duan Hunxiao's ears. He immediately glared at them, his soul power surging, and he shouted sternly, "Insolence! How dare you insult Shrek's honor!"

Qian Gu Xing Ci, Gu Yue, and Na'er exchanged a glance.

No wonder Qian Gu Dong Feng always described Shrek's "brainwashing technique" as something miraculous; seeing it today, it truly lives up to its reputation.

He's only been in school for one semester, and he's already taken on the shape of Shrek.

Seeing that the three of them didn't seem to care at all, the Shrek members' expressions grew even more somber.

Le Zhengyu stared at the three young boys and girls with their youthful faces, his eyes full of contempt, and sneered: "Is there no one left at the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy? They actually sent out three brats to fight. Are they looking down on Shrek Academy?"

Qian Gu Xing Ci raised his eyes slightly and recognized the blond descendant of the angel clan at a glance.

Na'er immediately bristled, swallowed the pastry in her mouth, and retorted loudly, "Stop talking nonsense! Three of them are enough to beat your own mothers so badly they wouldn't recognize you!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Wu Hongchen leaped onto the referee's platform. With a wave of his hand, a thick, transparent soul-guiding shield instantly enveloped the entire arena, completely isolating the area between the players and the audience. He shouted, his voice reverberating throughout the arena: "Both sides, announce your names and release your martial souls!"

"Qian Gu Xing Ci, Gu Yue, Na'er!" The three voices rang out in unison, clear and sharp with the spirit of youth.

"Yuan En Ye Hui, Le Zheng Yu, He Xiao Peng, Bai Han Ying, Ye Xing Mo, Duan Hun Xiao!" The six Shrek members responded aggressively.

hum-

With a deep tremor of soul power, four jet-black soul rings slowly rose from beneath Qian Gu Xing Ci's feet, like four condensed black suns, suspended in mid-air, radiating a terrifying pressure.