Douluo: Dragon King's Tai Chi Mystery

……

The next day, afternoon.

In the rooftop conference room of the Tianhai Hotel, the blazing sun and layered clouds outside the floor-to-ceiling windows blend into a radiant glow on the horizon.

The woman was stunningly beautiful, with her long, emerald-green hair half-tied up with a silver vine crown. Her long dress was embroidered with angel wings, and her smooth shoulders were adorned with vines and necklaces. She exuded an indescribable aura of life.

"Sister Yali, listen to me!"

The soul-guided communicator was in use, displaying the name Cai Yue'er. She kept talking, "Although we decided to invite students from the East Sea to enroll, they made the academy lose face. You must demonstrate the academy's authority!"

Shrek Academy is the prestigious Shrek Academy; it's an honor for them to enroll!

Holy Spirit Douluo Ya Li smiled helplessly: "Yue'er, Donghai Academy has a long history with us. Our team leader, Wu Changkong, is a disciple of Zhuoshi. His students are striving to enter Shrek Academy, so it's best to be gentle."

Silver Moon Douluo Cai Yue'er's dissatisfied voice came: "Of the seven students from Donghai Academy, only four are students of Wu Changkong, and the most talented one, Gu Yue, has already dropped out of school and gone home to cultivate in seclusion."

The other three are: Jiutian, a disciple of the master craftsman Zhenhua, who is solely focused on forging and has clearly decided not to attend the academy; and Zhao Xuanzhen and Na'er, whose background involves the Spirit Pagoda. We used many undercover agents to find out that Zhao Xuanzhen seems to be her disciple. You must be assertive!

"I know what I'm doing. Shen Yi went to invite them; they'll be here soon. I'll hang up now."

Ya Li sensed someone approaching and quickly ended her conversation with Cai Yue'er.

A moment later, Shen Yi pushed open the door, and Zhao Xuanzhen and Na'er stepped into the conference room, where a strong sense of life immediately rushed towards them.

"Sit down and let's talk."

The three sat facing each other, and Ya Li said with a smile, "Hello, Xuanzhen and Na'er. I am Ya Li, a member of the Shrek Sea God Pavilion and a Holy Spirit Douluo. I am here on behalf of the academy to discuss something with you: enrolling in Shrek Academy."

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty the Holy Spirit," Zhao Xuanzhen said apologetically, "We are disciples of the Spirit Pagoda, and we have no choice but to decide whether or not to enroll in Shrek Academy..."

"Yali, the person you're talking to is me."

The crisp sound of high heels clicking on the ground echoed, and a bright flame burst into everyone's sight.

A fiery red silk dress draped over the woman's curvaceous body. As she raised her chin, her long, crimson hair trembled gently by her ears, and the sharp glint in her crimson eyes pierced through the room's brilliance.

Ya Li's fingers, which were resting on the table, suddenly tightened. The newcomer was none other than the Heavenly Phoenix Douluo, Leng Yaozhu!

Leng Yaozhu entered, and Zhao Xuanzhen and Na'er sat down casually. "We children are a disadvantaged group and don't understand. You can talk to my teacher!"

"Whose idea was it to send my disciple to Shrek Academy?"

Leng Yaozhu, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, looked down upon the world and said, "Yours? His? Or Zhuoshi, Feng Wuyu... or that madwoman Cai Yue'er?"

"The consensus reached at the Poseidon Pavilion meeting."

Yali avoided the pointed question. The two stunningly beautiful and powerful women clashed, one gentle and calm, the other proud and radiant. The compassionate angel and the burning phoenix were frozen in time as opposing totems amidst the shockwaves.

“Yaozhu, learning from failure is also an important lesson. Shrek is not incapable of accepting failure,” Yali said softly. “However, Shrek will never allow malicious people to take the opportunity to smear and spread rumors.”

Shrek Academy invited Xuanzhen and Na'er to enroll, proving that the academy's character wasn't as bad as some people thought, maintaining an open attitude towards all the exceptionally talented monsters on the continent, and encouraging them to defeat Shrek's disciples.

Leng Yaozhu crossed her arms, exuding an imposing aura: "Shut up the gossip, the rumors will fall apart on their own, and you'll also salvage a lot of reputation. It's a brilliant plan."

But why should I cooperate with Shrek Academy? What benefit would this bring to Xuanzhen and Na'er?

Ya Li fell silent. As a core disciple of the Spirit Pagoda and backed by the deputy tower master, the two of them received abundant resources that were in no way inferior to those of Shrek Academy. Leng Yaozhu really had no reason to let go of the two children.

“This time Shrek needs your help, so name your terms, Yaozhu.” Yali smiled wryly. “I will agree to anything within my authority.”

Leng Yaozhu rushed to Tianhai City last night and, having already made plans with Zhao Xuanzhen, decided to cut to the chase and said:

"Three conditions. First, Shrek Academy will announce to the continent that it invites Xuanzhen and Na'er to be exchange students for a period of five years. Once the five-year period is up, they may withdraw from Shrek at any time."

Secondly, instead of staying in the outer courtyard, they can directly reside on Poseidon Island, where the abundant energy can significantly increase their cultivation speed.

Third, we've done you a tremendous favor, and Shrek Academy will offer two 100,000-year-old soul bones as payment.

"This……"

Ya Li frowned and slowly said, "Five-year exchange students are no problem. Shrek Academy has a history of exchanges with Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy."

Poseidon Island is the residence of outstanding inner court disciples and elders of the Poseidon Pavilion, so it's acceptable.

Two 100,000-year soul bones won't do. Soul beasts are becoming increasingly rare, making 100,000-year soul bones extremely difficult to obtain. The 100,000-year soul bones treasured by Shrek Academy are all priceless treasures passed down from their ancestors; I could only manage to secure one at most.”

"A 100,000-year-old soul bone must have a bloodline level of superior."

"it is good."

The two titled Douluo reached an agreement, and Ya Li added, "The enrollment process needs to be followed, so that the Sea God Pavilion can reward you with a 100,000-year soul bone based on your excellent performance in the assessment."

Leng Yaozhu nodded, turned around and left with Zhao Xuanzhen and Na'er, returning to the 88th floor.

As soon as he entered, Zhao Xuanzhen's cheek was captured by two jade-like fingertips, the red nails digging into the soft flesh of his cheek. Zhao Xuanzhen had no choice but to tilt his head back to receive the flickering firelight in his teacher's phoenix eyes.

"After more than two months apart, the first thing you do when you try to contact me is cause trouble, and you still insist on going to Shrek Academy!"

What, the teacher can't teach you anymore?

"Teacher, be gentle..."

Zhao Xuanzhen trusts Leng Yaozhu, but finds it difficult to reveal all the secrets, such as the agreement with the spirit of the plane, the golden tree that is the core of life on Seagod Island, the Blue Silver Emperor hidden in the tree, and the descent of more of the Eight Deceitful Gods...

Over the next five years, he had so much to accomplish at Shrek Academy.

Moreover, after that night's "reaching for the heavens and exploring the netherworld," Zhao Xuanzhen harbored an obsession with becoming number one. He would defeat the outer court, the inner court, the elders, and the pavilion master one by one, slowly climbing to the top and replacing someone's position in Leng Yaozhu's heart.

Leng Yaozhu rubbed for a long time, then suddenly let go and said softly:

"Fine, go ahead. Fortunately, Shrek Academy is right next to the Spirit Pagoda headquarters, so I can help you in time if anything unexpected happens."

"The teacher isn't angry with me?"

"of course not."

Leng Yaozhu looked at Zhao Xuanzhen with a smile that seemed both tolerant and gentle: "This is your life, and your teacher cannot bind you forever."

Those things you believe are right, those things you cherish in your heart, you must put into action no matter what. Do them in the dark, do them even if you fall, do them even if you get hurt, do them even if you're surrounded by rumors and gossip.

The teacher has regretted his actions, so he doesn't want his students to regret them someday. Courage is fleeting, and youth is the greatest source of confidence.

Go for it! If the sky falls, your teacher will hold it up for you.

Chapter 42 The List of Young Geniuses, Tai Chi Master Zhao Xuanzhen, and the Ten-Thousand-Year-Old Cave Demon Spider (4K)

The black wings of the Heavenly Fire Phoenix spread out, streaking across the sky like a meteor, its crimson tail leaving a dazzling trail that lingered for a long time.

Leng Yaozhu activated the autopilot mode, glanced back at Zhao Xuanzhen behind her, and a captivating smile curved her rosy lips.

Two months! Do you know how she got through those two months?!

During the days when Zhao Xuanzhen was not around, Leng Yaozhu felt extremely bored and had no interest in doing anything. Every day she hoped that he would send her a message saying, "Teacher, we're back."

Although Zhao Xuanzhen didn't actually return to the Spirit Pagoda, but instead enrolled at Shrek Academy as an exchange student, Shrek Academy was located next to the Spirit Pagoda headquarters, meaning Leng Yaozhu could see him anytime. She was already satisfied with the feeling of her child attending university right on her doorstep.

On the sofa, Na'er leaned her head against Zhao Xuanzhen, scrolling through the news on the Soul Network with her soul communication device. Her long silver hair cascaded down like a waterfall, and her bare feet were on the Flame Lion King carpet, the warm air from her feet warming her body.

Zhao Xuanzhen acted as Na'er's human-shaped cushion, slightly tilting his head, and a giant eagle mech painted with dark green patterns appeared in his field of vision.

That was the black-level mecha that Shrek Academy group used to travel in. With the problems left over from the exhibition match resolved, Holy Spirit Douluo Ya Li led them back to the academy.

"Zhao Xuanzhen, look!"

Na'er gently tugged at Zhao Xuanzhen's arm, then held the soul-guided communicator up to his eyes. A news headline was highlighted in bright red bold, beginning with the words "Shocking!"

Breaking news! A major replacement of geniuses, heroes emerging from among the young!

"The list of young geniuses has been updated!" Na'er exclaimed excitedly. "We're on the list! It seems like getting on the list at ten years old is a record!"

The Young Genius Ranking was established by the Spirit Pagoda with the aim of promoting the development of the Soul Master world and encouraging talented Soul Masters to continuously improve.

To be included on the list, one must be a young Soul Master under the age of eighteen, evaluated from multiple perspectives including combat strength, talent, and secondary profession. There are only thirty spots available, and those who make the list are considered the most powerful young talents in the entire Douluo Continent, with a bright and promising future ahead.

Zhao Xuanzhen took Na'er's soul-guided communicator and checked the rankings of this issue's list of young geniuses, quickly finding his own name.

Fifth on the list of young geniuses: Tai Chi master Zhao Xuanzhen.

"I've suddenly jumped to fifth place, and Yu Yuanheng is now sixth?"

Upon discovering that Lan Dianyu Yuanheng was right behind him, Zhao Xuanzhen chuckled.

Although the Young Genius Ranking is based on multiple factors, combat power still carries the highest weight, since all of a Soul Master's training is aimed at improving their combat power.

A head-on confrontation is of paramount importance in determining the rankings. Previously, Zhao Xuanzhen had a one-on-one battle against Yu Yuanheng, who was amplified by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, and he completely dominated him. Naturally, the list of young geniuses ranked him above Yu Yuanheng.

He couldn't advance any further because the list of young geniuses considered that Zhao Xuanzhen was still young and might not be able to defeat or surpass the top four, so he was temporarily placed fifth.

"Silver Dragon Na'er, number twenty-one."

Scrolling down, Zhao Xuanzhen found Na'er's name.

"I protest! Why are you fifth and I twenty-first!" Na'er said indignantly. "Am I not good enough? Did I win by doing nothing? Didn't I beat Ye Xinglan to a pulp?"

Na'er's three consecutive death questions made her wish she could reach through the soul communication device, grab the staff member who posted the rankings, and question Na'er, the Great King, why she was only ranked twenty-one!

Zhao Xuanzhen quickly tried to soothe Na'er, advising, "Don't take the ranking of young geniuses so seriously; it will distort our efforts."

Everyone is an MVP; there are no easy winners. Even Xu Xiaoyan played a role in terms of styling!

"One thing at a time, I can't stand being so much worse off than you," Na'er muttered. "Most of the young geniuses on the list are from Shrek Academy. I'll challenge them one by one from now on. I absolutely can't let you fall behind!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xuanzhen couldn't help but smile. The person who created the list of young geniuses was truly a talent, igniting the competitive spirit of the young people. Looking at the names ranked above him, even Zhao Xuanzhen, let alone Na'er, found it quite glaring.

"Hehe, Gu Yue Twenty-Two, codename Element!"

Having outmaneuvered Gu Yue, Na'er instantly went from anger to laughter. Especially upon seeing the codenames Silver Dragon Na'er and Elemental Gu Yue, Na'er couldn't stop grinning, her Heavenly Fire Phoenix filled with booming laughter.

Gu Yue was the Silver Dragon King his whole life, but his code name was Element. Na'er transformed into the Silver Dragon Na'er!

"I'm going to give them a good dressing down next time we meet..."

Na'er kept this in mind.

Besides the Trident of the Spirit Pagoda, Jiutian and Tang Wulin also made the list, with the former ranking 29th and the latter 30th, becoming the gatekeepers. The two were evenly matched in the exhibition match, and their order likely reflects the outcome of the Blacksmith Finals.

Shrek Academy's first defeat in 20,000 years caused a huge uproar, instantly creating five young geniuses who rose to the top of the list of young geniuses, much like a whale falling and giving birth to all things.

Na'er carefully studied the rankings and suddenly exclaimed in surprise, "The top four are all from Shrek Academy, and the number one will turn eighteen soon and automatically drop off the list in another month. Doesn't that mean we'll just get promoted by default..."

"Ah."

Zhao Xuanzhen stared at the first four portraits, memorizing their appearances and martial spirits, and quietly began to make plans.

……

As the sun set, two Black-level mechs entered Shrek City.

It was Shrek Academy's triennial enrollment season, and the entire city was bustling with activity. The reputation blow didn't seem to have significantly impacted Shrek's enrollment; the city was filled with young Soul Masters eager to study at the continent's premier academy, accompanied by their teachers, forming a large and vibrant community.

The strong will always get stronger. Shrek Academy's resources are undeniable, and those established Soul Master factions don't care about so-called reputation. As in the past, they send out their own disciples/juniors, instructing them to cultivate and study while also making friends with peers who are also talented—more friends mean more opportunities.

Both black-level mechs were designed as vehicles, possessing metal transformation capabilities. They descended from the sky, transformed into soul-guided cars, and continued their journey towards Shrek's inner city.

The inner city and the outer city are like two different worlds. In stark contrast to the bustling and crowded outer city, the inner city is unusually tranquil. The wide streets paved with blue bricks are antique and lined with shops that retain the wooden architectural style of ten thousand years ago.

"squeak--"

Before the ancient plaque of Shrek Academy, two soul-guided cars braked, and Holy Spirit Douluo Ya Li landed gracefully, looking at Heavenly Phoenix Douluo Leng Yaozhu beside her, and said in a gentle tone:

"Yaozhu, would you like to come in and have a seat?"

"Next time for sure." Leng Yaozhu declined. "I'm leaving Xuanzhen and Na'er in your care. Please warn Cai Yue'er for me not to cause trouble for herself or Shrek Academy."

If they are mistreated at Shrek Academy, I will personally go there to demand an explanation.

Holy Spirit Douluo Ya Li is revered as the kindest woman on the Douluo Continent. She sacrificed her health to save civilians from a plague, resulting in the loss of her fertility. Having known Ya Li for many years, Leng Yaozhu trusts her character. As for Silver Moon Douluo Cai Yue'er…

That girl is unruly and has an eccentric personality. When she was young, she caused a huge uproar in the Soul Master world. Shrek Academy, under pressure from various parties, finally sent a high-ranking official to bring her back.

They were all from the same generation. Ya Li understood why Leng Yaozhu had called out Cai Yue'er's name so many times. She nodded with a wry smile, determined not to let Cai Yue'er run wild.

While Silver Moon Douluo is certainly restless, Heavenly Phoenix Douluo is by no means an easy target.

The Phoenix Sisters stirred up a storm across the world, while Dark Phoenix Leng Yulai defied the world's condemnation and joined the Holy Spirit Cult, rising all the way to become one of the Four Dark Kings.

Tianfeng Leng Yaozhu also has mad blood flowing through her veins. Back then, she dared to abandon everything and propose to be a woman in the shadows. Later, she became the deputy tower master of the Spirit Pagoda and used her authority to protect the fallen Leng Yulai and prevent outsiders from harming her sister.

Therefore, although Leng Yaozhu appears bright and mature on the surface, she is actually called a hidden madwoman by the older generation of Soul Masters. When others cross her bottom line, she becomes even more insane than Leng Yulai!

Ya Li could imagine that if Cai Yue'er acted like a clown and targeted the two of them, Zhao Xuanzhen could make a phone call and Leng Yaozhu could rush over and kill her!

Shen Yi and the seven members of the Shrek team got off the car one by one, their expressions extremely complicated as they looked at Zhao Xuanzhen and Na'er not far away.

On the way back to Shrek City, Yali announced the punishment imposed by the Sea God.