Douluo; Zhongli Adventures in Mortal World with Paimon

Wang Chen's sudden appearance plunged Zhongli into memories.

That child—when he first saw him, he was still so weak, yet his gaze held an extraordinary resolve.

Unfortunately, in an environment like the Douluo Continent, there was almost no chance for him to change his fate.

Zhongli gave him the opportunity to alter his destiny—a Vision, condensed from Zhongli's own power, enough to change the child's entire future.

"To think he's reached such a level already," Zhongli murmured to himself, glancing at Wang Chen again.

For a true Teyvat, Wang Chen's current strength might not seem exceptional.

But for the natives of the Douluo Continent, his power was already astonishingly rapid in its growth.

The people around Zhongli were all lost in thought and didn't notice his slight change in expression or soft whisper.

Today's matches were fairly standard—there were no particularly eye-catching moments. After all, these so-called "elites" were still ordinary soul masters.

No miraculous soul ring breakthroughs, no soul kings competing—naturally, nothing too extraordinary happened.

However, for commoners, this was still an incredible spectacle.

Seeing such a powerful lineup in a competition wasn't difficult, but rarely were the competitors this young.

These young people represented the future of the soul master world.

As the match approached, an unexpected figure appeared in the Shrek Academy rest area.

Her expression was grief-stricken, her face pale and haggard. She looked terrible but still gritted her teeth and forced herself to come.

Her purpose was singular: to draw lots and determine tomorrow's opponent.

Once the drawing was over, she planned to leave immediately without looking back.

The person was none other than Liu Erlong.

After last night's devastating battle, Shrek Academy's teachers were either dead or gravely injured, leaving her as the least harmed.

With a look of hatred, she cast her gaze toward the VIP seats. If she had the strength, she would undoubtedly seek revenge for last night's tragedy!

Alas, she lacked the power—for now.

Liu Erlong's arrival surprised many, including Meng Shenji and the others.

Shrek Academy had been utterly devastated, yet they still dared to participate in the competition?

If not for Emperor Xue Ye's decree to temporarily let the matter drop, they would have eradicated Shrek Academy by now.

After all, an academy like Shrek would only produce individuals disloyal to the Heaven Dou Imperial Family—a potential source of trouble.

Even more shocking than Liu Erlong's appearance was the return of Tang San to Shrek Academy!

No one knew how he convinced Tang Hao, but he clearly insisted on returning for the competition. It was a testament to his unwavering determination and refusal to accept defeat.

After hearing Tang Hao's explanation, Tang San finally "understood": it was all Spirit Hall's fault!

If not for Spirit Hall, his mother, Ah Yin, would never have sacrificed herself, and his family would have lived happily ever after.

"Tang San?"

When the others saw Tang San return to Shrek Academy, they were utterly stunned.

Wait a minute—at a time like this, you still dare to come back?

Even your father, Tang Hao, couldn't guarantee your safety!

Tang San, however, remained expressionless. Ignoring their astonishment, he cast an unreadable glance at Xiao Wu. Deep in his eyes, a flicker of struggle appeared.

He hadn't returned merely for the competition—he came back for Xiao Wu!

Last night's events had been too chaotic. Tang Hao didn't have time to take Xiao Wu away, and now, with his injuries, he lacked the strength to openly come and retrieve her.

The only option was to send Tang San back to play the "emotional card."

The father and son shared an unspoken understanding, and so Tang San returned to Shrek Academy.

Last night's battle had come at a great cost to Tang Hao. Or rather, his price had been immense!

Already plagued by old injuries, he detonated all his soul rings except for his seventh. The backlash caused his wounds to flare up again.

Desperate to survive, Tang Hao had to prematurely take out two of the Clear Sky Sect's legacy soul bones and force out the blood clots from his body.

As a result, his strength dropped to Rank 79.

Surviving at all was already the best possible outcome.

If it weren't for some mysterious power sustaining his life, Tang Hao might have already perished during last night's clash with Body Douluo.

He wouldn't have lasted long enough to extract the spirit bone and heal himself...

At this moment, Tang San had already learned of Xiao Wu's true identity—like her mother, Ah Yin, she was a hundred-thousand-year transformed spirit beast!

A hundred-thousand-year transformed spirit beast refers to a spirit beast that has taken human form and started cultivating anew, but they do not possess the full strength or might of a hundred-thousand-year spirit beast.

However, killing a transformed hundred-thousand-year spirit beast would still grant a hundred-thousand-year spirit ring and spirit bone!

"Xiao San, remember this: The spirit ring and spirit bone obtained from a spirit beast's sacrifice will be absorbed with one hundred percent fusion and power!"

Absorbing a spirit ring and receiving one through sacrifice are two completely different concepts.

The first scenario involves killing a spirit beast and absorbing its spirit ring. Since the beast is already dead, taking its power is something it would naturally resist, and its lingering consciousness will counterattack.

This is why there is a test of soul impact when absorbing a ten-thousand-year spirit ring.

Even if you pass this 'test,' the spirit beast remains unwilling—it is, after all, a forced act.

But a sacrificed spirit ring is different. It involves complete fusion—a willing offering of the spirit beast's entirety. At the same time, the receiver gains the spirit beast's most prized spirit ability!

Recalling Tang Hao's words, Tang San clenched his fists tightly before slowly loosening them again.

He didn't want anything to happen to Xiao Wu—she was his beloved!

A hundred-thousand-year spirit ring, a hundred-thousand-year spirit bone?

He was determined to find another way to obtain them!

"Xiao Wu…"

No one knew how much resolve Tang San had to muster to make this decision.

After all, a hundred-thousand-year spirit ring and spirit bone were treasures that every spirit master on the Douluo Continent dreamed of obtaining.

"I'm back…"

Tang San's voice was hoarse. After what had happened last night, he realized that his strength was still far too weak.

He needed to become powerful enough to protect Xiao Wu. Only by protecting her would he stand a chance to achieve…

"For the sake of my beloved, I must become stronger!"

"Those people... they will all pay the price!"

Hearing Tang San's words, Xiao Wu trembled slightly. She couldn't shake the feeling that Tang San had changed somehow, though she couldn't quite pinpoint how.

Of course, this was just Xiao Wu's intuition after seeing Tang San in his current state. She didn't want to think deeply about it, nor did she wish to dwell on those troubling thoughts.

As someone whose mind was often clouded by love, moments of clarity were rare.

"Brother San!"

Xiao Wu hugged Tang San tightly. A flicker of conflict appeared in her eyes but was quickly concealed.

"Let's hope… our love is real…"

"If even your feelings turn out to be false, then living in this world would hold no meaning at all."

Xiao Wu thought to herself.

After a long silence, Tang San asked in confusion, "Huh, where's Ning Rongrong?"

At those words, everyone's expressions turned extremely grim!