Douluo Dalu 2: The True God King

Credits: Neopolitansoso

Niu Tian gave him a feeling of profound and unfathomable. Truly profound and unfathomable. Yan Shaozhe's expression became even more respectful as he cupped his hands in a polite gesture.

"Yan Shaozhe greets the Sect Master."

Only then did Niu Tian set down his teacup, his blue-green eyes shifting to Yan Shaozhe. Just one glance was enough to make Yan Shaozhe's heart tremble, and his respect grew even deeper.

"The prized disciple of Dragon God Douluo—what brings you to my Clear Sky Sect?"

Niu Tian asked faintly, with a trace of curiosity in his azure eyes. Logically speaking, the Clear Sky Sect had some connections with Shrek Academy, but not enough to warrant the personal visit of Shrek Academy's Martial Soul Department Dean. He was genuinely curious about Yan Shaozhe's purpose here.

"It is indeed presumptuous of me to disturb you, Sect Master, but a recent matter of great significance has arisen—one that involves the Clear Sky Sect. I've come specifically to seek your guidance on it," Yan Shaozhe said in a measured tone.

"Oh?"

A hint of puzzlement flashed in Niu Tian's eyes.

"It concerns my Clear Sky Sect? What matter might that be?"

Yan Shaozhe took out a letter.

"This is a letter from my teacher, Dragon God Douluo. The details of the matter are outlined in the letter."

As he spoke, Yan Shaozhe handed the letter over.

"Oh?"

Niu Tian raised his hand, and the letter flew into his grasp. He opened the envelope and read through its contents. His expression remained unchanged as he finished reading.

"Such a trivial matter, and it warranted a special trip from you?"

Niu Tian set the letter down, his tone indifferent.

"Sect Master, this is not a trivial matter. The Clear Sky Sect is known as the number one sect under heaven, with vast influence. Having one of your disciples appear in the ranks of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy's team could stir quite a commotion among the Three Great Empires," Yan Shaozhe explained.

Niu Tian's eyes narrowed slightly.

"And what are you implying? Are you accusing my Clear Sky Sect of something?"

"I would not dare!"

Yan Shaozhe quickly lowered his posture.

"Hmph!"

Niu Tian snorted coldly.

"Where my disciples choose to study is their own business. What does it matter if a disciple of my sect goes to the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy to learn something new? Is that not allowed? You people love to make a fuss over nothing."

He didn't care. As far as Niu Tian was concerned if Dong'er wanted to study at the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy, that was her choice. Why should it concern others?

Yan Shaozhe was left speechless. Did Niu Tian realize what kind of misunderstanding this could create? People might suspect that the Clear Sky Sect was colluding with the Sun Moon Empire. The political implications could be immense! Yet Niu Tian dismissed it as making a mountain out of a molehill. Yan Shaozhe wanted to complain but dared not. Niu Tian was far too powerful, and provoking him could have dire consequences—even Dragon God Douluo might not be able to protect him if Niu Tian became angry.

After carefully considering his words, Yan Shaozhe said, "Sect Master, I understand your perspective, and it's true that studying anywhere is a normal choice. However, the world is full of narrow-minded people who are quick to overthink things. The Three Great Empires' royal families are particularly political by nature and might take this the wrong way. It could bring some unnecessary trouble to the Clear Sky Sect."

"How about this: why not have that disciple transfer to Shrek Academy instead? We at Shrek Academy will ensure they receive the best training possible."

Yan Shaozhe proposed this idea cautiously, harboring his ambitions. If they could bring Wang Dong'er into Shrek Academy, it would solve the immediate problem while also showcasing Shrek's influence on the Three Great Empires. Moreover, it would foster a closer relationship with the Clear Sky Sect. If things went well, someone like him or another elder could even take Wang Dong'er as a disciple, further solidifying their connection. Not to mention, according to Wang Yan's report, Wang Dong'er possessed twin martial souls and immense talent—exactly the kind of prodigy Shrek Academy needed.

Unfortunately, Niu Tian didn't take the bait. Yan Shaozhe's words might have sounded appealing, but Niu Tian was a stubborn man. Transfer schools? Wasn't that just a disguised way of asking them to back down? The Three Great Empires? When had the Clear Sky Sect ever been afraid of them? Since Dong'er was willing to study at the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy, as his guardian, Niu Tian wouldn't stand in his way. Besides, this matter likely had the involvement of a certain figure in the heavens pushing things along. If that were the case, he wouldn't interfere. As for the Three Great Empires making trouble—let them try. If they wanted answers, the Clear Sky Sect would be happy to provide them—with fists. He seriously doubted their armies could withstand a few strikes from him. In the eyes of someone like Niu Tian, only those on the same level of power as him were worth taking seriously. Mortal armies and politics were irrelevant.

"No need to discuss this further. Dong'er is happy at the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy, and we will not force her to transfer," Niu Tian said flatly.

Yan Shaozhe: "??????"

I've laid it out so clearly, and you're still this stubborn? Do you not care about the Three Great Empires at all? That's the Three Great Empires we're talking about! Do you truly think the Clear Sky Sect is invincible? ...Fine, the Clear Sky Sect is pretty powerful. But the Three Great Empires aren't weaklings either! Why insist on opposing them? Or... could it be that you've joined forces with the Sun Moon Empire?

"Sect Master, what is your opinion of the Sun Moon Empire?"

Yan Shaozhe probed.

Niu Tian scoffed.

"A bunch of petty snakes and rats—not worth mentioning.

"Yan Shaozhe studied Niu Tian's expression carefully and saw no signs of falsehood. He let out a sigh of relief.

"Then why allow your disciple to study at the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy?"

"Sect Master, please don't misunderstand me. I'm not questioning you—I'm just curious."

Niu Tian sighed lightly. "What can I do? Dong'er likes it there."

"This child grew up without parents, and it was just the two of us raising her. She likes studying at the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy—what can we do about that?"

"Besides, while the Sun Moon Empire may not be much, the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy is undeniably excellent," Niu Tian remarked.

"Sect Leader, our Shrek Academy is also an option. After all, even the founder of the Sea God was a graduate of Shrek Academy," Yan Shaozhe couldn't help but add.

Niu Tian glanced at him dismissively.

"And can your Shrek Academy teach Soul Engineering?"

Yan Shaozhe: "..."

He wanted to say "yes," but the next words from Niu Tian made him swallow his response.

"Even if it can, can it rival the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy?"

Yan Shaozhe: No, it really can't.

In terms of Martial Soul studies, he firmly believed that Shrek Academy was the best. But when it came to Soul Engineering, even the academies of the three empires might not measure up to the Sun Moon Academy, let alone Shrek Academy. So, the reason this disciple of the Clear Sky Sect joined the Sun Moon Academy was purely personal interest in Soul Engineering? And the Clear Sky Sect itself had no ties to the Sun Moon Empire?

After a long discussion, this was the conclusion Yan Shaozhe came to. It seemed plausible. Niu Tian's disdain for the Sun Moon Empire certainly seemed genuine. Moreover, the Clear Sky Sect originated from the same roots as the Sea God's legacy, so it was unlikely they would collude with the Sun Moon Empire. But all this just to fulfill a sect disciple's personal preference? The sheer boldness of it—this was indeed the Clear Sky Sect, living as they pleased.

After exchanging a few more words, Yan Shaozhe realized there wasn't much else he could learn and decided it was time to leave. "Sect Master, I've troubled you long enough. I will take my leave now."

"Wait," Niu Tian called out.

"Is there anything else, Sect Master?"

Yan Shaozhe asked.

Niu Tian's expression turned cold as he spoke in an unhurried tone, "I know that Dong'er's Clear Sky Hammer has been revealed, and those people are bound to overthink things. But no matter what they speculate, if anyone dares harm Xiao Dong, they will die. Dong'er is the heir of the Clear Sky Sect. If anyone dares to touch a single hair on her head, the Clear Sky Sect will not rest until we have our revenge."

As he finished speaking, a terrifying killing intent radiated from Niu Tian, sending chills down Yan Shaozhe's spine.

What the—? Wang Dong is the heir to the Clear Sky Sect? Such a high status? Still, why are you threatening me? I'm the dean of Shrek Academy; would I stoop to bullying a junior? Definitely not!

Yan Shaozhe thought indignantly. In his heart, he grumbled, but out loud, he said, "Understood. I will convey your words to the others."

Yan Shaozhe couldn't wait to leave. He now fully understood—dealing with the Clear Sky Sect was as exhausting as dealing with the Ice God Palace. Both were equally stubborn and hard to communicate with. These people acted as if the world revolved around them, disregarding everyone else. Negotiating with them left Yan Shaozhe feeling utterly drained. Fuming inwardly, he thought, I'm the famous Bright Phoenix Douluo, yet I have to endure this kind of treatment? Even emperors have to show me respect, but these two groups—Ice God Palace and Clear Sky Sect—completely disregard me. Do I have so little authority?

After more fruitless attempts at discussion, Yan Shaozhe finally left the Clear Sky Sect, flying straight back toward Shrek Academy without looking back. He made up his mind—he would never come back to the Clear Sky Sect. If anyone else wanted to deal with them, they were welcome to try. He'd had enough.

Once Yan Shaozhe departed, Niu Tian frowned, tapping the table thoughtfully. The exposure of the Clear Sky Hammer made Dong'er's situation potentially precarious. He wondered if Tai Tan would be able to protect Dong'er properly.

"I hope that fool won't mess things up at such a critical moment," Niu Tian muttered to himself. Still feeling uneasy, he stood and declared, "Forget it. I'll go personally."

...

Star Luo City.

The Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament was in full swing. The round-robin stage was still ongoing, with the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy's team securing five consecutive victories so far, making great progress through the rounds. During these matches, Wang Dong'er had frequently been in the spotlight. Ever since revealing the Clear Sky Hammer, she'd garnered significant attention.

That day, Wang Dong'er participated in another match, teaming up with Meng Hongchen. Together, they effortlessly defeated their opponents. Afterward, back at the Star Emperor Hotel, Wang Dong'er returned to her room alone. Strangely, Su Yu was nowhere to be found. Even Meng Hongchen had not seen Su Yu all day, as though he had disappeared into thin air.

"Where could Su Yu have gone this time?"

Wang Dong'er muttered to herself. Of all her teammates, she was closest to Su Yu. Though she had grown more familiar with the others, they still weren't people she felt particularly attached to. For now, Su Yu remained her only true friend. The rest of the team had gone to eat, but Wang Dong'er, lacking an appetite, decided to head straight back to her room. However, before he could reach the door, three people blocked her way.

At the forefront stood a young woman, appearing to be seventeen or eighteen years old. Her long, silky black hair cascaded over her shoulders, reaching her waist. Her fair, snow-like skin and stunningly beautiful features made even Wang Dong'er momentarily pause in admiration. She wore an elegant azure gown that accentuated her impressive figure. An air of noble refinement surrounded her, making it clear that she was no ordinary individual. Behind her stood two middle-aged men radiating powerful auras, clearly formidable experts.

Frowning at the unexpected obstruction, Wang Dong'er asked coldly, "Who are you? Why are you blocking my way?"

Admittedly, the young woman was beautiful—the type to captivate any man. But Wang Dong'er was not a man; she was not attracted to women. Her exquisite looks failed to sway her in the slightest.

"Student Wang Dong, I've long admired your reputation. Would you be interested in a chat?"

The young woman clasped her hands in front of her and smiled gracefully, exuding poised elegance.

"I'm not interested," Wang Dong'er replied curtly.

"Move aside; I need to go back."

"How rude!"

One of the men behind her shouted angrily. Wang Dong'er's face darkened immediately.

"Enough! Don't scare him," the young woman said, raising a hand to calm the two men. Smiling warmly, she added, "Wang Dong, you don't need to worry. I mean no harm; I just want to talk."

"What if I refuse?"

Wang Dong asked.

The young woman smiled faintly, neither agreeing nor denying her words.

"Hmph, and you call this harmless?"

Wang Dong'er scoffed. She knew full well that if she refused, the two men behind her would likely resort to force. Unfortunately, her team members were nowhere nearby. Otherwise, this woman wouldn't dare to be so brazen. Realizing she had no way out, Wang Dong'er sighed. "Fine, say what you want to say."

"This isn't the best place to talk," the young woman replied, her smile unwavering.

"Why don't we find somewhere more private to have our conversation?"

Though her voice was soft and pleasant, Wang Dong'er couldn't help but feel annoyed.

"Hmph, do as you please," Wang Dong'er muttered. The young woman led her to a secluded area within the hotel. It was tastefully decorated, with a luxurious yet refined ambiance. A massive glass window offered a commanding view of the outside world.