Douluo Dalu 2: The True God King

Su Yu casually had one hand in his pocket as he walked down from the rooftop, feeling rather good. After all, when someone willingly offers a soul bone, it's something to be happy about.

The only pity was that Yan Shaozhe didn't make a move. If he had tried to grab someone, wouldn't Elder Hai have had a legitimate reason to intervene? Who could have expected that old man to hold back so well? On the surface, he was indeed more restrained than Xuan Zi.

Just as Su Yu stepped off the rooftop, a familiar conversation reached his ears, causing him to pause.

"Hey, Wang Dong, do you even know where you're going?"

The gentle and melodious voice instantly let Su Yu know it was Meng Hongchen speaking.

"Hmph, how would I know where that guy ran off to? One moment he's there, and the next he's gone. If he hadn't disappeared, we wouldn't have lost him."

Wang Dong'er sounded frustrated. They had been wandering around the area in circles but couldn't find Su Yu.

"Do you think he went out on a date?" Wang Dong'er suddenly speculated.

"Impossible!" Meng Hongchen's tone rose slightly, carrying a hint of annoyance.

"I think it's entirely possible!" Wang Dong'er snorted, muttering vague nonsense under her breath.

As the voices grew closer, Su Yu decided not to leave and waited in place for them.

The footsteps came nearer, and as Wang Dong'er and Meng Hongchen turned the corner, the sight of Su Yu standing there startled Wang Dong'er.

"Whoa, Su Yu?" Wang Dong'er exclaimed, taking a step back instinctively. But she quickly regained her composure, puffed out her chest, and stepped forward.

Meng Hongchen was also momentarily surprised, but her face soon lit up with a radiant smile.

"Yu~"

Su Yu casually walked toward them. Wang Dong'er watched him warily as if expecting Su Yu to settle some score, while Meng Hongchen beamed like a flower in bloom.

"Su Yu, what are you up to? I'm telling you, I'm not afraid of you. Now spill it—where did you go?" Wang Dong'er tried to appear fierce while secretly assessing the situation for an escape route.

Su Yu ignored her entirely, walking up to Meng Hongchen. He raised his right hand, gently brushing her smooth, delicate cheek.

"Why are you hanging out with this guy? Take my advice—don't associate with fools; they'll lower your IQ."

Su Yu smiled warmly.

"Alright~" Meng Hongchen responded without hesitation, leaning into his touch like a bird relying on its perch.

Wang Dong'er, on the other hand, couldn't hold back anymore.

"Hey! Who are you calling a fool? Who are you insulting here?" Wang Dong'er stomped her feet in frustration. Su Yu dared to call her a fool? She was incredibly clever, thank you very much!

Still ignoring her, Su Yu gently took Meng Hongchen's hand, intertwining their fingers.

"Meng'er, take a walk with me."

"Mm!" Meng Hongchen smiled sweetly, gazing at Su Yu with affection so deep it seemed tangible.

The two walked off hand in hand, leaving Wang Dong'er behind.

Wang Dong: ???????

Fuming, Wang Dong'er hurried after them.

"Su Yu, I'm standing right here! Can't you see me?"

Su Yu glanced at her and said casually, "Bring your sister next time."

"W-Why?" Wang Dong'er froze, looking at Su Yu in confusion.

"To inspect the goods. If she's not good-looking, stop hanging around me."

Wang Dong'er was utterly dumbfounded.

"Inspect… the goods?"

"Yeah. You're always boasting about your sister, but I've never met her. Don't you think that's unreasonable?"

Wang Dong'er was stunned. Now that she thought about it… it kind of made sense. But the problem was—she didn't even have a sister! She had been bluffing all along!

Where was she supposed to find a sister?

Unless… she dressed up as one herself? Hmm… that wasn't entirely out of the question. But still…

Wang Dong'er racked her brain, walking slower and slower. By the time she came to her senses, Su Yu and Meng Hongchen were already far ahead.

"Hey, wait for me!" Wang Dong'er shouted, jogging after them.

...

The Next Day

After the group battle, the individual matches for the semifinals began. It was Shrek Academy against the Heavenly Soul Academy, and Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy against Star Luo National Academy.

First up was Shrek Academy versus Heavenly Soul Academy.

The strength disparity was obvious—Heavenly Soul Academy was far weaker. Even their sole Soul Emperor, Jiang Peng, was no match for Ma Xiaotao. Shrek Academy easily secured the win.

Next came Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy against Star Luo National Academy. Without the Star Crown martial soul to support them, Star Luo National Academy stood no chance.

Su Yu didn't even need to participate—Mi Jia and the others handled everything with ease.

Xu Jiujiu, who had lost again, sat in the resting area, casting resentful glances at Su Yu, but Su Yu completely ignored her.

By this point, the teams advancing to the finals were clear: Shrek Academy and Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy.

With the results in, everyone returned to their hotel to strategize.

...

Shrek Academy Meeting Room

Yan Shaozhe looked at the students below and spoke calmly: "The teams entering the finals have been decided. They are none other than the Shrek Academy team and the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy team."

"This is news I believe all of you are already aware of."

"This time, we at Shrek Academy have only one goal, and that is the championship."

"I know the opponents may be powerful, but we are Shrek Academy. Each of us is a monster, and we are even stronger."

"For thousands of years, Shrek Academy has always been the champion. This time will be no exception."

"For this final, I made a bet with Su Yu from the opposing side. If they win, the academy will lose a soul bone. But if they lose, he will join Shrek Academy."

"Students, I believe none of you want to see us lose this bet, right?"

"No!" the students responded in unison.

Although Xu Sanshi and Dai Huabin were reluctant, they wouldn't ruin the moment by speaking out against it.

Yan Shaozhe smiled with satisfaction and said, "For this competition, to motivate everyone, the academy will reward those with outstanding performances during the matches."

"The rewards include but are not limited to, gold soul coins, rare treasures of heaven and earth, and even soul bones. So, everyone, give it your all!"

To ensure a foolproof victory and secure the Ultimate Ice as their prize, Yan Shaozhe once again used his persuasive skills. With just a few sentences, he managed to ignite the students' fighting spirit.

Soul bones as a reward—who wouldn't be excited by that?

With morale high, Yan Shaozhe turned his gaze to Wang Yan.

Wang Yan immediately understood, clapped his hands, and said, "Everyone, quiet down. Next, we'll discuss our strategy for the finals."

Then, Wang Yan began to arrange tactics based on the information they had gathered.

...

At the same time, the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy was also in a meeting room discussing their final preparations.

Elder Ma, who had just returned from the Sun Moon Empire, sat at the head of the table. The main team and the reserve team were seated on either side.

"The Continental Soul Master Tournament has reached its final stage—the finals."

"Our opponent remains the same as always—Shrek Academy."

"There's nothing more to say. Our only goal is to defeat them and take the championship."

"The Shrek Academy team is strong, with two Soul Emperors, five Soul Kings, and a reserve team with several noteworthy members."

"They are undoubtedly a formidable opponent, so I hope everyone will stay focused and not underestimate them."

"That's all from me. Ma Rulong, Su Yu, the tactical arrangements are now up to you."

Having given a brief speech, Elder Ma handed over the strategy planning to Su Yu and Ma Rulong.

Elder Ma, being newly returned, didn't have full knowledge of the situation and wisely chose not to meddle during such a critical time.

Ma Rulong glanced at Su Yu and spoke first: "Our opponent in the finals is Shrek Academy, an undeniably powerful team."

"Among them, Ma Xiaotao and Dai Yueheng pose the greatest threats."

"Therefore, in the group battle, we must focus on restraining these two individuals."

"I will take care of Ma Xiaotao and keep her locked down. As for Dai Yueheng, I believe Senior Ma can handle him."

"As for the others, they aren't worth worrying about. With Meng'er and the rest of us here, victory won't be difficult."

Su Yu smiled faintly, crossing his legs and folding his hands.

Among the team, only he appeared completely at ease.

The others, to varying degrees, were affected by Shrek Academy's reputation, resulting in noticeable tension.

Even Ma Rulong was taking the match with utmost seriousness, leaving no room for error.

After all, they had always been the perennial runner-up. Now, facing the reigning champions, it was impossible not to feel the weight of the challenge.

"You're as confident as ever—it's admirable," Ma Rulong said with a smile.

He couldn't help but respect Su Yu's unshakable composure.

"Confidence comes from strength. With our abilities, there's no need to overthink. Everyone just needs to perform to their potential," Su Yu replied with a smile.

"Su Yu is right. Shrek Academy is composed of people like us; they aren't invincible," Xiao Hongchen chimed in, uncharacteristically serious for once.

Although Xiao Hongchen usually carried an air of arrogance, he knew when to get serious.

Ma Rulong nodded and said, "The finals will consist of three rounds: a group battle, individual matches, and a 2-2-3 format."

"Our chances in the group battle are high. With Su Yu at the core, we can give Shrek Academy a tough fight."

"But the individual matches and the 2-2-3 format will be the real test."

"In the individual matches, the competitors' raw strength will be fully on display. With Shrek Academy's two Soul Emperors, they'll have a significant advantage."

Ma Rulong's tone grew heavier as he spoke.

In the group battle, Su Yu's presence made victory almost certain.

But in the individual matches, which tested pure strength, their opponents' two Soul Emperors posed a significant threat, particularly Ma Xiaotao.

Even Ma Rulong felt immense pressure from her.

"Don't worry. I'll handle it. You can fight without reservation—I'll take care of the rest."

"I'll admit it now: I still have plenty of trump cards. I guarantee I can deal with Ma Xiaotao," Su Yu said confidently.

Xiao Hongchen's eyes lit up. Feigning a fierce demeanor, he joked, "What secrets are you hiding? Spill them now!"

Su Yu waved his hand dismissively. "It's not the right time. You'll find out soon enough."

"You're even hiding things from your team? Not cool!" Xiao Hongchen teased.

"It's not intentional. My trump cards are better suited for solo battles and might cause collateral damage during team fights," Su Yu explained with a chuckle.

For instance, his Domain could easily freeze teammates along with enemies.

"Alright, it's good to have aces up your sleeve. We'll leave Ma Xiaotao to you," Ma Rulong said.

"Let's aim to end the match in the individual rounds and avoid dragging it to the 2-2-3 format."

The finals followed a best-of-three system. Winning the group battle and individual matches would render the third round unnecessary.

Su Yu nodded and added, "One last thing: everyone, protect yourselves during the match."

"Blades have no eyes. Our opponents might resort to underhanded tactics to weaken our forces for the individual and 2-2-3 rounds."

Ma Rulong frowned. "You mean they might intentionally injure us to reduce our fighting capacity?"

"That's their only chance. They can't match us in terms of the number of Soul Kings."

Su Yu spoke.

Ma Rulong fell silent. What Su Yu said made a lot of sense.

Shrek Academy could forgo a victory in the group battle just to cripple their team's fighting capacity for the following matches.

There was a real possibility that Shrek Academy would bet everything on the latter two rounds.

Originally, Ma Rulong hadn't considered such a scenario, but Su Yu's words opened his eyes to the possibility.

"These people are truly despicable!" Xiao Hongchen slapped his thigh and exclaimed angrily.

Coming to cripple others was simply too much.

"No matter. If they have ill intentions, we can also strike hard," Mi Jia said, his eyes flashing with a cold glint.

Mi Jia was the type to let his actions speak louder than words, and when he did speak, his tone was filled with killing intent.

"I agree. This is just tit for tat," Xiao Hongchen added, echoing his approval.

If their opponents dared to make the first move, why shouldn't they retaliate with equal ruthlessness?

"What do you think, Su Yu?" Ma Rulong asked, seeking his opinion.

Su Yu shrugged. "I don't care either way."

After all, Jiang Nannan wouldn't have a chance to participate in the group battle. As for the others, he couldn't care less who ended up injured.