Douluo Dalu 2: The True God King

"Xiao Su, what are you laughing about? You scared me!"

Wang Dong'er patted her chest, looked at Su Yu with a trace of resentment, and scolded him playfully.

She had been relaxing just fine, but suddenly, she heard a creepy laugh that nearly startled her into activating her martial soul.

What was Su Yu laughing about for no reason?

Su Yu glanced at Wang Dong'er, raised his hand to rub her little head as a gesture of comfort, his gaze still deep and enigmatic.

Wang Dong'er frowned slightly, pounced on Su Yu, hugged his neck, and said sweetly, "Xiao Su, what are you thinking about?"

"If something is troubling you, you can tell me. I can help you think of a solution."

Su Yu smiled, turned slightly, and pulled Wang Dong'er into his arms.

Nestled in Su Yu's embrace, Wang Dong'er blinked her blue-pink eyes, staring at him without blinking.

Looking at Wang Dong'er's beautiful face, Su Yu reached out to pinch her delicate nose and teased, "If you just behave and don't cause me any trouble, that would be the biggest help for me."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Wang Dong'er pouted unhappily and muttered, "I'm not that bad, okay? Don't look down on me!"

"Alright, alright."

Su Yu lightly tapped Wang Dong'er's lips with his finger and doted on her, saying, "It's my fault. How could my Dong'er, who's so amazing, be lacking in any way?"

"But these trivial matters are better left to someone rough like me. You, on the other hand, just need to stay as beautiful as a flower."

"Hmph, don't think you can sweet-talk me like that. 'Beautiful as a flower'? You're clearly saying I'm silly."

Hearing Su Yu's words, Wang Dong'er pouted even more, still puffed up in frustration.

Su Yu's attempt at coaxing her didn't work entirely.

Though Wang Dong'er was still a bit naïve, hearing so many sweet-talking words over time had made her slightly more perceptive.

Su Yu looked at Wang Dong'er in surprise and chuckled, "You figured that out?"

Wang Dong'er: ???????

She stared at Su Yu for a moment, stunned, before pouncing on him with claws outstretched.

This hateful Xiao Su! He was calling her dumb.

He had always thought so. He never stopped thinking so. Wang Dong'er was utterly furious.

She was truly angry this time.

But faced with Wang Dong'er, who had puffed up like a little pufferfish, Su Yu effortlessly subdued her in just a few moves.

As Su Yu lowered his head and claimed her soft lips, a blush crept across Wang Dong'er's cheeks, Wang Dong'er transformed from an angry little pufferfish into a docile little bunny. She melted into the kiss, her heart racing as she let Su Yu have his way with her, their breaths mingling in the charged atmosphere. The world around them faded, leaving only the warmth of their connection.

This proved that Wang Dong'er, this little butterfly, could never escape Su Yu's grasp.

There's always someone who can handle someone else!

....

Illustrious Virtue Hall!

"What did you say? You want to apply for the advanced-level assessment?"

Jing Hongchen stared at Su Yu, who stood before him, his face filled with shock and disbelief.

After all, Su Yu was already a Level 7 Soul Engineer. If he were to advance further, he would become a Level 8 Soul Engineer.

A Level 8 Soul Engineer.

That was a high-ranking Soul Engineer.

Even in Illustrious Virtue Hall, the number of Level 8 Soul Engineers wasn't particularly large.

Every single Level 8 Soul Engineer had undergone years of rigorous training and refinement to achieve their rank.

Talent, effort, and perseverance—all were indispensable.

Even the youngest Level 8 Soul Engineers were already several decades old.

And how old was Su Yu?

He was already about to break through to Level 8?

His progress had reached such an astonishing degree.

Jing Hongchen considered himself knowledgeable and experienced, yet Su Yu still managed to shock him to the core, leaving him stunned for a long time.

If Su Yu succeeded, he would undoubtedly make history.

Looking ahead thousands of years, there might not be anyone who could break this record.

It was precisely because Jing Hongchen understood the weight of such an achievement that he couldn't suppress his emotions.

"Yes, Hall Master. Can it be arranged?"

Su Yu smiled as he asked.

"Are you confident about this?"

"This is the Level 8 Soul Engineer assessment, not something simple."

Jing Hongchen questioned him.

Although he had always had great confidence in Su Yu's talent, even now, he couldn't be entirely certain.

This matter was simply too extraordinary.

Su Yu smiled faintly and said, "If you're asking about confidence, I wouldn't say I'm 100% sure, but I'd give myself a 98% chance."

Su Yu appeared modest, not claiming absolute certainty.

Ninety-eight percent seemed reasonable.

Jing Hongchen rolled his eyes. This shameless kid wasn't modest at all!

Ninety-eight percent?

He had the nerve to say that.

When Jing Hongchen had taken his own Level 8 Soul Engineer assessment, he didn't even dare to make such a claim.

Grumbling internally, Jing Hongchen looked at Su Yu and said, "Since you're so confident and insist on taking the Level 8 Soul Engineer assessment, I'll arrange it for you."

The Level 8 Soul Engineer assessment wasn't as simple as assigning a supervisor to oversee the creation of a soul tool.

Every promotion to Level 8 required the presence of one Level 9 Soul Engineer and at least three Level 8 Soul Engineers as witnesses.

This ensured that the assessment process was fair and free of fraud.

In Illustrious Virtue Hall, most high-level Soul Engineers were busy with their research projects, making it difficult to gather them on short notice.

Thus, it was necessary to apply in advance and make arrangements.

However, with Jing Hongchen involved, things would be much easier.

"Thank you, Hall Master. I hope it can be arranged as soon as possible."

Su Yu said with a smile.

Jing Hongchen waved his hand and said, "Go back and wait for the news."

"Got it!"

Su Yu replied cheerfully and turned to leave.

...

As it turned out, Jing Hongchen was surprisingly efficient.

Su Yu had only mentioned it the day before, and by the next day, the assessment had been arranged.

The lineup for the assessment was incredibly impressive. Aside from Jing Hongchen himself, one of the other three participants was a Level 9 Soul Engineer.

Two Level 9 Soul Engineers participating in a Level 8 assessment? Su Yu had never heard of such a thing before.

In a specialized laboratory for crafting soul tools, Jing Hongchen and the other three Soul Engineers stood watching Su Yu.

"The Level 8 Soul Engineer assessment is divided into two parts. The first is demonstrating the ability to effectively use Level 8 soul tools in combat."

"The second is independently crafting a Level 8 soul tool."

"Do you understand?"

Jing Hongchen asked.

Su Yu nodded.

"You may begin."

Jing Hongchen gestured for him to proceed.

Hearing this, Su Yu immediately approached the metal workbench in the room and began his preparations.

Every soul tool consisted of three parts: the outer shell, the inner shell, and the core array.

Among these, the core array was the most critical.

Su Yu took a deep breath. A golden engraving knife appeared in his hand, radiating a crystal-like texture and a brilliant golden glow, exuding an aura of holiness.

"Is that... the Ranked Engraving Knife?"

One of the Level 9 Soul Engineers beside Jing Hongchen gasped, a fiery gleam in his eyes.

Not only him, but the other two Level 8 Soul Engineers also looked at the tool with equal fascination.

The Ranked Engraving Knife.

To Soul Engineers, it was akin to soul bones for Soul Masters.

It was an irresistible allure.

There are countless soul engineers in the world, but only 100 Ranked Engraving knives exist. Nearly every single one of these knives is fiercely sought after by soul engineers.

No one would think there are too many Ranked Engraving knives. Even a soul engineer who already owns one would hardly refuse another.

Moreover, Su Yu's Ranked Engraving Knife was of extremely high quality. Even among the many Ranked Engraving Knife, it was one of the best.

The ninth-level soul engineer's breathing quickened. He already had a Ranked Engraving Knife.

But compared to Su Yu's knife, his own was utterly inferior.

"If I'm not mistaken, this must be the eighth-ranked knife, Holy Judgment, right?"

Holy Judgment!

The eighth-ranked knife among the Ranked Engraving Knife.

It possessed unique divine power, and any soul tool crafted with it would carry a purification effect.

It could also significantly increase the power of soul tools.

"Yes, it is indeed Holy Judgment, but I advise you all—don't get any ideas about it. Otherwise, you'll bear the consequences yourselves," Jing Hongchen said coldly.

Even he was surprised that the eighth-ranked Holy Judgment was in Su Yu's possession.

But he harbored no greed for it.

He also had a Ranked Engraving Knife no worse than Holy Judgment.

His warning was for the few people around him, who might not be able to resist the temptation and do something foolish.

As a soul engineer, he understood all too well how irresistible Ranked Engraving Knives were to them.

If he didn't issue a warning, these few might lose their minds and make a mistake.

On one hand, these individuals were talented and hard to cultivate. Losing them would be a great pity.

After all, offending Su Yu would mean certain death, with no chance of survival.

Who was Su Yu? Was anything in his possession something others could covet?

On the other hand, Jing Hongchen didn't want to see any rift form between Su Yu and Illustrious Virtue Hall because of these fools.

It simply wouldn't be worth it.

Hearing Jing Hongchen's warning, the three quickly patted their chests and promised not to act on their greed.

Still, Jing Hongchen did not trust them so easily and planned to remind them again later.

This was something he could not allow any mishaps to occur with.

Turning his attention back to Su Yu, Jing Hongchen noticed that Su Yu had already started engraving a core formation.

In Su Yu's hands, Holy Judgment seemed almost alive, leaving precise marks effortlessly.

Metal shavings flew everywhere as Su Yu's speed became almost a blur.

With a single breath, the metal powder scattered, and a core formation was complete.

Su Yu placed the completed core formation to the side and picked up another piece of metal to continue engraving.

His fluid and seamless movements impressed Jing Hongchen, who nodded to himself from a distance.

Like a leopard revealed through a tube, Su Yu's handling of core formations showcased his progress. Compared to two and a half years ago, he had grown significantly.

Two and a half years ago, Su Yu lacked this calm and composed demeanor, this effortless mastery.

"Not bad," Jing Hongchen thought to himself.

Under Jing Hongchen's and the others' watchful eyes, Su Yu continued engraving core formations one after another.

Creating an eighth-level soul tool was an extremely complex process, requiring a large number of core formations.

The arrangement and combination of these formations would directly affect the soul tool's quality and power.

"Acceleration, acceleration, acceleration, piercing, piercing... What's this kid doing, engraving so many acceleration formations?"

From Su Yu's engravings, Jing Hongchen could already guess that Su Yu intended to create soul-guided cannon shells.

As the master of Illustrious Virtue Hall and an outstanding ninth-level soul engineer, Jing Hongchen's insight was naturally sharp.

Su Yu had only engraved two sets of core formations, yet Jing Hongchen already understood his goal.

However, he couldn't comprehend why Su Yu was using so many acceleration formations.

Soul-guided cannon shells were not about long-range firing but precise strikes.

Pursuing range excessively was not a wise move.

Surely, Su Yu understood this principle.

But Su Yu's unconventional approach left Jing Hongchen puzzled.

Was Su Yu planning to fire a shell thousands of kilometers away?

That was simply unrealistic.

Even if it could be fired that far, it would lose all accuracy.

A soul-guided cannon shell that couldn't hit its target was utterly worthless.

Confused, Jing Hongchen kept watching as Su Yu worked feverishly.

One core formation after another was completed. Su Yu resembled a sculptor, his hand steady, his knife flowing like a dragon. Each stroke was precise and masterful.

Gradually, Su Yu's metal table became filled with a row of core formations.

Suddenly, the space around Su Yu seemed to distort, as if an invisible force had surrounded him.

Jing Hongchen and the others could see Su Yu engraving, but they couldn't discern his exact movements.

Jing Hongchen froze for a moment, then chuckled and cursed, "Pulling this trick? Does he think we're going to steal his techniques?"

Two ninth-level soul engineers and two eighth-level ones—did they need to steal from Su Yu?

This kid was overthinking things.

Jing Hongchen was both amused and exasperated.

"I'd like to see what you come up with in the end," he muttered, his eyes fixed on Su Yu.

...

Meanwhile, outside Su Yu's small villa, a visitor arrived.

A young woman with long, silky black hair cascading to her waist. Her delicate and fair face had a slight baby fat, giving her an innocent charm. Her skin was smooth and radiant, with a natural glow.

Her lazy and relaxed demeanor added a unique allure to her beauty.

In terms of looks, she was undoubtedly stunning—on par with even Jing Hongchen's granddaughter, Meng Hongchen.

Taking a deep breath, Ju Zi nervously adjusted her outfit before looking at the villa in front of her.

"So, this is where Su Yu lives?"

She had investigated and found his residence; for someone like her, it wasn't difficult.

Gathering her courage, Ju Zi stepped forward and knocked on the door, ringing the doorbell.

"Coming!"

Inside, the sound of footsteps echoed, as though someone was hurrying over.

Click!

The lock turned, and the door opened, revealing a glimpse of powder-blue hair.

"You're back so early—"

Wang Dong'er's cheerful voice reached the doorstep, but it stopped abruptly when she saw the visitor.

"It's... it's you?"

Seeing the beautiful girl standing in front of her, Wang Dong'er frowned slightly.

What was she doing here?

PS; the two rival in the original story.