Douluo Dalu 2: Way of Heaven

The Blackwater Pill.

Over twenty thousand gold soul coins.

Xu Sanshi likely never imagined he'd lose. A prodigy years older should effortlessly crush a freshman—like a teenager defeating a child. To him, victory was certain. Hence, the extravagant wager.

As for the gold coins?

An Zhen couldn't fathom the mind of a lovestruck simp. Perhaps Xu Sanshi truly appreciated his guidance.

The card was untraceable—a savings pass, not credit. Most spectators focused on the duel and Blackwater Pill; the card's existence went unnoticed.

An Zhen approached the counter. Under the silent gazes of the young mistress Ning Tian and Wu Feng, he purchased the Soul Ascension Pill.

"An Zhen, congratulations. One step closer to three rings."

Though her feelings were complex, the golden-haired noblewoman's blessing was genuine.

"Thanks to Ning Tian's invitation today. Otherwise, I'd have missed this opportunity."

After exploring two more floors—glimpsing the Nine Treasure Glazed Pagoda Sect's staggering wealth—they returned to the academy.

"Feng-mei, fetch those items on your way back."

An Zhen and Wu Feng walked together.

"You look lovely today."

His gaze drifted from her black-stockinged feet.

"Pervert."

The crimson-eyed dragoness glared coldly, then demanded, "Where'd the money come from?"

Wu Feng distrusted An Zhen near her lady but couldn't bear Ning Tian's disappointment.

"Xu Sanshi gave it with the Blackwater Pill. Ning Tian's sources missed this detail," An Zhen explained.

"You knew?"

Her scarlet eyes narrowed sharply.

"..."

The boy sighed. "Wu Feng, it's obvious. Don't treat me like a fool."

"Then why refuse?" Hands on hips, the protective dragoness bristled. Her lady was perfection incarnate.

Like a loyal guard dog.

An Zhen found it endearing.

"Perhaps… she didn't offer what I truly want."

⋯

Ning Tian's Chambers

"What I want?" Ning Tian whispered.

She wasn't surprised he saw through her intent—it was transparent. But civility demanded subtlety; alliances required mutual consent.

Wu Feng nodded, noting her lady's gaze lingering on her black-stockinged calves.

⋯

An Zhen consumed the Soul Ascension Pill immediately.

Its effect—guaranteed to raise a Soul Elder by one rank—propelled him from mid-25th to freshly-breached 27th rank.

"Pity it's one-time use. Otherwise, I'd replicate it in the virtual world."

Satisfaction mingled with regret.

Such pills blended rare herbs. Repeated use caused pill toxicity, damaging potential. His virtual world's refresh would purge both gains and toxins.

Refreshing meant either restoring a saved state or cleansing impurities mentally within the virtual world before projecting it outward.

"Only heaven-sent treasures like immortal herbs would suffice."

He craved them.

But they were beyond reach.

The weekend saw An Zhen's trio mirroring Huo Yutong's diligence. Beyond milk tea sales, they cultivated relentlessly.

Monday brought routine:

Dorm → Cafeteria → Classroom → Stall

Four fixed points.

The "sleeping monitor" of Class 9 became legendary. Skeptical freshmen fell silent upon seeing the class's meticulously updated cultivation notes.

All knew: their monitor had beaten a senior on day one and was an "innate competitive cultivation saint," meditating through lectures.

Was there no escape?

Boys' dorms remained a mystery, but an anonymous female student reported: 98% of girls now meditated instead of sleeping. Classroom focus soared. The competitive wave from Class 9 engulfed the entire freshman year—threatening to infect upperclassmen.

Two Months Later

A bright noon. Before class ended, under Wu Feng's watchful eyes, a pale yellow soul ring ignited. Soul power rippled from the black-haired youth.

"Finally—30th rank."

Joy sparked in his dark eyes, his handsome face alight.

Class 9 Students: (┯_┯)

Numb.

You compete unfairly AND cheat?

"Congratulations, An Zhen!"

Instructor Mu Jin beamed. Two Soul Elders on one team? With An Zhen's combat record, the freshman championship seemed assured.

Zhou Yi—I'll win this time.

"Emulate An Zhen's dedication! Our class's third and fourth Soul Elders are among you!"

"Yes…"

The reply held silent despair.

After class, An Zhen refreshed his notes and approached Mu Jin. "Instructor, I request afternoon leave to absorb a soul ring."

"Oh? Have you chosen one? Can it be done in an afternoon?"

"Decided. Sold right here in Shrek City."

Mu Jin hesitated. This prodigy couldn't be risked. "May I know the specifics?"

Students leaned in. Their monitor's Martial Soul remained an enigma.

"A 1,700-year Soft Bone Rabbit. Bought from a restaurant. The leftovers make great spicy rabbit heads and barbecue."

Soul ring + meal.

Students: ...

Mu Jin: ?

You're absorbing a… rabbit soul ring?!

Her world tilted.

Ning Tian and Wu Feng exchanged baffled glances.

"My Martial Soul isn't picky. Any millennium beast suffices. Soul skills derive from the Martial Soul itself—the ring just enables breakthroughs."

"Truly. My first ring was a Soft Bone Rabbit."

Delicious.

"I'll decide after consulting Vice Dean Du." She massaged her temples.

"Approved." A green-haired man materialized at the door.

"Thank you, Vice Dean Du!" An Zhen hurried off.

"But sir—" Mu Jin protested.

"Instructor Mu," Du Weilun interrupted calmly, "trust your students. With unknown Martial Souls, their insight often surpasses ours."

Truthfully, he followed the dean's orders: never interfere with An Zhen's soul ring choices.

(End of Chapter)