douluo dalu: Excalibur

Chapter 3: The Shock of a Genius

Nuoding Junior Academy bustled with new students arriving, each eager to begin their journey as spirit masters. Among them was a boy named Tang San, an unassuming yet determined youth who carried secrets of his own. As he stepped into the academy, fate led him toward an encounter with Yu Xiaogang, a moment that would change his path forever.

Yu Xiaogang, having failed to approach Xiao Ren due to the overwhelming presence of his Spirit Sage escorts, found solace in the appearance of Tang San. The moment he discovered Tang San's twin spirits, his eyes gleamed with ambition. Recognizing the immense potential, he immediately took Tang San under his wing, declaring himself his master and promising to guide him to greatness.

Meanwhile, the entrance evaluation began. Students lined up to test their spirit power and martial spirits, eager to prove themselves. As Xiao Ren stepped forward, murmurs spread among the examiners. The head instructor, Master Su, observed him closely, sensing something extraordinary.

When Xiao Ren released his Excalibur martial spirit, the sheer brilliance of its holy energy captivated everyone present. A hushed silence fell over the crowd as he placed his hand on the spirit power testing crystal.

The crystal flared brilliantly.

Master Su's eyes widened in disbelief. "Spirit Rank… 16!?"

Gasps erupted among the students and instructors alike. Most new students barely reached Spirit Rank 5, with only rare geniuses managing to touch Rank 10. Yet here was a youth, only six years old, standing at Rank 16—an achievement unheard of.

"How is this possible?" one instructor muttered. "Even noble clans struggle to produce such talent."

Yu Xiaogang, who had been watching from afar, clenched his fists. If not for those three terrifying escorts, he would have desperately tried to recruit Xiao Ren. Instead, he could only grit his teeth and focus on Tang San, hoping his new disciple would eventually prove superior.

Xiao Ren, however, remained indifferent to the reaction around him. He had expected this outcome. Without another word, he completed his enrollment and walked away, leaving behind a hall filled with stunned spectators.

As he stepped out, he cast a brief glance toward Tang San. Their paths had now intersected, but Xiao Ren had no interest in petty rivalries. His only goal was to continue growing stronger in the shadows, far beyond what anyone could imagine.

While Tang San followed Yu Xiaogang into the Spirit Forest to hunt his first spirit ring, Xiao Ren focused entirely on his training. With a rigorous cultivation schedule and the support of his Anbu, his strength grew rapidly.

During these three months, his business ventures also took form. Under his orders, his Anbu successfully established a luxurious hot spring hotel and restaurant, securing a steady source of income in Nuoding City.

Four months passed in the blink of an eye.

[Ding! Host's Spirit Rank has increased to Level 20.]

A satisfied smirk formed on Xiao Ren's lips. He had officially reached the bottleneck for Spirit Masters, needing a second ring to advance further. Without hesitation, he and his Anbu ventured into a secluded spirit beast territory, their sights set on a formidable prey.

After a meticulous search, they found their target—a thousand-year-old Holy Dragon Beast. Its body radiated a divine aura, making it the perfect match for Xiao Ren's Excalibur. A fierce battle ensued, with his Anbu working together to weaken the beast before Xiao Ren delivered the final blow.

[Ding! Spirit Ring absorbed successfully.]

[Obtained Second Spirit Ability: Holy Strike.]

Holy Strike—an ability that unleashed a devastating attack, dealing 1000% increased damage for a single hit. Those struck by it would suffer a powerful debuff, losing 20% of their attributes for three minutes, drastically weakening them.

As the power surged through him, another notification chimed in his mind.

[Ding! Host has reached Spirit Rank 23.]

[Ding! System reward unlocked: Titled Douluo Summon Card (Rank 91-99).]

Xiao Ren's eyes gleamed with excitement as he immediately used the summon card.

A vortex of energy appeared before him, and a figure stepped out—a warrior clad in black with spiky blond hair, carrying a massive sword on his back.

[Ding! Cloud Strife has been summoned!]

[Spirit Rank: 97]

[Spirit Rings: 1 Yellow, 2 Purple, 4 Black, 2 Red]

[Loyalty: Absolute]

Xiao Ren observed the summoned warrior, impressed by his presence. Cloud Strife bowed slightly, his sharp blue eyes filled with unwavering loyalty.

"Master, I am at your command."

[Ding! Host has unlocked Observation Haki, Armament Haki, and Conqueror's Haki.]

[Ding! Host has unlocked Marine Six Styles.]

A surge of power flowed through Xiao Ren's body. His perception sharpened, his physical capabilities soared, and an indomitable aura surrounded him. With these newfound abilities, he had taken another leap toward supremacy.

With a powerful ally by his side and these new techniques at his disposal, Xiao Ren knew his path to the pinnacle had just become even smoother. As he returned to Nuoding City, his mind focused solely on one thing—cultivation. While others played their games of ambition and struggle, he would rise in the shadows, unnoticed, until the world could no longer ignore his existence.

System Status:

Name: Xiao Ren

Cultivation Level: Spirit Grandmaster (Rank 23)

Martial Spirit: Excalibur (Holy Element)

Spirit Rings:

1st Ring: 500-year Holy Tiger (Holy Boost – All Attributes +50%)

2nd Ring: 1000-year Holy Dragon Beast (Holy Strike – +1000% Damage for 1 Hit, -20% Attributes Debuff for 3 Minutes)

Abilities: Observation Haki, Armament Haki, Conqueror's Haki, Marine Six Styles

Summons: Cloud Strife (Spirit Rank 97, Absolute Loyalty)

Meanwhile, Tang San, now a Spirit Master, had begun his training under Yu Xiaogang. Yet, no matter how much progress he made, an uneasy feeling lingered in the back of his mind. Something—no, someone—far beyond his comprehension was growing stronger, hidden within the very same academy.