Douluo: I achieve godhood through System

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The efficiency of the Heaven Dou Auction House was astonishingly high. Almost on the same day, the auction house sent out invitations to all the top forces in the region.

The invitations called on them to attend a soul bone auction scheduled to take place in a month. Detailed information about the soul bone was provided—it was a gem-like Mirage Head Bone, approximately 30,000 years old, suitable for auxiliary or mirage-type spirit masters.

It was also emphasized that the soul bone, provided by the Poison Douluo, could only be exchanged for items of equal value, specifically plant-attribute soul bones, highly toxic soul bones, or dragon-related soul bones.

The reaction of the various faction leaders upon receiving the invitations can only be imagined. Meanwhile, the Heaven Dou Auction House aimed to leverage this event to bolster its reputation.

Within Heaven Dou City, rumors began spreading—half-truths and speculations. No mention was made of the soul bone's provider, age, or type. The only detail leaked was that a soul bone would be auctioned in a month, triggering an immense sensation.

Amid the external commotion, within the Dugu family estate, the next day after Dugu Bo returned with Dugu Yan and Wang Li:

The three Education Committee members of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy personally visited. Their purpose was to meet Wang Li and Dugu Yan.

Inside the spacious main hall, Dream Machine, Bai Baoshan, and Zhilin appeared exceptionally formal. As they looked at Wang Li and Dugu Yan, they were filled with a mix of emotions.

Dream Machine spoke first: 

"To date, in the four All-Continent Advanced Spirit Master Tournaments, Spirit Hall has claimed the championship twice, the Star Luo Empire once, and now, our Heaven Dou Empire has finally achieved victory."

"This success is all thanks to Wang Li and Dugu Yan. And we must also thank Bi Phosphor Douluo for nurturing such outstanding talents. However, it feels as though Heaven Dou Imperial Academy has reaped the most benefit, with countless praises coming our way. We truly feel undeserving."

Seated at the head of the hall, Dugu Bo pursed his lips. They credited him for cultivating Wang Li and Dugu Yan, but in truth, it was all due to Wang Li.

Waving his hand dismissively, Dugu Bo said: 

"I don't care about such empty praises. Get straight to the point—why are you here today?"

Dream Machine's expression grew solemn at these words. He turned to Wang Li and Dugu Yan, then said: 

"We've come to present Wang Li and Dugu Yan with their graduation certificates and honorary alumni handbooks. With the spirit king-level strength you displayed in the Spirit Hall Grand Finals, you've far surpassed the graduation requirements."

"Now that the Spirit Master Tournament is over, it's time for your official graduation. But even after graduation, the doors of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy will always remain open to you."

"You brought honor to Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, and the academy will extend its support whenever you need it."

Wang Li and Dugu Yan spoke in unison: 

"Thank you, Education Committee members!"

Moved by Dream Machine's sincerity, Wang Li continued: 

"Education Committee members, while Dugu Yan and I were able to bring honor to Heaven Dou Imperial Academy this time, maintaining this prestige in the future will require the academy to cultivate more talented individuals."

"Expand enrollment to include more gifted students, rectify school discipline, eliminate corruption, improve overall student quality, and select the best from the best for intensive training."

"The Spirit Hall team, apart from the three Spirit King members of the Golden Generation, had every other member as high-level Spirit Ancestors."

At these words, Dream Machine, Bai Baoshan, and Zhilin exchanged glances and let out sighs. Did they not understand? Of course, they understood! But they were merely daily administrators, not the academy's owners. They had no authority to enact such reforms. The academy was royal property, and while they could make small exceptions for talented individuals, they had no power to rectify discipline or remove systemic issues.

After presenting the graduation certificates and honorary alumni handbooks, the three Education Committee members took their leave.

From this moment onward, Wang Li and Dugu Yan were no longer academy students. They were now considered free spirit masters. 

However, this newfound freedom didn't last long before Xue Qinghe arrived. 

Xue Qinghe came as a representative of Emperor Xue Ye, but his tone carried no hint of recruitment. Instead, he spoke as if he were a friend, asking if they had encountered any trouble on their journey back. 

Having left Spirit City, Wang Li and Dugu Yan had entered the Star Dou Forest and, after departing from there, traveled discreetly, avoiding any complications. 

Eventually, Xue Qinghe revealed his true purpose: 

"Brother Wang Li, Miss Dugu, now that you have graduated from the academy, the three Education Committee members have highly recommended you to His Majesty. I, too, spoke on your behalf before the Emperor." 

"As a result, His Majesty has bestowed upon you both the title of Viscount of the Heaven Dou Empire. Though you won't have any fiefs for now, you will receive a generous monthly stipend from the empire's treasury." 

"Additionally, there's a one-time reward of 30,000 gold spirit coins for each of you. His Majesty understands that you are young and may wish to continue your cultivation or even travel across the continent. These provisions are intended to support those endeavors." 

"When you are ready to take on responsibilities, your titles can be solidified, granting you fiefs and making you true lords." 

Although Dugu Bo remained a guest official of the Heaven Dou Empire and retained his freedom, Wang Li and Dugu Yan had no objections to the new titles. It was an honorary distinction that came without obligations, so they accepted it without hesitation. 

Wang Li expressed his gratitude to Xue Qinghe, at least outwardly. Xue Qinghe's multiple identities made him an excellent shield against future troubles. 

Wang Li was more than willing to maintain a surface-level friendly relationship with Xue Qinghe—it could prevent many complications down the line. 

---

About seven or eight days passed, and it had been half a month since they returned to Heaven Dou City. 

During this time, Wang Li accompanied Dugu Yan to the forging workshop of the Strength Clan to retrieve the medicinal cauldron they had ordered half a month earlier. 

The same shopkeeper greeted them and led them to the backyard of the workshop. 

There, a 1.5-meter-tall cauldron stood before them. It was black, with a deep, lustrous finish free of any imperfections—truly a masterpiece of the highest quality. 

At that moment, a burly elder emerged. His tall frame was slightly hunched, his hair gray and eyes weary. 

"I am Titan," the elder introduced himself. "As per your specifications, I crafted this medicinal cauldron. If you're satisfied with its quality, then let's conclude the deal—payment upon delivery. As agreed with Archie, the cost is 15,000 gold spirit coins." 

Dugu Yan stepped forward to inspect the cauldron carefully. After a thorough examination, she nodded in approval. 

"The quality is excellent. I'm very satisfied," she said as she stored the cauldron away and handed over a black card. "The deal is done." 

A smile finally appeared on Titan's face. He was confident in his craftsmanship and took pride in his work. 

But beneath that smile lay a heavy burden. Titan's son, Tai Nuo, had been soaking in medicinal baths under Yang Wudi's care for two years, unable to wake, eat, or drink. He was surviving solely through the effects of the baths. 

According to Yang Wudi, the poison had penetrated Tai Nuo's bones, and his life force was nearly extinguished. 

Every time Titan thought about this, rage consumed him. Yet, after the fury subsided, all he could do was pour his efforts into his craft, desperately earning money to buy more medicinal herbs. 

Otherwise, his son would surely perish... 

(End of Chapter)