Douluo's Spiritual Pearl and Divine Sword

More than a year had passed in a hurry. Now, Jun Tianlin was isolated by some people in the academy because news of his actions toward Xue Beng had spread throughout the academy, fueled by those with ulterior motives. Many believed that Jun Tianlin was challenging the dignity of the nobles and soul masters. To them, commoners were mere tools for the nobles and soul masters to use as they pleased and standing up for them was seen as a betrayal of his own status.

However, due to his status as a disciple of Jun Tianlin Sword Douluo and the fact that he had not hurt Xue Beng that much and so the matter remained unresolved.

Yet, Jun Tianlin was too powerful for anyone to confront directly and so isolating him was the only recourse they had. He, however, paid them no mind—if anything, it was exactly what he wanted, as he had no interest in associating with these privileged playboys.

On the other hand, he willingly befriended the few nobles who believed that what he had done was right.

It seemed that the saying "there are no good people among the nobles" was not entirely true.different status had both good and evil that there could be bullies among commoners and just as there could be honorable individuals among the nobility.

Meanwhile, everyone in the Emperor Team supported him wholeheartedly. As a result, Jun Tianlin found himself surrounded by a group of true friends within the academy.

The time for the soul master tournament was drawing closer. Although Tian Meng had always urged Jun Tianlin to find a secluded place for training but he consistently refused. After all, he was not alone—he had teammates. He only needed the nighttime to temper his spirit bones with his days were devoted to training with his team. Afterward, he would visit either Ning Rongrong or Qian Renxue. This balanced lifestyle suited him perfectly and allowing him to train effectively while still maintaining social connections.

Now, with less than a month remaining before the competition, Jun Tianlin finally completed the tempering of the right leg bone of the Wind Demon Wolf. The excess soul power from the million-year soul ring had been entirely absorbed without a single bit going to waste.

Late at night, Jun Tianlin opened his eyes and teleported from the dormitory to the foot of Heaven Dou Mountain.

"Xiaotian, your Wind Wolf's right leg bone has finally reached the hundred-thousand-year level and your teleportation distance has increased significantly. I didn't expect us to be able to travel here from the academy in one go" Tian Meng said excitedly.

With a long-range teleportation soul skill, Jun Tianlin's survival ability had drastically improved.

Jun Tianlin nodded "This is thanks to your million-year spirit ring and the technique Uncle Ning taught me. Also, since my right leg bone has reached a hundred thousand years, it has awakened a new spirit skill. However, this one is rather special. It's called Hurricane Vacuum Slash. You could say it's both a restrictive ability and a powerful attack skill."

"What do you mean?" Tian Meng asked, puzzled.

Instead of explaining, Jun Tianlin leaped into the air and swept his foot in a large arc. A crescent-shaped wind blade shot out and carving a deep scar into the mountainside.

[TL:so rankyaku of one piece]

"The attack power is impressive, but isn't this just a standard offensive skill? Where's the restriction?" Tian Meng still couldn't see what was unique about it.

Jun Tianlin pointed to a small rabbit near the path of the wind blade. Though the blade hadn't touched it, the creature appeared to be suffocating, struggling for air.

"This is the restrictive effect of the attack—and the reason for the word 'vacuum' in its name. Wherever the wind blade passes, a small vacuum barrier forms, temporarily draining the air and causing suffocation."

With a wave of his hand, Jun Tianlin shattered the barrier and allowing air to rush back in. The little rabbit recovered instantly but still frightened, darted into the forest without looking back.

"I'm so sorry for scaring you, little one!" Jun Tianlin chuckled and waved after the rabbit in apology

"That's quite the technique. Even a Titled Douluo wouldn't last long in a true vacuum. This could prove useful!" Tian Meng praised and though he wasn't overly surprised.

After all, the vacuum barrier was quite small. A Titled Douluo's speed would allow them to escape it almost instantly. Against weaker opponents, however, it was a highly effective restriction.

Still, for an acquired soul skill, it was already impressive, and Jun Tianlin wasn't disappointed.

Teleporting back to the academy, he resumed his long-overdue meditation. Over the past year, he had devoted himself to tempering his spirit bones, causing his soul power progress to lag. Fortunately, with the power of Heaven and Snow, along with the boost from upgrading his spirit bones, he had now reached level 58—more than enough to handle the upcoming Soul Master Tournament.

Early the next morning, an excited knocking on the door jolted Jun Tianlin from his meditation.

Even in the academy, he rarely entered deep meditation and always maintaining some awareness of his surroundings.

Opening the door, he found Gu Ran outside "What's the matter, Gu Ran? Why are you so excited this early in the morning?"

"Boss, I did it! I broke through last night—I finally reached level 48 like you asked!" Gu Ran reported excitedly

Hearing this, Jun Tianlin's drowsiness vanished "Well done, Gu Ran! Let's go find Teacher Qin and ask for leave. As promised, I have a big gift for you."

He was genuinely happy for his younger brother. This year's hard work had paid off. Gu Ran's progress was now comparable to Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan, who possessed much greater natural talent. His relentless focus on cultivating soul power had yielded incredible results.

Currently, in the Emperor Team, aside from Jun Tianlin, Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan had the highest levels, both at 49—just one step away from 50. But with Gu Ran's breakthrough, Jun Tianlin would soon help him become the team's second Soul King.

Wasting no time, Jun Tianlin took Gu Ran straight to the training ground, where the Emperor Team gathered daily.

Qin Ming, their teacher, was already there. Seeing them approach, he smiled "Not bad, Xiaotian, Gu Ran—I didn't expect you two to be the first ones here today."

"Teacher, our masters have instructed us to return to the clan one month before the competition. They have some special skills to pass on to us" Jun Tianlin explained "We'd like to request leave."

"Oh, so the two elders want to give you special training? That's fine. Go ahead" Qin Ming agreed readily "I wasn't planning on assigning more tactical training at this stage anyway. This last month is for you to focus on individual practice. As long as you return in time for the competition, it's fine."

"Don't worry, Teacher—we'll be back on time!" Jun Tianlin promised.

With that, he and Gu Ran temporarily left Heaven Dou Royal Academy and ready to embark on their final preparations.