Chapter Summaries

After the welcoming ceremony, Xian Lin'er and Qian Duoduo invited Tang Lan and his companions to learn the Inner Courtyard rules and visit the Soul Tool Department. Tang Lan agreed to visit on the condition that the department create customized Soul Tools for his companions, then entered the Inner Courtyard with the group for a meeting.

• Xian Lin'er called Tang Lan and the students over, explained that they were now official Inner Courtyard disciples, and asked Huo Yuhao to return with them to the Soul Tool Department.
• Xian Lin'er and Qian Duoduo invited Tang Lan to visit the Soul Tool Department and offered to make him a set of Soul Tools.
• Tang Lan agreed on the condition that the department customize Soul Tools of a suitable grade for his companions, including Huo Yuhao, Tang Ya, Jiang Nannan, and Ma Xiaotao.
• Xian Lin'er and Qian Duoduo accepted Tang Lan's condition, and Qian Duoduo celebrated that the talented students would also belong to the Soul Tool Department.
• Xian Lin'er led the group into the Inner Courtyard and warned Tang Lan not to provoke the visiting Sun Moon Empire Soul Masters.
• Tang Lan assured Xian Lin'er that he would behave and continued toward the Inner Courtyard meeting.

Tang Lan’s suggestion that Shrek City prepare for war led Yan Shaozhe to call for a vote among Shrek Academy’s leaders, with Tang Lan given a vote. The next day, Tang Lan missed the welcoming ceremony for Sun Moon Empire exchange students, where he joined Wang Dong, Huo Yuhao, and Xiao Xiao among the spectators.

• Tang Lan warned Yan Shaozhe that Shrek City was too small to withstand war, and Yan Shaozhe said he would convene a leadership vote and give Tang Lan a vote.
• Tang Lan spent the night drinking with Ming Yue and awoke late the next day, finding that Tang Ya, Jiang Nannan, and Ma Xiaotao had already gone to the exchange students’ welcoming ceremony.
• Tang Lan joined Wang Dong, Huo Yuhao, and Xiao Xiao at the plaza and teased Wang Dong after covering her eyes.
• Tang Lan saw that the Sun Moon Empire delegation was accompanied by three Level 9 Soul Engineer instructors who had reached Titled Douluo rank through a special technique.

Tang Lan attended a Shrek Academy meeting about the exchange students from the Sun Moon Empire and was asked to remain after the routine discussion. The Sea God Pavilion Elders then debated how Shrek should respond to growing hostility from the major empires, and the meeting grew tense when He Cai'er’s caution was challenged.

• Tang Lan heard Yan Shaozhe explain the exchange program and the arrival of twenty Sun Moon Empire students and three Level 9 Soul Engineers.
• Yan Shaozhe dismissed the Inner Courtyard students but asked Tang Lan to stay for a high-level meeting with the deans and Sea God Pavilion Elders.
• Xuan Zi warned that the major empires might attack Shrek City within three years and invited the attendees to propose countermeasures.
• Lu Wei argued that Shrek should act before the empires united against it, while He Cai'er urged Shrek to preserve the balance through alliances.
• An attendee challenged He Cai'er by recalling that her grandson had been ambushed by soul masters from the Dou Ling Empire and killed.

At Shrek Academy’s senior leadership meeting, Tang Lan argued that Shrek City had to seize the initiative against the great empires, while conservative elders warned that doing so could bring catastrophic losses. Xuan Zi ended the deadlock by ordering both diplomacy and war preparations, leaving their success to the coming conflict.

• Lu Wei challenged He Cai’er for continuing to hope the great empires would treat Shrek Academy sincerely, and Xuan Zi stopped their argument.
• Xuan Zi asked Old Lin for his view, but Old Lin invited Tang Lan to speak instead.
• Tang Lan supported Lu Wei’s call to take the initiative, arguing that passivity would leave Shrek at the mercy of the great empires.
• Xie Yangkuan and Chen Jiu sided with He Cai’er, warning that provoking the empires could lead to Shrek City’s destruction, while Xia Yan supported Lu Wei.
• Old Lin sided with Tang Lan, leaving the Pavilion Elders’ votes evenly divided between the two factions.
• Xuan Zi ordered the conservatives to pursue alliances and diplomacy and the radicals to prepare for war.

Tang Lan and his friends visited the Soul Tool Department after Xian Lin'er invited them, while Yan Shaozhe suspected Tang Lan had agreed to test the Ultimate Individual Soldier Plan. At the department, Tang Lan saw its advanced soul tools and met the soul tool masters Kent and Ding De'er.

• Xian Lin'er invited Tang Lan and his friends to visit the Soul Tool Department and promised to honor their agreement.
• Yan Shaozhe warned Xian Lin'er and Qian Duoduo not to poach Spirit System students, and Xian Lin'er said they would still make custom soul tools for Tang Lan's friends.
• Cai Meier suggested Tang Lan had agreed to a condition, and Yan Shaozhe guessed the Soul Tool Department wanted him to test the Ultimate Individual Soldier Plan.
• Tang Lan and his group arrived at the Soul Tool Department and saw Kent and Ding De'er working on a mechanical carriage.
• Xian Lin'er explained that Kent was a talented soul tool master from the Sun Moon Empire and regretted that she and Qian Duoduo had not reached Level 9 Soul Engineer.

Tang Lan and the others toured Shrek Academy’s Soul Tool Department, where Qian Duoduo showed them an experimental metal Exoskeleton Soul Tool and explained its promise and limitations. At the Inner Courtyard research room, Xian Lin'er began distributing small Soul Tools and demonstrated a blue sphere that froze everything within five zhang.

• Qian Duoduo introduced a giant metal Exoskeleton Soul Tool, which could transmit a Soul Master’s neural signals but could only operate briefly because of unresolved technical problems.
• Qian Duoduo fitted a lightweight Exoskeleton Soul Tool onto his arm and crushed a rock, explaining that the devices could greatly increase strength but were rare and required sufficient physical strength.
• Tang Lan and the others spent two hours viewing Soul Tools, including flying, land-traveling, and aquatic devices, as Tang Lan considered how the iron containment boxes might be developed further.
• Xian Lin'er measured the students’ bodies and gave them small Soul Tool spheres, then demonstrated a blue sphere that released frost across a five-zhang radius.

Xian Lin'er showed the students a Level 6 Soul Tool scanner and gave Tang Lan one as well. Tang Lan entrusted her with five Storage Rings taken from Titled Douluo, then learned that the Crystal Skull in the laboratory could become a special External Soul Bone if someone drew a response from it.

• Xian Lin'er demonstrated a Soul Tool wristband that could freeze or slow opponents and scan nearby Soul Beasts for information.
• Xian Lin'er gave the students and Tang Lan wristbands, and Tang Lan accepted his while thanking her.
• Tang Lan handed Xian Lin'er five Storage Rings taken from Titled Douluo and asked whether the Soul Tool Department could erase their spiritual imprints.
• Xian Lin'er agreed to keep the rings while the department continued its research into removing the imprints.
• Tang Lan noticed a Crystal Skull in a frost-filled cabinet, and Xian Lin'er explained that Gu Yue had refined his martial soul into a Soul Tool that could become a special External Soul Bone.

The Crystal Skull reacted to Tang Lan’s Ancient Dragon Spirit aura, chose him as its master, and settled inside one of his acupoints. Tang Lan then used its ability to draw spiritual energy toward Shrek Academy, leaving the Soul Tool Department and nearby Spirit System students with an extraordinary cultivation opportunity.

• The Crystal Skull trembled, broke free of its cabinet, and circled Tang Lan after a trace of his Ancient Dragon Spirit aura appeared.
• The Crystal Skull begged to follow Tang Lan, and Xian Lin'er persuaded him to accept it despite his initial reluctance.
• The Crystal Skull entered Tang Lan’s palm and took up residence in one of his acupoints, transmitting information about its abilities and origins.
• Tang Lan summoned the Crystal Skull and had it release a blue ring that enveloped the teaching building.
• The Crystal Skull drew spiritual energy from dozens of miles around the academy, prompting students to sit down and cultivate as the energy gathered above the building.

The Crystal Skull released a blue halo that gathered spiritual energy and nourished the souls of those around Tang Lan. After learning about its dangerous history and powerful abilities, Shrek Academy’s Pavilion Elders examined Tang Lan and tried to determine whether the Skull had harmed him.

• The mentors and others entered meditation as the blue halo restored and nourished their souls.
• Xian Lin'er told Tang Lan that the intelligent Crystal Skull had once influenced its former master, but the Skull nodded along as Tang Lan assured her it could not control him.
• Tang Lan revealed that the Skull had been forced into a Master-Servant Contract with him under the Ancient Dragon Spirit’s pressure.
• Xie Yangkuan and the other Pavilion Elders arrived, and Xian Lin'er and Qian Duoduo explained what had happened.
• The Pavilion Elders learned of the Crystal Skull’s many powers, including its ability to devour spirits and create a Silver Ice Soul Flame domain.
• Xuan Zi examined Tang Lan and asked whether he felt any discomfort.

Tang Lan reassured Shrek Academy’s elders that he controlled the Crystal Skull and requested permission to travel to the Sun Moon Empire to hunt powerful soul beasts for his remaining soul rings. Xuan Zi approved the journey with Titled Douluo escorts, and seven days later Huo Yuhao prepared to spar with He Caitou using Soul Tools.

• Tang Lan explained that the Crystal Skull had signed a Master-Servant Contract with him, and Xuan Zi offered him a reward for strengthening Shrek Academy.
• Tang Lan requested to visit the Sun Moon Empire Royal Soul Master Academy so he could hunt soul beasts older than a Hundred Thousand Years for his remaining soul rings.
• Xuan Zi approved Tang Lan’s trip as an exchange student and said he would send several Titled Douluo to study Soul Tool technology and help him hunt.
• The Crystal Skull’s Spirit Gathering Domain faded after an hour, but the gathered spiritual energy remained around Shrek Academy for an estimated seven days.
• Seven days later, He Caitou began preparing to spar with Huo Yuhao in the Soul Tool Department, with Tang Lan serving as witness.

Huo Yuhao and He Caitou began a Soul Tool sparring match, using traps, Soul Tools, and soul skills to gain the advantage. He Caitou located Huo Yuhao through the smoke and charged into close combat, forcing Huo Yuhao to retreat after their blades clashed.

• Tang Lan announced the start of the match, and Huo Yuhao used Mental Detection to evade He Caitou’s explosive crystal shards and disrupt his cannon fire with Mental Shock.
• Huo Yuhao threw smoke spheres across the arena, while He Caitou tossed a patterned sphere that marked Huo Yuhao with glowing points of light.
• He Caitou used four cigar soul skills to boost his strength, defense, Soul Power, and mental vigor, then charged at Huo Yuhao with a transformed cleaver.
• Huo Yuhao and He Caitou exchanged blade strikes, but He Caitou’s strength and close-combat experience overwhelmed him, so Huo Yuhao retreated to create distance.

Huo Yuhao used Tang Sect hidden weapons and a Soul Guidance shield to hold off He Caitou, but He Caitou unleashed his full-power cannon attack and filled the arena with explosions. The gunsmoke obscured the arena, leaving Huo Yuhao’s condition unclear.

• Huo Yuhao struck He Caitou with three Hair Crystal golden needles, forcing He Caitou to endure severe pain as he fought.
• He Caitou fired a powerful Soul Guidance laser cannon, and Huo Yuhao blocked it with a shield but was driven backward.
• Xiao Xiao, Jiang Nannan, Ma Xiaotao, Tang Ya, and Tang Lan watched the duel, with Ma Xiaotao predicting He Caitou would win and Tang Lan saying Huo Yuhao still had a chance.
• He Caitou covered his body with cannon barrels and announced his ultimate move, Cannon Fire Blasting the Sky.
• He Caitou fired dozens of cannons across the arena, and the blasts sent Huo Yuhao tumbling through the smoke.

Huo Yuhao defeated He Caitou in a grueling match, earning He Caitou’s respect and prompting him to join the Tang Sect. A month later, Tang Lan and the Tang Sect’s core members set out with Tang Ya to visit the old Tang Sect site, beginning a seven-day journey.

• Huo Yuhao survived He Caitou’s barrage and surprised him with a throwing knife at his throat, winning their match.
• He Caitou accepted Huo Yuhao’s strength, agreed to become his Humanoid Individual Soldier Reserve, and asked to join the Tang Sect.
• Tang Ya welcomed He Caitou into the Tang Sect.
• A month later, Tang Lan, Tang Ya, and the other core members left Shrek Academy to visit the old Tang Sect site.
• Tang Lan explained their route and the seven-day journey, while the women in his carriage chatted about everyday items and intimate undergarments.

Tang Lan and his companions crossed the deserted Barren Land amid rising tensions between the Heaven Dou Empire and the Dou Ling Empire. Ma Xiaotao’s National Teacher token secured them an escort, and they reached bustling Green Mountain Town after nightfall.

• Tang Lan learned that the two empires had repeatedly fought over the Barren Land, where Soul Guidance Cannons had devastated the former Heaven Dou Empire.
• Heaven Dou Empire soldiers stopped Tang Lan’s convoy and ordered the passengers to show themselves.
• Ma Xiaotao presented a gold National Teacher token, frightening the captain into kneeling and ordering his soldiers to escort the group.
• Ma Xiaotao dismissed the soldiers after the convoy passed through the Barren Land.
• Tang Lan and his companions arrived at Green Mountain Town, a busy military and supply hub with bounty hunters as well as soldiers.

Tang Lan’s group stayed at the Twilight Inn, where he sensed the Three-Eyed Golden Lion approaching Huo Yuhao’s room. He confronted her outside the inn and agreed to let her see Huo Yuhao only if she first fulfilled his request.

• Tang Lan’s group arrived at the Twilight Inn and settled into rooms while Huo Yuhao and He Caitou took the horses to the stables.
• Wang Dong warned Tang Lan about hostile people downstairs, and Tang Lan comforted her when she grew troubled over the secrets she had kept from him.
• That night, Tang Lan sensed the Three-Eyed Golden Lion approaching Huo Yuhao’s room and left through the window to intercept her.
• The Three-Eyed Golden Lion asked Tang Lan to let her see Huo Yuhao and explain a few things to him.
• Tang Lan demanded that the Three-Eyed Golden Lion fulfill his request first, warning her that otherwise she would not leave easily.

Tang Lan brought the Three-Eyed Golden Lion to Wang Dong, where her divine soul merged with Wang Dong’s other half and restored her complete soul. The Three-Eyed Golden Lion lost her desire to experience human life and chose to return to the Star Dou Great Forest, while Sea God sensed Tang Lan across worlds and wondered who he was.

• The Three-Eyed Golden Lion agreed to follow Tang Lan, and he brought her to Wang Dong’s room.
• The Three-Eyed Golden Lion recognized Wang Dong’s other half-soul and approached her as Tang Lan reassured them both.
• Tang Lan created a barrier as the golden soul separated from the Three-Eyed Golden Lion and appeared before Wang Dong.
• Wang Dong embraced the golden soul, and the two halves fused before she fell unconscious.
• The Three-Eyed Golden Lion decided to return to the Star Dou Great Forest, and Tang Lan explained the god’s divine sense and her role in protecting Wang Dong’s other half-soul.
• Sea God sensed Tang Lan across worlds, wondered about his identity, and turned toward a palace.

After helping Wang Dong reunite with the other half of her soul, Tang Lan saw her awaken as Tang Wutong and embrace her true identity. Tang Wutong thanked him and began to realize how deeply she wanted to stay by his side.

• Three-Eyed Golden Lion promised Tang Lan friendship before returning to the Star Dou Great Forest.
• Tang Lan let Wang Dong sleep late, explaining that she had stayed up talking with him the night before.
• Wang Dong visited Tang Lan and revealed that she was a girl named Tang Wutong, whose memories had begun to return.
• Tang Lan welcomed Tang Wutong's restored identity, let down her hair, and promised to protect her.
• Tang Lan took Tang Wutong downstairs by the hand and ordered her a celebratory meal of sweet dishes.

Tang Lan and Tang Wutong enjoyed a meal and met a mysterious beggar who invited them to seek him out in Luling County. After shopping with the others, Tang Lan discovered that their new carriage driver was a Seven-Ring Soul Sage named Fang Zi.

• Tang Wutong felt newly free, and colorful butterflies gathered around her as she ate with Tang Lan.
• A beggar asked Tang Lan and Tang Wutong for food, and Tang Lan arranged for the restaurant to pack up their meal for him.
• The beggar thanked Tang Lan and said he could be found at Liangyue Mountain in Luling County.
• Tang Lan took Tang Wutong out shopping, and they returned to find Tang Ya and the others waiting with four carriages.
• Fang Zi introduced herself to Tang Lan as a Seven-Ring Soul Sage who had accepted an escort mission and volunteered to drive their supply carriage.

Tang Wutong revealed her true identity to the group, who welcomed her and celebrated her recovered memories. The convoy continued toward Luling County, where Tang Lan kept a cautious watch on Fang Zi as she described her dangerous bounty-hunting missions.

• Xiao Xiao and Huo Yuhao recognized that Wang Dong was a girl, and Tang Wutong apologized for concealing her identity.
• Xiao Xiao, Ma Xiaotao, Jiang Nannan, and the others welcomed Tang Wutong and gave her gifts.
• Tang Lan explained the route to Luling County as the convoy camped in the wilderness for the night.
• Tang Lan questioned Fang Zi about her work while keeping the group together and on guard.
• Fang Zi said she was a Gold-Level Bounty Hunter and recounted dangerous missions involving soul beasts and Soul Masters.

Fang Zi told Tang Lan and the others about the dangers of Death Swamp and the Desert of the Dead. When pursuers attacked a fleeing woman, Tang Lan intervened and challenged them, leaving him facing five powerful Soul Masters.

• Fang Zi described how an Eight-Headed Serpent had devastated her expedition in Death Swamp.
• Tang Lan recalled the ancient battle that had turned the Desert of the Dead barren and spawned undead creatures and mutated Soul Beasts.
• Black-clad pursuers killed several riders as a middle-aged Soul Sage ordered the woman he called Miss to flee toward Shrek Academy.
• The Soul Sage transformed into a Gray Bear and fought the attackers while the woman continued south, but the purple-robed leader and five subordinates caught up with her.
• Tang Lan appeared between the woman and her pursuers, refused to let them take her without a fight, and drew the attack of four Soul Emperors and a Soul Sage.