Joining the Spirit Pagoda

Outside, Tang Wuling was still focused on fusing her second soul ring. The Little Gold Snake on her shoulder flicked its tongue happily, and the dragon scale patterns on its forehead grew increasingly distinct.

In her right hand, a stalk of Blue Silver Grass appeared with a faint golden hue, subtle golden veins shimmering within it. Simultaneously, a yellow soul ring began to circle around the plant.

Immediately following, a second yellow soul ring slowly emerged, joining the first to orbit the Blue Silver Grass.

As the two yellow soul rings stabilized, Tang Wuling broke through her bottleneck.

A powerful aura radiated outward. Tang Wuling snapped her eyes open, her heart filled with joy as she wanted to share this happiness with Cheng Duoyi.

"Brother Yi'er, I've broken through! And my level has reached twenty-two!"

Tang Wuling had already been at level twenty-one; after fusing with the century-old soul ring, she had jumped straight to level twenty-two!

A level twenty-two at only nine years old!

Who could see this and not call her a genius?

Cheng Duoyi offered his congratulations: "Congratulations on reaching the two-ring stage, Ling'er. A nine-year-old two-ring soul master—I believe you will shock many people during the Class Promotion Tournament."

"Mm-hmm, that's what I think too," Tang Wuling said happily.

She was no longer a waste!

"What? Tang Wuling broke through to level twenty-two?" Xie Xie looked at Cheng Duoyi in astonishment, shocked by this good news: "That speed is even faster than mine; I've only just reached level nineteen."

"What happened between you two last night?" Gu Yue asked, confused: "In just one night and one morning, Tang Wuling went from level nineteen to level twenty-two..."

At this moment, Gu Yue sensed the Golden Dragon King aura within Tang Wuling.

She was taken aback.

Why is this Golden Dragon King aura so pure, and even more intense than before? Could it be that Tang Wuling's breakthrough is related to this?

Gu Yue was, after all, the incarnation of the Silver Dragon King; she had guessed the truth.

Gu Yue looked at Tang Wuling with a complex expression.

A voice inside her heart shouted: Devour Tang Wuling; the chance to revive the Dragon Clan is right before your eyes...

Yet another voice shouted: You cannot devour her, or else little Yi will be heartbroken...

Yun Xiao looked at the group with envy. Two months had passed, and his level was only fourteen. Although he had improved by two levels, it was of little use to him, as he only possessed a one-time Teleport skill.

After all, his Teleport skill could not be used as freely as Gu Yue's; it had time limitations.

Wu Changkong looked at Tang Wuling with surprise, somewhat taken aback by her breakthrough to level twenty-two. He did not ask how she had achieved it, saying calmly: "The first match of the Class Promotion Tournament is in five days. We will be facing Class Four. Cheng Duoyi, you are in charge of the battle plan."

Cheng Duoyi nodded with a smile: "Teacher Wu, you can leave it to me."

Wu Changkong noticed that Cheng Duoyi was somewhat different from before.

He couldn't quite put his finger on exactly how.

However, he didn't dwell on it, nodded, and turned to leave.

Clearly, he was still somewhat preoccupied with the words Cheng Duoyi had spoken earlier.

Tang Wuling looked at Xie Xie and the others, passing their inquiries to Cheng Duoyi like a hot potato: "This is all thanks to Brother Yi'er's help; otherwise, I couldn't have broken through so quickly."

Tang Wuling tilted her head toward Cheng Duoyi, her high ponytail swaying: "Isn't that right, Brother Yi'er?"

Seeing this, Cheng Duoyi had an idea: "That is a long story. It is likely due to the issues with my own bloodline that allowed Ling'er to break through."

Cheng Duoyi released the aura of the Seven-Colored Dragon, and Gu Yue's heart trembled.

She looked at Cheng Duoyi in shock: "Little Yi... inside your body..."

"Oh? You mean the bloodline issue, right?" Cheng Duoyi did not avoid the question: "It might be because of my martial soul. Now, even without your help, my vitality has stabilized."

Leng Xue'er appeared before Cheng Duoyi at this moment. Her usually indifferent face was filled with wild joy; it was the first time Gu Yue and the others had seen Leng Xue'er so happy.

"Yi'er, your vitality has stabilized? It won't disappear anymore?"

Cheng Duoyi replied: "Yes, Sister Xue'er. My martial soul has currently stabilized and will no longer devour my vitality. Furthermore, because of the martial soul, my strength has advanced even further!"

"Good, good, good! I must tell Aunt immediately." Leng Xue'er did not hesitate and quickly contacted Leng Yaozhu.

Gu Yue looked at Cheng Duoyi in a daze, never expecting that a Seven-Colored Dragon bloodline would be born within him.

How could this be possible?

However, following her confusion was excitement.

Because she knew what this meant.

Gu Yue approached Cheng Duoyi and whispered: "Little Yi... have you... ever thought about upgrading your bloodline?"

Cheng Duoyi answered with a smile: "I have my own methods for that."

Gu Yue nodded and said nothing more. She thought to herself, guessing it might be due to the Dragon God Heart, but how could Cheng Duoyi possibly withstand the bloodline power emitted by the Dragon God Heart?

That was the original power of the Dragon God!

"Brother Cheng, what was that aura you just released? Why did I have the urge to kneel and worship?" Xie Xie asked.

Yun Xiao looked solemn and chimed in: "Although I didn't feel the urge to worship, I felt a tremendous pressure that made me afraid to harbor any hostility."

Cheng Duoyi said, "This stems from my bloodline. My bloodline is of the top-tier Dragon Clan, and the bloodline grade within you, Xie Xie, is weaker than mine. It is not just you; if other Spirit Masters with Dragon Clan bloodlines were to encounter me, it would be the same."

Xie Xie said happily, "Does that mean you are the natural nemesis of Dragon-type bloodline Spirit Masters, Brother Yi?"

"You could say that." Cheng Duoyi nodded.

While everyone was talking, Leng Xue'er had finished communicating with Leng Yaozhu. She looked at Cheng Duoyi and said, "Yi'er, your godmother wants me to take you back to the Spirit Pagoda headquarters for a physical examination. Elder Mu will be coming along as well. We are leaving now."

Tang Wuling and Gu Yue felt a sense of reluctance upon hearing that Cheng Duoyi was leaving.

Gu Yue had an idea, and her eyes lit up: "Sister Xue'er, can I go with little Yi? I have a yearning for the Spirit Pagoda and would like to join it."

Seeing this, Tang Wuling chimed in: "Sister Xue'er, I want to join the Spirit Pagoda too."

Xie Xie and Yun Xiao exchanged a glance: "We wonder if we might be able to join the Spirit Pagoda as well?"

Leng Xue'er looked at Cheng Duoyi upon seeing this.

Cheng Duoyi smiled: "Since that is the case, let us all go together. As long as it does not delay the Class Promotion Tournament the day after tomorrow, there will be no problem."

"Yay!"

The group cheered.

Leng Xue'er personally stepped forward to explain to Long Hengxu that she was taking Cheng Duoyi and the others back to the Spirit Pagoda headquarters to recruit them as Spirit Masters.

Long Hengxu naturally agreed; this was a wonderful thing!

The Spirit Pagoda held a status equal to Shrek Academy, and at times, the Spirit Pagoda was held in even higher regard in the hearts of those on the Douluo Continent than Shrek Academy.

If this matter were used for publicity, wouldn't future enrollment be a breeze?

"Becoming a Spirit Master? Very well... I understand."

Wu Changkong frowned slightly. He had originally intended to recruit Tang Wuling and the others into the Tang Sect, but it seemed that was now impossible.

Tang Wuling and the others had no idea what Wu Changkong was thinking, and even if they did, they would not join. How could they possibly separate from Cheng Duoyi?

The Soul Guidance Train was very convenient, and the group spent half a day and a night on the journey.

During the ride, Gu Yue, Tang Wuling, Xie Xie, and Yun Xiao also learned from Cheng Duoyi that the Spirit Pagoda headquarters, also known as the Heavenly Spirit Pagoda, was located in the eastern part of Shrek City.

The place they were heading to was indeed Shrek City.

For Tang Wuling, Xie Xie, and Yun Xiao, they held a strong bias toward Shrek Academy, believing it to be the best academy, and they were very eager to be admitted into Shrek Academy.

"Yi'er."

Leng Yaozhu had been waiting for Cheng Duoyi at the train door early on. When she saw him, her eyes filled with maternal radiance; she crouched down with her arms open, gesturing for a hug.

"Godmother."

Cheng Duoyi ran over quickly and wrapped his arms around Leng Yaozhu's neck. Smelling the scent she radiated, he could not help but recall the past.

Back then, he had been an orphan. If Leng Yaozhu had not taken him away and adopted him, Cheng Duoyi would likely have died on some cold night.

Not far away, Gu Yue's expression became somewhat guarded when she saw Leng Yaozhu, especially since the two appeared to have such a close relationship, which only added to her worry.

Tang Wuling did not have such thoughts.

"Brother Yi'er's godmother is so beautiful," Tang Wuling exclaimed in admiration.

Xie Xie asked in confusion, "Tang Wuling, have you never met Brother Yi's godmother before?"

Tang Wuling shook her head: "This is my first time seeing her."

Xie Xie realized this with a start and did not ask further.

Yun Xiao felt somewhat inferior and did not dare to look directly at Leng Yaozhu.

"Auntie." Leng Xue'er looked at Leng Yaozhu and greeted her.

Leng Yaozhu nodded, took Cheng Duoyi's hand, and then looked at Tang Wuling and the others: "You must be Yi'er's friends. Xue'er told me about you; welcome to the Spirit Pagoda."

Cheng Duoyi let go of her hand and came before Tang Wuling and Gu Yue, taking both of their hands.

"Godmother, let me introduce them. This is Tang Wuling, Ling'er."

Cheng Duoyi raised Tang Wuling's hand from his right side.

Leng Yaozhu scrutinized Tang Wuling carefully, which made Tang Wuling nervous, not daring to even breathe loudly.

"She is a good girl. No wonder Yi'er was unwilling to go to Shrek Academy if it meant leaving you behind," Leng Yaozhu said gently as she withdrew her gaze.

Tang Wuling breathed a sigh of relief.

Cheng Duoyi then raised Gu Yue's hand and introduced her: "Godmother, this is a new friend, Gu Yue. Both of them are very good companions of mine."

When Leng Yaozhu looked at Gu Yue, she was somewhat surprised, as Gu Yue did not feel as simple as she appeared.

She nodded calmly and said gently: "Since they are Yi'er's companions, Godmother will not be stingy. Once they join the Spirit Pagoda, I will arrange good positions for them."

Cheng Duoyi smiled: "Thank you, Godmother. These two behind me are also my companions. This is Xie Xie; his family runs a mecha business in Tianhai City. This is Yun Xiao; his family runs a real estate business in Tianhai City."

Upon hearing this, Leng Yaozhu understood what Cheng Duoyi meant.

"Godmother will find people to look after their businesses."

"Let's go. Your godmother has already contacted Elder Mu and asked him to check your body once more. If you're truly alright, then I can finally set my heart at ease."

"Alright."

Cheng Duoyi pulled Tang Wuling and Gu Yue along. Behind them, Yun Xiao wore a look of gratitude, and although Xie Xie was a bit slower to react, he had also guessed the situation and felt grateful toward Cheng Duoyi in his heart.

The group boarded Leng Yaozhu's private vehicle. It was a black car with enough seats for everyone, and they soon arrived at the Spirit Pagoda headquarters.

The Spirit Pagoda headquarters had eighty-one floors in total. Its base was octagonal and occupied a vast area, with the structure narrowing inward every ten floors until it converged into a spire at the very top.

Furthermore, the entire tower shimmered with a pale silver luster, its upper half perpetually submerged in clouds and mist, making it clearly visible from every corner of Shrek City.

On both sides of the entrance to the Spirit Pagoda headquarters stood two giant golden statues, each about twenty meters tall; they were none other than the founder of the Spirit Pagoda, Spirit Ice Douluo Huo Yuhao, and the other founding member.

Gu Yue, Tang Wuling, Xie Xie, and Yun Xiao were all here for the first time, and they were very curious about their surroundings.

Especially Gu Yue.

Her gaze was profound, and it was impossible to tell what she was thinking.

"Xue'er, you arrange the process for Yi'er's companions to join the Spirit Pagoda. I will take Yi'er to see Old Mu."

"Understood, Tower Master," Leng Xue'er said respectfully.

Then, Leng Xue'er looked at Tang Wuling and the others: "Follow me."

The four of them looked at Cheng Duoyi, who nodded: "I'll come find you once my check-up is done. Go ahead and follow Sister Xue'er to sign the papers."

Seeing this, the four of them said nothing more and followed Leng Xue'er to the 35th floor.

Leng Yaozhu brought Cheng Duoyi to the elevator.

"Yi'er, your two little girlfriends are not simple at all," Leng Yaozhu teased.

Cheng Duoyi felt a bit embarrassed: "What little girlfriends? They aren't in that kind of relationship with me as you think. How old am I right now? I wouldn't even consider a girlfriend until I'm at least eighteen and an adult. Godmother, please don't let Ling'er and Yue'er hear you say things like that."

"I don't think so," Leng Yaozhu laughed. "I can tell just by the way they look at you that you are the only one in their hearts. Should I ask them in a little while? See how they answer?"

Cheng Duoyi dared not let Leng Yaozhu ask: "Godmother, let's not talk about these topics. Let's go find Elder Mu."

Seeing this, Leng Yaozhu nodded and put on a serious expression: "Godmother doesn't care about your future circumstances, but I want you to remember one thing: do not make promises to others lightly. If you make a promise, you must keep it. Do you understand?"

Cheng Duoyi nodded: "Godmother, I understand!"

Leng Yaozhu nodded, then asked: "I just observed briefly; that little girl Gu Yue is not simple. Have you checked her background?"

"Godmother, are you saying...?" Cheng Duoyi asked.

Leng Yaozhu shook her head: "I understand from the way she looks at you that she could never harm you, but sometimes love alone is not enough. Forget it; as long as she doesn't hurt you, I don't care about her situation."

Cheng Duoyi hadn't expected Leng Yaozhu to be so sharp as to discover that Gu Yue was unusual. She wondered how much Leng Yaozhu had actually seen; she likely couldn't know that Gu Yue was a soul beast in human form, and at most, she was only guessing that Gu Yue's strength was extraordinary.

"Let's go. We're going to find Old Man Mu now; don't keep your Elder Mu waiting." Leng Yaozhu entered the private elevator and pressed the floor number.

Cheng Duoyi stepped in with her: "It's been a long time since I've seen Elder Mu. I wonder how he's doing now..."