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After Tang Wulin boarded the ship, Muye mysteriously tossed him into the sea to swim again. Since Tang Wulin was taking a sightseeing cruise on his return trip, with scenic routes and designated viewing times, the journey was especially long.

Shrek had originally arranged the cruise so Tang Wulin could enjoy a taxpayer-funded vacation on the way back. But with Muye following behind him, he was kicked straight back into training.

Of course, whenever Tang Wulin went ashore, Muye still gave him some time to relax.

After all that, it was already a month later when he returned to Douluo Continent. By the time Tang Wulin landed, his Soul Power had broken through to rank 67.

The clear lake water froze into ice in an instant, then melted moments later, only to begin boiling immediately afterward. The cycle repeated over and over. A violent Elemental Tide continuously battered the surrounding environment.

A slender figure slowly walked through the tide. Wherever she passed, the elements seemed soothed and gradually calmed down.

When she reached the lakeside and passed through the Elemental Tide, all the elements transformed into streams of light, forming a silver ring that rose from beneath her feet. The ring darkened into an intense black, and five Soul Rings shone brightly.

A gentle voice sounded. "You broke through?"

"Yes, Teacher," she replied softly. She raised her eyes, and the silver glimmer within them faded, gradually returning to black.

"Then we'll begin the next stage."

A sharp flash of cold light swept past. Amid shifting light and shadows, a figure continuously darted about, followed by several identical figures appearing and thrusting their daggers simultaneously.

Shadow Dragon: Strangulation!

The last enemy died to the strangulation, blood flowing everywhere as he fell onto the ground with his eyes still wide open.

A person dropped from the air and collapsed onto one knee as though drained of all strength. He caught his breath, then skillfully took medicine from his storage device and bandaged himself.

"Your self-created new skill, Strangulation, is pretty good," a voice said calmly beside Xie Xie.

After wrapping his wounds, Xie Xie fell backward. "How many rounds are left in our bet?"

Naturally, his clearance level did not allow him to accept such difficult missions, ones that required him to gamble with his life almost every time. But he had encountered this man at the mission center and made several bets with him, only to lose every single one. He had no idea what method the man had used, but the system had actually allowed him to take missions above his level.

Xie Xie only felt that his life was truly miserable.

The man smiled. "Don't worry about it. Get ready to go to the next place."

Xie Xie covered his face. "Got it..."

East Sea Xu Clan.

The sea of stars reflected overhead, as though nothing remained between heaven and earth but the stars.

But upon closer inspection, one could see a young girl sitting quietly atop a particular star among them. She held the Starwheel Ice Staff, and the white of the little bear upon it had gradually been dyed gold. The aura of the ice staff was fading, while the starwheel portion had already gained the upper hand.

"Rules..." she murmured softly. Starlight flickered with her. "What exactly are the rules the captain mentioned...?"

She raised her star staff, and countless threads of starlight traced out one complex pattern after another.

Bang—

Two figures collided head-on. One of them was sent flying backward and slammed into the arena's protective barrier.

Ye Xinglan supported herself with the Stargod Sword and let out a breath.

Standing at the center of the arena was Wu Changkong, Heavenfrost Sword in hand.

For Martial Souls like theirs, sitting still and cultivating every day was not especially meaningful. Tempering their sword techniques was the primary way for them to improve. Ye Xinglan had wanted to duel Wu Changkong for a long time.

Wu Changkong said, "I won't be here tomorrow."

Ye Xinglan did not waste words. "Fine. Again?"

Wu Changkong raised his sword.

The two figures met once more. The sound of swords striking swords rang out without pause.

Xu Lizhi, seated below the stage, was dazzled by the sight. Out of habit, he made buns while eating them.

Muye disappeared again.

But when he left, he had not forgotten to stuff Tang Wulin with some good things.

Tang Wulin stayed in Seaside City for a while. Looking at the transportation options available on his terminal, he fell into deep thought.

Soul train... he did not know how to judge that one. Soul planes were too expensive, while soul buses were too slow... and Heaven Dou City was not by the sea, so no ship could reach it.

In the end, Tang Wulin decided to be bold and rely on his skills. He took a soul train once more and resolutely bought a ticket.

After arriving at the station, Tang Wulin swept his spiritual power across the entire train. Facing a whole carriage of Evil Soul Masters, he fell silent.

What a sin...

But since he was already here, he obviously would not let them go.

The Evil Soul Masters did not seem to be planning any trouble, so they sat very densely packed together. An entire carriage was filled with their people. Of course, not all of them were Evil Soul Masters; some were simply terrorists.

As a result, Tang Wulin cleared them out quickly this time as well. There was no need to evacuate the carriage. He merely sealed off the entire carriage and captured them all, killing those who stubbornly resisted. To Tang Wulin, that was no more difficult than lifting a hand.

However, he also gained a deeper understanding of just how lax the Federation's identity controls were—Evil Soul Masters and terrorists could gather in groups and board public trains.

Then again, perhaps it was not merely lax Federation controls. He thought that perhaps someone in the government was covering for them.

After getting off the train, Tang Wulin did not intend to collect that "warmhearted citizen" award. Before the mech squad could arrive, he quietly slipped away.

His destination was the Blacksmiths Association.

After advancing to six rings, he could begin Soul Forging. Feng Wuyu and Mu Chen already knew about this.

Mu Chen had told Tang Wulin to go directly to the Heaven Dou Association to find him.

The moment he arrived at the association, he happened to run into Zhenhua.

Naturally, Zhenhua knew Tang Wulin had come to take the level-seven blacksmith examination. Mu Chen had arrived long ago and had already informed him about it.

As for why they had chosen the Heaven Dou Association...

A smug smile could not help appearing on Zhenhua's face.

Tang Wulin gave his senior uncle a baffled look. "Do you have something to say to me?"

Zhenhua immediately straightened his expression. "Nothing. Come with me. Your teacher is already waiting for you."