Yu Tianheng's Challenge

The three education committee members were clearly startled by the fine scales covering Dugu Yan's arms after her Martial Soul Possession, as well as the dragon horns atop her head.

They had never heard of such a situation before. She even displayed the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon martial soul's characteristic "Dragon Transformation."

With a simple clench of her fist, sonic booms erupted from her palm, as if she possessed the strength to move mountains.

Had she become a dragon girl?

Jiang Nanchen had missed the process of Dugu Yan absorbing the Earth Dragon Golden Melon, but from the looks of it, absorbing her Soul Ring must have brought another wave of improvement.

In theory, she should be close to Rank 30, and her Dragon Transformation ability was even stronger than her previous Jade Phosphor Serpent martial soul.

"She has all the traits of Dragon Transformation!"

Meng Shenji was beside himself with excitement.

Zhi Lin and Bai Baoshan stepped forward to inspect her.

"Three education committee members, with Sister Yan Yan gaining Dragon Transformation, I'm afraid she's switched from the poison-control type to the assault type."

Hearing this, the three of them suddenly understood.

Right, she had transformed into a dragon. How could she possibly continue relying on poison? It would no longer be suitable.

This kind of shift into an assault-type soul master was truly unprecedented. It should be considered a great blessing for Heaven Dou Academy.

It had greatly increased her combat power.

"Good, this is truly wonderful."

"Dugu Yan, what fortuitous encounter did you have to transform your martial soul into an assault-type one?"

Only after Meng Shenji recovered from his delight did he realize the most fundamental question.

How had her martial soul evolved?

Even if it evolved, it should have become something like Dugu Bo's Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor. Suddenly becoming a dragon was rather abrupt.

"In response to the chief's question, it was all thanks to Little Nanchen's help."

As soon as she finished speaking, Meng Shenji stared in astonishment. "Nanchen? How could it be Nanchen?"

Dugu Yan nodded, her tone solemn. "Naturally. Little Nanchen knew that the Dugu Clan had suffered backlash from our martial soul's poison for generations, so he specially found ways to help me remove the poison. Once the poison was gone, my martial soul evolved as well."

"Poison?" Meng Shenji raised his brows slightly. "Could it be that the Dugu Clan's dwindling numbers and short lifespans throughout the generations were all caused by this martial soul poison?"

He had heard some rumors in his early years and had only assumed that the Dugu Clan's cultivation methods were unusual. He had never expected the root cause to be backlash from their martial souls.

"That's right." Dugu Yan admitted it calmly. "It was the poison inherent in the Jade Phosphor Serpent martial soul. The deeper one's cultivation, the worse the backlash became. But now it has all been resolved. Not only for me—my grandfather's poison has also been completely eradicated, and even his martial soul evolved along with it."

Meng Shenji froze for a moment, then began weighing the pros and cons in his mind.

Dugu Bo had already been a Titled Douluo. Now that his poison had been removed and his martial soul had evolved, his strength would only become greater.

Jiang Nanchen had both His Highness the Crown Prince backing him and ties to the Poison Douluo. His background was unbelievably formidable. Who in the academy would dare provoke him lightly in the future?

Zhi Lin stroked his beard and smiled. "It seems we underestimated Nanchen. At such a young age, he not only possesses astonishing talent, but can even solve such difficult ailments. He truly is extraordinary."

Bai Baoshan nodded as well. "Indeed. With him joining the team, Heaven Dou Academy's strength may rise to another level."

Dugu Yan immediately declared, "No, no, no. We definitely have to win the Soul Master Tournament championship."

The Soul Master Tournament championship was the most important goal.

The champion's prize might even be an immensely valuable Soul Bone. After all, both great empires would participate, along with Spirit Hall Academy and their so-called Golden Generation.

"Yes, the championship!"

Zhi Lin smiled.

Their goal was the championship.

Dugu Yan began confidently mapping out Jiang Nanchen's future. "The mere Golden Generation? Once Little Nanchen grows up, let's see if we don't beat them into the Golden First District."

"Stop, stop, Sister Yan Yan. Don't keep mortgaging my future."

Jiang Nanchen immediately stopped Dugu Yan from continuing.

"How could that do? Little Nanchen, you need to know that you're outstanding." Dugu Yan spoke seriously.

At that moment, steady footsteps sounded from outside the door.

Everyone turned to look. It was Yu Tianheng. Dressed in the academy team's uniform, he stood tall and straight. Seeing that everyone was gathered inside, he gave a slight bow. "Three education committee members, I came to report next week's training plan."

Seeing him, Meng Shenji's smile grew even wider. "Tianheng, you've come at the right time. I have some good news for you. Nanchen has broken through to Soul Grandmaster, and Yan Yan's martial soul has completed its evolution, becoming an assault-type dragon martial soul."

A trace of surprise flashed through Yu Tianheng's eyes. His gaze swept over Jiang Nanchen and Dugu Yan in turn before he revealed a delighted expression. "Really? That's wonderful news. With the two of you here, our team's strength can rise another level."

Though his words were warm, his mind was calculating rapidly. His clan had long instructed him to use this opportunity to grow closer to Dugu Yan. If he could arrange a marriage alliance between their families, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan would gain the support of the Poison Douluo, a Titled Douluo.

Now that Dugu Yan's martial soul had evolved, her value surpassed even what it had been before. Yet she was so close to Jiang Nanchen, which made things rather troublesome.

This Jiang Nanchen was young, but highly capable. He also belonged to His Highness the Crown Prince, so he could not be offended openly.

Yu Tianheng suppressed his thoughts, stepped forward two paces, and smiled at Jiang Nanchen. "Congratulations. During future team training and sparring, I hope you'll go easy on me."

After a shift in thought, Yu Tianheng decided this was the perfect chance to blunt Jiang Nanchen's edge and probe his true capabilities. He smiled faintly and asked again.

"Junior Nanchen, since you've just broken through, how about we have a match? We'll stop at the right point, and let everyone see the effects of your second soul skill."

"Of course." Jiang Nanchen nodded, his tone calm. He did not regard Yu Tianheng as a formidable opponent in the slightest.

Meng Shenji and the other two exchanged glances, all showing approval.

Zhi Lin stroked his beard. "That works. It will be a good opportunity for sparring and exchange. Tianheng is the captain of the academy team and possesses outstanding talent. By testing each other, both of you will benefit."

Bai Baoshan echoed him, clearly looking forward to the match.

Soon afterward, everyone left the hall and headed for the Spirit Arena. Quite a few disciples had already gathered nearby to watch.

"Go, Little Nanchen!"

Dugu Yan stood to the side and cheered Jiang Nanchen on, paying no mind at all to the fact that Yu Tianheng was her captain.

Ye Lingling stood quietly beside her as well, her gaze resting on Jiang Nanchen with faint anticipation.

Win. I believe in you.

A flicker of displeasure passed through Yu Tianheng's heart, but his expression remained unchanged.

"Be careful, Junior."

Yu Tianheng shouted lowly as the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon martial soul suddenly appeared. Purple lightning coiled around his body, while two yellow Soul Rings slowly rose beside him.

Jiang Nanchen simultaneously released his Sacred Angel martial soul. Golden wings of light unfolded behind him, and one yellow and one purple Soul Ring floated at his side as a sacred aura slowly spread outward.

The three education committee members at the edge of the arena watched intently. A clash between such geniuses was a rare sight indeed.

"Whoa, Junior Nanchen is already a Soul Grandmaster?"

Osler was dumbfounded.

How long had it even been? You were already a Soul Grandmaster. Honestly, it would be better if you weren't human—then at least I'd feel a little better about myself.