Advancing to Soul Ancestor, the Fanatical Inspection Corps, and Yan Shaozhe's Path of Light (4.4k-word chapter-please keep reading)

Four hours passed. Yu Tianjun's soul power stabilized at rank forty-three, and his four soul rings circled up and down, releasing endless pressure like wellsprings of darkness.

Behind him, a pair of dark wings of light extended from the Dark Qilin's back. Fallen wings identical to the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger's sprouted from the ribs along Yu Tianjun's back, spreading like a great roc's wings as purplish-black ripples stirred through space.

The external soul bone, the Evil God Wings, was one of the benefits of refining the Evil God Pearl.

Yu Xiaoying stood guard beside him, struggling not to laugh aloud.

An Ultimate Dark Qilin with yellow, purple, purple, and black rings, plus an external soul bone—the future greatest expert under heaven could ask for no better foundation.

The radiance flowing across the Qilin martial soul's body kept changing. Sometimes it became the five-element glow of gold, green, blue, red, and yellow; sometimes it became perfectly fused supreme evil, Feng, and lightning; and sometimes it became unfathomable darkness.

Heaven and Earth Essence was naturally drawn toward him. A black, funnel-shaped vortex appeared in midair, as though heaven and earth were pouring power into his crown.

The only blemish in this otherwise perfect picture was that Yu Tianjun, cultivating at that moment... looked nothing like an orthodox soul master.

Darkness welled between his brows, sinister energy surged around him, and the Qilin roared behind him. He looked like an Evil Soul Master prodigy who had burst into the world.

"Could he absorb Di Tian for his ninth soul ring?"

Yu Xiaoying murmured to himself. He had never dared imagine it before, but things were different now. How could his Qilin nephew be unworthy of the Golden-Eyed Black Dragon King?

Unfortunately, the Heavenly Dragon Sect lacked the strength. Killing Di Tian would be far too difficult.

The Dark Qilin's aura gradually stabilized. The radiance of supreme evil, Feng, and lightning belonging to the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger slowly vanished—or rather, merged into the martial soul on a deeper level.

With the addition of Feng and lightning, the five-element radiance underwent a wondrous transformation. Light flowed between Yu Tianjun's brows, seemingly evolving into the five elements and eight trigrams as the five great elements flashed in turn.

His right arm underwent Qilin Transformation, blue lightning flickering over it. His left arm immediately followed, Feng spreading outward from his palm. When the Feng element dispersed, it revealed a Qilin Arm knotted with muscle.

After advancing to Soul Ancestor, his modified Dragon Transformation had risen another level, and Yu Tianjun had chosen to undergo Qilin Transformation in his left arm.

"Feng in one hand and lightning in the other—isn't that the old man's signature move? He shouldn't know we encountered a Dark Demon Evil God Tiger today, should he?"

Yu Xiaoying blinked. He was quite certain this was an ability Yu Yuanjue had created during his cultivation.

Yu Tianjun used it with considerable flair. Pummeling a Soul King with his fists should no longer be difficult.

Water without a source could never compare to the endless flow of Heaven and Earth Essence. The Dark Demon Evil God Tiger's supreme evil element and bloodline power returned to the Qilin's embrace, becoming its richest nourishment.

The Dark Qilin's aura rose further. The soul-power surge it unleashed made Yu Xiaoying's chest tighten; the darkness attribute of an Eight-Ring Soul Douluo like him had been suppressed.

With both its bloodline and elements strengthened, the Dark Qilin grew two sizes larger. Eight meters long and twenty feet tall, its aura approached that of some Soul Saints' martial soul avatars.

Then the dark radiance began drawing inward, revealing the five-element glow once more. The Qilin's wicked, imperious slit pupils rapidly took on an auspicious, righteous air.

The dark currents around Yu Tianjun sank inward and flowed back into his body, replaced by a five-element radiance woven from auspicious colors and divine rosy light.

The Dark Qilin left the stage, and the grand, glorious, upright Five-Element Qilin made its entrance.

"It's finally over. Tianjun, let me teach you how to control and retract your external soul bone."

Yu Xiaoying sighed in relief. Yu Tianjun cultivated cautiously, drawing his dark soul power back in every time he absorbed a soul ring.

"Sorry for the trouble, Second Uncle."

Yu Tianjun slowly opened his slit-pupiled eyes. The light within them alternated between pitch-black gloom and a riot of colors, still somewhat unstable.

He was very satisfied with the fourth soul skill the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger had given him, and the soul bone was excellent too. It truly deserved its place on the Douluo Continent's must-eat list.

The side effect was that, with his martial soul origin strengthened, his original five elements could no longer cover it. He needed to refine stronger, purer five-element power.

"What a dense evil aura. Looks like you guessed right, Shi Xing. Someone really is absorbing an evil soul beast's soul ring."

"Thank goodness for your Man Faced Spider Emperor's concealment talent. Otherwise, we wouldn't have gotten close so easily. No wonder it's Lord Sea God's favorite soul beast."

"Of course. Back when Lord Sea God and Soft Bone Douluo ran into trouble in Star Dou, even they suffered at the hands of a thirty-thousand-year Man Faced Demon Spider. And mine is a Spider Emperor."

Just then, a seductive woman's voice and men's voices sounded in the distant sky. Three streaks of light descended from the horizon.

Yu Tianjun's and Yu Xiaoying's expressions changed instantly. Yu Xiaoying released darkness to screen them while Yu Tianjun swiftly retracted his soul bone.

But they were a step too late. The newcomers seemed to possess spatial power and concealment abilities. They moved swiftly and spotted the fallen wings behind Yu Tianjun.

Mo Yun landed first. Her beautiful eyes fixed on Yu Tianjun. The masked youth wore an utterly unremarkable face, but that did not matter. Her gaze remained burning hot.

An external soul bone could increase in age as its soul master's strength grew. It ranked second on every soul master's wish list, behind only a matching hundred thousand year soul ring and soul bone.

Moreover, before it fused completely, it could be removed. All that was necessary was to kill its previous owner.

Shi Xing landed with Bi Yangde, his eyes fixed on Yu Xiaoying and Yu Tianjun. "You hide at the sight of us from Shrek Academy," he demanded coldly. "Are you Evil Soul Masters?"

Seeing that hiding was impossible, Yu Xiaoying stopped trying. He released his martial soul and soul rings, then cupped his hands. "I am Yu Xiaoying, second-in-command of the Heavenly Dragon Sect in the Heaven Dou Empire. This is our young sect master. As you can see, my nephew just absorbed a soul ring and unexpectedly obtained an external soul bone."

"I needn't explain how precious an external soul bone is. We didn't know the three of you were distinguished Shrek disciples, so naturally we hid."

"Now that we know you're disciples of the continent's foremost academy, there's no need to hide."

Despite his words, Yu Xiaoying did not dare lower his guard in the slightest. He called Yu Tianjun the Heavenly Dragon Sect's young master to emphasize his status.

Bi Yangde's soul power fluctuated unsteadily as he released the aura of a newly advanced Soul Saint. Folding his arms, he smiled. "I've heard of the Heavenly Dragon Sect. I hear your main lineage inherits the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon?"

"Why come here instead of looking for a lightning-attribute soul beast? Or are you impostors?"

The three had landed in a triangular formation, quietly surrounding the pair.

Yu Tianjun faced Bi Yangde and placed a hand on Yu Xiaoying's shoulder, linking their Ultimate Darkness elements. Then he said calmly, "Our Blue Lightning lineage has always been prone to mutations. Everyone knows that."

Bi Yangde grinned. "Really? Then what's your martial soul? And what evil soul beast did you just absorb?"

"Forgive me, but asking someone's martial soul uninvited isn't polite," Yu Tianjun replied evenly. "The three of you approached in concealment. Couldn't you recognize the soul beast I killed from my soul bone?"

Mo Yun shifted her gaze and laughed sweetly. "Shi Xing, this little fellow is mocking us for sneaking around and knowing so little."

"Naturally, we won't let him escape. Watching over the continent is the responsibility of every Shrek Inner Court disciple."

Shi Xing stepped forward, staring at Yu Tianjun as he declared stiffly, "Disclose your martial soul, soul skills, and soul bone, and let us investigate thoroughly. Otherwise, as Shrek inspectors, we have the authority to apprehend you directly and take you back to the academy."

Yu Tianjun looked at him coldly. "My martial soul is hardly a secret. Everyone in Dragon City knows it. But asking about my soul skills and soul bone is going too far."

Yu Xiaoying's expression darkened, his voice low. "Soul rings and soul bones are a soul master's foundation. You're insulting the dignity of our Heavenly Dragon Sect."

"Compared with the continent's safety and our responsibilities, the dignity of a minor sect is not worth mentioning."

Shi Xing's expression did not change. His voice was cold and hard.

He had heard of the Heavenly Dragon Sect. It had a Titled Douluo, but which of the three present lacked the potential to become one? He himself was already close.

Yu Tianjun's gaze swiftly turned cold. "I know every Shrek Inner Court student must complete thirty inspector missions to graduate. Judging by your cultivation, you've certainly graduated already. You aren't members of the Inspection Corps."

"You don't possess Shrek's authority to enforce the law across borders. Or should I understand this as a declaration of war against the Heavenly Dragon Sect?"

Shi Xing raised his chin slightly, a mocking smile appearing at his lips. The light of faith naturally shone across his face. "You're not entirely ignorant. But let me tell you: becoming a Shrek Academy inspector is the greatest honor in the lives of us Inner Court graduates."

"Even after graduating, we will still do what inspectors ought to do. This is the conviction we of Shrek uphold!"

Yu Tianjun's pupils trembled in shock. You enforce the law across borders after graduating, place yourselves above the laws of the Three Great Empires, and even consider that a good thing?

He had heard about it long ago, but witnessing it firsthand still left him deeply shaken.

Drawing a deep breath, Yu Tianjun took out a token and tossed it over. "Fine! Our Heavenly Dragon Sect's little temple is beneath your notice. Is the Heavenly Soul Royal Family enough to bring you to your senses?"

Shi Xing caught the token, his pupils shifting slightly. "A personal token of a Heaven Dou Empire prince or princess? Your Heavenly Dragon Sect is cooperating with the Heavenly Soul Royal Family?"

"Think whatever you like," Yu Tianjun said. "If you want to investigate, once I leave Death Canyon, I can ask His Majesty of Heaven Dou to speak with you personally."

"If that isn't enough, we can add the Star Luo Imperial Family."

Yu Tianjun tossed the token Xu Jiujiu had given him toward Mo Yun and touched the Red Dust Protection inside his clothes. An utterly icy gleam flashed through his eyes.

Shi Xing looked ruthless, while Mo Yun's and Bi Yangde's eyes brimmed with greed. They were treating him as prey.

If they really force this into a fight... I'll have no choice but to go to Mingdu afterward.

"The tree longs for stillness, yet the wind will not cease. You're pushing far too hard..."

Since awakening his past-life memories, Yu Tianjun had kept a respectful distance from Shrek, favoring the Douluo Continent's three empires.

The Heavenly Dragon Sect had been exterminated in the original story. It simply could not afford a fight; even protecting itself would be difficult. Nor did he want to compete with Huo Gua to become someone's dog.

Meeting the Hongchen Family had been an accident. Yu Tianjun had intended to use that connection to leave his sect an escape route, not to join the Sun Moon Empire.

But today...

"This really is a token belonging to a Star Luo Imperial Family prince or princess. Your Heavenly Dragon Sect actually has connections with both families?"

Mo Yun verified the token. A trace of wariness entered her greedy gaze.

They could still talk their way out of offending one imperial family. Offending two at once required careful consideration.

For the first time in his life, Yu Tianjun was this furious. His expression cold, he said, "Though I'm nothing special, I have some friendship with Princess Vina of the Heaven Dou Empire and some business dealings with Princess Jiujiu of the Star Luo Empire. His Majesty of Heaven Dou is also quite eager for me to visit Heaven Dou City."

"If you want to lay hands on me, you'd better notify both imperial families first. The Heavenly Dragon Sect isn't strong, but we do have a few allies."

He did not mention Yu Yuanjue. The old man was at a critical point in his breakthrough and could not be disturbed.

Shi Xing and Mo Yun exchanged glances, then tossed the tokens back.

"For the sake of both imperial families, we'll give you some face today. You may leave to find someone, but sooner or later, you must report to Shrek."

Shi Xing's tone softened a little—not much.

Mo Yun's eyes shifted, and she smiled. "Little fellow, you have good talent. Interested in applying to Shrek Academy? I'm sure getting in wouldn't be difficult for you."

"My family belongs to a secluded sect."

Shi Xing joined in the persuasion. "There's a problem with your soul bone. Even if you have connections with two great empires, people will still come looking for trouble in the future. Only Shrek can solve your problem."

Yu Tianjun laughed in disbelief. "What, can Shrek change a soul bone's attributes?"

"No, but Shrek can guarantee to the Soul Master World that there's nothing wrong with you."

Bi Yangde spoke, pointing at himself with pride written all over his face. "My martial soul is the Death Spider Emperor. My ancestors belonged to the same clan as Spirit Hall's final pope. That pope committed monstrous sins and was an Evil Soul Master. After Spirit Hall fell, my ancestors became a clan of sinners."

"Shrek saved our clan. Now I'm a proud graduate of the Shrek Inner Court. That is Shrek's power."

"You have an opportunity now. You ought to thank Shrek."

"I'm not interested in your affairs. My ancestors weren't from Spirit Hall. I neither need nor want to become Shrek's grateful dog. Do you think we don't know what Shrek has?"

Yu Tianjun rolled his eyes. Ignoring Bi Yangde's instantly ugly expression, he told the three, "I hope we never meet again. Someone will give you the explanation you want another day."

With that, uncle and nephew left directly, without giving the three another glance.

The uncle and nephew wore grim expressions. So did the three from Shrek.

Bi Yangde looked at Shi Xing. "Senior Brother, are we just letting him leave? He's strongly suspected of being an Evil Soul Master. If we capture him first and investigate afterward, surely neither imperial family could object."

Mo Yun smiled coldly. "What else can we do? He's an honored guest of two princesses, has an external soul bone, and thinks nothing of us."

Shi Xing pondered. "As for whether to act, we should ask Dean Yan..."

"An Evil Soul Master who refuses correction—kill him if you wish. Why ask me?"

At some point, a hand had settled on Shi Xing's shoulder, and a voice spoke with indifference:

"If you still consider yourselves members of the Inspection Corps, you must act decisively. How can you shrink back because of his background? Where has your old fighting spirit gone?"

Yan Shaozhe appeared, his face cold and pale.

Bi Yangde's eyes instantly lit up. "Dean, I faintly sensed pure darkness from him. My sixth soul skill can instantly devour an enemy to strengthen me. I've only used it on Evil Soul Masters before. I just don't know his rank."

"He's a Four-Ring Soul Ancestor. I don't know what he absorbed for his fourth soul ring, but it was certainly a ten-thousand-year soul beast."

Yan Shaozhe glanced sidelong at Bi Yangde, a trace of loathing flashing through his eyes. "A ten-thousand-year fourth ring—that is the talent of a top-tier Evil Soul Master. With two great empires behind him, he could easily grow into a source of calamity in troubled times. Your thinking is correct."

The Class 6 soul tool, Mortal Dust Hundred Forms, could not fool a Super Douluo's eyes. Yan Shaozhe had seen through Yu Tianjun's soul-power level.

A ten-thousand-year fourth ring and an external soul bone—within the Sea God's Pavilion, only his teacher Mu En had achieved that. What wonderful talent.

He was in Death Canyon, suspected of absorbing an evil soul beast, backed by two great empires, and had refused both Shrek's inspection and invitation. Killing him was the only option.

This place was very suitable for burying dangerous people who failed to recognize the times.

His teacher had spared Scorpion Tiger Douluo Zhang Peng back then. Yan Shaozhe believed that, had it been him, he would never have left future trouble alive. Better still, he would prevent it before it arose.

Mo Yun blinked. "He has an external soul bone. Dean, what do you think?"

"I have no use for it," Yan Shaozhe said. "If you want it, be quick."

Shi Xing still hesitated. "Dean, his background is substantial."

Dean Yan glanced at Shi Xing. "You'll soon become a Titled Douluo. Shrek City's city lord is already old. The elders and I favor you as his replacement. Do you understand what that means?"

The sacred light of faith instantly rose across Shi Xing's face. Pressing a hand to his chest, he declared loudly, "Shrek's glory and ideals come before everything!"

"Do you have any further questions?"

The three raised their heads and straightened their chests, proclaiming in unison, "We swear to defend the academy's glory to the death, take its ideals as our own, and fulfill the Inspection Corps' responsibilities!"

Yan Shaozhe pointed forward, his light soul power dispersing the poisonous miasma for several thousand meters around them. "Then, Shrek Inspection Corps, set out."

"Walk your path of light. I will leave them nowhere to escape within that light."

"Yes!"

The three released their martial souls and shot off in the direction Yu Tianjun had left.