Gu Yue

With the match settled, a trace of dejection flickered in Tang Wulin's eyes. This was the first time anyone had crushed him so thoroughly. His previous losses to Wu Changkong had been purely due to the vast gap in their cultivation. He had always been certain that, at the same level, even Wu Changkong might not be able to keep him firmly suppressed. Against Gu Yue, however, her elemental control alone had locked him down completely.

Wind, fire, and earth complemented one another. Wind fed the flames, while earth restrained his movements, leaving him bound hand and foot.

Gu Yue looked calmly at Wu Changkong. "Teacher, may I enroll now?"

Wu Changkong nodded slightly. "Yes. But you must truthfully explain your background and show me your martial soul."

Gu Yue took a recommendation letter from inside her clothes. "This is a recommendation from my elementary Soul Master Academy. My martial soul is the elemental envoy."

She had only used wind, fire, and earth in their battle, but the recommendation stated that she could control even more elements. Wu Changkong was deeply shaken. Any single element of heaven and earth was immensely powerful. For one person to control six at once, this girl's future potential was simply immeasurable.

Noticing Wu Changkong's astonishment, Gu Yue explained softly, "I can command six elements of heaven and earth. But my soul rings cannot be bound to a single element. I can switch freely between elemental forms, yet it's difficult to improve any one element independently. My first soul skill is Elemental Tide. It extends how long my soul power lasts and slightly strengthens my elements."

"Understood. From today onward, you will join the first-year Class Five."

Gu Yue immediately gave him a sweet smile. Wu Changkong's expression hardened. "Join the others on their run first. Physical training is mandatory."

Still smiling brightly, the girl walked toward Tang Wulin.

Watching her approach, Tang Wulin felt his thoughts tumble into confusion. Unsure how to face her, he hurriedly put his iron vest back on and rushed onto the track to run with all his might.

Gu Yue's face filled with frustration.

Did he really have to avoid me like the plague?

She gritted her teeth inwardly. I've lived for countless years. Surely I can handle one little child? (ᗒᗣᗕ)՞

Tang Wulin was not afraid of Gu Yue. He was rapidly reviewing the original story's entire plot in his mind.

The girl before him was Gu Yuena's primary personality.

When Gu Yuena left the Tang family, she had intended to sever every bond with Tang Wulin and her adoptive parents, decisively walking away to put the soul beasts' greater cause first. Yet three and a half years spent together had branded human warmth deep into her heart, making her fully embrace the human world.

Those genuine feelings became her greatest shackles. She could no longer coldly and decisively plot humanity's destruction and seize control of the world. Those enduring bonds repeatedly made her hesitate, leaving her unable to advance a single step. Torn by countless conflicting feelings, Gu Yuena made a decision that defied every soul beast legacy-splitting her personality in two.

She entrusted reason and the burden of her race's mission to her primary personality, Gu Yue, while sealing all her tender, pure human emotions within her secondary personality, Na'er.

The idea was beautiful, but reality proved the exact opposite. Bearing all her human warmth, Na'er broke completely free of the primary personality's control. Filled with longing, she wanted only to return to Tang Wulin and her adoptive parents.

Na'er possessed three portions of origin power and could not be allowed to slip beyond her control. Left with no choice, Gu Yue made a wager with Na'er: if Gu Yue could make Tang Wulin deeply dependent on her, Na'er would willingly merge with the primary personality.

After making their agreement, Gu Yue arranged for Na'er to attend Shrek Academy and become the disciple of the continent's foremost expert, Sky-reaching Douluo-Yun Ming. Drawing on the Golden Ancient Tree's immense reserves, she would cultivate diligently, helping herself reach the pinnacle and gain control of Shrek's foundations. Gu Yue herself became an ordinary student, entering Eastsea Academy to begin her own path of soul master cultivation.

Beyond her inability to cut away her human emotions and her need to balance her inner conflicts, Gu Yuena's decision to split her personality concealed her ultimate ambition to claim the highest pinnacle.

Before the split, Gu Yuena had only been a half-step God King, never reaching the true, complete God King realm. She had hoped to use the origin powers of her two personalities to break through her shackles and ascend to the God King position. Once successful, she could roam the universe without restraint. Even if the Divine Realm returned, she could lead the surviving soul beasts to a sanctuary where their race could live on in peace.

With light steps, Gu Yue caught up to Tang Wulin in moments, closing the distance between them to less than half a meter.

Tang Wulin was speechless, grumbling inwardly, Lady, could you stop acting like we're already old friends? However deep our bond was in the original story, that comes later. We've only just met! (｡í˰ì｡)

"Why are you wearing an iron vest?" Gu Yue asked curiously.

"To strengthen my body," Tang Wulin answered honestly. "Also, your elemental abilities really are powerful."

Gu Yue smiled faintly, her tone casual. "They're all right. I'm just more practiced at controlling them."

The corner of Tang Wulin's mouth twitched.

More practiced?

He might have believed those words from anyone else. But this was Gu Yue! The seven great elemental powers of heaven and earth answered to her slightest thought. Only the supreme attributes of time and space had failed to reach their highest level because of the Golden Dragon King Origin's restraint. With such heaven-defying talent, she dismissed it as merely good control?

Meanwhile, Wu Changkong left the field alone and headed to the academic affairs office in the teaching building.

He pushed open the door to Long Hongxu's office and said gravely, "Director Long, a new student has arrived for my class. She passed my entrance assessment and meets the requirements. However, she missed the regular registration period. Under academy regulations, exceptional late admissions can only join Class Five. Please approve her enrollment."

As he spoke, Wu Changkong handed over Gu Yue's recommendation letter.

Long Hongxu glanced at it and said casually, "I'll handle it later."

"Handle it now. I'll wait here." Wu Changkong's voice was calm, but he showed no intention of yielding.

Long Hongxu choked on his words, thinking helplessly, Am I the director of academic affairs, or are you?

Then again, Teacher Wu had an unusual background. He came from Shrek and was a genuine Six-Ring Soul Emperor. Neither persuasion nor pressure worked on him, and he never spared anyone's feelings. Ultimately, Long Hongxu nodded helplessly and approved Gu Yue's admission to the first-year Class Five on the spot.

Meanwhile, the long physical training session on the field finally ended, and the students returned to their dormitories to recover.

Only Tang Wulin had no need for a dormitory-he was a day student.

After training, Tang Wulin followed Wu Changkong back to his office and sat quietly on a chair to one side.

Wu Changkong faced Gu Yue with a solemn expression and slowly introduced himself. "My name is Wu Changkong. I'm the homeroom teacher of your first-year Class Five."

"From today onward, you are an official member of the first-year Class Five." Wu Changkong handed her a dormitory key and instructed her evenly, "Go rest in your dormitory. Be on time for class this afternoon."

Tang Wulin sat to one side, quietly enjoying the show.

But the next second, Gu Yue blinked and pointed toward Tang Wulin nearby, asking with innocent earnestness, "Teacher, can I share a room with him?"

The office instantly fell silent.

"With him?" Wu Changkong frowned and lightly rapped Gu Yue on the head, his tone stern. "The academy explicitly forbids male and female students from sharing dormitories. Besides, Tang Wulin's circumstances are different. He's a day student and doesn't live on campus."

Gu Yue nodded in understanding. "So he's a day student."

After arranging her bedding in the dormitory, Gu Yue went to the academy cafeteria with Tang Wulin.

It was mealtime, and the cafeteria buzzed with voices. Tang Wulin's striking appearance already drew attention, but what truly captured every student's gaze was never his handsome, finely sculpted face. It was the mountain of plates piled in layers before him.

Whether classmates from their own year or older students, everyone stared fixedly at their table, utterly dumbstruck.

"My heavens! How can he eat that much?"

Someone let out the first astonished exclamation, and as it spread, the cafeteria erupted into chatter.

"Is this the legendary East Sea Big Eater?"

"Confirmed! That appetite is ridiculous!"

And so the title "East Sea Big Eater" quietly spread through the cafeteria.

Faced with the waves of discussion around him, Tang Wulin remained perfectly calm and unconcerned. It was only a joking nickname. He did not take it to heart at all.

Gu Yue, however, was completely stunned. Her clear eyes widened, her heart filled with shock and conflict.

Silently watching Tang Wulin eat without stopping, she could not help worrying inwardly. He eats far too much... At this rate, what if I can't afford to feed him someday?

She was the sovereign of countless soul beasts, an existence at the very pinnacle of heaven and earth. How could she possibly fail to support one little human boy? Impossible. Absolutely impossible!

The cafeteria's astonishment continued.

In the end, Tang Wulin ate a full fifty plates of food and thirty bowls of rice before giving a satisfied burp. Yet his abdomen remained flat, without the slightest bulge, as though that enormous quantity of food had simply vanished into thin air.

The students throughout the cafeteria watched the entire scene in disbelief, their eyes following the pair closely as they left.

Everyone's attention remained fixed on Tang Wulin, with no one noticing Gu Yue beside him. Her appearance was simply too plain and ordinary. She was the sort of person one would pass in a crowd and forget immediately afterward, with no presence to speak of.

After eating, Tang Wulin returned to the classroom for a nap. Gu Yue followed closely, quietly staying beside him.

Looking at the girl who refused to leave his side, Tang Wulin felt rather helpless. He could hardly bluntly tell her to stop following him.

While he rested with his eyes closed, Gu Yue's dark eyes remained on him, discreetly studying him in detail, deep curiosity and scrutiny hidden in her gaze.

Before afternoon classes, Class Five's students returned to the classroom one after another.

As soon as they entered, they saw a startling scene.

Tang Wulin lay sideways across his desk, napping with his eyes closed. Gu Yue rested quietly beside him in the same way, her little face turned slightly toward his and her eyes gently shut. Their faces were turned toward each other, so close they nearly touched, the intimate pose both peaceful and eye-catching.

After ten laps of weighted running that morning, everyone in class had aching backs and legs and felt sore all over. Zhou Changxi had been dragging his exhausted body along, but the moment he saw the scene before him, his back stopped hurting and his legs stopped aching. His eyes widened, his face brimming with excitement at the juicy gossip.

The scattered footsteps around him disturbed Tang Wulin's light sleep. He abruptly opened his eyes and raised his head, only to discover that his classmates had already gathered in a circle, all staring at him and Gu Yue.

Zhou Changxi crowded to the front, delighted to stir things up, and whispered admiringly, "Buddy, you're seriously amazing!"

Xie Xie leaned in too, his eyes full of curiosity. "Wulin, tell us honestly. Does Gu Yue like you? Everyone else went back to the dorms for their lunch break, but she stayed here with you the whole time."

The classroom instantly filled with noisy teasing and jeers.

Just as everyone was thoroughly absorbed in the gossip, a chillingly cold voice suddenly came from the classroom doorway:

"What's this? You all seem full of energy. Does everyone want extra training?"

The instant those words fell, the classroom's noise stopped dead.

Everyone stiffened, a chill running through them. They scattered back to their seats at lightning speed and sat up straight, not daring to breathe loudly.

They did not need to look to know who had arrived. It was Class Five's homeroom teacher, the ever-cold and strict Wu Changkong.

Most daytime lessons consisted of intense physical training, so afternoon classes focused primarily on soul master theory, helping the students absorb what they had learned and solidify their foundations.

When the theory lesson ended, the sun sank westward, painting the clouds a warm golden hue that enveloped all of Eastsea Academy.

Wu Changkong announced gravely, "Everyone, class dismissed."

Lighthearted conversation immediately filled the classroom as the students packed their things and left in twos and threes, chattering away.

Just as the crowd dispersed, Wu Changkong spoke again, his words reaching Tang Wulin and Xie Xie with precision. "Tang Wulin, Xie Xie, you two will stay for extra training tonight."

"What?!"

Both froze, letting out miserable wails in unison.

"What, do you have objections?" Wu Changkong swept his gaze over them, his voice icy.

Xie Xie hastily waved his hands, looking utterly miserable. "N-no! We wouldn't dare object!"

"Oh? Then you're harboring complaints."

"No, no, no! Absolutely not! We're perfectly willing to train more!" Both shook their heads frantically, not daring to offer the slightest protest.

Wu Changkong had not planned to include Gu Yue in the extra training, but the girl naturally followed, never leaving their side. Seeing this, Wu Changkong did not stop her and allowed her to come along.

The three followed him deeper into the academy. Wu Changkong had specially "borrowed" this private indoor training hall from Long Hongxu in academic affairs. The "borrowing" process had apparently been quite spectacular. No one else knew what had happened, only that Long Hengxuan had ultimately agreed with a deeply aggrieved expression and several more bruises on his face.

Standing in the spacious training hall, Wu Changkong addressed the two boys solemnly. "Starting today, you will both undergo specialized extra training with me every day in preparation for the upcoming Class Promotion Tournament. Our class has only two places in this tournament."

He paused, his gaze growing more meaningful, and continued, "You witnessed Gu Yue's talent and strength firsthand in today's match. If either of you is unwilling to endure this special training and wishes to give up his tournament place, I will allow it."

Both remained silent, quietly listening to Wu Changkong's guidance.

Wu Changkong swept his gaze over all three, his voice calm and incisive. "I've arranged this extra training for only one reason-to truly improve your combat strength. And the fastest, most effective way to improve will always be actual combat."

He looked at Xie Xie first. "By the standards of a One-Ring Soul Master, your speed is already exceptional. But your weakness is equally fatal: your physical stamina is far too poor. Your subsequent training must focus on endurance. Your second martial soul has unusual effects and can catch opponents off guard. It's your trump card. Remember not to reveal it lightly or use it carelessly. Save it as your decisive ace."

Then he turned to Gu Yue, his expression showing greater approval. "Gu Yue, I watched your elemental control throughout your fight with Tang Wulin today. I must say, at your current cultivation level, your command of multiple elements has already reached the point of pure mastery."

"Tomorrow, I'll take all three of you to have your spiritual power tested. In the training ahead, you must explore how different elements can be combined. Today, your wind and fire complemented each other, wind borrowing fire's force and fire bolstering wind's might, with excellent results. As your cultivation improves, your true path to greater strength will lie in layering and combining multiple elements. No one throughout history has explored this method of cultivation. It is a path that belongs to you alone."

Gu Yue nodded earnestly. "Thank you for your guidance, Teacher."

Finally, Wu Changkong's gaze settled on Tang Wulin, his expression becoming particularly solemn. "As for you, your priority is mastering your own martial soul."

"Your Blue Silver Grass has already undergone an unknown mutation, but its origin still belongs to vegetation. Its extreme toughness is your advantage, but also your shackle. The flame immunity your Blue Silver Grass displayed today exceeded my expectations. Across the countless ages recorded in Douluo's history, only one person's Blue Silver Grass has ever possessed absolute fire immunity-the Tang Sect's founding sect master, Thousand Hands Douluo Tang San, the supreme being who held the Sea God Godhood."

Wu Changkong stared at Tang Wulin, every word firm. "Taking into account the resistance to ice and fire you displayed today, I'm more than seventy percent certain that your martial soul is by no means ordinary Blue Silver Grass, a trash martial soul. It is most likely a dormant Blue Silver Emperor that has yet to awaken fully."

In truth, Wu Changkong's judgment was merely speculation based on Shrek's ancient records-a classic case of getting the entire process wrong and the conclusion completely right.

Tang Wulin's martial soul was indeed not ordinary Blue Silver Grass, but the supreme Blue Silver Emperor. However, that heaven-defying immunity to ice and fire was not an innate talent of the Blue Silver Emperor martial soul itself.

Hearing this, Gu Yue immediately sank into thought.

Blue Silver Grass? Blue Silver Emperor?

When had any Blue Silver Emperor passed down through the generations ever possessed flame immunity? The answer was clearly never.

Then where had the immunity that resisted my pure elemental flames come from?

She instinctively connected the surname Tang Wulin shared with Sea God Tang San, but immediately rejected that conjecture. The blue silver race had an immutable law stretching back through the ages: only after the previous Blue Silver Emperor had truly perished could the next inheritor be born into the world.

Sea God Tang San had ascended to the Divine Realm more than twenty thousand years ago. According to that timeline, his bloodline could not possibly remain in the world, much less produce another direct-bloodline successor to the Blue Silver Emperor.

Drawing on her endless years of experience and knowledge of the races, Gu Yue rejected that lead without hesitation.

Yet she did not know that the very first conjecture she had personally overturned was, in fact, the only truth.