Chapter 113: Fifty‑Level

Time drifts slowly, like a white horse flashing through a crack, and five months have quickly passed.

In these five months, Yu Tianyun's life has been tight and fulfilling.

Each dawn, when the first ray of sunlight falls on the earth, Yu Tianyun is already in the quiet room beginning meditation to cultivate soul power. They close their eyes, regulate their breath, and the surrounding air seems to echo the breathing rhythm, strands of soul power slowly gathering and being greedily absorbed into the body.

By afternoon, warm sunlight bathes the land, and Yu Tianyun's duel with Liu Erlong begins as scheduled. Liu Erlong's figure is agile, their soul power massive, each move bearing a fierce momentum. Yu Tianyun is no less; their posture is nimble, deftly countering Liu Erlong's attacks, sometimes striking back, sometimes defending. Their battle is intense and spectacular. Every clash sparks brilliant soul power radiance, blooming in the air like fireworks.

Night falls, and Yu Tianyun in the room attends to proper matters with the women, the moment when they submit the daily public grain. Yet even so, they can still practice soul power while multitasking. Their multitask control has become masterful; their mind seems to split into several petals, each focusing on a different task yet coordinating to jointly promote their soul power growth.

Their cultivation speed has not slowed despite the rise in soul power level and its increasing purity; it remains astonishingly fast, even faster than before they entered Dragon Valley.

Originally, given their Soul Sect Realm rank and the soul power quality surpassing the ultimate martial soul, their cultivation speed should inevitably have slowed considerably, but because their bodily aptitude has been so well modified, their speed has not decreased but increased.

The four soul bones in their body are each extraordinary: two External Attached Soul Bones, one Hundred Thousand Year Soul Bone, and one divine‑level soul bone. These soul bones have forged their body into the most gifted physique ever on Douluo Continent, and with the nourishment of dragon soul and dragon‑cloud energy, their bodily aptitude is indescribable.

If Tang San were to possess this physique, they would be Shocked beyond measure; it is literally the legendary martial prodigy, one in hundreds of millions. This body has all hundred meridians open, any channel flows unimpeded, offering no hindrance to soul power cultivation.

……

That day, Yu Tianyun and Liu Erlong, as usual, finished their intense battle, both drenched in sweat yet feeling immensely exhilarated.

They lie together on the soft grass, gazing at the sparkling water surface before them, enjoying the gentle caress of the evening breeze, leisurely and content.

At some point, Yu Tianyun softly says:

"Aunt, I won't be coming back in the next few days."

Hearing this, Liu Erlong furrows their brows, a sudden sense of loss arising in their heart. They sit up, asking anxiously, "Why? Do you find fighting me meaningless?" Their eyes are full of doubt and incomprehension.

Time is the most astonishing weapon; Liu Erlong has gone from initial aversion and rejection of Yu Tianyun to, unknowingly, having come to rely on them.

It seems Yu Tianyun has become an indispensable part of their life, something even they haven't realized.

Although Yu Xiao Gang still holds a great place in their heart, its weight has lessened considerably compared to the beginning. At least now Liu Erlong rarely thinks of them proactively; over these months they seldom feel sorrow or grief, gradually becoming more cheerful.

All of this is thanks to Yu Tianyun's companionship.

Yu Tianyun turns their head, looking at Liu Erlong with slightly furrowed dark brows and a seemingly reluctant expression; their mouth lifts imperceptibly, then they raise an eyebrow and playfully says, "What? Aunt, can't bear to see me go?"

Liu Erlong, hearing this, realizes they have acted too hastily, immediately folds arms across chest, pouts and glances at Yu Tianyun, saying, "You little brat, you're becoming more disrespectful of elders, I don't care if you go there!"

Though Liu Erlong says that, their gaze remains fixed on Yu Tianyun, eyes flashing with hopeful light, clearly hoping Yu Tianyun will reveal the real reason.

Yu Tianyun no longer teases; provoking this mother‑titanic dragon again would be bad, they say slowly, "Aunt, my soul power cultivation has reached level fifty; I need to obtain the Fifth Soul Ring."

Liu Erlong slightly startled, then sighs lightly:

"I see, do you need my help?"

Yu Tianyun looks at their delicate face, blinks, about to speak but stops. They think, "How can I tell you, you're no better than me! How could you help me?" Yet saying that would be hurtful, and for a moment they don't know how to open their mouth.

After a pause, Liu Erlong seems to realize, their cute face slightly reddens, they clear their throat lightly to mask embarrassment, and say, "I just remembered, the academy still has many affairs for me to handle; I don't have time to accompany you to hunt for the Soul Ring, you take extra care yourself, and don't be careless in choosing the Soul Ring."

Yu Tianyun internally chuckles, "When did you mother‑titanic dragon ever manage the academy?"

However, they don't press further, just nod, eyes firm, responding, "Aunt, don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

Liu Erlong stands, pats the grass off their clothes. Standing in the sunset, their silhouette is outlined by the afterglow like a dream, as if a goddess of war. They say:

"Since that's the case, you should prepare to set out early."

Yu Tianyun replies, turns to leave, but suddenly stops, looks back at Liu Erlong, and says:

"Aunt, wait for my return."

Liu Erlong slightly nods, eyes gently watching Yu Tianyun's departing figure, a hint of worry rising in their heart. They silently pray, hoping Yu Tianyun can successfully obtain the Soul Ring and return safely.

After Yu Tianyun leaves, Liu Erlong stands alone at the spot, lingering for a long time. A breeze brushes their hair, their thoughts drift with the wind.

……

On the other side, Shilake Xueyuan! Yu Xiao Gang pushes open Fland's office door; this so‑called office is actually a small wooden cabin. Fland is not like Liu Erlong, who does it for cultivating sentiment; he is truly broke to the bone. Seeing Yu Xiao Gang enter, Fland's heart trembles, a vague bad omen, he tentatively asks:

"Xiao Gang, what brings you here?"

Yu Xiao Gang's face is stiff, expression gloomy, hands behind back standing before Fland, speaking calmly:

"Fland, this month is about to end, what can I ask you for? Of course it's the children's funding for next month!"

Fland's gaunt face instantly turns mournful, saying:

"Xiao Gang, I know you think of the children, wanting better training for them, but our academy is poor, truly can't endure your trouble. In just these few months, this year's tuition is nearly exhausted. If we continue like this, in less than a month the academy will be unable to open its doors."

Yu Xiao Gang is not moved by Fland's lament, still coldly says:

"Stop pretending, you old miser, you're a Soul Saint, how can you not even secure funding for an academy? Moreover, raising the meals standard is to give trainees sufficient nutrition; their training load is huge, using medicinal baths prevents hidden injuries. Do you want these kids to be unable to advance because of hidden injuries?"

Fland stops pretending, sighs deeply, looks at Yu Xiao Gang, and says, "Xiao Gang, I'm not pretending to be poor, we truly are. I don't want to grovel to rely on others; with my strength, great wealth would be easy. Over the years I've poured a lot of money to maintain the academy. If this continues, even my retirement fund will be spent, and that might still not be enough."

Yu Xiao Gang nods and says, "Since that's so, after some time I'll take Tang San, Xiao Wu, and the students willing to go with us away. Shilake Xueyuan can't provide the resources they need to grow, so I can only lead them to a well‑resourced academy. With their talent, some advanced Soul Master academy will surely accept them."

"No, I disagree."

Fland slams the table, glares at Yu Xiao Gang, shouting, "The children belong to Shilake! Xiao Gang, don't forget, Shilake is my twenty years of heart‑blood; you doing this, is it to take my life?"

Yu Xiao Gang's emotions do not change a bit from Fland's anger; his gaze remains calm as water, slowly saying, "Xiao Gang, I have a few questions for you. If you can answer, then whether the children leave or stay doesn't matter. First, can you provide the students with a Simulated Training Environment? Second, do you have the ability to grant them qualification to participate in the continent‑wide elite competition of advanced Soul Master academies a year and a half from now? And finally, what was the original purpose and meaning behind founding Shilake Xueyuan?"

"Fland, I have a few questions for you. If you can solve them, then whether the children stay or leave doesn't matter. First, can you provide the children with a Simulated Training Environment? Second, do you have the ability to give them the qualifications to participate in the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Competition in one and a half years? And finally, what was the original intention and significance behind your founding of Shilake Xueyuan?"

Fland is left speechless by Xiao Gang's rapid succession of questions, can only stare blankly. The raging anger that had surged now recedes like the tide, his whole being becomes despondent, as if all his qi has been drained, and he weakly sits back down.

Yu Xiao Gang remains indifferent, continues at an unhurried pace, "The Simulated Training Environment can greatly boost their soul power cultivation speed. The continent‑wide elite competition of advanced Soul Master academies only admits those who pass the preliminaries of regular academies. Shilake Xueyuan has never registered in any kingdom or empire, precisely because we lack the necessary hardware. Although Shilake has some reputation in the Soul Master World, that reputation cannot buy us competition eligibility. Moreover, you should know what the rewards of the elite competition are and how crucial they are for the children. Your original ideal in founding Shilake was to cultivate geniuses for the Soul Master World, to shake the entire world. My chosen path for them is to make their growth smoother within our means."

"Yu Xiao Gang's expression remained calm as he continued speaking unhurriedly: 'The Simulated Training Environment can greatly increase the speed at which they cultivate their soul power. Only officially recognized institutions that pass the preliminary round are eligible to participate in the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Competition. Shilake Xueyuan has never been registered in any kingdom or empire, precisely because we lack the corresponding hardware conditions. Although Shilake Xueyuan has some reputation in the Soul Master World, that reputation cannot earn us a qualification to compete. Moreover, you should be clear about what the prizes of the Continental Soul Master Academy Elite Competition are and how important they are for the children. Your original ideal in founding Shilake Xueyuan was to cultivate geniuses for the Soul Master World, so that the entire Soul Master World would be shocked by them. And the path I have chosen for them is to, within our capabilities, make their growth journey smoother.'"

"Fland's face darkened; every word Yu Xiao Gang said was reasonable and well-founded, leaving him no room to refute. However, Shilake Xueyuan was all his painstaking effort, and now it has come to this point, he truly feels unwilling to accept it:"

Yu Xiao Gang's expression does not change despite Fland's anxiety, still stiff, calmly says, "You could also choose to dissolve the academy and leave with us. We will take the children to an advanced Soul Master academy, which surely won't be refused. Xiao Gang, I sincerely hope you can assist me; I trust my disciples, and also trust the other children of Shilake, that they will one day awe the entire continent."

"Xiao Gang, I give you three days to consider; think it over. You are my best friend, I hope we can join hands to cultivate a group of super talents that will shake the continent."

After saying that, Yu Xiao Gang turns and leaves, leaving Fland alone, his expression shifting.

It should be known that Shilake Xueyuan is Fland's heart‑blood, not Xiao Gang's. All of Xiao Gang's heart‑blood is poured into his direct disciple Tang San.

If only he alone took Tang San and Xiao Wu to an advanced Soul Master academy, they might not receive much care. But if Fland, Zhao Wuji, and a host of Soul Emperor, Soul Saint teachers, plus other exceptionally gifted students all followed, the situation would be completely different, surely receiving attention and generous treatment.

If only he alone were to bring Tang San and Xiao Wu to the advanced Soul Master academy, he might not receive much attention; but if Fland, Zhao Wuji, and a host of Soul Emperor and Soul Saint teachers, together with other exceptionally gifted students, all followed along, the situation would be completely different, and they would surely receive importance and generous treatment.

This is Yu Xiao Gang's true plan; as the wisdom corner of the Golden Iron Triangle, he has always been full of confidence in his own strategies.

……

On the other side.

Not far from Shilake Xueyuan, a team from Tiandou City—the Imperial Fighting Team—arrived here.

The Imperial Fighting Team did not disband because of Yu Tianheng, Duguyan, and Ye Lingling's departure. With the support of the three elders and Prince Xueqinghe, they transferred three noble students from the second team of the Tiandou Royal Academy.

These three noble students naturally had a considerable gap with the original four members of the Imperial Fighting Team. During their time at the academy, it was hard for them to develop tacit understanding. To integrate this brand‑new team, Qin Ming led the new Imperial Fighting Team, beginning to tour the major provinces and kingdoms of the Tiandou Empire, participating in local Grand Spirit Arena spirit battles.

Today, they arrived at the Grand Spirit Arena of Suotu City; this is also their final stop.

As for why the Grand Spirit Arena of Suotu City was arranged as the final stop, this is naturally because of Shilake Xueyuan.

Because Qin Ming graduated from here, he therefore wanted to spare some more time to visit his alma mater.

……

(End of chapter)