Chapter 52: Interviewing Yuan En Yehui, the Titled Douluo Xiang Yunming Visits

“Hum—”

Zhao Xuanzhen activated the Blue Spirit Ring’s protective device, his figure gradually fading; he did not know how much of Tang San’s power the Splendor Shadow possessed, but one thing was certain—he himself was no match for the Splendor Shadow.

It would be reckless to expose the Eight Deceits God over a single practical training session.

Outside the Splendor Gate, Shen Yi rushed forward the moment Zhao Xuanzhen exited the combat space, his face filled with confusion: “Xuanzhen, how did you trigger the Splendor Gate’s Infinite Difficulty?”

That’s the Splendor Gate’s annihilation mechanism—designed to punish examinees who violate the rules…”

Zhao Xuanzhen spoke calmly, stating the facts: “I didn’t know. After I one-punched the four-ring Tang San, the soul-tool AI claimed I was hiding soul power, then the Thousand-Handed Douluo appeared. I have no interest in being beaten up, so I just exited the Splendor Gate.”

“Four-ring Tang San ancestor… one punch!?”

Shen Yi felt the world spin, staring at Zhao Xuanzhen as if he were an alien.

She was the direct disciple of the Crimson Dragon Douluo and an outstanding graduate of Shi Laike’s Inner Academy, intimately familiar with the Splendor Gate.

The Splendor Gate resembles Tang Men’s Hero Hall—both create ancestral illusions for combat training—but the Splendor Gate simulates the original Shi Laike Seven, while the Hero Hall draws from Huo Yuhao’s generation.

Both combat training systems uphold one principle: the ancestors’ dignity must not be insulted.

In reality, under covert enhancements by both factions, the illusionary combatants far surpassed the actual power of the two generations of the Seven, each a top-tier monster within their own soul master rank.

Of course, while the values were adjusted, elders always insisted to the defeated disciples: “The illusions only have seventy percent of the real ancestors’ power—you still need to train harder!”

After some thought, Shen Yi’s eyes revealed a flicker of understanding: Zhao Xuanzhen had one-punched the four-ring Tang San beyond his rank, and the Splendor Gate deemed such a three-ring Soul Elder impossible, triggering the annihilation mode instantly.

“Xuanzhen, thank you for alerting the academy. I will report to the Crimson Dragon Douluo that the Splendor Gate’s soul-tool AI must be updated to revise its annihilation trigger criteria.”

“Mm.”

Zhao Xuanzhen said no more, quietly waiting for the others.

After Zhao Xuanzhen, the second student to exit the Splendor Gate was Xu Li, the chubby boy stumbling out, his round face bruised purple and swollen, looking utterly battered.

Both were two-ring Great Soul Masters; Xu Li possessed the Recovery Big Bun and Light Steamed Bun, yet Oscar’s second soul skill, Detox Sausage, had no effect. Xu Li’s test only required him to survive three minutes under Oscar’s assault—passing the first stage wasn’t difficult.

The second stage’s difficulty surged: Oscar became a Soul Elder. Xu Li was instantly doomed. His Flying Mushroom Sausage gave Oscar aerial dominance; the two giant sausages whirled like tiger claws, producing the exact visual of nunchaku, leaving the chubby boy black-eyed and swollen, his test ending in failure.

“Crack—”

Soon, Ye Xinglan stepped out of the Splendor Gate, face dark as storm clouds, fists clenched so tightly they creaked—her mood was at rock bottom.

“Starlan, how many stages did you pass?”

“One.”

Ye Xinglan’s face was as black as charcoal; her test was even harder than Xu Li’s—defeating the two-ring Dai Mubai, then the three-ring Dai Mubai.

Relying on the nascent Star God Sword Intent and her formidable combat talent, Ye Xinglan barely defeated the White Tiger Great Soul Master.

The ancestor losing to a peer already triggered the Splendor Gate’s red flag; in the second stage, the White Tiger Soul Elder activated his third soul skill, White Tiger Golden Body Transformation, and brutally crushed Ye Xinglan, who lost in the most humiliating fashion.

The golden-haired girl stepped lightly forward, standing before Zhao Xuanzhen, her gaze burning as she asked: “How many stages did you pass?”

“Two.”

Hearing this, Ye Xinglan froze. In her view, Zhao Xuanzhen was far beyond that; her red lips parted to speak, but she ultimately stayed silent.

“Is Xiao Wu even a real soul master?!”

Before she appeared, her voice rang out—Na’er stormed out of the Splendor Gate, sprinting to Zhao Xuanzhen’s side, seething with indignation: “The Soul Elder’s power was barely reasonable, but the Soul Ancestor? That’s absurd!”

By the third stage, the five-ring Fleeting Bone Rabbit Soul King teleported without limit, activated an invincible Golden Body, and charged straight at me with the Silver Dragon Spear—unscathed!

How do I fight? Tell me how to fight!”

“So the normal third stage is a Soul King.” Zhao Xuanzhen squinted. “I thought you’d face the Fleeting Bone Douluo.”

“I glanced at you once—I nearly choked laughing.”

Na’er flashed her white teeth, unashamedly mocking: “Tang San, the Titled Douluo, five ten-thousand-year soul rings, plus the Sea God Trident! Zhao Xuanzhen, did you break a heavenly law?”

“Sigh…” Zhao Xuanzhen sighed gloomily. “I’ll be more restrained next time. Remember this: never one-punch someone beyond your rank—or you’ll face a Titled Douluo.”

“Hahaha!!!”

Na’er laughed until she couldn’t stand, and beside her, Ye Xinglan suddenly trembled—she finally realized Zhao Xuanzhen had only passed two stages because the system punished him, not because his power stopped there!

Meanwhile, she had been pinned down by Dai Mubai, unable to look elsewhere, while Na’er still had energy to spare—fighting Xiao Wu while observing the neighboring battle. Ye Xinglan again felt the vast gap between them; in her azure eyes, flames burned fiercely.

“Practical training is over. Dismissed for free cultivation. Tomorrow’s lesson returns to the classroom.”

Shen Yi announced class dismissed and headed to the principal’s office to report the Splendor Gate incident to the Crimson Dragon Douluo Zhuo Shi.

The Zero Class quartet split into two groups: Ye Xinglan, stubborn and competitive, had already set Xuan Na as her ultimate goal, planning to train relentlessly. Xu Li followed her like a shadow, wherever she went.

“Let’s go see Xuan Long Street,” Zhao Xuanzhen proposed. “We can rebuild it however we like.”

“No way…”

Na’er raised her soul-tool communicator, showing a new message from ten seconds ago; her face fell. “The Holy Spirit Douluo is waiting for me at my dorm door.”

“Huh?” Zhao Xuanzhen was stunned. “Spill it—what bad thing did you do that the Holy Spirit Douluo is chasing you to your door?”

“Well… maybe I just showed off the cafeteria food a bit too much. Isn’t this the top academy on the continent? Can’t a student eat a little more without the Sea God Pavilion elders hunting them down?”

“That’s not likely.”

Zhao Xuanzhen narrowed his eyes, his mind activating. “My instinct tells me the one who truly wants to see you isn’t the Holy Spirit Douluo.”

“We’ll go to Xuan Long Street another day. I’ll accompany you back to the Sea God Island.”

“No need, no need!” Na’er waved her hand. “The Holy Spirit Douluo wants to speak with me alone precisely because she doesn’t want you there. I’ll go back alone and see what sweet poison she’s serving!”

“Big White and Little White are waiting at the school gate. Go to Xuan Long Street and change all the White Tiger-related things—make it reflect you and me and the Silver Dragon Spear!”

“Alright.”

Zhao Xuanzhen gave a slight nod. Na’er was exceptionally skilled at swallowing the sugar coating and returning the bomb—she’d never be at a disadvantage. He never doubted her loyalty; their mutual trust was absolute.

Na’er returned to the Sea God Island. Zhao Xuanzhen stepped out of Shi Laike Academy, where the twin sisters had been waiting. Both wore elegant white long dresses that complemented their exquisite features; their snow-white hair fell straight to their waists, radiating a unique aura.

“Big White, Little White!”

The Bai sisters’ beauty stood out like a crane among chickens; Zhao Xuanzhen locked onto them instantly and waved from afar.

Bai Haoze and Bai Zhichen smiled faintly, walking to Zhao Xuanzhen’s side—one on each arm—subtly guarding him, like devoted elder sisters caring for a younger brother, or two loyal bodyguards.

Shi Laike Academy sat at the heart of Shi Laike City; beyond the school gate lay the street. Formerly White Tiger Street, Xuan Long Street was one of the inner city’s most bustling commercial avenues. After a few turns, the three entered it—the street wide and clean, lined with shops, teeming with constant foot traffic.

As they walked through Xuan Long Street, Bai Haoze pointed to the surrounding buildings, softly explaining: “Xuan Long Street is fully equipped—malls, restaurants, cafés, foot massage parlors, hotels—all present. If Na’er were a work-study student, the street’s monthly profit in contribution points could support fifty of her.”

“That’s incredibly profitable.”

Such a direct number stunned Zhao Xuanzhen. Work-study students paid for everything themselves—yet Xuan Long Street could sustain fifty Na’ers? It was terrifying!

Bai Zhichen took over from her sister: “The most profitable business on the entire street is the Rose Hotel, immensely popular among Shi Laike students.”

“We secretly informed the Rose Hotel manager to reserve a special room on the top floor for you—you can check in anytime with just your face.”

“Wait… what?”

Zhao Xuanzhen blinked, staring at the calm-faced Bai sisters, speechless.

You two are acting like prime ministers, overanalyzing the emperor’s will!

Come to think of it, reserving a room at the Rose Hotel—that plot feels familiar. Won’t one day a Blue Silver Grass soul master come after me in a rage?

Under the Bai sisters’ guidance and explanations, Zhao Xuanzhen fully understood Xuan Long Street. The three sat in a café, passing the pleasant afternoon while discussing renovation ideas.

Bai Zhichen placed three steaming cups of coffee on the table. Zhao Xuanzhen picked up his spoon and stirred, then asked: “This café is elegantly decorated—why is there only one barista? No servers at all?”

“The last server was a Shi Laike work-study student. He failed his Outer Academy graduation exam and left Shi Laike City. The café is hiring now,” Bai Haoze explained.

“Shi Laike work-study student…”

Zhao Xuanzhen’s gaze grew thoughtful, then he buried his thoughts, focusing on Xuan Long Street’s renovation: “Big White, Little White—take down that roaring White Tiger statue at the street entrance. Replace it with a Silver Dragon.”

“The Silver Dragon will be Xuan Long Street’s brand—must radiate grandeur. Add black-and-white swirling patterns around it…”

The three discussed renovation plans earnestly. Inside the café, several couples listened to soothing piano music, sipping coffee, whispering sweet nothings.

A figure suddenly pushed open the glass door. The girl had pale skin, short chestnut-red hair, a face refined enough to bear close scrutiny, and a slender, well-proportioned figure. Even Shi Laike’s standard dark-green uniform couldn’t hide her captivating beauty.

“Hello, I heard the café is hiring servers. Can I apply now?” The girl walked to the barista, speaking bluntly.

“Of course. Our new owner is right here.”

The barista set down her tools. She had seen the Bai sisters, who had bought the entire street for Leng Yaoju, and led the girl to Zhao Xuanzhen’s table, bowing respectfully: “Boss, this young lady is applying for the server position.”

All three turned. The Bai sisters showed no reaction, but Zhao Xuanzhen and the girl both froze.

“Yuan En Yehui?”

“Taiji Zhao Xuanzhen!”

Zhao Xuanzhen had seen Yuan En Yehui’s photo on the Teenage Genius Rankings; Yuan En Yehui had watched his duel with Le Zhengyu the previous afternoon.

Yuan En Yehui had nearly been tempted to step onto the stage, but remembered she was a work-study student—finding a job came first, so she reluctantly gave up.

“You’re the owner of this café?” Yuan En Yehui asked, surprised.

“No,” Zhao Xuanzhen corrected. “I’m the owner of this entire street.”

Yuan En Yehui was instantly speechless. She had left the Titan Clan nearly penniless, entering Shi Laike Academy drawn only by its reputation as the top academy on the continent, seeking a place to stay.

Unexpectedly, during her entrance exam, she accidentally revealed her second martial soul: the Fallen Angel. Confirmed by the Holy Spirit Douluo Luo Yali, she was not a Dark Soul Master—but Shi Laike Academy demoted her to work-study status, stripping her of free cafeteria and other benefits.

Yuan En Yehui was stunned. She was a mech repairer, yes—but a Level Two mech repairer couldn’t even fix a soul tool properly, let alone a battle armor. She had to work just to survive.

Shi Laike Academy’s cafeteria meals were extremely expensive. If she didn’t find a job soon, the genius with dual martial souls would starve.

Senior work-study students told her this café offered generous pay—three times the salary of the neighboring drink bar—and allowed work-study students to work only afternoons, though the standards were strict and hiring was difficult.

Yuan En Yehui was a woman with ideals. She decided to challenge the café. Gazing at Zhao Xuanzhen’s refined face, she whispered, hopeful:

“Um… can I become a server?”

Zhao Xuanzhen’s face was stern: “Our servers must satisfy customers without harming the shop’s interests. Can you do that?”

“I can!”

Yuan En Yehui straightened her back, her voice resolute.

“Good. You’re hired. Now you’re a server, I’m a customer. Let’s do a quick onboarding test.”

Zhao Xuanzhen drained his coffee and handed the empty cup to Yuan En Yehui: “Server, refill.”

Yuan En Yehui stood ready, convinced she had seen through the test’s trickery—coffee shops didn’t offer refills—and said, “Sorry, customer, our policy forbids refills.”

“Is that so? First time drinking coffee—my apologies.” Zhao Xuanzhen awkwardly withdrew his cup.

“Haha, no problem.”

Yuan En Yehui burst into laughter.

“You actually dare to laugh?” Zhao Xuanzhen’s expression turned icy. “I’m filing a complaint.”

“Huh!?”

Bu Hao, your feint was too long—you fell for it!

This was the first test in her life with such an odd logic; Yuan En Yehui suddenly felt the sorrow of eating a spicy strip with a jianbing.

The Bai sisters smiled faintly—they had grown up watching Zhao Xuanzhen and knew he had a special talent for testing people.

“Just joking. Your appearance and demeanor are excellent—you’re perfect for our café.” Zhao Xuanzhen smiled.

A new path opened before her—Yuan En Yehui exclaimed in delight, “I’m hired?”

“Six days on, one off. Late arrivals lose half pay; absences lose full pay. Good reviews earn bonuses; bad reviews incur fines. Sales commissions apply. Perform well, and you’ll be promoted.”

“Yes, boss!”

The cake was big and round—Yuan En Yehui immediately brimmed with determination. An eagle… a giant ape—such a woman never retreats!

Sea God Island.

Naer returned to the wooden hut, where besides Shengling Douluo Yali stood a young man.

The youth wore plain black robes; an ordinary person might take him for just a common man, but Naer sensed an unyielding, piercing aura radiating from him.

“Spear intent… no—Spear God!”

As a spear Dao Soul Master herself, Naer’s gaze sharpened.

“Hello, Naer.”

The youth smiled gently, his voice warm and smooth: “I am Xiang Yunming, current master of the Sea God Pavilion at Shrek Academy.”

"Titled, Qingtian."

(End of chapter)