Chapter 85: The Double Accessories of Xuan-Yue-Xing-Duo, Tang Men Branch, We

Two and a half minutes passed, and the screams on the Soul Duel Platform suddenly ceased.

Yuan Zhong lay sprawled on the ground, his Black Horn Boar transformed into a turtle on its back; he rose slowly, heart still pounding, and bowed his hands.

“Thank you, Brother Xuanzhen, for holding back.”

“Not worth mentioning,” Zhao Xuanzhen smiled.

The Spirit Erosion technique met the powerful door-blocking elbow in a single clash—Yuan Zhong was instantly flipped onto his back, utterly outmatched; this Soul Emperor forger finally understood what it meant when there are greater minds beyond the heavens.

A ten-year-old who climbed to the top of the Young Genius Rankings versus a seventeen-year-old who barely scraped onto the list once—Zhao Xuanzhen crushed Yuan Zhong into the dirt with sheer combat technique alone!

“The forger you found is useless.”

Watching the two young ones exchange formalities, Mu Ye sneered silently, clearly unimpressed with Yuan Zhong’s strength; Zhao Xuanzhen handled a mid-to-upper-tier Soul Emperor as easily as plucking an apple.

Zhen Hua shot his old friend an irritated glare—forgers’ average cultivation talent was so abysmal even divine forgers had to rely on pills to reach Titled Douluo; finding Yuan Zhong was already a stroke of luck.

Yuan Zhong’s pitiful combat ability indirectly highlighted why Zhen Hua placed such high value on Jiutian and Tang Wulin: exceptional forging talent was one reason, but their extraordinary cultivation potential was equally vital.

Both could enter the notoriously monstrous Shrek Academy as top-tier recruits, destined to become Titled Douluo without ever needing pills that damaged their bodies!

Due to Yuan Zhong’s pathetic performance, the Body Douluo Mu Ye had to step in personally to spar with Zhao Xuanzhen and instruct him in Body Secrets.

Until late night, the old man and the boy reluctantly parted; Zhao Xuanzhen returned to his familiar room from three years prior to rest for the night, preparing to depart for the next city at dawn.

“Knock knock knock—”

Three sharp knocks sounded; Jiutian walked in with a dark expression and handed over a storage soul tool.

Zhao Xuanzhen took the storage soul tool and scanned its contents with his Lingyuan Realm spiritual power; inside lay six blocks of forging metal—exactly one Spirit Alloy each for each person.

“Did you get the Gold-Water Interpenetration?” Jiutian asked succinctly.

“Not that easy.”

Zhao Xuanzhen shook his head; Gold-Water Interpenetration was priceless and unobtainable—Leng Yaoju had mobilized the Phoenix Clan’s networks to buy it at exorbitant prices, yet still found no trace.

Gold-Water Interpenetration was the key to fusing nine metals in Tiankang forging; Tang Wulin was Mu Chen’s direct disciple, Zhen Hua’s own nephew by mentorship, and had endured a series of upheavals—hence Zhen Hua was willing to give him Gold-Water Interpenetration. Zhao Xuanzhen had no deep connection to Zhen Hua; the Divine Forger would never voluntarily hand it over.

Zhao Xuanzhen had no intention of stealing from the Divine Forger’s private vault—he’d rather expend effort searching outside.

Jiutian suddenly had an idea: “If all else fails, wait three or five years—get the Boss, Tengshe, and the others to storm Old Qian’s Four-Character Doukai and strip it down. I’ll refine the Gold-Water Interpenetration from the Doukai.”

Zhao Xuanzhen: (￣ー￣)

Easy to say, but the Battle Heaven Douluo Qian Gudie’s coiled dragon staff was terrifying—its full-force strike had bent the divine weapon Golden Dragon Spear; that sheer power was undeniable.

As Zhao Xuanzhen knew, Qian Gudie had been in seclusion on the 108th floor of the Spirit Transmission Tower for decades. Sending eight Cheating Gods to assault the Tower’s headquarters would force them to face every Titled Douluo guarding it—too unpredictable.

“Forget Gold-Water Interpenetration for now—I plan to forge a Black-Class mecha. Spare some time to forge some Jade Silver; this time, no Divine Base Alloy—ninety percent fusion purity is enough.”

Jiutian’s breath caught; his chest heaved for a long moment before he spoke gravely: “If you keep exploiting me without limits, I’ll truly rise in rebellion.”

The Divine Base Metals from Bai Yuezhi, Xingye, Nan Yue, and the other four, later joined by Yue Zhengyu—who traded his ass for a Doukai—were all pushed into relentless forging under Zhao Xuanzhen’s orders; the mighty Eight-Cheating God, Golden Image, had become nothing but a blackened slave at the forging platform.

“Finish forging the metals before you rebel—I need them urgently.”

Zhao the Skinflint was cold-hearted and merciless, utterly indifferent to his subordinates’ grievances—how could someone his age rest!

Jiutian wore a gloomy expression, trudging away with heavy steps; Zhao Xuanzhen climbed onto the bed, sat cross-legged, and sank blissfully into meditation.

……

A peaceful night passed; after a delicious breakfast, Zhao Xuanzhen bid farewell to Zhen Hua and Mu Ye. The moment he stepped out of the Forger Association headquarters, familiar faces appeared before his eyes.

A tall, graceful silhouette stood out—her beauty was peerless, her long black hair dancing in the wind, her eyes like polished obsidian radiating a rare, serene aura untouched by mortal vulgarity.

On the entire Douluo Continent, only one girl possessed such a unique aura: Gu Yue.

On either side of Gu Yue, Ye Xinglan wore a bright yellow dress, her bare, porcelain-white legs gleaming; her golden hair tied into a sharp high ponytail, her cold, aloof expression sharply contrasting with Xu Xiaoyan’s smiling charm beside her.

Wu Siduo crossed her arms, her fitted combat suit accentuating her fiery figure; a flicker of obscure light passed through her eyes, while Yang Nianxia waved enthusiastically:

"Hey, class monitor! Surprised? Shocked?"

“Has the rule changed to team-based?” Zhao Xuanzhen asked Gu Yue with a smile.

Gu Yue replied gently: “Evil Soul Masters have disrupted Shrek Academy’s deployment—the train you saved was an attack orchestrated by them.”

For safety, Shrek Academy has temporarily revised the final exam format: no longer individual battles, but small teams must jointly challenge Soul Masters five levels higher than their own average.”

We six are now one team; Teacher Shen Yi is secretly guarding us. She said you entered the Heaven Dou City Forger Association yesterday noon, so we came ahead to wait here.”

“One team…”

Zhao Xuanzhen glanced at each of his five teammates—Gu Yue, Ye Xinglan, Wu Siduo, Xu Xiaoyan, Yang Nianxia—and lingered two extra seconds on Xu Xiaoyan and Yang Nianxia, his pupils narrowing slightly.

Double accessories? Interesting.

From Shrek City to Ming Capital, Heaven Dou City was the optimal transit hub; first-year students all converged here, and Shrek grouped them into small teams.

The three top-class leaders and the Nine Gates were split into two teams: Team One was Xuan-Yue-Xing-Duo plus the two accessories, with Shen Yi guarding them constantly.

Team Two consisted of Tang Wulin, Xie Xie, Xu Li, Luo Guixing, Xu Yucheng, and Zheng Yiran, with Tian Bing Wuchang as their bodyguard.

After brief exchanges, they all had defeated their exam opponents in Heaven Dou City yesterday, securing their first final exam kill; Zhao Xuanzhen had slain an Evil Soul Emperor and rescued the train, earning two extra kills—they must now proceed to the next city.

The Evil Soul Master ambush had triggered a temporary lockdown of the station; all soul-powered trains were halted. In truth, even without the lockdown, Zhao Xuanzhen had no intention of riding soul-powered trains again.

After discussion, they headed to the Soul Vehicle dealership to buy a car for a road trip.

The sensor door, embedded with a glowing logo, slid open automatically; a crisp fragrance mixed with leather hit their senses. Rows of vehicle models lined the showroom, dazzling the eye.

“This one looks good.”

Wu Siduo pointed to a new white soul vehicle; the sales clerk, sensing their exceptional aura, eagerly invited them for a test drive.

Zhao Xuanzhen sat in the driver’s seat; Gu Yue took the front passenger seat without hesitation. Ye Xinglan, Wu Siduo, and Xu Xiaoyan climbed into the back row, leaving bewildered Yang Nianxia standing alone.

Young Yang extended a finger as thick as a radish toward himself, weakly asking:

“W-what about me?”

Seeing the three beautiful girls in the back row radiating clear disdain, Zhao Xuanzhen paused, then slowly said: “My reverse camera seems blocked—go check it for me.”

Yang Nianxia: (⊙ω⊙`)

“Classmate, if you don’t buy it, I’ll reimburse you double!” Yang Nianxia pleaded with a miserable face.

“Just kidding—we’re close friends. How could I abandon you?”

Zhao Xuanzhen stepped out and patted Yang Nianxia’s broad shoulder with solemn sincerity.

Hearing someone would pay, the four girls immediately chose a luxury six-seat SUV—four million Federal Credits—its matte paint shimmering with swirling nebula-like patterns, the body resembling a slumbering steel beast, radiating the ferocity of a roaring tiger even while still.

“I’ll drive!”

While Zhao Xuanzhen paid, Yang Nianxia eagerly slid into the driver’s seat; four million Federal Credits was a drop in the ocean—even double wouldn’t matter, but he feared Zhao Xuanzhen would forget his friends for the girls—who wouldn’t want to tour with four beauties?

The next second, a soul-shattering scene unfolded: none of the five wanted the front passenger seat; ultimately, the other accessory, Xu Xiaoyan, lost rock-paper-scissors and pouted as she reluctantly accepted punishment.

Ye Xinglan and Wu Siduo sat together in the second row; the last row belonged to Zhao Xuanzhen and Gu Yue.

“Let’s go!”

Yang Nianxia slammed the accelerator; blue flames erupted from the rear, and the SUV shot westward like an arrow loosed from a bow.

“Such strong pushback!” Xu Xiaoyan instinctively gripped her seatbelt.

“Real speed is in the curves—anyone can accelerate in a straight line.”

Yang Nianxia, carried away, performed an extreme drift, turning the SUV into a mountain rally car.

Zhao Xuanzhen glanced at Yang Nianxia, grinning wildly—Accessory #2’s driving skills were passable; he’d do as driver for now.

“Where are we going to find opponents next?” Ye Xinglan suddenly asked.

“Spirit Transmission Tower?” Xu Xiaoyan turned her head, raising her hand.

This was Tang Wulin’s sudden idea the night before the final exam began. The Spirit Transmission Tower had branches in every city, always crowded with Soul Masters—they’d surely find challengers.

“The Spirit Transmission Tower is too crowded. We can’t give others grounds to slander Shrek Academy.”

Zhao Xuanzhen spoke with righteous conviction; a gentle breeze solidified into form, tapping the navigation screen several times until a red destination marker appeared.

Xu Xiaoyan stared blankly: “T-this place?!”

“The two powers are as close as brothers. Helping our Shrek students pass the final exam? What’s wrong with that? Later, we’ll do this… and that…”

Hearing this, the others’ expressions grew strange; Xu Xiaoyan felt deeply guilty, realizing how inappropriate her suggestion to challenge the Spirit Transmission Tower had been.

The car sped swiftly, the journey smooth; outside the soul train’s shelter, it hadn’t rained for three hours when they reached Tianyang City.

Tianyang City was medium-sized, above average; the city they reached had to be medium or larger.

Haicheng was one of the Eighteen Pillars, a major city on the Douluo Continent, yet its First Soul Master Academy’s dean was only a six-ring Soul Emperor, and its mecha squad leader was also a six-ring Soul Emperor—clearly, Soul Master distribution across the continent was wildly uneven.

Small cities had too few Soul Masters; finding opponents stronger than them was nearly impossible. But in medium-to-large cities, Soul Masters were abundant.

According to plan, the six would challenge one city per day, completing all tasks in ten days, then slowly drive back to Shrek City over five remaining days.

Tianyang Soul Technology Park.

The park featured vast greenery and buildings of varied designs, each distinctive, mostly constructed from metal.

Xuan Shi Tang Men Technology Group—also the Tang Men branch in Tianyang City—its glass walls refracted diamond-like glimmers under sunlight, radiating an uncanny beauty.

The SUV braked smoothly; six figures stepped out. Seeing them head toward the Tang Men branch, Shen Yi in the sky nearly dropped her jaw—Zhao Xuanzhen was truly a genius, leading Shrek students to challenge Tang Men!?

This was absolutely not what Shrek Academy wanted to see. The final exam was meant to showcase strength to the entire continent. In past years, Shrek first-years had recklessly challenged innocent passersby—the primary victims? The Spirit Transmission Tower, crowded with Soul Masters!

The Spirit Transmission Tower had no recourse: a group of fifteen-year-olds, most with outstanding talent and powerful backgrounds, causing no serious harm—they could only issue warnings and release them, swallowing their humiliation.

Now the tide had turned. As a core disciple of the Spirit Transmission Tower, Zhao Xuanzhen naturally defended its interests—so he redirected the trouble to his Shrek ally: Tang Men!

Ye Xinglan and Wu Siduo pulled out two long bamboo poles and silently raised a banner.

The banner unfurled, displaying twenty-odd bold, iron-stroke characters; the two beauties wore cold, fearless expressions as they hoisted it high, instantly drawing the attention of passersby.

Tang Men security personnel instinctively read aloud: “We are from Shrek Academy, challenging Tang Men’s strongest youth team under twenty-five.”

They’ve come to smash the place!

And they’re smashing Tang Men!

“What are you brats doing? Don’t play around near Xuan Shi Tang Men Technology Group—go home!”

The security chief stormed out of Tang Men, his military bearing lending him authority; his roar carried immense weight.

"Shrek Tang Men is one big family—we're here for friendly exchange!"

Accessory No. 1, Xu Xiaoyan, actors, take your places!

"Our journey here has truly been hard!"

Accessory No. 2, Yang Nianxia followed closely behind; the Great Golden Bear’s booming voice was no joke, rolling like thunder echoing across the sky.

Hearing this, the Tang Men security captain glanced at the luxury SUV, clicked his tongue, and looked at the six peerless talents with a complex expression.

What? How exactly have you had it hard!?

(End of Chapter)