douluo dalu: Excalibur

Chapter 5: Growth and Training

Xiao Ren remained focused on his cultivation, pushing his limits daily. He continued to refine his spirit power and master his abilities, ensuring steady progress. The academy continued as usual, but he distanced himself from unnecessary distractions, fully dedicated to his path.

A Month Later – The End of the School Year

With the school year coming to an end, students were given a one-month vacation. While others relaxed or visited their families, Xiao Ren seized the opportunity to further expand his business empire. He established a large-scale shopping mall in Nuoding City, introducing new entertainment venues, luxury shops, and high-end restaurants.

This innovation boosted the city's economy, attracting merchants and visitors. His wealth and influence continued to grow, strengthening his foundation for the future.

Returning to the Academy – Level 25

After a month of business expansion and cultivation, Xiao Ren returned to Nuoding Junior Academy, having reached Level 25. His rapid progress stunned many, but no one dared to question him. Due to Tang Hao's warning, Tang San and Yu Xiaogang avoided provoking him.

However, Tang San harbored resentment. The humiliation of his past defeat burned within him. Though he remained silent, he vowed that one day, when he became strong enough, he would take revenge.

Six Months Later – The Third Spirit Ring Hunt

Time passed, and Xiao Ren's cultivation continued at a monstrous pace. After six months, he broke through to Level 30 and set out to hunt his third spirit ring.

He targeted a 3,000-year-old Holy Element Eagle. After an intense battle, he successfully defeated and absorbed its spirit ring, gaining a powerful new ability.

New Spirit Skill: Cyclone Slash

Effect: Summons a holy-element tornado spanning 5x15 meters.

Duration: 1 minute.

Type: Group attack, effective against multiple enemies.

His cultivation rose even further, reaching Level 33.

System Upgrade – The Anbu's Evolution

Upon reaching Level 33, the system granted Xiao Ren a choice regarding his Anbu unit:

Increase the number of Anbu members by 10.

Promote all existing Anbu to Spirit Douluo.

After careful thought, he chose the second option. Instantly, all ten Anbu members advanced to Spirit Douluo, making them a formidable force. Simultaneously, Cloud Strife reached Level 98, further reinforcing Xiao Ren's power.

With his forces now overwhelmingly strong, Xiao Ren decided to leave Nuoding Junior Academy.

Graduation and Departure

Xiao Ren formally applied for early graduation. Given his exceptional achievements, the academy's dean readily approved his request.

With the procedures completed, Xiao Ren officially left Nuoding Junior Academy, marking the end of this chapter in his journey.

Soto City – A New Beginning

Upon arriving in Soto City, a bustling economic hub, Xiao Ren quickly established himself. He purchased a luxurious mansion and opened a new business branch, following the successful model from Nuoding City.

With his new base secured, Xiao Ren turned his attention to combat training. He joined the Spirit Colosseum, wearing an Anbu fox mask to conceal his identity. Over the next year, he fought countless battles, honing his swordsmanship, Marine Six Styles, and Haki without relying on his spirit skills.

His extraordinary skill earned him the title "Sword Demon Fox", a feared name among colosseum fighters.

One Year Later – Fourth Spirit Ring Hunt

After a year of rigorous combat training, Xiao Ren reached Level 40 and embarked on another hunt. This time, he sought a 10,000-year-old Holy Element Fox. After a fierce battle, he successfully absorbed its spirit ring, gaining a game-changing ability.

New Spirit Skill: Phantom Clone

Effect: Creates two clones, each possessing 70% of his attributes.

Additional Feature: Clones can use his first three spirit skills.

With this ability, Xiao Ren's combat versatility skyrocketed. His cultivation continued to rise, reaching Level 43.

System Display – Xiao Ren's Current Status

After achieving Level 43, Xiao Ren accessed his system to review his progress. The system displayed his current status:

Name: Xiao Ren

Cultivation Level: Level 43

Martial Spirit: Excalibur

Spirit Rings:

1st: 1,000-year Holy Element Dragon (Holy Strike)

2nd: 1,000-year Holy Element Dragon (Attribute Debuff)

3rd: 3,000-year Holy Element Eagle (Cyclone Slash)

4th: 10,000-year Holy Element Fox (Phantom Clone)

Abilities:

Haki: Observation Haki, Armament Haki, Conqueror's Haki

Combat Techniques: Marine Six Styles

Summons:

Cloud Strife – Level 98

10 Anbu – Spirit Douluo Level

System Rewards for Advancing to Spirit Ancestor

Reaching the Spirit Ancestor realm triggered another system reward:

1 Titled Douluo Summon

1 Million Gold Coins

Knowledge about Soul Guides

Knowledge about Alchemy

With these newfound advantages, Xiao Ren prepared himself for the greater challenges that awaited him.