Douluo Dalu: From Shinobi to Spirit Master

Spirit Hall, in front of the grand square.

"We've all seen it."

Ju Douluo's soft, almost teasing voice floated through the air. His slightly feminine eyes scanned over Xie Yue and the others before finally settling on Su Chen. A glimmer of intrigue lit his gaze.

"Oh? Such progress in so little time?"

Before Su Chen could respond, Yue Guan appeared before him in a blur, his presence carrying the faint aroma of chrysanthemums. The elder's gaze held a mix of curiosity and sharp scrutiny as he leaned in closer, uncomfortably so.

Su Chen's body tensed instinctively. His muscles coiled like a spring, and in a flash, a kunai slid into his hand. Chakra flared faintly around him as a primal urge surged—the urge to strike, to end the perceived threat with a decisive blow to Yue Guan's neck.

But at the last moment, Su Chen's grip faltered, and he forced himself to stand down.

Calm down, he reminded himself, exhaling softly. This is not the ninja world. Ju Douluo is not an enemy.

Even so, his heart raced, and his guard remained up.

"Oh my, such a frightening little one." Yue Guan's smile remained unwavering, though his eyes narrowed slightly in acknowledgment.

From the faint ripple of chakra to Su Chen's unwavering stare, every movement was analyzed with precision. For a moment, Yue Guan felt as though he were being watched by a feral beast, one whose jaws were poised to sink into his throat at the slightest provocation. The sensation sent a rare chill down his spine.

This boy… such wariness, such intent. And his progress… remarkable.

Compared to seven days ago, Su Chen's soul power had risen by at least thirty percent. Ju Douluo's mind whirred with calculations. If this growth continued, Su Chen would likely leap to the thirteenth rank the moment he obtained his first soul ring.

By contrast, the others, though excellent in their own right, seemed lackluster. Xie Yue, the most promising of the rest, had seen a mere ten percent improvement—impressive by normal standards but dim in the shadow of this young monster.

Yue Guan's hand landed lightly on Su Chen's shoulder, the elder's expression softening into something almost affectionate. Yet behind those golden eyes, the calculations continued.

Turning to address the group, he spoke with uncharacteristic solemnity. "You all stand as the brightest stars of this generation within the Wuhun Hall. In the next decade, there will likely be none to surpass you."

Xie Yue, Hu Liena, and the others straightened under his praise. Even the stoic Xie Yue and the usually composed Hu Liena couldn't hide the pride blooming in their expressions. Yan's chest swelled, his demeanor verging on arrogance.

Only Su Chen remained unmoved.

"However!" Yue Guan's voice grew sharper, cutting through the group's rising confidence.

"Talent may let you rise faster and higher than others, but it cannot guarantee that you will go further." His eyes swept over them, lingering on each face. "Your primary goal isn't to become stronger. It's to survive."

The gravity in his words brought silence to the group. Only then did Yue Guan nod in satisfaction.

"Without further delay, let us depart. I look forward to seeing you return as soul masters worthy of His Majesty's audience."

The Star Dou Forest lay far from Spirit City, and the journey took several days. For the younger initiates with weaker constitutions, it was a grueling ordeal. By the time they reached the forest's outskirts, most were visibly fatigued.

Su Chen, however, showed no signs of weariness. His calm demeanor contrasted sharply with the rest. Yet Ju Douluo's plans offered no respite.

"All right, little geniuses," Yue Guan began with a sly smile, "this is the outermost region of the Star Dou Forest. Whatever soul rings you need, you must earn them yourselves. Of course, if you find yourselves unable to continue, feel free to cry out for me in tears."

Without waiting for a response, Yue Guan disappeared into the shadows, leaving the group to face the forest's ominous depths.

"Do we really have to face the soul beasts alone?" one of the younger girls asked, her voice trembling.

Yan frowned, his earlier confidence wavering. "Should we form a team? Lord Yue Guan didn't forbid it, did he?"

Before anyone could respond, Su Chen shook his head. "Ridiculous."

Without another word, he turned and began walking away from the group, his steps firm and unhesitant.

"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?" Yan bristled, taking a step forward. But his indignation faltered as Xie Yue and Hu Liena exchanged a glance and followed their own paths without a word.

"Am I the only one who doesn't get it?" Yan exclaimed, stamping his foot in frustration.

From the shadows, Ju Douluo observed with amusement. "That boy Yan… decent talent, but far too impulsive. His brain doesn't match his brawn."

Beside him, Ghost Douluo nodded. "The others, though, are showing promise. Especially that one." His gaze fixed on Su Chen, whose white hair gleamed faintly as he ventured deeper into the forest.

"Oh?" Yue Guan's interest piqued. "What's he up to?"

"He's heading straight for a fifty-year soul beast," Ghost Douluo replied, his tone laced with intrigue.

"What?! Surely, he'll run away in terror," Yue Guan speculated with a chuckle, imagining the scene.

But Ghost Douluo's lips curved into a rare smile. "No. He's charging toward it."

Crack.

A branch snapped beneath Su Chen's feet as he advanced, kunai in hand. The faint rustle of leaves behind him confirmed what he already knew—Ju Douluo was watching. But Su Chen paid no mind. His focus lay ahead.

"Perfect," he muttered, his lips curling into a faint smile. "A chance to test my limits."

A surge of energy coursed through him as his eyes turned a pristine white, their clarity like polished jade.

Byakugan, activated.

With his 360-degree vision and penetrating gaze, the forest's secrets were laid bare before him. He spotted his target instantly: a fifty-year soul beast, its form coiled and ready to strike.

Su Chen's pulse quickened. With a burst of speed, he darted toward the beast, determination burning in his gaze.

From the treetops, Yue Guan and Ghost Douluo watched in stunned silence.

"That boy…," Yue Guan began, his usual playfulness replaced by genuine amazement.

Ghost Douluo's voice held a rare note of admiration. "He's not running. He's hunting."