With the Shinobi system in Douluo Dalu

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Thanks for Patreon: Ruben Gene Dangpilen, Anaral

Current chapter on patreon: 54 - Challenge - 2

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"Damn it, go spread all that love somewhere else!" However, Dai Mubai didn't say this out loud. After all, Ye Zhen was too strong. The image of Zao Wou-ki being pushed to the ground was still fresh in his mind. He felt a bit of fear—he didn't want to end up flattened like Zao Wou-ki.

"Ahem, the dormitory has been assigned to you. Well… I'll go help Oscar and Ma Hongjun restore the playground. You've all consumed a lot of spirit power, so take some rest. You can head to the academy cafeteria for dinner. But if you want to eat well, I recommend heading to Soto City," Dai Mubai said briefly before walking off. Judging by the direction he went, it wasn't toward the playground but straight out of the academy.

The remaining group—Ye Zhen, Tang San, and the others—exchanged glances and silently entered their dormitory.

The dormitory area of Shrek Academy was situated in the southern part of the academy. There were about a dozen rooms, all made of wood. From the outside, they looked crude, like simple straw cabins, but inside, they were decent enough, with all the basic furnishings. However... there was no bathroom, just a large wooden barrel in the corner of the room.

Ning Rongrong, seeing this setup, seemed to realize something, and her face turned red again. Despite spending a lot of time with Ye Zhen, this girl still got embarrassed easily.

"I always heard Shrek Academy was poor, but now I really feel it. You even have to go to the courtyard to fetch water from a well..." Ye Zhen said as he surveyed the room, smiling bitterly. He began pushing the two beds together.

Ning Rongrong obediently stood by to help. At the Notting Intermediate Academy, they had already grown accustomed to sharing a bed over the five years they'd spent together.

"Rongrong, I'll head to Soto City to buy dinner. After you finish making the bed, call Xiao San and Xiao Wu to eat with us," Ye Zhen said with a smile. His eyes glowed red, and his spirit rings appeared briefly before he vanished.

Though it wasn't quite dinner time—it was around three or four in the afternoon—Ye Zhen and the others had consumed a lot of energy, so having an early dinner to replenish their strength made sense.

....

That evening, most of the Shrek Academy buildings were unlit. Only a few wooden houses still glimmered with the faint yellow light of candles.

One of these was Zao Wou-ki's dormitory. It was a small two-story building. Within the academy, his and Flender's accommodations were the only two-story buildings.

Near the second-floor window, Zao Wou-ki reclined in a chair, his expression sour and dark.

During dinner, he had become the laughingstock of the other teachers in the academy cafeteria, leaving the usually prideful Zao Wou-ki feeling quite humiliated.

"Damn it, why am I so unlucky? First, I ran into a genius like Tang San, and now I've met a monster like Ye Zhen. Damn it..." Zao Wou-ki muttered, punching the armrest of his chair in frustration.

He was still dwelling on Ye Zhen's mysterious spirit ability, which resembled the true form of a martial spirit but without the strength of a Titled Douluo.

As Zao Wou-ki pondered ways to restore his reputation, a deep, eerie voice suddenly echoed in his ear, making his face stiffen.

"Who's there!" Zao Wou-ki stood up abruptly, his eyes wide. The strength of the speaker was no joke—able to focus their voice directly into his ear like that. This opponent was at least as powerful as he was.

Zao Wou-ki's expression grew serious, but he remained calm. His reputation as the Immovable King Ming wasn't for nothing. Moreover, this was his turf—if he couldn't win, he could at least hold out for reinforcements.

"Come out," the voice said again, hauntingly. At the same time, a pressure locked onto Zao Wou-ki, guiding him toward the forest outside the academy.

"You're courting death!" Zao Wou-ki sneered. He had no idea who this intruder was but suspected it was someone he'd crossed paths with in the past.

Without hesitation, Zao Wou-ki leaped out the window and sprinted toward the source of the aura. Spirit power surged through his body, ready to activate his abilities if necessary.

Soon, he exited Shrek Academy and plunged into the forest beyond.

.....

In Ye Zhen and Ning Rongrong's dormitory, Tang San and Xiao Wu were also present. A small pile of gold soul coins already sat on the table.

Normally, someone like Tang San—hardworking and focused on cultivation—wouldn't waste time on such things. But Ye Zhen had hinted that his father might appear tonight...

Tang San, always concerned about Tang Hao, reluctantly joined the card game. Meanwhile, Ye Zhen continued to win, amassing Tang San's hard-earned savings.

At a certain point, Ye Zhen's eyes suddenly glimmered. He inserted four cards into the deck and said, "That's it. Let's stop for now and get moving."

Tang San and the others didn't have time to process his words. Following Ye Zhen's earlier instructions, they quickly threw their cards on the table and held hands. Ning Rongrong instinctively clung to Ye Zhen's arm.

In the wooden dormitory, a red light flashed. In an instant, the four of them vanished, leaving only a messy pile of cards on the table.

....

Boom! Boom! Boom! Zao Wou-ki rampaged through the forest, smashing trees in his path as he chased the mysterious aura.

Suddenly, he stopped. The aura had vanished.

"Come out. I know you're here," Zao Wou-ki growled, scanning his surroundings warily.

Under the moonlight, a figure emerged from behind a large tree. The person wore a tattered black robe, with their head partially obscured by a hood, making their face impossible to see.

Judging by their build, they were as burly as Zao Wou-ki.

"You've finally come out, rat. State your name and purpose for coming to Shrek Academy!" Zao Wou-ki barked.

The man in black remained silent, his breathing steady. He walked calmly toward Zao Wou-ki, saying, "It's been a long time since I've moved my muscles. Let's have a sparring match."

As the robed man approached, spirit rings began to materialize around him—yellow, yellow, purple…

Zao Wou-ki smirked, disdainful. Is he trying to intimidate me with spirit rings? But the spirit rings continued appearing—purple and black...

When the eighth black ring emerged, Zao Wou-ki's expression turned grave. He began contemplating retreat.

But then, the ninth spirit ring—a blood-red one—manifested. The man held a hammer in his hand—a hammer that had shaken the Douluo Continent to its core.

Zao Wou-ki froze, his body trembling as if doused in ice water.

"A Titled Douluo…" Zao Wou-ki muttered, his voice filled with despair. It seemed his recent streak of misfortune had reached a new peak.

A Titled Douluo, wielding a 100,000-year spirit ring—such a figure stood at the pinnacle of the Douluo Continent. Zao Wou-ki couldn't recall ever offending such a person. Even if he rallied every teacher at Shrek Academy, it wouldn't be enough.

Blocked by the Title Douluo at the door of the house—how can I save myself?

The domineering tone in Zao Wou-ki's earlier words disappeared entirely at this moment, replaced by a cold sweat forming on his forehead. He quickly bowed, clasping his hands together, and said, "Ah, it turns out to be the senior here. How could a mere Soul Saint ever hope to match you?"

The man in the black robe lowered his head and said indifferently, "Oh? So how could that child at the 29th level be your opponent at the 76th level? I seem to recall you defeated him without hesitation, didn't you?"

The black-robed man's tone carried a hint of resentment as he spoke, steadily approaching Zao Wou-ki.

"Uh..." Zao Wou-ki was speechless for a moment, furrowing his brow and thinking quickly. The child at the 29th level…

Could it be Tang San, that boy? Or perhaps Xiao Wu? Either way, it's clear that one of their guardians has shown up.

"Senior, it was just a daytime evaluation, just an evaluation!" Zao Wou-ki explained with a bitter expression, waving his hand apologetically.

"Then tonight is also an evaluation." The black-robed man raised his hammer, and a fierce gust of wind appeared out of nowhere. The dead leaves scattered around swirled into the air, and an overwhelming pressure bore down on Zao Wou-ki on the spot.

"Wait..." A slightly hoarse voice suddenly rang out. A dazzling azure light flashed as a figure descended from above. Seven spirit rings appeared around him, just like Zao Wou-ki's, and a blue-black owl materialized behind him. It was Flender who had arrived.

"Boss, this senior…" Zao Wou-ki grimaced, trying to explain.

Flender waved his hand, cutting him off. He turned to the black-robed man, placed his right hand over his heart, and gave a slight bow. "Flender greets Haotian Douluo."

The black-robed man said coldly, "No need for formalities. I'm here for a fight."

Flender adjusted his glasses and shook his head. "Yes, we understand your intentions. Earlier today, Zao Wou-ki conducted an evaluation for some new students. He held back throughout the test. After receiving a proper lesson himself, he's already learned his place. Could you let him off this time?" Flender asked cautiously.

The black-robed man remained silent for a moment before softening his tone slightly. "Fine, I can let him go, but you'll need to do something for me."

Zao Wou-ki's expression lit up with relief, grateful to avoid a beating. He quickly said, "Please, just tell us."

"I'll need to leave for some time to take care of important matters. I hope you can look after Xiao San and Zhen for me..." The black-robed man trailed off with a sigh.

At the heart of their conversation, four figures suddenly appeared nearby.

Tang San, who had just arrived, overheard the black-robed man's last words. He couldn't help but stare at the figure a few steps away, his eyes turning slightly red.

Even though he couldn't see the man's face clearly, those nine spirit rings were unmistakable. Tang San recognized his father's voice instantly. Though he didn't understand how his father, a blacksmith, could possess nine spirit rings, he was certain. There was no mistake—this man was Tang Hao.

"Uncle Hao! Uncle Hao!" Ye Zhen hid behind Tang San, waving excitedly at Tang Hao with a happy smile, his innocent demeanor shining through.

Tang Hao: …

[Negative sentiment value from Tang Hao +999…]

Tang Hao's mood was shaken. After hiding for so long, he didn't expect to be exposed now.

"Father, is it really you?" Tang San's voice quivered with emotion, and his body trembled as he involuntarily stepped toward Tang Hao.

Xiao Wu, who had been huddling behind Tang San, suddenly seemed like a frightened little rabbit. She crawled to hide behind Ye Zhen and Ning Rongrong, trembling all over.

"Don't be afraid. Uncle Hao is different from other Title Douluos; he won't hurt you," Ye Zhen gently patted her head and whispered comfortingly.

Ning Rongrong didn't know why Xiao Wu seemed so terrified, but seeing her like this, she embraced Xiao Wu gently, offering reassurance. Tang Hao glanced faintly at the group, then focused his complicated gaze on Tang San, sighing deeply.

"Tang, it's been a long time…"

Flender and Zao Wou-ki exchanged glances, feeling awkward as they watched the unfolding scene. Silently, they retreated to give the father and son their space.

It seemed a heartfelt reunion between parent and child was about to take place. Staying there would only make things more uncomfortable, so they tactfully withdrew.

"Uncle Hao, I'll also take Rongrong and Xiao Wu elsewhere. The night sky is beautiful; we'll go stargazing." Ye Zhen smiled, waving at Tang Hao in a playful imitation of Flender.

"Wait, I need to ask you something. Stay here with Xiao San." Tang Hao's voice interrupted.

As he spoke, he pulled back his hood, revealing his face. He glanced briefly at the group before turning and walking to a nearby fallen tree, motioning for them to sit down and talk.

"Uh…" Ye Zhen shrugged at Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu before taking a few steps forward to join them.

When he reached Tang San's side, Tang San was visibly emotional, his voice earnest as he said, "Zhen, thank you!"

Seeing Tang San's expression, Ye Zhen couldn't help but feel awkward. "Don't look at me like that, Xiao San. It's giving me goosebumps." He pretended to shiver, scratching his arm with mock unease.

"Uh…" Tang San scratched the back of his head with an embarrassed smile.

"Pfft~" Ning Rongrong couldn't help but laugh at the sight, while Xiao Wu's lips twitched slightly, as if she wasn't as nervous anymore.

The atmosphere lightened considerably, becoming much more relaxed.

Even Tang Hao, who had turned his back on everyone, slightly lifted the corners of his mouth.

After a while, the group sat down on the fallen tree. Tang Hao spoke first, his gaze settling on Ye Zhen with a hint of curiosity. "Zhen, how did you know I was here?" His tone was gentle, a far cry from the detached demeanor he had shown back in Holy Soul Village. Now, he resembled a friendly uncle.

"During the fight earlier today between me and Professor Zhao, I opened my seven gates and sensed you, Uncle Hao. You must have been watching the battle. Your aura flickered briefly—I could feel it. And tonight, while you were tailing Professor Zhao, your presence became obvious," Ye Zhen replied, sitting upright like a diligent student, looking directly at Tang Hao as he spoke solemnly.

Ye Zhen had indeed noticed a powerful aura earlier in the day. Though it disappeared quickly, his sensitivity allowed him to detect it. Knowing the storyline, it wasn't difficult for him to deduce who it belonged to.

"Hmm…" Tang Hao nodded, his gaze shifting to the bright moon and stars above. His eyes grew distant, and he murmured as if to himself, "Time flies so quickly. Six years have passed in the blink of an eye, and you and Xiao San have grown so much."

"Father, you've always protected us from the shadows, haven't you? You're the strongest Title Douluo on the continent. Why…" Tang San couldn't help but voice his confusion as he looked at Tang Hao.

"Little San." Tang Hao cut him off with a grunt, his expression complex before it softened into a sigh. "There are things you're not yet ready to understand about your situation. For now, all you need to do is focus on cultivating diligently. Do you understand?"

"Yes…" Tang San lowered his head, a hint of disappointment clouding his expression.

Tang Hao turned to Ye Zhen, his voice growing serious. "Ye Zhen, your talent is extraordinary, and your spirit ability is both mysterious and unpredictable. Even I can't see through it. In the future, after you graduate from the academy, I hope you won't join the Martial Soul Hall."

"Ye Zhen will join our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect! How could he ever go to the Martial Soul Hall?" Ning Rongrong interjected, wrapping one arm around Ye Zhen and the other around Xiao Wu, sitting protectively between them.

Ye Zhen rolled his eyes but couldn't help smiling. He gently patted her head and replied casually to Tang Hao, "Alright, Uncle Hao."

After speaking, Ye Zhen yawned, looking as though he wanted to fall asleep right there. While he agreed to Tang Hao's request on the surface, he wasn't overly concerned. Joining the Spirit Hall? That could wait for another day.

In truth, Ye Zhen had no interest in the Spirit Hall—their strict rules didn't suit his carefree style. As for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, he didn't mind associating with them.

Tang Hao glanced at Ye Zhen's nonchalant expression, feeling slightly at a loss for words. Forget it. Finally, his gaze fell on Xiao Wu, startling her so much that she instinctively shrank back.

Ning Rongrong noticed this and quickly hugged Xiao Wu, comforting her.

Tang San, however, was puzzled. Why did Xiao Wu seem so afraid of his father?

"Uncle Hao, people are divided into good and bad, and so are spirit beasts. Some spirit beasts, after being nurtured for a long time, can show more emotion than humans. Maybe… you could preserve the Tang family's tradition of kindness," Ye Zhen said with a relaxed smile. He didn't believe Tang Hao would harm Xiao Wu. If Tang Hao intended to do something, he wouldn't have waited until now.

Tang Hao gave Ye Zhen an annoyed look. The boy's words seemed to carry some hidden meaning, as if he knew more than he should. "I'm leaving. That girl—be careful not to take her anywhere near a spirit master above level 89," Tang Hao warned, his tone serious.

After giving his parting words, Tang Hao glanced at Tang San again, as if wanting to say something, but stopped himself.

In the end, his figure blurred, and he vanished in an instant. Even with his sharp eyes, Ye Zhen couldn't keep up.

"I'm still too slow… A Title Douluo is truly on another level," Ye Zhen murmured, staring at the spot where Tang Hao had disappeared.

As Tang Hao left, Xiao Wu's tense mood gradually eased. Ye Zhen's earlier words had reassured her—her true identity had undoubtedly been exposed, but she trusted him not to reveal her secret.

Xiao Wu cast a worried glance at Ye Zhen, her pink eyes betraying her concern.

"Pop~" Ye Zhen lightly tapped her head, startling her.

"It's over now. Uncle Hao is gone. Go back to sleep; we've got an early start tomorrow…" Ye Zhen smiled and winked at her.

Realizing his meaning, Xiao Wu relaxed. Her tense heart loosened, and she smiled, winking back at him.

Tang San clenched his fists as he stared at the spot where Tang Hao had disappeared. Letting out a soft sigh, he turned to Ye Zhen and said, "Let's head back. Also, Ye Zhen, can you train with me more often in the future?"

"Why? So I can beat you up every day?" Ye Zhen teased with a smirk.

"I want to get stronger…" Tang San replied resolutely.

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Thanks for Patreon: Ruben Gene Dangpilen, Anaral

Current chapter on patreon: 54 - Challenge - 2

Patreon: patreon.com/Jc_One_Day00

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