area51novel Chapter 81 of the First Person
Chapter 81 of the First Person
"Chenran, I've missed you so much!"
Na'er wrapped her legs around Qian Gu Chenran's back, happily rubbing against him. He Yushu, who had just sensed Qian Gu Chenran's presence, watched this scene with a smile.
After Rangna'er got off him, Qian Gu Chenran sent messages to his entire family.
Upon seeing his son's message, Qian Gu Qingfeng excitedly went to find his wife. But before he could even enter, Xia Zhengleng abruptly pushed open the door and, humming a tune, went downstairs to prepare a lavish meal for her son, completely ignoring her husband's resentful glare.
"Ha! Let's go, Mom has prepared a big meal at home, let's head back now." Qian Gu Chen Ran looked at the information on the soul guide communicator in his hand and glanced at Na'er beside him.
Upon hearing about the feast, her appetite immediately overshadowed her longing. After saying goodbye to Qian Gu Chen Ran and He Yu Shu, Na'er immediately went to find Yuan En Ye Hui and Ye Xing Lan to go to Qian Gu Chen Ran's house for a big meal.
Chapter 154: The Journey Begins at Shrek Academy and Reaching the Top of the Young Genius Ranking
Two years have passed in the blink of an eye. Since their parting in Tianhai City, the image of Qian Gu Chen Ran taking on seven opponents single-handedly has always lingered in the minds of the three little ones from the East Sea.
After undergoing several years of grueling training under Wu Changkong, Tang Wulin and his companions finally felt confident enough to apply to Shrek Academy.
On the day of their departure, all the faculty and students of Donghai College spontaneously came to see them off. Some teachers were even moved to tears.
Yu Zhen, the dean of Donghai Academy, looked at Wu Changkong with emotion and handed him a bank card from the Federal Bank:
"Teacher Wu, this is a small token of the school board's appreciation. It's not much, just 20 million Federal Credits. I've heard that the cost of living in Shrek City is very high, so let's use this money for the students' food, clothing, and accommodation. I believe that these students from our academy will definitely be able to join Shrek Academy."
"Yes! Thank you, Dean Yu. I appreciate your kind words!" Wu Changkong was not surprised, took the bank card and nodded to Yu Zhen.
This sum of money seems enormous, and Donghai Academy appears to have suffered a huge loss. However, once Tang Wulin and his companions are admitted to Shrek Academy, the benefits to Donghai Academy will far exceed these federal coins.
With Tang Wulin and others who got into Shrek Academy serving as living examples, countless parents will surely do everything they can to send their children to Donghai Academy. At that point, Donghai Academy will be able to recoup its costs just from tuition fees.
Moreover, using this money to gain the favor of several Shrek students would be a sure-fire way for Donghai Academy to make money.
Xie Xie possesses twin martial souls; Tang Wulin has a mutated martial soul with high-level dragon bloodline and exceptional blacksmithing talent; Xu Xiaoyan's soul skills under the night sky possess absolute certainty; and Gu Yue can manipulate multiple elements. Add to that the personal guidance of Wu Changkong from Shrek Academy.
Yu Zhen and the board of directors had complete confidence in these four students. They were the four most outstanding students since the founding of their East Sea Academy. If even they couldn't pass the exam, then there were probably very few people on the entire continent who could.
Carrying the blessings of the entire Donghai Academy faculty and students, Tang Wulin and his two companions boarded the car with unwavering confidence. With the blessings of the entire school on their shoulders, they were certain they would not lose.
Gu Yue, who had boarded the vehicle early, closed her eyes to rest. Having learned from Qian Gu Chen Ran's example, Gu Yue no longer bothered to hide her abilities. Her cultivation level was now approaching that of Qian Gu Chen Ran back then, reaching level thirty-nine.
Under Wu Changkong's cold stare, Xie Xie, who was just about to give a speech, scratched his head and gave Wu Changkong a fawning smile. He immediately jumped into the car.
Watching the bus drive away, an older woman from the cafeteria finally couldn't hold back anymore and burst into tears.
"Finally, that little glutton is gone. I no longer have to cook until my hands cramp."
"Who says otherwise! I kneaded dough for him all morning again. My hands still hurt."
"What's that compared to what you guys did? That kid packed up almost all the breakfast from the cafeteria before he left. We still have to go steam some more later. Waaah..."
The cafeteria staff's words dispelled the somber atmosphere that had been hanging over everyone. The teachers and students all laughed.
But as they laughed, Dean of Students Long Hengxu gradually realized something was wrong. Wait a minute, the food's gone! What are they going to eat?!
Since Donghai City is quite a distance from Shrek City, and the group would need some time to adjust upon arrival, Wu Changkong chose to set off very early in the morning. To bid them farewell, none of those present ate breakfast.
At this moment, the other teachers and students who were still laughing also realized what was happening. Feeling the hunger creeping into their stomachs, they looked at each other in bewilderment. What were they going to eat for breakfast?!
Upon seeing this, Yu Zhen smiled and concentrated his soul power in his throat to amplify his voice: "Students!"
Upon hearing Yu Zhen's words, the restless students immediately quieted down.
Yu Zhen nodded in satisfaction upon seeing this, and then called out, "To celebrate Tang Wulin and his classmates taking the Shrek Academy exam, how about the principal orders breakfast from the Donghai Grand Restaurant for you today?"
"Great! Principal is wise." All the students praised Yu Zhen excitedly upon hearing his words.
"Classmates, let's wish Tang Wulin and his classmates a great success and a swift victory!" Yu Zhen said, raising his left hand.
"May you achieve great success!" All the students happily wished Tang Wulin and his companions well.
On the way to the nearest Soul Guidance Train Station
Xie Xie's lips twitched uncontrollably as he looked at the large and small bags of breakfast that Tang Wulin took out from his soul tool.
"Boss, you didn't pack up all the breakfasts from the cafeteria, did you?"
"No! I still saved some. Xie Xie, you all should eat! I noticed you hadn't had breakfast, so I specially packed some for you."
"You packed this for us? Class monitor, I think you did it for yourself." Xu Xiaoyan said with a smile after picking out a breakfast from Tang Wulin's pile.
"No way! I'm doing this for your own good!" Tang Wulin scratched his head sheepishly and then continued eating.
Gu Yue leaned back in his chair, gazing at the ever-changing scenery outside the window. His eyes were deep, and it was impossible to tell what he was thinking.
"Sister Gu Yue! Do you want some?" Xu Xiaoyan patted Gu Yue's shoulder and handed her a breakfast with a smile. Gu Yue didn't refuse; there were only two girls in Class Zero. Her relationship with Xu Xiaoyan was usually quite good.
Wu Changkong sensed the relaxed atmosphere in the car and frowned. While he hoped they would relax a bit, they couldn't be too relaxed. With their current mindset, they would definitely suffer a great loss if they approached Shrek Academy.
"You're too relaxed! Don't think that everything will be fine just because you've entered Shrek Academy. The number of geniuses your age at Shrek Academy far exceeds your imagination. From now on, you all need to adjust your mindset, especially you, Xie Xie."
Wu Changkong's words immediately shattered the relaxed atmosphere in the car. Xie Xie, who had been specifically mentioned, shrank back, wishing he could shrink his entire body behind the seat.
Upon hearing Wu Changkong's admonition, Tang Wulin also put away his carefree attitude. This time, he carried not only the blessings of his classmates and teachers at Donghai Academy, but also the expectations of his parents.
He was determined to make a name for himself at Shrek Academy and live up to his parents' expectations.
Seeing that Tang Wulin and the others had listened to his words, Wu Changkong nodded. He took out his soul-guided communicator, selected a list, and held it up.
The other three, besides Gu Yue, curiously crowded around to look at the first name on the sign. All three were astonished; it was none other than Qian Gu Chen Ran, whom they had met briefly during the Tianhai Alliance Grand Competition years ago.
"This is a list of thirty young geniuses selected by the Spirit Pagoda from among the young geniuses across the entire continent. None of the people on this list are over eighteen years old; they are all geniuses of your generation. You should be quite familiar with the person ranked first among them."
At this point, Wu Changkong also exclaimed in admiration: "A five-ring Soul King at the age of thirteen, a level six blacksmith, and a level six Soul Master. Qian Gu Chenran's talent is destined to be in a class of its own in your era."
Upon hearing Qian Gu Chen Ran's name, Gu Yue, who had been somewhat intrigued, immediately became interested. She sat down at the front and looked at the name at the top, a broad smile in her eyes. No wonder he was someone she valued. So young, yet already showing such promise.
Chapter 155 Wu Changkong Gets a Beating and He Yushu Hides in the Shadows
Ranking of Young Prodigies!
First place: Heavenly Lord, Ancient Dust
Second place: Dragonlance Goddess Na'er
Fifth place: Ye Xinglan, the Star Sword
.......................................
Upon seeing those familiar names, Tang Wulin, Xie Xie, and Xu Xiaoyan's pride and arrogance vanished instantly.
They only learned today that there was such a thing as a list of young geniuses. Looking at the ages of those listed, and their cultivation levels and second-class professions...
Xie Xie and Xu Xiaoyan immediately felt a sense of urgency. They hadn't clearly grasped the importance of a second career when they were young, and coupled with their playful nature, their second careers were currently only at level one.
But looking at the second-ranked profession, which is ranked 30th, they're all only level 3. Their level 1 professions are simply not worth mentioning.
Seeing Xie Xie and Xu Xiaoyan becoming increasingly anxious, Wu Changkong then dropped a bombshell that was quite detrimental to them.
“At Shrek Academy, battle armor is extremely important. But with your current professional levels, you can't even complete a mecha, let alone a battle armor.” Having said that, Wu Changkong stopped talking.
Seeing Xie Xie and Xu Xiaoyan looking dejected, Tang Wulin could only shake his head helplessly and quickly comfort them.
He never imagined that the blacksmith profession, which he chose back then simply to earn soul money, would become so important in the future.
The relaxed and pleasant atmosphere on the train vanished instantly after Wu Changkong's words. Even after boarding the Soul Guidance Train, Xie Xie and Xu Xiaoyan remained dejected, completely devoid of their initial anticipation for their trip to Shrek Academy.
As they entered Shrek City, the car slowed down noticeably, and a soft female voice rang out.
Each time the trains pass through Shrek's territory, they slow down to allow passengers to better appreciate this ancient city that has stood on the continent for over 30,000 years, with attendants providing explanations.
"Dear passengers, we are now entering Shrek, the largest city in the Douluo Continent, which is also the location of Shrek Academy, the guardian of the continent..." As the flight attendant explained, Xie Xie and Xu Xiaoyan, who were still feeling disillusioned, immediately looked up at the window.
Gazing at the bustling streets outside and the towering structure in the distance that seemed to pierce the clouds, the three children from the East Sea exclaimed in unison in admiration. Because of the Federation's explicit regulations, no city could exceed the height of the Spirit Pagoda, making the Spirit Pagoda headquarters the tallest building on the Douluo Continent.
A purple light flashed in Gu Yue's eyes as she looked at the towering Spirit Pagoda headquarters and raised an eyebrow.
Indeed, one could sense a surge of fortune hovering above the Spirit Pagoda. This must be caused by the two auspicious beasts from another dimension that Di Tian had mentioned.
But as soul beasts, they were helping the Spirit Pagoda. A strange look flashed in Gu Yue's eyes. Were the relationships between the soul beasts from other dimensions and the Spirit Pagoda really that good?
After another hour's journey, the Soul Guidance Train stopped at Shrek Station. After many years, stepping onto this familiar land, a hint of nostalgia flashed in Wu Changkong's usually cold eyes.
He led the three to a hotel closest to Shrek Academy. Looking at Shrek City, which was far more prosperous than Donghai City, Tang Wulin, Xie Xie, and Xu Xiaoyan looked around excitedly.
Gu Yue also curiously surveyed the academy that Di Tian often mentioned, a glint of curiosity in her eyes. She remembered that the Golden Ancient Tree, the core of life, was located here; if only their soul beasts could receive its help.
In the distance, a white-haired woman looked at Wu Changkong with a complicated expression, who was showing surprise.
"Senior brother! You're finally back! And are these kids all going to apply to Shrek Academy?" Shen Yi looked at the students behind Wu Changkong and understood why Wu Changkong had suddenly returned.
"Yes! I'm not leaving this time." Wu Changkong nodded with a complicated expression. Over the years, he had always felt guilty towards his mentor, the Crimson Dragon Douluo Zhuoshi. Now that he had brought Tang Wulin and the others here, he didn't plan to leave.
"Really? That's perfect. Come in with me early. Since you've finally come to your senses, I'll take your students to take the exam ahead of time."
Shen Yi smiled and turned to walk towards Shrek Academy. Tang Wulin and the others looked at Wu Changkong with delight upon hearing Shen Yi's words. Wu Changkong didn't speak, but simply led the others to follow Shen Yi.
Upon arriving at the gates of Shrek Academy, two young men in dark green uniforms were guarding the entrance to prevent outsiders from entering.
When they saw Shen Yi, they all bowed respectfully and said, "Greetings, Senior Sister!"
"Hello! This is my teacher's token! These students are all geniuses he specially approved to take the assessment ahead of time." Shen Yi nodded to them and took out a token with a crimson dragon printed on it.
Upon seeing the token, a fervent glint flashed in the eyes of the two youths. This token represented the Crimson Dragon Douluo Zhuoshi, a esteemed elder of the Sea God Pavilion.
The two bowed to the group and stepped aside to let them in. Entering the inner city, it felt like entering another place. Not only Tang Wulin and his companions, but even Gu Yue's eyes flashed with surprise.
Unlike the hustle and bustle outside, the inner city is remarkably quiet. Wide streets paved with ancient blue bricks exude a timeless charm, lined with shops in traditional architectural styles. Many buildings are even made of wood. Stepping into this place feels like traversing millennia and returning to the past.
Upon arriving, Wu Changkong took Shen Yi's place and led the group in one direction. He sensed his teacher's presence; he knew this was a hint from the other person.
Suddenly, a surge of soul power enveloped everyone. Wu Changkong and Shen Yi felt this familiar soul power without any resistance, while the other four looked curiously at the surrounding scenery they were being taken along with.
They were brought by this soul force to a plaza, where an old man with white hair, dressed in a red robe, stood, gazing at Wu Changkong above. A cold smile appeared on his lips.
When Wu Changkong saw the cold smile on his teacher's face, he suddenly felt a pain in his face and buttocks for no apparent reason.
As soon as they landed, Zhuoshi immediately slapped Wu Changkong aside and said to Shen Yi, "You take my disciples to the assessment first. I've had them all prepared, I'll be there in a bit."
After saying that, Zhuoshi immediately raised his palm again and pounced on Wu Changkong.
"You unfilial disciple! You dare to come back! Take this Crimson Dragon's Roar!"
"Teacher, it's all my fault! Hit me if you want!"
"Fight my ass! You dare to fight back! You think you're all grown up now? I'd like to see what you've become in recent years."