Douluo Dalu 2: You are an Evil Soul Master, but also a good person ?

continuous rumbling echoed throughout the entire arena.

A thick plume of smoke rose into the sky like a black mushroom cloud, visible even from a hundred miles away.

The entire Sun Moon Empire Royal Academy was drawn to the spectacle, turning their curious gazes toward the scene.

A few minutes later.

As the dense smoke dissipated, countless spectators finally caught sight of the situation inside the arena.

The two competitors stood facing each other from a distance.

However, despite the overwhelming bombardment, neither of them had a single tear in their clothing or a trace of dust on them. They appeared as pristine as if nothing had ever happened.

Only Xiao Hongchen's expression was complex.

He knew he had lost.

Just now, he had activated the invincible shield his grandfather had given him—a seventh-level self-charging soul tool, meant to be used for life-threatening situations—yet he had been forced to use it here…

And the most coincidental part was—

Xu Cheng's attack lasted only three seconds. The moment the invincible shield broke, he ceased all attacks.

As if he had seen through all of Xiao Hongchen's defenses and knew exactly when to stop.

This was the first time in his life, after being hailed as a genius, that he had met someone his age who completely crushed him…

Before this, only in the field of soul tool research and manufacturing had he ever felt a hint of awe. But today, he had been utterly defeated.

Jing Hongchen stared anxiously at his grandson.

The current situation was crucial. If his grandson acted out in childish stubbornness and disrupted his plans, it would be a great loss.

Although he understood that today's battle might be a good lesson for Xiao Hongchen, teaching him that there are always stronger opponents, still…

Fortunately—

In the next moment, his heart settled.

"Phew…"

Seeing the two young men bump fists and leave the stage together, chatting and laughing without any lingering hostility, Elder Cheng chuckled, "See? I told you, Xiao Hongchen has the heart of a true warrior. He's far from being petty."

"You're absolutely right, Elder," Jing Hongchen responded with a bright smile.

"I never expected you to be hiding so much strength," Xiao Hongchen glanced at Xu Cheng, sighing.

He had thought that even if there was a gap between them, it wouldn't be this wide.

But now, Xu Cheng had completely crushed him.

"There's a technique to it. I'll tell you later," Xu Cheng said with a smile.

"…"

Xiao Hongchen was stunned and looked at him in disbelief.

He knew that what Xu Cheng had shown today must involve a core soul tool technology. Whether it was self-researched or inherited, its importance was undeniable.

If it were anyone else, they would have guarded it like a treasure, fearing that others might learn their secrets.

But Xu Cheng…

"We're brothers."

Xu Cheng grinned.

"…"

Xiao Hongchen fell silent for a long time before looking at Xu Cheng solemnly.

"Aren't you afraid that if I learn it, I'll surpass you?"

Xu Cheng gave Xiao Hongchen a strange look.

He didn't say anything, but his eyes conveyed everything.

Xiao Hongchen: "…"

"You bastard…"

A gentle breeze blew through the Sun Moon Empire Royal Academy's plaza.

This place was usually reserved for major events, such as opening ceremonies or awarding prizes to the top twenty students after exams.

Countless teachers and students stood below the stage, watching enviously.

It wasn't just about the honor—it was about the tangible rewards.

These prizes were provided by the wealthy and powerful Mingde Hall, and naturally, they were awarded personally by Jing Hongchen.

"The 20th place, Bai Ke—one level-six soul tool."

"…"

"The 10th place, Ji Juechen…"

Jing Hongchen paused slightly when he reached the swordsman.

He handed over a longsword.

Then, patting Ji Juechen's shoulder kindly, he said, "Your talent is exceptional, but this path is difficult to walk. However, if you can persist, you'll reach a glorious future. This seven-level melee soul tool, Spirit Sword, is crafted specifically for you. It is an adaptive soul tool, capable of adjusting itself to the user's soul power for optimal performance…"

Many people in the audience were envious.

Some were confused.

Ji Juechen was indeed strong, but was he worthy of such special treatment?

After all, weren't there still nine students stronger than him?

However, Xu Cheng understood.

Jing Hongchen was a sharp-eyed strategist. He must have recognized Ji Juechen's extraordinary potential.

Even now, with only a single soul ring, Ji Juechen was already so powerful. In the original story, when he wielded the Sword of Destruction, he could match peak Soul Saints or even Soul Douluo as a Soul Emperor.

His talent was monstrous.

A future powerhouse.

Xu Cheng mused.

Investing early was the right move. In the original story, Jing Hongchen had done the same thing.

Unfortunately, he failed to win over this sword-obsessed genius.

It all came down to a lack of emotional connection.

In the original plot, the bonds Ji Juechen formed with Tang Sect (even with the protagonist's aura aside) eventually made him feel at home there.

Conversely, no matter how much money and resources were thrown at him, if there was no connection, it was just meaningless flattery…

To win over someone like Ji Juechen, pure strategic thinking wasn't enough. You needed the charisma of someone like Liu Bei—a way to truly touch people's hearts.

"Mm." Ji Juechen remained expressionless, merely nodding.

His class teacher covered his face in embarrassment.

"The 9th place…"

Jing Hongchen didn't mind Ji Juechen's cold demeanor—he clearly knew his personality well.

Next up was Nana.

She received two short daggers, Ghost Daggers. These enhanced both movement speed and attack speed by 30% and carried a poisonous effect. Another seven-level adaptive soul tool.

The watching teachers couldn't hide their jealousy.

Such adaptive soul tools weren't just top-tier even in the Sun Moon Empire. They were treasures that even Shrek Academy and the other three nations would covet.

Only Mingde Hall could produce them.

Yet Jing Hongchen handed them out like candy.

Then came the 4th place, Tang Ya.

She visibly tensed when she stepped forward to receive her reward, clasping her hands behind her back.

As the heir to Tang Sect, she had always harbored disdain for soul tools.

However, after getting to know Meng Hongchen, her prejudice had softened.

Still, standing before the hall master of Mingde Hall, an immensely powerful figure, she felt a little uneasy.

Then, she felt a cool touch on her hand.

Surprised, she glanced sideways to see Meng Hongchen holding her hand and smiling reassuringly.

"…"

Tang Ya felt warmth in her heart.

Her feelings toward the Sun Moon Empire softened slightly.

At least… she had friends here.

Her father had told her on his deathbed to go to Shrek Academy.

At the start of the school year, she had hesitated.

But after becoming close with Meng Hongchen, she never brought it up again.

Seeing this, Jing Hongchen, the cunning old fox, smiled and handed over her reward.

"A seven-level soul tool—Invincible Golden Shield. It can withstand a full-powered strike from a Soul Douluo or weaker, but it can only last for three seconds per charge…"

(End of Chapter)