Douluo Dalu: Sun Gauntlet

Huo Wu was a girl who could never hide her thoughts.

Without hesitation, she asked Quan Yi directly, "Are you born with full innate soul power?"

Quan Yi was slightly surprised by her directness but didn't see the need to hide the truth.

"Yes," he admitted calmly. Then, noticing Huo Wu's reaction, he added, "But full innate soul power isn't that special. Isn't your own innate soul power around level nine? The difference between us isn't that big."

Just as Huo Wu had analyzed Quan Yi's talent, Quan Yi had also deduced her innate soul power based on her age and cultivation level.

Sure enough, Huo Wu realized that his words were correct. However, instead of feeling reassured, a sense of crisis washed over her.

She had always been proud of her talent, but now she was beginning to wonder—Had she been too lax?

The gap between them was too wide, and she couldn't accept it.

Seeing Huo Wu's slightly unsettled expression, Quan Yi felt puzzled. He shifted his gaze to Huo Wushuang, silently asking what was wrong with her.

Huo Wushuang simply smiled and shook his head, indicating that everything was fine.

This only left Quan Yi more confused.

Of course, Huo Wushuang knew exactly what was happening. His proud little sister had just been shaken.

But in his eyes, this was a good thing. Since they would be in the same class in the future, it was better for her to be motivated sooner rather than later.

Besides, Huo Wu wasn't a fragile girl—she didn't need comforting.

She just needed time to process it.

Standing up, Huo Wushuang pulled the still-distracted Huo Wu to her feet and bid farewell to Quan Yi.

"Brother Quan Yi, we should get going. Thank you for the meal. If you ever need anything, feel free to come to me. Next time, it'll be my treat."

Huo Wu hadn't expected Huo Wushuang to leave so soon. She could only wave hurriedly and say, "Goodbye!"

Quan Yi quickly waved back. "Goodbye."

He had a good impression of the Huo siblings. It wasn't a bad thing to get to know Huo Wu in advance, especially since they would be in the same class.

Watching them leave, Quan Yi stood up as well—he had his own matters to take care of.

Quan's Boutique

This was a newly opened store, having been in business for less than two months.

It sold all kinds of exquisite clothing, handcrafted accessories, and other high-quality goods at surprisingly affordable prices.

Moreover, the store was located in a prime commercial district with heavy foot traffic.

Judging by its prime location, it was clear that the financial backing behind this boutique was no small matter.

Inside the store manager's office, Quan Yi sat across from a middle-aged man in his forties.

"Young Master, do you have any orders?" the man asked respectfully.

This man, Quan Ying, was the owner of the boutique and a trusted member of the Quan Family, responsible for overseeing Quan Yi's needs.

From providing him with soul beast meat to handling his daily expenses, Quan Ying ensured that Quan Yi had everything he required.

Quan Yi's expression turned cold as he spoke.

"Uncle Quan Ying, I have two matters to discuss. The first is regarding a student named Sun Jie. I need you to send a warning to his family."

There was an uncharacteristic chill in Quan Yi's voice as he said this.

Quan Ying immediately understood the gravity of the situation.

"Understood, Young Master." He didn't ask for further details—he knew better than to question such matters.

Quan Yi continued.

"The second thing—I want all available information on Yu Xiaogang, including every book and research paper he has ever written."

While the first matter was his primary concern, he figured he might as well use his family's resources to investigate Yu Xiaogang while he was at it.

Quan Yi speculated that Sun Jie likely came from a small but influential noble family—one with some power but still inferior to the Quan family in terms of influence and strength.

However, Quan Yi had never forgotten one crucial fact—this world was still in the equivalent of the Middle Ages. Even a small conflict could plant the seeds of long-term hatred.

That was why he chose to use his family's influence to issue a warning.

If Sun Jie was truly unaware of his actions, then a warning would suffice.

But if he wasn't innocent, then it wouldn't be as simple as a warning.

Quan Ying, the store owner, had been personally assigned by Quan Yi's father to watch over him. Quan Yi trusted his abilities completely.

Once he had given his orders, Quan Yi didn't linger any longer and left the store immediately.

Watching his young master's calm yet decisive and cold-blooded demeanor, Quan Ying's impression of him deepened.

He had always known that Quan Yi was talented, but he hadn't expected him to be so composed, ruthless, and far-sighted at such a young age.

At that moment, Quan Ying was convinced—this young master would one day become the pillar that would lead the Quan family to even greater heights.

Determined to execute the first command given by his young master flawlessly, Quan Ying immediately began making arrangements.

Returning to the Academy

By the time Quan Yi returned to the academy, the sun was already beginning to set.

Originally, he had planned to visit a mimicry training environment, but because of the earlier events, the entire afternoon had slipped away.

Instead of going for additional training, he practiced his martial arts forms, refining his punching techniques.

Afterward, he had dinner before heading back to the dormitory.

During mealtime, he didn't see Huo Wu or Huo Wushuang.

Thinking back to how they had left in a hurry earlier that day, Quan Yi assumed they had something important to do and didn't dwell on it.

After returning to his dormitory, Quan Yi took a shower, then lay comfortably on his bed, reflecting on the day's events.

It had been a busy day, but overall, it was a fulfilling one.

He had gained two important things today:

Information on Yu Xiaogang. His unexpected connection with Huo Wu.

If he had remained at home, there was no way his family would have allowed him to read Yu Xiaogang's research.

After all, his family would never expose him to such unconventional and controversial theories.

As for Huo Wu, she was an even bigger surprise.

Though he hadn't seen her Fire Shadow Martial Soul in action, the unusual aura he sensed from her suggested something significant—

Martial Soul Fusion Potential.

A fire-attributed humanoid Martial Soul and a fire-attributed gauntlet Martial Soul—there was no better combination for fusion than that.

Of course, this was only a theory for now, but the possibility was high.

From what he could tell, the Huo siblings hadn't realized this yet.

And Quan Yi didn't intend to bring it up just yet.

They had only just met. There would be plenty of time in the future.

After summarizing the day's gains, Quan Yi sat up, crossed his legs, and began his nightly meditation.

Meanwhile, in Huo Wu's Dormitory

In another dormitory across the academy, Huo Wu was also meditating.

But unlike her usual routine, she had been training intensely for hours.

After returning to her dormitory earlier in the day, Huo Wu had found herself restless.

Quan Yi's appearance had deeply shaken her.

However, she didn't remain frustrated for long.

Instead of dwelling on her emotions, she transformed them into motivation.

The encounter had ignited a fierce determination within her—a refusal to accept defeat.

So, she trained relentlessly all afternoon.

Normally, she had a fixed training schedule, but today, she exceeded it.

This was her first time pushing herself so hard, yet she refused to stop.

Her meditation was far from smooth—she had lost focus multiple times.

Each time her concentration wavered, Quan Yi's image surfaced in her mind.

And every time it did, it reminded her of the gap between them.

But instead of discouraging her, it reignited her drive.

So, she gritted her teeth and continued.

Eventually, her meditation became smoother.

Her mind settled into a rhythm, and she practiced until dawn.

As the sun rose, a new day at the academy began.

As usual, Quan Yi completed his morning workout before heading to the cafeteria for breakfast.

This time, he had taken off his shirt during training, keeping his upper body bare to avoid soaking his clothes with sweat.

Upon entering the cafeteria, he spotted Huo Wu again.

But today—

She looked completely exhausted.

Her posture was sluggish, her head hung low, and the confidence she had the previous day was nowhere to be seen.

It was a stark contrast to the proud and dignified girl from before.

Sensing something, Huo Wu suddenly lifted her head.

At that moment, their eyes met directly.