Eternal charm: The Rise of a Divine Hero from Douluo

The golden morning sunlight bathed the sprawling grounds of Shrek Academy, highlighting its ancient yet majestic architecture. Lin Tian, standing near the training fields, felt the warmth on his face but was far more focused on the mission at hand. After his triumph during the entrance trials and acquiring the Frost Tiger Soul Ring, whispers of his talent had spread like wildfire. Now, eyes were on him.

But Lin Tian was unfazed. He had come to dominate, to carve his name into the annals of history.

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The Sparring Challenge

As Lin Tian prepared for the day's routine, a crowd began to gather around the sparring grounds. A tall, burly boy with fiery red hair stepped into the center, his voice booming with confidence.

"I'm Zhao Liang, a top-ranking freshman! I challenge anyone who thinks they're strong enough to face me!"

Lin Tian's calm gaze shifted to Zhao Liang. The boy's martial spirit, the Blazing Lion, was a formidable force. Flames seemed to ripple around him, exuding an aura of power.

Yue'er, standing beside Lin Tian, leaned closer. "Master, there's no need to engage. Let someone else deal with him."

Lin Tian smirked. "And miss the chance to test myself? No, Yue'er. This is an opportunity."

He stepped forward, drawing the attention of the crowd. Murmurs broke out as students recognized him.

"It's him! Lin Tian, the prodigy with twin martial spirits!"

"Does he think he can take on Zhao Liang?"

"This will be interesting!"

Lin Tian faced Zhao Liang, his expression calm but challenging. "I'll take your challenge."

Zhao Liang laughed. "You? I hope you're ready to lose."

The instructor overseeing the sparring matches raised his hand. "Begin!"

Zhao Liang wasted no time, activating his first soul ring and launching a fireball straight at Lin Tian. The flames roared toward him, but Lin Tian stood his ground.

With a flick of his wrist, the Frost Barrier skill activated, forming a shimmering wall of ice that absorbed the attack. Steam hissed as fire met ice, leaving the spectators in awe.

"My turn," Lin Tian said. He summoned his Divine Celestial Sword, its golden blade radiating power. With a single swing, he unleashed Thunder Strike, sending a bolt of lightning crashing into Zhao Liang.

Zhao Liang staggered, his confidence shaken. He activated his second soul ring, boosting his strength and speed, and charged at Lin Tian.

But Lin Tian was ready. He switched to his Crimson Flame Phoenix, the fiery wings spreading wide as he soared into the air

From above, Lin Tian unleashed a barrage of fiery attacks, each one precisely aimed to disrupt Zhao Liang's movements. The sparring ground erupted with flashes of fire and lightning, leaving the crowd breathless.

Zhao Liang roared, summoning his most powerful technique, Lion's Fury, an explosive wave of fire that consumed the arena. But Lin Tian remained calm, activating the dual power of his martial spirits.

Combining the precision of the Divine Celestial Sword with the overwhelming might of the Crimson Flame Phoenix, Lin Tian created a swirling vortex of fire and lightning. The energy collided with Zhao Liang's attack, overpowering it and forcing the larger boy to his knees.

As the dust settled, Lin Tian stood victorious, his aura unwavering. Zhao Liang struggled to rise but eventually admitted defeat, bowing his head.

The instructor stepped forward, raising his hand. "Winner: Lin Tian!"

The crowd erupted into cheers and murmurs of amazement. Lin Tian's performance had solidified his status as a rising star in Shrek Academy.

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Forming a Team

Later that day, Lin Tian found himself approached by a group of students, each eager to ally with him. Among them were Ning Rongrong, the playful but sharp heiress of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, and Zhu Zhuqing, the reserved yet determined soul master with her Shadow Panther spirit.

Ning Rongrong twirled a strand of her hair, her smile teasing. "Lin Tian, with your strength and my support spirit, we could make an unbeatable team. Don't you think?"

Zhu Zhuqing crossed her arms, her piercing gaze fixed on him. "Actions speak louder than words. Show me that you're not just a flashy fighter."

Lin Tian chuckled, appreciating their confidence. "How about we form a team and see how far we can go together?"

Yue'er, standing silently behind him, didn't voice her opinion but watched the interaction closely. She knew these alliances were vital to Lin Tian's success, but a part of her couldn't help feeling protective.

The group agreed, forming a small but formidable team. Lin Tian, Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, and Yue'er began training together, their bond strengthening as they learned to complement each other's abilities.

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The Academy's Secret Trial

A week later, Lin Tian received a message from the academy's head instructor, summoning him to a private meeting. Yue'er accompanied him to the grand hall, where the instructor awaited with a stern expression.

"Lin Tian," the instructor began, "your talents have not gone unnoticed. The academy has decided to assign you and your team a secret trial. If you succeed, you'll earn the right to represent Shrek Academy in the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament."

Lin Tian's eyes lit up at the opportunity. "What's the trial?"

The instructor handed him a map. "There's a forbidden zone within the Soul Beast Forest. Your mission is to retrieve the Starfire Crystal, a rare artifact guarded by a 20,000-year soul beast. You have three days. Failure is not an option."

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Into the Forbidden Zone

Lin Tian and his team ventured into the depths of the forest, following the map's directions. The air grew colder, and the trees became denser, their twisted branches blocking out the sunlight.

As they approached the forbidden zone, Yue'er suddenly stopped, her hand on her blade. "We're being watched."

Lin Tian activated his spiritual awareness, sensing multiple presences nearby. A pack of Shadow Wolves emerged from the shadows, their glowing red eyes locked on the group.

"Get ready!" Lin Tian commanded.

Zhu Zhuqing leapt into action, her agility unmatched as she weaved through the wolves, striking with deadly precision. Ning Rongrong's support abilities boosted their strength and defense, while Yue'er defended the rear, ensuring no wolf got too close.

Lin Tian unleashed a powerful Thunder Strike, scattering the pack and forcing them to retreat. The group pressed on, knowing the real challenge was yet to come.

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The 20,000-Year Soul Beast

At the heart of the forbidden zone, they found the Starfire Crystal, its radiant glow illuminating the dark forest. But as Lin Tian reached for it, a deafening roar shook the ground.

A massive Starfire Dragon, its scales shimmering with fiery energy, emerged from the shadows. Its golden eyes blazed with anger as it lunged at the intruders.

Lin Tian activated his Frost Barrier, shielding the group from the dragon's initial attack. "Stay back and support me!" he shouted, stepping forward to face the beast.

The battle was fierce. The Starfire Dragon's flames were relentless, but Lin Tian countered with the combined power of his Crimson Flame Phoenix and Divine Celestial Sword. Yue'er and Zhu Zhuqing struck from the sides, while Ning Rongrong's buffs kept them alive.

The turning point came when Lin Tian activated his most powerful skill yet—a fusion of his thunder and fire abilities. The resulting attack, Heaven's Wrath, struck the dragon with overwhelming force, bringing it to its knees.

As the dragon collapsed, its energy condensed into a soul ring. Lin Tian absorbed it, feeling a surge of power as a new skill, Starfire Domain, awakened within him.

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Victory and Recognition

The group returned to Shrek Academy, the Starfire Crystal in hand. The instructors were astonished by their success, and Lin Tian's new abilities further solidified his reputation as a prodigy.

That night, as Lin Tian reflected on the day's events, Yue'er approached him. "Master, today was dangerous, but you handled it perfectly. I'm proud to serve you."

Lin Tian smiled, his voice soft. "It's not just me, Yue'er. I couldn't have done it without you and the team. Together, we'll achieve greatness."

As Yue'er nodded, her admiration for Lin Tian deepened, though she kept her feelings hidden. She vowed to protect him, no matter the cost.

To Be Continued...