Douluo Dalu 2: The True God King

"Really? Is that true?"

"Absolutely!"

"That's fantastic!"

As soon as Wang Yan finished speaking, the reserve team members lit up with excitement. With four Soul Kings joining their team, their strength had soared dramatically. To be honest, the reserve team, including their captain Bei Bei, had little confidence in competing against the advanced soul master academies across the continent. After all, those teams were typically composed of individuals at least five years older than them, with much greater experience and power. It was almost guaranteed that these teams would have a baseline strength of Soul Ancestors, and many would include Soul Kings. Facing opponents of such caliber was daunting, even for Bei Bei. The immense pressure weighed heavily on him, especially after Su Yu's previous display of strength, which had surpassed his own. However, with the addition of these four Soul Kings, their team's power had multiplied several times over. Finally, they could stand tall with confidence. Shrek Academy's legacy would not falter in their hands.

"Alright, why don't the four of you introduce yourselves to your junior brothers and sisters?"

Wang Yan said cheerfully, clearly pleased with everyone's reactions. Zhang Lexuan gave a subtle nod to the four behind her, who exchanged glances before stepping forward to introduce themselves.

"Chu He, martial soul: Earthshatter Bear, level 54 assault-type Battle Soul King."

"Chen Yun, martial soul: Hundred-Crested Bird, level 54 agility-type Battle Soul King."

"Zhang Tu, martial soul: Thunderbolt Leopard, level 53 agility-type Battle Soul King."

"Shi Yue, martial soul: Eight-Treasure Flower, level 53 support-type Battle Soul King.

"Two men and two women, with two at level 54 and two at level 53. Compared to the fallen Chen Zifeng, Yao Haoxuan, Gongyang Mo, and Xi Xi, these reinforcements were slightly weaker. Nevertheless, they were all genuine Soul Kings. Being admitted into Shrek Academy's inner court was proof of their exceptional capabilities. With the four Soul Kings joining the reserve team, which included Bei Bei, Xu Sanshi, Jiang Nannan, and He Caitou, Shrek Academy now had a lineup rivaling most of the competing teams. Only the teams from the three major empires and the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy could claim a slight edge. Once Ma Xiaotao and the others recovered and rejoined, Shrek Academy's lineup would once again be the strongest in terms of rank. Such a formation naturally boosted the team's confidence. They're so strong! With these senior brothers and sisters helping us, let's see how arrogant the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy can still act," Dai Huabin said, his face brimming with satisfaction. The arrival of Shrek's reinforcements gave him hope for revenge. The Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy was certain to make it to the finals. If Shrek Academy were eliminated early, how could he avenge his grudge? But now, with Shrek Academy's renewed strength, their chances of reaching the finals were high. That meant he would have the opportunity to settle scores with Su Yu.

"Exactly! With the help of our senior brothers and sisters, our strength has grown immensely. The Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy team isn't unbeatable anymore," Xu Sanshi chimed in, his hatred for Su Yu evident.

"You've encountered the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy team before?"

Zhang Lexuan asked, surprised. It seemed there was a story here.

"It's like this…"

Wang Yan said with a bitter smile, recounting the events of the previous day. Upon hearing the story, Chu He and the other newcomers were instantly enraged.

"How dare they bully Shrek Academy students? They must have a death wish!"

"Hmph, the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy is becoming more audacious by the day."

"Taking advantage of our main forces' absence to humiliate our juniors—how despicable!"

"Let's go! We can't just let them get away with this. We'll settle the score!"

Shrek Academy had always been proud of its reputation, and such an insult was intolerable to them.

"Wait!"

Wang Yan quickly intervened, blocking their path.

"Teacher Wang, remaining silent after being bullied isn't Shrek Academy's style," Chu He protested, his dissatisfaction evident. Wang Yan, being an outer court teacher, was seen as older and weaker, lacking the boldness that Shrek students admired.

"We may have suffered a minor setback yesterday, but it wasn't as serious as it seems. If you charge in recklessly now, are you trying to start a brawl with the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy?" Wang Yan pressed on.

"What if things escalate and the academy is disqualified? And don't forget, Ma Xiaotao and the others are still injured. The Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy team isn't to be underestimated—they are our biggest rivals. If you four act impulsively and get hurt, then what?"

These words brought the four Soul Kings back to their senses. Wang Yan was right; the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy team undoubtedly had Soul Kings on their roster. Even with their combined strength, they were unlikely to win in a confrontation. Still, Chu He felt uneasy.

"So, we're just going to let them walk all over us?" he challenged.

"Of course not," Wang Yan said, a cold glint in his eyes.

"We'll settle the score—on the battlefield. When we defeat them in the tournament, we'll naturally erase this humiliation. And remember, battles during the competition are harsh. Accidents happen all the time."

Chu He and the others froze, then smiled faintly, understanding Wang Yan's meaning. Zhang Lexuan, however, frowned slightly, a hint of disapproval in her eyes as she glanced at Wang Yan. She kept her reaction subtle, so Wang Yan didn't notice.

"But wasn't it Dai Huabin who started the fight? How can we handle it like this?"

Unlike Zhang Lexuan, Jiang Nannan couldn't hide her feelings. She couldn't believe Wang Yan had said such things. Was this the knowledgeable and gentle Teacher Wang they all respected?

The Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy may have mocked them, but did that justify such extreme measures?

"And wasn't Xiao Yu there too…"

"What are you implying? Are you saying this is all my fault?"

Dai Huabin snapped, glaring at Jiang Nannan with a dark expression.

"I… didn't mean that…"

Jiang Nannan stammered.

"Then what did you mean?"

Dai Huabin pressed, his tone hostile.

"Enough!"

Xu Sanshi interrupted, turning to Jiang Nannan.

"Nannan, I know you have a kind heart, but there isn't a single good person in the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy team. We don't need to sympathize with them. Have you forgotten how they mocked us?"

"They are inherently wicked, and every one of them is courting death."

"But Xiao Yu isn't a bad person. He…"

"Xiao Yu?"

Zhang Lexuan's beautiful eyes lit up sharply, her previously calm demeanor rippling slightly. She gazed at Jiang Nannan, her clear, autumn-water-like eyes shimmering with interest.

"Xiao Yu? Are you saying you know their leader?"

Dai Huabin quickly picked up on the key point and interrogated Jiang Nannan.

"Nannan, do you know him?"

Xu Sanshi's expression darkened. He had some personal interest in Jiang Nannan because of her beauty—some even called her the most beautiful girl in the outer courtyard. But she had consistently turned him down. While he maintained an outward appearance of gentlemanly conduct, inwardly he was displeased. Now that Su Yu was involved—someone he deeply resented—he could no longer keep up the pretense. As Xu Sanshi spoke, the others also turned their attention to Jiang Nannan. Even Ning Tian, who stood close to her, subtly stepped aside.

"I… I…"

Jiang Nannan stammered.

"Speak up!"

Dai Huabin barked loudly.

"Nannan, if you know something, just tell us," Wang Yan urged with a calm tone.

Facing the overwhelming scrutiny, Jiang Nannan backed away in fear, stammering, "I… I do know Xiao Yu. We've known each other since we were kids. He's a good person. He's not a bad person…"

Her voice was hesitant but firm.

"He's not a bad person? Then are you saying I'm the bad one?"

Dai Huabin sneered menacingly.

"I didn't mean that!"

Jiang Nannan defended.

"Then what do you mean? If you call him a good person, isn't that just a roundabout way of calling me the bad one? Am I, Dai Huabin, a bad person? Huh?"

Dai Huabin stepped closer, his emotions flaring. Jiang Nannan retreated instinctively, intimidated by his aggression. The others merely watched, not stepping in—neither Xu Sanshi nor Wang Yan made any move to intervene.

"Nannan, I'm disappointed in you," Xu Sanshi said, shaking his head in dismay.

"You may have grown up together, but you don't know him. He's changed. By joining the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy, he's shown his true colors. Do you think a good person would do that?"

"Xu Sanshi is right," Wang Yan added with a calm, persuasive tone. "Nannan, people change. The moment he joined their team, he ceased to be the person you knew."

"Exactly, Sister Nannan. He's one of them now—our enemy. Don't let your past blind you to reality," Ning Tian chimed in, her voice carrying a tone of concern.

"Nannan, everyone here cares for you. Trust us; we won't deceive you," Xu Sanshi coaxed gently.

"I... I..."

Jiang Nannan wanted to argue, but with so many eyes on her, she couldn't find the words. Her eyes reddened with frustration.

"Enough, everyone, that's enough," Zhang Lexuan suddenly interjected. Her voice immediately commanded attention, and the others quieted down. Her position as the senior disciple of the inner courtyard carried immense authority—even Wang Yan deferred to her.

"Nannan is a good girl. Don't push her too hard," Zhang Lexuan said, her tone firm yet gentle. Her words instantly softened the gazes of the four inner courtyard students. Zhang Lexuan's authority was absolute among them, and her judgment was rarely questioned.

"Since Lexuan has spoken, let's not press Nannan further. She's kindhearted and likely just misled," Wang Yan said warmly.

"Yes, Nannan is a good person. She's just been fooled by him," Xu Sanshi echoed, shifting his tone to one of understanding.

Only Dai Huabin's eyes remained cold and ruthless, though he didn't dare to challenge Zhang Lexuan's authority. Instead, he shifted tactics.

"Since Sister Jiang Nannan grew up with that guy, she must know his martial soul and abilities, right?"

"I don't know. Xiao Yu never showed his martial soul in front of me," Jiang Nannan replied.

"Never? Or you just don't want to tell us?"

Dai Huabin sneered.

"I told you, he never showed it. I don't know," Jiang Nannan snapped, her tone firmer this time. Even her patience had limits, and Dai Huabin's hostility was pushing her past them. Dai Huabin opened his mouth to retort but, mindful of Zhang Lexuan's presence, bit back his words. His face grew darker, resentment and malice evident in his eyes.

Xu Sanshi quickly added, "Nannan, if he didn't even trust you enough to show his martial soul, doesn't that prove he's been deceiving you all along?"

"Exactly. Growing up together but hiding such a thing? That's too suspicious," Wang Yan agreed. Even Bei Bei, who had remained silent until now, joined in.

"Nannan, you should be more cautious about someone like him."

Jiang Nannan lowered her head, staying silent. Despite their words, her belief in Su Yu remained unshaken. Actions, not words, determine a person's character. Su Yu had cured her mother's illness and helped her family in their darkest times. For that, she would trust him unconditionally. No amount of questioning could change her mind. Her heart told her Su Yu was a good person. And Dai Huabin? She had just seen the answer for herself.

Seeing Jiang Nannan's silence, the others assumed they had convinced her. Smirks appeared on their faces, none more obvious than Xu Sanshi's, whose expression brimmed with smug satisfaction.