Douluo Dalu (Soul Land 1): Infinite Lottery System

The group split up, each training under their respective teachers.

Xiao Tianyang led Tang San and the others deep into the dense forest of the back mountain—their usual gathering spot.

However, instead of beginning training immediately, he turned to them and said, "Before we start, I have one more question for you all. What are your thoughts on this year's competition?"

"Huh? What kind of question is that? How are we supposed to answer?"

Ning Rongrong frowned slightly. "Are you implying that the winner has already been decided?"

"Strictly speaking, that is indeed the stance of Spirit Hall." Tang San's expression grew solemn. "Brother Tianyang, what exactly do you mean by this?"

"Exactly what Ning Rongrong guessed."*

Xiao Tianyang smiled. "This year's Spirit Hall representative team is exceptionally strong. Their average age ranges from 23 to 25, with an average soul power of level 56. Among them are two Soul Emperors—one an Agile Attack type, the other a Power Attack type!"

The moment these words fell, everyone except Saber—who already knew—gasped in shock.

And their reaction was understandable.

An average soul power of level 56? That was still within reason. After all, these were elites groomed by Spirit Hall, and they were older. But two Soul Emperors? That was outright excessive!

At the Soul King level and beyond, progress slowed dramatically. In fact, most soul masters never advanced past the Soul King realm.

Soul Warriors, Soul Masters, and Great Soul Masters were considered low-level.

Soul Ancestors, Soul Elders, and Soul Kings were intermediate.

Soul Emperors, Soul Saints, and Soul Douluos were high-level.

And Titled Douluos? They stood in a league of their own—only a rare few ever reached that pinnacle.

Breaking through to level 60 was a monumental hurdle, marking a fundamental difference from all previous realms. The two most difficult bottlenecks were the Soul King and Soul Douluo stages.

If the difficulty of a normal breakthrough was 10, then reaching Soul King was 50—and Titled Douluo was 100 !

This was why Tang San and the others were so stunned. They were approaching that stage themselves and could already feel their progress slowing.

But then, a thought struck Tang San. "Brother Tianyang, are you suggesting they took shortcuts?"

"Xiaosan, that's a poor mindset." Xiao Tianyang chuckled. "Even if they relied on external means to reach Soul Emperor, the fact remains—they are Soul Emperors now."

"Besides, I'm not telling you this to intimidate you. I just want you to be prepared."

"So what if they're Soul Emperors? In terms of teamwork and combat prowess, they might not hold a candle to you. Don't overthink it."

After a moment of contemplation, Tang San nodded. "I understand."

"Good. But I'm not finished yet." Xiao Tianyang's smile turned cryptic. "I've just received word—Spirit Hall has increased the tournament's reward from three soul bones to five."

This revelation hit even harder than the last. Dai Mubai and the others' breathing grew noticeably heavier.

And who could blame them? Soul bones were a soul master's ultimate dream—and none of them possessed even one yet.

"Now you see why I've been pushing you so hard?"

Xiao Tianyang's eyes glinted with amusement. "But I wonder… can you handle the training regimen I've prepared?"

The challenge was clear—a provocation, but one that left no room for refusal.

As the saying goes: An inch of time is an inch of gold. Seizing every moment to train and grow stronger was crucial.

Ma Hongjun was the first to voice his displeasure—and promptly suffered for it.

Dai Mubai and the others gritted their teeth at first, but within three hours, they too collapsed to the ground.

Only three remained standing: Saber, Zhu Zhuqing… and, surprisingly, Ning Rongrong.

This training made no distinctions between men and women. Even Tang San had faltered, yet these three girls endured.

And Ning Rongrong? She was a support-type soul master!

"How much longer are you going to lie there? Shouldn't you three gentlemen be ashamed?" Xiao Tianyang's whip cracked against the ground with a sharp snap, making Ma Hongjun flinch.

This wasn't for show—that whip hurt. Hadn't they learned that the hard way already?

Tang San was the first to rise, legs trembling but balance intact. Yet before he could steady himself—

"BOOM!"

A crushing pressure slammed onto his shoulders, forcing him to one knee.

"Do you know Shrek Academy's greatest advantages?" Xiao Tianyang circled them, speaking as he walked.

"First—conviction.* That's why you've lasted this long."

"Second—unity. A team that lacks this has already lost its purpose."

"Third—this training method. Unique to us. You eat the finest spirit foods, undergo the most rigorous conditioning. No one else has this."

Seeing the fire reignite in their eyes, Xiao Tianyang grinned.

"But Spirit Hall has three weaknesses."

"One—they can't afford to lose. Apply enough pressure, and they'll crack. And in battle, hesitation creates openings. Need I say more?"

"Two—their training is grueling, but inefficient. What takes them seven days, we achieve in half a day. Do you realize what that means?"

"Three—their team is divided. The two new Soul Emperors don't mesh with the rest. They won't openly feud, but in battle? They'll fight as individuals, not a team."

"And when that happens… your opportunity arrives." Xiao Tianyang licked his lips, gaze sweeping over them.

"Well? Feeling motivated now?"

"Hell yeah!" Ma Hongjun hauled his hefty frame upright, eyes burning.

Tang San and Dai Mubai followed, faces strained but unyielding.

They were at their limits—but they refused to collapse in front of Xiao Tianyang.

"Old strategists spoke of 'Ten Victories and Ten Defeats.' Today, I give you Three Strengths and Three Weaknesses." A flicker of pride crossed Xiao Tianyang's face as he watched their resolve harden.

Do you know how hard it was to prepare this speech?

Of course, if today's training hadn't been so brutal, he wouldn't have needed to go this far.

…

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