Douluo Dalu (Soul Land 1): Infinite Lottery System

Arriving at the school gate, Xiao Tianyang spotted Huo Wu.

Naturally, the first thing he said wasn't something as blunt as, "What are you doing here?" Only someone completely inexperienced in matters of the heart would ask such a thing.

So, Xiao Tianyang switched tactics and greeted her with a smile instead. "Shouldn't you be busy training? What brings you here to see me?"

"Am I interrupting something important?" Huo Wu replied with a teasing half-smile. "I heard you've become quite popular at Shrek Academy."

"Where aren't I popular?" Xiao Tianyang smirked confidently before lowering his voice. "Or are you saying… you're interested in me too?"

At that moment, Huo Wu finally understood just how formidable Xiao Tianyang truly was—at least when it came to shamelessness. She was no match for him in that regard.

Her face flushed red, and she shot him an annoyed glare. "I'm not here to bicker with you. Besides thanking you, I actually have another favor to ask."

Xiao Tianyang wasn't surprised. "Straight to the point—I like that."

Truthfully, the moment Huo Wu sought him out, he'd already guessed she needed his help. But it didn't matter to him. One favor or two—or even three—made little difference. As long as he had the time, he didn't mind.

"I want you to train me and my brother for the next month," Huo Wu said seriously. "I've heard Shrek Academy's training methods are exceptional, and you especially come highly praised by many elders."

"You know how strong the Spirit Hall's team is this year. I want to push myself to the limit!"

Xiao Tianyang scratched his head, feigning hesitation. "That's a noble goal, but it's a bit… complicated."

"Why?" Huo Wu wasn't angry, only puzzled—until realization struck. "Is it because of the academy?"

"What else? If it were just up to me, would I hesitate? Our relationship certainly isn't the issue." He spread his hands helplessly. "But I'm a student of Shrek Academy and the coach of the main team. You understand, right?"

His meaning was clear: the decision wasn't his to make.

As a coach, he answered to Dean Flender. If Huo Wu wanted to join his training, she'd need Flender's approval first.

This was also his way of deflecting responsibility. If Huo Wu convinced Flender, then Saber and the others couldn't blame him—he'd just be following orders.

There was another key factor: Yu Xiaogang. Flender would undoubtedly consult him, and Yu Xiaogang never let personal feelings interfere with his judgment.

The outcome was obvious.

Huo Wu wouldn't be staying at Shrek Academy for training—at least, not anytime soon. And if anyone asked, it wasn't his fault. The higher-ups had made the call.

Xiao Tianyang couldn't help but feel smug.

As expected, Huo Wu's reaction matched his predictions.

"Fine. Then it's settled," she said decisively. "When I return, I'll have my father speak to Dean Flender."

Then, with a playful smile, she added, "And if possible, I'd like you to be involved in the training."

The sudden request caught Xiao Tianyang off guard.

"Whether I agree or not isn't up to me. What difference would it make if I went?"

"Besides," he continued, "I'm already swamped overseeing the main team's training. Finding extra time won't be easy."

"So that's a no?"

"Pretty much."

Huo Wu didn't argue. She simply nodded. "Understood. I'll take my leave then. Wait for my good news."

Just like that, she turned and walked away—straightforward and decisive.

And Xiao Tianyang liked that about her.

…

Three Days Later

Under the supervision of Flender and Yu Xiaogang, two new members were added to Xiao Tianyang's training roster: Huo Wu and Huo Wushuang.

Their arrival left Tang San and the others bewildered—and instantly put the three Saber girls on high alert.

Just days ago, they'd been worried about Huo Wu's intentions. Now, she'd literally walked into their territory!

They hadn't even had a chance to refuse…

"For the foreseeable future, Huo Wu and Huo Wushuang will be joining your training," Yu Xiaogang announced sternly. "Let me be clear—personal feelings are irrelevant. After the tournament, Huo Wu will be your classmate."

"What?!" Ma Hongjun blurted out. "But she's the dean's daughter at Blazing Fire Academy!"

"The details will be explained later," Yu Xiaogang dismissed. "Right now, your focus should be on the competition."

"Second," he continued, "there's no need to hide the Soul Power Cooking technique from the Huo siblings. From now on, they'll receive the same benefits as you."

Given the first bombshell, the second announcement barely fazed anyone.

But not everyone was pleased.

Ning Rongrong, ever blunt, frowned. "But we're about to enter the next phase of training. If they join now, won't that disrupt our progress?"

"We'll proceed as planned," Huo Wu cut in firmly. "If we can't keep up, we'll leave voluntarily."

"We came to Shrek Academy for one reason only—to grow stronger. If we can't even handle this much, we don't deserve to stay."

Her words carried no arrogance, only resolve.

And after Xiao Tianyang's influence, Ning Rongrong wasn't as unruly as before. If Huo Wu could back up her words, then training together might not be so bad.

As for long-term concerns?

They didn't dwell on them. Whether Huo Wu grew stronger from this training wasn't their problem.

In their eyes, only two teams truly posed a threat: The Whitebeard Team… and the Spirit Hall's Team.

The rest?

It wasn't that Tang San and the others looked down on them. Individually, talents like Shui Bing'er could rival them. But team battles were different—even one weak link could drag everyone down.

That was the flaw of Tianshui Academy, Blazing Fire Academy… even Godwind Academy.

But this was only natural.

True geniuses were rare. Most academies were lucky to have one or two prodigies.

Shrek's team, however?

Every member was a once-in-a-generation talent.

As Xiao Tianyang put it: "This is an all-star lineup—luxurious, extraordinary, and unmatched."

…

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