Douluo Dalu (Soul Land 1): Infinite Lottery System

The next half-month was filled with high-intensity training.

Indeed, after careful consideration, Yu Xiaogang and Xiao Tianyang had determined this to be the optimal training period.

Looking back, constant training in the past had only made subsequent matches increasingly difficult. To conserve stamina, Yu Xiaogang decided to limit the rigorous training to just fifteen days.

The remaining time would be split between rest and teamwork drills—neither overly demanding, as long as they were managed properly. This way, the team could maintain peak condition.

However, the addition of Huo Wu and Huo Wushuang sparked an interesting dynamic.

There was no real conflict between them—they were still young, and their relationship was purely competitive. Both Huo Wu and Huo Wushuang had straightforward personalities, making it easy for them to get along.

Of course, there were exceptions. Initially, Huo Wu and Ning Rongrong's relationship had been somewhat tense.

Yet, the scenario where the three girls—Ning Rongrong and her close friends—closed ranks and excluded Huo Wu never happened. Still, compared to the larger group, the trio remained especially tight-knit.

Huo Wu, however, took it all in stride.

She understood how popular Xiao Tianyang was among the girls here and recognized the source of Ning Rongrong's wariness. Rather than holding a grudge, she often joined them on outings.

As a young girl, she wasn't burdened by deep thoughts—playfulness, curiosity, and energy were natural at her age. Over trivial, even silly topics, they quickly bonded.

In just ten days, they became as close as family, chatting and laughing together all day without a care.

As for Huo Wushuang?

Well, he had been thoroughly led astray by Dai Mubai and the others.

After training, they dragged him along to various amusements—whether it was leisure or mischief. With Dai Mubai as the ringleader, Ma Hongjun as his partner-in-crime, and Huo Wushuang as their latest recruit, they formed a notorious trio of troublemakers.

In contrast, Xiao Tianyang and Tang San—steadfast and disciplined—were jokingly dubbed the "good boys."

The first time Xiao Tianyang heard that title, he nearly choked on his own blood.

'Good boy?'

'Did that even sound like a compliment?'

And so, amidst banter and sparring, the most grueling half-month passed—though, admittedly, this only applied to Tang San and the others. Xiao Tianyang, as their coach, wasn't part of the training roster.

When it was time to leave, Huo Wu showed no reluctance.

"We'll see each other again in half a month," she said casually. "And there'll be plenty of time after that..."

Those words nearly awakened Xiao Tianyang's inner wolf—but Huo Wu gave him no opportunity to act, swiftly returning to Blazing Fire Academy and leaving him in disappointed silence.

With that, he took a break—or so it seemed to outsiders.

In reality?

He was running around, entangled in that damned conspiracy of his!

And so, the remaining half-month slipped away unnoticed.

…

Early the next morning—the day of the Promotion Tournament's opening ceremony—Yu Xiaogang led Tang San and the others to the Royal Hunting Grounds.

This time, Xiao Tianyang did not appear as himself but as "Edward."

Yu Xiaogang had already prepared his excuse: the Star Dou Great Forest.

Xiao Tianyang had frequented the forest before, and Tang San and the others were aware of it. Since Yu Xiaogang had strictly forbidden him from participating in the tournament, he simply claimed to be training there instead.

The explanation was straightforward, logical, and convincing—at least to Tang San and the others.

Ning Rongrong, though reluctant, suppressed her urge to follow him and stayed for the sake of the team.

Zhu Zhuqing, the only one among the Shrek Seven Devils who knew Xiao Tianyang's true identity, remained unfazed.

The Promotion Tournament was divided into two regions: the Heaven Dou Empire and the Star Luo Empire.

Fifteen teams would compete in a one-on-one format—but unlike before, this would be a group battle, Xiao Tianyang's preferred style.

"The lottery rewards per match might be smaller, but the more wins, the better!"

As Xiao Tianyang eyed the energetic students around him, he couldn't help but salivate internally.

'What a bountiful field of leeks!'

"Senior Brother, control yourself," Fei Xue reminded through their mental link. "Haven't you noticed their strange looks?"

"Maybe my aura is just too intimidating," Xiao Tianyang mused. "But you're right… their stares are a bit odd."

"Of course they are," Fei Xue retorted. "You were eyeing them like a hungry wolf just now. How could they not react?"

"Fine, I'll tone it down." With that, Xiao Tianyang lowered his gaze, forcing himself to stop calculating potential lottery gains.

"Senior Brother, aside from our team, I've compiled information on the remaining troublesome opponents," Zhou Cheng reported, handing over a dossier. "You once said, 'Know yourself and your enemy to win every battle,' so I took the initiative."

"Good work." Xiao Tianyang skimmed the document and chuckled. "If not for me and Tang San, this year's competition would've been truly extraordinary."

"That strong?" Fei Xue peeked over his shoulder and gasped. "Over a dozen participants above Level Soul Grandmaster, several times more than previous years!"

"And that's just the Heaven Dou division," Saber added with a faint smile. "If we include Star Luo's side, the number doubles."

Their conversation was conducted via sound transmission, their masked faces betraying nothing.

Xiao Tianyang's earlier predatory aura had already unnerved the surrounding students.

After all, they were just youths—no matter how arrogant, how much real experience could they have?

Xiao Tianyang, however, had faced life-and-death battles, endured brutal training, and brushed against death multiple times. His presence alone eclipsed even some sheltered Soul Sages.

Even some instructors, upon learning his identity, kept their distance—their fear was palpable.

A blade-wielding giant, a twin-tailed loli, an armored knight, and a black-robed reaper—had their identities not been verified, the Royal Knights would never have allowed them entry.

"Remember," Xiao Tianyang said, handing the dossier back to Saber. "This time, I'll take on ten. No objections."

"The closer we get to the Spirit Hall, the more eyes will be on us. The less you expose now, the fewer complications we'll face later."

"Understood?"

No one dared argue.

Because Xiao Tianyang was right—the road to the championship was under scrutiny.

Before, he had let them act freely, even indulge.

But now?

It was time to hold back.

…

Enjoying the story? Get early access to 10 advanced chapters for just $3.

Your support helps me bring more translated content to you, faster.

patreon.com/DarkLord621