Douluo: My Clone Is Groudon

Gu La was completely unaware of the subtle power plays among the four Soul Sages around him. Knowing that the duration of the illusion was limited, he focused intently on fusing the soul ring. System notifications rang in his ears one after another:

[Unknown Move Tutor detected. Analyzing...]

[Analysis complete!]

Earth Element Mastery (Gold)

Crystal Ray (Purple-Gold): A weakened version of the Petrification Ray. Though its corrosive nature is reduced, its erosion speed is significantly increased.

Can be combined with other earth-attribute soul skills to deal mixed damage and control through crystallization effects.

Seismic Uprising (Gold): Manipulates underground rock layers to trigger violent tremors, akin to a dragon turning beneath the earth. Creates continuous onslaughts of rock spikes in designated areas.

Magma Crystal Explosion (Gold): Generates intense heat through friction between crystal atoms, detonating specified crystal targets. The explosion's power depends on the total amount of soul power contained within the crystal.

Master of the Earth (Gold-Rainbow): A bloodline-inherited soul skill born from the fusion and mutation of Behemoth and Crystal Bear bloodlines. Grants defense and elemental resistance while standing on the ground, along with continuous soul power recovery. Also provides mastery over the creation and manipulation of various types of rock.

Earth Ripple (Purple): A special perception soul skill that detects rare crystal ores through the feedback of mineral veins to earth ripples.

The list of inherited soul skills stretched endlessly, totaling over a hundred. Even the original owner of these skills, the Ground Demon Bear, likely hadn't mastered even half of them.

However, through the resonance of the soul ring, Gu La could precisely capture the most core soul skill inheritance hidden deep within the bloodline.

"Unfortunately, I can only choose one..."

After a brief moment of thought, Gu La decisively selected Master of the Earth.

This choice wasn't just because the skill ranked at the pinnacle of quality but also because its creative properties captivated him—on paper, this ability could even attempt to synthesize special minerals.

Though the possibility of creating uranium ore was minuscule, the creative potential it held would perfectly address the shortcomings of his current combat system.

The moment the soul ring fusion was complete, Gu La maintained the operation of the illusion. Rising to his feet, he cut open the right arm of the Ground Demon Bear and extracted the soul bone. His Appraisal Eye immediately activated:

31,000-year-old Ground Demon Bear Right Arm Bone

Innate soul skill: Magma Crystal Explosion.

Pressing the soul bone against his chest, the molten-like armor of his Heart of the Earth spread across his skin, greedily absorbing the earth-attribute soul bone.

This was the unique property of the Red Orb—it resonated with any earth-based treasure. After merging with an external soul bone, it gained the new ability to absorb similar soul bones.

"Creating crystals with Master of the Earth and then using Magma Crystal Explosion to detonate them—a perfect tactical combination."

Although developing his own soul skills based on the data in his mind wouldn't be difficult, integrating pre-existing soul bones was far more efficient.

Three hours later, as Gu La completed the absorption process, the illusion began to subtly shift. Flender, who had noticed the change first, murmured softly, "He's awake."

By now, Shui Qianqiu and the others had already divided the spoils and vanished without a trace.

On the shattered battlefield, only the howling wind echoed endlessly, carrying a biting chill.

"The cold hasn't dissipated yet, and the scent of blood hasn't spread far. It's best not to linger here. Let's leave the Great Star Dou Forest first."

Flender had become much more cautious after a series of unexpected encounters.

Lowering his voice, his dark green cloak fluttered in the night breeze. "Everyone, increase your speed and shield yourselves with soul power!"

Thus, under the cover of darkness, the group swiftly made their way toward the edge of the Great Star Dou Forest.

Along the way, Gu La introduced his newly acquired soul skill. Flender looked astonished: "The Master of the Earth soul skill—you've learned the Behemoth-related soul skill from the Ground Demon Bear's bloodline. Your luck is incredible."

His eyes betrayed envy. "The most troublesome aspect of the Ground Demon Bear was its inexhaustible soul power. With Master of the Earth, your future safety will greatly improve."

Gu La politely replied, "I must thank Principal Flender for helping me hunt the soul. Otherwise, I wouldn't have found such a suitable spirit beast as the Ground Demon Bear."

"Don't be so formal. As the principal of Shrek Academy, it's my duty to help students find the most suitable spirit beasts."

Flender spoke magnanimously.

Gu La's lips twitched slightly. If Flender hadn't been reluctant to return the Mega Evolution device, he might have actually trusted him completely.

But Gu La wasn't petty either. Having obtained a satisfying soul skill, he was in high spirits and waved his hand generously: "You can borrow the White-bellied Sword Falcon's Mega Evolution device for a few years, Principal Flender. If you want it permanently, you can buy it with gold coins."

"Really!?"

Flender couldn't believe it. To buy a Mega Evolution device with gold coins felt like an incredible bargain.

"Mm-hmm. Moreover, if you exchange it with different kinds of rocks and metal ores, I'll give you a 20% discount."

Gu La revealed his true intentions.

Flender had already learned about the Master of the Earth soul skill's ability to create rocks. He couldn't help but shake his head and chuckle: "You little rascal, always finding ways to keep me busy!"

He nodded firmly: "Alright, since I'm getting such a good deal, why not? It's just some ores. I'll use my connections to gather all the common ores on the continent for you within a year."

Gu La grinned brightly: "Then I must thank you, Principal. When we get back, I'll cook everyone a grand feast."

Flender smiled without speaking. His willingness to help stemmed not only from the Mega Evolution device but also from his genuine belief in Gu La's potential. Mature, steady, and possessing an Ultimate attribute martial soul, Gu La's future was limitless.

The two reached a friendly agreement, and the atmosphere between teacher and student grew harmonious. Even the gloomy forest seemed less intimidating.

---

Seven days later

Nuoding Academy

Zhu Zhuqing trained diligently in the practice field, weaving between swaying training dummies. Suddenly, her cat ears twitched, and she turned sharply toward the entrance of the training field.

Morning light pierced through the mist, casting cold reflections on the metallic equipment. A familiar voice broke through the haze.

"Zhuqing, it's been half a month." Gu La raised his hand with a light laugh, twirling a piece of dark gold ore he'd purchased on the way. "Did you miss me?"

The sudden straightforwardness made Zhu Zhuqing blush faintly, unsure how to respond.

Dai Mubai clenched his lips tightly. The trip to the Great Star Dou Forest had made him realize he couldn't compete with Gu La. He couldn't even defeat Zhu Zhuqing, let alone Gu La with his ultimate martial soul.

But the bitterness in his heart was something only he understood.

"Cough! Cough!"

Flender cleared his throat lightly, interrupting Gu La's flirtatious gesture. Under Gu La's disapproving gaze, he straightened his expression and said:

"There's just over a month left until this year's Soul Masters Tournament. I have friends in Tian Dou City. Would you all be willing to accompany me there to visit friends and watch the tournament?"

Flender narrowed his eyes, thinking silently: "Xiaogang, don't blame me, big brother. Gu La's talent, along with his two companions, is too overwhelming. I feel like I can't handle it all on my own. Adding Erlong into the mix completes our Golden Iron Triangle."

After careful consideration, he decided to seek reinforcements. Who else was more suitable than his younger sister, Liu Erlong?

Especially since Xiaogang's martial soul had the chance to evolve, narrowing the gap between them. He figured Xiaogang should be able to set aside past grievances.

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