Unlock Kamen Riders in Douluo's Way

Early the next morning, the residents tentatively emerged from their homes, their eyes widening in astonishment. The square of Soto City now displayed a bizarre tableau: hundreds of people, stripped naked and bound together, sprawled across the cobblestones. These were the members of the Ax Gang, their reign of terror abruptly concluded. Above them, suspended from a makeshift gallows of logs, dangled Ji Yu and Hu Feng, their bodies plastered with confessions—obviously not of their own volition.

The security team, alerted to the spectacle, swiftly rounded up the Ax Gang members. This time, however, Ji Yu and his cronies would find no loophole, no avenue for escape. Accompanying the report was a letter, purportedly from Kamen Rider, detailing a litany of the gang's criminal activities. Each piece of evidence, if presented in court, carried a prison sentence of a decade or more.

With the fall of the Ax Gang, the last vestige of organized crime in Soto City vanished, a victory attributed entirely to the mysterious Kamen Rider. The Rider's burgeoning reputation also served as a deterrent to other ambitious gangs, quashing any thoughts of filling the power vacuum.

Talk of the Kamen Rider's identity filled the city's taverns and marketplaces, giving rise to two prevailing theories. Some claimed the hero was a young woman wielding a dragon-shaped martial soul, while others insisted it was a young man descended from a shooting star. The truth, as always, remained elusive, known only to the individual behind the mask.

Meanwhile, back at Shrek Academy, a different kind of reckoning was underway.

"Even as a student of the advanced department, you are required to seek a teacher's permission before accepting missions from the Soul Masters Guild. Do you comprehend the magnitude of your error?" Jing Tieyang's voice boomed, his displeasure evident.

Luo Pupu, still bearing the marks of her recent battles, hung her head, her usual exuberance replaced by a contrite silence. Due to her unauthorized actions, she was barred from receiving medical treatment or supportive soul skills until further notice.

"But Mr. Jing," Luo Pupu mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper, "I don't believe I've done anything wrong. I fought as a Kamen Rider, and the power of a soul master was irrelevant. Therefore, it shouldn't be considered a violation of Shrek's regulations, right?"

"You're twisting the words too much!" Jing Tieyang's face darkened further. "Does becoming a Kamen Rider absolve you of your responsibilities as Luo Pupu? Besides, I distinctly remember Brother Yin instructing you to master the power of a soul master before attempting to transform. Have you achieved that mastery? Have you successfully absorbed your soul bone?"

"I..." Luo Pupu stammered, unable to formulate a coherent response.

"Furthermore," Jing Tieyang pressed on, "did you obtain Brother Yin's consent before venturing out to fight as a Kamen Rider?"

Seeing Luo Pupu's crestfallen expression, Yin Xiaoya interjected, his tone apologetic. "Mr. Jing, while it's true that she didn't seek my permission beforehand, I was aware of her activities early on and tacitly approved of her actions. Therefore, I don't believe she should bear the full blame. Besides, I was secretly watching over her. And as far as the results are concerned, she didn't sustain any major injuries, and her righteous deeds have garnered a great deal of positive publicity. Although the battles weren't particularly challenging, I believe you've noticed that her soul power has grown stronger, and she possesses a deeper understanding of combat. Overall, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages."

Hearing that Yin Xiaoya had been secretly protecting her, Luo Pupu's eyes welled up with emotion. Jing Tieyang sighed, his stern demeanor softening slightly. "While the outcome may be favorable, it doesn't excuse her lapse in judgment. Her disappearance caused considerable distress, particularly to the Luo family. She carries the hopes of her entire clan, and the Grandmaster believes that, with diligence, she could be elected as one of the next Shrek Seven Monsters. Therefore, to impress upon her the gravity of her mistake, punishment is still necessary. Two days of solitary practice in the Soul Tower's first floor, Luo Pupu. Do you have any objections?"

Luo Pupu raised her head, glancing at Yin Xiaoya, who subtly winked in encouragement. "No," she replied quickly, "I know I was wrong."

With a sigh, she turned and headed towards the Soul Tower. Yin Xiaoya followed her outside, patting her shoulder reassuringly. "Even in the final battle, you didn't resort to your Kamen Rider form, which proves that your Kamen Rider heart has begun to take root. That's evidence of your growth."

"Big brother..." Luo Pupu gazed at Yin Xiaoya, her eyes brimming with tears. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have acted in secret. It was all the Ryugen belt's suggestion, so I..."

The Ryugen belt, wherever it was, remained conspicuously silent. Yin Xiaoya managed a wry smile. "Okay, consider this a valuable lesson. Go to the Soul Tower, and use this time to reflect."

"Yeah," Luo Pupu nodded, then dashed towards Fang Xin, who had been patiently waiting nearby. The two young women, their spirits undeterred, walked away with a newfound resolve.

Jing Tieyang approached Yin Xiaoya, his tone still tinged with dissatisfaction. "It's true that you've played a significant role in her development, but you can't afford to coddle her. She needs discipline."

"Teacher Jing is right," Yin Xiaoya countered, "but instead of merely lecturing them about pain, it's better to allow them to experience it firsthand. Wouldn't that lead to a more well-rounded growth?"

"Hehe," Jing Tieyang chuckled, "I didn't expect you to possess such profound insights into educating future generations. What a pity you're not a soul master; otherwise, it would be beneficial to have you stay at Shrek as a teacher."

Yin Xiaoya puffed out his chest, his expression playful. "You're underestimating me. The master may lack strength, but the education methods are unparalleled. Why couldn't I succeed?"

The two men exchanged a knowing glance, their shared laughter filling the air. Just then, Tang Wu and Xiao San approached them, guided by a member of the academy staff. Thanks to Yin Xiaoya's endorsement, the two newcomers had been successfully admitted to Shrek Academy.

In reality, Yin Xiaoya had been aware of their presence since their clandestine observation of Luo Pupu's battle, alerted by the canned locusts left behind.

When the system transmitted their appearances, Yin Xiaoya could hardly believe his eyes. The images were unmistakable, and the fact that they were together only reinforced his suspicions. He immediately thought of Tang San and Xiao Wu. As such, when they came to assist Luo Pupu, he deliberately deployed a large number of canned octopuses to ensure their safety.

That the two of them intended to enroll at Shrek was entirely unexpected, a welcome coincidence. After speaking with them, Yin Xiaoya couldn't help but marvel at the power of the multiverse. In this world, they had completely switched their identities, or rather, their experiences.

Little did they know, Yin Xiaoya had already constructed elaborate theories about their lives, extrapolating wildly from limited information and Xiao San's carefully crafted stories.

"Mr. Jing, Mr. Yin Xiaoya," the staff member announced, "the enrollment procedures for these two students have been completed."

Jing Tieyang nodded. "Thank you for your efforts. Leave them with me; I'll take them to the master for an assessment of their abilities."

One was the daughter of Clear Sky Douluo, possessing the Clear Sky Hammer martial soul and born with full soul power. While the other's identity remained shrouded in mystery, he possessed Blue Silver Grass and was also blessed with innate full soul power. Comparing the two, Xiao San's soul power was surprisingly stronger than Tang Wu's. Their potential was undeniable, and a thorough evaluation by the master was essential.

"Teacher Jing, allow me to escort them there," Yin Xiaoya interjected. "I happen to be quite interested in both of them."

Jing Tieyang's face darkened, a hint of exasperation in his eyes. He put his arm around Yin Xiaoya's shoulder and steered him aside, speaking in a hushed tone. "I said, these two are new sprouts; are you trying to snatch them away?"

"What is snatching? It's not like the power of the Kamen Rider will interfere with their soul master cultivation. Besides, if I hadn't vouched for her, would you have accepted the young lady?"

"This... well, alright. But don't push it too far; we don't want a repeat of Pupu's situation."

Yin Xiaoya nodded, giving him a thumbs-up. He turned to the two newcomers.

"Okay, you two, follow me."

The two glanced at Yin Xiaoya, their eyes wide with anticipation. They recognized the man before them as the Kamen Rider who had saved them the previous day, an existence far more potent than the Kamen Rider they had previously encountered. As they followed him, they peppered him with questions about the Kamen Riders, particularly Xiao San, who openly declared his intention to become one.

It seems he was following her back in the Soul Beast Forest before. As expected of a 100,000-year-old Soul Beast; the system didn't even detect it.

[Indeed, I failed to detect him. It's likely because the plants in the Soul Beast Forest serve as his eyes and ears, allowing him to perceive events even when he's not physically present.]

The two youths continued their barrage of questions, and Yin Xiaoya reciprocated, probing them for information. He learned that they had met when Tang Wu encountered trouble and was rescued by Xiao San, prompting him to sigh inwardly.

The connection between the OTP is steadfast, regardless of the world they inhabit.

Before long, Yin Xiaoya led them to the experience room, where Yu Xiaogang, having received advance notice, had set aside his work and was patiently waiting.

"Uh..."

Yin Xiaoya, noticing an unexpected guest, hesitated, unsure whether to proceed.

"Hello, see you again."

Bibi Dong, a radiant smile adorning her face, waved in greeting.

"Yo, you're awake."

"Yes, I woke up last night."

Yin Xiaoya glanced at Yu Xiaogang, who was engrossed in reviewing the duo's files, and remarked without looking up, "Carry on as you see fit; don't worry, it won't disrupt my work."

That's not what I'm concerned about. Yin Xiaoya scrutinized the smiling Bibi Dong, keenly aware of Liu Erlong's Eyecon residing within her. However, Bibi Dong's demeanor was indistinguishable from her own.

Sensing Yin Xiaoya's perplexity, Bibi Dong approached him stealthily and whispered, "During the day, my sister can't occupy my body; she can only remain within me obediently. That's our agreement."

Ah, I see. But wait, the Eyecon isn't in a deep slumber. If Liu Erlong is conscious, what's she doing inside Bibi Dong's body? [Host, it's like this: even if she doesn't seize control of the body, the Eyecon can still perceive the outside world through the host's senses.]

Oh, it means that Bibi Dong's presence beside Yu Xiaogang is akin to Liu Erlong being by his side, right? Comprehending the situation, Yin Xiaoya's gaze towards Yu Xiaogang took on a less amiable quality.

That bastard... he's the common enemy of all men! I don't envy you!

***

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Advance chapters are in my P@|r3on - Najicablitz