MTLNOVEL Chapter 17: Chapter 17: Accompanied By The Principal
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Oscar and Ma Hongjun, who had been sparring, had already stopped. They had noticed their big brother Li Luochen's arrival a while ago but continued their practice without interruption.
"Brother Chen, are you here to see the principal?"
"Big Brother Chen, take a look at my muscles now! I can even fight with Fatty here, a Battle Soul Master. I really hope I can become a Soul King soon!"
Ma Hongjun had only known Li Luochen for about half a year, so he was still somewhat shy. On the other hand, Oscar had been following Li Luochen around for two years, and their bond had grown deep.
"Hah, Hongjun, you still need more training! Even Xiao Ao, a Food System soul master, can match you in combat. Though you didn't use your soul skills, you're a Battle Soul Master!
You need to work harder. I expect you to surpass the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon."
"As for Xiao Ao, don't rush. How old are you? Eight years old and already level 18. You'll likely break through in six months, or at the latest by twelve years old to reach Soul Elder. Your progress is already fast enough."
These two younger brothers were part of the foundation Li Luochen was cultivating. Both came from humble backgrounds with no connections, and Shrek Academy was their home. Their goals aligned with Li Luochen's vision.
Li Luochen's dream was to establish a soul master training sanctuary like the one from the future—Shrek Academy. As for who would unify the continent, it had nothing to do with him. "We're just a school. Continental affairs don't concern us."
Why did Douluo II and Douluo III always saddle Shrek Academy with trouble? It was because they meddled too much. After forming the true Shrek Academy, the rules would need to be revised.
But with such a strong armed force, how could others not target them? Even if Li Luochen established Shrek City, it would still become a thorn in some people's eyes.
Ah well, when lice are numerous, they don't bite, being strong oneself is the ultimate truth.
"You two keep cultivating. I'm planning to go out and explore. Before I leave, I've already prepared your cultivation plans and what soul rings you should aim for as your second rings. As for your third rings, I should be back by then, so I won't write those down.
Hongjun, Xiao Ao, you must train diligently. We're all monsters nurtured by Shrek Academy—you two included. Don't let new monsters surpass you. I don't want all my hard work in raising you to go to waste."
"Yes! Brother Chen, we understand. We'll definitely train hard!" ×2
Both Ma Hongjun and Oscar patted their chests in assurance, vowing not to embarrass Li Luochen.
After all, Li Luochen was the first prodigy in Shrek Academy's history. He reached Soul Grandmaster at seven and a half, became a Soul Elder around ten, and would likely graduate as a Soul Ancestor within two years.
The graduation requirement for Shrek Academy was to break through to Spirit Ancestor by age twenty and earn a Silver Spirit Battle Badge in the Suotuo Great Spirit Battle Arena.
At twelve years old, Li Luochen's spirit power was already at the peak of level 37. He had long obtained his Silver Spirit Battle Badge and was only a few matches away from earning the Gold Spirit Battle Badge.
As for whether his second soul ring being a thousand-year one would cause an uproar? Of course, it would!
As for how he obtained it, Li Luochen spun a convincing tale. During a soul-hunting expedition, an unexpected incident occurred—a newly minted thousand-year-old soul beast, severely injured, inexplicably offered itself as a sacrifice to Li Luochen.
Though far-fetched, the story was believable because soul beast sacrifices were a real phenomenon. If the second soul ring was explained as a result of a sacrifice, more people would accept it.
After all, no one would truly believe in a thousand-year second soul ring unless a sacrifice was involved. Adding that made everything seem much more plausible. Other soul masters would simply grumble, "This kid's luck is ridiculous."
Later, under the alias "Qingtian," Li Luochen became a highly sought-after fighter in the Suotuo Great Spirit Battle Arena. The Barak Kingdom even tried to recruit him, but he politely declined, citing his young age and lack of experience exploring the continent.
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Flender's Office
Li Luochen entered Flender's office. Flender was currently glowing with satisfaction, possessing a fifty-thousand-year Golden Eagle King right arm bone—a treasure even some Title Douluos didn't have—and his cultivation had reached level 78.
He was getting closer to breaking through to level 80 and becoming a Spirit Douluo. Within three years, he would undoubtedly achieve it. Moreover, with three promising students in the academy, Shrek Academy's future was bright.
"Hmm? Xiao Chen, why have you come?"
Flender was lost in thoughts about Shrek Academy's future, his lips curling into a grin. Hearing the door close, he snapped out of it and saw Li Luochen entering.
"It's like this, Principal. I want to go out and explore the continent."
"Oh, explore the continent? I thought it was something serious."
...
"What did you say? Explore the continent? At your current state? Twelve years old, level 37? Isn't that too early? The law of the jungle on this continent isn't a joke. Even I, a Spirit Sage, have to tread carefully."
Flender's reaction was a bit delayed, but when he realized what Li Luochen was saying, he didn't want him to leave just yet.
There were plenty of 'man-eating' dangers on the continent. Li Luochen wasn't just Shrek Academy's poster child—he was also a cherished junior and the grandson of a dear friend. Flender couldn't afford any mishaps.
"My grandfather has already agreed. Besides, endless grinding won't help much. I want to go out and see the wonders of the continent."
Flender furrowed his brows, then relaxed them, finally letting out a sigh.
"Fine, I can't argue with you, you stubborn brat. But this principal will accompany you. If anything happens, I'll still be able to save you."
"Huh? Principal, what about the academy if you leave with me?"
"The academy only has three students. With you gone, there'll be two left. Can't Old Zhao and the others handle it? Old Zhao's the vice-principal, but have you ever seen him manage things? It's always been me doing everything. This time, consider it a vacation."
Flender stood up, left the office, and went to talk to Zhao Wuji (essentially issuing a non-negotiable demand—if he refused, Flender would beat him up).
Li Luochen didn't mind. With Principal Flender accompanying him, his safety was guaranteed. With his current physique, absorbing soul beasts under fifteen thousand years wouldn't be a problem—the main concern was the soul shock from ten-thousand-year soul beasts.
Though Li Luochen's mental strength was high, he wasn't sure if it could withstand the soul shock of a ten-thousand-year soul beast. He feared that while absorption might go smoothly, residual soul fragments could turn him into an idiot. Li Luochen hoped to explore the continent and find some rare treasures.
Among the books Flender had borrowed, one indeed documented rare herbs, though most were just high-quality medicinal plants—nothing about immortal-grade herbs.
In the current world, apart from Tang San, Ju Douluo, and Yang Wudi, the Ye family of the Nine-Heart Begonia might also recognize immortal herbs.
Li Luochen only recognized a few immortal-grade herbs: Nine Treasure Purple Zoysia, Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass, Infernal Delicate Apricot, and the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum.
The problem was, he only vaguely remembered their appearances and had forgotten how to consume them properly. What a mess! Even if he found them, he wouldn't dare eat them.
The main goal of Li Luochen's trip this time was to find an immortal herb called the Spirit Nourishing Flower.
{T/N: This immortal herb isn't mentioned in the original works.}
If he consumed it, he should be able to absorb a ten-thousand-year soul ring.
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