Douluo : Capture the goddess starting from peerless tang sect

Since his punishment from Qian Ran and Zhou Yi, Huo Yuhao had been much more subdued.

But Qian Ran didn't have time to worry about Huo Yuhao—he was now preparing as an official member of the team representing Shrek Academy in the upcoming tournament. Meanwhile, Wang Dong'er and the other reserve members were undergoing their own training.

Unlike the other official team members, who wore the blood-red uniforms symbolizing the Inner Court, Qian Ran and Tang Ya still donned the Outer Court's uniforms, drawing considerable attention.

In Shrek Academy's history, official team members had always been at least at the Soul King level, selected from the Inner Court. For Qian Ran and Tang Ya to wear Outer Court uniforms was truly unusual.

Despite the scrutiny, Qian Ran hadn't been idle. In a short time, his cultivation had surged to 38th rank, an astounding feat considering he had started at 20th rank upon first arriving in this world. To have gained 18 ranks in just over a year was nothing short of miraculous.

Tang Ya had made impressive progress as well, breaking through to the 42nd rank. With her top-tier martial soul and the resources Qian Ran provided, she had even recently obtained her fourth soul ring.

Today, Ma Xiaotao had her long hair tied neatly into a ponytail, giving her a crisp and confident appearance. Seeing Qian Ran and Tang Ya arrive, she smirked mischievously.

She had assumed Qian Ran would come to find her over the past few days, but he seemed to have forgotten about her entirely. When she asked around, she learned that he had been busy playing the role of a young lord in the Outer Court, charming the female students left and right.

No wonder he hadn't sought her out.

With so many women to occupy him, how would he have the time?

By Ma Xiaotao's side, several Inner Court students eyed Qian Ran and Tang Ya curiously, though some wore expressions of disdain.

To them, no matter how strong an Outer Court student might be, they couldn't compare to someone from the Inner Court.

After all, the Inner Court was home to Shrek Academy's elites, a long-established truth.

Elder Xuan stood before the group, his gaze sweeping over the students with satisfaction.

"This year's participants are a strong group," he said with a nod.

"Everyone is here. In ten days, the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Dueling Competition will begin. You are the official representatives of Shrek Academy. Today, we'll take this opportunity to get you acquainted with one another and, more importantly, with each other's abilities. Let's start with introductions."

The first to step forward was Ma Xiaotao.

"Inner Court, Ma Xiaotao. Rank 67, Assault System Soul Emperor."

At not yet twenty years old, Ma Xiaotao's cultivation had reached an astonishing 67th rank, a feat that defied belief.

After her, a tall male student stepped forward. His commanding presence and sharp gaze left an impression.

"Inner Court, Dai Yueheng. Rank 64, Assault System Soul Emperor."

Dai Yueheng was the eldest son of the White Tiger Duke and the heir to the duchy. His younger brother was none other than Dai Huabin.

Other Inner Court members followed:

Gongyang Mo: Rank 59, Support System Soul King.Xi Xi: Rank 56, Agility System Soul King.Ling Luochen: Rank 55, Control System Soul King.

Ling Luochen, the "Ice Princess," was a rare beauty in the Inner Court.

Her cold elegance was a stark contrast to Ma Xiaotao's fiery allure. She exuded an icy grace, distant and aloof, like a snow lotus blooming in solitude.

With her pale skin and light, ethereal steps, Ling Luochen seemed almost weightless. Her icy-blue, shoulder-length hair framed her exquisite features, which radiated serenity and detachment.

Her martial soul was Ice, a rare elemental-type soul, and her specialty was ice manipulation.

Just as Ling Luochen finished her introduction, Qian Ran heard the familiar chime of the system in his mind.

"Ding! Congratulations to the host for signing in the goddess Ling Luochen. Reward: Item 'Xu Mi Ring.'"

Xu Mi Ring: A storage ring with a capacity of 100,000 square meters. It connects to the external air, allowing it to store living creatures.

Qian Ran's eyes lit up with excitement.

It had been a while since he encountered someone who fit the system's "goddess" criteria. The Outer Court was already thoroughly explored territory for him. The Inner Court, however, was a fresh, untapped field.

The Xu Mi Ring's ability to store living creatures opened up countless possibilities. He could grow medicinal herbs inside it or even transport an environment like the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well for cultivating rare treasures. Additionally, soul beasts like Xiao Hei could live within it, allowing them to grow alongside him.

Elder Xuan then turned to Qian Ran and Tang Ya.

"Your turn," he said with a smile.

"Qian Ran, Rank 38, Assault System Soul Elder."

"Tang Ya, Rank 42, Control System Soul Ancestor."

The room grew quiet.

Aside from Ma Xiaotao and Ling Luochen, the other Inner Court students looked visibly displeased.

"Elder Xuan," Dai Yueheng spoke up, his tone sharp. "Their levels are far too low. Are these the ones who took Chen Zifeng and Yao Haoxuan's spots? This seems highly irregular."

Dai Yueheng's discontent was apparent. Although he disapproved of his younger brother Dai Huabin's behavior, Qian Ran's actions had also been a blow to the White Tiger Clan's dignity.

Since Qian Ran was now standing in front of him, Dai Yueheng wasn't about to let the matter slide.

Historically, all team members had been selected from the Inner Court and were at least Soul Kings. For two Outer Court students to claim spots despite their significantly lower levels was unheard of.

"Do you have a suggestion?" Elder Xuan asked, unperturbed.

Dai Yueheng's lips curled into a cold smile. "Let them prove themselves. If they can defeat Chen Zifeng and Yao Haoxuan in a duel, they'll have earned their places. Otherwise, their spots should go back to the rightful candidates."

Chen Zifeng and Yao Haoxuan were both Inner Court students who had initially been selected for the team.

Chen Zifeng: Rank 57, Assault System Soul King.Yao Haoxuan: Rank 55, Control and Support System Soul King.

The disparity in cultivation was glaring.

Qian Ran and Tang Ya's levels were simply too low compared to the Inner Court members. Unsurprisingly, many Inner Court students were dissatisfied, questioning why two Outer Court students had taken these coveted spots.

(End of Chapter)