Douluo Dalu: 1st Cycle: Dancing Panda

Karni and Siduo were on the train, escorting Xu An and Qin Ming to Star Luo City. Around their waist were brand new belts which Mo Qing personally designed as a humongous storage unit. Karni had his mecha in it, while Siduo had her combat bike. These were incredibly expensive gifts, and ones they did not have the ability to craft themselves. It was a 9-Star Soul Tool. They were lucky to have a teacher who was an expert with Spatial Technology.

It wasn't the only thing they got. They also got a weirdly suspicious reaction from the elders when they showed them their Battle Armours, a few days before leaving. They were surprised at the quality and the design, the set-ups they left for the future advancements of their Battle Armour. It looked like the elders agreed upon something, due to the high quality of their designs, however, they said nothing, except confirming that they have succeeded and that they can leave.

Before they showed their battle armours, some elders criticised their decision to leave for Star Luo City, due to the danger that was present there. The Police Chief especially. Shrek could hardly interfere with such manners without a good reason. Last time they had the exam to protect them, this time they were alone. However, the Battle Armour shut down the elders' worries.

The two were not afraid now to go back to Star Luo City. Both of them have grown immensely powerful. With their Battle Armour and their respective machines, they should not have any trouble dealing with other Battle Armour Masters at the Soul Emperor level in the future.

Not all Soul Kings had Battle Armour, but almost all Soul Emperors had Battle Armour. It was perhaps the biggest reason that they would normally not engage Soul Emperors before now.

Karni experienced the trouble of facing a Soul Emperor in the Bamboo Oasis. He was lucky that the Cosmic Instrument, didn't much care about Battle Armour as long as it managed to hit the head, Yet even then, he managed to corner that Slime Soul Emperor more by luck than skill last time. If not for the Oasis acting as a restricting agent through his Sound, he would not have been able to hold back the Evil Soul Master.

Karni also managed to take twenty bottles of the Bamboo Oasis water with him, after repelling the enemy. It was something not that was rarely allowed to happen, as taking any water from there would take time to fully replenish, but Karni really did do a great deed. The Pandas offered it to him.

The bottles worked much like the oasis. They brought out one's full potential. Except one needed to use up three to achieve the full effect. He could not take more than ten despite the size of the oasis. Everything there formed an ecosystem. Every drop. It refined the bodies of the creatures there, but they also refilled the energy of the oasis by staying there. It was a symbiotic cycle.

Three of these he had given to Siduo. She had already absorbed them in the two months. He had also already decided not to give the bottles to the Shrek Seven Devils, as they would become overpowered anyway. It was better to use these to increase the talents of people that were not originally meant to be here.

Three have been set aside for Jianyu. Karni had offered one to teacher Mo, but Mo Qing said to give it to his niece instead. She was younger than he and brimming with talent. She was a bit over thirty and apparently nearing the Soul Sage level. Her defeat against Karni and Siduo a year ago gave her some fine motivation to cultivate.

In such a way another bottle was set aside for Teacher Ye. Another two were set aside for Tie Tiao and Ma Fai, and all together three were given to Karni's disciples: Hao He, Xu An and Qin Ming. Finally, Siduo asked him if he could leave one aside for Hu Fuya—the girl Siduo took care of, with the Fluorescent Cat Martial Soul. She had been looking out for Little Jianyu since she entered the advanced academy a year ago. Siduo wanted to thank her in some way.

That left Karni with seven bottles left. He decided to use them on any talents he found here. He would make utmost of these bottles to win that bet. His love life with Siduo was depending on it!

The forests that the train took them through changed to hilly tracks, and the hills turned to plains. The great plains northeast of Star Luo City. They've reached the halfway point. These were beautiful when it was sunny, but on partially cloudy days, the endless plains could be eerie. Especially so when one considered the northernmost parts of them. The Drylands.

No trains passed through there, no settlements were near there—have not been for a few thousand years. Looking through the window, it was the first time Karni considered how creepy that was. Perhaps it was because he had grown. His horizons had stretched. He had matured in many ways. He had questions about the world and the parts he did not understand. Especially so now, because something like that should not have existed originally. He knew that for sure, due to the visions Hope had given him during her breakthrough.

But the endless plains passed, and his musings would have to be saved for another day. Bits of small forests reappeared.

They arrived at the main train station of Star Luo City. Home.

They were greeted by quite an entourage.

The Headmaster of the academy, a Titled Douluo, personally came to pick them up. Teacher Ye was here with Tie Tiao, Ma Fai and Hu Fuya and another girl Karni didn't remember. Then there was Siduo's whole family, who were looking ecstatic. Wu Jianguo, Ta Siyu and Wu Jianyu were all here.

They were also the first to run into them for a big family hug. Karni got hugged especially hard. They've visited Siduo during the holidays the last year, but Karni had been gone for all of it.

"Big Brother, did you enjoy my game?" Jianyu asked immediately.

"You have no clue." Karni ruffled Jianyu's hair. "It was the only thing keeping me sane."

Jianyu smiled widely while Wu Jianguo laughed. "The little guy had been worried the whole time you wouldn't like it. He has become very passionate about this 'game design' thing."

"Daaad. Don't embarrass me in front of big brother!" Jianyu complained. Jianyu had really grown. He was now a healthy 8-year-old, almost 9. This was his last year in the junior academy. He and Siduo had a seven and two months difference. Jianyu was also born quite late in the year, which was why when Jianyu returned from the Star Luo Continent almost three years ago and went into the first-year class, he was almost seven. He was one of the oldest in his class.

The academy was actually considering pushing him up into the intermediate academy early due to his talent but eventually decided not to. Jianyu was guaranteed to study in the Special Class afterward. It didn't matter if he progressed early or not due to how differently the Special Class studied.

The next to greet Karni were Tie Tiao and Ma Fai, whom Karni had trouble recognising. All of them were now 16—teenagers. And due to being Soul Masters, all of them looked closer to young adults rather than teenagers. It could be seen in their demeanours as well.

Hu Fuya went over to greet Siduo more than Karni, which was understandable. She seemed to be introducing this unknown girl to Siduo.

"This is Song Daiyu. You maybe remember her from my battle against her during the exchange six years ago."

Siduo hummed out loud. "Oh, the mist Martial Soul?"

Song Daiyu bowed. "Hi. I'm Song Daiyu. Yes. My Martial Soul is the Dark Mist."

Hu Fuya smiled. "Our Martial Souls form quite the combo."

Finally, the headmaster approached the group. "I never would have expected for you two to graduate the Outer Court so fast. It's amazing the Shrek Academy even let you go with such talents. But I am really glad you came. Teacher Ye has been overworked lately."

Teacher Ye nodded from the side. "One of our combat teachers that also taught a lot of Intermediate classes retired. I've been taking over his workload until we find anyone new. You two could not have come at a better time."

The Headmaster smiled. "Teacher Ye will now be able to focus more on her cultivation. If everything goes right, I'm planning on making her the Vice-Headmaster of our Academy."

Teacher Ye nodded, then turned to Karni and Siduo. "But just to make sure… the fact you graduated the Outer Court. You two are Battle Armour Masters now, correct?"

Karni and Siduo nodded.

"My Battle Armour is called Flow." Karni bowed as he introduced himself.

"And mine Tiger." Siduo also bowed.

"Such young Soul Kings. We really have produced geniuses." The Headmaster seemed proud of himself.

"Oh, and Headmaster." Karni said, taking out a letter. "This is a letter from my Master to you."

"Oh? A master from your Shrek Academy addressing me?"

He opened up the letter. He read it with satisfaction first, before his face turned into that of horror.

"Y-Y-You guys… You rejected the position of Shrek Seven Devils to come here?! You two were the first candidates! What were you thinking?" The Headmaster was a bit loud.

Karni made sure that the strangers could not hear them, but the group fell silent when hearing such news.

Siduo was the one who answered while Karni took care this didn't cause a scene. "We wanted to return here. And to our family, since when we get into the Inner Court, we're likely to be a lot busier and maybe not return for a very long time."

"Haiii. The position alone would have been more worth than you two returning as teachers." The headmaster said out loud, which earned him glares from practically everyone here.

"Respectfully, Headmaster. But I'm going to make you eat those words." Karni bowed.

The Headmaster coughed. "Right. I am sorry. I said too much. Since you two sacrificed so much, I am willing to make any adjustments to your wishes here. Though I would still ask two things of you. Please teach combat classes in Advanced and Intermediate Academy."

Karni and Siduo nodded. "We expected something like that. Though I didn't expect you'd make us teach Advanced Classes as well. We do have one request then. Allow us to take charge of the Special Class." Karni stared the Titled Douluo in his eyes.

"This… Teacher Ye, what is your opinion."

"I would like to remind the Headmaster that the two have already surpassed me in pure combat abilities a year and a half ago. Now… Even with Battle Armour, until I reach the Soul Sage level, I am afraid I'm not their match. As for their teaching abilities, I think they'll do just fine."

The Headmaster nodded. "If even Teacher Ye says so, then so be it. I will give the Special Class to you. Teacher Ye, this means you will have even more time to focus on cultivation."

Teacher Ye nodded. She seemed quite satisfied with this deal. And she trusted Karni and Siduo fully. They've also mentioned to her the bet, so she knew they would take it seriously.

"Come, then. Let's get you both sorted at the academy. I believe you will be staying with your family?"

Siduo looked to her mom and dad. "Yes, that's the plan."

As Siduo was talking about their place in the academy, as well as introducing Karni's disciples and getting them a place to stay, Karni stepped to Tie Tiao and Ma Fai.

"You two, I'll be relying on you to help me train the Special Class." He looked over to Hu Fuya. "You too. The more diverse abilities they experience, the better."

Tie Tiao and Ma Fai nodded. "Of course. We've been invited a few times before by Teacher Ye as well. We're all used to it."

"Great. That will make things easier. Oh, and before I forget. This is for you three." Karni gave bottles of Bamboo Oasis water to Tie Tiao, Ma Fai and Hu Fuya.

"Take these bottles when you're cultivating. They will bring out the potential of your body and Martial Soul, at least that which you have yet to tap."

"Ma Fai, you should be careful with these." Siduo heard what Karni was doing and quickly joined the conversation, breaking off from the previous group. "Your Evil Phoenix bloodline might come out. When you do it, come to me. I have some ways to calm it down."

Ma Fai nodded seriously.

"And Hu Fuya, this should fully bring out your Martial Soul's abilities. I don't think you'll be restricted to night to get your best abilities after this."

"Really?" Hu Fuya looked at the bottle. "That's amazing… can my friend get it as well?"

Siduo could not help but frown. "Hu Fuya. These are incredibly precious. They don't even exist on this continent. Karni managed to bring twenty from the other continent only after going through a life and death battle."

"What?" Hu Fuya looked genuinely shocked. Karni handed them out with such ease. "I-I don't deserve these. You should give them to someone more talented if they're this precious."

Karni shook his hand nonchalantly. "Don't worry about it. As for Song Daiyu, I'll test the aptitude of your teamwork. I'll give them to her if you two impress me."

"T-Thank you. We won't let you down." Song Daiyu bowed to Karni despite only being a year younger.

… … …

Karni and Siduo settled in the Wu Family estate. Of course, the parents organised a celebration for everyone working here. It wouldn't be the Wu Family if there were no celebration when their children returned.

Karni and Siduo had a week left to figure out their schedule. It was quite a packed one. After Karni gave Teacher Ye the water bottle, she decided to go into closed-door cultivation fully, instead of staying to teach some of the classes. This made it so Karni and Siduo suddenly had all the combat classes to look after.

Teacher Ye was the only combat teacher after the other one retired. It was no wonder she was so busy when she also took care of the Special Class. Now Karni and Siduo had to divide her work amongst themselves.

The only classes they didn't preside over were the Junior Academy ones. Junior Academy had specialised teachers as well as its own headmaster. It made Siduo a bit sad. She wanted to teach her little brother. The Headmaster promised he would talk with the headmaster of the Junior academy. It was someone even the Headmaster of the whole academy respected, despite the headmaster of the junior academy being a Soul Douluo and not a Titled Douluo. She could only wait for the reply.

Each of them had around 6 hours of work a day in regular classes, while having another 4 hours of each day dedicated to the Special Class. Most classes only had two hours of combat classes a day. The Special Class had four, and even then, the other subjects which they didn't preside over were connected to the prowess of a Soul Master in some way or another.

To make it easier for themselves, Siduo recommended they split the classes in Intermediate Academy between each other. She was taking the job of a teacher extremely seriously. Siduo had the second, fourth and sixth years while Karni had the first, third and fifth years. In the Advanced Academy classes, as there was only one class per year and the academy valued the students there much more, they decided to teach the classes together.

Karni's first class next week consisted of third year students. If Karni calculated correctly, the third-year students were the first which were unfamiliar with him and Siduo. The fourth-year students were already in the intermediate academy when Karni and Siduo were in Special Class. If not familiar with them, they at least saw their battle against Li Tai and Yu Tian before all of them left for Shrek Academy.

As for the Special Class, based on their ages, the kids were all in year four and more. Hopefully they would be familiar with Karni and Siduo. It would make teaching them easier. In the best-case scenario, it would even give them motivation.

It was odd though. Were none of the kids under 12 capable of entering the Special Class? Karni would have to judge it for himself. But he trusted Teacher Ye's judgment. Karni, Siduo, Li Tai and Yu Tian set the bottom line required to enter the Special Class. They were the first. The only reason they could get such privilege was due to the fact they were so far above the rest. This meant that the lower classes did not have anyone truly outstanding.

The Special Class only had three people. Two fourth-year students and one sixth-year student. And the fourth-year students even appeared to be twins… Actually… Karni noticed the dates of their birth. They were just siblings. Same year? Only a month apart? Must be a story behind that. Maybe they had a Soul Fusion? Siblings were the ones who had it most often. He was looking forward to it.

Based on some superficial reports that the academy sent them, it seemed to be that it was motivation that was the problem for a lack of talents. Was it because the fourth years were the last that saw how high Karni and Siduo reached? It could very much be that. Or it could be something else entirely. Karni and Siduo would have to wait and see.

… … …

Two days later. Karni was on the Wu Family training field. Everyone just gathered for Karni to test Hu Fuya and Song Daiyu for the reward of the Oasis Bottle.

Though one person looked very tired. Siduo.

"Sisi? Everything okay?"

"Yeah, yeah. I'm just still feeling the consequences of helping Ma Fai stay stable. She actually managed to unlock the Phoenix Bloodline. I'll have to keep an eye on her, because she's likely to evolve into a full phoenix in the next few years."

"Wait. The Evil Fire Phoenix?"

Siduo waved at him. "Don't worry. With the Scorched Moon Phoenix Feather, it shouldn't be a problem."

"What's that?"

Siduo blinked. "Oh. I forgot I haven't told you yet. It's a treasure teacher Long gave me because I know how to wield it. From my previous life." She said the last part in English.

"Well, what's it do?"

"You'll find out." She smiled. "Eventually."

"Sisi."

"Don't worry. I just want to surprise you for once alright? Let me have this one."

Karni sighed. "Fine, fine. I'll remember you promised this."

"Of course. Now then," she stood up. "I'll be the ref."

Karni nodded and stepped on the field. Hu Fuya and Song Daiyu who were waiting all this time positioned themselves opposite to him.

The match started. Karni immediately saw that both of them were Soul Elders. That was decently talented for an Advanced Academy.

A Dark Mist spread forward to Song Daiyu, and Hu Fuya immediately disappeared it. Karni immediately realised why the combination was good. Hu Fuya could see in this darkness. Karni could not… not normally anyway.

His Purple Demon Eyes activated. While it was still dark, the Detailed realm helped him see through the darkness. Not to mention Golden Insight he activated immediately after.

He was focusing on understanding this space, and the quality of their cooperation. He did not use the Panda.

Hu Fuya struck from the side, and Karni parried with ease.

The darkness thickened. Almost like the pressure in water thickens the further one goes. Interesting little thing. It really did constrict his movement.

Just as the darkness thickened, Hu Fuya exploded. Her third Soul Ring shone. Purple. A green light showed itself amidst the darkness and a giant fluorescent cat head appeared to bite down on Karni.

Karni's third Soul Ring sounded. Draconic Thunder. Thunder dissolved the attack with ease. But Karni was also surprised in the next moment.

He felt something trying to prick his skin. Vines? Thorns? They were barely visible. He tapped them with the Cosmic Instrument. The Sound flowed through them all and they fell apart.

But Karni was surprised yet again. One vine travelled across the whole field. The thorns were everywhere, except the density of the vines differed. What a great control ability. If his body was still at the level before he absorbed the Panda, he would actually get scratched.

A claw leaped at him while he appeared distracted. Karni stepped aside. A single step of Drunken Ghost Dance enabling him a swift counterattack toward a leg. He heard a grunt as Hu Fuya lost balance and fell on her face.

"Enough. I've seen enough." Karni boomed with his voice. The Dark Mist shook, destabilising due to the power of his voice, before forcefully dispersing. Yet another new thing he found out last second. The Dark Mist was surprisingly spiritual. Not fully, it wasn't even an actual element, but it had elements of spirituality nonetheless. His original intention was to give Song Daiyu a shock directly, but this worked as well.

Song Daiyu looked at Karni like a monster. She lost all control. He did that with only his voice? Karni smiled. "I do come from the Shrek Academy and was going to be one of the devils. If I would not be able to beat you like this, I would bring shame to my master."

Song Daiyu nodded indignantly. She had to face the fact that she could not judge Shrek Academy by the same standard as geniuses from this place.

Karni threw something. "Catch."

Song Daiyu grabbed it, surprised to see the Oasis Bottle.

"You deserved it. Your combination is amazing. Once you reach the Soul Ancestor realm, you're likely to give me some trouble if you both fight together. But our cultivations and comprehensions are too far apart right now."

The two nodded, smiling at each other.

"Hu Fuya. How are you feeling after absorbing the water?" Karni asked.

"I can use my fluorescent abilities even in daylight, just like you guessed. Though they're still not as strong as in the night. And my light seems to be a bit stronger in the night after I consumed the water."

Karni nodded. "In that case focus on understanding the power of fluorescence. Don't just control it. Understand it. Experiment with it. It should be more flexible than you realise. Song Daiyu, the same goes for your darkness. I felt some spiritual fluctuations in it, it's why I could disperse so easily. Focus on understanding that."

The two girls bowed. "Thanks for your guidance."

"Sisi, anything to add?"

Siduo shook her head. "I was about to say the same thing. If any of you have any questions though, on where to start or how you could improve your cooperation, come to me. My Martial Souls also deal with light and darkness, so I can advise you better than Kiki can."

The two bowed to Siduo as well. With that out of the way, Karni now had all the time in the world to figure out the curriculum.

… … …

First day of school. A new year has started. Karni has experienced this many times now, but it was the first time that he was one of the teachers standing on the podium behind the Headmaster.

Karni also got surprisingly bored very quickly. He sighed. "I forgot how long the headmaster's speeches were. I got so used to Shrek. I almost miss Elder Cai's concise and ruthless speeches."

Siduo could not help but laugh from the side, but she nodded. It really was that way, this… was boring.

No one heard the exchange, obviously. Karni's control prevented even the teachers next to them hearing it. They did not want to make a bad first impression. For now, the teachers only looked at them with curiosity, because their mouths were moving but no sound was coming out.

"And finally," the headmaster said, "we have two new teachers, who will take over Teacher Ye's combat classes until she comes out of her closed-door cultivation. Val Karni and Wu Siduo. Some of you are familiar with them, some are not. But I will not say anything further. I believe the new Combat Teachers wish to introduce themselves in person during classes later on. With that, all the announcements are finished. Let's move on to the new facilities we got this year."

Karni complained again. "Isn't that just more announcements? Like hell the announcements are finished."

They finished with the actual announcements half an hour later.

The homeroom teachers led the students away. Karni and Siduo obviously were not one of them, as they were not regular teachers. That being said, both of them followed the homeroom teachers of classes they had in the morning. Karni followed the third years, Siduo followed the second years.

The third years all looked at him oddly. Some of them even with dissatisfaction. Karni could read their minds: this guy was going to replace Teacher Ye?

Karni could not help but inwardly sigh—not in worry, just annoyance. He would have to make a strong first expression. The advanced classes should be less of a problem, as they watched his battle against Teacher Ye in Karni's first year of Shrek, but these kids knew next to nothing about him.

The homeroom teacher led them to a classroom, did the classic introduction, before addressing Karni. "Now, Teacher Val over here is your new combat instructor, and Combat Class is first on the schedule today. I believe everyone here is curious about him, so I'll leave it to him to introduce himself."

"Thank you, teacher Ke." Karni nodded.

"As you heard, I am Val Karni, and I will teach you combat until Teacher Ye returns. Now. Are there any questions?"

Immediately, a handful of hands were raised, but Teacher Ke frowned. "Teacher Val, usually, the teachers say more about themselves before they ask for questions."

Karni nodded. "I am aware. It is fine. You there, ask away." Karni asked the one who was obviously most frustrated by the whole situation.

"Val Karni. You are at most five years older than us. How do expect to teach us? Are you from a famous family?"

"You. Your name, please. I wish to know who is rude enough to not call his teacher a teacher." Karni smiled.

The boy raised his head. "I am Li Teng."

"Li? From the Sword Family?"

The boy nodded.

"Well, Li Teng. I can be considered to be from the Wu Family, as Wu Siduo is my girlfriend, and-"

"Heh. The Wu Family seems to be falling then, to allow their daughter to be with a nobody."

Karni continued smiling, but his voice was becoming eery. "Do you know anyone named Li Tai, by any chance?"

A lot of students were already cursing in their minds. Li Teng already angered the new teacher. But actually, Karni was holding back laughter at the moment. He was kind of enjoying this. When was the last time he encountered the arrogant young master trope? And a little relative of his friend nonetheless. It made him all giddy on the inside.

Li Teng raised his head, looking even prouder. "Yes, he is my cousin. And he is in Shrek Academy!"

"Then I guess you two are not particularly close."

"Huh? I… I'm close with him!"

"Not possible. You would have known of me otherwise. Since your brother would never dare to speak to me that way. He cannot take a single attack from me."

The classroom fell silent. Another student raised her hand and asked. "Teacher, are you from Shrek as well?"

Karni smiled. "Yes. I just graduated Outer Court. I decided to come here for a while before I enter the Inner Court."

"Lies!" Li Teng suddenly shouted and pointed a finger at Karni.

"Sit down." Karni's voice was simple, but it felt like the room darkened for a bit. The kid was forced to sit.

"Hm, actually, everyone, stand up. Let's go to the field. I believe Teacher Ke does not mind."

The teacher shook his head immediately. That pressure Karni released. This teacher could not compare to it. How high was Teacher Val's Spiritual Power.

They took to the field with Karni at the helm and the homeroom teacher following behind.

"Li Teng. Step forward."

The kid stepped forward, cautious of this new teacher.

"I will not use my Soul Rings. You may attack any way you want. If you manage to withstand 30 seconds while battling me, I will give you this." Karni pulled out the oasis bottle.

"It is a bottle which contains water that can bring out your nascent potential. There are no downsides to it. It only exists in Star Luo Continent."

This was quite obviously a treasure. Li Teng immediately guessed. But 30 seconds? He only had to withstand thirty seconds against Karni not using Soul Rings? Wasn't this too easy?

"Oh, and I will only be using my right hand. Begin."

Li Teng looked angered. "You're mocking me!" He attacked and summoned his Martial Soul. Karni saw a familiar Cloud patterned Straight Sword.

The kid had only two rings. Li Tai already had three at his age. No wonder this one didn't get into the special class.

Both of Li Teng's rings shone and Karni saw a familiar, if much sloppier execution of the Cloud Cutter combined with the Cloud Change. The Cloud Sword sharpened while turning invisible.

Li Teng swiped at Karni, but soon had a bad feeling when he saw that Karni was striking directly toward his sword. Karni could see it?

Fine then. He would just remove the first Soul Ring, turning it truly immaterial.

The sword passed Karni's hand, and Li Teng smiled cruelly. He tricked the teacher. Now to just turn it material again and attack- Why was Val Karni's finger coming for his head?

Karni tapped Li Teng's head as his hand passed through the sword directly to it, and the kid fell to the ground, unconscious.

"Li Teng!" The homeroom teacher screamed worried.

"Don't worry. Karni tapped the kid's head again, and he immediately awakened." He looked at Karni.

"You cheated!"

"You rely on cheap tricks, just like Li Tai did during the Shrek Exam. He got a good scolding from our elders back then. Don't rely just on your family's swordsmanship. Develop your own as well."

"Why should I listen to a cheater!"

Karni sighed. This proud little shit. He helped him get up. "Extend your hand."

Li Teng glared at Karni.

"Do it." Karni's voice deepened. An authority of his Spiritual Power passing Li Teng.

Li Teng did as told.

Karni tapped his hand, and the hand turned soft.

"Ahh! It itches!" Li Teng began scratching, before Karni tapped him again, and it all disappeared.

"This is what it means to have comprehension into one's abilities. And I wasn't even using my Martial Soul to strengthen it. It's just Sound. Nothing else."

The boy looked like he lost his very soul. How could he call the teacher a cheater when he showed it like this? In front of everyone as well.

"Now I suppose it's time for me to stop playing around and tell you the truth. I am here on behest of the Headmaster. I have been asked to take over Teacher Ye's job so she could break through. Meanwhile I will teach you and the Special Class. If any of you impress me, I might even get you in." He started by throwing out bait.

Then he brought out his Martial Soul. Five rings rose behind him. Black, Black, Black, Black, Black. "I also happen to be a Soul King."

His Martial Soul changed. "And a Twin Martial Soul Master." Another three Black Soul Rings showed.

The students were utterly silenced. Li Teng most of all. Gods. Who had he just disrespected?

"Li Teng, return to your friends. As for everyone else, listen. Each of you will get the chance to try out the same challenge. If you last 30 seconds, you get the same water. Introduce yourselves before you fight, so I get familiar with all of you."

The students still just stood there in a trance. Karni turned to look at Teacher Ke… who was staring at his rings with a look of jealousy and amazement. He noticed Karni staring at him with practiced neutrality.

Teacher Ke cleared his throat. "Right. Alright students, go by the alphabet. An San. You first."