Douluo: Infinite Lottery System

Oscar could only muster an awkward smile, unable to offer any explanation. After all, their academy was indeed poor. To steer the conversation away, he began talking about the graduates of Shrek Academy. As they chatted, the group soon arrived at an open clearing. Oscar pointed ahead and said, "That's your test."

Looking over, there was a man with a rugged face lounging in a chair, dozing off.

"Vice Dean!" Oscar suddenly cried out, startling the man awake.

"What's going on? Is there a fire?" Zhao Wuji leapt to his feet, looking around in alarm, only to spot Oscar shrinking back behind a tree. The corners of Zhao Wuji's mouth twitched as he rolled up his sleeves. "You brat! Itching for a beating, aren't you? How dare you mess with me!"

"No, no, Vice Dean." Oscar quickly poked his head out, waving frantically. "This year's new students have arrived."

"Is that so?" Zhao Wuji's attention shifted to Tang San and the others. His eyes lit up. "Interesting... This year, four little monsters've reached level 25 or higher at just 12 years old? Come on, let me take a closer look!"

"Not four, but five," Dai Mubai's voice sounded from behind. Walking over with the girl who had been in line earlier, he introduced her, "This is Zhu Zhuqing. Her spirit power is also above level 25."

For some reason, Dai Mubai's expression seemed odd, and the girl's frosty demeanor suggested she was carrying the weight of a debt unpaid. 

Standing nearby, Xiao Tianyang silently observed, well aware of the underlying dynamics but wisely choosing not to intervene—they weren't close enough for him to meddle.

"Four or five, it doesn't matter." Zhao Wuji waved dismissively, a faint smile on his face. "This year's admissions results are excellent." Turning to Tang San and the others, he introduced himself. "My name is Zhao Wuji, Vice Dean of this Academy. For your fourth test, you must combine your strength to withstand my attacks for one stick of incense. As long as at least one of you remains standing by the end, you pass."

Hearing this, Dai Mubai's expression shifted to one of concern. "Vice Dean, isn't that a bit too much?"

"When did I ever need your suggestion?" Zhao Wuji glared at him. "The dean isn't here. I am changing the rules now. Do you have a problem with that?"

"No, no, I didn't mean it that way!" Dai Mubai retreated hastily and leaned in to whisper, "Vice Dean, this year's freshmen are exceptionally strong. Perhaps... Consider using two sticks of incense?"

Zhao Wuji: "..."

If emojis existed, Zhao Wuji would surely have a giant question mark above his head. "Do you think I'm old and frail? Or that my legs don't work? Two sticks of incense against five kids?!" His voice grew colder, making Dai Mubai step back even further, reluctant to press the matter.

Zhao Wuji ignored him and turned back to Tang San and the group. "You have one stick of incense to strategize." Folding his arms, he closed his eyes, seemingly ready for a nap.

"It seems there's no escaping this challenge." Dai Mubai returned to Tang San, his tone grave. "Teacher Zhao's martial soul is the Vigorous Vajra Bear. It's a powerful beast spirit with immense defensive and offensive capabilities."

Tang San frowned. "His speed must be his weakness, then?"

"That's true if you're at the same level," Dai Mubai replied, his expression grim. "But against you lot, he'll be more than fast enough."

Ning Rongrong, ever curious, asked, "What's his exact level?"

"Not sure," Dai Mubai admitted. "But ten years ago, he was already above level 70. Back then, he escaped an encirclement of sixteen Spirit Hall elders, injuring three of them in the process. That's how he earned the title 'Motionless Bright King.' His strength has surely grown since then."

Xiao Tianyang chimed in, "There's no way out of this. Even if you tried persuading him, he wouldn't take back his words. Instead of worrying, it's better to focus on a strategy."

Tang San nodded. "Agreed. Let's start by introducing ourselves so we know each other's strengths and abilities."

As for Ning Rongrong, even amidst the tension of the moment, no one thought to confirm whether she was from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. But, in truth, there was no need for confirmation—the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda was an exclusive bloodline inheritance of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, leaving no room for doubt.

And as expected, the girl brought over by Dai Mubai was Zhu Zhuqing. When it was Xiao Tianyang's turn to introduce himself, he hesitated briefly before speaking. "Xiao Tianyang, level 27, a comprehensive assault system soul master with a three-color fire martial soul."

His words left everyone momentarily stunned. They were familiar with control, assault, support, and agility systems, but... a comprehensive system?

Noticing the puzzled looks on everyone's faces, Xiao Tianyang smiled faintly and said, "Think of me as a jack-of-all-trades. Wherever you need me on the battlefield, I'll be there."

"In this test, you'd better take the role of the main attacker," Dai Mubai interjected seriously. "Otherwise, you won't last long. Vice Dean Zhao's seven soul rings all enhance either defense or raw power. Imagine how terrifying his strength will be once he's in full force!"

"I…" Xiao Tianyang was about to respond when, suddenly, a familiar system notification interrupted him.

Ding! Congratulations to the host for triggering the side mission, [Assistant].

Mission Objective: Serve as a support to allow Tang San, Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing to fully showcase their abilities!

Mission Reward: Increase in charm!

Xiao Tianyang's thoughts spun rapidly. "This mission is meant to keep me from interfering with the plot, isn't it? But then he frowned slightly. No... If that were the case, why would the system even let me get close to Tang San and the others in the first place?"

"Brother Tianyang, what's wrong?" Xiao Wu's voice cut through his thoughts as she stepped forward and shook his arm gently.

"Nothing." Xiao Tianyang steadied himself, his usual calm demeanor returning. "I've decided to take a support role for this test."

"Why?" Xiao Wu asked, her confusion clear. " Vice Dean Zhao's strength is overwhelming! The four of us can't possibly hold out for an entire stick of incense on our own. But if you join as the main attacker, it might just be enough! Why would you choose to be a support? And have you ever seen a 'support' who can kick a level-30 Soul Master away with just one strike?"

Xiao Tianyang chuckled softly but then turned serious. "If I stepped in, do you think any of you would have a chance to prove yourselves?"

He looked at Xiao Wu and Tang San, his voice steady and resolute. "Listen to me. I've never gone all-out in any of our sparring matches. Yes, I could step in and help you pass this test, but what would that accomplish for your growth? Where would your sense of achievement come from?"

He paused, letting his words sink in. "Remember, pressure creates motivation. When you're pushed to your limit, that's when you unlock your true potential. Squeeze out every ounce of strength you have—you'll gain much more from this challenge than just passing a test."

"Boy, you sure talk big!" Zhao Wuji suddenly opened his eyes, his deep voice cutting through the tension. He stood up, towering over Xiao Tianyang with an amused yet intimidating expression. "If that's how you feel, why don't you skip on supporting altogether? Let's make it simpler—how about you fight me one-on-one instead?"

Everyone was stunned, including Xiao Tianyang.

Ding! Congratulations to the host for triggering the side mission, [Challenge].

Mission Objective: Compete with Zhao Wuji and remain undefeated for one stick of incense!

Mission Reward: 2x Level-Up Lottery!

As the system notification flashed in his mind, Xiao Tianyang's hesitation evaporated. The corners of his lips curled into a confident smirk, and a fiery fighting spirit ignited in his eyes. He turned to Zhao Wuji, meeting the man's gaze without a shred of fear.

"That's exactly what I had in mind," Xiao Tianyang said, his voice firm and brimming with confidence.

...

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