Chapter 45
No one knew about the conversation that took place deep within the Star Dou Forest. Even if there were hundreds of entrances to underground cities scattered across the land, they were but drops in the ocean compared to the tens of millions of square kilometers of primeval jungle. Humanity was still busy exploring these newly discovered underground cities — it was estimated that it would take several months before anyone noticed the changes unfolding among the soul beasts.
Information from within the underground cities spread rapidly. A conspicuous light gate was impossible to conceal. By the end of the first day, the storm of rumors had fermented, and everyone who needed to know… knew.
Inside Yu Xiaogang's dormitory.
Tang San's composure cracked for the first time, his expression dull with disbelief.
"Teacher… are you saying these underground cities appeared across the entire Tiandou Empire overnight? And not just here — even traces of them have been found on other continents? How is something like this even possible?"
He had once believed Wuhun was the pinnacle of this world, but now the Douluo Continent had delivered another shock. And it wasn't a gradual change — it was a transformation so abrupt and overwhelming that it allowed no time for anyone to digest it, as if the entire world's course had shifted overnight.
Yu Xiaogang sat silently, his brows tightly furrowed.
He was well aware of the existence of Sea God Island, but even a place like that shouldn't have the ability to create such a miracle.
Unable to make sense of it, he shook his head.
"This isn't something for people like us to decide. The Titled Douluo will have to deal with it. But according to the information I got from the dean — Lin Bai and the others obtained what's called a 'profession' inside the dungeon. And this isn't some trivial title; it represents a power no less extraordinary than a martial soul."
Yu Xiaogang's expression grew complicated. On one hand, he was frustrated that his carefully laid plans for cultivating Tang San had been disrupted. Yet on the other, he felt a kind of exhilaration at the chance to study and unravel this new power system.
Forcing down his emotions, Yu Xiaogang looked seriously at Tang San.
"You saw Lin Bai's dragon mount two days ago, didn't you? Just becoming an adventurer gave him a dragon mount capable of crushing the will of a Soul Sect expert with its mere presence."
"That's the strength of a profession. And if Lin Bai isn't even the strongest adventurer, imagine what the others are like. Since this power system revolves around professions, there must be methods to grow even stronger. This is a new era now, Xiao San. Simply cultivating martial souls alone will lead to ruin. In the future, only those who combine their martial spirits with professions will be able to control the shifting tides of the world."
Yu Xiaogang's spirits lifted as he spoke, a rare smile breaking across his usually stiff face.
"Xiao San — do you understand now? The most important thing is to enter a dungeon and obtain a profession. You already have the Blue Silver Grass for control, and the Clear Sky Hammer for attack. If you can add a profession to make up for your physical shortcomings, there won't be a single person among your peers who can rival you."
Even with his calm personality, Tang San's blood surged at his teacher's words. But he forced himself to remain steady, nodding with his usual composed expression.
"I understand, Teacher. I'll do my best to acquire a profession."
Yu Xiaogang nodded in satisfaction. What pleased him most about Tang San, apart from his unshakable loyalty, was his ability to stay level-headed even as the world collapsed around him.
"Good. I'll apply to the dean to be included in the next group to enter the dungeon. When the time comes, I'll go in with you. Together, we'll uncover the secrets of this mysterious dungeon."
Yu Xiaogang was confident in his own wisdom.
Similar conversations were happening all across the continent — in Tiandou City, Spirit Hall, Xingluo City, Hanhai City, Gengjin City… not a single soul master was willing to miss this opportunity to grow stronger. Even ordinary people were bold enough to gamble on their chances, let alone the top figures of the major powers.
In just three months, a thriving market had already sprung up around the entrance to Notting City's underground city. Even with the city lord's mansion nearby, no one could stop the frenzy.
The streets echoed with the clamor of vendors hawking weapons, armor, dungeon maps, monster data, supplies, and recruitment for temporary parties. It was livelier than the area near the Soul Hunting Forest. After all, a soul master might only hunt for a spirit ring once every ten levels, but professions wouldn't gain experience if you didn't dive into the dungeon.
"Hey, look — it's the Dragon Team!" someone exclaimed.
"I'm so jealous of Lin Bai. Born with innate full soul power, then landing the Dragon Knight profession… and he's got two gorgeous girls with totally different styles following him around. The guy's basically won at life. Even if I were a noble, I wouldn't give up my title, but if I could live like him, maybe I would."
It wasn't just idle talk. Among the local adventurers, it had become routine to brag, drink, and gossip about famous figures nearby — and in Notting City, no one was more talked about than Lin Bai's team.
"It's so annoying," Xiao Wu grumbled, hugging her arms. "Everywhere we go, people won't shut up about us. Can't even shop in peace."
Back in the day, she would have loved being the center of attention. But after a while, even she had grown weary of the constant stares.
"It's fine. They don't dare do anything but talk," Lin Bai replied lazily. "If anyone runs their mouth, our strength's more than enough to make them regret it."
He was already used to the life of a celebrity. At the very least, ever since his name became famous, there hadn't been any clueless fools looking to pick a fight.
Zhu Zhuqing gave a small nod. She felt even more malicious gazes than usual — her figure always attracted unwanted attention, so she made it a habit to use her profession's stealth abilities, sticking to Lin Bai and Xiao Wu's shadows in crowded places.
"Maybe we should just do what others do and wear cloaks. Not that it'd help much with Ying Tian flying around — everyone would recognize us anyway."
The crowd naturally parted wherever they went. Lin Bai never rode his dragon in public — Ying Tian only allowed Lin Bai to ride it, no matter how others tried to bribe or flatter it.
For example, Xiao Wu would bring fresh carrots every day, trying to win Ying Tian over. The dragon would eat the carrots, then gleefully fly into the sky while Xiao Wu cursed below.
It was a privilege reserved for the Dragon Knight alone.
Chatting idly, the three stepped through the shimmering light gate. Gone was the crude copper door of the novice cave. Before them stretched towering passageways branching in every direction. A sinister, cold wind blew from the depths of the tunnels, carrying with it the heavy scent of earth and blood.
"Hope we get lucky today and pick up some good loot," Xiao Wu murmured, clasping her hands in prayer. "And if not… at least toss me some extra gold coins."
After three months of exploration, adventurers had gradually worked out some rules for the dungeon.
First — killing monsters had a chance of dropping equipment, items, and gold coins. But the odds were extremely low; after three months, Notting City hadn't accumulated much.
Also, equipment would wear down during combat, and only special support professions could repair it.
Then there were the dungeon instances themselves. These were one-time challenges that disappeared once cleared. The rewards inside were generous, but luck played a big role in whether you encountered one.
"How about goblins today? Or should we challenge that vampire tribe?" Zhu Zhuqing suggested.
Dungeon exploration wasn't smooth sailing. Some monsters, like certain soul beasts, would capture women to breed offspring. The trio had once rescued a group of adventurers from a goblin nest — then spent days clearing out the nearby goblin camps.
Lin Bai shook his head.
"Forget it. Goblins are worthless now. Most adventurers can handle themselves. It's pointless for us to waste time. Vampires are better — perfect for training."
After all, he suspected the monsters in these dungeons worked like those in games, endlessly respawning no matter how many you killed.
And so, the three of them set off deeper into the unknown.
*******
If you want to read more there's 15, 30, 50 chapters there of my written fanfictions and translated works in my Pat.Reon.
Here is the link:
https://patreon.com/LordFisherman?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink
And if you can't find it just type my name: patreon.com/LordFisherman