Chapter 144: Reward and Awakening
"Master, is this okay?"
"Yes, continue."
"Yes, master."
In the depths of the Xingdou Great Forest, after enduring countless defeats at the hands of the Snow Emperor in the Sea of Spirit, Xiao Qiang wrapped up another day of swordsmanship training and returned to the resting grounds. There, Nana knelt respectfully, washing his feet and massaging them with care.
"How long have you been in the Xingdou Great Forest?" Xiao Qiang asked calmly.
Nana responded while gently kneading his muscles. "Almost ten months, master."
"Ten months… So we've been together for that long. You've worked hard during this time." He rubbed her head gently as he spoke.
Xiao Qiang's team operated under a clearly defined class hierarchy. As the most powerful and highest in status, the Snow Emperor held command authority when necessary. Mu Qingxue was a laborer, doing only the tasks assigned to her. Xiao Qiang, as the employer and core figure, could instruct Mu Qingxue if needed. Xiao Lan, meanwhile, simply trained as required, without being burdened with chores.
Nana, however, had a different role altogether—she was a domestic slave. She handled every mundane matter, from cooking to washing clothes, and was on call at all times to serve Xiao Qiang and Xiao Lan. She even prepared the water used for their foot washing.
"Nana is not tired. Nana is willing to serve master for the rest of her life," she replied sincerely. In the original story, she had been assigned to Huo Yuhao and was known for her loyal and dependable nature.
"For the rest of your life? If so, your strength needs to improve. Otherwise, you won't be able to keep up with me in the future."
"I'm sorry, master! I'll work harder on my cultivation. I'll definitely reach the Title Douluo level!"
"Not bad. What level are you at now?"
"Level 48."
"Level 48, huh?" Xiao Qiang considered her words. In the original timeline, Nana reached level 50 by the age of 17. Currently, she was not yet 16. Clearly, the soul beast meat she had been consuming in the Xingdou Great Forest had accelerated her progress. Even though her cultivation time had been divided by daily chores, the high-quality nourishment from consuming ten-thousand-year-old soul beasts was paying off.
This made sense. The Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy wasn't exactly known for its nutrition. Even their royal family couldn't afford meals with ten-thousand-year-old soul beast meat daily, let alone the Academy. Their meals were often worse than what the outer courtyard of Shrek Academy offered.
"You're almost at level 50. That's enough. Go ahead and absorb this," Xiao Qiang said, pulling out a shimmering leg bone.
It was the leg bone of Feng Yao—the 85,000-year-old Wind Demon Tiger. A top-tier soul bone.
Previously, Xiao Qiang had hesitated to give her any soul bones, uncertain about long-term value and fairness. But after nearly a year of tireless service, Nana had more than earned a reward. Though the soul bone's value remained high, it was no longer an unreasonable gift—especially considering she still served daily.
"Master… But the young ladies don't have soul bones yet. Isn't this too much for me?"
"Absorb it. I have plans for them as well. If you're too weak, I won't be able to rely on you when I need you."
"Yes, master."
Nana accepted the soul bone and began the fusion process under Xiao Qiang's direction. Soul bones in Douluo Dalu I could often be absorbed freely, but those in Douluo Dalu II required stronger soul masters depending on the bloodline and age of the soul beast. However, Nana's situation was ideal. She was already level 48, and the Wind Demon Tiger's leg bone, while powerful, posed no significant danger to her.
Two and a half hours later, the 85,000-year-old Wind Demon Tiger leg bone was successfully integrated into Nana's body.
Following that, Mu Qingxue stepped in to assist with the second awakening of Nana's martial soul.
The method, as outlined in Douluo Dalu, usually required the sea—but a large lake could substitute, provided additional pressure was applied. With slight adjustments, it was still a feasible ritual.
"I've been here too long. It's been ages since we saw another human. Once Nana completes her second awakening, let's help her obtain a new spirit ring and return," Xiao Qiang suggested as he turned to the Snow Emperor.
"You decide. I have no opinion on matters like this," she replied indifferently.
...
Meanwhile, outside the gates of Shrek Academy, a group of second-year students had gathered: Wu Feng, Xie Huanyue, Lan Susu, Lan Luoluo, Ning Tian, Zhou Sichen, and eleven others. Accompanying them were a seven-ring Soul Saint and two six-ring Soul Emperors, all preparing for a spirit ring expedition.
The Soul Saint, standing at the front, addressed the group sternly.
"You are among Shrek Academy's top students. I'll be personally overseeing your ring-hunting expedition. Although this isn't your first time, I must stress this—once you enter the outskirts of the Star Dou Great Forest, absolutely no fires are allowed. Anyone caught lighting a fire will face school punishment. This can affect your eligibility for promotion to the inner courtyard."
After the Soul Saint's stern reminder, one of the Soul Emperors stepped forward to take roll call.
"Now, I'll begin roll call. Zhou—ugh!"
Before he could speak the full name, a chewed-up chicken bone landed squarely in his mouth.
A wave of nausea surged through him. He was about to curse aloud when he looked up—only to see an old man gnawing on a chicken leg with utter nonchalance.
"You're so slow. Since when did Shrek Academy become so sluggish?" the old man grumbled while tearing into another drumstick.
"Xuan… Master Xuan!" the Soul Saint gasped.
At the sight of Xuan Zi, the once-authoritative Soul Saint immediately lowered his head and shrunk back, like a student caught cheating on an exam.
Burping contentedly, Master Xuan offered an explanation for his sudden appearance.
"I wasn't planning to come, but the girl from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect is promising. The last class—hmm…" He paused mid-sentence, recalling bitter memories about the previous generation of Shrek Seven Devils, and swallowed his words.
"In short, the last class of Shrek's Seven Devils ended in disaster. I won't allow this generation to fall the same way."
He took another bite of chicken before concluding.
"This time, I'll personally lead the soul ring expedition."
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Pump up the power stone