Douluo: I achieve godhood through System

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"I shouldn't have come here!"

Xue Qinghe thought bitterly and angrily to himself.

Faced with a table full of delicious dishes, he had no appetite whatsoever. Across from him sat Wang Li and Dugu Yan, who couldn't seem to stop their sweet and affectionate interactions even while eating. Meanwhile, he, Xue Qinghe, sat alone, shining like an oversized, glaring third wheel.

"Sigh!"

Xue Qinghe let out a heavy sigh.

Wang Li, ever thoughtful, asked with concern,

"Your Highness, why the sigh? Are these dishes not to your liking?"

Xue Qinghe shot Wang Li a glare. This guy could be genuinely infuriating at times. Did he think Xue Qinghe was upset because of the food? No, it was because he was stuck between Wang Li and Dugu Yan, feeling like an awkward, unwanted third party.

However, such feelings didn't suit his persona. Raising his head, he spoke with an air of worry:

"I was thinking about our Heaven Dou Empire. Though it is full of talented individuals, the new generation of spirit masters pales in comparison to the Spirit Hall. Even the Star Luo Empire surpasses us."

"And this time, the Spirit Hall has the so-called 'Golden Generation'—three prodigies, each already a high-level Soul Elder. Perhaps in two years, at least one of them will break through to become a Soul King."

"This means that in the next Continental Advanced Spirit Master Tournament, your greatest opponents as the Heaven Dou Imperial Team will undoubtedly be them."

At this point, Xue Qinghe's eyes glinted with meaning:

"Among the three prodigies, one is the direct disciple of the current Supreme Pontiff. Exceptionally gifted and immensely powerful, they are deeply favored by the Pontiff."

"I originally thought we would face inevitable defeat again this time. But fortunately, you appeared. Your talent may not surpass that of the Golden Generation, and your resources may be lacking compared to theirs. But at the same age, none of them possess your level of spirit power."

"Wang Li, I know I'm asking a lot. But I hope you can defeat the Golden Generation in the next tournament—especially that disciple of the Supreme Pontiff—and bring glory to the Heaven Dou Empire. In the past, I wouldn't have dared to dream of this, but now, there's hope!"

As Wang Li listened, a realization began to dawn on him. This sounded like one of those stories where a mother ignores her biological daughter and takes in an outside disciple as her favorite, leading the daughter to rebel out of spite...

In truth, Wang Li wasn't far from the truth. Defeating the Golden Generation wouldn't be difficult. Hu Liena, Xie Yue, Yan—no matter how talented they were, what could they do? After all, he had his "cheats."

Forget two years later—even now, he could easily crush them with one hand tied behind his back. The key, however, lay in Bibi Dong's reaction.

Since that's the case, if they want to use me, I'll use them too. Wang Li declared righteously,

"Your Highness, as a member of the Heaven Dou Imperial Team, I will give my all in the Spirit Master Tournament two years from now."

"At my current pace of cultivation, I may also become a high-level Soul Elder within two years. But defeating the Golden Generation—especially the Supreme Pontiff's disciple—might provoke the Spirit Hall and make my future in the spirit master world difficult."

At these words, Xue Qinghe's expression turned serious. He looked at Wang Li and solemnly said,

"What is there to fear? My father, I, and the entire Heaven Dou Empire will stand behind you. If you win, you'll be a hero. Anyone who dares to harm a hero will make an enemy of the entire Heaven Dou Empire!"

Wang Li hadn't expected such a strong reaction from Xue Qinghe, but he played along enthusiastically, immediately responding with passion:

"With Your Highness's words, I will spare no effort. I will defeat the Golden Generation and bring glory to the Heaven Dou Empire!"

Seeing Wang Li drawn into his rhythm, Xue Qinghe felt an inexplicable sense of accomplishment. His thoughts drifted further and higher.

For thirteen years, he hadn't returned to the Spirit Hall, dedicating himself entirely to its grand ambitions. Yet, his position had been usurped by someone else.

In his heart, he thought:

"I can't interfere with the Spirit Hall's greater mission, but watching your Golden Generation and your prized disciple be defeated by someone else should be quite amusing. If Wang Li can truly accomplish this, perhaps I can consider making him an ally in the future."

Meanwhile, Wang Li was also deep in thought. In truth, Xue Qinghe was none other than Qian Renxue. If he wanted Wang Li to defeat the Golden Generation in two years at the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Tournament...

With his status and influence, at the very least, Wang Li wouldn't have to worry much about hostility or malice from the Spirit Hall in the coming years.

And in a few more years, with his strength greatly increased, the sky would be the limit. At that point, few across the entire continent would be able to threaten him.

This meal was left unfinished. Midway through, an attendant from the imperial palace arrived to escort Xue Qinghe away.

Meanwhile, Wang Li and Dugu Yan met their escort back to the academy—Elder Zhilin, one of the academy's board members.

Seeing Zhilin, both Wang Li and Dugu Yan greeted him politely:

"Elder!"

Zhilin nodded slightly, then addressed them:

"Your holiday will have to be cut short. It seems Wang Li's talent has already drawn the attention of the Spirit Hall. Even Salas couldn't resist trying to recruit you into their ranks."

"Hmph! Taking advantage of our absence to coerce you—how bold of them. In any case, return to the academy first. We will report this matter to His Majesty and demand an explanation from the Spirit Hall."

Wang Li knew the true source of all this trouble. On the surface, it seemed like Salas, but in reality, it was Qian Renxue pulling the strings. However, he chose not to expose her. First, no one might believe him, and explaining the situation would be difficult. Second, revealing the truth would bring no benefits—only the risk of retaliation.

Unaware of the real situation, Dugu Yan fumed with hatred toward Salas:

"That detestable Salas! Once my grandfather comes out of seclusion, we'll make sure he pays the price!"

Zhilin, however, understood the reality well. Even with the Poison Douluo's support, they were still no match for the immense power of the Spirit Hall.

He admired Wang Li's composure in the face of these challenges, which only deepened his appreciation of him. With a reassuring tone, Zhilin added:

"Return to the academy first. Once there, with me, Elder Meng Shenji, and Elder Bai Baoshan, Salas wouldn't dare act recklessly."

Wang Li gave a small smile and replied:

"Understood, Elder. It's perfect timing—we planned to focus on cultivation in the academy over the coming months anyway."

One must learn to find opportunities in adversity. For Wang Li, this situation wasn't entirely without its advantages.

With that, Wang Li and Dugu Yan followed Zhilin back to Heaven Dou Imperial Academy.

---

At the same time, elsewhere...

Upon returning to the imperial palace, Xue Qinghe entered a grand, resplendent hall. Standing before an elderly man crowned with a golden diadem, Xue Qinghe bowed respectfully and said loudly:

"Your son greets you, Father Emperor!"

The elderly man was none other than Emperor Xue Ye of the Heaven Dou Empire. He spoke with authority:

"Qinghe, I've already heard about what happened this afternoon. You handled it well. The Spirit Hall and Salas are becoming increasingly audacious."

Hearing this, Xue Qinghe replied,

"It's astounding that the mighty Spirit Hall cannot tolerate the emergence of a genuine genius from our Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. Father, I followed your instructions to win over Wang Li, but who could have anticipated such an incident!"

A glint of ruthlessness flashed in Emperor Xue Ye's eyes, though it was soon replaced by a trace of caution. In a deep voice, he continued:

"Contact your teacher, Sect Master Ning of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. This time, we will join forces with the sect to pressure the Spirit Hall. At the very least, we must show them our determination to protect Wang Li. If we cannot safeguard even the talents within our academy, how can we inspire future geniuses to pledge their loyalty to us?"

Xue Qinghe bowed respectfully and accepted the command:

"Your son obeys."

(End of Chapter)