Unlock Kamen Riders in Douluo's Way Ch 82

Everyone gathered in Shrek Academy's living room, and the conversation naturally revolved around Luo Pupu.

Flender shared the details of Luo Pupu's recent transformation with Ning Zhiyuan and the others without holding back. In his mind, he knew that their sudden visit was primarily motivated by the Kamen Rider.

Indeed, after hearing about Luo Pupu's experience, Ning Zhiyuan and his companions felt vindicated in their decision to come.

"So, is it the Kamen Rider's power that has allowed Miss Pupu to continuously break through and reach her current level in such a short time?" Ning Zhiyuan asked, his voice laced with curiosity.

Flender paused, "Well, that's hard to say definitively, but, strictly speaking, it probably isn't the sole reason."

The fact that Luo Pupu managed to leap so many levels in less than a month, starting from when she had just absorbed her second spirit ring, was a puzzle. Flender couldn't fully explain it, and even Luo Pupu herself was perplexed. It was Yu Xiaogang who offered an insightful analysis.

"Based on my understanding, when a soul master absorbs a high-level spirit ring that exceeds their capacity, their spirit power level will inevitably increase somewhat. The exact amount varies depending on the individual and the spirit ring itself. However, when Luo Pupu returned, her spirit power level had increased by eight levels, which is unusually high considering her circumstances at the time. Even accounting for her martial soul's evolution, that increase alone shouldn't account for more than five levels."

During his examination of Luo Pupu after her return, Yu Xiaogang had detected this anomaly. He hadn't pressed the matter then, aware that Luo Pupu's second spirit ring absorption had occurred under the rather unique circumstances involving Yin Xiaoya's intervention and the Kamen Rider's power.

Particularly after learning that some of the soul beast's power had been converted into Kamen Rider energy, he had subconsciously assumed that this was why Luo Pupu's spirit power hadn't risen as much as expected. As it wasn't his area of expertise, he had refrained from inquiring further.

However, seeing Luo Pupu emerge from the Soul Tower and stand before them, he realized his initial assessment was incorrect. That latent power had been present within her all along, only to be triggered and fully integrated due to the Kamen Rider's influence.

"Of course," Yu Xiaogang added, "that alone isn't enough to account for such a significant breakthrough. The other contributing factor would have to be that spirit bone." Both he and Flender frowned slightly at this thought, both feeling like it had been too soon for her to absorb it.

"You were reckless," Yu Xiaogang chided gently, "You should have waited until you reached at least level thirty-five before attempting to absorb that soul bone."

Luo Pupu lowered her head, contrite. "I'm sorry, Master. I know I was wrong." She hesitated to reveal the full story, knowing that disclosing the sealed power's near-overwhelming descent into the darkness of an evil soul master would only invite a sterner lecture. And if her father and grandfather ever found out, the punishment would be severe.

"In that case," Flender interjected, changing the subject, "is her altered appearance also a result of absorbing the spirit bone? Could her martial soul have evolved yet again?"

Flender's guess wasn't unreasonable, and even Chen Xin and Gu Rong, the Sword and Bone Douluos, seemed to consider the possibility. But Yu Xiaogang shook his head.

"No. The Emerald Dragon has already evolved to its perfect state; there's no further room for it to evolve. If anything, it's that her breakthrough in spirit power, the merging of the soul bone, and the pressure of the Soul Tower, all happening simultaneously, have led to an unparalleled level of resonance between the martial soul and its wielder."

Yu Xiaogang paused, then continued, "I've researched this before. Unless someone is born with full innate spirit power, a perfect union with one's martial soul is considered unattainable. The innate nature of full spirit power makes such changes undetectable. But what if a union can be forged? What happens when an acquired martial soul is raised to the perfect level?"

His words drew everyone's gaze to Luo Pupu. Clearly, Yu Xiaogang believed her current state exemplified his theory.

Luo Pupu caught his meaning. "Are you saying that my current appearance is my most...perfect form?"

Yu Xiaogang nodded. "You could understand it that way. It's certainly not a detriment; it means your cultivation talent has reached the same level as someone born with full innate spirit power. But such an occurrence is a convergence of multiple factors. The Kamen Rider's power merely acted as a catalyst, guiding you down this path."

Yu Xiaogang's final words were directed at the visitors, aimed at clarifying the Kamen Rider's role and preventing future misunderstandings.

Truthfully, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School initially saw the Kamen Rider as a means of self-protection for those lacking martial prowess.

But hearing how the Kamen Rider's influence could even trigger martial soul evolution, Ning Zhiyuan made a firm decision: even if it meant exhausting his family's wealth, he would forge a connection with Yin Xiaoya and seek his aid.

The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, as the continent's premier auxiliary martial soul, had a significant drawback: only one spirit ring could be integrated per tower. This meant that even at the highest levels, their strength was limited to a single spirit ring, capping their potential at the Spirit Saint level.

Breaking through that limitation meant evolving the Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda into a Nine Treasure Glazed Pagoda. Yet, generations of their family had dedicated vast knowledge and resources without success. He never imagined he would find hope here today.

"Dean Flender, Master Yu," Ning Zhiyuan began, his tone more earnest, "I imagine you've already surmised that the purpose of my visit is to establish a connection with the Kamen Rider. In fact, I took the liberty of conducting a preliminary investigation before arriving and have come to understand the relationship between the Kamen Rider and Shrek Academy. I trust you both will understand my position."

Flender was far from narrow-minded. He expected the powerful Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to have done their due diligence. He and Yu Xiaogang were well aware. However, Ning Zhiyuan's explicit mention indicated deeper intentions, with the Kamen Rider serving as merely one aspect.

"Sect Master Ning," Flender replied, "If there's something on your mind, feel free to speak openly."

Ning Zhiyuan nodded. "Beyond my desire to meet the Kamen Rider, my primary goal is to secure an alliance with your esteemed academy. I am speaking of an official partnership."

The declaration of an official partnership drew a frown from Yu Xiaogang and the Shrek Seven Monsters. Shrek Academy, the continent's foremost soul master academy, and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, the top auxiliary martial soul sect, were both independent from the influence of the Martial Soul Hall. A union between them would undoubtedly invite scrutiny and potential suppression.

This was also one of the reasons why Shrek Academy generally didn't accept disciples from the upper houses, a policy Ning Zhiyuan surely knew. Yet, he still made such a proposal, suggesting that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School faced a dire situation, likely involving the Martial Soul Hall.

Remembering the item he hoped to acquire from the evil soul master, Flender took a deep breath. "Please, let the students excuse us. Let's the adults talk business."

"Of course. Longlong, you may excuse yourself for a while."

"Yes, Father."

The Shrek Seven Monsters, Luo Pupu, and Ning Longlong all departed, leaving the adults to discuss the matter in private. As Bibi Dong left, Liu Erlong's eye-soul detached from her body and landed on the table before Flender.

Sword Douluo Chen Xin and Bone Douluo Gu Rong immediately recognized it as the entity that had merged with Luo Pupu earlier, displaying power comparable to a Title Douluo. It was also strange to refer to it as an entity because they sensed the fluctuation of life.

"Er… Erlong?" Yu Xiaogang stammered, leaning closer to get a better look.

"Hmph! I have nothing to say to you right now," Liu Erlong snapped, turning away from Yu Xiaogang, who seemed ready to say something, and re-entered Bibi Dong's body.

Flender offered an awkward smile to the visitors. "Please, let's disregard them. Shall we discuss our business?"

...

While Luo Pupu was growing restless under the polite interrogation of the Shrek Seven Monsters and Ning Longlong outside, the living room door finally opened. Liu Erlong's eye-soul emerged first, like a sulky child, ignoring Yu Xiaogang, who was still attempting to speak, and returned to Bibi Dong.

Next came Ning Zhiyuan, his serious expression immediately alerting Ning Longlong that a decision had been reached.

"Longlong, come here," Ning Zhiyuan beckoned.

"Father?"

"From today onward, you are a disciple of Shrek Academy. Come forward and pay your respects to Dean Flender and Master Yu."

"What?! But Father, we came here to help me obtain a k-kamen..."

"I said do it! Have you forgotten what I taught you?"

Ning Longlong subconsciously glanced at Chen Xin and Gu Rong, the Sword and Bone Douluos, and saw in their eyes that this decision was immutable. Though confused, Ning Longlong understood that they would never harm her, so she knelt to perform the proper respects.

"Disciple Ning Longlong pays respects to Dean Flender and Master Yu."

Flender nodded and released a gentle wave of soul power to help her rise. "Remember this, don't ever doubt your father's decision. He's doing what is best for you. From today, you are a member of my Shrek Academy. Though this is quite urgent, I will give you your first mission now. I want you to assist Luo Pupu in acquiring her third spirit ring."

"Ah?" Now it was Luo Pupu's turn to be confused. "But Master, I was planning to go with Big Brother Yin Xiaoya to find my next spirit ring."

Flender chuckled. "I knew you'd say that, which is why I'm having Ning Longlong accompany you. Senior Chen Xin will personally escort you to meet Yin Xiaoya shortly. I have a letter here that I need you to deliver to him. As for what happens after that, you are to follow both Yin Xiaoya's and Su Xuan's instructions without question. Do you understand?"

Luo Pupu accepted the letter cautiously. "Don't worry, Dean Flender, I understand."

Since she was going to meet Yin Xiaoya, Luo Pupu had no objections. Ning Longlong, on the other hand, could only follow their arrangements in a daze.

"Senior Chen Xin, please excuse us for the trouble," Flender said.

Chen Xin nodded. "Compared to the request I had of Shrek, this is but a small effort on my part."

Ning Longlong looked at her father questioningly. "Father, won't you be coming with me? Don't you want to meet the Kamen Rider too?"

"No, I have more pressing matters to attend to. I'll be returning with your Grandpa Gu. You must remember to control your temper and stay humble. No matter what hardships you endure, you must bear it. I hope that when I see you again, you'll impress my heart."

"Yes, don't worry, Father. I won't let you down."

Soon after, a beam of sword light ascended from Shrek Academy and shot off into the distance.

Having been asked to assist by Shrek was something that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tiles School never thought would happen. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tiles School had been wanting to get closer to Chenxin for a long time. He had come just in time to help with this task.

Chenxin had just met with Yin Xiaoya and heard about some of his theories. If there was an opportunity, he was willing to get closer to this person.