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Bibi Dong had returned to her chambers for a beauty sleep, while Li Luochen made his way to the largest restaurant in the Spirit Hall.
The prices here were even higher than in Tian Dou City, but since the bill was charged to Shrek Academy, the students didn't hold back at all—they splurged extravagantly.
Although Ma Hongjun was no longer fat, that didn't mean he ate less. His appetite had always been enormous—he could easily devour an entire cow.
His food intake was roughly equivalent to eight Oscars, and Oscar's appetite alone equaled that of three grown men.
Ma Hongjun was in charge of ordering dishes, and since the academy was footing the bill, he went all out. Dishes like braised earth dragon tendons, braised bear paws, and spiced whale oil were ordered in abundance.
On the Shrek Academy side, there were quite a few people with monstrous appetites—Ma Hongjun, Yu Tianxin, Yang Wu, Niu Dun, Huang Yuan, and Oscar all ate like there was no tomorrow. Their eating manners weren't exactly refined.
The girls, on the other hand, were more ladylike, though they still ate at a rapid pace.
"So, now that we've won the tournament championship, what do you think Director Li will have planned for us next?"
Huang Yuan spoke up.
Niu Dun: "Continue training?"
Yang Wu: "That's probably not it."
Yu Tianxin: "Could it be that he'll send us out to gain real-world experience? After all, tournaments are just small skirmishes. Real soul master battles are far more terrifying."
Ma Hongjun and Oscar listened silently. As two of Li Luochen's earliest followers, they had a pretty good idea of what might happen.
"Haha! Your esteemed director makes a grand entrance! I heard you were talking about me behind my back?"
Li Luochen suddenly appeared in the private room, his entrance accompanied by a puff of steam. This steam was created by Li Luochen using fire and water elements—it served no practical purpose other than to look flashy.
"Director! ×N"
All the students from Shrek Academy stood up to show their respect to Li Luochen.
"Haha, sit down, no need for formalities. During training sessions, I'm your director, but during leisure time, I'm your big brother and friend. Relax, sit down, dig in!"
Li Luochen sat down and began eating. The dishes at the Spirit Hall were indeed excellent. Though the seasoning might not match that of his past life, the ingredients were top-notch—a perk of living in a cultivation world.
After several rounds of drinks—
"When I walked in, you were discussing what to do after the tournament, right? Hahaha, congratulations—you've officially graduated from the inner academy.
In the coming years, I'll be going into seclusion to break through to Title Douluo level. So, I won't have time to teach you anymore. Besides, your foundations are already solid—you don't need further guidance."
Li Luochen took a sip of wine and chuckled as he spoke.
The members of Shrek Academy were utterly shocked. What did they just hear? Li Luochen was breaking through to Title Douluo?
How old was he? At most twenty. A twenty-year-old Title Douluo? Was this some kind of joke? The previous record for the youngest Title Douluo was forty-four years old.
But that person had already been defeated by Li Luochen and was currently hanging from the gates of Wu Hun City.
"So, I'll assign you all a leisurely task—three years. In three years, I'll wait for you at Shrek Academy. Afterward, I'll arrange a great place for you to train, where you can quickly increase your soul power.
It's an excellent place that can help you reach Soul Douluo or even Title Douluo levels rapidly.
Of course, the rewards are great, but so are the dangers. Three years should be enough for you to make significant progress and qualify to venture forth.
I look forward to seeing all of you again as Soul Emperors. Of course, Dai Mubai, Jiang Zhu, Huang Yuan, and Jing Ling, you're exceptions—you should aim to reach high-level Soul Kings."
"Yes! ×N"
The members of Shrek Academy were thrilled because Li Luochen had acknowledged them. He was giving them three years to travel across the continent, and when they returned, he would guide them to grow further.
The gathering lasted until midnight.
The members of Shrek Academy staggered back to the hotel, arms slung over each other's shoulders.
Li Luochen, however, stayed behind with Zhu Zhuqing and Ye Lingling, as he had something to discuss with them.
"Zhuqing, Lingling, I've asked you two to stay behind because I have important matters to discuss. First, Zhuqing—you're now at the Soul King level and possess two spirit bones. Your fifth soul ring should ideally come from a thirty-five-thousand-year soul beast.
You can choose creatures like a ghost tiger or shadow panther. As for your sixth soul ring, don't rush to obtain it once you reach Level 60. I've already prepared your sixth soul ring—I'll explain later.
After reaching Level 60, focus on cultivating without worrying about obtaining a soul ring immediately. Even without a soul ring, you can continue accumulating soul power.
With two spirit bones, your meridians can handle the buildup without damage. Once I emerge from seclusion, I'll help you obtain your sixth soul ring.
As for Lingling, your situation is similar to Zhuqing's, but you should focus on your seventh soul ring. I suggest you follow Yanzi to a special training ground later—I'll discuss it with her.
She'll take you there. As for your soul rings, there's no need to worry. Yanzi is strong enough to help you obtain your fifth and sixth soul rings. Training there for three years should allow you to quickly break through to Level 70.
Do you both understand? As for why I'm giving you two special treatment—well, I know exactly how you feel about me."
Li Luochen laid it all out bluntly, causing the two women, who had been serious just moments ago, to instantly turn beet red like steamed crabs.
"I know you both like me, and as for me… I do have some feelings for you two as well. But for now, I can't give you a satisfying answer.
Give me a few more years—I have many things to accomplish. But I promise I won't let your feelings for me go to waste. Once you've fallen for me, there's no escaping."
With that, Li Luochen pulled the two women into an embrace. Initially startled, they slowly relaxed and wrapped their arms around his waist, feeling his firm body.
After a brief moment, the two women fled in embarrassment, but their smiles were harder to suppress than an AK-47.
"Sigh, I promise I won't let your feelings for me go to waste. Once you've fallen for me, there's no escaping."
So charming! Since when did our Lord Li become such a smooth talker? Why didn't you say these things to me back then?
Oh, let me think—when I first met Lord Li, you beat me up so badly! My butt was red, and I cried my eyes out!"
A teasing voice rang out.
"That's right, you were so domineering back then. Without a word, you carried me to bed and had your way with me in no time. I never heard any of these sweet words from you.
Now it seems you've found new favorites and forgotten the old ones. Sob sob, truly, the new generation surpasses the old. It seems my son and I will be abandoned. Sob sob."
"Eeek eeek—"
Li Luochen turned around to see his two "wives," Dugu Yan and Qian Renxue, along with his son, Li Chengqian.
But seriously, was this melodramatic romance script really coming out of their mouths?
"What nonsense! Have you two been reading too many novels? When have I ever abandoned you? You two are my treasures.
Abandon you? Do I look like I have a death wish? I'm just being straightforward tonight because I'm tipsy. I'm not one for beating around the bush."
Li Luochen shrugged as he spoke.
"Tsk, how boring. All those lines we came up with, and they had no effect? Fine, let's stop playing. Anyway, you're about to go into seclusion for a long time, so it's time to pay your dues.
One year's worth of 'tribute'—all at once!"
Dugu Yan, flaunting her 34D figure, declared boldly.
"Are you sure? Don't come crying to me later!" Li Luochen narrowed his eyes and smirked.
"Who's afraid of whom!"
"Fine, it's your call. For the next few days, I'll be unstoppable!"
Li Luochen wrapped his arms around Qian Renxue and Dugu Yan and headed back to the room. As for Li Chengqian—well, Li Luochen had Hu Liena carry him off to Bibi Dong.
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