Douluo Dalu 3 - Qiang Ming's Journey

Qiang Ming was brought directly to the ships by his master, Tian Jue Dui. As usual, there was no grand entrance, no fanfare—just a sudden drop-off that seemed to catch even the Douluo and Star Luo delegations unaware. With not even a word of farewell, his Master vanished into the distance like a ghost, leaving Ming alone at the dock.

Shrugging, Qiang Ming boarded the vessel without much concern. He found his assigned cabin and immediately entered seclusion, sitting cross-legged as he resumed his cultivation. His mind was calm, still as a quiet sea. He felt no excitement nor apprehension at the prospect of reuniting with his former comrades. Quite some time had passed since they last met, and things between them had not ended amicably.

Still, they were all Shrek students. Whatever tensions may have once existed, Qiang Ming decided to treat them with courtesy and respect. Whether or not they would eventually eclipse him in fame was irrelevant—he and his Master walked a different path now. If everything went smoothly, then all was well. But if calamity befell the continent, it would fall to them to carry the burden.

Hours passed like leaves in the wind.

Then, the ship's intercom crackled to life, announcing a formal ball intended to break the ice between the delegations.

With a faint chuckle, Qiang Ming stood and went to prepare himself.

He took great care in his attire. Purple tailored pants and a crisp white formal shirt embroidered with the Clear Flow Clan's signature blue hammer at the collar. He wore his finest shoes—already top-quality—and topped the look with a deep purple jacket and matching tie. His signature long, golden-purple hair was neatly pulled back by his usual pin, letting a few deliberate strands frame his face for flair. Finally, he draped his Arena Champion medal around his neck—an unspoken statement, silent but undeniable.

When he arrived at the venue, it was already packed. His late entrance caused a stir the moment the doors opened.

All heads turned toward him.

With sharp eyesight, Qiang Ming registered nearly everyone's momentary surprise. Many eyes lingered longer than necessary, his late arrival, elegant appearance, and natural aura commanding attention. Even his former classmates widened their eyes—especially the three who had once fought beside him. They were older, stronger, more refined, just like him.

He descended the staircase at a measured pace, owning each step like a nobleman descending into his court. The chatter resumed slowly, but attention never fully left him.

He made his way toward his old classmates.

They had all matured. The girls, already pretty in youth, had grown into exceptional beauties. The boys, once awkward teenagers, now stood proud and confident. Familiar faces stood alongside unfamiliar ones—Yue Zhengyu and Yuanen Yehui, he recognized by reputation alone, though they'd never spoken. The last two, chubby boy and a girl with sharp eyes and a sword on her back, he had never met. But judging from their proximity and behavior, it didn't take long to guess—Xu Lizhi and Ye Xinglan.

As he approached, Tang Wulin was the first to speak.

"Qiang Ming... It's been years. You vanished after that first tournament. What happened? Have you been well?"

Wulin's tone was warm, but formal. Gu Yue stood at his side, silent and icy, her gaze cool and dispassionate.

"I was chosen by one of the Academy's elders. He whisked me away for training—no time for goodbyes, and no way to contact anyone. He's only just now deemed me ready to return to the world." Qiang Ming's voice was even, polite. "But yes, I've been well. You all seem stronger, and your group has grown."

It was the kind of conversation people had when they were supposed to—more diplomatic than personal.

Wulin nodded. "Yes. Zhengyu and Yuanen joined us earlier this year. Xinglan and Lizhi came in shortly after you... departed. All strong Soul Elders."

Qiang Ming's gaze shifted across the group. He paused briefly on Xie Xie. Nothing. No big reaction, no tension. Curious, but not surprising. His eyes then lingered just a moment longer on Ye Xinglan. She noticed. Her gaze met his, sharp and analyzing. But seeing that she was standing close to Xu Lizhi, he gave a small nod and moved on.

"Well, it's been good seeing you all again. We should have a spar sometime," he said lightly, turning to leave. "But I've got people to speak to."

"We'll have time," Wulin replied with a small smile. "Let's see if your 'training' paid off."

Qiang Ming gave a simple wave and walked off.

His next destination: an icy figure surrounded by admirers.

"Teacher Wu," Qiang Ming said calmly as he approached, "long time no see."

Wu Zhangkong turned, clearly surprised. His sharp blue eyes flicked to Qiang Ming, then toward Elder Cai in the distance, as if seeking silent confirmation. Then back.

"Hello, Ming…" he said slowly. "Your disappearance caused me no small amount of worry. Had the Academy not assured me you were safe, I would've come looking myself."

Qiang Ming chuckled lightly, rubbing the back of his head. "Long story short, an Elder took me as a personal disciple. Abducted me, really, then trained me for the last two years. I wasn't even on the Douluo Continent, and I didn't have access to soul tools. You could say I was in isolation. I believe Elder Cai can give you the full story."

Wu Zhangkong considered him, his usual icy demeanor cracking slightly. Then, quietly:

"That day… the last words you said to me before you vanished. You were right. I still think I made the correct choice, but the reason I gave you… it was flawed. As your teacher, I apologize."

Qiang Ming blinked, a little surprised. Then he smiled—genuinely.

"It's alright, Teacher. I was more angry at the situation than anything else. A childish tantrum, really."

He reached forward and clapped a hand on the man's shoulder.

"We're from Shrek, after all. Basically family."

Zhangkong returned a rare, small smile. "If you need anything, come to me."

"I will. But for now, I should speak with Elder Cai. Wouldn't want to keep a Hyper Douluo waiting."

With a nod, Wu Zhangkong turned back to his drink and was soon re-immersed in his world, indifferent to the flock of women still orbiting him.

Qiang Ming found Elder Cai sitting alone at a nearby table. He approached and respectfully took a seat.

"Long time no see, Elder Cai. How have you been?"

She gave him a measured look and a raised eyebrow. "That's my line. To fall into the hands of that madman... I don't know whether to call it a blessing or a curse. You know, back when I was younger, my team was sent to train under him for a few months."

Qiang Ming leaned back, a familiar grin forming. "Oh? So I'm not the only one he tormented."

"Tormented is one word for it," she said dryly, sipping her wine. "He calls it teaching."

And so, the rest of the night passed with laughter, horror stories, and mutual commiseration about Tian Jue Dui's particularly "unique" training methods.

For the first time in years, Qiang Ming felt almost... normal again.