Douluo: My Clone Is Groudon

It was far too precious.

Zhu Zhuqing lowered her gaze, staring at the tips of her toes.

Faced with Gu La's gift and goodwill, she wanted to refuse, but beneath her resolute character lay a tenacity common among soul masters—a relentless pursuit of power.

"What are you standing there for? Put it on and test its effects."

Gu La handed the evolution device to Zhu Zhuqing and explained the differences between the three buttons.

"During Mega Evolution, your soul power will continuously deplete. Attacking or defending will accelerate the consumption, so manage your soul power wisely and aim for a decisive blow."

"Xiao Wu, spar with Zhu Zhuqing."

Gu La turned to Xiao Wu. Tang San had too many tricks up his sleeve, and control-type soul masters were too oppressive against agility-attack soul masters. Xiao Wu, as a power-attacker, was the perfect match.

"Alright, Zhu Zhuqing, let's fight!"

Xiao Wu loved fighting and agreed without hesitation.

Zhu Zhuqing nodded and moved away from Xiao Wu to create distance.

Gu La and Tang San stepped aside, retreating to the edge of the garden. Gu La acted as the referee, waiting for both to get ready, then waved his hand: "Begin!"

Under the radiant golden sunlight, Zhu Zhuqing lightly tapped her toes, leaving traces in the dense grass. After invoking her Netherworld Spirit Cat martial soul, her pupils narrowed into vertical slits, and a yellow soul ring flickered faintly around her feet.

Following Gu La's instructions, she pressed the button on the Mega Evolution device. Knowing Xiao Wu was a power-focused soul master, she selected the button representing the Tiger Demon Cat, known for its strength.

"Roar-Meow!"

A mixed roar-like sound echoed through the air, and Zhu Zhuqing's appearance transformed dramatically. Dark fur spread across her arms and legs, as if binding her dark attributes to grant her greater strength.

"My strength has increased."

Zhu Zhuqing murmured to herself, her vertical pupils shifting slightly as she gazed ahead. Her figure began to accelerate.

Xiao Wu's explosive power crushed the grass beneath her feet, scattering blades into the wind. Her pink eyes reflected Zhu Zhuqing's fleeting afterimages.

When she finally pinpointed Zhu Zhuqing's true position, her soul ring had already become translucent. A pitch-black cat claw tore through the air, accompanied by a sharp gust of wind.

Netherworld Strike!

In her Mega-Evolved state, Zhu Zhuqing's first soul skill had significantly increased in both power and speed.

"Hehe."

A laugh rang out as Xiao Wu's scorpion-tail braid wrapped around her neck, pulling her back. Her long, springy legs kicked out, using her superior reach to strike Zhu Zhuqing's chest first.

Despite the playful nature of the move, Zhu Zhuqing felt a sharp pain in her chest. Fortunately, her Tiger Demon Cat form had also enhanced her defense, equivalent to that of a Soul Grandmaster at level twenty-six or twenty-seven.

Xiao Wu, only at level twenty-two, hadn't inflicted too much damage, thanks to Zhu Zhuqing's soul power defenses blocking most of the impact.

The two used the recoil to retreat, with Zhu Zhuqing adjusting her posture mid-air, flipping once before landing face-down. Her claws gouged ten deep furrows into the ground, while Xiao Wu's hair was sliced off, floating in the air.

"Zhu Zhuqing's stats have improved significantly in all areas."

Tang San was astonished. Zhu Fugui's Mega Evolution had been too brief to observe much, but watching Zhu Zhuqing now made it clear how this all-around enhancement could massively boost combat power—enough to turn the tide of battle and determine victory or defeat.

Gu La's eyes glowed with purple light as he carefully monitored Zhu Zhuqing's condition, ready to intervene at any moment.

Zhu Zhuqing crouched like a leopard, her hands turning a dark purple. Her first soul ring suddenly flared brightly: Netherworld Claw!

Combining her first soul skill with Shadow Claw, the purple claw shadows materialized into solid claws that lunged toward Xiao Wu. However, just as they reached Xiao Wu's waist, they abruptly missed—the pink figure swung her scorpion-tail braid, wrapping it around Zhu Zhuqing's left arm, while her legs locked around Zhu Zhuqing's right arm.

1st Soul Skill: Waist Bow!

The two figures entangled in mid-air, their soul powers erupting repeatedly as fists and feet collided, creating shockwaves that whipped up fierce winds.

Both landed, but Zhu Zhuqing's sharper claws gave her the upper hand in close combat. Xiao Wu flipped and landed, her waistline torn open, revealing pale skin.

Xiao Wu's cheeks flushed red, followed by a surge of embarrassment and anger. Without thinking, she prepared to unleash her Eight-Step Throw.

"Stop!"

Gu La intervened just in time: "Zhu Zhuqing's soul power is depleted. Xiao Wu, you win."

"Huh? So soon? I haven't even had enough fun yet."

Xiao Wu grumbled, confused about winning. She covered her waist, feeling as though she'd somehow come out at a disadvantage.

Zhu Zhuqing's martial soul had reverted to its original Netherworld Spirit Cat form. She stared at the Mega Evolution device, her expression tinged with loss.

Seeing her reluctance, Gu La reminded her: "The Mega Evolution device is an external aid. The strength it provides ultimately depends on the soul master's own combat ability. Don't rely on it too much."

"Mm, I understand."

Zhu Zhuqing nodded slightly at Gu La. Depleted of soul power and feeling weak, she sat cross-legged on the grass to meditate and recover.

Gu La didn't disturb her and instead asked Xiao Wu: "What do you think of Zhu Zhuqing's strength after Mega Evolution?"

Feeling a cool breeze against her exposed waist, Xiao Wu changed into a white top, her eyes darting around. "Zhu Zhuqing's transformation earlier was so cool!"

She wanted one too.

Considering the scarcity of soul bones, Xiao Wu decided to return to the Great Star Dou Forest during the holidays. There might still be rabbit-type soul bones buried somewhere, and since she wouldn't need to kill spirit beasts to obtain them, she felt no guilt.

Gu La sighed inwardly. Was this really what he had asked?

After observing the battle, Tang San suddenly raised a question: "To create a Mega Evolution device, only a small part of the soul bone is needed. Can the remaining portion still be fused and used to cast soul skills?"

Blind student, you've hit upon an important point!

Gu La was startled and quickly retrieved four soul bones, activating his Appraisal Eye to analyze them.

"The Human-Faced Demon Spider soul bone retains over 90% of its integrity. Its overall structure hasn't been compromised, so it can still be fused by a soul master and its soul skills used."

"For Zhu Zhuqing's Mega Evolution device, I used the core section. These three soul bones can no longer be fused and can only be used to manufacture Mega Evolution devices."

Zhu Zhuqing, who was meditating, twitched her ears slightly, her cheeks flushing a delicate shade of red. Unfortunately, no one noticed this fleeting beauty.

Tang San felt a pang of regret, especially upon learning that one of the soul bones was a ten-thousand-year piece. He couldn't help but feel sorry for Gu La.

Compared to the enhancement the core sections provided to the Mega Evolution device, soul bones were far more valuable.

Though these soul bones were originally found by Xiao Wu, Tang San still hated to see them wasted. It was unfortunate they hadn't realized this earlier.

Gu La reassured him: "Don't worry. Once I turn these three soul bones into Mega Evolution devices, I'm confident I can trade them for other soul bones."

"For major factions, a single soul bone won't change the bigger picture. Trading for a dozen devices that enhance combat power would be a very worthwhile deal."

Tang San's expression softened. "That does make sense."

Gu La put away the soul bones. "I'll go write a paper to prepare those major factions and give them some advance notice. You all continue training."

Xiao Wu complained: "No way! Staring at leaves all day makes my eyes hurt."

"That's because you're not trying hard enough. Keep going!"

Gu La ignored Xiao Wu's complaints. Soul masters weren't so fragile, especially Xiao Wu, who was originally a spirit beast. Her potential was limitless, and her complaints now were purely out of laziness.

(T/N: Mega Evolution is my favorite 'gimmick' in the Pokemon franchise. What about y'all?)

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