Douluo: My Clone Is Groudon

Dai Mubai abruptly stood up, causing the sandalwood wine table to wobble violently. A few drops of crimson wine splashed onto the cuffs of his silver-threaded sleeves.

The slanting rays of the setting sun bathed his platinum-gold hair in a golden glow. In his heterochromatic eyes—his left pupil molten amethyst, his right like a frozen pool—stormy waves churned, now burning with an intense light.

"I need to go back!"

His knuckles slammed down on the table, rattling the crystal glasses. "Three years have passed. Dai Weisi must think I've already died indulging in pleasure."

As he spoke, his molars clenched audibly, and his mismatched eyes flickered with a mix of anger and satisfaction.

Ma Hongjun lounged on a cushion, his fiery red hair making his youthful face appear even more boyish. He stared at the golden tassels swaying from Dai Mubai's sleeve, suddenly reminded of a noble girl he had seen last winter in Suotuo City. The pearls adorning her sable coat collar shimmered just as brightly.

His Adam's apple bobbed as he grabbed a piece of lukewarm roasted meat and stuffed it into his mouth, grease dripping down his fingers onto his coarse linen shirt. "When Boss Dai goes back to live it up, don't forget to take me to the VIP lounge at the top of the pleasure district. I heard the dancers there use rose petals…"

"Ambition!" 

Flender suddenly appeared in the tavern, his hawk-like eyes peering through crystal lenses. "The Star Luo Empire's Tiger Roar Camp could breach the Tian Dou Empire's defenses in three days if not for the Spirit Hall's interference. There'd only be one empire left by now. Unlike you lot, who are content to drown in wine and women."

"It seems I've been too busy helping old friends to properly discipline you all. This time, you're coming with me to see how my friend's students work hard."

Dai Mubai was at the height of his arrogance, his brow furrowing in dissatisfaction. "Principal, I need to go home."

Oscar swirled the liqueur in his glass, amber liquid swirling around fragments of ice. As a food-based soul master, he understood better than anyone the bitterness lurking beneath the sweetness.

"Boss Dai, forgive me for being blunt, but you didn't even hear about your family until Fatty here told you. Do you really think going back will be better than staying out here?"

Dai Mubai's smile froze as he realized he had been away for nearly three years.

No one had ever placed much hope in him, the third prince. After three years, Dai Weisi must have already consolidated support among the nobility. Would anyone still back him?

Dai Mubai sat back down, grabbed a bottle of wine, popped the cork with one hand, and tipped it into his mouth.

"Damn it! Xiao Ao, why didn't you say this earlier? I got my hopes up for nothing! Going back to be a puppet prince is worse than staying out here and living freely!"

He gulped down the wine, trying to numb himself and forget his earlier excitement. Unfortunately, the wine was weak, and even without using soul power to break it down, he couldn't even feel drunk.

---

Tian Dou Imperial Academy

Beneath the white jade dome, the chandelier shaped like a glass pagoda illuminated the council chamber as if it were daylight.

Qin Ming's shadow stretched long, barely reaching the Imperial insignia at the edge of the steps—a crossed scepter and sword adorned with eighty-nine sapphires, symbolizing the eighty-nine duchies and marquisates under the Tian Dou Empire.

"Greetings to the three principals. May I ask what brings you to summon me, Qin Ming?"

Qin Ming stood on the red carpet, his expression respectful.

"No need for formalities, Teacher Qin," said Meng Shenji, seated in the central position, his smile warm. Though Qin Ming hadn't yet broken through to Soul Emperor level, his budding talent had impressed even the prestigious Tian Dou Imperial Academy enough to make an exception and hire him as a teacher. He was worth cultivating favor with the three education commissioners.

"This year's Young Soul Master Tournament will be hosted by the empire. It concerns the empire's prestige, so failure is not an option. With three months left, how is the team's coordination progressing?"

Qin Ming stood tall and replied, "Through battles in the Grand Spirit Arena, the students have developed tacit team cooperation. So long as they don't encounter the Spirit Hall's team early on, they are confident of reaching the semifinals."

"Semifinals?" The Soul Douluo Zhi Lin sitting to the right chuckled lightly, ripples forming in his teacup. "The last team that boasted such confidence had their banner burned to ashes by the Blazing Fire Academy during the preliminaries."

Qin Ming's fingers curled slightly behind his back. The Tian Dou Imperial squad consisted of heirs from various duchies, each obligated to uphold the empire's honor—but they also sought personal glory.

Their natural talent was undeniable, but claiming they trained diligently would be a lie.

Seemingly sensing Qin Ming's predicament, Meng Shenji interjected to ease the tension:

"Emperor Xue Ye has graciously granted access to three soul bones from the imperial treasury to create custom Mega Evolution devices for the team captain and vice-captain."

He looked directly at Qin Ming. "Avoid the death group in the draw and ensure the team reaches the finals. Once there, the Mega Evolution devices will be handed over to the team for distribution."

"The third Mega Evolution device, crafted from another soul bone, will be entrusted to Teacher Qin Ming. I hope Teacher Qin won't disappoint His Majesty."

"If you win the championship, the rewards need not be elaborated upon. Teacher Qin, you must also manage the team's logistics and devise strategies to ensure the Spirit Hall doesn't steal all the limelight."

It was clear that a single soul bone could be divided into seven or eight pieces, making Emperor Xue Ye's generosity seem far more extravagant.

Qin Ming's pupils trembled. He had heard of the incredible power of Mega Evolution devices, capable of allowing soul masters to temporarily fight above their level. Never did he imagine he'd have the chance to obtain one.

"Please rest assured, Principal. Qin Ming will spare no effort to resolve all the team's concerns and not betray His Majesty's grace."

His voice was firm and resolute. Qin Ming silently vowed to lead the team into the finals, no matter what obstacles arose.

Meng Shenji praised him lavishly, extolling the empire's virtues and promising various rewards.

Zhi Lin observed coldly from the sidelines. Hosting the tournament in Tian Dou City practically guaranteed the Imperial Battle team would reach the finals. This was merely a ploy to win Qin Ming's loyalty and finalize a deal with the grand duke.

---

"Damn you, Dai Weisi!"

On the road to Nuoding City, Dai Mubai's golden hair fluttered in the evening breeze, his mismatched eyes blazing with fury.

"Half a month has passed, and no one's informed me to return to Star Luo City. Damn it! Dai Weisi probably replaced the tiger-patterned curtains in my chambers with honeysuckle designs!"

Dai Mubai seethed with resentment, cursing Dai Weisi incessantly.

Oscar and Ma Hongjun, tired of listening, retreated to a corner of the carriage, quietly discussing the beauties they encountered the previous night in town, occasionally letting out lewd chuckles.

Flender drove the carriage while Dai Mubai, exhausted from cursing, still felt his anger simmering. He wanted to get out and stretch his legs.

After several days of cooling off, Dai Mubai had figured everything out.

Dai Weisi was still afraid of him returning and jeopardizing his position as crown prince. To leave no room for error, he simply kept Dai Mubai away, effectively banishing him to live elsewhere where no one could object.

More importantly, the Star Luo Emperor must know about this but likely approved Dai Weisi's actions for reasons unknown.

The rules had just changed, after all. Who could predict the future? Those in power always made decisions to cover every contingency.

Smart people always won before the game even began.

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