Chapter 80: So I’m the Second Greatest in the World?

"Following teacher's orders, I will take full responsibility for Fourth Junior Brother's safety. I will not let anyone harm his life. If I'm pushed too far, even an army of hundreds of thousands will be wiped out in the blink of an eye!"

Poison Douluo spoke with absolute confidence.

Under Zhou Sheng'an's guidance, even though his soul power was only at Level 97, he had the confidence to defeat even a Level 98 opponent in real combat!

"Thank you, Senior Brother!" Qin Ming quickly cupped his fists in gratitude.

Zhou Sheng'an took out a booklet and smiled. "This is a reference route I wrote for you based on the letters sent by Elder Ge. And the person coming to receive you should be here now."

Qin Ming accepted the booklet as if he had received a priceless treasure.

Even though his teacher had evaluated him as surpassing Grand Marshal Ge Long, he still felt uncertain. Having a guide from his teacher was the best reassurance he could ask for!

At this moment, outside the courtyard, the Titan Giant Ape, Er Ming, who was sitting cross-legged, turned his head toward the foot of the mountain and said, "Teacher, a group of knights is approaching."

"Let them come," Zhou Sheng'an replied.

Moments later, Qian Renxue arrived outside the thatched cottage with a group of knights.

When they saw the Titan Giant Ape beside the courtyard, they were momentarily dumbfounded.

Even if they couldn't recognize its identity, the sheer presence of its immense soul power made it clear that this was no ordinary ten-thousand-year soul beast!

Qian Renxue subtly shook her head at her subordinates, signaling them not to panic.

"Sir Zhou, the nation is in crisis, chaos reigns across the land, and the people are displaced. I humbly request that you leave seclusion, lead Heaven Dou, and bring peace to the continent!" Qian Renxue bowed deeply and spoke respectfully.

Her attitude was exceptionally humble, devoid of any princely authority.

Zhou Sheng'an waved his hand gently, and a soft force lifted Qian Renxue upright.

He smiled. "Your Highness, you came at the right time. My disciple has completed his training today and harbors the ambition to end the war and unify the land. With him leading Heaven Dou, your wish will surely be fulfilled."

Qian Renxue was slightly startled. "Sir Zhou, you…"

"I have no intention of leaving seclusion. I have grown accustomed to a free and unrestrained life; there's no need for further discussion. With my fourth disciple here, you can rest assured. Just entrust the army to him. Within three years, the world will be at peace."

Zhou Sheng'an smiled faintly, but his words sounded utterly boastful.

Qin Ming didn't dare to speak, afraid that he might embarrass his teacher.

Qian Renxue was pleasantly surprised and looked at Qin Ming. After a moment of hesitation, she smiled and said, "In that case, I will trouble Mr. Qin. If Mr. Qin leaves seclusion, Heaven Dou is willing to appoint you as a Grand General! As for Mr. Zhou, you may serve as our Heaven Dou National Advisor—"

"Enough of that!" Zhou Sheng'an's expression darkened.

Did she think he was going to accept some meaningless title like Yu Xiaogang in the anime?

For a moment, he even had the urge to drive Qian Renxue and her people away.

"This… Alright." Qian Renxue gave Zhou Sheng'an a deep look, a trace of sadness flashing in her eyes.

The man who once belonged to her now treated her with such cold indifference.

She didn't say anything more and left with Qin Ming.

Poison Douluo remained in the shadows to protect him.

As the group departed, the thatched cottage returned to its usual quiet.

At this moment, a burly man in a green robe stepped out of the house. His eyes were vertical pupils, and he smiled. "Teacher, both Senior Brother and Fourth Junior Brother have left. Now, Third Junior Brother and I will have more opportunities to listen to your teachings. That's great!"

This man in the green robe was none other than the Sky Azure Bull Python, Da Ming.

The reason he had been able to take human form early was naturally due to Zhou Sheng'an's research.

However, Er Ming, due to his lower cultivation and intelligence, had yet to achieve a human form.

Zhou Sheng'an said, "Next, I want to research whether you two can acquire soul rings. After all, in a sense, humans are also soul beasts."

Da Ming's eyes lit up. "If Teacher's theory succeeds, it will shake the entire world!"

…

"Wow… That's incredible! As expected of Teacher!" Xiao Wu whispered to Zhu Zhuqing in amazement.

"What is it?" Zhu Zhuqing asked in confusion.

"Both Da Ming and Er Ming are hundred-thousand-year soul beasts, yet they've already taken human form! And now, Teacher's research is focused on making soul beasts cultivate like soul masters. Isn't that amazing?!"

Xiao Wu shook her head in disbelief, her eyes flashing with a complicated expression.

If Zhou Sheng'an's research succeeded, then what was the point of her and her mother's transformation?

"Does the title 'Grand Sage Master' seem undeserved now?" Zhu Zhuqing chuckled, a hint of pride in her tone.

No matter what, Zhou Sheng'an had once been her teacher. It was an honor to be associated with him!

"Zhuqing, you don't seem too bothered about not becoming his disciple," Xiao Wu asked curiously.

Zhu Zhuqing simply responded with a soft "Mhm" but didn't explain further.

She changed the topic. "Xiao Wu, have you encountered any assassination attempts? I heard people from Spirit Hall have been spotted around the Zhu residence."

Xiao Wu grinned. "They'd have a hard time finding me! My communications with Er Ming are highly secretive, so how could they possibly locate me?"

Zhu Zhuqing nodded and didn't say more.

Xiao Wu then idly mused, "I wonder if our little junior brother can really bring peace to the world. Teacher sure thinks highly of him… Sigh, I hope one day he praises me like that too."

Zhu Zhuqing replied, "Since Teacher said it, then it must be true."

…

[Douluo Calendar, November 13, 2024: Qin Ming was appointed Grand General of the Heaven Dou Empire, leading an army of 300,000 to invade the Haagen-Dazs Kingdom. His campaign was unstoppable, recapturing 23 cities in half a month.]

[Douluo Calendar, December 14, 2024: Qin Ming's forces clashed with Zhang Han's main army. Using a flood tactic, he crushed the enemy forces, captured Zhang Han, and gained widespread fame across Heaven Dou. His army advanced further, defeating seven major enemy divisions.]

[Douluo Calendar, December 30, 2024: Qin Ming's forces captured the capital of the Haagen-Dazs Kingdom, officially declaring its annihilation.]

The scene shifted.

Qin Ming stood atop the walls of Haagen-Dazs' royal city, gazing at the southern border of the Mohr Principality with an unreadable expression.

A deputy general flattered him, "The Grand General's abilities are beyond mortal comprehension! At first, we doubted, but after following you into battle, we've never lost. You truly are a legend! Even Grand Marshal Ge Long might not have been your match!"

"I'd say the Grand General is even better!"

"Hahaha! At this rate, even without Spirit Hall's help, our army could march straight into Star Luo City!"

The officers laughed heartily.

Qin Ming, however, only wore a helpless expression. Before leaving the thatched cottage, he couldn't defeat his teacher. After leaving, he realized… he might only lose to his teacher.

Even Zhang Han, one of the top ten generals in the world, had been so easily defeated that the battle felt utterly dull.

'Is that all…?'

"Grand General, what's wrong? Are you exhausted?" his deputy asked with concern.

Qin Ming shook his head slightly and said in a deep voice, "Do not relax! We've only reclaimed lost territory. Rest for three days, then we march again—our next target is the Moore Principality!"