Chapter 151: The Power of a Single Sword
"What formidable sword intent!"
On the platform, Sword Douluo opened his eyes abruptly, a trace of regret flashing across his face. "What a pity. If this child's martial spirit were a pure sword, I'd be willing to pass my title to him when he becomes a Titled Douluo!"
Ning Fengzhi, being a support-type soul master, knew little about sword intent or swordsmanship, but he trusted Sword Douluo implicitly. Hearing his evaluation, Ning Fengzhi's gaze toward Xiao Yu grew increasingly wary.
"Sword Uncle, in your opinion, is the Spirit Hall Academy team a match for Xiao Yu?"
Ning Fengzhi gestured subtly toward the Spirit Hall Academy team.
"It's hard to say."
Sword Douluo shook his head gravely. "If we're only talking about the three Golden Generation soul kings known to the outside world, they wouldn't be a match for Xiao Yu. But..."
Sword Douluo's sharp gaze, as piercing as a sword, landed on Qian Renxue. "That young woman—her strength eludes me. I suspect she's the strongest among Spirit Hall's younger generation."
"Sword Uncle, even with your level of soul power…"
Ning Fengzhi's expression shifted dramatically. Sword Douluo, a powerhouse with soul power at level 96, could detect even a Soul Douluo's presence with ease. Was this young soul master under 25 already so powerful?
Sword Douluo shook his head. "That girl likely has a soul bone that can mask her presence, which blocks my perception. If it were purely her cultivation, I would sense an aura of threat even if I couldn't determine her exact level. I'm certain she hasn't reached that realm yet; at most, she's a soul king or soul emperor.
"If she's just a soul king, she's probably not Xiao Yu's match. But if she's a soul emperor, the outcome could be uncertain."
"She's most likely a soul emperor," Ning Fengzhi remarked, turning to glance at the towering Angel God statue in the distance. "The nearly ten thousand years of Spirit Hall's foundation are not to be underestimated. If not for Xiao Yu's sudden emergence as a soul emperor, this mysterious girl likely wouldn't have revealed herself at this stage."
Sword Douluo nodded in agreement.
As Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo conversed, Xiao Yu had already made his move. The Underworld Sword slashed forth, unleashing overwhelming sword pressure that seemed capable of destroying the heavens and earth as it charged toward the Ice Phoenix.
With the swing of his sword, the terrifying energy rippled outward in all directions, forcing the academy teachers to instinctively activate their martial spirits to resist the oppressive force.
"What a powerful strike!"
In Shrek's resting area, the sole teacher present was Flender, as Yu Xiaogang was still recovering from his injuries, and Liu Erlong, ever the romantic, couldn't bear to leave his side.
Flender looked at Xiao Yu on the stage with lingering fear. The sheer pressure from that single sword strike had compelled him to activate his martial spirit. If he were the one facing this strike directly, could he withstand it?
Tang San's gaze was locked on Xiao Yu, his fists clenched so tightly that blood nearly seeped from his palms. A mix of unwillingness, jealousy, and hatred twisted his expression.
Tang San, skilled at reading others, could discern from Flender's reaction that Xiao Yu's strike had surpassed the capabilities of an average Soul Saint, causing Flender's wariness.
Under the astonished, fearful, and admiring gazes of the crowd, Xiao Yu's attack clashed directly with the descending Ice Phoenix.
Crack!
Accompanied by a faint sound, the massive Ice Phoenix began to fracture from its head, the cracks extending down its entire length to its tail.
Boom!
The Ice Phoenix, split cleanly in two by Xiao Yu's single strike, crashed onto the arena floor. A thin layer of frost spread across the massive platform.
As the icy mist dispersed, two graceful figures emerged—Shui Bing'er and Xue Wu. Supporting each other, they barely managed to stay on their feet, their beautiful eyes filled with shock as they stared at Xiao Yu, standing proudly before them.
Moments earlier, when the sword light had cleaved the Ice Phoenix, both women had felt an unmistakable brush with death. They had no doubt that if Xiao Yu had let his attack fully land, they would now be nothing but lifeless bodies. Fortunately, Xiao Yu had held back in the end.
"Thank you!"
Shui Bing'er and Xue Wu bowed deeply toward Xiao Yu.
"No need to be so formal," Xiao Yu replied, raising his hand slightly. "This was just a friendly competition. We bear no deep grudges—there's no reason to go for the kill. Just as a moment ago, when your Ice Phoenix attacked, didn't you, Shui Bing'er, call out to warn me?"
Shui Bing'er's cheeks flushed at Xiao Yu's gentlemanly demeanor. What girl wouldn't be captivated by such charm? Xiao Yu's strength and poise were enough to stir her heart.
Shui Bing'er opened her mouth slightly, as if to say something, but a cold voice suddenly interrupted.
"The spirit fusion technique has already been broken. Shui Bing'er, why are you still lingering on the stage?"
A fiery figure appeared at Xiao Yu's side. As the daughter of the Tianshui Academy's prominent family, Shui Bing'er immediately recognized the newcomer—Huo Wu, the heiress of the Blazing Fire Academy.
Huo Wu wrapped her arms around Xiao Yu's, as if to declare her claim on him, then turned to the referee and said, "Referee, shouldn't you announce the results of the match?"
Snapping out of his daze, the referee hurriedly declared, "Match over! First round, second match of the finals: Tianshui Academy versus Nine Stars Academy. Nine Stars Academy wins!"
With the announcement, the teams from Nine Stars Academy and Tianshui Academy left the stage.
"Damn it! Damn it!"
Tang San glared at Xiao Yu's retreating figure as he walked off the stage, his bloodshot eyes brimming with resentment. In his mind, an endless cry of frustration echoed:
Why, heavens? Why?
I, Tang San, reborn with the unrivaled secret techniques of the Tang Sect, and possessing the rarest twin martial spirits—why am I so far inferior to Xiao Yu?
I refuse to accept this! I refuse!
Meanwhile, in the Spirit Hall's resting area, Xie Yue, Hu Liena, and Yan had already risen to their feet the moment Xiao Yu unleashed that sword. Even Qian Renxue's beautiful eyes were filled with astonishment.
The power of that strike had far exceeded her expectations. She knew she couldn't replicate such an attack—at least not with her fifth spirit skill.
"This Xiao Yu, his strength is truly unfathomable!"
Hu Liena's enchanting eyes flashed with deep wariness. "I wonder if my brother and I can restrain him with our spirit fusion technique?"
Xie Yue glanced subtly at Qian Renxue behind him. Though he didn't know her true identity, he was far more perceptive than certain sycophants.
With three spirit bones at stake, there was no way the Pope would place a mere figurehead in the lineup. Perhaps, in the upcoming battle against Nine Stars Academy, she would be the key to victory.
(End of Chapter)
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