TL: Don't worry about the chapters numbering, author messed it up.
Chapter 146: The Struggle for the Throne
In the third round of the finals, the Star Luo Royal Academy faced Shrek Academy. The victor was Shrek Academy.
The finals adopted a knockout format. Shrek advanced successfully, while the Star Luo team was eliminated, ending their journey here.
Despite their victory, the Shrek team did not show much enthusiasm. The mood was somber, and both students and teachers returned to their hotel early.
As the competition continued, other academies such as Tianshui, Divine Wind, Thunderclap, and contestants from the Star Luo Empire participated in subsequent elimination rounds.
Dai Mubai, Oscar, and Ma Hongjun had already been sent for treatment, attended by the top healing soul masters from Spirit City. After half a day, good news was delivered.
Evening
At Shrek's lodging, a suburban estate, several female healing soul masters arrived with an update.
Ma Hongjun and Oscar were in no serious condition and were expected to wake up by evening, allowing them to continue in the competition.
As for Dai Mubai, half of his body was mangled, his bones shattered. Fortunately, the broken ribs had not pierced his heart; otherwise, he would have died on the spot.
Flender sat silently, his face heavy with worry.
The female healers assured that they would do their best to treat Dai Mubai. His life was no longer in danger, but his injuries were too severe—his internal organs were damaged. They advised against participating in future matches.
This was their professional recommendation. Whether it would be followed was up to Shrek's team leader. They had no authority to intervene further.
The healers left, promising to return Ma Hongjun and Oscar the following day.
After they departed, no one in Shrek spoke. The atmosphere remained heavy, stifling the usual camaraderie.
At that moment, the ones most consumed by anger were Flender and Liu Erlong.
First, Tang San—the master's final disciple—had been injured. Then Ma Hongjun and Oscar fell unconscious. Now Dai Mubai had suffered devastating injuries, likely ending his participation in the competition.
Chen Xuan, knowing his place, tactfully left the room to avoid further provoking their ire.
As he walked out, Zhu Zhuqing hesitated briefly before following him outside.
Xiao Wu snorted in displeasure, ready to chase after them, but Liu Erlong called her back.
"Xiao Wu, where are you going?" Liu Erlong asked sternly, her icy gaze fixed on Xiao Wu.
Expressionless, Liu Erlong continued coldly, "Later, come with me to check on Xiao San and see how his recovery is going."
Clearly, Liu Erlong was fuming, her temper volatile and seeking an outlet for her frustration.
"Alright," Xiao Wu pouted unhappily.
Outside
"Thank you for today's match. If not for you, Mubai and I wouldn't know what to do."
On a forest path shaded by tall trees, a man and a woman strolled through the grove, breathing in the fresh air.
As the evening breeze swept by, the flowers and trees swayed gently, producing a soothing rustling sound.
"Sigh, I feel like things aren't as simple as they seem," Chen Xuan muttered, deep in thought. He believed the two people's words carried a hidden meaning.
Zhu Zhuqing furrowed her brows slightly, also lost in thought. Zhu Zhuyun's parting words lingered in her mind, making her uneasy.
Chen Xuan had a vague suspicion: the struggle for the throne would inevitably involve bloodshed and a fight to the death. How could it be decided by a mere match?
Given Davis's ruthless nature, it was unrealistic to think he would simply surrender the right of succession after losing a match.
Moreover, Davis and Zhu Zhuyun had not truly lost. Though they were defeated in the competition, their battle against Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing had actually ended in their favor.
Ultimately, the outcome of the four-way battle rested on the decision of the Star Luo royal family.
"Zhuqing, after the competition ends, don't return to the Star Luo Empire," Chen Xuan advised, fearing the worst.
He believed the royal family would likely favor Davis over Dai Mubai. At this stage, Davis was undoubtedly stronger. The match was only lost due to external interference.
Zhu Zhuqing was momentarily stunned, confused by his words.
The two stopped walking as the path ended, blocked by a small river that ran through the forest, flowing into the distance.
Chen Xuan sat on a large boulder and shared his speculations along with some of Davis's remarks, revealing the hidden dangers to Zhu Zhuqing.
Having grown up in the Zhu family, steeped in deceit and power struggles, Zhu Zhuqing was more familiar with the harsh realities of noble disputes than Chen Xuan. She quickly understood the implications.
Sure enough, after hearing his thoughts, Zhu Zhuqing fell silent. She sat by the riverbank, staring blankly into the water as it flowed by.
She wasn't naive—on the contrary, she was very intelligent. Yet, she had been too idealistic, too hopeful. The brutal nature of the struggle for the throne finally dawned on her. Blood would inevitably be shed, and such a contest could never be resolved by a simple competition.
She felt the cruelty of it all. Despite her hard work and victory in the match, it seemed her fate remained unchanged.
Zhu Zhuqing's expression grew sorrowful as she gazed vacantly at the water.
Chen Xuan felt a pang of sympathy. Though she rarely expressed her feelings, her inner turmoil was evident.
"Maybe things aren't as bad as they seem. Everything will be fine," he comforted her, though even he didn't believe his own words.
Zhu Zhuqing shook her head slightly, remaining silent.
Chen Xuan hesitated, then continued, "After the finals, don't go back to the Star Luo Empire. Stay away for a while."
After some thought, he added, "At least, we did win the match. For now, you and Dai Mubai are safe."
The struggle for the throne was far from over. Returning to the Star Luo Empire would put them at the mercy of Davis's strength. Escaping now seemed like the better option until they were stronger.
Zhu Zhuqing shook her head gently, a bitter smile appearing on her beautiful face. "It's useless. The Star Luo Empire's influence is vast. We won't be able to escape."
Chen Xuan fell silent, realizing the truth of her words. The royal family would no longer turn a blind eye now that the throne was in contention.
In the original timeline, their Martial Soul Fusion skill evolved, granting the Nether White Tiger immense power to defeat Davis and Zhu Zhuyun.
But now? Forget the evolved version—even the basic Nether White Tiger was out of their reach.
"I'm sorry. This is all my fault," Chen Xuan murmured, apologizing.
After the match earlier that day, everyone in Shrek Academy had noticed the romantic undertones between Chen Xuan and Zhu Zhuqing, though no one brought it up.
Zhu Zhuqing remained silent, her intelligence undoubtedly catching the implication of Chen Xuan's words. However, she chose to stay quiet, likely due to her own concerns.
After a moment of silence, Chen Xuan said, "You've already caught up to Zhu Zhuyun. You're not inferior to anyone. The continent is vast, with distant regions like the extreme north. I refuse to believe the Star Luo Empire's reach extends to such places."
He truly believed Zhu Zhuqing was exceptional. Not even fifteen years old, she had reached level 47 and slightly surpassed Zhu Zhuyun in combat power.
"The Star Luo Empire's influence is immense," Zhu Zhuqing said, her voice tinged with sorrow.
She knew better than anyone how powerful the empire was. A straightforward competition might not see interference, but fleeing would certainly trigger relentless pursuit.
"Places like those are dangerous, harsh, and wouldn't make a difference. Besides, traveling to such remote areas would undoubtedly be fraught with royal ambushes," Zhu Zhuqing replied, her voice calm yet filled with despair.
Without hesitation, Chen Xuan said, "I'll go with you!"
Chapter 147: Gradual Cell Transition
Hearing Chen Xuan's words, Zhu Zhuqing felt a warmth in her heart. Having someone willing to accompany and help her was already touching.
But she was too rational, so much so that it didn't seem like she was a woman. The spark of hope that had just ignited was quickly extinguished by cold water.
"It's useless. The Xingluo Empire's influence is spread across the world. We can't compete with it as we are now," Zhu Zhuqing said with a cold tone.
She was rational—she didn't cry, complain, or make a fuss. She appeared strong, yet her voice carried a sense of despair and the helplessness of being unable to defy fate.
Chen Xuan couldn't tell if she was truly as mature as she seemed. One thing he could confirm, though, was that deep down, she was just a fourteen- or fifteen-year-old girl who, when feeling down, needed a shoulder to lean on just like anyone else.
"There will always be a way. Worst comes to worst, we just won't leave the Star Dou Forest," he comforted her.
"The Soul Beast Forest?" Zhu Zhuqing shook her head, bitterness filling her eyes. That place wasn't much better than the Xingluo Empire.
"You'll understand when the time comes." Chen Xuan didn't explain further. After all, it wasn't the right time to reveal everything. Knowing Xiao Wu's personality, she wouldn't stand by if her sister was in trouble.
For now, his priority wasn't the competition but preparing for the troubles that lay ahead.
"Zhuqing, can you do me a favor?" Chen Xuan's smile faded, his expression turning serious and solemn.
Zhu Zhuqing was stunned, showing a hint of surprise. She had never seen Chen Xuan like this before—so serious and earnest.
"What is it?" she asked, puzzled and slightly worried about what could have happened.
Without explanation, Chen Xuan took an item from his storage soul guide and quickly handed it to Zhu Zhuqing.
"What is this?"
Zhu Zhuqing's face showed confusion as she examined the item in her hands—a transparent glass vial, half a foot long, containing green liquid. It seemed ordinary, with no fluctuation of soul power.
Though there was no soul power, Zhu Zhuqing could feel the dense life essence and vitality emanating from the liquid through the glass.
"What are you planning?" she asked, her heart tightening with a bad premonition.
Chen Xuan shook his head with a bitter smile, feeling a heaviness in his chest as he sighed. "I hope everything turns out well, and I never have to use this."
"What... do you mean?" Zhu Zhuqing's expression tensed, feeling as if he was leaving behind his final words.
Chen Xuan shook his head and said, "It's nothing. If, in the near future, I happen to die, inject this vial into my body. It might save my last breath."
If it could be avoided, who would willingly use the intercellular liquid of Hashirama? It could turn him into a tree on the spot.
The Hashirama cells were his last resort. If he had to use them, he would likely already be on his final breath.
"Forget it, let's not talk about this anymore. Let's go back," Chen Xuan said, standing up. It was getting late, and they needed to rest.
However, as soon as he took a step forward, a smooth and pale arm grabbed him tightly.
"Why do you always say half of what's on your mind? Why don't you tell me what's really happening? Can't we face it together?" Zhu Zhuqing choked out, her eyes brimming with tears.
Chen Xuan froze on the spot. Turning around, he saw her stunningly beautiful face, now devoid of its usual coldness. Instead, it was filled with sorrow and pain.
"If you're unwilling to say, why did you even tell me?" Zhu Zhuqing's voice was filled with sadness, her reddened eyes overflowing with tears.
She didn't understand. Why did Chen Xuan treat her like this? Matters involving life and death were spoken of so casually, yet he refused to tell her everything, leaving her to worry needlessly.
Chen Xuan was momentarily speechless, finally realizing his mistake. He had been too careless, neglecting her feelings.
For someone as aloof as Zhu Zhuqing to shed tears, it showed just how deeply she cared about Chen Xuan's safety.
From his perspective, it was just a casual statement. But from her perspective, it was as if someone important was bidding their final farewell.
After the battle earlier that day, Chen Xuan had understood Zhu Zhuqing's feelings. However, he already had Xiao Wu and even a daughter. How could he possibly handle the relationships between Zhu Zhuqing and Jiang Zhu?
There was no denying that he also admired Zhu Zhuqing. But he knew very well that their feelings for each other were merely mutual fondness, far from a romantic relationship.
This was one of the reasons he avoided facing her.
"I'm fine now; I just have a bad feeling about the future," Chen Xuan explained. It was just a hypothesis—things hadn't reached that point yet.
Zhu Zhuqing didn't reply. Her reddened eyes glistened as she stared at him, clearly not believing his explanation.
Chen Xuan felt a headache coming on and quickly added, "I'm really fine. This is just a precaution. No one can predict the future."
Zhu Zhuqing remained silent, gazing at him for a long moment before finally averting her eyes.
Her expression carried a trace of sorrow. After hesitating for a long time, she finally said, "Don't lie to me. I can't go back anymore… I… only have you now."
Chen Xuan was stunned, his heart trembling. His entire body stiffened as he looked at Zhu Zhuqing in disbelief. Those words had come from her?
This was so unlike her—a woman who was usually so cold and reserved, now revealing such a vulnerable side.
Upon reflection, Chen Xuan understood. Because of his interference, Zhu Zhuqing wouldn't fall for Dai Mubai anymore. And it was his involvement that had caused the failure of their martial soul fusion skill, leading to their defeat by Davis.
Zhu Zhuqing could no longer return to her family or have any relationship with Dai Mubai. Their future together was impossible.
Chen Xuan felt guilty. Ultimately, it was his actions that had led to this situation. Yet, he couldn't offer Zhu Zhuqing the love she deserved.
For Zhu Zhuqing, without her family, without Xingluo, and without her fiancé, all she had left was Chen Xuan. After all, he was the only man she had feelings for now.
If Chen Xuan were to die, it would cause her immense pain. He was the last person she cared about.
Chen Xuan sighed, his eyes becoming resolute. "I won't die. Not until I've resolved your troubles."
"It's late. Let's head back."
Before Zhu Zhuqing could respond, Chen Xuan raised his hand and used the Flying Thunder God technique, taking her with him as they left the small forest.
Chapter 148: The Seal of the Martial Soul
The night was serene, with stars sparkling across the sky and a bright white moon hanging high, bathing the earth in its gentle light.
At Shrek's encampment, everyone had returned to the hotel and gone to bed early. Earlier that day, the tournament's healing soul masters had fulfilled their promise by treating Ma Hongjun and Oscar and sending them back.
A female healer had informed them that Tang San was recovering well, with no major issues left, and that he could participate in the competition the next day.
In the stillness of the late night, moonlight poured down like water, as if a river of stars cascaded gently to the window.
Chen Xuan stood by the window, gazing at the night sky and the full moon, letting the moonlight wash over him.
"Level 51 now. It's time to give it a try!"
Sitting on the floor, he summoned his martial soul and entered a meditative state.
Above his head, ripples of distortion spread through the air, forming a black orb about the size of a soccer ball. Dark as ink, it hovered silently above him.
When Chen Xuan first arrived on the continent, he had consumed a rare herb that caused his martial soul to evolve into a new form. Now, he could sense the immense spatial and annihilative power contained within the black orb. Unfortunately, it was tightly bound by chains, which coiled around it several times.
After days of preparation, his body's energy had reached its peak. Nourished by the rare herb, every fiber of his being brimmed with strength and vitality, now pushed to their absolute limits.
Chen Xuan had compared himself to others and found that his power, speed, and agility far exceeded those of others at the same level. Progress in these aspects was unlikely in the short term, leaving his martial soul as the next focus for improvement.
He had calculated that only by reaching the Soul Saint level could he break the chains' seal. However, this was based on average standards, and his training over the past months—enhancing his body to its peak and absorbing energy beyond his level—had defied the norm.
Chen Xuan could feel that he was close to having enough energy to break the chains. He was confident that with another half a month of cultivation, he could shatter the seal. But time was not on his side.
With a sharp intake of breath, Chen Xuan's body began to glow. His organs resonated, his blood coursed with energy, and dazzling light filled the room.
His soul power surged, radiating outward in ripples, dense and tangible like flames that burned endlessly.
Clang!
Chen Xuan unleashed all his soul power, slamming it into the martial soul above him. The chains rattled under the tremendous force.
Yet reality was harsher than he imagined. Despite his full-force attack, the chains remained unscathed, only swaying slightly in response.
Frowning, Chen Xuan examined the chains. Although they appeared no thicker than a staff, they were far sturdier than he had anticipated.
He tried again, doubling the amount of soul power this time, unleashing a torrent as fierce as a river.
Clang!
The sound of metal colliding echoed through the room, but the chains remained intact, showing not even the slightest scratch.
Gritting his teeth, Chen Xuan felt a sense of helplessness. The seal was far stronger than he had anticipated, as unyielding as a mountain.
Previously, he had hoped that, even if he couldn't break the chains in one go, he could at least damage them bit by bit. However, reality had shattered that hope.
For his final attempt, Chen Xuan unleashed all his soul power, a torrent several times stronger than before.
Yet again, he failed. The chains remained as immovable as ever.
Panting heavily, Chen Xuan slumped to the floor, his energy drained. The seal's resilience was far beyond what he could currently challenge.
At that moment, Chen Xuan remembered his chakra nature. Though his attacks hadn't worked, the elemental attributes within his soul power were still a part of it. They might be effective against the seal.
Activating his elemental chakra, flames, lightning, water, wind, and earth manifested around him.
This time, he gave it his all. If this final attempt failed, he would have no choice but to wait for another opportunity.
Within the room, natural forces raged—fire burned, lightning flashed, winds howled, and torrents of water surged.
Crack!
The five elemental forces converged and struck the chains, producing a blinding, five-colored light. The space surrounding his martial soul trembled as ripples spread outward, even shaking the walls and floor of the hotel.
Finally, the seal reached its breaking point. With a resounding crack, a small fissure appeared in the chains.
"Did it finally break?"
Chen Xuan was overjoyed, stunned that he had succeeded.
Simultaneously, he felt a surge of spatial power emanating from the black orb, mingled with traces of annihilation energy.
Although the chains weren't fully broken, the small crack had already brought tremendous benefits.
Chen Xuan noticed an immediate loosening of the restrictions on his martial soul. The range of his Flying Thunder God technique expanded to 3,000 meters, and the number of markings he could create increased to 30.
This improvement far exceeded his expectations. If merely breaking a small part of the seal could yield such results, what would happen if the chains were completely destroyed?
Driven by this thought, Chen Xuan attempted to break the chains further using his five elemental chakras.
Once again, the room was filled with raging natural forces.
However, the chains seemed to have grown even stronger. Despite his repeated attempts, the fissure did not widen, and his soul power was completely drained.
Exhausted, Chen Xuan collapsed onto his bed and fell into a deep sleep.
The commotion did not go unnoticed. Hotel staff, alerted by the noise, arrived to find Chen Xuan's room in chaos. Furniture was scattered, walls and floors damaged, though thankfully the load-bearing walls were intact.
The next morning, Chen Xuan was summoned by the hotel manager, who sternly warned him against practicing soul techniques in his room again. Chen Xuan, having no money to pay for the damages, left Zhu Zhuqing to cover the substantial cost.
Zhu Zhuqing, with a dark expression, felt a headache brewing as she paid the bill, grumbling about Chen Xuan's recklessness.
Chapter 149: Wuhun Hall Battle Team
"How do you plan to compensate me?" Zhu Zhuqing's voice was cold as she calmly stared at Chen Xuan.
"Uh…" Chen Xuan was dumbfounded and didn't know how to answer.
He was a little confused. Zhu Zhuqing, coming from a noble family, was not poor—though not wealthy enough to be called a fortune heiress, she certainly had some savings. Why would she care about a small amount of money?
What Chen Xuan didn't know was that when Zhu Zhuqing fled from the Zhu family, she didn't take much with her, not even any Jin Hun coins. Over the years, she had been relying on the subsidies from Wuhun Hall to get by, so she was actually quite poor.
Moreover, the compensation wasn't a small amount—it was a thousand Jin Hun coins, enough for an ordinary person to live off for decades.
Chen Xuan shifted his gaze, feeling somewhat guilty under her scrutiny.
"Uh… I'll return it tomorrow," he said, then quickly went to assemble with the others.
Later that evening, Chen Xuan finally opened the upgrade gift pack. He had forgotten to open it for the past few days due to the delays.
Zhu Zhuqing, who was as cold and beautiful as ever, didn't say anything and simply went to join the Shrek team.
Outside the hotel, on an open field, Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, Jiang Zhu, Oscar, and Ma Hongjun had all gathered.
When Chen Xuan arrived, his eyes immediately caught a familiar blue figure standing next to Tai Long.
It was none other than Tang San, who had been missing for days, now returning to the Shrek team.
Chen Xuan was taken aback. He thought, "Hasn't he been recovering from serious injuries for over a hundred days? A soul master shouldn't heal so quickly…"
"Could it be the effect of the Blue Silver Emperor?" he muttered to himself, speculating that the powerful vitality brought by the Blue Silver Emperor bloodline might be at work.
Tang San's face was cold as he glanced at Chen Xuan, his eyes filled with hostility.
"Ahem, little monsters, is everyone here?" At that moment, Flender and Liu Erlong walked over from the manor.
Except for the injured Dai Mubai, who couldn't participate in the competition, the Shrek team and their substitutes had all gathered.
Flender informed them that Shrek Academy had a bye for today's match and would directly advance to the semifinals. As for their opponents tomorrow, they would be decided during the day's matches.
Though there was no match today, after some discussion among the teachers and students, they decided to go watch the battles at the competition area.
Soon, the Shrek group arrived above Wuhun Hall, in a misty, mountainous area, one of the highest points in Wuhun City.
"Little monsters."
A figure in green armor, Du Gu Bo, appeared, his hands behind his back as he walked toward the Shrek team.
Tang San's face lit up with surprise, and he asked, "Old monster, what are you doing here?"
The Shrek team looked puzzled. Du Gu Bo, a poison master, had been missing since he entered Wuhun City, only showing up today.
"Senior Du Gu," Flender cupped his hands in greeting.
Du Gu Bo nodded in acknowledgment, then turned to Tang San with a smile. "What's wrong? Is Shrek not welcoming me as an honorary elder?"
"Of course not," Tang San grimaced, silently cursing this old monster for being so theatrical.
Du Gu Bo laughed. "Today is Yan Yan's match, how can I, as her grandfather, not be here?"
Ma Hongjun couldn't help but mutter, "Senior Poison, our Shrek match is also quite exciting. Why didn't you show up for that?"
Upon hearing this, Du Gu Bo's face twitched, clearly embarrassed.
"Ahem." He cleared his throat, changing the subject. "Little monster, make sure you watch this match carefully. Cherish the opportunity that Yan Yan and Tianheng are fighting for."
"Old monster, what do you mean by that?"
It wasn't just Tang San who was confused; the rest of the Shrek students were equally puzzled.
Du Gu Bo fell silent, his expression turning serious as he looked toward the distance, where three young people with remarkable presences were standing.
The Shrek team followed Du Gu Bo's gaze. On the opposite side of the audience stands, three individuals—two men and a woman—were looking back at them.
These three were dressed in luxurious clothes, with noble and distinguished auras. The man had sharp eyebrows, the woman was as beautiful as a flower, her eyes constantly carrying a hint of allure.
They were none other than Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan—leaders of the Wuhun Hall battle team, also known as the "Golden Generation" of Wuhun Hall.
Though the Shrek Six Monsters didn't know them personally, they couldn't afford to underestimate them. Just their imposing aura was enough to show how formidable they were, a clear expression of their self-confidence in their strength.
Su Yuntao stood at the center of the arena, seeing that the various academies had mostly arrived. He called out loudly, "Since the two seed teams have arrived, let the final round of the fourth match begin! Please welcome our Wuhun Hall team and Tiandou Royal Academy to the stage!"
"Wuhun Hall team?"
Hearing the name of this team, the Shrek group was surprised. The invincible Wuhun Hall team—so those three were the team's members.
Xie Yue, Hu Liena, Yan, Li Chuantao, Zhang Ping, and the rest of the Wuhun Hall team walked onto the stage confidently, each person standing tall and walking slowly without rushing.
The Wuhun Hall battle team was known as the dominant force in this arena, undefeated in the Soul Master Tournaments for multiple generations. Their undefeated streak had given them a reputation as the ultimate powerhouse.
The moment these seven stepped onto the stage, their overwhelming aura immediately overshadowed that of the Tiandou team. Not just Shrek, but every competitor in the arena couldn't help but be drawn to the Wuhun Hall battle team.
Yu Tianheng gritted his teeth. As a seed team, they weren't receiving much attention, a stark contrast to Wuhun Hall.
Yan sneered, full of arrogance, and cast a contemptuous glance toward Tiandou Royal Academy, clearly looking down on them.
Du Gu Yan, Ye Lingling, Yu Feng, Oscar, Shi Mo, and Shi Mo all wore grim expressions. Wuhun Hall's deliberate provocation aside, even the Xingluo Empire seemed to be looking down on Tiandou, showing blatant hostility toward them.
The two teams faced off in the center of the stage. The Tiandou team, in particular, looked as if their eyes were ready to burst into flames with hostility.
The arena was over a hundred meters in length, spacious and grand. Above it stood a statue of a six-winged angel—a golden-haired woman radiating a divine glow, her three pairs of massive golden wings shimmering in the light.
Su Yuntao walked forward and began his introduction: "On the right, we have the seed team from the Tiandou Empire—Tiandou Royal Academy. Their strength is no doubt formidable."
His voice grew louder as he continued, "On the left, we have the Wuhun Hall Academy, the undisputed champions of this arena. Xie Yue, Yan, and Hu Liena, all have reached the Soul King level at a young age, and are holders of the Purple Record Medal, known as the 'Golden Generation' of Wuhun Hall."
Having completed the introductions, Su Yuntao motioned for both teams to release their martial souls as the match was about to begin.
"Hmph!"
Hu Liena smiled charmingly, her lips glossy and her body curvy as she twisted her waist provocatively, her orange fox-like tail swaying with every movement. Her seductive expression made her look even more like a vixen.
Xie Yue was much simpler. Without any grand display, he summoned two curved blades, their combined shape resembling a full moon—this was his martial soul, the Moon Blade.
Yan radiated with soul power, summoning her fiery martial soul, the Flame Lord. Lava flowed from her body, and flames enveloped her entire figure, even setting her red hair ablaze.
The three of them stood with five soul rings—yellow, purple, purple, black, and yellow, a perfect configuration. All of them had reached the Soul King level.
Meanwhile, the rest of the Wuhun Hall team had already reached the Soul Ancestor level, and one of them had even reached level 49, just a step away from Soul King.
On the other side, the Tiandou team had all two-colored soul rings—yellow and purple, a total of four rings. Though they had the best configuration, the difference in soul power was too great to ignore.
Yu Tianheng, the leader of Tiandou Royal Academy, was still only at level 43, which paled in comparison to Xie Yue, the Wuhun Hall team captain.
Du Gu Yan, Du Gu Bo's granddaughter, was a talent in Tiandou, but she was still far behind Hu Liena, who had reached level 53.
It was clear even to the Shrek team that this match was going to be a huge mismatch.
"Little monsters, Chen Xuan, make sure you observe this match carefully and don't waste Yan Yan and Tianheng's hard work," Du Gu Bo suddenly spoke up, his voice stern as he looked at the two.
His tone became serious as he added, "Tiandou is no match for the Wuhun Hall team. Soon, Shrek will face the Golden Generation, and you two will be key to winning the match."
Du Gu Bo's gaze lingered on Chen Xuan, especially the young man, who was seen as the most likely to defeat Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan—the prodigy capable of taking down the Golden Generation.
Chapter 150: The Fusion Skill of Hu Liena and Xie Yue
"The fourth round of the Elite Tournament, Heaven Dou Imperial Academy versus Spirit Hall Team, I hereby announce, the match begins!" In the center of the arena, Su Yuntao loudly declared.
He quickly retreated to the sidelines to observe.
As the match began, neither side made a move immediately. Instead, they stared each other down, competing in sheer aura.
Facing the Heaven Dou Team, Hu Liena gave a seductive smile, licking her red lips, making them look even more vibrant and alluring.
She swayed her waist gracefully, her curves accentuated, and her fluffy tail flicked behind her as she cast an enchanting glance at the Heaven Dou members.
"That fox spirit is at it again!" Chen Xuan gritted his teeth in frustration, recalling how he had been bewitched by her before.
Yu Tianheng had already charged up his spirit skill, ready to attack at any moment. But as his gaze met Hu Liena's alluring eyes, his body trembled violently, and his condensed spirit power dissipated instantly.
Realizing something was wrong, he decisively bit the tip of his tongue. The taste of blood filled his mouth, shocking his nerves back to clarity.
Yu Tianheng paled and shouted, "Don't look into her eyes!"
"Just not looking into my eyes will save you?" Hu Liena's red lips glistened like a ripe peach, exuding an irresistible charm that made one want to take a bite.
Her beauty didn't reach the level of a world-shattering goddess, but her fiery figure, captivating curves, and enchanting face were lethal to men, especially with the deliberate exposure of her snow-white chest, revealing a deep, unfathomable cleavage that was hard to ignore.
"Spirit Fusion Skill: Enchantment!"
Hu Liena smiled seductively, her voice soft and sultry, even causing some women to waver.
Xie Yue stepped close, his body glowing red, with five spirit rings shimmering simultaneously. The two stood back-to-back, their spirit powers merging. A moment later, they resonated, erupting in a dazzling red light.
The red glow was blinding, making it difficult to keep one's eyes open. Yet all the academies present saw the two figures within the crimson light merging in an eerie way.
Seeing this, Yan and the four other Spirit Hall members smirked. With the Spirit Fusion Skill unleashed, this battle was over. There was no need for them to step in; Hu Liena and Xie Yue alone could defeat the entire Heaven Dou Academy.
"This... is their Spirit Fusion Skill?" Tang San's face grew serious. Unconsciously, his Purple Demon Eyes activated, allowing him to see through the red glow to the two figures within.
This realization made him uneasy. Their Spirit Fusion Skill was undoubtedly superior to the Netherworld White Tiger.
The overwhelming power emanating from them was likely at the level of a Spirit Saint. Tang San couldn't help but question himself: even if he used all his abilities, would he have a 30% chance of defeating them?
"Spirit Fusion Skill: Enchantment!" An androgynous voice echoed from the arena, impossible to distinguish as male or female.
The red light receded, revealing a figure with flowing hair, a mask, and armor covering every part of their body, leaving their true appearance hidden.
At the same time, a mist began to rise on the battlefield, vivid red like blood. It quickly spread, covering half the arena.
The scarlet fog thickened, obscuring visibility, and soon enveloped all seven members of the Heaven Dou Academy, swallowing their figures completely.
"What's going on? Where did this red mist come from?" Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan shouted, their expressions tense. The mist was dense and crimson, making it impossible to see anything.
Outside the Arena
Almost everyone present couldn't see through the red mist, from Spirit Elders to powerful Title Douluos. Their vision was blocked entirely.
Only a few individuals remained unaffected, able to see the eight figures within clearly.
Tang San's eyes glimmered with purple light as he focused on the arena. Thanks to his Purple Demon Eyes, he could see through the mist.
Chen Xuan, on the other hand, found that even with his Mangekyo Sharingan, he couldn't clearly capture the scene inside. He could only make out eight spirit power clusters battling fiercely within the red mist.
He understood that it wasn't due to his eyes being inferior to Tang San's Purple Demon Eyes; it was simply a difference in abilities. The Sharingan, unlike the Byakugan, did not possess the power of true perception.
"Little monsters, if you encounter Hu Liena and Xie Yue in the future, be extremely cautious of this red mist," Dugu Bo warned the Shrek team.
Ma Hongjun and Oscar were puzzled, asking, "This mist just blocks vision, doesn't it? Is there something special about it?"
"No. The mist released by Enchantment weakens sensory perception, reaction speed, spirit power, physical strength, and mobility. It's far from being just a simple distraction," Chen Xuan explained.
Flender walked over and nodded in agreement. "That's right. Chen, you've observed well. The Spirit Fusion Skill of Hu Liena and Xie Yue reduces all attributes of anyone caught in the mist by 50%. Meanwhile, within the red mist, their strength rivals that of a Spirit Saint with seven rings."
"A Spirit Saint? Then what's the point of Shrek even trying to fight them?" Ma Hongjun and Oscar's faces fell. They had only one Spirit King on their team; how could they possibly compete?
Dugu Bo folded his arms behind his back, speaking calmly. "That's why I said Shrek's key to defeating the Spirit Hall team lies with you little monsters and Chen Xuan."
The Shrek members were confused, finding it hard to believe. Tang San remained silent, but Chen Xuan spoke directly, "If we face the Spirit Hall team in the future, leave Enchantment to me. You all focus on Yan and the rest of their team."
Tang San frowned. It sounded so simple. Was this confidence or arrogance?
Flender and Liu Erlong exchanged glances, tacitly agreeing to the strategy. This plan would create a numerical advantage for Shrek, but it still carried risks.
Tai Long couldn't hold back his skepticism. "Chen Xuan, even if you're fast at cultivating, as the dean just said, their Spirit Fusion Skill is at the level of a Spirit Saint. You're only at level 51. How are you going to hold them off? If you fail, we'll be attacked from both sides and stand no chance of winning."
Flender and Liu Erlong stayed silent. They shared the same concern but didn't immediately dismiss the idea, hoping Chen Xuan had a hidden plan.
Zhu Zhuqing looked at Chen Xuan quietly, her eyes full of worry. Facing a Spirit Fusion Skill alone seemed reckless. What if he got hurt?
Chen Xuan had no elaborate plan. His idea was simple: since Enchantment was incredibly fast, he would counter it with absolute defense, ensuring their attacks couldn't harm him.
This absolute defense came from the third power of his Mangekyo Sharingan—Susanoo. If he activated Susanoo's third stage, not only would he be impervious to their attacks, but he would also have the strength to fight back.
However, Tai Long, Flender, and some others doubted this. In the previous match, Chen Xuan had summoned a golden skeletal giant, but they didn't believe it could contend with Hu Liena and Xie Yue's Spirit Fusion Skill.
Suddenly, loud collisions echoed from the arena. Moments later, three figures were sent flying from the red mist, crashing heavily into the edge of the platform.
The fallen were Ye Lingling, Yu Feng, and Oslo from Heaven Dou Imperial Academy.
Soon after, two more figures—Shi Mo and Shi Mo's twin—were flung out, unconscious and thrown off the stage entirely.
At this moment, the red mist began to dissipate, revealing the arena's original state. Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan were kneeling on the ground, panting heavily, their faces drenched in sweat, utterly exhausted.
"Considering you're the granddaughter of Poison Douluo, we won't kill you. Leave," a distorted voice emerged from Enchantment, neither male nor female, eerily strange.
The figure approached the pair, raised a leg, and struck Dugu Yan hard. With a loud bang, she spat blood and was sent flying into the barrier outside the arena.
Seeing this, Dugu Bo's face darkened as he crushed the railing in his grip, sending shards flying.
"Yu Tianheng, as the heir of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, we'll spare you," Enchantment spoke again, their voice a mix of Hu Liena and Xie Yue's.
Yu Tianheng struggled to rise but couldn't, one knee on the ground.
Crack!
Enchantment vanished and reappeared in front of him instantly, delivering a chopping blow to his neck. Yu Tianheng collapsed unconscious.
With this, the battle ended.
The audience erupted in shock. The outcome was completely unexpected.
The prestigious Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, the empire's representative, was defeated so easily.
Many found it unbelievable, like a dream. This was Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, not some third-rate team. How could they be so utterly crushed with no resistance?
In just one minute, the Spirit Hall team, with only two members in action, had wiped out the entire Heaven Dou team. There hadn't even been a proper fight; it was a complete domination by Enchantment.
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