Shrek Academy, the Duel Arena.
In the wide arena, two figures stood opposite each other, one in black and the other in white, their presence especially striking against the light gray floor.
With a glance at Dai Huabin, Xiao Yan slowly gripped the hilt of his heavy black ruler strapped to his back. He pulled it out with a swift motion, sending a gust of pressure through the air as the ruler sliced downward, stirring up a light dust around his feet. A faint yellow Dou Qi swirled around him.
"Well, this is going to be interesting," someone whispered from the spectator stands. "I heard that after losing to Xiao Yan last time, Dai Huabin claimed it was only because Dean Yan intervened. He said that, otherwise, his Nether White Tiger martial soul fusion technique wouldn't have lost. I wonder who the real winner will be this time."
"I think Xiao Yan just got lucky last time. His first spirit ring is only a ten-year ring; how could he possibly compete against a three-ring Soul Elder like Dai Huabin?"
"Hmm, you might be right...but still, he did win last time."
"He was just lucky, nothing more..."
Watching from the stands, Xiao Xiao furrowed her brows and turned to Wang Dong. "Wang Dong, who do you think will win?"
"I've fought Xiao Yan a few times. Even though his first spirit ring is only ten years old, his true strength is mysterious. I'm betting on him. Dai Huabin is powerful, but I don't think he's Xiao Yan's match."
Around them, murmurs filled the stands. Everyone knew these two figures on the arena floor – they had clashed fiercely in the freshman examination finals, and nearly every freshman recognized them.
Amid the whispers, both supportive and doubtful, Xiao Yan remained unmoved. His dark eyes flickered with an uncontrollable killing intent, faint blood vessels appearing in his gaze.
Dai Huabin, noticing Xiao Yan pull out his large black ruler, felt a chill run through him. His body shuddered as two yellow and one purple ring lit up beneath him, completing his martial soul transformation. His body swelled, fingers growing into dagger-like claws.
Although fear stirred in his heart, Dai Huabin had no choice but to face it. Today, he was determined to reclaim the honor he'd lost.
"To hell with it. Today, I'll beat this waste, no matter the cost." Clenching his teeth, Dai Huabin's eyes turned cold, his hand reaching into his pocket for a small reddish pill.
This was the Soul Enhancement Pill he had recently purchased from the Shrek City Auction House, an elixir he never would have imagined was crafted by the very person standing before him.
The pill could temporarily boost the soul power of a Soul Master under level fifty by ten levels, albeit with some side effects. This pill was his trump card against Xiao Yan.
Taking note of Dai Huabin's unsettled expression, Xiao Yan looked over at Wang Yan nearby, waiting.
Wang Yan extended his hands to quiet the crowd. Glancing around, he spoke simply: "Begin."
As his words echoed through the arena, Xiao Yan and Dai Huabin locked eyes, each gaze filled with chilling intent.
"Whoosh!"
The next instant, they both shot forward like arrows, moving so fast that most of the crowd could only see blurred shadows.
Dai Huabin's tiger claw struck out, unleashing a fierce gust and a sharp whistling sound as it aimed toward Xiao Yan. But instead of retreating, Xiao Yan stepped forward, swinging his heavy ruler toward Dai Huabin with powerful force.
"Clang!"
The metallic clash reverberated, sending out a powerful shockwave that cracked the ground beneath them.
Xiao Yan only took half a step back, while Dai Huabin staggered back several steps before regaining his footing.
"You think you're tough with such little power?" Xiao Yan scoffed. "Let's see how long you can withstand my attacks."
With that, he pressed forward again, swinging his black ruler toward Dai Huabin with a forceful rush of wind.
"First Soul Skill, White Tiger Protective Barrier!"
Dai Huabin roared as his first soul ring lit up, enveloping him in a protective white aura, especially focused around his head.
"Boom!"
Xiao Yan's black ruler slammed into the barrier with a thunderous sound. Dai Huabin braced himself, crouching low to reduce his impact area. But the force of Xiao Yan's strike overwhelmed him, shattering the barrier in a flash.
"Third Soul Skill, White Tiger Vajra Transformation!"
Realizing he was in trouble, Dai Huabin activated his third ring. His body swelled even larger, muscles bulging as his claws lengthened into gleaming silver blades. He was now cloaked in a golden aura, bloodthirsty eyes fixed on Xiao Yan.
"White Tiger Fierce Light Wave!" Dai Huabin opened his mouth, unleashing a white energy beam toward Xiao Yan.
Seeing the incoming attack, Xiao Yan quickly planted his feet and held his heavy ruler in front of him as a shield, dodging backward.
"Boom!"
The energy beam collided with the black ruler, unleashing a shockwave that cracked the arena floor.
In the stands, the audience looked on in awe. Although Xiao Yan held the advantage, it wasn't decisive. Still, for a Soul Master with just a ten-year ring to push a Soul Elder so far was impressive.
As the fight grew intense, the arena quieted, everyone holding their breath as they watched the fierce battle.
"If this keeps up, my Vajra Transformation will run out, and I'll lose again…" Dai Huabin's mind raced, cursing, "That stupid woman, Zhu Lu, why did she suggest such a ridiculous bet?"
"If I lose, I'll take it out on her!"
Frustrated and outmatched, Dai Huabin resolved to use his pill. Reaching into his pocket, he swallowed it in one motion.
The pill took effect immediately, and his soul power surged from thirty-one to nearly forty.
"Die!" With newfound power, Dai Huabin launched himself at Xiao Yan, claws slashing down. The sudden increase in strength forced Xiao Yan to lose his grip on the black ruler, which flew out of his hand.
The crowd gasped, while Zhu Lu laughed in derision. "Looks like Dai Huabin's got this!"
On the other hand, Wang Yan noticed the change in Dai Huabin's energy and frowned. "He must've taken something to boost his power."
"Cheating with drugs?!" Blue Luoluo cursed, clenching her fists.
"Heh, without your weapon, what will you do now?" Dai Huabin taunted, seeing Xiao Yan's ruler fall. But Xiao Yan only smiled.
His body pulsed with Dou Qi, and he whispered, "Eight Extremes Collapse!"
Xiao Yan's fist struck Dai Huabin's chest with a deep, resonating sound, shattering ribs as blood spurted from Dai Huabin's mouth. He crashed to the ground, unconscious.
The stands went silent, then erupted into cheers.
"Take that!" Blue Susu shot Zhu Lu a mocking glare. Zhu Lu's face turned pale.
…
Dai Huabin struggled to his feet, shaking as he tried to regain composure. His voice, barely a whisper, was filled with venom. "Tonight. Outside the academy. Let's settle this."
To his surprise, Xiao Yan smirked. "Gladly. Eight tonight, East Street."
"But first, you lost. Time to honor our bet."
Realizing he had no choice, Dai Huabin dropped to his knees, bowing before Xiao Yan. "Grandfather. I am worthless. I am worthless. I am worthless."
As Dai Huabin left, Xiao Yan's eyes softened briefly. "Mother," he thought, "this is only the beginning. Tonight, I will avenge your suffering."
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