The three Spirit Kings stood silently, like insurmountable mountains. They didn't say a word, nor did they even glance directly at Yan, Xie Yue, or Hu Liena. They merely nodded slightly at Lin Zhendong, their expressions calm and detached.
This aloof demeanor radiated an unspoken disdain for the three younger challengers.
Lin Zhendong returned their nod with the bare minimum of courtesy before turning to Yan and the others. His eyes gleamed with a stern intensity.
"Are you ready?"
"We're ready!"
The three answered in unison, their voices brimming with determination.
"Good. Who's going first?"
Lin Zhendong's gaze swept over the three of them.
Without hesitation, Xie Yue stepped forward.
"Teacher Lin, I'll go first."
Lin Zhendong nodded in approval, clearly satisfied with Xie Yue's courage.
"Alright. Show us what you've got."
Turning to Yan and Hu Liena, he added, "You two, watch closely. Today, you're allowed to observe from the sidelines and learn how your teammate loses. But starting tomorrow, all three of you will face these challenges together."
His tone was laced with a slight mockery, as if their defeat was already a foregone conclusion.
Hu Liena frowned, a flame of defiance flickering in her heart. She hated the idea of being written off so easily, even if her opponent was stronger.
Unlike her, Yan remained calm and composed, understanding that even in failure, valuable lessons could be learned for future battles.
Under the focused gaze of everyone present, Xie Yue confidently stepped forward. His opponent, a towering Spirit King over two meters tall, walked up to meet him without hesitation.
The two stood facing each other, the tension between them palpable.
Xie Yue clasped his fists and spoke with respectful courtesy, "Xie Yue, Level 41 Assault System Soul Master. Please guide me."
The opposing man returned the gesture, his voice deep and steady.
"Ye Hao, Level 52 Defense System Soul Master. Please."
Hearing that his opponent was a defense-type Soul Master, Xie Yue's heart stirred slightly.
He had expected to face a strong offense- or control-type Soul Master, yet here stood a defense specialist instead.
Defense types seemed easier to handle than those other types because their attack power was not as overwhelming.
Still, Xie Yue didn't let his guard down. He knew that while defense types might lack attack power, their defensive capabilities could not be underestimated, especially since his opponent had ten levels of soul power over him.
Upon hearing her brother's opponent was a defense-type, Hu Liena couldn't help but smile.
She knew her brother's self-created soul skill, Crescent Moon, was known for its devastating attack power. Perhaps he truly stood a chance of breaking through this Level 52 Spirit King's formidable defenses.
This was more than a test; it was an opportunity to prove himself. She silently cheered for her brother, hoping he would win this challenge.
The battle began.
Xie Yue's eyes flashed with resolve as he quickly activated his martial soul, summoning his signature weapon: Twin Moon Blades.
Behind him, his Moon Blades gleamed like crescent moons, sharp and mysterious.
Two yellow and two purple soul rings circled him, the optimal configuration for a Spirit Ancestor, showcasing his prowess.
Across from him, Ye Hao stood unmoving, exuding an air of unyielding strength.
Yan and Hu Liena watched closely as Ye Hao released his martial soul and soul rings.
From behind Ye Hao, an enormous figure emerged, slowly taking shape.
It was a massive beast, towering and imposing, radiating an aura of indomitable defense.
Two yellow, two purple, and one black soul ring surrounded him, the black ten-thousand-year soul ring shining with an intimidating glow.
Hu Liena was stunned.
She had never expected Ye Hao's martial soul to be the Diamond Mammoth!
The Diamond Mammoth was renowned as a top-tier defense martial soul, known for its unparalleled strength and impenetrable defense.
This type of martial soul was exclusive to the core disciples of the Elephant Armor Sect, a group famed across the continent as the strongest defense-focused sect.
Ye Hao's perfect soul ring configuration further underscored his talent and power.
At this moment, Ye Hao stood like an unshakable mountain before Xie Yue, prepared for the challenge ahead.
Xie Yue's gaze turned serious. He knew this Level 52 defense-type Spirit King possessed incredible resilience, so he began with a probing attack to gauge his opponent's limits.
As his first soul ring glowed, Xie Yue unleashed his first soul skill, Moon Blade Slash. Several crescent-shaped energy waves shot toward Ye Hao.
Yet, when the attacks collided with the Diamond Mammoth's armor-like body, they vanished without leaving a scratch.
"So tough!"
Xie Yue wasn't discouraged; he had anticipated this outcome.
The Diamond Mammoth's legendary defensive strength was no surprise to him.
Frowning slightly, he recalibrated his strategy and activated his third soul skill, Moon Blade Amplification.
This ability boosted his attack power by 150%, making it one of his strongest offensive techniques.
But even with the added strength, his assault only left a faint mark on Ye Hao's diamond-like hide.
From the sidelines, Hu Liena watched with a mixture of shock and worry.
Although she knew the Diamond Mammoth's defense was formidable, seeing her brother's potent attacks nullified so easily was unsettling.
Yan, however, remained calm and analytical.
He observed every move made by Xie Yue and Ye Hao, mentally strategizing how he might face such a powerful defense himself.
Meanwhile, Xie Yue grew increasingly aware of his predicament.
His standard attacks were utterly ineffective against this Spirit King's defense. Realizing this, he began searching for alternative strategies, planning to use his speed and agility to exploit any potential weaknesses.
The battle continued.
Xie Yue launched attack after attack, aiming for different angles and weak spots. Yet, Ye Hao maintained his unyielding stance, countering with steadfast defense and vigilance.
The relentless exchanges left Xie Yue visibly fatigued.
Ye Hao, noticing Xie Yue's heavy breathing, suddenly smirked and spoke coldly.
"Out of energy already? Don't think I'm just about defense. Get ready to see what I can do!"