Relying solely on the soul master strength controlled by the Ice God Palace, it's still a bit tricky to deal with both the Sun Moon, and the Holy Spirit Church at the same time.
But, that's just how it is.
Not to mention Su Yu still has the Star Dou Great Forest as a backup. Even just within the human world, he isn't fighting alone.
Why wouldn't he use whatever support he can get?
Assistance like the Clear Sky Sect and Shrek Academy—when it's time to use them, he doesn't mind making use of them.
Su Yu has no intention of fighting everyone one-on-one.
If you can win in a group fight, why bother with a duel?
Not using the cards in your hand is extremely foolish.
No matter how you win, as long as you win in the end, Su Yu doesn't care much about the process.
He cares more about the result.
With a faint smile, Su Yu's gaze swept into the distance, where a group of people was approaching.
A carriage, drawn by twenty-four horn-scaled horses, was coming this way.
Seeing this scene, Zhang Lexuan asked curiously, "Wasn't it said that the Emperor of the Sun Moon Empire was seriously ill?"
"From the look of this, has he recovered?"
Su Yu shook his head and said, "That old thing doesn't have many days left. The one coming should be the crown prince of the Sun Moon Empire, Xu Tiannan."
"Xu Tiannan?"
Zhang Lexuan blinked.
Su Yu nodded and said, "He's even more crazed and twisted than the old emperor of the Sun Moon Empire."
Su Yu had been keeping an eye on the Sun Moon Empire's situation.
Compared to the original timeline, where Xu Tiannan had already seized power and become regent, Xu Tiannan now was still only the crown prince and had not completely taken control of the empire.
However, according to some rumors, Xu Tiannan had recently stabilized his position and gained the upper hand in the struggle with the other princes.
Even without Jing Hongchen choosing a side, Xu Tiannan was still able to gain the upper hand.
There was interference from external forces.
At present, in Radiant City, in the Sun Moon Empire, the only force with such influence was probably the Holy Spirit Church.
It was likely that Xu Tiannan and the Holy Spirit Church had reached some unspeakable agreement.
Su Yu didn't believe Xu Tiannan was any kind of good person. After being rejected, Xu Tiannan would inevitably take desperate measures.
The Holy Spirit Church dared to openly participate in the Soul Dueling Tournament, which already showed a lot.
When the rats hiding in the dark dare to show themselves in the sunlight, the size of what's hidden in the dark is probably beyond imagination.
Zhang Lexuan frowned slightly, staring intently at the approaching carriage.
Someone whom Su Yu specifically described as twisted and perverse was dangerous.
Such a person must be treated with caution.
Under everyone's gaze, the carriage stopped in front of the main stage.
A maid standing on it lifted the curtain, and immediately a wheelchair was pushed out.
Sitting in the wheelchair was Xu Tiannan.
Behind him, pushing the wheelchair, was Juzi.
Juzi wore palace attire, her skin delicate and fair, her beautiful eyes exuding a sense of dignity.
Her gaze swept over indifferently, but when it passed over Su Yu under the canopy, it paused for a second before moving on.
Then, two more people followed behind Juzi.
One was short and chubby, with a thick, short neck—round and rolling, but his eyes shone with intelligence.
Su Yu was naturally not unfamiliar with this person.
Who else could it be but Jing Hongchen?
But the person beside Jing Hongchen made Su Yu narrow his eyes.
That person wore a black robe trimmed with gold, expressionless, with a pale face covered by a mist that made it hard to see his features.
His perception was extremely sharp; he instantly detected Su Yu's scrutiny, and a pair of malicious, shadowy eyes shot over.
Shui Lingguang silently appeared beside Su Yu, her invisible spiritual power instantly shattering the incoming malice.
The middle-aged man gave Shui Lingguang a deep look before withdrawing his gaze.
Then, together with Xu Tiannan and Jing Hongchen, he went up onto the main stage.
"This person... is a bit scary. Who is he?" Zhang Lexuan frowned, feeling her hair stand on end from a single look.
You had to know, that Zhang Lexuan was no weakling.
She was a level 96 Super Douluo, with the ultimate yin martial soul, Lunar Cold Moon.
Even Xuanzi in the past and Yan Shaozhe now couldn't guarantee a win over her.
Yet she felt enormous pressure from this middle-aged man.
This man's strength was undoubtedly above Yan Shaozhe's current level.
At least a level 98 peak Douluo, and not an ordinary one.
He was the senior type, already approaching the ultimate.
Probably not much weaker than the sect master of the Body Sect.
"This person... is dangerous," Shui Lingguang said seriously.
The evil aura in this man's body was not to be underestimated.
"The leader of the Holy Spirit Church is no ordinary person. He's not much worse than Du Busi,"
"But in a one-on-one fight..." Su Yu paused and looked at Shui Lingguang, "I'm quite curious about how powerful the Ultimate Ice Phoenix can be."
Shui Lingguang smiled, "Young master, Lingguang will not disappoint you."
She looked at the middle-aged man's figure, and a faint chill flickered in her eyes.
Meanwhile, Xu Tiannan, sitting in his wheelchair, went up to the stage via a lift. After a series of speeches, this Soul Dueling Tournament finally officially began.
First, the referee announced the rules, and then the competition officially started.
The first team to compete was the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy team.
As the champions of the last tournament, naturally, they would be the first to appear.
Xiao Hongchen, Meng Hongchen, and the others got up and entered the waiting area.
Soon, the match began.
The Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy team's opponent was a sect called the Dragon Slayer Sect.
This sect was obscure, but its name made Su Yu rather unhappy.
Di Mingli furrowed her brows, visibly displeased.
The Dragon Slayer Sect's strength was average, sending a five-ring Soul King as their first contestant.
But the Sun Moon Empire sent a Soul Emperor.
Six dazzling soul rings made Zhang Lexuan's brows furrow.
"Soul Emperor?"
"The Sun Moon team isn't weak this year."
Even without Meng Hongchen and Xiao Hongchen, the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy could still send out a Soul Emperor.
Such a team was certainly strong.
"These Soul Emperors were all artificially advanced with drugs, overdrawing their potential early. It's a bit of a pity."
Su Yu naturally saw through it.
The Sun Moon team suddenly had three more Soul Emperors. Something was going on.
The Sun Moon Empire had a habit of relying on drugs—even Xiao Hongchen had done so before. If Su Yu hadn't helped him, Xiao Hongchen's future would have been ruined.
Su Yu wasn't against using medicine, but the Sun Moon Empire used low-grade stuff.
Real heavenly treasures only make you better; they don't cause this kind of hollow state.
"Even though it's forced, their strength is still impressive, especially when combined with soul tools. The power is incredible," Han Ruoruo said, frowning.
The match was already intense, and the soul engineer's power was truly shocking.
The Dragon Slayer Sect's contestant was overwhelmed by firepower and quickly eliminated.
Soul engineers were terrifying when they burst out.
"It's okay. Soul engineers have their advantages, and so do soul masters."
"But when soul masters combine with compatible soul tools, that's a match made in heaven—unbeatable."
Su Yu smiled.
Han Ruoruo sighed, "For now, soul tools can't be ignored."
"Our Academy is focusing on developing soul tools, but progress is slow."
"Especially after Teacher Fan Yu's sacrifice, it was a huge loss for the Academy."
"If Teacher Fan Yu were still here, things wouldn't be so difficult."
Upon hearing this, Su Yu looked a bit odd.
Fan Yu?
If Han Ruoruo hadn't mentioned it, Su Yu would have forgotten.
Fan Yu died in the huge explosion during the Body Sect's raid on Illustrious Virtue Hall.
He was blown in half and died instantly.
Unlucky guy, no doubt.
"Exactly. After Teacher Fan Yu died, Teacher Zhou Yi couldn't handle the blow and had a breakdown. Many outer court students suffered, some even expelled."
"After many complaints from students and parents, Teacher Zhou Yi was forced to leave her teaching position."
"I heard her mental state is now extremely unstable—shouting, talking to herself like she's lost her mind. Pitiful."
Wu Ming looked sympathetic and sighed.
Su Yu was stunned. There was more to it?
So Zhou Yi lost her job?
Huo Yuhao would probably approve.
Zhou Yi made things hard for Huo Yuhao back then.
But with Zhou Yi's teaching style, the backlash was inevitable.
In the past, with Fan Yu protecting her, punishments were light.
But now Fan Yu was dead, and with no one left to shield her, who would tolerate a crazy woman's tantrums?
Getting suspended was only normal.
But Su Yu was a bit surprised she went mad from the blow.
What a dramatic turn of events.
"Teacher Zhou Yi is indeed a pity. Teacher Fan Yu's death was a huge blow," Han Ruoruo sighed, "Sacrificing one Fan Yu, who knows when we'll find another soul engineer as talented as him."
Su Yu shrugged, "Isn't there still He Caitou?"
Han Ruoruo shook her head, "He Caitou is good, but without a mentor, who knows how long it'll take him to become an eighth-level soul engineer."
"Su Yu, I heard you're already eighth-level?"
Su Yu raised an eyebrow, "Who told you that?"
Han Ruoruo's eyes darted, "Just heard it somewhere…"
"I never even told Lexuan. How did you hear about it?" Su Yu questioned.
Han Ruoruo fell silent.
Su Yu's eyes flashed as he gave Han Ruoruo a deep look, "Senior Ruoruo, Shrek Academy sure has its ways."
Wu Ming said, "There are no secrets in the world. It's not strange we know."
"It's not," Su Yu laughed.
Shrek Academy probably has spies in Radiant City, or they wouldn't know so much.
"So, what do you want?" Su Yu asked.
Han Ruoruo smiled, "Let's be honest, Su Yu. We do want your help. Can you—"
"No!" Su Yu refused outright.
Han Ruoruo was stunned, "I haven't even asked yet."
"I know. But whatever you ask, my answer is no," Su Yu said flatly.
So angry.
This guy is doing it on purpose.
He must have guessed their thoughts and is teasing them.
Su Yu chuckled, "Senior Ruoruo, my techniques are never taught to others, so don't even think about it."
First bringing up He Caitou's lack of a mentor, then mentioning Su Yu was an eighth-level soul engineer—it was obvious what Han Ruoruo was planning.
But that doesn't work for him.
"Su Yu, you're so unyielding, you won't take even a little loss," Han Ruoruo sighed.
Su Yu spread his hands, "That's how I am. I always take advantage of others. No one takes advantage of me."
Han Ruoruo rolled her eyes, "We've never seen you take advantage of us."
"You guys?" Su Yu grinned, "Messing with you is too expensive. You seem free, but you want even more."
"Can't afford it!"
Su Yu acted as if he was avoiding the plague, making Wu Ming and Han Ruoruo grit their teeth.
So annoying!
Too infuriating!
Are they so undesirable to Su Yu?
How hateful!
He says they want too much, but doesn't Lexuan also want a lot?
Su Yu can accept Lexuan, so why not them?
Double standards! Blatant double standards!
But Han Ruoruo didn't understand—Zhang Lexuan and the others were just not the same.
While Su Yu and his friends bantered, Xu Tiannan was also conversing with Jing Hongchen on the stage.
Watching the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy students dominate the stage, Xu Tiannan looked very satisfied.
"Excellent strength. Hall Master, you've taught them well," Xu Tiannan praised.
Jing Hongchen replied, "Your Highness flatters me."
Xu Tiannan waved his hand, smiling, "No need to be humble, Hall Master. The strength of our Sun Moon team is truly impressive. It's all thanks to you."
"However… I don't seem to see Su Yu among the team."
"As a member of Illustrious Virtue Hall, a heavenly pride of my Royal Academy, why isn't he representing the Academy?"
At these words, Jing Hongchen's expression stiffened, his eyes narrowing slightly.