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"Regardless of who you are, damaging the entrance to the Dugu residence is equivalent to slapping my master in the face. Thus, I will apprehend you now and leave the questioning to him when he returns."
The elder spoke calmly, but his composed demeanorâchoosing to explain himself before taking actionâwas enough to indicate that this man was no ordinary individual.
When the gatekeeper saw the elder, his expression changed instantly. He spoke with both respect and a hint of fear:
"Master Steward, be careful! This woman's attack power far exceeds that of an ordinary Soul Douluo!"
There was no need for the gatekeeper to elaborate further. The steward remained vigilant, fully aware of the gap in soul power. No matter how skilled he was in combat, he dared not underestimate his opponent.
"Forgive me. Fifth Soul SkillâFierce Spear Rain!"
The steward murmured softly before leaping high into the air and hurling his crimson spear forward.
In the moment the spear left his hand, an illusion seemed to flicker. One spear became two, two became four, and so on. Within seconds, hundreds of crimson spears filled the air above Huo Rui.
Huo Rui took a deep breath as her first and second soul rings lit up.
"First Soul SkillâSurging Heart."
"Second Soul SkillâVitality Tremor."
From the very beginning of her cultivation, Huo Rui's martial soul had been labeled as useless by the soul masters responsible for awakening it.
After all, body-type martial souls were typically categorized as beast-type. While limbs or hair might still have some utility, internal organsâespecially the heartâwere considered nearly impossible to use in battle.
Though the heart was vitalâits cessation meant deathâconverting it into a means of combat was exceedingly difficult.
When Huo Rui began her training, even her academy instructors could only suggest she pursue a supportive role. Her martial soul was so rare that no one could definitively categorize its potential before acquiring soul rings.
Huo Rui's first soul ring came from a spirit beast known as the Furious Baboon. Initially, she had hoped to absorb its soul ring to gain the ability to bestow others with berserk strength. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, she instead acquired the self-strengthening skill "Surging Heart."
From that point onward, Huo Rui realized her heart martial soul was not meant for support but possessed the same potential for growth as other beast-type martial souls.
Though "Surging Heart" only increased all her attributes by 50% for ten minutes and lacked direct combat capabilities, Huo Rui refused to give up. By studying the fighting methods of other beast-type soul masters, she gradually developed her own unique techniques, paving her way as a battle-oriented soul master.
As she continued to grow, Huo Rui's heart-based techniques consistently lacked direct combat abilities but granted her various self-enhancing skills.
Her second soul skill accelerated the healing of her wounds and boosted her vitality.
With these enhancements in place, Huo Rui began her counterattack.
"Serious SeriesâFlowing Fist Technique!"
At this moment, Huo Rui's muscles bulged with immense power, yet her movements remained fluid and gentle. Facing the barrage of spears descending upon her, she remained calm, effortlessly deflecting them and protecting herself.
The millennium-level soul ring powering the steward's sixth soul skill was clearly no ordinary feat. Though the spears appeared mundane when deflected gently, they pierced deeply into the ground, showcasing their sharpness.
Watching Huo Rui's self-created fist technique, the steward furrowed his brow. In an era where most soul masters relied solely on their innate soul skills, Huo Rui's intricate boxing style was truly astonishing.
After neutralizing the steward's soul skill, Huo Rui launched her counterattack. After deflecting the majority of the spears, she seized the last one, twisted her waist, and glared at the gatekeeper as she prepared to hurl it with full force.
Seeing this, the gatekeeper's hairs stood on end. Outsiders might not know, but he understood well that the sharpness of the steward's spears far exceeded what his shield martial soul could withstand.
Still, defense was necessary. As he activated his Sixth Soul Skill once more, he cried out in alarm:
"Master Steward, save me!"
A flicker of displeasure crossed the steward's eyes. Did they really think he wouldn't save his own people? He couldn't fathom how others perceived him.
Moreover, knowing the disparity in their strength, how could the steward not employ some subtle tactics?
Just as Huo Rui was about to throw the spear, a chilling sensation coursed through her entire being.
Though lacking offensive soul skills had long been a regret for Huo Rui, she had discovered a latent talent as her cultivation advancedâa danger-sensing ability!
Without time to think, Huo Rui instinctively leaped into the air.
The next instant, almost simultaneously, the steward's fifth soul ring lit up.
"Fifth Soul SkillâRed Lotus Spike Array."
The spears that had previously embedded themselves in the ground erupted upward all at once.
Though Huo Rui dodged swiftly, several spears grazed her calves, leaving shallow wounds.
Though she wasn't yet a Title Douluo and couldn't fly, she still retained control of one spear, giving her an opportunity to retaliate. With a burst of strength from her waist, she executed an inverted hook kick, flipping her body and using the spear in her hands to deflect the Red Lotus Spike Array.
Initially, Huo Rui had planned to use the gatekeeper as an example to intimidate others. But after realizing the steward's true strength, she knew there was no room for hesitation.
Activating the effects of Vitality Tremor, a wisp of white smoke rose from her injured calves, and the wounds healed instantly.
The steward's mind stirred, and the spear in Huo Rui's hands vanished, reappearing back in his grip.
Huo Rui had never excelled at wielding cold weapons, so losing her weapon mattered little.
Seeing the icy killing intent in Huo Rui's eyes, the steward realized this woman was now serious.
Though he couldn't identify Huo Rui's martial soul, her aggressive nature as a power-type soul master was unmistakable.
The destructive potential of a power-type Soul Douluo was truly terrifying.
Huo Rui's third and fourth soul rings lit up, granting her the formidable enhancement of millennium-level soul rings.
"Serious Seriesâ"
Sensing the overwhelming surge of soul power, the steward dared not take any chances. His final black soul ring lit up as he unleashed his seventh soul skillâTrue Body of Weapon Soul.
"Red Scale True Bodyâ"
Almost simultaneously, both sides completed their preparations and unleashed their devastating attacks.
"Heavenly Martial Demonic Fist!"
"Spear Without Regret!"
In an instant, a seemingly small yet mountain-shattering punch collided with a crimson spear that seemed capable of piercing the heavens.
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