The destruction of the Ironblood Sect stirred up such a huge commotion.
The issue wasn't that Huo Yuhao didn't bribe the city guards when he wiped out the Ironblood Sect.
Nor was it because he used Evil Soul Master techniques, or even because he attacked the guards present, challenging the dignity of the Heavenly Soul Empire!
The problem was—it got out of hand!
Several of the corpses Huo Yuhao controlled had rushed into the streets, causing considerable chaos.
How many people died wasn't the point. The fact that this incident went public was the real problem!
The officials in charge of Tiandou City's security had to answer to their superiors.
Even if they could come up with an explanation, many officials would still be reprimanded or even lose their positions.
If they failed to provide a satisfying explanation, then it would get even worse.
They might all get dragged down together.
This incident now concerned the future status and interests of many officials and nobles.
"Fight! Fight!"
"I want to see rivers of blood!"
In Huo Yuhao's spiritual sea, the Skydream Iceworm and the Golden Tortoise shouted excitedly, practically ready to jump in themselves and push Bei Bei into the arms of the city guards.
Huo Yuhao, standing silently beside Bei Bei, played the role of a loyal follower.
Then—just a second later—
Several surrounding soldiers suddenly shouted, raised their weapons, and charged at Huo Yuhao and Bei Bei without hesitation.
The squad leader's face changed drastically.
He bellowed, "STOP! Get back here, all of you!"
But—it was too late.
The soldiers were only a few steps from Bei Bei, and in just a few words' time, they had already reached him.
Bei Bei smiled.
This was exactly what he had been waiting for: for the other side to make the first move!
Only then could they escalate the situation and take the moral high ground.
The attacking soldiers were just ordinary people.
They posed no threat to Bei Bei.
He instantly activated his Martial Soul.
Lightning coiled around his body. Two yellow and one purple soul ring floated up from him. Without even using soul skills, he threw a few punches and sent the soldiers flying.
Bei Bei held back, though.
If someone died, the nature of the situation would change.
Though thrilled inside, Bei Bei's face showed righteous fury. "Well, well, well—is this the so-called City Guard of the Heavenly Soul Empire? Not only do you ignore the destruction of the Tang Sect, but you also attack a Shrek Academy student without cause!"
The squad leader froze.
Aren't you the senior brother of the Tang Sect?
Why are you suddenly claiming to be from Shrek Academy?
And what do you mean, 'without cause'? Do you even hear yourself right now?
But he knew—things had gotten complicated.
A confrontation between the Heavenly Soul Empire and Shrek Academy? Regardless of how it ended, they would be the scapegoats to appease Shrek Academy's wrath.
They could even lose their lives over this!
Cursing his subordinates for their stupidity, the squad leader was internally panicking. He had to resolve this mess quickly to minimize the fallout.
Watching their comrades get beaten, the regular soldiers weren't thinking that far ahead. One by one, they burned with rage and charged toward Bei Bei.
"STOP!" the squad leader shouted again, trying to halt the conflict.
But Bei Bei had no intention of stopping. This was exactly what he wanted.
He had the moral high ground—what was there to fear?
"First Soul Skill: Thunder Dragon Claw!"
A single-target attack. As Bei Bei swung his arm, the skill struck several soldiers, sending them flying, coughing up blood.
He charged into their ranks like a tiger into a pack of wolves, wreaking havoc.
The conflict fully erupted.
"STOP! I SAID STOP!!" the squad leader shouted with red eyes, now personally joining the battle.
He had to subdue Bei Bei quickly to stop things from spiraling further.
He too had two yellow and one purple soul ring.
Seeing the fight break out, the hotel guests no longer dared to stick around—they screamed and fled outside.
Getting caught in this and killed would be a pointless death!
Only the hotel owner stared at the wreckage of his business, nearly in tears. "Please stop! Don't fight in here!!"
Huo Yuhao stood in the back, the fake 'Buddha Light' in his eyes fading unnoticed.
"Tianmeng, Turtle—this is what you wanted, right?"
"Exactly what we wanted," the Skydream Iceworm cheered.
"Now this is entertainment."
The Golden Tortoise suddenly asked, "But Yuhao, what do you get out of this? Is this just about driving a wedge between the Heavenly Soul Empire and Shrek Academy?"
"Not entirely," Huo Yuhao smirked. "Think about it. If Moon's descendants meet with trouble in Tiandou City, and his disciple is attacked—what kind of compensation might the Heavenly Soul Empire offer? They wouldn't be stingy, right?"
He laughed, then put on a look of urgency and ran into the fray.
"Brother Bei Bei, I'm coming to help!"
"Frost Centipede, show yourself!"
Huo Yuhao's summoning incantation had changed.
If he wanted a share of the spoils later, he had to follow Bei Bei closely.
Plus, he had to make sure Bei Bei didn't get killed—otherwise, he couldn't keep milking the situation in the future.
Feast or famine? Huo Yuhao preferred a steady feast.
As for whether Bei Bei would ruin his health from all this?
Huo Yuhao said: Don't worry. I'll keep him alive!
The Golden Tortoise had a sudden realization. "Yuhao, you're so devious—I love it~"
Meanwhile, the Skydream Iceworm, now transformed into the Frost Centipede Martial Soul, had joined the fray.
Although the squad leader was also a Soul Elder with optimal soul ring configuration, he was no match for Bei Bei.
Bei Bei's Martial Soul was the top-tier beast soul—Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon!
And his bloodline? Golden Holy Dragon!
The squad leader's Martial Soul? A basic hunting dog. At best, it was average.
BOOM—
The hotel's front doors shattered.
Lightning rained down.
The squad leader was blasted out of the hotel by Bei Bei, who then chased after him.
If they kept the battle inside the hotel, how could they cause a big enough scene?
Huo Yuhao hadn't expected Bei Bei to be so cooperative. He'd been planning to "spice things up" and turn Bei Bei into a berserker to tear through the city.
"Tianmeng, time to move the battlefield," he said to the Frost Centipede.
Inside the ruined hotel, the centipede lifted a soldier off the ground by his collar with one of its many legs.
Upon hearing Yuhao's words—
It tossed the now-limp soldier aside.
"You just got lucky."
Then it strutted arrogantly on its hind legs, swaggering after Huo Yuhao out the hotel door.
Outside, the commotion had already attracted more guards.
The squad leader, now barely recognizable with a swollen, bruised face, could only be identified by his armor.
That he was still conscious was only because Bei Bei had held back.
If people didn't see Bei Bei pounding on him, how else could they attract more city guards?
Sure enough, the guards had been drawn—and they were furious. They raised their weapons and charged at Bei Bei.
Even though they were just ordinary men, Bei Bei still felt some pressure.
But he didn't flinch—instead, he pushed forward.
Only the squad leader looked like he was about to cry. He would rather pass out than see this spiral any further.
Trying to salvage the situation one last time, he shouted hoarsely, "Stop—this is a mis—"
BANG!
His eyes rolled back, and he collapsed like a baby into deep sleep.
Huo Yuhao appeared behind him, shaking off a short ice rod in his hand.
"Mistake your ass."
Some soldiers turned at the squad leader's voice. They hadn't heard what he said, but they saw Huo Yuhao knock him out.
They were instantly enraged and charged at Huo Yuhao.
"You dare attack him?!"
"Get them!"
"Kill! Kill! Kill!"
Huo Yuhao grinned happily.
The Frost Centipede, now dual-wielding massive axes, dove into the soldiers like a god of war.
The bigger the storm, the bigger the fish~
"Quick! Someone is attacking people in the street!"
"This is bad! Someone is attacking Heaven Dou City!"
"Shocking! An assassin has appeared in the imperial capital! Could it be an attempt on the life of the Heavenly Soul Emperor?!"
"Go support them! How dare they act recklessly in Heaven Dou City!"
"We absolutely cannot let them get away!"
The city defense troops, already on high alert, immediately rushed to the scene of the incident upon hearing the news.
Naturally, the incident took place on the street where Bei Bei and Huo Yuhao were.
Inside a luxurious hotel…
A veiled girl stood at a fifth-floor window, watching the scene outside. She happened to see a squad of city defense troops hurrying past.
Seeing them, a chill flashed in her eyes.
"What's going on that's making these scum act so high-profile?"
From her tone, it was clear she had no fondness for the city defense.
Suddenly, an old man appeared silently behind her. Dressed in black robes and exuding a deep, powerful aura, he was clearly a formidable expert.
Yet he showed a respectful demeanor toward the girl.
"Your Holiness, I've obtained the information."
"Elder Sleeper, thank you." The girl closed the window and turned to face the old man. "Tell me what you've found."
"You flatter me, Your Holiness."
The elder, known as Elder Sleeper, gave a slight nod before continuing.
"The reason the city defense is making such a show today is actually related to your target."
"You mean the Ironblood Sect?" Her voice turned icy.
"Exactly. The Ironblood Sect… was wiped out last night. The culprit is suspected to be an evil soul master who can manipulate corpses, but their exact identity is unknown. I've already checked their headquarters—completely annihilated. The sect leader and his heir are both dead."
The girl stood frozen, stunned for a long time.
Seeing her expression, Elder Sleeper couldn't help but feel concerned.
They had come to Heaven Dou City precisely for the Ironblood Sect—not just to aid her in seeking revenge, but also to use the blood of the sect to awaken her martial soul.
Now that the sect was gone, awakening the martial soul might still be doable… but could she accept that her enemy wasn't slain by her own hand?
Suddenly, she burst into laughter—wild and slightly unhinged. As she laughed, tears rolled down her cheeks.
"Ha ha ha… Good! Wonderful! They deserved to die!!"
Elder Sleeper blinked, then praised her, "As expected of our Holy Maiden."
That state of mind—perfectly in line with our Holy Sect's ideals.
Finally, the girl stopped laughing and wiped away her tears. She turned back to Elder Sleeper.
"I couldn't find the killer," Elder Sleeper said before she could ask. "But I sensed ghostly energy at the site. The evil soul master likely has the power to control spirits. Definitely an evil soul master."
"Find him. Invite him to join the Holy Sect. He will be one of my closest confidants." Her tone left no room for argument.
"Yes, Your Holiness," Elder Sleeper replied with a smile. "If he is an evil soul master, he belongs in our sect."
She sat down in a chair, clearly in a good mood. Smiling, she asked, "Elder Sleeper, since you've just come back, do you know why the city defense troops are gathering over there? Did they perhaps find the killer?"
She looked serious. If they really had found the culprit, she might have to intervene and save him.
After all, he had technically avenged her.
Even though she didn't do it personally, she was still grateful.
But Elder Sleeper shook his head, "No, Your Holiness. There was a conflict between someone and the city defense troops."
"Oh? Which sect's expert dared to be so bold?" she asked with interest.
Any soul master that dared to cause trouble in Heaven Dou City had to have serious backing.
"It wasn't a sect member—it was two academy students."
"Academy students?"
"Yes, from Shrek Academy." Elder Sleeper chuckled.
Her face darkened immediately. Her hand reflexively touched the veil covering her face, eyes filled with loathing.
"That academy is rotten to the core. One day, I will see Shrek Academy wiped off the map!"
"You speak the truth, Your Holiness. They are all hypocrites. Now that you've returned to the Holy Sect, we will one day destroy Shrek Academy and rule the Douluo Continent!"
After his flattery, Elder Sleeper continued:
"Interestingly, one of those two students has the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon martial soul—called the number one beast martial soul. Apparently, the strongest figures in Shrek's history have inherited it…"
"What?!" the girl suddenly interrupted, shocked.
Elder Sleeper looked at her in confusion—she had already risen from her chair, clearly agitated.
"Your Holiness?" he asked cautiously.
"We must go there—quickly!" she said urgently.
"Ah?" Elder Sleeper was taken aback, then suddenly understood. "Ah, I see. You want to strike while there's an opportunity?"
"Uh—yes, that's it exactly." She nodded repeatedly, eager. "There's no time to lose. Let's go."
"Hehehe, very well. I shall accompany Your Holiness. Let's see if this turns into an opportunity."
"Thank you, Elder Sleeper."
"You are too kind, Your Holiness…"
…
At that moment, Bei Bei wasn't doing well.
Although most of the city defense troops were ordinary soldiers, there were many of them—and they were armed.
Bei Bei, as a Soul Elder with three rings, couldn't easily overpower them all.
Not to mention, soul masters within the army were already approaching.
"Fire!"
A volley of arrows rained down from afar.
At the critical moment—
A nine-meter-long giant centipede appeared, shielding Bei Bei with its tough carapace. Then it exhaled a blast of cold air, freezing the soldiers.
It was the Mutant Ice Centipede martial soul!
On the battlefield, this martial soul was like a tank—unstoppable.
The soldiers and onlookers gasped in shock, "Retreat! It's a soul beast!!"
The fearsome display made the soldiers hesitate to advance.
Huo Yuhao took the chance to rush over to Bei Bei, asking anxiously, "Bei Bei, are you okay?"
"I'm fine. Still have about half my soul power left." Bei Bei's expression turned serious. Looking at the frozen soldiers, he said with concern, "Yuhao, those soldiers…"
"Don't worry, Bei Bei. I didn't kill them. Just froze them with ordinary ice."
"That's good. Yuhao, no matter what, we must not take lives."
"I understand, Bei Bei."
Bei Bei paused, then looked at Huo Yuhao apologetically.
"I'm sorry, Yuhao. I dragged you into this. This had nothing to do with you. I acted on my own. You should leave—I'll handle this myself. Don't worry, with my background, the Heavenly Soul Empire won't dare punish me too harshly…"
"Don't say that, Bei Bei! I won't leave you. We're brothers!" Huo Yuhao said seriously.
Seeing the determination in Huo Yuhao's eyes, Bei Bei was deeply moved. He grabbed Yuhao's shoulders, nodded firmly, his voice even trembling slightly.
"Yes! We're brothers! Once brothers, always brothers!"
"Once brothers, always brothers!" Huo Yuhao echoed with equal conviction.
In that moment, Bei Bei suddenly understood the brotherhood his ancestor Yu Xiaogang once shared with Flender and Liu Erlong.
And he felt a pang of regret that Tang Ya wasn't there. Otherwise, he, Yuhao, and Tang Ya could've become the "Golden Iron Triangle" of their generation!
Meanwhile, Huo Yuhao noticed something else—
Now that Bei Bei recognized him as a true brother, his fate energy became even easier to harvest.
This time, both the White Tiger and the Black Tortoise manifested to gather it.
He'd gone from single-core to dual-core harvesting!
"Tricking people's emotions has this kind of benefit? Then… hehehe…"
At that moment, powerful soul energy surged from down the street, accompanied by a thunderous voice:
"Who dares cause chaos in Heaven Dou City?!"
Bei Bei's face darkened.
A powerful enemy had arrived!
A Soul Sect with four soul rings dashed over at high speed and landed with a loud boom.
The newcomer was a Beast Spirit Soul Sect, sporting a pair of antelope horns on his head and powerful, springy legs. From his speed, it was clear he was an agility-type battle soul master. His soul rings were the optimal configuration.
"Centurion!"
The surrounding soldiers called out his rank.
Behind the centurion, more soldiers followed, along with several corporals at the Soul Elder level, rushing to the scene.
In less than two minutes, the city defense reinforcements had arrived.
Beibei's expression turned grim, eyes locked on the centurion as he warned Huo Yuhao, "Yuhao, be careful!"
"I got it, Brother Beibei."
He was obedient as always.
The centurion quickly locked onto Beibei, glaring, "You're the ones causing trouble in the city?! Just a mere Soul Elder, and you dare act up! Watch me take you down!"
Without another word, he launched his attack. The soldiers quickly scattered, giving the centurion space.
He pushed off the ground, leaping high into the air, and dove down with a kick aimed at Beibei.
Huo Yuhao's eyes widened: Holy crap, it's an Ultraman flying kick!
Beibei gritted his teeth as thunder surged around him, leaping up to meet the attack head-on.
"First Soul Skill: Thunder Dragon Claw!"
His arm transformed into a dragon claw, swelling with thunder and lightning, striking toward the descending centurion.
The centurion's eyes bulged, "How dare you!"
Was his martial soul the "Glaring Antelope"? His specialty seemed to be kicking people.
At the same time, his fourth soul ring lit up, and his legs grew even more powerful.
"Fourth Soul Skill: Antelope Stomp!"
Huo Yuhao: "…"
At that moment, watching Beibei's back, Huo Yuhao felt like he was watching a warrior on a suicide mission.
It's over, Barbecue Q~ (slang for "we're toast").
As expected.
The moment Beibei clashed with the centurion, he felt a shock in his arm—an immense force slammed him to the ground, causing him to vomit blood.
The centurion stomped on Beibei mid-air, driving him down toward the earth.
If that stomp landed squarely, Huo Yuhao had no doubt Beibei's guts would be stomped out.
From the shadows, the Saintess—who had followed with Elder Sleepmare—witnessed the scene of Beibei being stomped.
Her heart leapt into her throat; she was about to cry out.
Just then, a giant centipede shot out from the side and delivered a brutal kick to the centurion's abdomen with one of its many legs.
The centurion was sent flying, smashing into a nearby building and shattering its walls.
Boom—!
At the same time, Huo Yuhao leapt forward and caught Beibei, helping him absorb the impact. Still, Beibei coughed up another mouthful of blood.
Fortunately, Beibei remained conscious, and after coughing up the clot of blood, his breathing eased.
"Brother Beibei, are you okay?" Huo Yuhao asked urgently.
"Cough cough… Thanks, little brother Huo. I'm alright," Beibei forced a weak smile, though his arm trembled uncontrollably.
Not far off, the centurion lay in the rubble, coughing up blood, trembling as he pointed at the mutated Ice Jade Centipede Spirit with a face full of rage.
"It… it… it…"
Then he tilted his head and passed out.
The soldiers cried out in shock, rushing to aid the centurion while cursing Beibei and Huo Yuhao for being despicable.
Honestly, the centurion got off easy—if the mutated Ice Jade Centipede had gone all out, he'd be skewered like a kebab.
The Saintess let out a long breath, her nerves finally easing.
Elder Sleepmare curiously observed the Ice Jade Centipede and Huo Yuhao. "An interesting spirit. Is that a mutated martial soul? Taking down a Soul Sect in one hit—impressive."
The Saintess also studied Huo Yuhao and the centipede, but since Huo Yuhao had changed his appearance, she didn't recognize him.
"Is he Beibei's friend? Why haven't I seen him before? He looks so young—probably a new student from Shrek Academy. But why are they in Heaven Dou City?" she wondered.
At that moment, another powerful presence approached.
This time, it was a Soul King with five soul rings in the best configuration—a bearded man wielding a ring-hilted saber, his martial soul.
"Millenial Commander!"
The soldiers saluted respectfully.
The Millenial Commander strode in with his saber, eyeing Beibei and Huo Yuhao with an imposing aura.
But he was much calmer than the centurion.
Beibei struggled to his feet to face him.
The commander's expression shifted as he recognized Beibei's martial soul. "Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Martial Soul?! Kid, you're…"
Before he could finish his sentence, a flash of gold appeared in his vision, and in the next second, he lost control of himself, charging forward with his saber.
"AAAHHH—DIE!"
"Fifth Soul Skill: Decapitating Strike!"
Beibei was startled—he didn't expect such a shameless sneak attack.
With no time to think, he released another soul skill.
"Third Soul Skill: Thunder's Wrath!"
Behind him, Huo Yuhao nodded silently, the golden light fading from his eyes.
Huo Yuhao: Less talk, more chopping!
The Saintess's heart was back in her throat.
Elder Sleepmare frowned. Something felt off, though he hadn't sensed any soul power fluctuations.
Beibei unleashed a storm of thunder, trying to resist the commander.
But the commander sliced through it and brought his blade toward Beibei's neck.
A terrifying ten-thousand-year soul skill!
Just as the blade was about to decapitate Beibei—
The giant centipede sprang into action once more.
The Ice Jade Centipede headbutted the commander, sending him flying into another wall.
This time, the commander passed out cold.
More shouts erupted among the soldiers.
"Millenial Commander! Are you okay?!"
"Help him!"
"Shrek Academy people are too despicable!"
Beibei panted heavily, pale-faced, and looked gratefully at Huo Yuhao, "Thanks again, little brother Huo. I almost lost my life just now!"
"As long as I'm here, you're safe!" Huo Yuhao gave a thumbs-up.
The Saintess leaned against a wall, the scene so intense it left her knees weak.
Elder Sleepmare clicked his tongue. "That centipede sure is tough."
Just then, another powerful soul force approached.
Beibei was startled. "Another expert?!"
A six-ring Soul Emperor arrived, exuding strong wind elements with wings on his back—also perfectly configured soul rings.
"I am the Deputy Commander of the East Gate, here to assist!" the Soul Emperor said coldly.
"Sir! Please avenge our Corporals, Centurion, and Commander!" a soldier shouted.
The Soul Emperor: "???"
What's going on with you city guards? Taking turns getting wrecked?
Beibei gave a bitter laugh. He was ready to surrender.
He really couldn't hold on anymore!
This one's truly out of his league!
Huo Yuhao, however, thought otherwise.
He looked at the Soul Emperor, golden light flashing in his eyes.
Let's get on with it.
The Soul Emperor instantly lost his "lychees" (read: reason), wind surging violently around him.
"Sixth Soul Skill: Storm!"
Beibei was dumbfounded.
I already raised my hands to surrender, and you attack without a word?
He was forced to retaliate while shielding Huo Yuhao, thinking Yuhao had no real combat power.
"Third Soul Skill: Thunder's Wrath!"
"AAHHH—!!!"
But this time, no miracle happened.
The wind scattered the thunder and struck Beibei directly, sending him flying and coughing blood.
He passed out mid-air, falling back into Huo Yuhao's arms.
The Saintess saw this and nearly fainted herself.
Elder Sleepmare finally realized the Saintess was way too emotionally invested.
As for the attacking Soul Emperor—
He was intercepted midair by the giant centipede.
Huo Yuhao knew.
It was his time to shine.
"You attacked Brother Beibei without asking right from wrong—do you really think Shrek Academy is easy to mess with?!"
Huo Yuhao's voice was furious, filled with grief and indignation, like he'd suffered the greatest injustice.
Huo Yuhao: Beibei's wounds are on his body, but the pain is in my heart.
Huo Yuhao's expression was so heartbreaking and grief-stricken that it stunned both the Saintess and Elder Sleepmare, who were secretly observing from the shadows.
"Good grief, even a widow mourning her dead husband wouldn't be this dramatic. That almost gave me a fright," Elder Sleepmare remarked with an odd expression.
The Saintess remained silent after hearing this. She too felt that she couldn't cry so intensely, no matter the situation.
Even the Mutant Frost Centipede Martial Soul trembled from the fright.
"Brother Hao, isn't this a bit too terrifying?" the Skydream Iceworm complained via their mental link.
"What do you know? This is called professionalism!"
Huo Yuhao insisted that he wasn't just putting on a show. He was using actual mourning techniques from the memories of Pudu Cihang.
And truth be told, among the skills in some demonic cultivation techniques, there really were mourning arts.
You could mourn for the dead to send them off… or mourn for the living to bring misfortune.
But right now, that wasn't the point.
"Alright, Brother Tianmeng, no need to read the manual anymore—just watch how I do it." Huo Yuhao's eyes glowed with a cold, icy blue light.
His spiritual power connected with the Mutant Frost Centipede Martial Soul.
He was already in a state of extreme sorrow—now it was time for a breakout.
After all, you can't just stay stuck in sadness forever, or it'd be sorrow for nothing.
"Got it, Brother Hao!" the Skydream Iceworm replied without hesitation. However, he didn't withdraw from the Sea of Spirit, since the existence of the Martial Soul still needed his soul origin to sustain it.
He simply retreated his conscious mind into one of the centipede's wings.
This way, while Huo Yuhao controlled the centipede's body, the Skydream Iceworm could still provide mental-type power support.
The moment Huo Yuhao took control of the centipede, its aura completely changed—
Now it exuded a savage, violent energy!
"Huh?" Elder Sleepmare let out a curious sound. "That centipede martial soul... it's like it completely changed into something else. How interesting."
The Saintess felt the same.
The Mutant Frost Centipede at this moment radiated a fearsome aura that made people instinctively wary. This, now, felt like what a true centipede soul beast should be.
Whereas before... despite its scary appearance, it had a sort of dopey-cute vibe. Even its combat behavior had been weird and awkward.
Meanwhile, back on the street—
It was already packed with City Guard soldiers, and several centurions and squad leaders had arrived.
With more numbers and stronger personnel, the soldiers regained their courage.
"Go! Assist the officer in capturing the criminal!"
"Had lunch yet? If not, eat my fist!"
"Together now!"
After the Soul Emperor had flown into the air, temporarily separating from the centipede, the other centurions and squad leaders charged with their soldiers, surrounding the centipede.
"Fourth Soul Skill!"
"Third Soul Skill—"
"Take my spear!"
Because the street was too narrow to form military formations or use proper tactics, the guards resorted to the simplest, most primitive method of attack:
Swarming the enemy.
A flurry of soul skills and weapons fell upon various parts of the centipede.
In an instant, the centipede curled up tightly, causing all attacks to strike its carapace. The resulting sound was a chaotic clatter of metal against armor.
"We got it!" one soldier cried out joyfully.
But in the very next second, the centipede abruptly uncoiled, flinging all surrounding soldiers, centurions, and squad leaders into the air, sending them crashing into the soldiers behind them, knocking down a massive group.
The centipede raised its nine-meter-long body and stared at the Soul Emperor flying above. Suddenly, it leapt onto a nearby building.
Its nineteen legs began to dance rapidly, letting it sprint across the rooftops. The sharp legs shredded everything they touched.
As it ran, a wave of icy-blue toxic mist poured from its body.
Soldiers on the ground were immediately hit by the poisonous mist. They shivered violently, their bodies and soul power frozen and sluggish, consumed by unbearable cold.
Huo Yuhao had carefully controlled the toxicity.
It wouldn't kill them in the short term—but if time dragged on, that might not hold true.
Now, the lives of every soldier on the street…
Were in Huo Yuhao's hands.
"Looks like the Heavenly Soul Empire's bill just got longer—not just paying damages now, but they'll have to buy back these soldiers' lives too! Keh keh keh—" the Skydream Iceworm let out a creepy laugh.
Up above, the Soul Emperor, seeing the centipede had disengaged from the soldiers, launched another attack.
But the centipede leapt again, spread its wings, and soared into the sky, evading the attack—which instead shattered part of a building wall.
The battlefield had moved to the skies.
Now airborne, the centipede's fighting style was utterly brutal. Relying on its sturdy defense, it clashed directly with the Soul Emperor.
Its entire body became a weapon.
No longer using only two legs, all of its centipede limbs became scythe-like blades of death, launching a relentless assault.
A few strikes couldn't pierce the Soul Emperor's soul barrier—but all nineteen pairs attacking at once?
That broke through the defenses, leaving deep, bone-revealing wounds.
Pain did not make the Soul Emperor retreat.
It enraged him instead—his soul rings began flashing rapidly as wave after wave of wind-blades shot out.
The centipede casually caught all the wind-blades in its mandibles and chewed them up.
Its tail curled and struck out, aiming for the Soul Emperor's vital point.
Startled, the Soul Emperor quickly pulled back to avoid it.
But the longer the fight dragged on, the slower the Soul Emperor became. His soul power circulation was weakening.
He was poisoned.
Under Huo Yuhao's control, the centipede's true strength erupted. To fight it, you didn't just have to avoid its attacks—you had to withstand its venom too.
When the Skydream Iceworm had been controlling it, there was always a lack of ferocity, and he rarely took advantage of the centipede's full body combat potential.
So its combat ability had only ever reflected Skydream's own skill and experience.
Which… wasn't great. Even with the memories of Pudu Cihang, without talent for combat, there's just no helping it.
When attacked, the Skydream Iceworm would flinch, hesitate, or flee.
That's why he could only stall the Soul Emperor at best.
But Huo Yuhao? He fought like he was manipulating a puppet—with zero fear.
It wasn't just savage—it was utterly suicidal.
Combine that with the centipede's sheer power…
Suppressing or even defeating a Soul Emperor? Totally within reach.
With the full fight playing out before him, the Skydream Iceworm could only think:
"I haven't even used my mental-type soul skills yet! Brother Hao, are you really planning to end this fight already?!"
Huo Yuhao: "…"
…
Throughout the battle, the centipede never stopped releasing poison.
No soul skill needed—just cold venom gas.
Now, the entire street was shrouded in toxic mist.
It looked like a dreamscape cloaked in icy-blue fog.
Several centurions who had tried to sneak around behind Huo Yuhao collapsed stiffly to the ground.
Huo Yuhao's eyes flicked over and he gave a cold smirk.
They had tried to sneak-attack him and Bei Bei from behind.
But they didn't even get close before the poison took them down.
In the shadows—
Elder Sleepmare shielded the Saintess with his soul power, keeping the cold poison at bay.
"A poisonous centipede... hmm, this is quite similar to the Second Elder's martial soul and ability. Perhaps…" Elder Sleepmare narrowed his eyes.
If they could recruit a talented disciple from Shrek Academy to their Holy Church—it would feel like the ultimate NTR!
This centipede could already go toe-to-toe with a Soul Emperor. That was proof enough of its uniqueness and strength—and its value as a potential recruit.
Elder Sleepmare didn't just think this—he intended to act.
His eyes began to glow, preparing for a stealthy move.
But then, his expression shifted, and he sighed.
"What a pity. Saintess, we have to leave. A powerful being is approaching."
The Saintess cast one last glance in the direction of Huo Yuhao and Bei Bei. Their figures were obscured by mist, but she was sure they'd be fine.
"Alright then, let's go," she said.
…
A massive soul force descended upon the centipede and the entire street.
"Who dares cause such chaos in Heaven Dou City?!"
Huo Yuhao narrowed his eyes.
"A Titled Douluo has arrived!"
The arriving Titled Douluo from the Heavenly Soul Empire was neither the National Protector Douluo who appeared in the original work, nor a Titled Douluo from the Body Sect.
He was merely an ordinary Titled Douluo who had reached Rank 91.
Title: Yazi. Martial soul: Yazi. Name: Ge Ben.
He was a descendant of Marshal Ge Long from the Heaven Dou Empire, ten thousand years ago.
Ge Long's descendants chose to inherit the Heaven Dou Empire's legacy, thus staying behind in Heaven Dou City, now part of the Heavenly Soul Empire.
Ten thousand years ago, there was no soul core cultivation method on the Douluo Continent, so breaking through to Titled Douluo was extremely difficult. During the battle of the Twin Gods, Ge Long himself was stuck at Rank 89.
Ten thousand years later, a descendant of Ge Long finally broke through to Titled Douluo. It was a worthy awakening of his Yazi martial soul and bloodline—Yazi being one of the Dragon's Nine Sons.
Thanks to the soul core cultivation method, all four nations on today's Douluo Continent now had several Titled Douluos.
Unlike ten thousand years ago, when even the two dominant empires couldn't each produce a single Titled Douluo of their own.
And what the Heavenly Soul Empire inherited was not only the Heaven Dou royal lineage, but also the orthodox tradition of soul masters. Among all nations on the Douluo Continent, the Heavenly Soul Empire was the most opposed to soul tools—even Shrek Academy didn't reject soul tools to this extent.
This was why, despite fighting the city guard for so long, Huo Yuhao hadn't seen a single soul master using a soul tool.
But even without using soul tools, the strength of Yazi Douluo was enough to utterly crush everyone present.
Unless Huo Yuhao activated his hidden backup energy source.
The soul power pressure of the Titled Douluo blanketed the entire street.
The Variant Ice Jade Centipede martial soul plummeted from the air, landed, and quickly returned to Huo Yuhao and Bei Bei's side, shielding them both.
The Skydream Iceworm had resumed control over the Variant Ice Jade Centipede martial soul.
As for the Soul Emperor who had been fighting the martial soul, he was now frozen stiff. If not for Yazi Douluo catching him, he would've crashed to the ground.
The freezing poison covering the street was also scattered by the Titled Douluo's soul power.
Seeing the city guard strewn across the ground, Yazi Douluo frowned, eyes going cold.
His gaze then landed on Huo Yuhao and Bei Bei.
"It was you two causing trouble in Heaven Dou City?"
Soul pressure blanketed them both.
Yazi Douluo didn't attack with full force—just a probing soul pressure at the Soul Sage level.
To have defeated a Soul Emperor officer, they had to at least be Soul Sages. But the two looked far too young.
So Yazi Douluo suspected there might be a stronger figure in hiding, and held back.
The Golden Tortoise Spirit Beast snorted, "A mere Rank 91 Titled Douluo, and you dare pressure my Hao-ge? Hao-ge, let me tank this one!"
"No need," Huo Yuhao replied with a mental chuckle, though his face looked furious. "The farce is over."
Pressure, was it?
Huo Yuhao quietly patted Bei Bei's back, triggering the residual soul power within. Instantly, several bursts of blood shot out from Bei Bei's body like an overripe fruit exploding.
Unconscious, Bei Bei's aura plummeted, his face pale as paper.
To outsiders, it looked like Yazi Douluo's soul pressure had gravely injured Bei Bei.
Not only others thought so—Yazi Douluo did too.
As Bei Bei's sworn brother, Huo Yuhao now appeared even more enraged.
He withstood the Soul Sage-level pressure and raised his head proudly.
Yazi Douluo was a little surprised and prepared to act in earnest, to suppress Huo Yuhao.
But then Huo Yuhao roared out:
"The Heavenly Soul Empire—this is bullying!"
"I, Huo Yuhao, disciple of the Dragon God Douluo from Shrek Academy, junior to the Taotie Douluo, the Bright Phoenix Douluo, and the War God Douluo—would rather die standing than live kneeling!"
"Come! Kill me if you dare!"
Huo Yuhao, clutching a bloodied Bei Bei, looked furious—his figure tragic and majestic.
Upon hearing the string of Titled Douluo titles like a roll call, and the mention of Shrek Academy—
Yazi Douluo nearly fell from the sky.
He fell silent—an earth-shaking silence.
Yazi Douluo (internally): You're this badass?! Why didn't you say so earlier?!
No… this can't be true!
"You brat! How dare you impersonate someone from Shrek Academy…" Yazi Douluo tried to resist the urge to back down.
But at that moment, a token engraved with the Lightbringer Holy Dragon insignia "accidentally" fell from Huo Yuhao's body.
It was the token given to him by Mu En after accepting him as a disciple—originally for convenient access to Sea God Island.
Now it served as his proof of identity.
Huo Yuhao still glared at Yazi Douluo as if he hadn't noticed the token drop.
Yazi Douluo was tongue-tied, fumbling for words...
Eventually, he withdrew all his pressure and soul power, landing in front of Huo Yuhao with an awkward smile.
"A misunderstanding, just a misunderstanding. I am Ge Ben, Titled Yazi Douluo, Imperial Consecrated Soul Master of the Heavenly Soul Empire. Please… both of you, allow me to invite you to the Heaven Dou Palace."
Yazi Douluo knew now—this was way out of his hands.
Though Mu En, the Dragon God Douluo, hadn't appeared in years, his name still carried weight. And now, a boy claiming to be his disciple had nearly been hunted down by city guards in Heaven Dou City?
Regardless of the reason—
If things went south, they would be offending Shrek Academy.
As for killing Huo Yuhao and Bei Bei to silence them... the incident had already caused too much commotion to be covered up. Shrek's agents could very well be hidden in the city.
Shrek Academy would find out sooner or later.
And if Huo Yuhao and Bei Bei disappeared from the city...
Even the Heavenly Soul Emperor's head might not be safe.
Did people really think Shrek Academy was completely neutral?
The Shrek inspection team had, more than once, executed imperial nobles without prior approval.
Mu En killing a monarch? Totally within reason.
Even though the Body Sect resided within the Heavenly Soul Empire, it didn't belong to it. The empire's royal family couldn't command them.
Plus, there was already a beast tide in the north and military buildup from the Star Luo Empire in the south. The Heavenly Soul Empire was already in crisis.
If they also provoked Shrek Academy, it might be the end of the empire!
Huo Yuhao, however, was not moved by the invitation. With a cold tone, and still carrying the injured Bei Bei, he rose to his feet:
"No need. I don't trust you. I will take Brother Bei Bei back to Shrek Academy and report this to my teacher personally…"
"That's not necessary!" Yazi Douluo hurriedly raised a hand to stop him, then had a flash of inspiration. He quickly pointed at Bei Bei.
"Cough, Huo little friend, this young brother is gravely wounded and may not survive the journey. Why not come to the Heaven Dou Palace first and let the imperial physicians treat him? Afterward, you can return to Shrek Academy."
"Rest assured, on my honor and martial soul, I swear—no one in the Heavenly Soul Empire will harm either of you again. You will be treated with the utmost respect."
"…This…" Huo Yuhao showed a suitably hesitant expression.
Yazi Douluo stoked the flames, "That young man looks like he can't hold on much longer…"
He wasn't wrong—Bei Bei's breathing was becoming faint.
"…Fine!" Huo Yuhao nodded. "For Brother Bei Bei's life, I'll trust you just this once."
"Great! Please, this way, Huo little friend…"
"Brother Bei Bei is the great-grandson of my teacher. If you dare deceive me, my teacher will never forgive you!" Huo Yuhao added, fanning the flames even more.
Yazi Douluo's eyes bulged.
Without another word, he grabbed both youths and shot into the air, flying straight toward Heaven Dou Palace.
By the time they reached the palace, the cucumber side dish would already be cold.
(Yazi Douluo: internal screaming.)
Why didn't you say this earlier?!
He had thought Huo Yuhao's identity as Mu En's disciple was already heavy enough. He never expected Bei Bei to be even more terrifying. And worse—he had just injured the unconscious Bei Bei with soul pressure!
Whether the Heavenly Soul Emperor lived or died was one thing.
But if anything happened to Bei Bei—Yazi Douluo was a dead man for sure!
Ignoring protocol, Yazi Douluo burst into the imperial hospital of the palace, cradling the two youths, and shouted:
"Imperial physicians! Where the hell are you?! Get out here and save them, or I'll kill you myself!!!"