The details are fuzzy, but the world has long suffered under Shrek Academy's dominance.
The young master of Shrek Academy's Sea God Pavilion, heir to the Pavilion Master's seat, the hope and future banner of the academy, is at odds with Shrek and wants to dissolve it?
Man Yi mused that, if true, the Star Luo Empire could ally with Huo Yuhao. If he's left adrift, Star Luo could shelter him.
Having been lofty for so long, Man Yi always saw herself above others. Born into high nobility, she was never easy to deal with in her youth.
Xu Jiujiu stood stunned for a full minute, reeling from the bombshell. To be so dazed even in a brainstorming frenzy showed the intelligence's staggering impact.
She wanted to bow low and blurt, "No way, bro!"
Regaining her composure, Xu Jiujiu's mind raced, and she resolved firmly.
"I'll convince my brother. Henceforth, the Star Luo Empire is your loyal backer. I swear on my martial soul and the Xu family's honor—never to betray you!"
The Douluo Continent held some traditions dear. Swearing on one's martial soul or family honor was weighty; soul masters rarely broke such vows unless extraordinary events intervened.
True or false, Huo Yuhao's claim won Star Luo's investment!
What choice was there but to trust?
Whatever Huo Yuhao's true aim, aligning with him beat the Zhu family's defection destabilizing Star Luo and dooming the royals.
Whether Huo Yuhao could fully control Star Luo was his own affair.
The Xu family could submit, but not forever.
Loyalty didn't equal absolute fealty—inequalities resolve swiftly.
If Huo Yuhao failed to ascend to godhood or dissolve Shrek, the Xu family could rebel. Without godhood, even a Limit Douluo lived only two centuries—just outlast him.
Huo Yuhao smiled at Xu Jiujiu's oath, shaking his head. "Not enough."
A joke—swearing on martial soul and family honor might suffice for others, even evil soul masters, but it was trifling to Huo Yuhao.
Brother Hao swore on his father's life!
No real benefits? No deal.
Xu Jiujiu reached for her storage soul tool, then realized she carried nothing valuable—only her princess token, useless to sway Huo Yuhao.
Recalling Star Luo's intelligence on Huo Yuhao, she had a plan.
Biting her lip, she steeled herself, gently set Man Yi down, and stood to face Huo Yuhao. Under shocked gazes, she slowly shed her dress, revealing a flawless figure in a golden silk camisole.
Even Zhu Lu and Zhu Di admitted the royal product matched their former imperial-grade quality.
"Jiujiu?!" Man Yi cried, baffled by her self-degradation.
Xu Jiujiu hugged herself, her jade-like legs pressed tightly, blushing deeply. Her scant undergarments, like a veiled lute, sparked endless fantasies.
Despite her shyness, she met Huo Yuhao's gaze, stammering but clear. "I—I'm willing to be your woman. This is my sincerity!"
Star Luo's intelligence tagged Huo Yuhao with three labels: cultivation fanatic, upright and just, and amorous romantic.
Cultivation fanatic was true, uprightness dubious, but amorous romantic was certain.
Only his romantic streak offered leverage.
Star Luo had sent beautiful soul masters to Shrek Academy over the years. Some, less talented, were expelled, but a few joined Huo Yuhao's Huo Alliance.
Xu Jiujiu hadn't expected to offer herself before those sleeper agents were activated.
Zhu Lu looked at Huo Yuhao with a complex expression, unaware his lustful reputation had reached the Star Luo royals.
But sharing with a royal princess… seemed thrilling!
Huo Yuhao's expression was odd. He wanted Xu Jiujiu's submission and control, but not like this.
It wasn't impossible, just less efficient, but since it was offered, he wouldn't refuse.
First, he had to clarify his character.
"You may misunderstand, but I'm not lustful—not just any woman will do! For example, I don't find the old lady behind you charming," Huo Yuhao said earnestly.
Man Yi's face turned ashen.
Old lady? I'm a Titled Douluo, not some street crone! One word, and twenty-something lads would line up for me!
Xu Jiujiu suppressed her emotions to stay composed, asking, "Your decision?"
Huo Yuhao grinned brightly. "Sharp eye! Princess Jiujiu, aid my cultivation!"
Zhu Lu and Zhu Di instantly understood.
Zhu Lu cleared the table, setting up a cultivation platform.
Zhu Di, from behind, sent Xu Jiujiu onto the platform with a palm strike.
Xu Jiujiu struggled, panicking as she realized what was coming. "Wait, what cultivation? What are you doing? Please, I'll cooperate, but not here…"
Her resistance only heightened the excitement.
Man Yi, grounded, couldn't see but heard Xu Jiujiu's struggles.
Heartbroken, she cursed furiously.
"You beasts!!"
"Jiujiu is a princess—you can't treat her like this!"
"Let her go! Come at me, you brutes!!"
Her curses were futile, only adding to the cultivation's amusement.
Zhu Lu and Zhu Di flanked Xu Jiujiu, their faces seductive, exhaling eerie black mist onto her face.
This was a power from their cultivation technique.
As Xu Jiujiu inhaled the mist, her eyes glazed over, clearly entranced. Then, she actively joined Huo Yuhao's cultivation.
"Royal quality—such pure starlight power. Let's see what attributes suit the Star Crown martial soul…"
"Oh? Time attribute compatibility? A first for a cauldron."
"The Star Luo Xu family deserves more attention."
…
Zhu Lu and Zhu Di, key "kitties" nurtured by Huo Yuhao, practiced the *Nether Gold Brilliance Technique* and learned charm techniques and tailored skills.
The black mist wasn't lust-inducing but Nether Qi, using nether power to disrupt cognition, eliciting varied reactions.
As early Zhu family followers, Zhu Lu's martial soul transformed most dramatically.
Both gained evil and darkness attributes, but Zhu Lu's evolved into a super martial soul—the Nine Nether Abyss Demon Cat!
Though sharing evil and darkness, their configurations differed.
Zhu Di's Soul-Seizing Demon Cat prioritized evil, with darkness secondary, an evil martial soul.
Zhu Lu's Nine Nether Abyss Demon Cat balanced both, with an innate domain and unique talent ability.
Innate Domain: Nine Nether Demon Abyss Domain
Summons the Nine Nether Demon Abyss, eroding enemies with evil and darkness, killing them and turning them into domain-controlled demons, eternally serving Zhu Lu.
Talent Ability: Nine Nether Nine Kills
Each soul ring adds a layer of killing calamity, up to nine. Sacrificing a soul ring inflicts a calamity, reducing the target's strength by 10%, up to 90%.
Destiny Traits: [Starlight Blessing], [Starlight Fate], [Crowned Woman]
Xu Jiujiu's three destiny traits were decent but not extraordinary.
[Starlight Blessing] tied to her martial soul, granting faster cultivation and growth under starlight, with enhanced luck on starry nights.
[Starlight Fate], a subset of stellar destinies, reflected starlight rather than a specific star. It offered brilliance but struggled to reach the zenith. Yet, it spared her from stellar fate's constraints.
[Crowned Woman] had dual meanings: "coronation," symbolizing female prowess, and "crown," hinting at future nobility.
With the [Crowned Woman] trait and her royal lineage imbued with dragon qi, Xu Jiujiu could potentially wear the crown as an empress.
The issue was her [Starlight Fate], which limited her fortune. Becoming supreme ruler might overburden her, leading to a tragic end.
Unless her [Starlight Fate] evolved into a true stellar destiny, ideally aligning with the Purple Emperor Star!
Given her traits, qi, and dragon qi, her current status in the Star Luo Empire was ideal.
To defy her fate, she'd need a powerful backer.
Huo Yuhao: "That's right, I can be that backer!"
It hinged on Xu Jiawei's choice. If he refused, Huo Yuhao could position Xu Jiujiu as a backup, much like the Third Prince, and orchestrate her rise.
Honestly, the idea of the four empires besieging Shrek Academy excited Huo Yuhao.
Using them against Shrek, even if Tang San descended like a deus ex machina, he'd have to weigh the costs.
In the original story, Tang San's intervention to repel the Sun Moon Empire preserved continental peace. But defending Shrek against the four empires, causing Douluo Continent's upheaval and affecting the God Realm?
The God Realm Committee might take notice and serve Tang San some consequences.
Worst case, if Tang San saved Shrek, it would spark conflict between him, Shrek, and the continent.
This would erode faith in the Sea God, cripple Shrek's recruitment, and force a weakened Shrek to rely on Huo Yuhao.
Shrek's luck and resources would be his to command.
Huo Yuhao suspected that, if that day came, Tang San might intervene but not save Shrek. He'd likely proclaim Shrek had strayed, express regret, vow reform, and harvest faith.
Shrek wasn't vital; the Sea God Pavilion, tied to Tang San's name, was.
If Shrek fell, why not bind to another worthy entity? Like the Child of Destiny!
As the Child of Destiny rose, their organization would endure, perpetuating the Sea God's glory.
Betting on the Child of Destiny—how splendid!
Huo Yuhao agreed, it'd be grand!
When weak, keep your distance.
When fearless, plan and strike!
…
Evening
"Spare… spare me…" Xu Jiujiu's pupils were unfocused, her consciousness fading, reduced to instinctive pleas.
Huo Yuhao stepped back, concluding the first round of cultivation.
Xu Jiujiu fell unconscious.
Zhu Lu, long eager, pounced to take her place, voicing her desire for progress.
Zhu Di grumbled, "Youngsters these days, no respect for elders. That's not how cultivation works."
Zhu Lu smirked triumphantly. "The student surpasses the master. Only through relentless cultivation do we improve. Isn't that great?"
Zhu Di grinned mischievously, joining to make Zhu Lu's cultivation tougher.
As for Man Yi, annoyed by her noise, Zhu Di had gagged her with a rag.
Zhu Min, guarding the courtyard, hurried in. Seeing the cultivation scene, she instinctively rubbed her thighs but reported, "Dai Huabin's here, alone. Unclear if he has hidden escorts."
"He shows up now? Hah, looks like the Dai kid's scared of others finding out," Zhu Di sneered.
Invited in the morning, arriving at dusk—what was Dai Huabin up to all day? It screamed insincerity!
Huo Yuhao glanced at Zhu Lu, who'd lured Dai Huabin. He awaited her move.
Zhu Lu's eyes flickered with conflict. She had plans for Dai Huabin but loathed parting from Huo Yuhao, torn between choices.
It was all Dai Huabin's fault!
Choosing, Zhu Lu clung to Huo Yuhao, whispering seductively, "Carry me… let's go…"
"Playing it that wild?" Huo Yuhao teased.
"Hmph, he's late—it's his fault. And… it's not the first time, right?" Zhu Lu flashed a brazen smile.
Huo Yuhao headed out, Zhu Min trailing them.
Zhu Di stayed, approaching Man Yi with a grin. "Nebula Douluo, right? Heard you have a granddaughter?"
Man Yi glared, but Zhu Di's smile widened.
Old ladies? No.
But an old lady's granddaughter? Yes.
Man Yi's protectiveness showed her granddaughter was a leverage point.
…
Outside, Dai Huabin waited, the closed gate blocking his view. His mind wrestled with his next steps.
His late arrival wasn't just to dodge suspicion from those watching the White Tiger Duke's mansion. He'd consulted sect elders and strategists to plan.
Undoubtedly, the Dai clan needed to win back the Zhu clan, offering benefits to appease them.
Fully prepared, Dai Huabin was confident, believing Zhu Lu still cared for him.
He could use her affection to secure the Zhu clan's support for his claim to the White Tiger Duke title.
Being barred at the gate irked him, but he knew he'd get in.
Finally, Zhu Lu's voice came, muffled but clear to Dai Huabin.
"Huabin…"
"Lu, it's me!" Dai Huabin surged forward, trying to push the gate, but it held like stone.
Zhu Lu's voice returned. "I'm glad you came, but… I'm sorry about the clan matters…"
To hear better, Dai Huabin pressed his face to the gate, catching what seemed like Zhu Lu's sobs. His heart ached, and he rushed to reply, "It's okay, Lu. As long as you care for me, I'm content! I swear, no matter what—mountains of knives or seas of fire—I'll marry you!"
Moved by his words, Zhu Lu's sobs grew louder.
Dai Huabin's eyes lit with joy. Yes, keep pushing—Zhu Lu was within reach!
As he prepared to pour out more sincerity, Zhu Lu spoke again. "It's not… the clan splitting us… but… oh, the royals… and Shrek's… pressure."
Her voice was broken, but the gate muffled it, so Dai Huabin assumed she was choking on tears, too emotional to speak clearly.
"What?!" Dai Huabin's tiger eyes widened. Shrek Academy and the Star Luo royals were behind this?
"I'm not… sure. Huabin, for our future, please… try harder. Sorry, I… can't open… the door… to meet you," Zhu Lu's voice faltered. "Go."
Dai Huabin clenched his fists, seething. Old grudges, new hatreds, and the theft of his beloved fueled his fury. He gritted, "Lu, wait for me. When I'm the White Tiger Duke, I'll crush Shrek and the royals' schemes! The shame from Shrek and Huo Yuhao—I'll make them pay! And the royals, my Dai family's throne isn't theirs to keep!"
Suppressing his rage, he spoke softly to the gate, tender and true. "Lu, take care. I'm leaving, but I'll be back!"
Tears in his eyes, Dai Huabin turned away, heart heavy but stirred. Zhu Lu's devotion to him was real—when he reclaimed all and stood at the peak, he'd honor her!
He'd give her the world's most exalted status!
Behind the gate, Zhu Lu, master instigator, was forced onto her toes by cultivation.
Huo Yuhao, aiding her, whispered, "Sis-in-law, I'm getting excited too~."
Zhu Min, eager to join, craved Huo Yuhao's cultivation. Who wouldn't?
As a Zhu clan direct descendant, Zhu Min's martial soul had mutated, enhanced by darkness to amplify nether power, evolving into the top-tier Nether-Passing Spirit Cat.
The moment Zhu Lu faltered, Zhu Min took her place.
Huo Yuhao didn't directly control Xu Jiujiu. Though controlled individuals wouldn't become mindless puppets, they'd prioritize his commands, lacking flexibility in complex situations.
Convincing Xu Jiawei and acting against the Star Luo royal family required Xu Jiujiu's agency.
Discovering the Star Crown martial soul's utility for cultivating time attributes sparked Huo Yuhao's interest in the Xu family.
Ultimately, he placed two golden centipede restrictions in Xu Jiujiu's abdomen and brain, ensuring she couldn't escape his physical or mental control.
Man Yi received the same restrictions.
When applying them to Man Yi, Huo Yuhao unleashed a fraction of his true power. Even this sliver overwhelmed her with terror, making her tremble uncontrollably.
Only then did Man Yi truly grasp the chasm-like gap in strength between her and Huo Yuhao, realizing resistance was futile.
Intimidating her with power curbed any reckless thoughts. For the upcoming plan, Xu Jiujiu's strength was insufficient, making Man Yi a vital asset.
Moreover, Zhu Di informed Huo Yuhao that Man Yi's granddaughter, part of the Star Luo Royal Academy team, inherited her Nebula Fan martial soul, also bearing starlight power, suitable for cultivation.
As the saying goes, to win a girl, first win over her elder.
Man Yi wouldn't be wasted either.
Not as a cauldron, but as a seedbed.
Cauldrons could be continually developed, but Man Yi's potential and lifespan were nearly exhausted, her youth unsustainable, fit only for harvesting.
Huo Yuhao injected a seed of attributeless divine power into her, using her as a vessel to nurture it.
Her cultivation and insights would gradually influence this power, granting it attributes, change, and growth.
When it matured, Huo Yuhao could harvest it when needed.
…
Xu Jiujiu slept for six hours, waking the next morning.
Only she and Man Yi remained in the courtyard; Huo Yuhao and the others had long departed.
Man Yi stayed by her side.
Having watched Xu Jiujiu grow up like a granddaughter, how could Man Yi not ache for her?
But all she could do was clean the mess from Xu Jiujiu's body, change her clothes, and move her to a soft bed for comfort.
In her current state, Xu Jiujiu couldn't return to the hotel.
Man Yi had no clue what to do next, waiting for Xu Jiujiu to wake.
During this time, Man Yi studied the attributeless divine power Huo Yuhao implanted. He hadn't hidden his actions, so she understood her situation but dared not resist.
Unaware it was divine power, she thought it was merely his technique.
After probing, she was shocked to find its quality far surpassed her soul power, and she couldn't expel it.
She sensed it absorbing and releasing her power, altering both the divine power and her soul power.
Uncertain if the divine power's changes were good or bad, she noticed her soul power's quality slowly improving, even affecting her martial soul.
This left Man Yi conflicted.
Improved soul power was positive, but she doubted Huo Yuhao's kindness.
When Xu Jiujiu awoke, she lingered before propping her aching, exhausted body up.
"Grandma Man Yi?"
"Jiujiu, you're awake? Drink some water!"
Man Yi masked her emotions, kindly offering warm water to rehydrate Xu Jiujiu.
After downing several cups, Xu Jiujiu set the cup down, satisfied.
Man Yi's heart ached.
The precious Star Luo princess, treated so roughly by Huo Yuhao—did he know no tenderness?
As an experienced woman, Man Yi silently cursed Huo Yuhao's overwhelming prowess, understanding why Zhu family women joined in—otherwise, he'd remain unsatisfied.
Women meeting Huo Yuhao were in for suffering.
Even Zhu Di, a Titled Douluo, had begged for mercy.
Despite her pity, Man Yi had to address business. "Jiujiu, what do we do next?"
As a Titled Douluo, she couldn't meddle in royal affairs or make choices for Xu Jiujiu today.
Xu Jiujiu needed to decide.
Though physically uncomfortable, her mind was clear. Leaning against the headboard, she pondered briefly before speaking. "My earlier reaction was impulsive. We should've had room to negotiate."
Admitting her mistake, she analyzed.
"But Huo Yuhao and the Zhu family's displayed power, and their close ties, show they're formidable. My ordeal today might've been inevitable, perhaps worse. They need me now, but maybe not later."
Her tone dipped; how could she be unaffected?
Suppressing her emotions, she continued, "What we saw might be the tip of the iceberg. Zhu Di, the Zhu family's youngest elder, is a Titled Douluo. They may hide more. And don't forget, Huo Yuhao has Heavenly Soul Empire's Princess Wei Na. I might not be the first."
Man Yi's expression shifted, alarmed. "Jiujiu, you mean Huo Yuhao controls the Heavenly Soul Empire?"
Xu Jiujiu said gravely, "Not certain, but likely! Wei Na's been with him for five years—enough time for much to happen!"
"This is trouble," Man Yi frowned.
A few Zhu family Titled Douluos were manageable, but Huo Yuhao controlling an empire was dire.
Did they have any leverage left?
Man Yi sighed, revealing Huo Yuhao's actions during Xu Jiujiu's unconsciousness. "Jiujiu, he placed restrictions on us both. Our lives are in his hands. I've tried—we can't resist or betray him. His strength is terrifying, far beyond what he shows."
Xu Jiujiu froze, feeling profound sorrow.
Though she knew love was a luxury, Huo Yuhao's approach was hard to accept.
Was there truly no emotion?
Man Yi gripped her hand, gazing earnestly. "Jiujiu, you decide. Even if you choose to fight to the death, I'll stand with you!"
To ease her burden, Man Yi omitted the divine power's effects.
Better to die fighting than live coerced.
But Xu Jiujiu shook her head.
She wasn't afraid to fight, but not pointlessly.
"Grandma Man Yi, treat this as if it never happened. Avoid any actions that could leak information. When we return, I'll discuss this with my brother."
"Only he and the empire can be our support!"
Man Yi squeezed her hand, lamenting, "Jiujiu, you've suffered."
Xu Jiujiu offered a reassuring smile, shaking her head, then looked out the window.
If Huo Yuhao achieved godhood or ruled the continent, what harm in being his plaything?
But if he failed, she'd witness his downfall!
"Yuhao, you didn't come home last night. Where exactly did you go? Speak honestly!"
At the tournament venue, Wu Ming scrutinized Huo Yuhao with suspicion and questioned him sternly.
Hua Yao also looked on curiously from the side.
"Hahaha, I ran into a few friends last night and ended up chatting with them outside all night," Huo Yuhao laughed awkwardly.
Unexpectedly, Wu Ming came right up to him and took a deep sniff. After confirming that he smelled only of alcohol and no trace of perfume, she nodded reluctantly. "Fine, I'll believe you this time."
Huo Yuhao helplessly spread his hands. Then he turned his head—only to meet the knowing, amused gazes of Ma Xiaotao and Ling Luochén. They clearly weren't ignorant of his flirty reputation outside the academy.
Zhang Lexuan, meanwhile, remained cool and aloof, sitting silently as if none of it concerned her.
And so, the matter was let go.
They turned their attention to today's matches.
Not to watch Shrek Academy's own match, but to observe other seeded teams—specifically to gather intel.
Seeded teams were those that had team members at the Soul Sage level. These teams weren't hiding their strength; they sent their Soul Sages into battle and quickly wrapped up matches.
Ironically, the other members—Soul Emperors and Soul Kings—got little spotlight, so their capabilities and trump cards remained a mystery.
Due to the presence of Soul Sages, ten of the thirty-two advancement spots from the sixteen groups were already more or less locked down. The eventual champion would likely emerge from among these seeded teams.
Other teams hadn't withdrawn from the competition, though—in fact, the battle for the remaining spots had become fiercer. Even if they couldn't claim the championship, making it to the next stage was still a chance for fame.
Today, the group first went to watch the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect team compete.
They drew the 2-2-3 format for this match.
In the first round, Wu Feng entered the arena alongside a Soul King teammate.
When Wu Feng summoned her martial soul and revealed a perfect configuration of seven soul rings, the crowd's enthusiasm ignited instantly.
Wu Ming frowned. "That one—Wu Feng—her martial soul isn't any weaker than my Golden Crow martial soul!"
She could faintly feel a reaction from her own martial soul, as if it had encountered a worthy opponent.
Perhaps it was because both martial souls were fire-type.
Huo Yuhao nodded quietly. That was indeed the case—and Wu Feng's martial soul might even be a touch stronger.
That's because Wu Feng's martial soul had evolved from Red Dragon into Red Dragon King. Though not a Super Martial Soul, it stood at the pinnacle of top-tier martial souls.
Wu Feng stood on the stage with arms crossed and an arrogant expression.
As the match began, she didn't attack. Instead, she suddenly opened her eyes wide—her pupils transformed into vertical slits like a dragon's, releasing a terrifying dragon's might that crushed the two opponents before her.
Under that overwhelming pressure, both of her opponents collapsed to the ground, completely losing their will to fight. Just like that, they were defeated.
Without moving a muscle, Wu Feng sneered, "Heh. Pathetic!"
Defeating enemies with a single glare—such a scene stunned the crowd and triggered a wave of astonished murmurs.
Then came thunderous applause.
"What was that?" Hua Yao was genuinely shocked—it was beyond anything she had learned or read.
"That might be similar to the dragonification ability of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon martial soul!" Zhang Lexuan suddenly spoke. She had guessed as much, having noticed the change in Wu Feng's eyes.
But no one could confirm it, and Wu Feng certainly wasn't going to explain her own powers.
That ability had just now been the Red Dragon King's innate talent—Dragon Might, a trait all true dragon martial souls shared. But hers was even stronger: Dragon King's Might.
Unlike the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon's physical dragonification, the Red Dragon King's transformation leaned toward spiritual and mental domination.
Perhaps it had something to do with Huo Yuhao nurturing her…
Wu Feng's attribute remained fire-based.
As she was about to leave the stage, Wu Feng suddenly looked toward Huo Yuhao's location, sensing his presence.
Seeing him in the spectator area, she instinctively revealed a provocative expression, snorted coldly, and walked off the stage with her head held high.
"Yuhao, that Wu Feng… she looked over at us?" Wu Ming noticed and asked curiously.
Huo Yuhao replied, "We used to be classmates. She never really accepted me."
In truth, even though Huo Yuhao had completely dominated Wu Feng in every way, she remained stubborn and refused to give up. Always trying to beat him—even in... every aspect imaginable.
"Haha, so that's how it is." Wu Ming laughed.
The second round featured Nanmen Yuner and another teammate.
When Nanmen Yuner released her martial soul—Emerald Blue Luan—Wu Ming's face changed dramatically again.
She couldn't hold back any longer and exclaimed, "What is going on? That Nanmen Yuner's martial soul actually suppresses my Golden Crow martial soul! What kind of martial soul is that?!"
Because they were both avian-type martial souls with fire attributes, Wu Ming's feeling was very clear.
Yet again, no one could answer her.
That's because Nanmen Yuner's martial soul was of divine beast lineage—a Super Martial Soul—and naturally suppressed other bird-type martial souls.
Even the mighty Golden Crow was affected.
Huo Yuhao fell into thought. Technically, the Golden Crow should also be a divine beast. Yet Wu Ming's martial soul was only a top-tier one. Perhaps her body contained divine beast blood, but it had not yet awakened?
Unfortunately, in the original story, Wu Ming didn't get much screen time, and her martial soul was never showcased in depth.
Back in the match, the battle ended in a blink.
Nanmen Yuner unleashed her wind attribute power—a swirling gust instantly defeated both Soul King opponents.
Their opponents weren't strong—just a team of Soul Kings without any Soul Emperors.
The Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect team won two rounds straight—no need for a third.
"Besides the Soul Sages, we didn't get much intel on the rest. Their opponents were too weak for them to show their full strength," Hua Yao said with a shake of her head, though she knew there was no helping it.
Zhang Lexuan suddenly spoke, "Three Soul Sages have emerged among the younger generation of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. The young sect master, Ning Tian, has even awakened the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. The sect is growing stronger. We need to keep a close eye on them."
That decision to monitor the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had already been made by the elders. After all, during the beast tide incident, Shrek Academy had developed a grudge against them.
And if the wealthy and influential Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect truly gained powerful direct-line descendants, and the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda legacy continued… then even the throne of the Douling Empire might change hands.
For a major power, lacking ambition is a path to extinction. If ambition hasn't yet been realized, it just means the time isn't right.
After watching the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's match, it was time to see the Douling Sea Clan's team compete.
The Douling Sea Clan, of course, was a devout follower family of Huo Yuhao.
Once someone in your family starts following Brother Hao, it's only a matter of time before your entire family joins in.
The Douling Sea Clan's base was located on the eastern coast of the Douling Empire. Their martial soul wasn't a single fixed form, but rather a class of martial souls—
Namely, ocean-type martial souls. All members of the Sea Clan were sea soul masters!
When Huo Yuhao personally visited the Sea Clan, he discovered something very interesting:
Although the clan worshipped the Sea God, there was no divine favor from the Sea God within their bloodline whatsoever!
Sea Spirit Masters, in this era, are considered a special group. Though marginalized, they are still closely tied to the development of many major powers.
Ten thousand years ago, Sea Spirit Masters flourished. But in this current era, they've long since declined.
There is no unified leadership, nor any faction solely dedicated to protecting all Sea Spirit Masters.
The Sea God Island from ten millennia ago has completely vanished.
During the collision between the Sun-Moon Continent and the Douluo Continent, Sea God Island, caught between the two, was entirely submerged by the sea and buried by time.
As for the Sea God Island associated with Shrek Academy, it's unclear whether it is the original one or a newly constructed replacement. Even the sacred pillars that once stood on the island have disappeared.
What is certain is this: none of it has anything to do with today's Sea Spirit Masters.
Without Sea God Island and the protection of the Sea God, cultivating and surviving has become significantly more difficult for Sea Spirit Masters.
Though the ocean is vast, without the Sea God's protection, it is chaotic. The powerful soul beasts dwelling in the sea can easily wipe out the inheritance of Sea Spirit Masters.
The ocean's soul beasts—especially the 100,000-year ones and ferocious beasts that surpass 200,000 years—are far more numerous than most land-based Spirit Masters can imagine.
Apart from a few who still live on isolated islands, far from the mainland, most Sea Spirit Masters now reside along the coasts, thus unable to form any real force of influence.
A fish out of water cannot swim.
Sea Spirit Masters struggle to fully utilize their powers on land—not because of environmental constraints, but due to the nature of their martial souls. This means they are inherently weaker than their land-based counterparts of the same level. So how can they compete with them for resources and benefits?
The only reason Sea Spirit Masters still exist is because land Spirit Masters need them to gather marine resources, such as whale jelly.
Major powers always prepare whale jelly for their prodigies. Back then, even Wang Dong had so much that he was sick of it. Behind all that was the effort of Sea Spirit Masters.
Yet, Sea Spirit Masters never had a seat at Douluo Continent's high table—nor the power to carve out a share of the pie.
They are like those clad in fine silks, yet not the ones raising silkworms.
Sea Spirit Masters are essentially vassals of the land Spirit Masters.
Whether in this era or the future, all of the Sea God Tang's plans revolve around Shrek Academy. Even land Spirit Masters are pawns in his game—let alone Sea Spirit Masters.
After all, the Sea God Tang himself was originally a land Spirit Master. To him, Sea God Island was merely a place of training. Sea Spirit Masters were just a group of familiar strangers—followers of the previous Sea God.
Reality shows that when you help raise someone else's child, you end up with nothing.
Even gods are not exempt from this fate.
One wonders how Poseidon would feel, knowing this.
When Huo Yuhao visited the Douling Sea Clan, he investigated them and was surprised to discover that they might be the descendants of the original Sea God Island's Sea Spirit Masters.
The clan has clear records that their ancestors once lived on the western coast of what is now the Tianhun Empire. After the fall of the Tiandou Empire and a series of misfortunes, they eventually migrated across the entire continent to settle on the eastern coast of the Douling Empire.
This migration spanned the entirety of Douluo Continent!
Once in the Douling Empire, they met other Sea Spirit Masters who also worshipped the Sea God. They banded together, forming a force to make a living by diving into the ocean for riches. Over time, with intermarriage and cooperation, they became a unified clan—one that endures to this day.
Their faith in the Sea God has been passed down through generations.
Their strongest inherited ocean martial souls are the Sea Dragon, the Spear of the Sea (Nanook Spear), and the Illusory Serpent—three of the seven sacred pillar martial souls once found on Sea God Island.
However, it seems they're unsure whether they worship the original Sea God, Poseidon, or the current Sea God, Tang Shenwang (Tang the Divine King).
Thus, every generation of the Douling Sea Clan sends young disciples to Shrek Academy.
But unlike other powers who do so to form connections or gain strength, their main purpose is pilgrimage—to pay respects to the Sea God, hoping to enter the inner court and reach Sea God Island. Their wish is for divine protection, the prosperity of their clan, and the continuation of the Sea Spirit Master heritage.
To the Douling Sea Clan, Sea God Island is like Jerusalem is to religion—or Tifa is to the 3D fanbase.
Due to the mainland's suppression of Sea Spirit Masters, the clan's disciples, even if they don't fall behind in spirit power cultivation, struggle to enter the inner court due to their lower combat power.
Coincidentally, the representative the Sea Clan sent this generation is a female student—and she joined Huo Yuhao's alliance.
Thus, the Douling Sea Clan fell into Huo Yuhao's hands.
A family so devoted to the Sea God was naturally welcomed by Huo Yuhao—who saw potential future value in them.
Although Tang Shenwang didn't become a god through faith, the Sea God's divine seat he inherited does grow stronger through worship!
The Douling Sea Clan isn't particularly powerful—the clan head is only at Soul Sage (seven-ring) level—so it was easy for Huo Yuhao to take control.
Today, the clan still worships the Sea God.
Which Sea God they worship, though, is unclear.
But their uniforms are embroidered with the pattern of a rainbow-colored snow lotus.
This time, the Douling Sea Clan is the only Sea Spirit Master team participating in the competition.
Even though one of their genius disciples has Soul Sage-level strength, they didn't attract much attention. It's well known that Sea Spirit Masters are weaker on land, and they rarely venture deep inland—so there's no concern over competition for resources.
Instead, many powers came to see them as valuable partners in acquiring ocean goods in the future.
Their participation in this tournament was encouraged by Huo Yuhao.
To unify the Sea Spirit Masters, he needed a known force as a banner—and a talented, powerful leader to rally them.
This tournament was the perfect opportunity to spread the name of the Douling Sea Clan.
As for strength and talent—Huo Yuhao would grant those to them.
In this round, the Douling Sea Clan drew the individual matches. Surprisingly, the first to take the field wasn't their Soul Sage captain, but a Soul Emperor (six-ring) member.
Their core lineup is one Soul Sage, three Soul Emperors, and three Soul Kings.
Three Soul Emperors would have marked them as a strong team in past tournaments—but in this competition, that isn't enough to make them stand out.
The Soul Sage draws more attention, overshadowing the Soul Emperors.
What's really drawing interest, however, is the Douling Sea Clan's all-female lineup!
They evoke memories of the Tianshui Academy of old—eye-catching and elegant.
Sea beauties have a charm that sets them apart from those on land—an exotic allure.
In just a few short days, their seven-member team has earned the nickname "Mermaids from the Sea." A tribute to their beauty.
Their reputation outshines their strength.
Most of their audience consists of male spectators.
Unfortunately, not one of them actually possesses a mermaid martial soul.