After a night of cultivation, the next morning, when Huo Yuhao left, Yu Mengdi didn't even have the strength to open her eyes.
She could only lie on the bed and weakly wave her hand twice—her only way of bidding farewell to Huo Yuhao.
Nonetheless, both of them had benefited greatly from the night of cultivation.
Huo Yuhao gained Yu Mengdi's yin essence and made a significant breakthrough in his understanding of the light attribute. He also gained a new cauldron. The Six-Winged Angel martial soul truly lived up to its reputation as a representative of the light element. Even though it had not yet reached its full six-winged form, the power hidden within its bloodline still greatly aided Huo Yuhao.
As for Yu Mengdi, having been infused with essence, she was now close to breaking through to Soul Sage level. More importantly, she experienced a kind of joy she had never felt before. A bright future now lay ahead of her!
The second round of the tournament began, with sixteen teams remaining.
Due to intentional arrangements, the teams with Soul Sages had avoided each other in the first round. But now, in the second round, there was no more avoiding it—more than half the remaining teams had Soul Sages.
On the stage, Douluo Mo Ying announced the contenders for the first match of this round.
"Sixteen to Eight. Round Two, Match One: the Sun Moon Xu Family Team versus the Heaven Soul Bai Family Team!"
"Will both teams please enter the preparation area!"
The Sun Moon Xu Family Team was up first again, and their opponent also included Soul Sages among its members.
This opening match seemed designed to drive the tournament to a climax, as the crowd burst into excited cheers. Everyone looked forward to watching the Soul Sage-level powerhouses clash on stage.
Soon, both teams took to the stage for the first round of team combat.
In the rest area, Tang Ya stared intently at the Sun Moon Xu Family Team ascending the stage. Her eyes shimmered with emotion—it was hard to say what exactly she was thinking.
But one thing was certain: due to the "Tang Sect secret techniques" being used by the Xu Family Team, Tang Ya would never sit idly by. Someday, she would thoroughly investigate the truth, and eliminate anyone who dared covet the Tang Sect's legacy!
Because both teams had members at the Soul Sage level, many spectators believed this would be an intense battle—perhaps a clash between dragons and tigers.
Even Xu Tianzhen couldn't help but take it seriously, though she didn't seem too concerned. "No matter what happens, the final victor will be me! Because I am the hope of the Sun Moon Empire!"
On the arena—
Xu Tianzhen and Bai Bingjie stared at each other from across the stage, their auras clashing as if sparks flew between them.
Seeing Bai Bingjie holding her own in terms of aura, Xu Tianzhen's eyes revealed a trace of approval. She spoke up, "Her strength is not beneath mine. Leave her to me—none of you interfere!"
Naturally, Nana and the others just shrugged indifferently.
Bai Bingjie, however, focused more on Xu Tianzhen's teammates. She had no choice but to admit—they, too, appeared formidable.
While she could stand toe-to-toe with Xu Tianzhen, her own teammates wouldn't last long against Xu Tianzhen's group.
It seemed that the Heaven Soul Bai Family's journey in this tournament would end here.
In the end, Bai Bingjie could only remind her teammates: prioritize your own safety.
Making it this far in the tournament had already brought the Bai Family into the spotlight across the continent. With this exposure, their future development would be smoother, and the Heaven Soul Empire would offer them support. There was no need to sacrifice talent on the battlefield.
Moreover, the Bai Family still needed to preserve its strength so it could support Huo Yuhao in the future—becoming one of the powers he could rely on.
"Begin!"
With Douluo Mo Ying's announcement, the battle commenced.
Xu Tianzhen and Bai Bingjie simultaneously released their martial souls.
The Solar Martial Soul and the Camellia Ball Martial Soul were both summoned, and the two clashed without hesitation. The sun and the camellia balls collided on the stage.
The other members of the Bai Family team tried to follow their young clan leader's lead and surround Xu Tianzhen.
At that moment, one of Xu Tianzhen's teammates stepped forward and, for the first time, publicly revealed her martial soul.
"Princess Tianzhen's fight—outsiders should not interfere~"
"Flying Luan, Possession!"
With a cry like a phoenix's call, a powerful gust of wind erupted, sweeping through the arena. Her mask and cloak were blown away, revealing Luan Fei's true appearance, immediately capturing the attention of the entire audience.
Luan Fei had once been trained as a potential flower queen—a testament to her beauty. Now more mature, she had become an absolute stunner, easily rivaling Jiang Nannan in looks and figure.
Excluding "cheat-code" characters like Wang Dong and Jin Qiu'er, Jiang Nannan was already at the top tier of beauty in the Douluo Continent. Only a handful of women in any generation could match her.
After martial soul possession, Luan Fei's figure became even more alluring, and she radiated a noble air.
This was thanks to her Flying Luan martial soul, which bore phoenix blood. The nobility was inherent after possession.
Before the audience could even finish gasping in awe at her beauty, seven soul rings rose in perfect configuration beneath her feet—proof she was a Soul Sage!
"She's a Soul Sage! There's another Soul Sage in the Xu Family Team?!"
"Wait, could all of them be Soul Sages?!"
"Who is she? Why have we never heard of her in Mingdu's noble circles?"
"Are you stupid? With a woman this beautiful, she's probably His Highness the Third Prince's private treasure!"
"No wonder! Only a woman like this is worthy of being at the Third Prince's side!"
As the crowd burst into discussion, Luan Fei sprang into action. Using the Phantom Shadow Steps, she swiftly charged into the Bai Family's ranks and raised her hand to strike at the other six members.
A closer look revealed that her palms were veined with blood-red patterns and gleamed like jade, as hard as metal. Each strike carried immense force and could tear through enemy defenses.
This was a secret technique from the Demonic Heaven Codex: Demonic Jade Hand.
It was similar in effect to the Mysterious Jade Hand, but focused more on destructive power and breaking defenses.
Its cultivation process was also far bloodier—requiring daily tempering of the hands with iron sand soaked in beast blood, as well as the tearing apart of a living creature by hand, absorbing the pain and resentment from its death into one's palms.
Only after absorbing the resentment of eighty-one lives could the skill be completed. And to further increase its power, continued slaughter was required.
Faced with a choice between a powerless fate and bloodshed, Luan Fei had chosen without hesitation to kill. Fortunately, soul beasts could be used as substitutes, so she didn't have to murder humans.
Otherwise, even if she had mastered the Demonic Jade Hand, the psychological toll from repeated killing could have broken her mind. Soul beasts, however, posed little emotional burden.
Surely no one… would actually empathize with soul beasts, right?
Tang Ya activated her Purple Extreme Demon Eyes, clearly observing everything on the arena, and nearly ground her silver teeth to pieces in frustration.
As she had expected, the other members of the Sun-Moon Xu Family Team all possessed special techniques similar to those of the Tang Sect. Luán Fei's technique, Demonic Jade Hands, bore a striking resemblance to the Mysterious Jade Hands—only it was even more destructive.
After all, Mysterious Jade Hands were primarily designed to enhance the forging of hidden weapons and not as a standalone offensive technique. In contrast, Demonic Jade Hands could be transmitted and used as an independent and powerful combat skill.
Luán Fei, facing the six remaining members of the Tianhun Bai Family, had a significant power advantage. With the addition of her Demonic Shadow Steps and Demonic Jade Hands, she easily defeated them one by one.
Of course, Luán Fei held back.
They weren't true enemies, and Luán Fei wasn't a bloodthirsty killer. She had no desire to drench the field in blood and ruin her image.
Yes, even though she had slain hundreds of century- and millennia-old soul beasts, Luán Fei still didn't see herself as a murderer.
Moreover, the bloodlust and resentment from the slain beasts were absorbed by her Demonic Jade Hands. At most, she carried a thick killing aura, making her seem intimidating—but not a crazed killer.
Luán Fei didn't join Xu Tianzhen in attacking Bai Bingjie.
On the arena, the battle between Xu Tianzhen and Bai Bingjie was intense. Both had their own techniques, powerful martial souls, and high-quality soul rings. Their range of abilities made it hard to tell who had the upper hand.
Xu Tianzhen possessed the Demonic Heaven Codex, and Bai Bingjie, trained by the Hao Alliance, also had plenty of secret techniques.
Only when both activated their Martial Soul True Bodies did the balance shift.
"Seventh Soul Skill, Sun True Body!"
Xu Tianzhen transformed into a gigantic sun on the battlefield.
Not to be outdone, Bai Bingjie shouted, "Seventh Soul Skill, Embroidered Ball True Body!"
A massive, radiant pearl-like orb floated above the arena, glowing brightly like a second sun.
The two suns began to vie for brilliance on the stage.
But unexpectedly, once her Martial Soul True Body was active, Xu Tianzhen unleashed a new technique.
"Demonic Heaven Secret Technique—Demon Heavenly Form!"
Xu Tianzhen's power surged again. Her Sun True Body turned blood red, suppressing the glow of Bai Bingjie's Embroidered Ball True Body.
This was the strength granted by cultivating the Demonic Heaven Art—even within Martial Soul True Body form, one could further explode with power.
The price was steep: the side effects of activating the Martial Soul True Body would double, and the cooldown period before it could be used again would lengthen significantly.
The Sun True Body transformed into the Blood Sun True Body, radiating a ferocious and twisted aura, unleashing blazing solar flames to incinerate the Embroidered Ball True Body.
Eventually, the Embroidered Ball True Body reached its limit. It dissipated as Bai Bingjie's soul power was completely drained. Pale-faced, she plummeted from the sky.
Seeing the flames about to engulf her—
The Celadon Douluo acted in time, blocking all the flames and saving Bai Bingjie.
"Th-thank you, senior," Bai Bingjie stammered, shaken but still polite.
"No need to thank me. Just doing my duty," Celadon Douluo replied calmly—though secretly, he rubbed his burned hand and marveled at the terrifying power of Xu Tianzhen's Blood Sun True Body.
"The temperature and destructive power… it might already match the 'Ultimate Fire' His Highness once mentioned. I wonder if it can counter Shrek Academy's Ultimate Ice?"
Moying Douluo then announced the result: the Sun-Moon Xu Family Team had won.
Only then did the Blood Sun True Body vanish. Xu Tianzhen, pale and gasping, landed back on the arena floor.
Clearly, using that secret technique had taken a toll on her.
Bai Bingjie had lost to Xu Tianzhen simply because she had no technique that could amplify her power while in Martial Soul True Body mode.
Although victorious, the price had been high.
"Looks like the next match will have to rely on the others. But still—this princess won!" Xu Tianzhen proudly put her hands on her hips.
Other teams wouldn't dare use their trump cards so early, but for the Sun-Moon Xu Family Team, even without Xu Tianzhen, it wouldn't significantly impact their overall strength.
It just came down to who would fight next.
"Second match of round two: Shrek Academy Team vs. Star Luo Dai Family Team!"
Moying Douluo announced the competitors of the next battle.
Considering how the previous matches had played out, it was hard not to suspect that this pairing was orchestrated by the Sun-Moon Empire to sow discord between Shrek Academy and the Dai Family of Star Luo.
Everyone knew there had always been tensions between Shrek Academy and the White Tiger Duke's House.
What? It was a random draw?
Well, anyone who believed that must be a fool!
Even before stepping onto the field, the rest of Shrek's team looked to Huo Yuhao for instructions.
"Why are you looking at me?" Huo Yuhao asked, puzzled.
"Captain, do we still need to save face for that Dai guy? Should we cooperate with him?" Wang Dong asked curiously.
As veterans of the previous tournament, Xu Sanshi, Jiang Nannan, Wang Dong, and Xiao Xiao all had unpleasant impressions of the Star Luo Empire and the White Tiger Duke's House.
Only Cao Jinxuan seemed unaware of the politics, but he chose to stand with the team and follow orders.
Huo Yuhao asked with a faint smirk, "The Dai Family isn't part of the academy, right? Are they on our side?"
Xu Sanshi and the others burst into laughter—they got what Huo Yuhao meant.
Soon, both teams took the field.
Shrek Academy deployed their full main lineup, as if taking the Dai Family Team very seriously. Leading the Dai Family Team was none other than Dai Huabin.
Dai Huabin and his team knew full well they couldn't win, but they showed no fear. Their battlefield experience had forged steel-like resolve.
Even if they lost, they would lose with pride. At the very least, they wouldn't perform worse than the Zheng Tian Academy Team.
After all, the Dai Family Team consisted entirely of Soul Kings, with Dai Huabin as a Soul Emperor.
To prepare for facing teams with Soul Sage-level members, Dai Huabin had secured a special soul tool from a Sun-Moon Empire auction—at great cost.
It was a Tier 7 Soul Tool: an Absolute Defense Device.
Similar to an Invincibility Barrier, this unique tool trapped whoever it encased in a one-way seal. For fifteen minutes, the trapped individual would be locked inside, subject to defensive conditions equal to those of an eighth-tier defensive-type Soul Douluo—unable to attack or escape.
Only the Sun-Moon Empire manufactured such tools, each worth over a million Gold Soul Coins. But Dai Huabin bought one without hesitation to make the impossible possible and achieve victory against stronger foes.
And the first team he suspected of having a Soul Sage was Shrek Academy. Suspected—because Huo Yuhao had never revealed his true strength. But no matter how strong he was, he couldn't possibly surpass a Soul Sage... right?
"Huo Yuhao, today I'll repay the years of humiliation!" Dai Huabin narrowed his eyes and declared inwardly.
His plan: trap Huo Yuhao with the device, then lead his team to defeat the rest of Shrek's members before swarming Huo Yuhao together.
Granted, Shrek's team included five Soul Emperors and one Soul King besides Huo Yuhao. So why was Dai Huabin confident?
Because he'd fought real battles. He'd killed.
His teammates were in perfect sync with him and could perform combination techniques.
That bunch from Shrek? Probably never even seen blood!
Dai Huabin had pulled off victories against Soul Emperors with weaker teams before—this wouldn't be the first time he overcame the odds.
"Begin!" Moying Douluo shouted.
Dai Huabin took a step forward and shouted, "Huo Yuhao, one-on-one! Dare you accept?"
His answer?
Xu Sanshi's playful voice: "Fourth Soul Skill—Mysterious Underworld Swap!"
In the next second, Dai Huabin and Xu Sanshi swapped places.
Dai Huabin: "!!!"
Huo Yuhao just looked at him and smiled silently.
Wang Dong grinned devilishly. "Oho? Isn't this Mr.White Tiger? What happened? You've fallen off hard, huh?"
"You're despicable!"
Dai Huabin roared in fury as he swiftly completed his Spirit Possession with the speed honed from countless life-and-death situations.
With the possession complete, his White Tiger Spirit surged forth. Two yellow, two purple, and two black spirit rings—six rings in the optimal configuration—floated around him. Alongside them burst out an aura of iron-blooded ferocity, cultivated from years on the battlefield.
And then… that was it for Dai Huabin.
Just as he completed his Spirit Possession, the Trilife Soul-Suppressing Cauldron came crashing down from the sky, knocking him off balance. Before he could recover, the cauldron fully suppressed him.
He didn't even get the chance to release a single spirit skill in response.
Wang Dong was right behind, attacking without hesitation. This time, she no longer concealed her second spirit—the Clear Sky Hammer, which appeared in her hand and was brought smashing down on Dai Huabin's head.
Fortunately, Dai Huabin instinctively raised his arms to block the hammer. He barely managed to fend off the blow, but his arms throbbed with agony, as if the bones were about to shatter.
The Clear Sky Hammer was never something you could take lightly.
Seizing the moment, Jiang Nannan stretched out her long leg and kicked Dai Huabin hard in the side, sending him staggering again. Against someone from the White Tiger Duke's household, there was no need to talk about honor.
Although he was being pummeled, the suppression from the Soul-Suppressing Cauldron left Dai Huabin unable to retaliate—he could only rage helplessly.
Huo Yuhao, however, didn't even bother attacking him.
"Dai Huabin is yours to deal with. I'm going to help Brother Xu," he said calmly, walking away from the group without looking back—like Dai Huabin wasn't even worth his attention.
His words did reach Dai Huabin's ears.
The physical pain enraged him, but it was the disdain that truly wounded his pride. The indifference of Huo Yuhao stung more than any attack.
After all, Dai Huabin cared about nothing more than his reputation.
"Huo! Yu! Hao! Come back here and fight me!"
In a burst of soul power, Dai Huabin temporarily shook off the others and roared at Huo Yuhao, recklessly charging in his direction.
But the very next moment—THUD!—Wang Dong slammed the hammer onto the back of his head. Dai Huabin collapsed, eyes spinning, sprawled flat on the ground.
The sound was crisp and satisfying—good heads always made good sounds.
"You're awfully demanding for someone getting beaten. What, not satisfied with what we're giving you?" Wang Dong sneered, holding her hammer.
Finally, Cao Jinxuan saw his opportunity and rushed over, kicking Dai Huabin hard twice before retreating behind the group, giving his teammates room to keep dishing out the damage.
After all, as a mere Spirit King, he couldn't face a Spirit Emperor like Dai Huabin head-on.
Off to the side, Wei Na said sympathetically, "Why are you all hitting so hard? Just a few more hits and he'll be eliminated… Oh well, I'll heal him first so we can keep going."
Although Huo Yuhao no longer regarded Dai Huabin as a threat, Wei Na hadn't forgotten that Dai Huabin had once challenged Huo Yuhao to a duel, even trying to attack him. That was what got him expelled from Shrek Academy.
Since he was Huo Yuhao's enemy, there was no need to hold back—the crueler, the better.
Watching this unfold, Xiao Xiao covered her eyes with her small hands and muttered, "Sister Na is so evil!"
And Dai Huabin, still struggling on the ground, had no idea what he was about to endure.
Meanwhile…
The other six members of the Star Luo Dai Clan Team were stunned the moment Dai Huabin was swapped out. They naturally tried to rush to his rescue—but were stopped by a single person: Xu Sanshi.
Dai Huabin had previously been at the front. After the Mysterious Nether Swap, Xu Sanshi now blocked the path alone.
"Out of the way!" the Dai Clan's vice-captain shouted.
"If I just stepped aside because you said so, where's my dignity?" Xu Sanshi replied with a mocking smile—he knew how to taunt people.
"Then you leave us no choice. Form up!"
Under the vice-captain's command, the remaining five team members formed a battle formation and charged toward Xu Sanshi.
Someone in the crowd recognized it:
"That's a military formation! It allows five to ten people to fight in perfect coordination. With strong teamwork, they can even challenge higher-ranked opponents. And these six clearly have that kind of synergy—they've definitely been on real battlefields. Even Spirit Emperors might not be their match!"
"No wonder they're from the White Tiger Duke's house. Those are some serious trump cards."
"So… does that mean Xu Sanshi from Shrek Academy is in danger?"
All six members of the Dai Clan team were either direct retainers or branch descendants of the White Tiger Duke's family—loyal to both Dai Huabin and the house.
Each one of them had impressive talent, and their spirit qualities were at least high-grade.
Over the generations, the White Tiger Duke's household had gathered many strong followers, some even descended from non-inheriting branches of the Dai family who hadn't awakened the White Tiger Spirit. With each generation, they produced new talents.
The vice-captain himself possessed a powerful high-grade spirit—Golden-Eyed Flame Tiger—making him one of the elite branch descendants.
His spirit not only granted him formidable strength but also control over fire. Though only a Spirit King, his strength far exceeded most in his rank, tempered by military campaigns and bloodshed. His strikes were ruthless, and his combat experience vast.
With his team backing him, he had full confidence in challenging Xu Sanshi—and winning.
But he chose the wrong opponent.
Feeling the threatening aura from the six opponents, Xu Sanshi didn't hold back. He instantly released his strongest spirit ability:
"Sixth Soul Skill: Mysterious Nether Domain!"
The Mysterious Nether Shield in his hand suddenly expanded, while dark water materialized around him, thickening his already imposing presence.
This domain not only amplified the power of his shield and personal abilities—it was a comprehensive buff.
The moment the Dai Clan members stepped into the black water, their expressions changed. The dark water exerted both mental and physical suppression on all intruders.
But none of them hesitated. They pressed forward with full force, aiming to take down Xu Sanshi in one wave.
"Second Soul Skill: Mysterious Nether Shield Array!"
"Fifth Soul Skill: Black Tortoise Slam!"
Xu Sanshi unleashed two more skills in succession. The Mysterious Nether Shield split into multiple smaller shields, interlocked for omnidirectional defense. Then they reassembled into the shape of a tortoise shell, launching forward like a cannonball.
The vice-captain wasn't intimidated. He roared and countered with a trio of spirit skills:
First Soul Skill: Blazing Flame Barrier!
Third Soul Skill: Golden Flame Body Transformation!
Fifth Soul Skill: Flaming Berserker Slash!
These abilities provided defense, amplification, and attack power. With all three combined, he became a flaming berserker warrior.
The turtle-shell barrage slammed into the berserker head-on. But the vice-captain wasn't alone—his teammates boosted him and absorbed part of the damage.
BOOM!
An explosive impact. The Black Tortoise Slam scattered back into smaller shields, returning to Xu Sanshi's side.
The vice-captain, feet planted firmly, slid back several paces—but he didn't fall.
He had done it. He withstood Xu Sanshi's blow!
Xu Sanshi was simply surprised by the outcome.
"Is the military formation really that powerful?"
The vice-captain, however, looked completely shaken.
Despite managing to receive Xu Sanshi's blow as the weaker opponent, his expression was as though he'd experienced something utterly shocking.
He looked at his trembling hands and had to forcefully clench them to suppress the discomfort in his arms. And it wasn't just his arms—despite his soul armor, his entire body was surging with chaotic energy. His internal organs spasmed, and he was on the verge of vomiting blood.
This wasn't his first time fighting a Soul Emperor, but with the support of a military formation, he shouldn't have been injured this severely. Most baffling of all—the opponent was a defense-type soul master!
And yet, his entire team had clearly been affected, each member showing signs of damage.
"What kind of monster is he?" The vice-captain was stunned.
You're telling me that's a Soul Emperor?
What he didn't know was that Xu Sanshi wasn't just any Soul Emperor—he carried the bloodline of a divine beast. Even though his Black Tortoise lineage hadn't fully awakened, his strength was far beyond that of an ordinary Soul Emperor.
And this vice-captain, who could only fight a Soul Emperor with the support of his teammates, was far outclassed.
The fact that he wasn't taken out in one move was a testament to the military formation's effectiveness.
Now the vice-captain made a firm decision—to rescue Dai Huabin, he had to go all out.
"Lend me your soul power!"
His teammates didn't hesitate. They quickly lined up behind him and placed their hands on his back.
Many spectators were startled by this.
"What are they doing?"
"That formation—could it be the legendary Soul Power Fusion Technique?"
"What? Soul Power Fusion? The one developed by the Grandmaster of Shrek Academy ten thousand years ago?"
"The Duke of White Tiger's lineage really does run deep!"
Ten thousand years ago, even Dai Mubai had experienced the fusion technique himself. He'd learned the theory from the Grandmaster and passed it down to the Dai family, so it was no surprise it still existed within their teachings.
Xu Sanshi watched with interest and didn't interfere—not because he was being arrogant, but because Huo Yuhao had just arrived at his side.
Huo Yuhao chuckled, "Brother Xu, leave it to me."
"Alright, then I won't interfere." Xu Sanshi smiled, clearly not seeing the six remaining Dai family members as a threat.
Over the centuries, the Dai family had adapted the Soul Power Fusion Technique into a secret art that better suited their bloodline.
As the vice-captain absorbed his teammates' soul power, his aura rapidly intensified until a blazing tiger head formed around him, enveloping his entire body.
It was as though a mighty Flame Tiger was awakening from slumber, unleashing a fierce and regal dominance.
Feeling the energy radiating from the blazing tiger head, Xu Sanshi's expression turned more serious.
"Yuhao, are you sure you've got this?"
"A man never says he can't." Huo Yuhao grinned.
"White Tiger Secret Art: Tiger Strikes the Mortal World!"
With a furious roar, the vice-captain sent the blazing tiger head flying from his palms. As it launched, his face turned deathly pale, as though all his soul power had been drained. He could no longer even maintain his martial soul possession.
His teammates caught him as he collapsed.
The vice-captain's gaze, however, remained locked on the flaming tiger head flying forward with anticipation.
All eyes were now on the blazing tiger head, which radiated soul power at the level of a Soul Sage, comparable to a full-powered strike from a high-rank Soul Sage!
But this move came with a heavy price.
Only soul masters below the Soul Sage level could perform it—and only if the lead was a battle-type soul master with a tiger-type martial soul. Otherwise, the lead would be overwhelmed and die from the backlash. Even if performed correctly, the lead soul master would be instantly drained of soul power and left unable to fight—or even summon their martial soul—for some time.
Without prompt healing, it could even leave permanent damage or sap one's future potential.
Worse still, it caused irreversible meridian damage. Using it more than three times could shatter one's entire meridian network, turning the user into a cripple for life.
Thus, it was a technique taught only to direct heirs of the Duke of White Tiger's line—as a trump card for desperate life-or-death battles.
And now, in this tournament, because Dai Huabin hadn't surrendered, the vice-captain had used this ultimate technique to break through the encirclement and save him.
In the face of the Duke's honor, their lives and futures were merely tools to be spent.
The blazing tiger head opened its fiery jaws, roaring toward Huo Yuhao with the intent to tear him to shreds.
Even Xu Sanshi, standing beside Huo Yuhao, gulped nervously and instinctively raised his Black Tortoise Shield in preparation.
But Huo Yuhao showed no sign of panic—not even a serious expression. Standing calmly at Xu Sanshi's side, he slowly let his smile fade. Then, for the first time in this tournament, he revealed his soul rings.
Red! Red! Red! Red! Red! Red! Red!
Seven dazzling crimson soul rings lit up around him. At the same time, an aura of sovereign dominance erupted from his body like a god descending.
The blazing tiger beast, charging ferociously, was torn apart by this pressure—shattered to pieces without even a spark, dissolving into the air.
The Dai family members on the field all froze, their faces stricken with despair and defeat, completely losing the will to fight.
Even Xu Sanshi, though not targeted by Huo Yuhao's aura, felt immense pressure. It wasn't just shock—he was breaking into a sweat.
Huo Yuhao stood calmly on the stage, surrounded by seven blood-red soul rings. His majestic presence had seized everyone's attention, and the entire arena fell into momentary silence.
Then, representatives from various factions sprang to their feet, eyes wide with disbelief. Some even thought they were dreaming.
Impossible.
Unbelievable.
Seven hundred-thousand-year soul rings?!
In the last tournament, Huo Yuhao only had six black soul rings—how did they all become red now? And even a seventh?
"No way! Absolutely impossible!"
"Those must be fake! It has to be an illusion-type soul skill!"
"Wait… could he have a second martial soul?!"
But Huo Yuhao didn't care for theatrics.
All seven of his rings were real hundred-thousand-year soul rings—and he was still holding back.
Standing tall on the stage, Huo Yuhao fixed his gaze on the Dai family.
He spoke slowly, his voice calm but carrying unmistakable weight:
"Whether it's the Duke of White Tiger or anyone else, neither I nor Shrek Academy have ever feared your challenges. You are always welcome to try."
"And don't worry—I've learned how to step over ants… without crushing them."
The audience clearly heard his words.
Some felt a deep shock—Huo Yuhao's message was a clear warning to all forces considering challenging Shrek Academy's millennia-long dominance.
Others were more contemplative.
"Could it be that relations between Shrek Academy and the Duke of White Tiger's House have truly become this antagonistic?"
"First the Zhu clan distanced themselves, now Shrek is targeting them directly. The Dai family sure is… blessed~"
"What did the Dai family do this time to earn this level of mockery from Shrek Academy's heir?"
In the end, the Dai family of Star Luo was defeated.
The Shrek Academy team won with ease.
Only then did Huo Yuhao and Xu Sanshi retract their spirit rings and martial souls. The Xuanming Domain released by Xu Sanshi also dissipated.
The Xuanming Domain was actually a very rare domain-type soul skill.
Xu Sanshi's sixth spirit ring had been acquired with the help of Shrek Academy. According to records in his family's memory, they had found the most suitable spirit ring for him.
It not only granted him a domain-type soul skill, but also further awakened the Xuanwu (Black Tortoise) bloodline within him.
Huo Yuhao couldn't help but sigh in admiration—Xu Sanshi's talent was indeed extraordinary. Even within the long history of the Xuanming Sect, he was among the top.
Having inherited the entire legacy of the Xuanming Sect, Huo Yuhao naturally understood the secrets behind the development of the Xuanming Turtle martial soul.
According to the records of the Xuanming Sect, even if other Xuanming Turtle martial soul masters absorbed the same type of sixth spirit ring as Xu Sanshi, it didn't guarantee they would gain the Xuanming Domain. Only those whose internal Xuanwu bloodline had reached a certain concentration were eligible to acquire the Xuanming Domain.
This domain didn't simply rely on the right spirit ring—it required fusion with the Xuanwu bloodline.
In the future, if the Xuanwu bloodline within a Xuanming Turtle spirit master fully awakened, this domain could evolve into the Xuanwu Domain, which would be even more powerful.
Moreover, when obtaining this spirit ring, Xu Sanshi also received a spirit bone of the same origin, which significantly boosted his power.
To receive a spirit bone was considered a sign of great fortune—fortune made possible by the sacrifice of the Xuanming Sect.
Although Huo Yuhao had wiped out the Xuanming Sect and the Xu family, some of their fate and fortune lingered in the world. Naturally, this residual luck was inherited by Xu Sanshi, their rightful successor.
Compared to the once abundant fortune of the Xuanming Sect and Xu family, what Xu Sanshi now carried was a mere fraction. But even this was much more than what ordinary individual soul masters had.
Obtaining a spirit bone while hunting a spirit ring—this was just par for the course.
Xu Sanshi's future would only become more fortunate.
Dai Huabin was carried off the field—his face beaten into a swollen pig's head, barely conscious.
Anyone who saw him would utter the same thing: "Brutal."
In truth, Dai Huabin's injuries weren't that severe, certainly not as costly as the vice-captain's. But the humiliation? That was immeasurable.
For someone like Dai Huabin—young, proud, obsessed with face and honor—the psychological and emotional toll, once he woke up, would be devastating.
Yet no matter how furious or unwilling the Dai family representatives were, they dared not speak out against Shrek Academy. From Huo Yuhao and the others' demeanor, it was clear—Shrek Academy was deliberately targeting the Dai family.
Now, the representatives of the Dai family didn't dare escalate the conflict. They were worried they might not even leave Mingdu alive. Their top priority was to report back to the White Tiger Duke's residence and let the Duchess decide.
And so, the representatives of the Dai family fled the arena in shame, taking Dai Huabin and the others with them without even watching the rest of the match.
Most other factions looked on at the Dai family with a mix of amusement and intrigue.
The representative of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect sighed deeply. "How did it come to this…"
A thousand years ago, their ancestors were as close as brothers with the Dai family. Now, they stood on opposite ends, at each other's throats.
Some sharp-eyed observers also noticed that the representatives of the Star Luo Empire had said nothing in defense of the Dai family. Xu Jiujiao, in particular, was nowhere to be seen.
She wasn't unaware. She was simply pretending to be absent, quietly watching everything unfold from the shadows.
"Jiujiao, are we really just going to do nothing?" Man Yi couldn't help but ask.
"No need," Xu Jiujiao replied coldly and decisively. "The moment they chose to participate under the name 'Dai Family of Star Luo' rather than the White Tiger Duke's Residence, it meant they were no longer content with their current position."
If Dai Hao were still around, this would never have happened. Even if he sent people to compete, it would've been under the White Tiger Duke's name—not the independent Dai family.
After all, the White Tiger Duke's title came from the royal family, whereas the Dai family was an independent aristocratic house.
The White Tiger Duke was already second only to the emperor. If they were no longer content with that… well, it was clear—they wanted the throne back.
Who gave the Dai family this confidence? Perhaps the seeds of resentment had long been sown.
The Xu family was in its prime. How could they willingly hand over the throne?
And even more—how could they be sure the Dai family wouldn't purge the Xu family afterward?
Man Yi's face changed. She spoke in disbelief, "That can't be, right? Isn't the current head of the White Tiger Duke's Residence your royal sister, the Duchess?"
Xu Jiujiao sneered, "Whether she still sees herself as part of the royal family is another question. Besides, does the Duchess have less power than the Empress Dowager? She also has royal blood—she's a legitimate heir. If she has the White Tiger Duke's support, what's to stop her from taking the throne herself?"
Man Yi's face turned pale. "Jiujiao, are you saying…"
"Isn't it obvious? Her control over power is no longer hidden—she's getting more blatant by the day. The White Tiger Duke's Residence is completely in her hands now." Xu Jiujiao couldn't help but acknowledge that her royal sister was indeed capable.
Unfortunately, her strategic vision was short-sighted. She revealed her ambition too early and triggered the royal family's suspicion.
With the Zhu family already turned against them, the Dai family's situation had become very delicate.
If the Duchess had remained loyal to the royal family, the White Tiger Duke's Residence and the Dai family would no longer be a threat.
But regardless of how things turn out, if conflict breaks out between the royal family and the White Tiger Duke's Residence, no matter who wins, the Star Luo Empire will suffer heavy losses.
Xu Jiujiao didn't want to see that happen. On the contrary, she was hoping Shrek Academy would crush the White Tiger Duke's confidence first.
Of course, Xu Jiujiao had another theory.
While others suspected Huo Yuhao's seven spirit rings were fake, Xu Jiujiao suspected they were real. Because she knew—Huo Yuhao wasn't the type to make a flashy show for attention. And he had no reason to use a disguise that could be seen through at a glance.
Ever since the last Soul Master Tournament, when she saw Huo Yuhao's six jet-black spirit rings, the Star Luo royal family had started investigating in secret—and made a discovery.
According to a secret royal record, inheritors of divine positions could possess spirit ring configurations that defied common sense—and their spirit ring quality could also be enhanced.
The Body Sect had their advantage due to their unique martial souls.
But Huo Yuhao didn't have a body-type martial soul.
He had taken celestial herbs, possessed extraordinary talent, wielded an ultimate attribute—and potentially, was a divine successor. That all made sense.
And the Xu family—why couldn't they become followers of a deity as well?
In the Resting Area—
Xian Lin'er and the others hadn't expected Huo Yuhao to humiliate Dai Huabin and the White Tiger Duke's Residence so thoroughly, much less say those words out loud.
Ma Xiaotao and Ling Luochen were thoroughly enjoying the show.
Wu Ming looked like she was watching the drama unfold with glee.
Only Hua Yao frowned and asked, "Deans, is it really wise for us to fall out with the White Tiger Duke's Residence right now?"
She didn't care about right or wrong—only whether it was appropriate.
Shrek Academy had just suffered a zombie horde assault from the Death God Envoy. They couldn't afford to keep making enemies.
"It's youthful passion. You can't stop it," Cai Mei'er responded, defending Huo Yuhao. "Though the White Tiger Duke's Residence and the Sun-Moon Royal Family did offer compensation back then, how could lifeless things compare to a human life? And our centuries of Shrek glory almost came to ruin—how could those vulgar offerings make up for that?"
By "vulgar offerings," she meant seven ten-thousand-year spirit bones.
Xian Lin'er nodded in agreement. "Most of the main team members were involved in the incident five years ago. The humiliation they suffered back then—of course they'd want to reclaim their pride personally."
Only Zhang Lexuan remained calm. She didn't care much for any of it. When Huo Yuhao needed her, she wouldn't refuse—but outside of that, she wouldn't go out of her way. She only wanted to protect what was hers.
Lately, she had been reflecting on her relationship with Shrek Academy. As for everything else, she simply wasn't interested.