"What?! The Evil Dragon Son is actually the great-grandson of Dragon God Douluo, Mu En?"
"How is that possible? Dragon God Douluo, known as the Holy Light Dragon, actually has an evil soul master as a descendant? What a disgrace to the family!"
"Mu En was a hero, and now he has such a great-grandson? It's a stain on his legacy!"
"We don't know the full truth yet. Maybe Mu En's descendants were persecuted, and then… heh, think what you will. In any case, it's said Mu En has already perished. Shrek Academy is now led by Xuanzi, and Beibei went missing during the last Soul Master Tournament—which, conveniently, was led by Xuanzi. All of this can be verified in Star Luo City."
"Hmph, Shrek Academy is getting worse and worse!"
The audience buzzed with discussion, and inevitably, three hot topics emerged: the stain on Mu En's legacy, the internal darkness of Shrek Academy, and the complicated relationship between Huo Yuhao and Beibei.
Many secrets—true and false—started surfacing.
Tang Ya had only exposed Beibei's identity, but a chain of bombshell revelations followed.
Clearly, someone was pulling strings. Anyone could see that this was the work of the Holy Spirit Cult and Tang Ya—they were well prepared.
In just a short time, the three topics exploded in popularity, capturing everyone's attention.
Conspiracy theories started flying.
Some enraged spectators even began hurling trash toward the arena—it was unclear if it was aimed at Huo Yuhao, Tang Ya, or Beibei.
Fortunately, the soul barrier blocked all of it.
The representatives from Shrek Academy and the three major empires all looked extremely grim, but they were powerless to stop it.
The other empire representatives had no authority or means to interfere in Shrek's internal affairs. They could only watch anxiously.
Xian Lin'er and Cai Mei'er already felt guilty toward Beibei. With Huo Yuhao and Zhang Lexuan present, they couldn't cut ties with Beibei or deny everything. They could only remain silent.
As for arguing with others—how could a few voices contend with the overwhelming tide of public opinion?
To the masses, Shrek Academy's silence was as good as a confession.
Even several members of Shrek's battle team, unaware of the inside story, were left shocked and confused.
Undoubtedly, these topics were out of control now. Once they spread across the continent, they might not cause civil war within Shrek, but they would certainly damage the academy's millennia-old reputation.
Even Huo Yuhao's name would be dragged through the mud—seen as a hypocrite.
Unless Shrek Academy disavowed Beibei, or Huo Yuhao gave up his status as heir to the Sea God Pavilion, these rumors would keep harming the academy.
At this moment, Xian Lin'er, Cai Mei'er, and Zhang Lexuan truly developed a murderous intent toward Tang Ya.
The rest of Shrek's people shared their fury, glaring at the Holy Spirit Cult.
If Hua Yao hadn't held them back, Wu Ming and Ma Xiaotao might've already attacked, regardless of consequences.
Tang Ya and the Holy Spirit Cult had indeed prepared—but even they didn't expect their plan to work this well.
So, Tang Ya once again looked toward the third prince and saw him still watching the chaos with a detached, superior air.
Tang Ya was now sure—the third prince was involved.
But so what if she knew?
In fact, she should be thanking him. Targeting Shrek Academy and Huo Yuhao was her goal. This was just the beginning.
The strange atmosphere and Tang Ya's words were affecting Beibei too. He clutched his head in pain, murmuring:
"Dragon God Douluo… Mu En… great-grandson… I, I…"
Beibei's memories weren't erased—only sealed, and not completely. When key words came together, he couldn't help but react.
But Zhongli Wu, in the shadows, wasn't worried.
He was the one who had ambushed Beibei and performed the ritual to seal his memories. He trusted his handiwork.
Long Xiaoyao could also tell something was wrong, but he didn't mind. The ritual had made Beibei stronger, and sealing his memories spared him some suffering.
Beibei couldn't go back to Shrek Academy anyway. It was better to live as the Evil Dragon Son.
Only Tang Ya, with her limited understanding of the ritual, failed to notice the problem. Instead, she irrationally believed Beibei had abandoned their love.
When Tang Ya looked at Huo Yuhao again, she was shocked—he showed no panic or anger. Despite being at the center of this storm, he remained cold and unmoved.
"Is he faking it? How long can he keep this up?" Tang Ya sneered.
The mutated Frost Centipede——spoke calmly, "Are you done talking? If so, let's resume the fight."
Looking into those icy eyes, Tang Ya suddenly shivered, her breath hitching.
She had a chilling premonition—Huo Yuhao seemed to have anticipated all of this and had already made a terrifying decision.
"What is he planning? Why am I afraid? That doesn't make sense…" Tang Ya panicked inside but tried to keep a composed face.
The Frost Centipede made his move again.
His wings, usually draped like a cloak, spread wide for the first time in combat.
He floated upward, and a powerful wave of spiritual energy spread from him, covering the arena.
First pair of wings—spiritual power!
In the next instant, Tang Ya and Beibei felt it—they were locked onto.
The Frost Centipede made no attempt to hide it.
Then, a second aura surged out—a force of pure destruction.
Third pair of wings—destructive power!
The destructive energy wrapped around the Frost Dragon Spear, now aimed directly at Tang Ya.
"He's trying to kill me!" Tang Ya's pupils contracted. She immediately used Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track to evade the aim.
But no matter how she moved, the Frost Centipede's spiritual power stayed locked on. The threat of death followed her every step.
"The Evil Dragon Son can't escape, and neither can the Blue Silver Saintess!" the Frost Centipede growled, and then hurled his spear.
Whoosh!
Below the stage, Xian Lin'er, Cai Mei'er, Zhang Lexuan, and others widened their eyes, full of anticipation.
To them, Tang Ya—this wretched traitor—deserved death.
Onstage, Tang Ya's face went pale. She felt as though her blood had frozen. She couldn't move. Her soul power wouldn't respond. All she could do was wait for death.
The world slowed down.
Thanks to her Purple Demon Eyes, she could see the approaching Frost Dragon Spear in all its terrifying detail—but that just made her despair worse.
Her tragic life flashed before her eyes.
At that moment—two evil dragon claws emerged from the side, catching the spear mid-flight.
The devastating ice and destruction energies tore into the claws—scales shattered, blood sprayed.
Yet the claws held on tight, refusing to let the spear move even a fraction further.
At last, the Frost Centipede Dragon Spear halted before Tang Ya—it never touched her.
It was Bei Bei who intervened. His twin dragon-clawed arms were shattered, wounds deep to the bone. Bei Bei gazed at Tang Ya, murmuring almost unconsciously, "Xiao Ya…"
Even if his hands were crippled, he didn't want Tang Ya to suffer the slightest harm.
In that moment of narrowly escaping death, Tang Ya felt the entire world fall silent. Overwhelmed with emotion, tears spilled from her eyes.
She couldn't remember how long it had been since Bei Bei last called her that. Ever since she joined the Holy Spirit Cult, an invisible, tragic barrier had formed between them.
No matter how hard Tang Ya tried, the barrier only thickened over time.
It wasn't until the incident with Huo Yuhao that Tang Ya realized she and Bei Bei were truly over. Her remaining days would be consumed by revenge—against Shrek Academy, against the Sea God's Pavilion, and against Huo Yuhao.
But now, Bei Bei had saved her, and even called her that name again. The heart she thought was dead, filled only with vengeance and fury, started to beat anew.
Such is the deadly power of the "white moonlight" love.
Bei Bei hadn't regained his memories, but his instincts moved him.
This… is the power of love.
Perfectly in tune with the world of Douluo Dalu.
This love… worthy of epic songs and bitter tears.
Even Huo Yuhao, watching in secret, couldn't help but sigh:
"Big Brother Bei Bei… you still can't let go of Sister Xiao Ya."
But sorry, Big Brother Bei Bei. I've already been there.
As Tang Ya and Bei Bei exchanged deep, emotional gazes, still in shock, a voice whispered in Bei Bei's ear.
It was Frost Variant Centipede:
"Big Brother Bei Bei, I knew you'd fall for it!"
Suddenly, the Frost Variant Centipede appeared behind Bei Bei.
"What?!"
Tang Ya and Bei Bei were both startled. Tang Ya instantly suspected this had all been a trap laid by the Frost Centipede.
But it was already too late.
From behind, the Frost Variant Centipede wrapped itself around Bei Bei, restraining him entirely. Then it unleashed its ultimate ice attribute—Ultimate Ice—to freeze his body.
"Big Brother Bei Bei, don't fight back!" the Frost Variant Centipede said solemnly, as if trying to reach him.
But how could Bei Bei not resist?
Already wounded, in immense pain, Bei Bei reacted instinctively to the sneak attack. His Ultimate Evil attribute erupted as demonic lightning, blasting outward indiscriminately—most of it striking the Frost Centipede.
But the Frost Variant Centipede refused to let go. Instead, it dragged Bei Bei into the sky, relentlessly trying to freeze him solid with Ultimate Ice.
Bei Bei resisted with all his might.
Below, Tang Ya watched helplessly, trying to intervene. But the surging ice and demonic lightning made it impossible for her Dark Blue Silver Grass to get close.
Just when she had a glimmer of hope to redeem Bei Bei, Tang Ya once again felt the crushing despair of powerlessness.
In the sky, the Frost Variant Centipede and Bei Bei clashed fiercely, locked in a brutal, primal, and bloody battle.
On the sidelines:
"What is Yuhao doing?" Cai Meier asked, shocked.
"Is he trying to restrain Bei Bei?" Xian Lin'er guessed.
Zhang Lexuan said with hope, "Yuhao must have a plan. He always does!"
Everyone's spirits lifted instantly.
As always, they believed in Huo Yuhao.
The Frost Variant Centipede didn't disappoint—it acted exactly according to Yuhao's plan.
Seeing that none of his usual methods could free him, Bei Bei finally used his trump card.
Seventh Soul Skill: True Form of the Evil Dragon!
A demonic dragon, five meters long, appeared on the stage—radiating a terrifying, evil aura that made all life tremble.
In the audience, the residents of Mingdu were struck with horror, not awe.
Only two years had passed since the Evil Dragon Disaster in Mingdu. Many had witnessed that catastrophe with their own eyes. Countless lost loved ones in the explosion.
"It's him! He's the Evil Dragon!"
"Give me back my sister! Die! Just die!!!"
"Kill him! Somebody kill him!"
"Your Highness, please avenge us!!"
The crowd erupted in outrage.
Many fell to their knees, crying, begging the Third Prince to bring justice.
The entire arena was drowning in public fury.
Some opportunists tried to exploit the chaos, but quickly realized they didn't need to—the people of Mingdu already harbored deep, unshakable hate.
But their curses didn't stop the Evil Dragon's true form.
And then—another ultimate power burst forth.
"Seventh Soul Skill: True Form of the Frost Centipede!"
The Frost Variant Centipede transformed into a massive ice centipede with three pairs of wings.
It looked exactly like a genuine Frost Centipede's true form.
Even now, it refused to let go, coiling around the Evil Dragon's form as the two colossal beasts engaged in savage combat high above the arena.
Rip!
A pair of wings was torn off by the Evil Dragon's bite. Blood and soulforce scattered like stars.
Tragic yet beautiful.
The wings—symbols of spiritual power—shattered.
The Frost Variant Centipede quickly shielded the second pair.
But the Evil Dragon snuck in and tore off the third—those imbued with the Power of Destruction.
One by one, its centipede legs were crushed. The Frost Variant Centipede trembled with pain, but still held on tightly.
The struggle allowed it to finally start freezing the Evil Dragon's body.
The Evil Dragon tried to tear the centipede apart before becoming fully frozen.
The brutality shocked many in the audience—some covered their eyes, unable to bear watching.
Below the stage, Ma Xiaotao, Ling Luochen, and Qi Yu were all in tears.
They didn't know what Huo Yuhao was trying to do, but they'd never seen him so miserable.
Xian Lin'er, Cai Meier, and Zhang Lexuan were filled with anxiety, wanting to stop the match, but forced themselves to believe in Huo Yuhao.
Nan Qiuqiu, Yu Mengdi, and others looked on in stunned disbelief.
Even the younger generation who were close to Huo Yuhao looked pained and confused. They couldn't understand why the battle had to go this far.
As the battle reached its peak, the dragon claw shattered the centipede's shell, piercing its body.
The Frost Variant Centipede transformed back into Huo Yuhao, and Bei Bei's dragon-transformed arm was lodged in Yuhao's chest.
Both floated in midair.
"Yuhao!!" the crowd screamed in panic.
But the Frost Variant Centipede—Yuhao—smiled.
His hands gripped Bei Bei's arm tightly.
By now, 80% of Bei Bei's body was frozen by Ultimate Ice.
"Mission accomplished, Big Brother Bei Bei. This time… I win…"
As he spoke, his last remaining pair of wings unfurled, bursting with radiant Light.
That light flowed along Bei Bei's arm—the one skewering Huo Yuhao's chest—and entered Bei Bei's body.
Bei Bei struggled violently, but couldn't break free.
The Light flowing into him reacted with the Ultimate Ice, and began purifying the evil power inside his body.
Coughing blood, Huo Yuhao continued,
"Big Brother Bei Bei… this is a technique I developed from a special method passed down by my teacher, designed specifically to counter Evil Soul Masters. I combined it with my Ultimate Ice to create this—"
"Requiem of Light and Ice: Frost Centipede Purges Evil!"
"Wake up, Big Brother Bei Bei!"
With those final words, Yuhao released Bei Bei's arms and fell from the sky, smiling.
The gaping hole in his chest made him look heartbreakingly tragic.
Using the last of his strength, he froze himself mid-fall.
Above, Bei Bei began to glow gold, letting out an agonized roar.
Within that golden radiance, his crimson pupils slowly faded—replaced by a brilliant golden light.
Tang Ya looked up at the sky anxiously. Bei Bei's entire body radiated golden light, and he let out uncontrollable roars.
It was obvious to everyone—something was wrong with Bei Bei.
However, Tang Ya could do nothing. The light-attribute power emanating from Bei Bei's body was so intense that she dared not get close.
A single step closer would result in burns.
She then looked complexly at the small frost centipede variant that had sealed itself in ice—more precisely, at "Huo Yuhao."
At that moment, the centipede variant still had Huo Yuhao's appearance. The gaping, untreated wound through his chest was horrifying and grotesque.
The frost centipede had its eyes closed, its body encased in a massive block of ice like a crystal coffin, preserving it as it crashed onto the stage.
Bei Bei and Huo Yuhao—two men who held very special places in Tang Ya's heart. One entered her heart; the other, her body.
Even though she hated Huo Yuhao for taking her virginity, when Bei Bei killed him, her emotions were still tangled.
Then, Tang Ya's expression shifted slightly. Her eyes widened in shock as she stared at the ice-sealed centipede variant.
Because, through her dark blue silver grass's perception, she sensed that the supposedly dead "Huo Yuhao" still had a trace of life remaining.
"Huo Yuhao isn't dead?!" Tang Ya gasped. "A wound like that—through the chest—and he's still alive? Could it be the effect of Ultimate Ice?"
Suddenly, a blood-red killing intent appeared in her eyes. A bold idea formed in her mind.
If Huo Yuhao died, she might feel regret—but if he was still alive… why not make sure he did die?
Huo Yuhao's life was now like a candle flickering in the wind, without any ability to resist or defend.
If she killed him now, then no one would ever know what happened between her and Huo Yuhao.
She and Bei Bei… might still have a chance.
"Huo Yuhao, don't blame me. This is for the best!"
In the next instant, Tang Ya raised her hand. Countless dark blue silver grass vines sprouted, lunging like vicious beasts toward the frost centipede, aiming to devour its last trace of life.
The two observing from the sidelines, Shadow Douluo Mo Ying and Celadon Douluo, exchanged glances but made no move to intervene.
Because the third prince had secretly ordered them not to.
Just as the dark blue silver grass was about to touch Huo Yuhao—
Countless bolts of thunder descended from the sky, infused with a dark, evil aura. The lightning obliterated all the vines into dust.
Tang Ya instinctively recoiled, eyes filled with disbelief.
With a thunderous explosion, a figure descended from the sky, landing in front of Huo Yuhao—facing Tang Ya head-on.
It was Bei Bei!
He was still half-transformed into his evil dragon form. Dark lightning crackled around him. The golden light and ice from earlier had vanished, replaced with an even purer and more terrifying dark power. The evil lightning was fiercer and more violent than ever.
The only difference from before was his eyes. They were no longer blood-red, but golden dragon pupils.
However, those dragon eyes were filled with chaos. His rationality hadn't fully returned. He only remembered many things—and realized he had hurt Huo Yuhao. That realization caused him immense pain.
Now, he instinctively wanted to protect Huo Yuhao. He would not allow anyone to hurt him again.
"Who said you could touch him?!"
Bei Bei's hoarse voice rang out as he lunged at Tang Ya, dragon claw raised, targeting her slender neck with killing intent.
In that desperate moment, Tang Ya cried out instinctively, "Bei Bei!"
That one cry brought Bei Bei back to full awareness. At the last moment, he stopped his attack, blankly staring at Tang Ya's face.
"Bei Bei, I…" Tang Ya tried to speak, reaching for him emotionally.
But Bei Bei pulled back, avoiding her touch. He turned away and walked toward the frost-sealed centipede variant.
At last, Bei Bei had sorted out his thoughts. He had made his decision.
"Tang Ya, next time we meet, we'll be enemies. I will kill you!" His words struck her like lightning.
Tang Ya's excited expression froze into shock. She asked in a trembling voice, "Bei Bei… are you really that heartless? Why? Because I'm a Dark Soul Master? Aren't you the same now? We're the most compatible!"
Bei Bei paused, not turning back. After a moment of silence, he said heavily:
"I have sinned, and I will atone. But I can't forgive you for using me to harm Yuhao. How laughable it is that Yuhao once risked his life to help us."
"Because of Huo Yuhao? You're choosing him?!" Tang Ya's expression twisted—mockery, contempt, rage, and indescribable emotions all flashed through her face, until she finally broke into hysterical laughter.
"Hahahahahehehehehehehehahahaha! Bei Bei, do you even know what he did?!"
"I don't care what he did. But I will not let you slander him. Tang Ya, don't force me!" Bei Bei trembled with rage, barely restraining himself from turning to fight her.
After that, he said nothing more. He walked to the frozen centipede variant, gently picked up the ice coffin, and stepped down from the stage.
Tang Ya was left alone, still laughing madly. She offered no explanation and did not try to stop him.
Though filled with sorrow, all she could do was laugh—at herself, at Bei Bei, at everyone.
Her laughter was full of grief.
Her pupils turned completely blood-red, never to return. The final thread of reason holding her mind together—snapped.
At that moment, Shadow Douluo Mo Ying announced:
"Team battle: Shrek Academy is defeated. The winner: Holy Spirit Cult Team!"
But no one cared about victory or defeat anymore.
The soul barrier opened.
Xian Lin'er looked at Tang Ya with killing intent, a dragon spear forming in her hand, ready to strike.
But Jing Hongchen silently blocked her path, standing between her and Tang Ya, clearly signaling not to act.
Xian Lin'er clenched her jaw with fury, but in the end, she could only put the spear away and follow the others to check on "Huo Yuhao's" condition.
Tang Ya didn't keep laughing on the stage—Ye Xishui's blood soul clone appeared, knocked her unconscious, and took her away.
This was the first time Ye Xishui revealed her connection with Tang Ya—but few recognized the clone's true identity.
Zhong Liwu watched the stage grimly.
"When did the Blue Silver Saint Maiden become related to the Supreme Elder?"
On the other side—
Bei Bei brought the ice-sealed centipede to the Shrek Academy team. All of them were already in tears as they rushed over.
He laid down the ice coffin.
Then Bei Bei dropped to his knees before everyone, lowered his head, and remained silent, surrendering his life to their judgment.
But most were focused on the sealed "Huo Yuhao," almost no one sparing a glance for Bei Bei.
Wei Na wept as she and a tearful Ou Ou tried everything to heal "Huo Yuhao" regardless of the cost.
Ma Xiaotao, eyes full of killing intent, raised a claw toward Bei Bei's head—but at the last moment, a hand stopped her.
It was Dean Cai Meier.
"Dean Cai! Are you shielding a Dark Soul Master?!" Ma Xiaotao demanded.
"Xiaotao, this must be dealt with back at the Academy. Bei Bei didn't mean for this to happen. Don't worry—no matter the cost, the Academy will heal Yuhao!" Cai Meier assured her.
In the end, Ma Xiaotao retracted her hand, though her killing intent remained. She didn't strike again.
Zhang Lexuan stood by "Huo Yuhao," looking at Bei Bei with complex emotions.
When Xian Lin'er finally arrived, she could only sigh deeply in resignation.
No matter what—Huo Yuhao must not die!
No one could have imagined that Huo Yuhao would choose to sacrifice himself to awaken Beibei.
If Huo Yuhao had only given up his position as the heir of the Sea God's Pavilion to restore his reputation and prove he wasn't the hypocrite conspiracy theorists claimed he was, that would have been one thing.
But sacrificing himself to repay his teacher's kindness and awaken Beibei elevated Huo Yuhao's character to a whole new level.
He was no longer just a "good person"—he had become a paragon.
Even the Third Prince of the Sun and Moon Empire was "moved" and immediately conferred upon Huo Yuhao the title of Marquis of Grace and Loyalty. Though it was a title in name only with no real power, the Third Prince promised that with it, Huo Yuhao could travel freely through any city in the empire, enter the imperial palace without bowing to titled Douluos or even the Emperor, and would receive a marquis's salary.
Everyone was stunned by the Third Prince's grand gesture, though they couldn't help but feel regretful—because all these honors were based on the hope that Huo Yuhao would recover.
Some speculated the Third Prince was only doing this because Huo Yuhao was beyond healing, hoping to use his image to promote the ideals of grace and loyalty across the empire and win public favor.
Regardless, what's done was done. No one dared to question Huo Yuhao's character anymore. On the contrary, anyone who tried to slander him was met with hostility.
Whether in the three allied kingdoms or the Sun and Moon Empire, Huo Yuhao was now universally respected.
The public opinion in the stands flipped completely.
The Third Prince personally ordered that no matter the cost, all efforts must be made to save Huo Yuhao.
The tournament didn't end just yet.
Though Shrek Academy's team lost the team battle, they didn't give up on the 2v2 and 3v3 matches, or the individual battles.
What followed was a fierce clash between Shrek Academy and the Holy Spirit Sect team.
Only Soul Emperors and Soul Kings took the stage for both sides. Even Xu Sanshi endured his injuries and participated in a match.
Huo Yuhao, Beibei, and Tang Ya did not return to the arena.
Ultimately, thanks to the unity of Shrek's team and the outstanding performance of their reserves, they defeated the remaining members of the Holy Spirit Sect, winning two matches in a row and securing a semifinal victory.
But everyone could see that Shrek's journey ended here—with the runner-up title.
Without Huo Yuhao, there was no way Shrek could defeat the Xu Family team of the Sun and Moon Empire.
The Body Sect team was naturally locked in for third place. With Tang Ya and Beibei gone, the Holy Spirit Sect's strength had dropped so low they wouldn't even make the top ten.
In essence, the Soul Master Tournament was already as good as over.
Shrek Academy conceded the final match with both reluctance and resignation.
In the end, the Sun and Moon Empire's Xu Family team took the championship!
The Soul Master Tournament trophy finally returned to the Sun and Moon Empire, ending Shrek Academy's ten-thousand-year reign of glory.
Cheers and tears filled the empire.
Even Jing Hongchen wept openly.
This championship had been thousands of years in the making for the empire!
Meanwhile, the real Huo Yuhao was observing the shifts in fate energy in secret. He noticed that not only had the fortune of Mingdu City changed, but at the moment the championship was decided, even the auspicious cloud of power above Shrek's team had transformed.
Its former grandeur was gone—but so too were its bindings.
"Glory inspires, but it also chains. Who knows how many paid the price for that ten-thousand-year glory…" Huo Yuhao murmured, then turned to leave for the Sun and Moon Imperial Palace.
The tournament was over, but the two semifinal matches were still the talk of the continent.
Seeing high and mighty Soul Sages battle in the arena thrilled spectators and gave many a glimpse into what true strength looked like.
The Soul Engineers of the Sun and Moon Empire witnessed the power of soul masters firsthand. Many began reconsidering their previous views.
Especially the young talents who could fight above their rank—they stunned even seasoned veterans.
The secret techniques and combat skills revealed during the tournament made many realize that the soul master world was changing.
Secret arts and battle techniques were gaining importance among various factions.
Combined with the Third Prince's initiative to create rankings for top ten factions and martial spirits, it was clear that turbulence and reshuffling were coming to the Douluo Continent.
But that was not Shrek Academy's concern for now.
After the tournament ended, Shrek's team immediately rushed to the medical area to check on Huo Yuhao.
To save him, the Imperial Physician Douluo gave it his all, using precious herbs, even rare soul beasts with century-old medicinal properties.
Yet, despite all his efforts, the Imperial Physician Douluo was helpless against Huo Yuhao's fatal wounds. He could only stabilize him a little.
In the end, the physician sighed, "Forgive this old man's incompetence. I can only barely sustain the Marquis of Grace's vitality. If not for the Ultimate Ice preserving his last breath, he'd have already passed on."
"To save him, we need treasures that can regenerate flesh and organs, and immense life force. But such things are not easily found. Only legendary immortal herbs might work."
"Even with the Ultimate Ice slowing the dissipation of his life, it's only a stopgap. His vitality is still fading. At most, he has a year—after that, he'll certainly perish."
The news hit everyone like a thunderclap.
Xiao Xiao and the other girls burst into tears, clinging to one another in grief.
Even Wang Dong, looking at Huo Yuhao in his ice coffin, felt a new sense of admiration for him.
Only Xian Lin'er stayed strong, trying to comfort the group: "Once we return to the academy, we can try using the Golden Ancient Tree to extend his life further. That'll buy us more time to find a cure."
Her words offered a sliver of hope.
"I'll search the entire continent if I have to—I will save Yuhao!" Ma Xiaotao declared.
"I'll come with you!" Ling Luochen immediately added.
"I'll go back and ask my father to mobilize the power of the Heaven Soul Empire," said Wei Na.
"Star Luo Empire will also help!" Xu Jiujiu arrived with her people and spoke up. Her gaze toward the ice coffin was conflicted.
Could Huo Yuhao really die like this?
She didn't believe it.
She even had proof.
The Zhu Clan of Star Luo looked unusually calm—as if they already knew something.
"Dou Ling Empire is also willing to help. We have the most medicinal resources," said Tu Xijun, who arrived with her own group. Her calm demeanor belied the anxiety she felt inside.
More forces came to offer aid, either out of respect for Shrek or genuine admiration for Huo Yuhao—or longstanding friendship.
Only the Body Sect didn't show up.
They returned straight to their hotel.
On the way—
"Captain, shouldn't we go check on him?" Luo Feng asked curiously.
"Heh. Do you really think that man would die so easily?" Long Aotian replied without looking back. "Our task is to act like we know nothing—and stay far away from where we don't belong."
The Soul Master Tournament had come to an end.
Following that was the Soul Engineer Tournament, which similarly took only a single day to determine the final champion.
Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen triumphed in the Tier-6 Soul Engineer competition, firmly establishing themselves as the leading figures of the younger generation of Soul Engineers, becoming iconic representatives among the youth of the Sun Moon Empire.
Then came the enthronement ceremony of the Third Prince.
Preparations for the ceremony had already begun during the Soul Master Tournament. Once the competitions ended, only a few adjustments were needed before the grand ceremonial venue was presented before the masses.
All of Mingdu was decorated for the occasion, appearing more prosperous than ever.
This time, the Third Prince's enthronement was broadcast live across all of Mingdu through soul-screen projections, turning it into a nationwide celebration.
The entire city was in a frenzy.
On the screens, the Third Prince was seen dressed in the imperial robes of the Sun Moon Empire, crowned, and led by Kong Deming. In front of countless witnesses, he completed the ceremony and ascended the supreme imperial throne, becoming the new Emperor of the Sun Moon Empire.
From this point on, he could no longer be called the Third Prince. He was now the Sun Moon Emperor, His Majesty the Emperor, the Destruction Douluo, Xu Tianchen!
Upon becoming Emperor, Xu Tianchen issued his first—and only—imperial decree: a tax reduction for the people across the land. This earned him the heartfelt admiration of countless commoners.
As for officials, nobles, and merchants who might have complaints—they had to swallow them silently.
The usual royal amnesty was skipped entirely. After all, the prisoners in those dungeons were excellent cultivation resources. How could they be released so easily?
This move was, of course, aimed at gathering national fate and faith. Compared to the elite few, it was the loyalty and belief of the common people that were more abundant and more sincere.
Most of the teams that had participated in the Soul Master Tournament, unless there were special circumstances, attended the enthronement ceremony.
They didn't need the new Emperor to remember them—but they definitely didn't want him to notice their absence.
If you show up, the Sun Moon Emperor may not take note. But if you don't show up, he will definitely know.
After all, Xu Tianchen wasn't just the Emperor; he was also an Ultimate Douluo. No imperial border could stop him.
Even those who couldn't attend due to special reasons sent lavish gifts to congratulate him.
Both Shrek Academy and the Body Sect attended the ceremony.
Shrek Academy didn't leave immediately because, at the Emperor's behest, the Imperial Healer Douluo was preparing to use even more precious herbs to help stabilize "Huo Yuhao" and ensure he would be safe during the journey back.
Xu Tianchen even lent a precious 50,000-year healing-type soul bone to Shrek Academy.
Among soul bones below 100,000 years, healing types were the rarest and most valuable—they could literally save lives. They were considered national treasures.
Given the soul bone and Huo Yuhao's fragile condition, Shrek Academy decided to stay for a few more days.
The Body Sect's purpose was simpler—they came to reap benefits. Since they were already here, why leave empty-handed?
Teams that placed in the top ten of the tournament were given preferential treatment at the ceremony, including invitations to the imperial palace and gifts from the Sun Moon Empire.
The gifts weren't jaw-droppingly rare, but they were not ordinary either—rare metals and soul tools not found on the market.
Only the champion team, however, qualified to receive the Emperor's personal award: a 100,000-year soul bone!
Under Xu Tianzhen's lead, the Xu Family team, made up of seven stunning young women, appeared on the soul-screen and received the 100,000-year soul bone directly from Xu Tianchen's hands—drawing immense envy from all onlookers.
Even the Body Sect couldn't help but be jealous.
As for the evil soul masters from the Holy Spirit Church, their eyes turned red with envy, but none dared act rashly.
Tang Ya and Bei Bei were no longer around. The only one who could keep the remaining Church members in check was the last elder, the Nether Douluo. But even he dared not speak loudly before the gathered powerhouses.
Due to Xu Tianchen's enthronement, the Consecration Hall elders all appeared, wearing ornate red robes, lending their support and showing respect to Xu Tianchen.
When facing this group, the Nether Douluo felt a palpable sense of death. He realized that despite his Title Douluo status, in front of the consecrations, he was no different from an ordinary man.
He had no choice but to warn all evil soul masters present in the palace to behave, lest they endanger not only themselves but also implicate him.
But it wasn't just the Nether Douluo who was shocked and fearful—even the powerhouses from other factions were taken aback.
Everyone knew the Sun Moon Empire had no Super Douluos before. If Xu Tianchen was an exception, then the presence of so many Super Douluos among the consecrations broke all expectations.
Kong Deming had also advanced to Super Douluo.
All of this was due to the batch of 100,000-year soul bones.
After absorbing the soul bones, the Emperor even provided the Consecration Hall with rare cultivation methods to further their training.
He had embedded specific methods into the soul bones to ensure only the consecrations could absorb them—only then would he feel safe granting them such resources.
"This must all be part of the Sun Moon Emperor's grand plan… truly, one man's rise lifts all boats. From now on, the Sun Moon Empire is bound to rise completely," Xian Lin'er sighed.
There was nothing they could do—Sun Moon was flourishing.
In contrast, Shrek Academy had suffered heavy losses in mid- to high-level strength. Even "Huo Yuhao," the academy's hope for the future, now hung by a thread.
They were relying on the Sun Moon Empire's resources just to keep him alive.
Watching Xu Tianzhen confidently receive the 100,000-year soul bone, many couldn't hide their jealousy—even Shrek, which had inherited very few such bones.
After all, 100,000-year soul bones were extremely hard to come by. Just look at the current four deans of Shrek—not one had a red soul ring.
Plus, many past Shrek powerhouses had sacrificed themselves to the Golden Tree, leaving no bones behind.
Thus, very few 100,000-year soul bones had been passed down.
Cai Mei'er commented with envy, "Perhaps even before the tournament began, the Sun Moon Emperor had already decided who would receive the soul bone—that's why he offered it as a prize."
Everyone agreed with that assessment.
The enthronement ceremony proceeded smoothly. As Xu Tianchen completed the ritual and the nation celebrated, the Sun Moon Empire officially entered a new era.
Representatives from the other three nations left with heavy hearts. The sudden appearance of the consecrations had deeply unsettled their leadership.
Could Shrek Academy still protect them from the rising Sun Moon Empire?
Meanwhile, within the imperial palace, Huo Yuhao observed the changes in national fate.
After Xu Tianchen's coronation, the fate of the Sun Moon Empire, its royal family, and even dragon energy converged upon him, forming a blazing pillar of golden light.
The magnitude of this scene far exceeded that of any emperor from the other three nations.
Most importantly, Xu Tianchen's fate began linking with Huo Yuhao's own, and then gradually flowed into Huo Yuhao's pillar of destiny.
Huo Yuhao finally smiled, relaxed and satisfied.
"The Sun Moon Empire is fully in my grasp!"