Underground Space, Passageway
The main group was retreating in an orderly fashion.
Huo Yuhao's ice coffin was being guarded closely by Zhang Lexuan, who was also leading the rest of the Shrek Academy members at the front to clear the way.
Behind them were forces from the other three nations.
Powerful experts were scattered throughout the formation, maintaining order and calming the rest of the group.
Not everyone had strong willpower. Genius didn't always equate to strength. Faced with being hunted by powerful enemies and fleeing in such a disheveled state, some people were already starting to mentally unravel.
Fortunately, with strong individuals nearby, no one had broken down completely—yet.
This group was composed of various factions, not a trained military unit. While individual strength may have far exceeded that of trained soldiers, cohesion and coordinated battle capabilities were sorely lacking.
It wasn't just that some lacked mental fortitude; unity was also impossible. Every faction had its own agenda. Preserving oneself was a higher priority than defeating the enemy.
Thus, even though the group included many powerful cultivators and was technically capable of fighting the Holy Spirit Cult, no one proposed to engage them directly.
The stronger members clearly understood the reality.
This group only looked powerful. It could win if it had a clear advantage.
But once the enemy matched them evenly, the tide would surely shift toward defeat. And if they began to falter, the collapse of the group would soon follow.
That's why escape was the best option.
At the rear were Xian Lin'er, Cai Mei'er, Fan Yu, and other representatives and powerhouses from the three nations, forming the rear guard.
Though they were the "representatives," each of them was protected by some of the most powerful experts.
The rear needed guarding because, while everything seemed to be going smoothly, there was no guarantee the enemy couldn't find them somehow.
They had to guard the back.
Otherwise, if the enemy caught up, this underground tunnel—meant as their escape route—would turn into their mass grave.
But of course, what they feared, came.
As the group conversed, the soul-powered lamps lighting the underground space flickered twice.
Xian Lin'er and the others instantly stopped talking.
Then, a chilling aura silently descended into the underground space—completely unmasked, causing all faces to shift slightly in alarm.
The next moment, a red glow engulfed the entire underground area. That red… was like fresh blood!
"Gather together and stay alert!" Xian Lin'er shouted.
Everyone formed a circle, facing outward, watching every direction, including above.
The stronger fighters stood outside to shield the group, while representatives like Xu Jiujiu and Tu Xijun were protected in the center.
Everyone's expression turned tense. They stared at the red light in the air, then watched as fresh blood started seeping down from the ceiling—chilling, eerie, terrifying.
The metallic scent of blood in the air made one thing very clear: this blood… was real.
There was no doubt—this was the work of an evil soul master!
"Quit your tricks and come out!" Xian Lin'er roared toward the surroundings, eager for a real fight.
Predictably, there was no reply.
Then—
"Look! It's getting foggy!" Xu Jiujiu cried out in alarm, pointing around.
At some point, a thin mist had begun creeping into the area.
And it was thickening fast.
Cai Mei'er quickly turned to the passage's entrance and saw it slowly being shrouded in white fog, beginning to disappear from sight.
"Quick, guard the passage! Don't let the enemy use it to catch up!" she ordered sternly.
Everyone reacted and began shifting toward the tunnel to defend it.
That's when they noticed—someone wasn't moving.
It was Fan Yu.
He stood still, eyes locked on a single direction, his face frozen in disbelief, as if his eyes were about to pop from their sockets—desperate to see more clearly.
"Fan Yu?" Xian Lin'er and Cai Mei'er immediately followed his gaze.
There—within the fog—an indistinct shadow slowly took shape.
A figure… walking toward them through the mist.
And the moment the person stepped out—
Xian Lin'er and Cai Mei'er both went pale with disbelief, as though they'd seen a ghost.
No—they did see a ghost!
"Yi… Yi'er?!" Fan Yu gasped.
The figure that emerged from the mist was Zhou Yi.
Unlike the others, Fan Yu—who knew Zhou Yi best—recognized her silhouette in an instant, even through the fog.
She wore a stunning red dress, no old lady human-skin mask on her face, no makeup… revealing her beautiful features.
Zhou Yi smiled sweetly at Fan Yu and gently called his name.
"Brother Yu, it's been a long time."
Fan Yu trembled.
It was as though he had returned to the moment they first met—love rising with the wind.
"Yi'er, it's really you? You've come back!" Fan Yu's voice shook. There was doubt, disbelief, longing, and hope—praying it was all real.
He was about to rush toward her—
But Xian Lin'er moved swiftly, placing a firm hand on his shoulder, stopping him in his tracks.
"Dean Xian, let go! It's Yi'er—she's back!" Fan Yu shouted anxiously, still staring at Zhou Yi, not willing to look away for even a second. His body trembled uncontrollably from the surge of emotion.
"Fan Yu, wake up! Zhou Yi is dead. You buried her body with your own hands! That figure is a fake—an enemy trick!" Xian Lin'er barked, trying to snap him out of it.
"No, she is Yi'er. I would never mistake her… never!" Fan Yu sobbed, tears falling freely.
Xian Lin'er grit her teeth. "You're the most stubborn man I've ever seen!"
"No, Fan Yu is right." Cai Mei'er spoke up now, her tone heavy and cold as she stared at Zhou Yi. "That is Zhou Yi—but what we're seeing is her soul."
"What?!" Xian Lin'er turned sharply to look at Zhou Yi again.
She hadn't expected that Zhou Yi wasn't an illusion—but a spirit.
But Zhou Yi looked so vivid—red lips, white teeth, rosy cheeks. She looked like a living person. How could she be a soul?
The idea of a disembodied soul appearing like this was beyond the usual knowledge of Douluo Continent soul masters.
At most, evil soul masters could manipulate souls for cultivation. No one had ever seen a soul move independently like this.
Cai Mei'er could tell immediately thanks to her martial soul—the Evil-Breaking Dragon Soul Spear—which housed a sealed dragon soul and had strong anti-evil properties. That allowed her to perceive Zhou Yi's true nature.
Which also explained her grim expression as she warned Xian Lin'er again:
"Be careful. That being… is terrifying."
The ignorant know no fear. Those who do know—fear.
Both Xian Lin'er and Cai Mei'er went on high alert.
Fan Yu, however, collapsed to his knees, sobbing uncontrollably.
"I'm sorry… I'm so sorry. I couldn't avenge you…"
"It's okay, Brother Yu. I don't blame you," Zhou Yi replied gently, shaking her head. Then she said softly, "Brother Yu, you've aged so much."
Since Zhou Yi's death, Fan Yu's hair had turned white, and he'd let himself go completely—looking even older than he really was.
Compared to the youthful, beautiful Zhou Yi, Fan Yu covered his face in shame, not wanting her to see him like this.
"What do you want?" Xian Lin'er interrupted, voice cold and sharp.
Zhou Yi smiled and extended her hand toward Fan Yu.
"Brother Yu, I've come to take you. Come with me."
Her smile remained sweet—but deep in her eyes, a faint, bloody gleam shimmered.
Xian Lin'er and Cai Meier both wore cold expressions.
"Cai Meier, take Fan Yu and leave quickly. I'll handle her!"
Although Zhou Yi had once been a member of Shrek Academy and it was the Academy that had wronged her, they were now enemies. Mercy was no longer an option.
Zhou Yi had only reached Soul Emperor level in her lifetime—if anyone thought that alone could make them hesitate, they were underestimating them.
What Xian Lin'er truly guarded against was the evil soul master hidden in the shadows, the one controlling Zhou Yi's soul.
She told Cai Meier to take Fan Yu away as a precaution—just in case something went wrong with him.
"For the sake of justice, we of Shrek Academy will never compromise!" Xian Lin'er said icily.
Cai Meier didn't object—she understood what Xian Lin'er meant. She raised her hand to take hold of Fan Yu's arm.
Yet Zhou Yi only smiled and watched without moving, as if waiting for Fan Yu's response.
And Fan Yu finally spoke.
"Please wait, Deans."
His voice was no longer choked with grief—he had already composed himself. Lowering his hands, then slowly clenching them into fists, he lifted his tear-filled eyes to Zhou Yi, speaking with resolute clarity:
"Leave Yi'er… to me."
"What?" Xian Lin'er didn't quite understand what he meant.
"Don't worry—I won't mess things up," Fan Yu said calmly. "Yi'er died protecting the children of the Academy. She would never want her soul to be used to harm its future. As her husband, I'll be the one to see her off."
His tone was steady—not because he had let go of his feelings, but because he had buried them deep within. When they did erupt, they would burn with overwhelming force.
Cai Meier saw something in Fan Yu's eyes—a struggle flickered within her. In the end, she held back Xian Lin'er, who still wanted to speak, and shook her head.
"Fan Yu has made his decision. We should respect it."
Xian Lin'er frowned, worriedly looking at Fan Yu.
"Put your safety first. The Academy is still behind you. It will ensure justice is served."
Cai Meier shook her head internally. While Xian Lin'er was stronger in terms of combat power, when it came to understanding people's hearts, she was far behind.
If that weren't the case, she wouldn't have lost so thoroughly in love back then.
"Don't worry, Dean Xian," Fan Yu said, smiling at both of them. "Please take everyone and fall back into the tunnel. I'm going to use some high-powered soul tools—too many people would only get in the way."
"That soul tool was co-developed by Brother Xuan and me. Though honestly, he did most of the work. In both talent and capability, he far surpassed me. With him around, the future of the Soul Engineering Department is in good hands."
Xian Lin'er sensed something was wrong, but Cai Meier tugged her back. Together with the others, they withdrew into the tunnel.
Only, Cai Meier didn't look back at Fan Yu—instead, she turned and wiped the corners of her eyes.
And then Fan Yu moved.
He took out a soul cannon and fired—not at the enemy, but at the ceiling of the tunnel.
Boom!
Amid shocked stares, Fan Yu had collapsed the entrance to the passageway, burying it in debris.
"Fan Yu!" Xian Lin'er cried out in panic, trying to blast the way open.
But Cai Meier slammed her against the tunnel wall, eyes red as she shouted,
"Is fighting the only thing you know? Didn't you see that Fan Yu's already prepared to die?"
"What?" Xian Lin'er finally began to realize—his last glance at them held so much emotion, and his words had sounded like final goodbyes!
"No! I have to bring Fan Yu back. However many of us came, we all return together!"
As vice dean of the Soul Engineering Department, Xian Lin'er valued Fan Yu even more than Cai Meier did.
But Cai Meier understood Fan Yu better in this moment.
Letting go, she folded her arms and said coldly,
"If you want Fan Yu to die with regret, then go ahead and save him!"
"But how can I just watch him march toward death?" Xian Lin'er said, unable to accept it.
"Do you even understand what love is?" Cai Meier asked sharply.
Xian Lin'er opened her mouth, lips trembling, but found no words to refute her.
She had been betrayed by Yan Shaozhe in youth, her marriage to Qian Duoduo was in name only, and later, she lost her purity to Huo Yuhao.
Her love life was a chaotic mess—she had no right to speak on love.
Worse yet, she realized she may never have truly loved.
The one she loved hurt her. The one who loved her, she couldn't accept. And when she finally had love, it was a mistake.
Xian Lin'er lowered her head in silence.
Seeing this, Cai Meier opened her mouth, unsure what to say. She hadn't meant to hurt her so deeply with one sentence. She wanted to offer comfort—but felt unqualified.
After all, they were rivals in love.
"…Let's go. Don't waste Fan Yu's final goodwill," Cai Meier sighed in the end.
Xian Lin'er said nothing more—just turned and walked into the tunnel.
Cai Meier silently followed.
Xu Jiujiu and the others were left glancing at each other in confusion.
They were deeply moved by Fan Yu's self-sacrifice—they owed Shrek Academy a great debt.
But the relationship between Xian Lin'er and Cai Meier… was a mystery.
Still, one thing was clear: there was drama.
They just didn't dare to gossip.
After all, among the visible Title Douluo, Xian Lin'er was the strongest—she was only half a step away from becoming a Super Douluo.
In the end, the others silently followed, as if nothing had happened.
…
In the underground chamber, Fan Yu breathed a deep sigh of relief as he saw the passage blocked with dirt.
Such a method could never stop a Title Douluo—but clearly, Xian Lin'er and Cai Meier had understood his decision and didn't try to break through.
Fan Yu put away the soul cannon. It would be useless against his next opponent.
Then he looked toward Zhou Yi, eyes full of love.
"Yi'er, I'll help you find peace. When it's over… let's leave together."
Zhou Yi smiled gently.
"Yu-ge, are you really going to come with me? Then stop resisting—it'll be quick."
Fan Yu shook his head.
"I'll take you away, but not yet. Not until I've had my revenge."
His eyes now burned with furious flames.
"The one controlling you now is likely the same one who hurt you back then. Even if not, they're definitely connected! If I don't avenge you, how can I call myself a man?"
"My life's been a failure—I never broke through to Level 9 Soul Engineer, my disciples are scattered, and my beloved was murdered and enslaved."
"But even so, some things… I still have to do… ugh…"
Fan Yu suddenly felt a sharp pain in his chest. His eyes widened in shock and he slowly lowered his head.
A ghostly hand had pierced through his back and emerged from his chest, clutching his heart.
At some point, Eunuch Gao had appeared behind him. He twirled his orchid fingers and sneered:
"If they hadn't asked for your head specifically, why would I stay to watch your tragic little performance? Hmph~"
A Title Douluo ambushing a Soul Douluo—failure was not an option.
Bang!
Fan Yu's consciousness slipped into darkness. His body collapsed to the ground.
Mingdu, Holy Spirit Cult Branch.
As a base provided by the Sun Moon Empire for the Holy Spirit Cult, its decor had finally moved beyond subterranean gloom.
Though guarded externally, the interior boasted pavilions, terraces, and gardens, rivaling the estates of high officials.
At this moment, two figures conversed on a platform outside the top floor window of a pavilion.
More precisely, one human and one soul.
It was Long Xiaoyao and Ye Xishui's blood soul clone.
The blood soul clone lurked in the shadows, avoiding sunlight, its face vaguely resembling Ye Xishui's.
"Xishui, why protect Tang Ya?" Long Xiaoyao asked, puzzled. "Don't you know, because of her, Beibei was taken by Shrek Academy? If he's brought back there, he'll be crippled!"
Long Xiaoyao had come to deal with Tang Ya, intending to trade her for Beibei. Unexpectedly, Ye Xishui's blood soul clone appeared and stopped him.
"Xiaoyao, calm down," Ye Xishui said with a faint smile, though her clone's voice was hoarse and grating. "It's done. What can you do? Hand her to Shrek? Even if I didn't stop you, how would you explain it to the Sun Moon Emperor? Don't forget, he's invested in the Blue Silver Saintess."
"I admit the Sun Moon Emperor's talent is extraordinary, but I'm not incapable of defeating him," Long Xiaoyao said, lifting his chin slightly.
As a veteran Limit Douluo, Long Xiaoyao had his pride. With equal soul power levels, his experience and techniques gave him a chance against Xu Tiancheng.
Before Ye Xishui, he instinctively refused to show weakness, eager to display his strength.
Ye Xishui, amused by his childishness, shook her head and soothed, "That's for after your injuries heal. Even if you defeat the Sun Moon Emperor, can you kill him? His legions won't stand by. And if that mysterious entity from before strikes again, what then?"
Long Xiaoyao fell silent.
He didn't fear Xu Tiancheng much, but he couldn't underestimate the main clone.
Still recovering from the clone's heavy blow, he weighed the pros and cons before speaking stiffly, "Keep Tang Ya out of my sight. I'll save Beibei. I don't mind her targeting Shrek, but she mustn't use him again!"
"This is the only time, or don't blame me for being ruthless."
"Rest assured, I'll discipline her," Ye Xishui smiled.
Long Xiaoyao sighed, turning to her welfare. "How are you holding up?"
"I'm fine, don't worry," Ye Xishui replied gently.
After a brief exchange, Long Xiaoyao departed.
He had to save Beibei—Mu En's heir couldn't be ruined!
Ye Xishui watched him leave.
Once he was gone, a figure emerged from behind the window: Tang Ya.
Gone was the frenzy from the soul master tournament. Draped in sheer black gauze, her curvaceous form exuded softness and allure.
Tang Ya bowed deeply to Ye Xishui. "Thank you for saving me, Senior. I have nothing to repay you with, but if you have any tasks, I'm at your command."
"I see great potential in you. I couldn't let you be sacrificed," Ye Xishui said calmly, her smile fading.
Tang Ya didn't believe a word but listened politely, knowing trust could be deadly.
This pavilion was her residence. Without Ye Xishui's intervention, Long Xiaoyao would've taken her.
During their talk, Tang Ya hid behind the window. Both noticed her but paid no heed.
She lacked the stature to warrant their attention.
Humiliation and powerlessness gnawed at her.
Her title as the Holy Spirit Cult's Blue Silver Saintess meant nothing to true powerhouses; she was as disposable as any follower.
Even Beibei's status as Mu En's heir outshone hers.
But she knew she had to endure.
Ye Xishui saw through Tang Ya's thoughts. Her blood soul clone glided into the pavilion, revealing her identity. "I'll be frank. I am Ye Xishui, Supreme Elder of the Holy Spirit Cult, titled Death God."
"Supreme Elder?" Tang Ya gasped.
She'd heard of the Supreme Elder but knew little. Even regular elders were vague on details like gender or appearance, only that they were immensely powerful.
She'd only sensed Ye Xishui's close tie to Chief Enforcer Long Xiaoyao.
"Disciple Tang Ya of the Holy Spirit Cult pays respects to the Supreme Elder!" Tang Ya knelt, more deferential.
"Rise. No need for formalities," Ye Xishui said, unconcerned by etiquette. Tang Ya's respect was more about seeking protection.
But Tang Ya remained kneeling, resolute.
"I know what you're thinking, but I have my constraints and can't help much," Ye Xishui said. "You see, I rely on clones to venture out. But I can recommend someone as your future backer."
Tang Ya kowtowed. "Please guide me, Senior!"
"The Sun Moon Emperor, Xu Tiancheng!"
Tang Ya blinked. "Him?"
Ye Xishui analyzed, "You're already his pawn. Provide more value, and you'll be safer, even gain more."
"Gain more?" Tang Ya puzzled. "Like status in the Sun Moon Empire? The Left Prime Minister post he promised?"
"Not just that. Remember the Sun Moon Xu family team's women? Their techniques surpass the Holy Spirit Cult's heritage," Ye Xishui prompted.
Tang Ya fell silent. The Xu family team's methods resembled Tang Sect's heritage but were undeniably stronger.
"Please teach me!" Tang Ya sought more guidance.
Ye Xishui felt a touch of exasperation. Tang Ya had means, ability, and ambition but lacked wisdom.
Yet, this made her easier to control.
Did Ye Xishui truly help Tang Ya out of affinity, even defying Long Xiaoyao to save her?
It was all for the rumored "divine inheritance" of the Sun Moon Emperor. Ye Xishui needed someone to probe it.
At her and Long Xiaoyao's level, godhood was the only path, lest they turn to dust in a century.
"The Sun Moon Emperor is strong but has a clear weakness: lust," Ye Xishui said.
Tang Ya's expression shifted, realizing Ye Xishui meant for her to seduce him.
Before she could speak, Ye Xishui continued, "You know his reputation. Your beauty is the only thing he'd value. Think it over."
Tang Ya lowered her head.
Without the cult's protection and her chastity gone, what else but her looks could secure her safety?
Talent?
Hah, was Dark Blue Silver Grass truly strong? A mere Soul Sage was nothing to the mighty.
"I'm willing," Tang Ya said finally. When she looked up, her eyes had lost their former spark, replaced by a deep, primal wildness and madness born of abandoning dignity.
Ye Xishui smiled, satisfied. "I'll help you. You may now take me as your master."
"Disciple Tang Ya pays respects to Master!"
Inside the tunnel.
Fan Yu had sacrificed himself to cover the retreat of the main group. This left everyone silent, and the atmosphere grew heavy.
However, Xian Liner and Cai Meier did not let Fan Yu's sacrifice be in vain. They quickly caught up with the main force and returned to the front to lead the way.
The other members of Shrek Academy were deeply saddened when they learned of Fan Yu's death. Especially the Soul Tool Department students brought to participate in the tournament — they had all been personally mentored by Fan Yu. Many of the more emotional ones broke into tears on the spot.
But rather than collapse from grief, the sorrow only made the group's steps more resolute.
Zhang Lexuan glanced at Huo Yuhao, who lay within an ice coffin beside her, a trace of sorrow flickering in her eyes.
On the other side of the coffin, the man in black robes trembled slightly, but said nothing. He merely appeared even more despondent.
"This wasn't your fault," Zhang Lexuan suddenly said to the black-robed man. "According to the Academy's intelligence, the one who attacked Teacher Zhou Yi back then was likely an evil soul master secretly raised by the White Tiger Duke's Mansion. After that incident, the Mansion denied any connection to that person."
"It's possible that the soul master captured Zhou Yi's soul and fled all the way to the Sun Moon Empire, eventually joining the Holy Spirit Cult — just like the Strongest Soul King in history Death God Envoy did."
The black-robed man finally spoke, his voice hoarse and filled with confusion. "The White Tiger Duke's Mansion? Why would they attack the Academy?"
Zhang Lexuan nodded and explained, "It's complicated. During the last soul master tournament, there were a lot of conflicts between the White Tiger Duke's Mansion, the Star Luo Empire, and the Academy. Not only did Teacher Zhou Yi die, but Xiao Tao was also seriously injured by a Titled Douluo. It was only thanks to Yuhao that the Academy retained its honor. He paid a great price."
The black-robed man hadn't known any of this. After hearing it, he once again fell into a long silence — though Zhang Lexuan could sense the faint killing intent radiating from beneath his robes.
She opened her mouth as if to offer comfort but realized she couldn't stay calm herself — how could she possibly console someone else?
If someone from the White Tiger Duke's Mansion appeared before her now, she would strike immediately, to avenge Fan Yu and Zhou Yi.
The two of them fell into a strange, grim silence.
Finally, one of the soul engineers at the front, responsible for digging the escape tunnel, spoke up. "That's about it. We're close to the backup escape route now."
Everyone's spirits lifted immediately.
They were finally about to leave the oppressive underground tunnel?
The atmosphere in the tunnel had been stifling for many, and returning to the surface would mean they could quickly flee along the planned route.
"There's a forest outside. We should be somewhere near the center of it," reported the digging soul engineer.
"Let me open the exit," Xian Liner said. She was the strongest among them and could scout the situation outside.
"Be careful," Cai Meier couldn't help but remind her.
Xian Liner nodded, then released her soul power toward the target location, slowly pushing aside the earth above and creating an opening. She shielded her head with soul power and carefully poked her head through the hole.
And immediately… she locked eyes with a pair of bulging, lifeless eyes.
Xian Liner's beautiful eyes widened in shock, and her pupils shrank rapidly.
Those behind her saw her body freeze. A second later, terrifying soul power and a murderous aura erupted from her.
"Xian Liner?" Cai Meier cried out in alarm, wanting to ask what was wrong.
But Xian Liner didn't answer. She shot out like lightning, spirit possessed, letting out a piercing, furious roar.
"Evil soul master! Get out here — I'll kill you!!!"
Cai Meier's expression changed instantly.
"This is bad! Lexuan, protect everyone. I'm going out to check!"
After a brief instruction, she dashed out after Xian Liner.
The Shrek Academy contingent, as well as the larger group, tensed up.
Zhang Lexuan held her breath, summoned her spirit, activated her silver sigils, and prepared for combat.
Xu Sanshi summoned his Black Tortoise Shield and moved to Jiang Nannan's side.
But Jiang Nannan subtly shifted away, choosing instead to protect the younger students. Xu Sanshi looked a bit forlorn but followed her anyway.
Wang Dong stepped protectively in front of Xiao Xiao, with the other Shrek battle team members backing them up.
Compared to Xu Sanshi, Wang Dong inspired more confidence.
The seven members of the reserve team gathered together in a peculiar formation — unmistakably a tactical array.
As everyone held their breath in tense anticipation, Cai Meier finally burst out of the tunnel.
Outside, Xian Liner was in midair, spirit possessed, wielding her dragon spear as she ferociously attacked every possible hiding spot in the forest. She destroyed swaths of forest, trying to flush out the hidden enemy.
Then Cai Meier saw it — placed just outside the tunnel exit — Fan Yu's severed head.
His eyes were bulging, filled with rage and unwillingness, even in death.
Cai Meier's face was a mask of disbelief. Grief and fury surged in her chest, but she remained rational. Her heart sank.
The enemy had placed Fan Yu's head at the exit not just to taunt them — it meant the enemy knew their escape route!
"This is bad! Everyone, get out — now!!" Cai Meier shouted into the tunnel.
But it was already too late.
The ground began to shake — like a subterranean dragon rolling over. The earth collapsed, threatening to bury everyone in the tunnel alive.
"No!!!"
Fortunately, the part of the tunnel near the exit wasn't very deep.
A silver moon rose from underground — Zhang Lexuan had acted. Her silver moon carried Shrek Academy's people out of the collapsing tunnel.
Following Shrek, the students from Zheng Tian Academy, Dio Academy, and others also scrambled to escape the subsiding earth.
But only those near the exit were able to get out in time.
The rest of the large group, further back, were not so lucky — they were still deep underground.
The tunnel had been dug at an upward slant.
In a moment of crisis, several Titled Douluo gave it their all.
Man Yi and a Titled Douluo elder from the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect erupted with full power to protect Xu Jiujiu, Ning Tian and their people, forcefully blasting open an escape path to the surface.
They also created two more escape channels for others.
The Zhu Clan and the Earth Dragon Sect took the chance to flee to the surface.
Other strong factions also desperately tried to bring their teams out.
But in this moment, there was no thought of mutual assistance — just keeping your own team alive was already a blessing.
Not everyone was so fortunate.
Only a fraction managed to escape — most did not.
Of the over a thousand people in the group, more than 70% were buried underground. Cries of despair rang out.
Even those who escaped were shaken, staring in horror at the still-sinking ground.
Xu Jiujiu, battered and disheveled, stared at the ground with bloodshot eyes — among those buried were many of the Star Luo Empire's top young soul masters.
They were the future of Star Luo.
The other two nations' representatives were no different.
But when Xu Jiujiu looked over at Zhu Lu, she saw that the Zhu Clan members had all escaped as well, looking just as rattled as the others.
"Did the Zhu Clan's hidden Titled Douluo not act?" Xu Jiujiong felt conflicted, but said nothing.
If Zhu Di had acted, more could have been saved — but she was not obligated to save anyone.
Those still buried underground were not dead — not yet. Most were still alive.
But how many could escape in the end? No one knew.
Especially with enemies still lurking in the shadows, watching.
No one dared to freely attempt a rescue.
Those unable to escape would eventually suffocate to death.
After the earthquake, the weather suddenly changed.
Dark clouds — or rather, dense ghostly qi — appeared in the sky, blocking out the light.
A chilling wind blew, filled with wailing cries.
The surrounding forest was swallowed by darkness.
Ghostly figures began to emerge from the woods, radiating malevolence.
At their head — was Zhou Yi!
Her dress was even redder than before — dyed with blood.
On a distant mountain peak
Huo Yuhao sat cross-legged, holding the Holy Spirit Feathered Serpent egg in his hands. His gaze was calm as he looked down over the forest sea below.
A gloomy atmosphere loomed over the forest, black clouds blotting out the sky.
Ghostly apparitions swirled around, surrounding the remaining people and emanating deep malice toward the living.
Zhou Yi emerged from the forest, a gentle smile gracing her face—but to the others, that smile looked chillingly eerie.
"It's you! You must be involved in Fan Yu's death!" Xian Liner shouted sharply at Zhou Yi.
Cai Meier added seriously, "No, to be accurate, it was the evil soul master who manipulated Zhou Yi's soul. It was the evil soul master who killed Fan Yu! The Zhou Yi standing before us is just a puppet under their control."
Most of the group agreed with this assessment.
A blood-red gleam flickered in Zhou Yi's eyes. Her smile widened as she looked at the Shrek Academy members and said brightly, "I'm not being controlled anymore~ And I didn't personally kill Brother Yu."
"But does it matter if I did or not? He's already here to accompany me. And all of you from Shrek Academy—it's time you repaid what you owe me!"
Xu Jiujou and the others looked stunned. Even their grief was momentarily overshadowed by confusion and shock.
Others in the group were puzzled—why did every enemy they meet seem to have bad blood with Shrek Academy?
Some couldn't help but think: if they hadn't teamed up with the Shrek people, would they have avoided so many enemies?
But it was too late to say anything now. They had already fallen into the enemy's trap—the blade was at their throats.
Zhou Yi didn't play coy.
"Back then, Shrek Academy stripped me of my title as a teacher, humiliated me utterly, and ultimately led to my tragic death in Star Luo City."
"I'll kill you one by one. And in the future, I'll march into Shrek Academy and devour that bitch Mu Jin alive!"
Cai Meier's expression shifted slightly. She hadn't expected Zhou Yi's soul to harbor such lasting resentment.
She had even nodded in agreement back when Zhou Yi's teacher status was revoked.
But wasn't it Zhou Yi herself who forced her way into the competition team afterward by leveraging her relationship with Fan Yu?
Ghosts no longer possess human rationality. Their thinking becomes distorted. Unless a person was pure-hearted in life, a ghost's hatred tends to magnify endlessly, pushing blame onto others and ultimately coming to resent the world itself.
Cai Meier and Xian Liner both understood: no matter what, since Zhou Yi now harbored such intense malice toward the academy, she couldn't be allowed to live. The evil soul master behind her had to be eliminated as well to avoid future calamities.
The two women exchanged glances—they were on the same page.
Without hesitation, Xian Liner launched her attack. Her gaze was icy as she declared coldly, "Arrogant fool! Let's take care of you first!"
Calm and composed, Xian Liner revealed the full extent of her strength.
She unleashed her combat technique Dragon Descends Upon the World immediately to end the fight quickly.
Azure flames wrapped around her, coiling onto her dragon spear. She charged at Zhou Yi with unstoppable force, her aura piercing the very air.
Dragon Descends Upon the World was derived from Mu En's technique Monarch's Descent. It carried spiritual willpower that was particularly effective against ghostly beings.
And if one looked closely, they'd notice faint golden hues within the swirling blue flames—subtle, but present.
"I'm no longer the weak little Soul Emperor you once toyed with. Witness my power!"
"Bloodslaughter Crimson Dragon—Possession!"
Zhou Yi's smile twisted into a snarl. Her features began to transform—crimson scales spread across her face, and her human teeth turned into draconic fangs.
Her body morphed into a half-dragon form. Her red dress tore apart, revealing a muscular figure covered in dense red scales, resembling the dragonification of a Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Soul Master.
The sight of Zhou Yi's ghost still being able to activate a martial soul shocked everyone.
Xian Liner's pupils shrank, but her spear was already at Zhou Yi's chest—there was no reason to stop.
"Martial soul possession or not—I'll pierce right through you!"
Zhou Yi raised her claws and reached for the charging dragon spear.
Her claws caught the weapon. Though the spear's flames scorched her, she held on tightly, refusing to let go.
The tremendous strength she released was enough to stop Xian Liner's assault in its tracks.
Then, with a violent twist, Zhou Yi hurled both Xian Liner and her spear aside. Xian Liner quickly regained her balance mid-air and hovered above, staring down in disbelief.
"Such power... and her strength..."
Circles resembling soul rings began to form around Zhou Yi—but they were blood-red.
She manifested nine blood-red rings in total—Zhou Yi had reached the level of a Title Douluo!
"Hundred-thousand-year soul rings?!" Wu Ming gasped from within the group.
"No... these feel more like soul rings formed from blood and souls," Zhang Lexuan replied grimly.
If one looked closely, they'd see spectral remnants screaming in pain within Zhou Yi's soul rings.
"These twisted soul rings are extremely dangerous," Hua Yao said, her face grave.
Meanwhile, Zhou Yi and Xian Liner's clash triggered the waiting ghosts to erupt into action. They surged from the forest, attacking the rest of the group.
These ghosts—human and soul beast alike—were all crimson red, clearly created through the same method.
Cai Meier, Zhang Lexuan, and others jumped into the fray, fighting the horde.
Unlike normal ghosts, these red ones had physical forms—like living beings.
Fortunately, soul power and soul skill attacks still worked on them. Most of them weren't particularly strong—they were just overwhelmingly numerous.
On the battlefield below, Zhou Yi locked her gaze on Xian Liner in the sky, gathering blood-red flames in her mouth and breathing them out.
Xian Liner countered without fear. Winds howled around her, generating blazing azure fire that she hurled down at the oncoming red flames.
Red and blue collided in the air, lighting up the sky.
On a distant mountaintop—
"So those are your Bloodslaughter Wraith Souls? Not bad," Huo Yuhao said approvingly.
Unnoticed, Gao had appeared behind him, smiling respectfully. "As long as Brother Huo is pleased."
While managing the White Lotus Cult for the Sun Moon Empire, Gao had never slacked in his cultivation.
However, his method of cultivation differed from that of ordinary soul masters and ghost cultivators.
As the spirit of the Bloodslaughter Orb, Gao 's strength was tied to the orb itself. To grow stronger, he had only one path—strengthen the orb.
There were two ways to do that: absorb more blood fiend energy to increase its quality, or develop its powers further to enhance its might.
Gao wasn't a child—he wanted both.
After many experiments, the Bloodslaughter Wraith Souls were born.
Using the orb's domain to control those infected with blood fiend energy, Gao succeeded in merging souls with that energy, creating wraiths that the orb could command.
Not only did this allow the blood fiend energy to be used in a new way, but also, by fusing more souls into the process, he could further upgrade the orb.
Most importantly, it required little investment but offered massive returns.