Because Shrek Academy's opponent had forfeited today, the stadium was still abuzz with noise. After arriving at the spectator stands, Lin Jie and the others found a good spot to sit and watch the matches.
The first round of today's matches had already begun, and two of the Five Elemental Academies—Tianshui Academy and Godwind Academy—were on stage.
Tianshui Academy's lineup was unique in that every member was female—and not just any girls, but beautiful ones at that.
Lin Jie remembered that he had once considered applying to Tianshui Academy, but they only accepted female students. If not for that restriction, he might have ended up fighting alongside them today.
Tianshui's opponents, upon seeing a full lineup of attractive girls, immediately lost their edge. Their spirits wavered before the match had even started, and half their resolve crumbled. Naturally, the outcome wasn't surprising—Tianshui Academy swiftly and effortlessly claimed victory without revealing much of their true strength.
Godwind Academy's match was even simpler. Several of their members possessed flight abilities, and the moment the match began, they soared into the sky. Their opponents, unable to deal with aerial combatants, were quickly overwhelmed and defeated.
During the past week, Lin Jie had successfully cultivated the Purple Demon Eye to the first realm—Survey. If Tang San were to learn that Lin Jie had reached this level in just one week, who knew how he'd react?
As for how Lin Jie managed to improve so quickly, he had that mysterious pink energy within his body to thank. Every morning during his Purple Demon Eye training, it helped him gather and absorb the rare violet qi at sunrise. On top of that, Lin Jie was already highly talented, and his powerful spiritual force only made the cultivation process smoother.
Now, Lin Jie's observational and perceptual abilities had become extraordinarily keen. Just by casually turning his head, he noticed a figure off in the distance watching him with malicious intent. Though the man was quite far away, Lin Jie still recognized him—it was Shi Nian, the instructor from Canghui Academy.
At that moment, a thought flashed through Lin Jie's mind, and he grinned.
"Zhuqing, Rongrong, you two stay here and watch with the others. I've got something to take care of," he said, then turned and left the viewing platform.
As Lin Jie walked out of the Great Spirit Arena, Shi Nian—who had been observing from afar—revealed a sinister smile.
He had been searching for an opportunity to strike at Shrek Academy's members for days, but they always traveled in groups and were protected by high-ranking Spirit Masters. There had been no openings—until now. Seeing Lin Jie walking alone, how could he not be overjoyed?
Shi Nian had watched every one of Shrek's matches and had already identified Lin Jie, Tang San, and the girl in black—Zhu Zhuqing—as the biggest threats to his academy. Now, seeing Lin Jie separated from the group, he seized the opportunity and silently followed him out of the arena.
As Lin Jie walked beyond the arena gates, he activated his Mind Net, and sure enough, he sensed someone trailing behind him.
The path back to the academy was now strangely long. Compared to the usual distance, it felt like it had doubled. Lin Jie immediately realized that something was off.
He muttered to himself, "This Shi Nian's Martial Soul really is something… illusions, huh?"
If Lin Jie wasn't confident in killing this guy, he wouldn't have risked venturing out alone.
Following the cues from his Mind Net, Lin Jie found himself walking out of Heaven Dou City and into a remote forest.
He stopped, glanced around, and waited—this location was perfect.
A cold aura drifted from the forest ahead, and a faint killing intent filled the air—an intent strong enough to end a life.
Raising his right hand, Lin Jie gathered a surge of lightning in his palm. Attack, defense—he was ready for anything.
Not far ahead, Shi Nian slowly emerged. As he walked, the illusionary environment transformed further—the scenery once resembling the city had now completely shifted to a deep forest.
"Well, well… as expected of Shrek's top talent. That level of awareness—impressive. You noticed me so soon," Shi Nian said with a cold smirk as he stepped forward, his white robe flowing behind him. "Unfortunately for you, it's already too late."
Shi Nian, the man Flender had warned them about. A Spirit Saint at Rank 72, with a Martial Soul that could create illusion realms.
Staring calmly at the man in front of him, Lin Jie said evenly, "So it's Canghui Academy's instructor. Blocking me here… are you trying to kill me?"
Shi Nian chuckled. "Smart boy."
"All for the sake of the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament?"
"I've been waiting for a chance all this time. You lot are always together, and protected. But today, you gave me the opportunity," Shi Nian said coldly.
"Even if you kill me, your Canghui Academy still won't be able to beat Shrek," Lin Jie replied flatly.
"Then I'll just keep killing. One after another. After you, Tang San is next. And then…" Shi Nian's eyes gleamed with perversion. "That little girl Zhu Zhuqing… I'll make sure to 'enjoy' her before I kill her."
The moment Zhu Zhuqing's name left his mouth, killing intent surged from Lin Jie. Zhu Zhuqing was one of the people he cared about most. This old freak dared to target her?
"You really think killing me is going to be that easy?" Lin Jie's eyes narrowed.
Shi Nian laughed again. "Among your peers, you may be strong. But the difference between us isn't something talent alone can bridge."
Zzt... zzt…
Lightning danced across Lin Jie's body as he raised his hand. With a flick, several bolts of violent thunder shot toward Shi Nian.
But—they passed right through him, striking the trees behind and erupting in a deafening explosion.
Lin Jie didn't pause. His body moved instantly, retreating at lightning speed.
Shi Nian's illusions were powerful, but to Lin Jie, they were not unsolvable.
Normally, one's spiritual force only grew steadily alongside Spirit Power. But Lin Jie wasn't normal—he had dual Spirits, had absorbed the Ice-Fire Dragon King's twin dragon souls, and had recently trained in the Purple Demon Eye. His spiritual force now surpassed that of Shi Nian.
That earlier attack had been a feint. Lin Jie's Mind Net was always active. With his immense spiritual force and his ability to manipulate electromagnetic fields, he had long since pinpointed Shi Nian's real location.
All he was waiting for now… was for Shi Nian to activate his signature ability—Brutal Dream.
Shi Nian glanced at the crater left behind by Lin Jie's lightning. "Truly a genius," he muttered. "Even a Spirit King might struggle to take a hit like that."
"But it's a shame. Because now… you're facing me." A sickly grin spread across his face.
"Tell me, Lin Jie… do you know what my favorite hobby is?"
Lin Jie silently drew a long, strange-looking metallic tube—a two-meter railgun-like device he had crafted himself. This was his modified precision electromagnetic cannon, loaded with a special projectile. With a charge of Spirit Power, he could unleash a devastating strike.
Shi Nian noticed the odd tube in Lin Jie's hands, but didn't react. He merely smiled.
"My greatest joy," he said creepily, "is watching my enemies lose their minds under my Brutal Dream… driven mad, until death finally takes them."
"And now, it's your turn."
The twisted delight on Shi Nian's face made Lin Jie's skin crawl.
Shi Nian's Brutal Dream ability began to activate.
"It's starting… it's starting…" Shi Nian trembled with excitement. "Don't die too fast, boy. I want this to last."
As his illusion ability spread, Lin Jie could already feel Shi Nian's voice fading, the world around him becoming hazy and dreamlike.