While Zhu Ziyang was toying with the Death Messenger in the Hell Duel Arena, the battle in the stone hall outside raged on.
Although Shrek's main team had seized the initiative and killed most of the bandits, a large portion of the bandit group still remained. Among the survivors were the corrupted soul masters—including a few powerful figures.
The majority of the corrupted soul masters were Soul Sages, but there were also three Soul Kings among them. Furthermore, there was an unknown Soul Saint dressed in black. Together, they were more than a match for the six members of Shrek's team. To make matters worse, they were accompanied by more than a hundred ordinary bandits, some of whom were puppets, mindlessly charging at Shrek's team and making the fight even more difficult.
As the team's leader, Ma Xiaotao had no choice but to face off against the Soul Saint in black.
The Soul Saint in black was incredibly powerful, his soul rings shocking the onlookers—three purple, four black, and two red—showing an extraordinarily rare configuration. Combined with his mysterious beast martial soul, he was able to fight evenly with Ma Xiaotao, who had the extreme fire martial soul, enhanced by Gongyang Mo's six soul skills.
Ma Xiaotao was furious, never having expected that she would actually be locked in a battle with an evil soul master. It was an enormous insult to her pride. With a roar, she activated her first and third soul rings simultaneously, while her right arm gathered a golden flame. The flame solidified into several golden spears, carrying an overwhelming aura, as they shot through the air toward the Soul Saint in black.
The Soul Saint in black immediately raised his arms in defense, which resembled eagle claws wrapped in serpent scales. Black vengeful spirits circled his arms, trying to block Ma Xiaotao's attack.
However, he had underestimated Ma Xiaotao. The golden spears struck his arms. The first spear was blocked, but the second one followed instantly, forcing the Soul Saint in black to retreat. The third, fourth, and fifth spears came one after another, piercing through his arms. In his shocked gaze, the spears punctured his shoulder, pinning him to the stone wall.
Ma Xiaotao smiled with satisfaction, her face filled with pride.
Ten Thousand Years Bright Flame Skyhawk Right Arm Bone—Golden Nine Strikes!
After her success, Ma Xiaotao wasted no time. She immediately summoned her fifth soul skill, Blue Flame Phoenix, transforming into a dazzling blue phoenix that descended from the sky, charging at the Soul Saint in black.
The Soul Saint in black's eyes widened in fear. Seeing the full force of Ma Xiaotao's attack, he hastily unleashed his seventh soul skill, Martial Soul True Body, summoning a strange creature into the battlefield. It had a rat's head, a serpent's body, and two short claws on its abdomen. The creature's body was three meters long, with seven rat tails hanging from its back. The appearance of the creature filled the entire cave with a foul, nauseating stench.
"What is that?!"
The reserve team looked at the creature in horror, faces filled with disgust. The younger ones, like Xiao Xiao, even vomited in reaction.
Wang Yan, however, looked serious, recognizing the beast.
"That's the Rotten Poison Serpent, a creature that only appears in the Abyss. I didn't think such a martial soul would really exist here! Legend says wherever the Rotten Poison Serpent passes, everything it touches decays, and it steals life from any living creature. It is a true life thief!"
"This…"
Huo Yuhao and the others didn't recognize the creature, but hearing Wang Yan's explanation, they all grew anxious.
"Teacher, Senior Ma won't be in danger, right?"
"No, don't worry. Ma Xiaotao's Phoenix Fire naturally has a restraining effect on such evil creatures," Wang Yan reassured them.
"Her extreme fire will purify that creature."
As Wang Yan had predicted, Ma Xiaotao's Phoenix Fire did indeed have the power to purify. The blue fire immediately consumed the Rotten Poison Serpent, burning it in an instant. Its body twisted in agony, and its many rat tails writhed, but the creature could not escape the purifying flames.
Seizing the opportunity, Ma Xiaotao summoned her Golden Flame Spear again, this time activating the Golden Burst Break, the soul bone's second ability.
A golden fireball—infused with terrifying energy—appeared in her hand. Within the ball, a majestic eagle appeared to soar, its eyes growing more pronounced. Without hesitation, she threw the fireball toward the burning Rotten Poison Serpent.
Just as the fireball was about to strike the creature, an unexpected change occurred. The Yao Ling Douluo, a figure who had been hiding in the shadows, suddenly appeared before the serpent. His blood-stained lips curled into a sinister smile. He waved his hand, effortlessly dispelling Ma Xiaotao's attack.
"The Tianji Douluo is no match for us! This grudge will be repaid!"
The Yao Ling Douluo's voice was filled with venom. With a motion of his hands, he grabbed the Rotten Poison Serpent, tossing it aside as he released two black soul-guided shells.
"These were originally meant for trade, but now… enjoy my masterpiece!"
He laughed darkly as he sent the shells flying toward Ma Xiaotao's team.
Upon seeing the soul-guided shells, Xuanzi immediately reacted. Recognizing the dreadful energy emanating from the shells, he shouted urgently.
"Everyone, retreat!"
Without hesitation, he grabbed Ling Luochen and Gongyang Mo, activating his Martial Soul True Body. The giant Tianji Divine Ox appeared in an instant, forming a protective barrier around the group.
Ma Xiaotao's team also sensed the danger and immediately dashed toward the exit.
Just as they reached Xuanzi's side, the two soul-guided shells detonated.
A massive shockwave erupted, centered on the two shells. The explosive energy surged outward, sending rocks, blood, and debris flying. The ground shook violently, the deafening sound of the blast echoing through the cave.
In the aftermath, Xuanzi and the others were blown back several meters, their bodies battered but alive. However, the force of the explosion had destroyed the stone hall. What had once been a cavern large enough to house hundreds of people was now reduced to ruins.
As the dust settled, Wang Yan and the reserve team members—who had been farther from the blast—recovered quickly. They stood up, their faces pale but unharmed. Fear gripped their hearts as they looked at the wreckage before them.
"That… that was an Eighth-Level Soul-guided Shell, wasn't it?"
Huo Yuhao stammered, his voice trembling as he glanced at Wang Yan.
"Y-Yes…"
Wang Yan was equally shocked. He had seen soul-guided shells before, but an Eighth-Level Soul-guided Shell, one that could detonate without the need for a cannon—this was his first encounter.
"By the heavens!"
Zhu Ziyang had just returned from his battle with the Death Messenger, entering the devastated stone hall. The temperature around him felt unbearable, filled with the stench of soul energy and explosive residue.
His expression turned pale as he realized the magnitude of the explosion. He immediately began clearing the rubble around him with his Jing Shi Xiu Ming Scythe, using it to break apart the debris and uncover his teammates.
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