Feng Xiaotian had staked everything on his self-created soul skill—Gale Demon Wolf Thirty-Six Slashes.
By the time he completed all thirty-six strikes, most of his soul power was already depleted.
What he hadn't expected was that Lin Fan's defensive soul skill could absorb damage and even reflect it.
Whoosh—!
Lin Fan raised his sword and unleashed a massive wave of blood-red sword energy, his spiritual power locking onto Feng Xiaotian.
Feng Xiaotian, though protected by his Second Soul Skill: Twin Wolf Possession, was instantly overwhelmed—the energy shattered his guard and forcibly ended his soul skill.
"Just one strike... and it's this powerful..." Feng Xiaotian was stunned.
But before he could recover, Lin Fan's sword was already pressed against his neck.
"You've lost," Lin Fan said coldly.
"I lost... and I admit it willingly," Feng Xiaotian sighed in defeat, lowering his arms.
Still unwilling, he asked, "Can you tell me how a hundred-year soul skill of yours could block my self-created soul technique?"
"Hmph," Lin Fan said indifferently, "You were using Soul Ancestor strength to challenge a Soul King. So what makes you think I can't use Soul King strength to unleash Soul Emperor-level power?"
Feng Xiaotian froze, realizing: Right… if I can punch above my level, so can others.
"Your Thirty-Six Slashes were impressive. But don't you think that simplicity is the highest form of power? In a true life-or-death battle, do you think your enemies will give you time to finish thirty-six slashes?"
Lin Fan patted Feng Xiaotian's shoulder as he spoke.
Feng Xiaotian had talent and a deep passion for self-created soul skills. If he could one day create techniques that were repeatable and teachable, it would be a milestone for all of the Douluo Continent.
Seeing Feng Xiaotian's perseverance and potential stirred a hint of admiration in Lin Fan.
After all, the Kamikaze (Divine Wind) Team could have been the top team in the advancement round—if they hadn't run into Lin Fan, the "cheater."
"Damn this system. If it hadn't issued this mission, I wouldn't be here babysitting these kids in some tournament."
Still no sign of a mission to become a Supreme God… Why is this system dragging its feet? Lin Fan grumbled internally.
"Thanks for the advice," Feng Xiaotian said as he stepped down from the stage.
"Following the agreed terms, Kamikaze Team forfeits! I hereby declare—Shrek Academy is the first-place winner of the Advancement Tournament with a perfect record of 14 victories!"
Once Feng Xiaotian exited, his team surrendered, just as promised.
Dai Mubai sighed, "Feng Xiaotian is terrifyingly strong, but Lin Xuan is even more terrifying. If not for Lin Xuan, the Kamikaze Team might have been the ones with a perfect record."
Tang San followed with, "Exactly. From the preliminaries to the end of the advancement round, Lin Xuan has only ever used two soul skills."
Yu Xiaogang was puzzled too. "That's what's strange. Even for a Soul King, using only two hundred-year soul skills doesn't make sense."
Flender patted him on the shoulder. "Xiaogang, stop overthinking. Maybe all his other rings are auxiliary or internal-support types. Everyone's entitled to their secrets. As long as Shrek keeps winning, do we need to ask?"
Zhao Wuji chimed in, "Exactly. Honestly, we should be thanking Sword Shadow Douluo."
"Huh? Why?" Liu Erlong asked, confused.
Flender and Yu Xiaogang also turned toward him.
"You forgot? Lin Xuan is Sword Shadow's nephew. I still believe his appearance at Shrek was no accident—it was arranged by Sword Shadow himself."
"After all, Sword Shadow did spend time at Shrek Academy back in the day," Zhao Wuji reminded them.
"Right, right... Sword Shadow is quirky like that," Flender nodded. "I remember when he pretended to be a student in Suotuo City just to mess with us. Sending his nephew to train at Shrek? That's exactly the kind of thing he'd do."
Listening to all this, Lin Fan rolled his eyes internally. It wasn't me messing with you… It was the system! I'm just another victim here!
"Whatever," he thought. "At least now we're finally heading to the Holy Land of Soul Masters—Spirit Hall City!"
"We get to go as official competitors, too. We're going to be in the spotlight!" Oscar said excitedly.
"Yeah, this is it!" Ma Hongjun laughed.
"All right, let's go listen to Emperor Xue Ye's closing speech," Yu Xiaogang urged.
The other academies had already gathered on the stage to hear the emperor.
Dai Mubai led the Shrek group to join Lin Fan.
Tianshui Academy was right beside Shrek. A young girl whispered to Shui Bing'er, "Sis, Lin Xuan is so handsome! That black outfit and gray-white hair… dreamy!"
Shui Bing'er glanced at Lin Fan, then nodded. "He is."
Soon, the fifteen teams were lined up neatly. Emperor Xue Ye stepped forward.
Holding his scepter, he began:
"After fourteen days of competition, the fifteen elite teams of the Heaven Dou Empire have distinguished themselves!"
"I'd like to offer special congratulations to Shrek Academy for achieving a flawless record in the Advancement Round—fourteen wins and zero losses!"
"Wow!" Applause erupted from the other academies.
Emperor Xue Ye continued, "This year's finals will be overseen by Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, who will serve as the Empire's official envoy."
"Additionally, five hundred Royal Knights will escort you to Spirit Hall City in ten days. We trust you will bring glory to the Empire."
Xue Qinghe (a.k.a. Qian Renxue) stepped forward and gave Lin Fan and the others a polite bow.
With the Advancement Round concluded, the teams now had ten days of rest.
By around 3:00 p.m., everyone left the royal hunting grounds and returned to their respective academies.
Back at Shrek, Flender hosted a celebratory banquet.
Raising his glass, he said, "You've all worked hard. Eat, drink, and enjoy yourselves. I won't push for training over the next ten days—rest well, and prepare for Spirit Hall City."
"Yesss, Headmaster!" Ma Hongjun cheered.
Later that evening, after dinner, Tang San approached Yu Xiaogang in private.
His voice urgent, Tang San asked, "Teacher, with ten days left before we head to Spirit Hall, can't I add a soul ring to my second spirit? I need to boost my strength!"
Yu Xiaogang sighed. "Xiao San, I know you've been feeling frustrated lately, but this isn't something to rush."
"You'll need to reach Soul King first. Then you'll be eligible for a ten-thousand-year ring. Using a thousand-year ring now would be a waste."
"Also, adding rings to both spirits at once has the risk of body rupture. I still haven't figured out how to balance the twin spirits safely."
"In a few days, I'll leave early for Spirit Hall to find someone who might know how to resolve the dual spirit issue."
"…Alright, Teacher," Tang San said reluctantly.
"Xiao San, you're only fourteen. Your talent surpasses even Feng Xiaotian and Lin Xuan. You're just younger—that's all. So be patient," Yu Xiaogang encouraged.
Two days later, Yu Xiaogang departed alone, heading to Spirit Hall in advance.