Ever since Lin Fan obtained the Slaughter Sword as his martial soul, he had yet to unleash the Killing God Domain that came with it.
The Killing God Domain increased one's aura, allowing the user to release 110% of their full strength while weakening all enemy stats by 10% within the domain.
That was just the base effect. As the martial soul evolved, the effectiveness of the domain could increase even further.
The domain itself had three tiers:
Base Tier – Killing God Domain: Exudes bloodlust and stimulates murderous intent in others.
Mid Tier – Asura's Hell: Turns killing intent into a tangible force that can physically attack enemies.
Final Tier – Asura God Manifestation: The bloodlust condenses into an Asura God avatar, allowing a trace of divine power to be infused into each attack.
Tang Hao and Bibi Dong had only reached the first tier. Tang Chen had achieved the second—Asura's Hell. As for the third tier, one likely had to become a god to awaken it.
Since Lin Fan hadn't committed widespread slaughter, nor had he undergone trials in the Slaughter City, his Killing God Domain remained in its most primitive form.
"What the hell is that?!" Yan stared at Lin Fan in utter shock.
"I'll go ask," Hu Liena said, uncertain. She quickly moved to Bibi Dong's side.
"Teacher, what ability is Lin Xuan using?" she asked, confused.
"That's a martial soul domain. It's called the Killing God Domain," Bibi Dong replied, though her gaze showed her surprise.
Because she knew exactly how that domain was obtained.
"Your Holiness, isn't the Killing God Domain only obtainable through the Slaughter City? With Lin Xuan's soul power and age, it's highly unlikely he went through that trial," Chrysanthemum Douluo said in disbelief.
"Slaughter City? That's even more dangerous than the Misty Canyon!" Hu Liena was stunned.
"That's right. But perhaps Lin Xuan's Slaughter Sword martial soul comes innately with the Killing God Domain," Bibi Dong speculated.
"Nana, a martial soul that awakens a domain naturally is extremely rare. Perhaps even the three of you combined wouldn't be able to defeat him," Bibi Dong sighed softly.
"Teacher, are we just going to give up the three soul bones like that?" Hu Liena asked, clearly unwilling.
Ghost Douluo stepped forward slightly and made a throat-slitting gesture. "Your Holiness, should I…"
"No," Bibi Dong shook her head. "Do not act rashly. So what if it's just three soul bones? Let's consider it a gift to his uncle, Sword Shadow Douluo. Besides, Sword Shadow went into seclusion half a year ago to try to break into Rank 96. If he has succeeded, he could be blending in with the crowd right now."
"Yes!" Ghost and Chrysanthemum Douluo dared not speak further.
"Teacher, Lin Xuan keeps surprising us. Looks like the championship is within reach," Xue Qinghe smiled calmly.
"Indeed. Lin Xuan is truly remarkable. If innate full soul power is the mark of a genius, then someone who awakens a martial soul domain is simply a monster," Ning Fengzhi exclaimed in awe.
"What is this ability?! I've never heard of anything like it!" Feng Xiaotian struggled to suppress the bloodlust rising in his heart.
"It's a domain— a martial soul domain!" someone from the crowd yelled.
"Player Lin Xuan has activated a martial soul innate domain! It's astonishing! Even geniuses with innate full soul power rarely possess such a gift!" Hesse, the host and dean of the Wuhun Academy, quickly explained to the stunned audience.
"I told you… You wouldn't be able to handle what's coming next."
"Now, will you step down yourselves… or shall I make you?"
Clad in a blood-red aura under the Killing God Domain, Lin Fan stood like a war god from the depths of hell. The crimson glow of his Slaughter Sword became even more vivid.
As he stepped closer, Fire Dance instinctively backed away. "You're bluffing! I won't admit defeat!"
"Hmph. Slaughter Assault!"
A crimson sword beam flashed across the arena, bursting from Lin Fan's blade.
"Third Soul Skill, Anti-Flame Ring!" Fire Dance reused her earlier move, trying to interrupt Lin Fan's attack again.
But now, the difference in strength between them was like heaven and earth. Even if her two teammates could assist, they still wouldn't be able to block a domain-based attack like Slaughter Assault.
The sword aura pierced through the fire column and sent Fire Dance flying into the wall, seriously injured and unconscious.
Without hesitation, Lin Fan turned his blade toward Feng Xiaotian.
"Fourth Soul Skill, Magical Wolf Storm!" Feng Xiaotian panicked, activating his soul skill. But he quickly realized something—his attack power had dropped significantly.
Still, he had no choice.
But Lin Fan's next strike completely dispersed the summoned blue wolf storm. The shockwave alone left Feng Xiaotian reeling, his internal organs churning.
Once the Killing God Domain was released, the entire tide of battle turned. In an instant, Lin Fan had crushed the remaining opponents.
"Losers' Bracket Semifinal—Shrek Academy is victorious! They will advance to the finals!" Hesse announced loudly.
Dai Mubai and the others descended the stage with dumbfounded looks. They hadn't even fully processed what had just happened.
"I didn't expect you to have a martial soul domain. Your martial soul must be far beyond ordinary top-tier spirits," Yu Xiaogang sighed in awe.
He knew that even martial souls like Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon and Clear Sky Hammer didn't come with innate domains.
"I awakened it when I reached Soul King level," Lin Fan replied calmly.
"Master, what exactly is a martial soul domain? We've never seen one before, and I've only ever heard a little about it," Xiao Wu asked curiously.
The others also turned to Yu Xiaogang, eager for an explanation.
Spirit masters with martial soul domains are even rarer than those with innate full soul power. Out of ten innate full soul power prodigies, maybe one will awaken a martial soul domain."
"The effects of domains vary, but most either amplify the user's power or weaken the enemy—in some cases, both. It's one of the most powerful abilities a soul master can possess," Yu Xiaogang explained seriously.
Everyone turned to look at Lin Fan again. "Terrifying…"
At that moment, Bibi Dong stepped forward with imposing majesty and announced:
"Congratulations to Shrek Academy for winning the semifinals. Tomorrow at 10 a.m., you will face the Spirit Hall Battle Team in the finals for the honor of being the Continental Elite Tournament Champion."
"Yes, Your Holiness!" the team responded in unison.
On the way back to the hotel, Xue Qinghe, Ning Fengzhi, and Sword Douluo approached.
"Father!" Ning Rongrong ran forward excitedly.
"Your Highness, Sect Master Ning, Sword Douluo," Flender stepped forward to greet them respectfully.
No need to be so formal," Xue Qinghe said with a warm smile. "You all have made great contributions to the Heaven Dou Empire.
Ning Fengzhi then got to the point. Dean Flender, now that the tournament has reached its final stage, only your Shrek Academy remains. After discussing with His Highness, we're concerned that Lin Xuan's display of the martial soul domain may attract unwanted attention from Spirit Hall.