As if sensing Xu Zihuang's gaze, the big-headed man's gentle eyes flashed with a trace of surprise. Then, he nodded amicably toward Xu Zihuang.
The man with the thick, muscular arm also exclaimed in admiration, his tone tinged with surprise.
"From the edge of Star Luo Square to the rooftop of the Star Emperor Hotel is at least several kilometers. For someone to have such keen perception—this youngster's spiritual power must be on par with a Soul Douluo-level soul master."
Though he was trying his best to suppress it, a terrifyingly oppressive aura still emanated from his body.
"Lang Ya, it seems this youngster must be one of those born with an innate second awakening of his main body martial soul. Otherwise, even if his martial soul were of the spiritual type, his mental power couldn't possibly be so strong without having undergone the second awakening. And judging from his martial soul—eyes—it must at least be a silver-grade main body martial soul second awakening. Such a talent must be brought back to the sect."
The man called Lang Ya furrowed his brow, and an invisible wave rippled outward from his oversized head, distorting the surrounding air slightly.
"Don't be rash, Yu Tao. He's from Shrek, after all. But regardless, let's go meet this youngster first."
As soon as he spoke, both of their figures vanished mysteriously from the rooftop of the Star Emperor Hotel.
While Lang Ya and Yu Tao conversed, Xu Zihuang, who had withdrawn his gaze, followed the others toward the hotel.
The area outside Star Luo Square was the central district of Star Luo City—ordinarily the most bustling and prosperous part of the city. However, the Star Luo Empire had sealed off the entire district so as not to disturb the rest and focus of the participating students in this year's Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Dueling Tournament.
Especially the section between Star Luo Square and the Star Emperor Hotel—entry was strictly forbidden to anyone other than competitors and instructors.
That Lang Ya and Yu Tao could bypass the imperial guards and reach the rooftop of the Star Emperor Hotel proved that their abilities were extraordinary.
As the group entered the spacious, lavish hotel lobby, two oddly shaped middle-aged men appeared to block their way—the same Lang Ya and Yu Tao who had disappeared earlier from the rooftop.
Walking at the front, Xu Sanshi was briefly stunned. When he looked up at them, his heart tightened.
Although his current cultivation wasn't high enough to see through Lang Ya and Yu Tao's strength, he could unmistakably feel a powerful pressure radiating from them.
It was a sensation he had only ever felt when facing his sect's elder—a true Soul Douluo-level powerhouse.
Yet the oppressive aura of these two was even greater than that elder's. How could he not be alarmed?
By contrast, a true peak-level powerhouse like Elder Xuan had long since transcended such visible intensity; his presence seemed utterly ordinary, like that of an unassuming old man.
The others also noticed Lang Ya and Yu Tao blocking their path.
He Caitou, Jiang Nannan, and Wang Dong all looked puzzled, while Beibei and Ning Tian's gazes simultaneously landed on Lang Ya's huge head and Yu Tao's abnormally thick right arm.
Because of their particular backgrounds, they had an inkling of who these men might be.
Beibei, the leader of the reserve team, took a step forward and stood beside Xu Sanshi, speaking calmly yet firmly.
"Seniors, may I ask what business you have with us?"
Yu Tao raised his thick arm and pointed toward Xu Zihuang, who stood among them.
"You all can go. This youngster stays. My brother and I have something to discuss with him."
Before Beibei could respond, Xu Zihuang took a few steps forward, passing Beibei and Xu Sanshi.
"Brother Bei, Brother Xu, it's alright. I'd like to talk with these two seniors myself."
As he spoke, Xu Zihuang nodded politely to Lang Ya and Yu Tao, then walked toward the hotel lobby's lounge area.
Since all the other participating teams staying at the Star Emperor Hotel were currently competing in the tournament or spectating at Star Luo Square, the spacious lobby was almost empty—only Shrek's reserve team of seven, along with Lang Ya and Yu Tao, remained.
The vastness of the hall made it seem even more deserted.
Beibei's eyes flickered, and he soon put on his usual calm, gentlemanly smile.
"Alright, Tianhuang. We'll head back first."
Xu Sanshi shot Beibei a questioning look, but Beibei merely shook his head and pulled him upstairs.
The rest, still confused, followed behind them.
While walking up the stairs, Beibei explained quietly, "If I'm not mistaken, those two should be disciples of the Body Sect. They must have come to recruit Tianhuang—they won't harm him. From the way Tianhuang volunteered to speak with them, he clearly realized that. Besides, since they approached us here in the Star Emperor Hotel, they wouldn't dare act rashly in such a place—it represents the Star Luo imperial family's dignity. Still, to be safe, we should inform Senior Sister Xiao Tao and the others."
——
Meanwhile, Xu Zihuang sat calmly on the sofa in the lounge.
Lang Ya and Yu Tao seated themselves opposite him.
Lang Ya looked at Xu Zihuang with a gentle smile, his gaze soft.
"Young man, aren't you afraid we might harm you?"
"You wouldn't, seniors—because we are of the same kind," Xu Zihuang replied with a faint smile, his tone certain.
Hearing this, Lang Ya's eyes narrowed slightly, and that strange invisible fluctuation appeared once more.
Xu Zihuang's deep purple eyes instantly turned radiant gold—cold yet clear.
"Good! To use your martial soul without revealing your soul rings—truly fitting for one with a Body Martial Soul." Lang Ya softly clapped his hands in admiration, his gaze toward Xu Zihuang now filled with warmth.
"You're right. We are indeed the same kind. Allow me to introduce myself: I'm Lang Ya, and this is my brother, Yu Tao. We are both from the Body Sect. I believe you've heard of it."
"In fact," Lang Ya continued, "we noticed you during the first elimination match two days ago. Your name is Yu Tianhuang, correct? From the Heavenly Soul Empire. Coincidentally, my brother and I are also from the Heavenly Soul Empire—we're fellow countrymen."
"I can now confirm that your martial soul is indeed your eyes. If I'm not mistaken, your second soul skill during the tournament was derived from the Evil Demon Orca's innate ability—'Mirror of Annihilation.' Your fourth soul skill was likely obtained from the Silver Shadow Beast's replication skill. After merging them with your martial soul, both evolved significantly in strength. Furthermore, your ocular martial soul seems to have a unique instinct that allows you to track moving targets with exceptional precision. Am I correct?"
Lang Ya's simple analysis laid bare all of Xu Zihuang's previously displayed abilities.
Yet Xu Zihuang showed no surprise—he even admitted it frankly.
"Senior, you are correct."
Lang Ya's eyes glimmered with appreciation.
"Then I'll get straight to the point. My brother and I have come to invite you to return to our sect. You must have been born with your Body Martial Soul already in its second awakening state, yes? Among all recorded Body Martial Souls, yours is one of the highest in quality. I don't know how you managed an innate second awakening, but even at its lowest, it must be silver grade. However, mastering such an awakening isn't easy. The Body Sect is the place most familiar with Body Martial Souls. If you join us, I guarantee that within twenty years, you'll soar to unimaginable heights and astonish the entire soul master world."
"I can even speak on behalf of our sect master—if, in the future, your physique can withstand the impact of a hundred-thousand-year soul ring, the entire sect will aid you in hunting a hundred-thousand-year soul beast. Both the ring and the bone will belong to you. At that point, you would be one of our next sect master candidates. What do you say?"
Xu Zihuang remained silent. Lang Ya waited patiently, but the more irritable Yu Tao could no longer hold back.
"What's there to think about? That so-called Shrek Academy—can they possibly understand Body Martial Souls better than our Body Sect?"
Xu Zihuang didn't dislike the Body Sect, but following them now wasn't in his best interest.
A sect's constraints were far stricter than those of an academy. Yet he was indeed tempted by the Body Sect's exclusive techniques.
After some thought, he decided to stall for time.
"Seniors, for now, I'd like to continue my studies at Shrek Academy. Once I graduate, I'll seriously consider joining the Body Sect."
Before Lang Ya could reply, Yu Tao frowned and raised his thick right arm, reaching toward Xu Zihuang.
"No—you're coming with us now."
But before his hand could touch Xu Zihuang's shoulder, a burst of radiant starlight flared between them, forming a silver barrier.
Yu Tao recoiled as though electrocuted and instinctively looked toward the figure now standing behind Xu Zihuang—a gaunt old man in the ceremonial robes of a Star Luo imperial worshipper.
An overwhelming aura burst from the old man, dimming the very light around him.
Lang Ya stood abruptly, his expression tense.
"Heavenly Fiend Douluo, Huang Jinxu. I thought you were dead—so you've pledged yourself to the Star Luo Empire."
Huang Jinxu replied blandly, "This is Star Luo City."
In the past, when he'd been alone, he might have feared the domineering Body Sect. But now that he served the Star Luo imperial family, things were different—and this time, he acted under direct orders from Emperor Xu Jiawei himself.
"So what if it's Star Luo City? You think you can lecture us on what to do?"
Yu Tao snorted coldly, preparing to release his martial soul and fight Huang Jinxu head-on.
Although Huang Jinxu was a Titled Douluo, both he and Lang Ya were level eighty-five Soul Douluo, and each possessed a second awakening of their Body Martial Souls. Huang Jinxu might not necessarily be able to defeat them both.
However, Lang Ya calmly raised a hand to stop Yu Tao.
He understood Huang Jinxu's words perfectly. Though the Body Sect was powerful, it couldn't afford to provoke the Star Luo royal family outright.
Xu Zihuang rose and respectfully saluted Huang Jinxu.
Whether out of respect for a Titled Douluo or simple courtesy, it cost him nothing to be polite.
Huang Jinxu nodded stiffly in acknowledgment.
In his youth, he'd been arrogant and solitary, offending several major soul master sects and suffering miserably as a result.
Through his own hardships, he had come to understand that the true world was not merely about strength—it was about relationships.
With Yu Tianhuang's talent, his future achievements would surely surpass his own. Building goodwill with such a person could only bring benefits.
"Sit down," Lang Ya said sharply to Yu Tao.
Clearly, Lang Ya was the leader between them. Though Yu Tao was reluctant, he obeyed.
Lang Ya then turned to Xu Zihuang and said sincerely, "I apologize on behalf of Yu Tao. We meant you no harm. My earlier offer still stands—please consider it seriously. Only our Body Sect truly understands the Body Martial Soul."
"I understand, seniors. I simply haven't yet prepared myself to join a sect," Xu Zihuang replied with a warm smile, as if unbothered.
Though he knew full well Lang Ya had silently condoned Yu Tao's earlier move, there was no point in showing resentment now.
Lang Ya looked at Xu Zihuang approvingly, then turned to Huang Jinxu, his smile fading.
"We understand the royal family's stance. However, we need to discuss certain secret matters regarding the Body Martial Soul with this young man. We'd appreciate it if Brother Huang could give us some privacy."
Though displeased by his tone, Huang Jinxu said nothing further.
The secrets of Body Martial Souls were considered sacred within the Body Sect. Lang Ya's words were already quite firm.
Even with the Star Luo royal family as his backing, Huang Jinxu wouldn't risk offending the Body Sect outright.
In a flash of starlight, the Heavenly Fiend Douluo vanished.
Lang Ya's demeanor softened once more as he looked at Xu Zihuang.
"If you don't mind, could you show me your second awakening? Though I can't yet share our sect's core techniques before you join, my martial soul is also of the spiritual type. I might be able to offer some guidance."
Since force hadn't worked, Lang Ya decided to win him over through demonstration—letting Yu Tianhuang personally experience the Body Sect's mastery.
"Very well, Senior. I would be honored," Xu Zihuang agreed readily after only a brief pause.
They bore him no ill will, and as experts of the Body Sect, any guidance would be valuable.
After all, no amount of self-study could compare to the accumulated knowledge of thousands of years.
Moreover, he still had uncertainties about his second awakening.
Xu Zihuang focused, and three purple and one black soul ring rose beneath him. Under his control, his spiritual sea roared to life—brilliant violet-gold light flared as his golden eyes shone intensely.
Even the sleeping Tianmeng Iceworm stirred from the upheaval within his spiritual sea.
A terrifying aura radiated outward, and behind him, a massive vertical eye slowly took shape in the air. But just as it began to fully materialize—
"Stop!" Lang Ya shouted urgently, his hand pressing down on Xu Zihuang's shoulder. Even when facing Huang Jinxu earlier, he hadn't reacted so strongly.
Xu Zihuang could feel Lang Ya's right hand trembling against his shoulder.
Yu Tao's pupils shrank violently, and his thick arm clenched subconsciously, crushing the sofa beneath him to pieces.
Lang Ya took a deep breath, struggling to regain his composure.
"With your current cultivation, you must never recklessly use that power. Doing so will irreversibly damage your body. This is where we're staying—we'll remain in Star Luo City for the duration of the tournament. If you ever need us, you can come find us anytime."
He handed Xu Zihuang a special metallic badge, then grabbed Yu Tao and strode out of the Star Emperor Hotel without another word.
Once they had blended into the crowded streets, Yu Tao finally regained his senses, sending a shocked mental transmission to Lang Ya.
"How is that possible?! How could a second awakening of that level be innate?!"
"Say no more, Yu Tao. Return to the sect immediately and inform the sect master! This is a once-in-a-generation seed of our sect. We must bring him back—no matter if it means offending the Star Luo royal family or even Shrek Academy!"
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