The two teams of seven spread out, each side huddling for a quick tactical discussion.
Dai Yueheng looked calmly at his three reserve teammates — Xu Sanshi, Xiao Xiao, and Huo Yuhao.
Among the official Inner Court members, they had sparred and coordinated countless times before; every ability and fighting rhythm was already deeply familiar. The only uncertainties today were these three reserves — their strength and their roles.
"Junior brothers and sisters," Dai Yueheng began, smiling slightly, "why don't you introduce your martial souls and abilities? Xu Sanshi, you start."
Xu Sanshi nodded. "My soul power is at rank forty-three, defense-type Battle Spirit Ancestor. My martial soul is the Mysterious Underworld Turtle Shield. My first soul skill is a control skill, the second is defensive, the third is an amplification skill. My fourth soul skill is rather unique — it allows me to swap positions with any person within my line of sight."
Dai Yueheng's eyes lit up. "Excellent. That ability will be useful for what I have in mind. Next, Xiao Xiao."
Xiao Xiao looked a little nervous. Compared to these Spirit Kings, Spirit Emperors, and Ancestors, her two-ring cultivation was laughably low. Still, she dutifully listed her martial soul and soul skills.
After listening, Dai Yueheng nodded. Xiao Xiao's skills were almost negligible at this level, but if she could block even one or two attacks at a critical moment, that alone would be contribution enough.
Finally, it was Yuhao's turn. He spoke in his usual calm tone. "My martial soul is the Spirit Eyes. My first soul skill is Insight — it lets me detect flaws and movement patterns more easily. My second soul skill is Mental Suggestion. It allows me to interfere with the minds of those within a certain range. The wider the range, the weaker the effect. But on a single target, even a Spirit King can be controlled for a short while."
"Oh?" Dai Yueheng's eyes brightened further. "Impressive. That'll make things easier. The core of our plan will depend on coordination between you and Xu Sanshi."
He pointed toward the opposing formation. "On Ma Xiaotao's team, aside from herself, the biggest threat is Ling Luochen. Her cultivation happens to fall within your effective control range, Yuhao. Once the match begins, I'll go head-on against Ma Xiaotao. You all will advance together. Xu Sanshi — your first move is to swap Ling Luochen into our side."
"Then, Yuhao — you'll handle the rest. Zifeng, you'll come with me. Apply pressure and create openings for Xi Xi."
"Haoxuan," Dai Yueheng turned to the short boy beside him, "you coordinate with the juniors and lock down Ling Luochen. Don't give her the slightest chance to break free."
"Understood," Yao Haoxuan replied firmly.
"Xi Xi, you'll move with Yuhao's group. Once Ling Luochen's neutralized, go assist Zifeng. Beyond Ma Xiaotao and Ling Luochen, the only Inner Court member on their side is Gongyang Mo — an auxiliary. Without protection, his combat strength is negligible."
"Once Xi Xi eliminates Gongyang Mo, I'll continue restraining Ma Xiaotao. With Xi Xi and Zifeng joining forces, we'll clean up the rest."
Xi Xi and Chen Zifeng both nodded. The plan was solid — on paper.
"Good. Then let's give it our best. Victory is ours." Dai Yueheng's voice was confident, though a flicker of unease crossed his eyes as he glanced toward Ma Xiaotao.
He couldn't shake the feeling that something about her was… off.
Over the past year, ever since her martial soul's evil flame began acting up, Ma Xiaotao had rarely participated in the main team's training. She'd only returned recently — stronger than before, her spirit power now surpassing Dai Yueheng's. Yet she had become unnervingly cold, her demeanor unpredictable, her temper volatile.
Even Gongyang Mo, once close to her, had grown distant. In their last few sparring sessions, she had dominated Dai Yueheng completely. That was why, even with a meticulous plan, he couldn't suppress his anxiety.
Still, it was only a friendly match — and Elder Xuan was watching. What could go wrong?
Across the field, Ma Xiaotao's team was far less harmonious.
Her presence filled the air like a pressure wave. Even standing near her was suffocating.
Gongyang Mo forced a smile — he was one of the few still willing to speak. "Xiaotao, how should we handle this fight?"
She scanned the group coldly. "Dai Yueheng. Chen Zifeng. I'll take them."
"The rest… are yours."
Ling Luochen frowned slightly at the curt order but said nothing. She wasn't the type to argue.
Gongyang Mo sighed softly and turned to the others — Beibei, Jiang Nannan, Ning Tian, and Wang Dong. "You four, introduce your abilities. If we coordinate properly, with Xiaotao's power, we can win this easily."
After each gave a quick summary, he nodded. "Good. Ning Tian and I will handle support. We'll focus on enhancing Xiaotao first — then Beibei and Jiang Nannan, you tie up Xi Xi. With Ning Tian's and my boosts, that should be manageable."
"As for the others—"
"I'll take care of them," Ling Luochen interrupted coolly. "Wang Dong, just protect yourself. If the opportunity arises, eliminate the lower-level opponents — Huo Yuhao and Xiao Xiao."
While the others planned, Ma Xiaotao remained silent, eyes closed, waiting for the signal.
From the sidelines, Elder Xuan watched her closely and sighed inwardly.
Ever since that "Sea God Lake incident" a year ago, she had become a different person — withdrawn, colder, detached. Though she still followed orders and attended lessons, her old spark was gone.
Even Yan Shaozhe, the Martial Soul Department Dean, had been at a loss. What began as emotional instability had evolved into something darker. The evil fire that once tormented her had seemingly vanished — freeing Xu Sanshi from his constant burden of helping her suppress it — but her condition hadn't improved.
Even Mu En himself, the Academy's strongest, had no answer. He suspected some form of psychological trauma, but her refusal to communicate kept them guessing.
Elder Xuan could only hope that camaraderie might bring her back — that this match might rekindle her spirit.
But none of them realized that Ma Xiaotao's "inner darkness" was no longer a metaphor. The evil flame's corruption had fused deep into her very bones. What they mistook for emotional withdrawal was the calm before eruption.
Ten minutes later, Elder Xuan's deep voice echoed: "From now on, you're not classmates — you're opponents. Whoever doesn't want to shout 'I'm a pig' better fight your hardest. Begin!"
With that, both sides snapped into combat readiness.
Ma Xiaotao surged forward first.
Scarlet feathers burst from her back, unfurling into blazing wings. Gold-red flames roared to life around her, painting the arena in molten light.
But through Yuhao's Eye of Truth, he saw what others couldn't — beneath the golden-red brilliance lurked a hellish black flame, deep and cold, writhing like the fire of purgatory.
Behind her, twin auras flared — the radiance of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda and the Rainbow Dragon martial souls.
Colors intertwined, dazzling and violent. The radiance from Ning Tian and Gongyang Mo's soul rings merged into Ma Xiaotao's body. Under their dual amplification, her flames swelled monstrously, her wings shimmering with sevenfold light.
Beibei and Jiang Nannan followed, charging under the cover of the fiery wings, while Wang Dong and Ling Luochen advanced more cautiously from behind.
They had already analyzed their opponents' biggest threats — Xu Sanshi's swapping ability and Yuhao's mental interference. They were wary, but they couldn't guard against everything forever.
The battle erupted.
Dai Yueheng led the charge — and immediately clashed with Ma Xiaotao head-on.
Evil-Eyed White Tiger vs. Evil Fire Phoenix.
In moments, the outcome was clear.
Even with his White Tiger Barrier, White Tiger Vajra Transformation, and White Tiger Devilgod Transformation stacked together — even with Yao Haoxuan's support — Dai Yueheng was overwhelmed.
Ma Xiaotao's phoenix flames devoured the field.
Her Fourth Soul Skill – Phoenix Cry to the Heavens detonated as she transformed into a blazing phoenix, spiraling into Dai Yueheng. The explosion of heat and impact forced everyone nearby to retreat.
Dai Yueheng felt his body seared, every nerve screaming. The sheer physical pressure from the impact numbed his arms — and she wasn't even a power-type!
Her Evil Fire Phoenix was known for its elemental offense, not brute strength. Yet she was suppressing the White Tiger — famed for its overwhelming power — through sheer ferocity.
And she wasn't done.
Her Fifth Soul Skill – Phoenix Pierces the Clouds!
The lingering flames from her previous attack suddenly converged, coiling around Dai Yueheng and hurtling toward Chen Zifeng.
Chen Zifeng's eyes widened in shock. He was a strong attacker, yes — but his defense was paper thin! That attack… was she trying to kill him?!
Facing her cold, merciless gaze, Chen Zifeng clenched his teeth and summoned his martial soul — the Soul-Chasing Sword.
His soul rings blazed as he slashed upward, cutting through the most violent wave of phoenix fire. He managed to shatter the attack's first strike, though the backlash still burned his arms. But it gave him a moment to pull Dai Yueheng clear.
Dai Yueheng's skin glowed an unhealthy red, heat radiating from his charred aura.
He had underestimated her — and overestimated himself. The plan was in ruins.
Even with Chen Zifeng's aid, they couldn't regain control. Ma Xiaotao's aggression was overwhelming. Her attacks weren't just fierce — they were predatory.
Her martial soul itself had begun to mutate.
The evil energy once at war with her essence was now her power's core — the source of her strength.
And under that transformation, the Evil Fire Phoenix no longer belonged to the same level as the Evil-Eyed White Tiger.
(End of Chapter)