Chapter 239: The Mysterious Purple Drop
Hu Liena's enchanting expression faded completely, replaced by a cold resolve as she bit her lip, eyes fixed on Dai Yao with astonishment and determination. She was cornered with no option but to defeat him. Spirit Hall's pride was at stake, and they had already become a mere backdrop to Dai Yao's legend. If she lost, Dai Yao would achieve a one-against-fourteen victory, solidifying his reputation as a legend while tainting the honor of Spirit Hall.
"No," Hu Liena thought to herself, clenching her fists. "If anyone loses face, it doesn't matter, but Spirit Hall's honor must remain untarnished."
She took a deep breath and ascended the arena with steady steps, eyes burning with determination. Yue Guan glanced at Hu Liena, then turned to Bibi Dong, leaning in and transmitting a thought.
"Your Majesty, should I order Dai Yao to throw the match and surrender?"
Bibi Dong's face remained impassive, her gaze sweeping over Yue Guan before she shook her head slightly.
"To be defeated once or twice makes little difference," she responded. "Respect isn't gained through mercy—it's earned through strength. Even if we lose, does Spirit Hall need the pity of others?"
She knew Dai Yao's soul power was nearly depleted. Even with her insight, she couldn't imagine how he could stand a chance against Hu Liena now. But the entire arena had fallen silent, every eye on Dai Yao, eagerly hoping he might yet create another miracle, while also hoping Hu Liena would restore some dignity to Spirit Hall.
In the Shrek team's area, the group looked on with complex emotions. Dai Yao was rising to legendary status, while they had been relegated to background characters, mere stepping stones on his path to greatness. The feeling was hard to swallow.
Hu Liena reached the center of the arena, facing Dai Yao. As they locked eyes, the tension was palpable, a heavy weight pressing on everyone.
"Are you both ready?" The red-robed cardinal let out a sigh, his tone subdued as he addressed Hu Liena.
Hu Liena nodded slightly, her smile growing wider, her eyes intensifying with an alluring light that radiated irresistible charm. Even seasoned men like Ma Hongjun, Dai Mubai, and Oscar found themselves mesmerized, their breathing shallow. Even Xiao Wu looked on with disdain, hugging Tang San's arm.
"My Third Brother is too pure for this kind of allure," she thought, giving a small smirk.
Ning Rongrong, looking rather pale, glanced at her teammates, recalling their many battles and feeling a twinge of disappointment at how easily they succumbed.
"Nana's getting serious," Xie Yue murmured, clutching his chest, still weak from his own battle. He watched as Hu Liena's seductive aura enveloped the arena, her power surpassing all previous limits. For her to reveal this level of charm showed just how far Dai Yao had pushed her.
Standing before her, Dai Yao was already breathing heavily, visibly weakened. Yet Hu Liena didn't look down on him; her gaze was full of respect.
"Dai Yao," she said, "you truly are remarkable. We in the Spirit Hall team have long been hailed as the strongest of our generation. I never expected to face someone as formidable as you."
Dai Yao swallowed, steadying his breath. His soul power was almost depleted, and he had used up his tricks. Hu Liena would be on guard against his poison, and he was nearly out of options. But as a control-type soul master, her combat style left him some room to maneuver.
"Today's success comes as much from luck as anything else," he replied, his voice echoing across the arena.
In the crowd, Fei Dinan, Salas, and Ning Fengzhi—all familiar with Dai Yao's past hardships—watched him with a deep sense of respect, their expressions solemn.
Hu Liena's gaze darkened. "Dai Yao, no matter what, I won't hold back for the sake of Spirit Hall's honor!"
"That's just as it should be," Dai Yao replied, nodding.
"Let the match begin!" the cardinal announced.
Instantly, both fighters unleashed their martial spirits. A pale pink mist began to fill the air around Hu Liena as she took a confident stance, exuding a seductive yet regal aura that set hearts racing. Ma Hongjun, Dai Mubai, and Oscar each felt their pulse quicken, their expressions entranced.
"That spiritual pressure is incredible," Tang San murmured. He could sense the sheer force of Hu Liena's mental power, which was on par with some top-tier Soul Kings. Even among the spectators, some began to feel overwhelmed, while Dai Yao, caught in the center, bore the brunt of the force.
Grimacing, he felt his resolve waver as Hu Liena's spiritual power washed over him like a crashing wave. If he were in peak condition, he might have resisted, but in his current state, he was barely holding himself together, feeling his control slip with each second.
Seeing Dai Yao's struggle, Hu Liena's lips curved in a faint smile. Her eyes glimmered with pink as she glided closer, lifting his chin with one slender finger to make him meet her gaze. The warmth of her breath tickled his face as she whispered:
"Little Brother, why don't you let your sister win? If you do, maybe I'll reward you later."
Her alluring voice sent ripples of desire through the crowd. Men found themselves yearning to take her into their arms and cursed Dai Yao for not accepting her offer. Among them, Dugu Yan bit her lip in anger, glaring at Hu Liena.
"How dare you flirt with my man!"
"Second Soul Skill: Fox Charm!"
In a low, soft tone, Hu Liena activated her second soul skill, her gaze locking onto Dai Yao's. A surge of intense spiritual power shot through his eyes, piercing his mind.
In Dai Yao's mental world, a powerful burst shattered the peaceful scene within. His Holy White Tiger spirit, weary from countless battles, still held its head high, roaring against the mental invasion. Nearby, a blue lotus flower rested quietly, a small purple droplet trembling atop one of its leaves.
At last, his Holy White Tiger spirit collapsed under the pressure, and Hu Liena's influence began to rampage through his mind. But as her power approached the blue lotus, the tiny purple drop quivered as though in defiance. With a flash of lightning, it erupted, spreading an electric aura across Dai Yao's mental landscape.
Hu Liena's spiritual assault shattered instantly in the lightning field's presence, and the purple energy shot back along the path her power had taken.
A confident smile crept onto Hu Liena's lips as she sensed Dai Yao slipping under her charm. Yet she hadn't expected a fierce spiritual backlash to come surging back, tearing into her mind like a tempest.
Boom—
Hu Liena's mental world collapsed in an instant. She let out a low groan, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth as she fell to the ground, utterly defeated.
"What just happened?" Confused murmurs erupted through the audience, everyone baffled at the unexpected turn of events. Hu Liena had clearly held the upper hand, yet she now lay on the ground, injured and unable to continue.
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