Jiang Jue looked at the stage, at He Caitou hoisting a fourth-rank soul tool shell on his shoulder, and didn't seem surprised.
He Caitou was originally a citizen of the Sun Moon Empire. After being taken in by Shrek Academy's Soul Tool Department head, Fan Yu, he had naturally been studying there ever since, and had even been a reserve candidate for the former Ultimate Soldier Program.
In fact, the reason the rest of Shrek Academy's team was using soul tools this time was thanks to Wang Yan's persuasion.
Although Wang Yan's soul power rank wasn't high, his vision was extremely broad.
"Looks like we really need to prepare more," Ma Rulong murmured.
Everyone's eyes narrowed slightly. If Shrek Academy also used soul tools, then their advantage would be much reduced.
"Think about it from another angle—we understand soul tools better than they do. If they use them against us, wouldn't that just be creating opportunities for us?"
Seeing the heavy atmosphere, Jiang Jue, rarely, spoke up.
"That's right! Their soul tool tech lags way behind ours. Whatever they pull out, we'll spot it instantly."
"Yeah! Competing in soul tools with us? They're still far from our level!"
Lin Xi eagerly chimed in, even pumping his fist.
Everyone's brows relaxed a little.
Jiang Jue watched this change and shook his head slightly.
Shrek Academy was still too deeply rooted in their minds. For thousands of years, they'd been the champions. Even a small change of wind made people overthink and worry.
"Alright, keep an eye on that shady-looking kid up there. When we get to the team battles later, make sure you watch him."
Old Ma didn't join in on the talk, instead pointing to the match that had already begun.
By now, He Caitou's shell had already been blocked by four Spirit Rhino Shield-type soul masters working together.
Looking over, they saw a young man in black close-fitting clothes, his expression full of slyness, grin toward Thousand Spirit Academy, the fourth of his thousand-year spirit rings shining.
"Xuanming Substitution!"
A flash of black light—then the shady-looking youth was gone. In his place stood Shen Ce of the Thousand Spirit team.
Shen Ce only faltered slightly before swinging his Thousand-Strike Spear toward Jiang Nannan on one side.
But Jiang Nannan had been ready. With her Soft Bone Rabbit martial soul possessed, she dodged in a flash, avoiding his strike.
At that moment, the Thousand Spirit team's formation was already in chaos. Originally, they had four defensive-type soul masters up front, with Shen Ce, An Lengye, and another female student attacking from behind.
But with Xu Sanshi's substitution, it all fell apart.
"It's all been seen through. They're destined to lose," Jiang Jue said softly as he watched.
From the moment he stepped onstage, Huo Yuhao had activated his Spiritual Detection. The supposedly solid Thousand Spirit formation was laid completely bare—like playing with open cards against Shrek Academy.
They were already weaker, and now they'd been read like a book—there was no chance of victory.
Sure enough, after Shen Ce was switched to the front, he was quickly surrounded by the Shrek team and began to struggle.
"Ah! Feels so good!"
As the black light faded, Xu Sanshi straightened his back. The Xuanming Turtle Shield in his hands had returned to normal size, blocking An Lengye's attacks, and he even had time to run a hand through his hair.
"Break through them!"
Beibei roared, charging forward with the others.
With Shen Ce now on the back foot, Jiang Nannan and Xiao Xiao were enough to keep him pinned down. If they could just smash Thousand Spirit Academy's formation, they would win.
"Frost Dragon Tornado!"
Seeing Shen Ce continually suppressed, An Lengye knew it was up to them to hold off Shrek's assault. She gave a low cry, the fourth soul ring at her head flaring to life.
The Ice-Frost Bear let out a furious roar, slamming a massive paw down. A surge of intense cold burst forth, the frigid wind condensing into a giant frost tornado that swept outward.
The snowstorm blocked Beibei, Xu Sanshi, and Wang Dong, and even swept directly toward He Caitou.
At the same time, Shen Ce made his move—his fifth soul ring flared, eyes flashing cold light, and with a shout he hurled his Thousand-Strike Spear. His target: Huo Yuhao.
Beibei and the others were shocked. Though Huo Yuhao stood motionless, looking dismissive, they knew he was only a rank-27 Soul Grandmaster.
"Going to make a move?"
Xiao Hongchen stared fixedly at Huo Yuhao, not daring to miss even the slightest twitch.
"I'll block it."
Jiang Nannan's eyes turned resolute. In a flash, she appeared in front of Huo Yuhao, her fourth soul ring lighting up.
"Invincible Golden Body!"
Golden light enveloped her, and the deadly Thousand-Strike Spear was indeed stopped cold.
But at that moment, the Frost Dragon Tornado also arrived.
Just then, Huo Yuhao's eyes lit up. Emerald-green light burst forth as he pulled Jiang Nannan behind him, extending his hands toward the storm. Three black and three red soul rings rose around him.
"Ice—under my control!"
The raging frost tornado froze in place, then dissipated entirely under the green glow. A tiny scorpion spirit flickered behind Huo Yuhao.
"What! Another ultimate attribute!"
Up on the palace wall, Emperor Xu Jiawei froze in rare shock, then clenched his fists in frustration.
"Dai-brother, look—ultimate attribute soul masters! The Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy has them, Shrek Academy has them, so why doesn't my Star Luo Empire have one?"
He turned to a burly middle-aged man with chiseled features, clad in white armor bearing a black-and-white tiger head emblem on his chest.
This was none other than the current White Tiger Duke, Dai Hao—the only man permitted to wear armor before the Emperor.
Before Dai Hao could answer, Xu Jiawei continued,
"Even if it were one of your descendants, Dai-brother…"
Dai Hao could only give a wry smile.
"Your Majesty, you inherit the Star Crown martial soul, and my Dai family inherits the White Tiger martial soul. How could either of us produce an ultimate attribute?
"The odds would be like a dragon-type martial soul bloodline suddenly producing… a pig."
Hearing his joke, Xu Jiawei knew it was impossible, but he still felt unwilling. Watching Huo Yuhao, he couldn't shake the feeling the boy resembled someone… yet he couldn't recall who.
"Another ultimate attribute—what's the point of me even having a divine beast bloodline martial soul anymore!"
Xiao Hongchen was nearly losing it, then turned to Jiang Jue.
"How confident are you now about beating Huo Yuhao? Be honest—we're brothers, I won't laugh."
By now, he was starting to believe in Huo Yuhao's six-ring Soul Emperor cultivation. Even though Jiang Jue was gifted, the gap was too big—Soul Ancestor versus Soul Emperor? How to fight that?
Jiang Jue's eyes were calm as still water. He raised a slender finger.
"Still one move."
His tone was light, but left no room for doubt.
The more arrogant Huo Yuhao was now, the harder he would fall later.
(End of Chapter)