With his Outrage state pushed to its peak, he didn't directly confront the Mountain Dragon King's power, which was still formidable. Instead, he condensed the power of his two domains to their utmost limit, forming an absolute defensive layer of deep-sea high pressure in front of him. Meanwhile, his body, weightless like flowing water, moved along the trajectory of the earth-shattering punch with an extremely mysterious method to redirect and glide.
"Boom!!!"
The punch narrowly missed Bo Xi's body, striking the protective barrier far away, causing a blinding flash and deafening explosion. The protective barrier violently fluctuated, nearly shattering!
And just as Long Yue's previous force had dissipated and new strength hadn't yet built up, Bo Xi made his move.
He moved like a deep-sea beast that had been storing energy for a long time, his hands seemingly tearing through invisible water currents in the void. A massive vortex reappeared.
"Endless Water Tornado!"
The residual power from the previously defeated water tornado was instantly reignited by him. Combining with the infinite water vapor within the domain, a terrifying water tornado more colossal than before, rotating with super-high-pressure steam and sharp ice crystals inside, formed instantly, completely engulfing Long Yue's massive body.
"Roar—!"
Long Yue let out a pained roar amidst the raging water and super-high pressure, his Mountain Dragon King armor being torn and cut apart ferociously.
The scorching steam eroded his defenses. He struggled desperately, the power of Mountain Dragon King's Wrath continuously erupting, shaking the water tornado violently.
But Bo Xi's soul power, supported by "Boundless Ocean", seemed endless.
He calmly controlled the water tornado, constantly replenishing water vapor to maintain the high pressure and cutting effect.
At the same time, his figure moved like a fish, swiftly circling around the outer edge of the water tornado. Streams of condensed "Walking Wake Divine Kill" water blades struck precisely at the weak points and joint connections of Long Yue's defense, like venomous snakes.
This was the ultimate test of willpower and endurance. Long Yue's explosive power was earth-shattering; the Mountain Dragon King could carry islands for dragons to inhabit, and its stamina was equally terrifying.
However, Bo Xi's recovery ability was even greater. Moreover, he was in a clear state of mind, and his combat wisdom was extraordinary. He utilized the environment, his domain, and the inevitable brief rigidity after his opponent's rage, dragging Long Yue into the quagmire of attrition warfare.
One hour… two hours… three hours!
The stadium was already in ruins, with cracks and signs of steam burns all over the protective barrier. The audience watched with dry mouths and shaken spirits.
Finally, under the continuous terror of the water tornado's relentless tearing, burning, and Bo Xi's precise critical strikes, Long Yue's terrifying soul power finally bottomed out.
His Mountain Dragon King armor was shattered, his body covered with deep wounds visible to the bone, his soul power utterly depleted.
He let out an unwilling roar, as if complaining to the Dragon God. His massive body collapsed with a thud, completely losing the ability to fight, his blood staining the murky puddle beneath him.
As for Bo Xi, although the two-word battle armor components on his body had numerous cracks and dents due to withstanding the mountain suppression and dissipating the Mountain Dragon King's wrath, his face was pale, and his soul power was greatly drained.
Nevertheless, he still stood steadily in the middle of the water pool formed after the water tornado dissipated, his eyes remaining cold and calm, as if he had just finished an ordinary training session.
Silence!
A deathly silence enveloped the vast Royal Stadium!
Everyone, including Emperor Dai Tianling and Elder En Ci on the highest viewing platform, was speechless.
A six-ring Soul Emperor, the First Heavenly King of Monster Academy, Long Yue with the Mountain Dragon King martial soul, had fallen, defeated by a five-ring Soul King, a stowaway from Douluo Continent.
But after witnessing this grueling three-hour battle, no one dared to say he didn't deserve it.
Bo Xi, with his unfathomable recovery ability, exquisite elemental control, top-tier combat intelligence, and those terrifyingly augmented two-word battle armor components, had ground down the Mountain Dragon King known for its strength and explosiveness.
"Thud." Long Yue's fall felt like it hit every Star Luo citizen's heart.
"Hiss…" After a long while, someone finally drew a sharp breath.
Immediately following, a tsunami-like uproar erupted.
"The… Dragon King… lost?!"
"A five-ring… defeated a six-ring Mountain Dragon King?!"
"That recovery ability… that domain… that battle armor… too terrifying!"
"This is… the true strength of the Ninth Heavenly King?! No wonder the Emperor changed the rules to make him the Ninth Heavenly King!"
"There's always someone stronger… beyond the skies!"
Dai Yun'er covered her mouth, her face pale, filled with disbelief and a hint of fear.
Dai Yueyan's expression was extremely complex as he gazed at the figure in the field, understanding for the first time why his father had spared no expense to recruit this person.
Elder En Ci's eyes gleamed as he spoke softly to Emperor Dai Tianling: "Your Majesty, this young man… his talent and ingenuity are unparalleled in history. His martial soul essence seems… not inferior to Long Yue's Mountain Dragon King."
Dai Tianling took a deep breath, suppressing the overwhelming waves in his heart, looking at the figure in the field who, though weary, still stood tall, his eyes glowing with unprecedented fervor.
Loss of Long Yue's face? No! He gained a stronger, more potentially terrifying Heavenly King. Bo Xi's value, after this battle, was immeasurable.
Bo Xi slowly retracted his soul rings and domain, glanced at the unconscious Long Yue, then turned and walked toward the exit under countless gazes filled with awe, fear, and admiration.
His steps remained steady, as if what he had just experienced wasn't a life-and-death battle but merely a stroll.
In this battle, he not only established the indisputable chief position of the Ninth Heavenly King but also declared the rise of a hegemon to the entire Star Luo Empire and the forces secretly observing from Douluo Continent.
…
The clamor in the Royal Stadium gradually subsided, but the shock and agitation lingering in the air persisted for a long time.
Long Yue's massive body was carefully lifted onto a stretcher by the medical team. His eyes were tightly closed, teeth clenched, still carrying strong feelings of unwillingness and humiliation even in unconsciousness.
Dai Yun'er looked at Long Yue's pitiful state, her eyes reddened again. She glared fiercely at Bo Xi in the center of the field, stamped her foot, and chased after the medical team.
Dai Yueyan watched his sister's departing back and then glanced at the deep blue figure in the field whose aura, though somewhat fluctuating, still stood firm like a mountain. His heart was filled with mixed emotions.
He instinctively wanted to follow and check on Long Yue, since Long Yue had ended up in this state for defending Dai Yun'er, and they had a good relationship in Monster Academy. However, a steady hand pressed on his shoulder.
"Yueyan," Emperor Dai Tianling's voice sounded in his ear, carrying an undeniable authority, "you stay."
Dai Yueyan's body stiffened, instantly understanding his father's intention. As the most talented and composed prince of the Star Luo royal family, he was the strongest contender for the throne.
His identity and responsibilities required him not to act solely on personal preferences.
Bo Xi's demonstrated value, especially his inconceivable sub-professional talent and now proven terrifying combat power, was too important for the Star Luo Empire.
Long Yue's injuries and Dai Yun'er's anger must be temporarily set aside. Easing relations with Bo Xi, even establishing contact, was necessary for the current interests of the empire.
"Yes, Father." Dai Yueyan took a deep breath, suppressing his complex emotions, respectfully responded, and turned to follow behind Emperor Dai Tianling.
Emperor Dai Tianling, with the composure of an emperor and appropriate concern, approached Bo Xi. "Grandmaster Bo Xi, you've worked hard. This battle was earth-shattering, and you truly deserve to be called the number one Soul King, giving me a great shock. I hope you haven't been injured? The empire's best healing-type soul masters are on standby."
His tone was gentle, exuding sincere care, as if the fierce battle concerning the chief Heavenly King was just a friendly sparring match.
Bo Xi calmed the surging water vapor and dragon majesty around him, his five black soul rings disappearing. The light on his two-word battle armor components dimmed, revealing several noticeable cracks and dents. But with a thought, he directly absorbed them into his body. These damages would slowly repair themselves with some time.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your concern. Just a bit of exhaustion, nothing serious." Bo Xi's voice resembled the echo of the sea, low and majestic, like waves crashing against rocks, yet devoid of emotion. "Just a friendly exchange. Long Yue's strength is admirable."
"Haha, you're too modest. After this battle, you should rightfully be the leader of the Nine Great Heavenly Kings, deservedly so."
Emperor Dai Tianling laughed heartily, then shifted his gaze to Dai Yueyan. "Yueyan, come forward and greet Grandmaster Bo Xi. He has just arrived, and you youngsters need to get closer in the future."
Dai Yueyan stepped forward, bowing to Bo Xi with a very humble posture. "Grandmaster Bo Xi, previously my sister Yun'er was naive and ignorant, often offending. Yueyan apologizes on her behalf."
"Your strength is boundless, skills unmatched. Yueyan deeply admires you and hopes for your guidance in the future." His words were sincere, his attitude humble, completely setting aside his princely status.
Bo Xi's gaze lingered on Dai Yueyan for a moment. This Fourth Prince had steady eyes and an elegant demeanor, indeed much better than the spoiled princess and the easily angered Long Yue.
Since he would remain in the Star Luo Empire, he naturally wouldn't be ungracious. He slightly nodded. "Fourth Prince, you're too kind. It was just a minor misunderstanding, no need to dwell on it."
The polite conversation stopped there, and under Emperor Dai Tianling's direction, the atmosphere quickly eased, even taking on a hint of "host and guest both enjoying themselves."
Bo Xi's cooperation also reassured Emperor Dai Tianling. At least, this newly appointed leader of the Ninth Heavenly King was willing to give the empire face publicly.
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