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Within the Sea God Pavilion, the golden light gradually faded, yet the sacred and blazing pressure emanating from the evolved Sun Saint Angel spirit soul still lingered in the hearts of every elder.
Yan Shaozhe could not wait to ask: "Gu La, has this evolved martial soul gained new abilities?"
Gu La subtly shifted his focus. The Sun Saint Angel spirit soul did not activate any soul skill—only gently raised its hand, palm upward.
Instantly, a sphere of purest light appeared—like liquid sunlight—floating in the air. The space around it slightly warped, the sacred and destructive energies perfectly fused. Every powerful presence in the room felt a jolt of unease.
"The martial soul's innate abilities have improved with its evolution," Gu La explained calmly. "Its control over Light and Fire has become purer, its sacred attributes significantly enhanced, and its suppression of evil forces is especially pronounced."
He did not clarify that this was the power of the spirit soul itself—intentionally guiding them to believe it was the direct result of his martial soul's evolution.
In truth, with the spirit soul's advancement, his Fifth and Sixth Soul Skills had also undergone transformation—their power now incomparable.
"Fifth Soul Skill, Solar Domain, has evolved into—Sacred Radiance Domain!"
The effect: a radiant domain with a radius exceeding ten meters erupted instantly from Gu La's center.
Within the domain, the light and flame were no longer ordinary—they became a higher, purer form of sacred light-fire.
This light-fire combined the annihilating power of Ultimate Fire with the purifying essence of Ultimate Light, producing terrifying destructive capability.
More importantly, the purity of its sacred energy was so high, it seemed only one step removed from the legendary Ultimate Sacred attribute.
Gu La released a weakened version of the Sacred Radiance Domain—a warm halo enveloping the elders.
One elder with a Dark-type martial soul instinctively sent a thread of soul power toward the domain's edge. A soft hiss echoed—the thread vanished instantly, like snow before the sun. Worse, it triggered a minor backlash within the elder's own soul power.
He gasped in shock: "Such intense repulsion and purification! Any foreign attribute energy within this domain is severely suppressed. If it were Evil or Undead attributes…"
He dared not finish. He knew a Soul Saint-level demonic soul master stepping into this domain would be reduced to below Soul Emperor strength. An evil soul master of equal level would not even have the qualification to face Gu La.
Gu La internally calculated: one unit of sacred energy could neutralize ten times—or more—evil or undead energy.
No wonder it bore the name "Saint."
He carefully sensed further.
"Sixth Soul Skill, Solar Nuclear Explosion, has evolved into—Solar Nuclear Fusion Explosion!"
He did not unleash it, only simulated the flow of soul power. Yet the surrounding Heavenly Energy instantly surged, rushing wildly toward his palm, forming a golden-red orb of extreme compression—within which, it seemed, billions of stars were being born and dying.
The wave of destructive power made even Elder Xuan narrow his eyes.
"Soul Ancestor? With such energy expenditure, such a breakthrough is understandable."
Gu La continued, sensing deeply: "Range and power have both increased. It can be charged longer, gathering more Light and Fire elements for devastating area-of-effect strikes."
"Or, maintain the same activation duration, but compress the attack range to an extreme point—concentrating the destructive energy into a single point for unparalleled penetration and single-target annihilation." Gu La released the soul power, stating calmly what he had fabricated as his Fourth Soul Skill.
He was deeply satisfied with this transformation of the Sun Angel spirit soul. Such abundant, perfectly aligned energy opportunities were rare on Douluo Continent. The Golden Ancient Tree's "investment" had come at the perfect time.
Simultaneously, he subtly adjusted his outward soul power fluctuations.
To the elders' perception, having seized the opportunity of this "Soul Evolution" and the immense energy of the Golden Ancient Tree, he had not only evolved his spirit soul—but also "broken through" to Soul Ancestor level, and "condensed" his soul rings.
In the subsequent assessment, Gu La "unleashed his full power," demonstrating combat capability capable of briefly holding his own against a Soul Saint—astonishing, yet seemingly contained within the plausible limits of a genius's potential.
Gu La's display served a crucial purpose: preparing for his journey to the Sun Moon Empire.
That land was the most active region for evil soul masters—perfect for enhancing his Angel 'martial soul's' cultivation.
Of course, before that, he intended to visit the Auspicious Beast of the Great Star Dou Forest—the Three-Eyed Golden Lion. Another dual-Ultimate attribute being—perhaps it would yield unexpected gains.
He revealed these abilities because he had carefully observed: though the Golden Ancient Tree brimmed with Life and Light energy, there was no sign of Ah Yin's presence.
Or perhaps Ah Yin had not yet deeply merged with the Golden Ancient Tree—or was hidden too deeply for anyone to detect. His claim of "evolving through the Golden Ancient Tree" remained unchallenged.
After hearing Gu La's demonstration and the subtle hints of his pursuit for higher power, Yan Shaozhe keenly sensed the unspoken meaning.
He sighed, his gaze complex as he looked at Gu La: "Even had you not mentioned it, Elder Mu had already decided—the list of exchange students dispatched to the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy will include you."
"Your Soul Engineering talent—especially your Evolution Watch—if not nurtured further at Mingde Hall, if you do not learn more soul guidance device technology, would be a waste of heaven's gift."
But then his tone shifted, becoming stern, as befitting the head of the Martial Soul System:
"Yet, Gu La, remember this: soul guidance devices are external tools—mere instruments for soul masters to wield."
"Your martial soul's cultivation, your soul power level, your combat awareness—these are the foundation! Never lose sight of your true path in pursuit of soul guidance device craftsmanship!"
Gu La understood Yan Shaozhe's philosophy. He did not argue, but nodded obediently: "Your teachings are wise, Dean. I understand." What he would do once in the Sun Moon Empire—that was his own affair.
…
Meanwhile, beyond a mist-shrouded, desolate mountain range within the Tian Hun Empire.
Mu En's aged figure hovered in midair, his aura perfectly blended with the environment—barely perceptible unless seen with the eyes.
He did not rush into the valley ahead—seemingly natural, but in truth bristling with hidden sentinels and natural barriers: the entrance to the Body Sect's mountain stronghold.
He merely released a gentle, yet vast and ocean-like, ripple of soul power—like a pebble dropped into a still lake.
Moments later, three overwhelming auras erupted from within the valley.
At the forefront stood Du Busi, the Body Sect's patriarch, his short, sturdy frame launching like a cannonball. Behind him came two other elders, their auras equally profound—both Supreme Douluo.
Du Busi saw Mu En alone outside the valley. His eyes instantly flared with deep, burning hatred and caution. Green soul power surged skyward, stirring the clouds. A crushing, tangible killing intent pressed toward Mu En: "Mu En! You old bastard—you're still alive!"
Facing the tidal wave of killing intent, Mu En remained calm. A gentle yet unyielding force flowed naturally around him, dissolving Du Busi's pressure into nothing.
"I did not come here to fight you."
Du Busi sneered, voice icy: "Then you came for that boy? Huo Yuhao. Hmph. Forget it. He is a once-in-a-century genius of our Body Sect—the future of Body-type martial souls. He has already joined us. You Shrek will never get him back!"
Mu En effortlessly deflected Du Busi's probing soul power strikes as he spoke slowly:
"I did not come only for Huo Yuhao. Du Busi, do you know that the Sun Moon Empire has developed soul guidance devices capable of threatening a Super Douluo?"
Mu En struck first.
"What?" Du Busi's attack halted. His face filled with disbelief. "Impossible! How could mere soul guidance devices threaten us?"
"There is nothing impossible," Mu En said gravely. "Sun Moon's technology has long surpassed our old understanding. I suspect they have concealed part of their true strength. Their ambitions are far greater. When war begins, the continent's balance will shatter. What then will become of the Body Sect, hiding in your mountains?"
He sought to awaken Du Busi to the truth: when the lips are gone, the teeth feel the cold.
Yet Mu En did not know—the Body Sect had long secretly formed an alliance with the Tian Hun Imperial Family, becoming their imperial protector.
The Tian Hun Empire provided resources and recruited disciples for the Body Sect; the Body Sect guarded the empire in return.
From the beginning, the Body Sect could not remain aloof from the coming chaos.
Du Busi's eyes flickered. He reined in some of his hostility, asking coldly: "What are you suggesting?"
Mu En looked at him. His already aged face seemed to grow even more weary, burdened by twilight.
"In our past conflict with your elder brother—it was a matter of opposing positions, a life-or-death struggle. Neither side was right or wrong. Only, he was too stubborn. Even grievously wounded, he forced his way to Level 99…"
He did not directly apologize—but his tone of submission was unmistakable. Huo Yuhao's Body-type martial soul and Ultimate Ice, strictly speaking, surpassed Gu La in soul ring configuration. He could not afford to make the Body Sect an enemy of Shrek.
"I am nearing the end of my days. What I fear most is the legacy of Shrek Academy and the peace of the continent. Today, I come hoping we can lay aside past grievances and turn swords into plowshares."
He paused, then delivered his most critical proposal:
"Huo Yuhao shall be jointly cultivated by both of us. He is Shrek's core disciple—and he is the Body Sect's future heir."
"This is Shrek's sincerity. When he grows, he may serve as Vice Pavilion Master of the Sea God Pavilion—or succeed you as Body Sect Patriarch."
"Faced with the threat of Sun Moon, Shrek, the Body Sect, and even Tian Hun Empire must stand united. We may also share research on martial soul essence and soul guidance device technology."
This proposal—especially the arrangement for Huo Yuhao and the promise of shared knowledge—was a massive concession from Shrek, nearly entirely benefiting the Body Sect.
It was, in essence, Mu En's weighty apology and compensation for the past.
Du Busi was utterly stunned. He never imagined the proud Mu En would lower himself so, and offer such a sincere plan.
He knew—even if Mu En was dying, if they truly fought to the death, unless Du Busi himself burned his own origin to the last spark, he was no match for Mu En.
Mu En could not abandon Shrek. Du Busi could not abandon the Body Sect's foundation and disciples.
And the threat of Sun Moon—spoken by Mu En—demanded serious consideration.
After a long silence and inner struggle, Du Busi finally exhaled a heavy breath:
"Fine! Mu En, I'll trust you once. Huo Yuhao will be jointly cultivated. Shrek and the Body Sect—against Sun Moon—we are temporary allies."
The two reached an accord. The atmosphere no longer crackled with hostility—but they still kept their distance. Du Busi, for the sake of the greater good, accepted the deal—but still wished Mu En would drop dead right now.
Soon, Huo Yuhao was brought forth. With him came another youth, sharp-eyed and uniquely attuned—his eyes radiating strange power: Gu Tong, the Body Sect's other prodigy, who possessed an Eye-type martial soul.
Du Busi decided: Huo Yuhao and Gu Tong would both serve as exchange students, sent to Sun Moon to study soul guidance device technology.
This also served as supervision over Huo Yuhao and Shrek—otherwise, Du Busi would never trust him to return.
Moreover, they had agreed: Du Busi could visit Huo Yuhao anytime, and establish a Body Sect office in Shrek City.
Upon learning of the agreement between these two supreme elders, the heavy stone hanging over Huo Yuhao's heart finally lifted.
Though tightly monitored during his time in the Body Sect, he had felt the reverence the sect held for him as a genius—and the straightforward, unpretentious atmosphere of the sect was not unpleasant.
Now, with the joint cultivation of two great powers, avoiding conflict—this was the best possible outcome. He now looked forward to his journey to the Sun Moon Empire with renewed anticipation.
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