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Beneath the night sky of Demon Island, the temporary camp had shed the noise of day, replaced by the briny, cool whisper of the sea breeze.
Tents of the various factions dotted the landscape, their soul guidance lamps casting faint, hazy glows against the darkness.
Tang Wulin, remembering where he'd seen him earlier, made his way toward the Spirit Pagoda's encampment.
There, by a small bonfire, he spotted Gu La, seated calmly. Nearby, Gu Yue sat in silence, her gaze fixed on the flickering elemental light dancing across her palm—deep in meditation or contemplation.
"Gu La. Gu Yue." Tang Wulin greeted with a warm smile, stepping forward.
Gu La looked up and smiled faintly, gesturing to the empty space beside him. "Ah, you're here. Sit."
Gu Yue gave a slight nod in acknowledgment, then returned her attention to the flame in her hand, seemingly oblivious to the world around her.
Tang Wulin didn't hesitate—he plopped down.
The firelight played across his sharply defined features. He looked more composed than a year ago, his eyes radiating quiet confidence.
After the infusion of the Golden Ancient Tree's energy, his soul power had surged. His One-Word Battle Armor was nearly complete. His strength had transformed beyond recognition.
He studied Gu La. Though he sensed Gu La's aura had already reached Soul Emperor level—one rank above him—his own fighting spirit only burned brighter.
He believed, with his growth rate, catching up—even surpassing—was merely a matter of time.
"It's been over a year. Didn't expect you to break through to Soul Emperor already."
Tang Wulin's tone held genuine admiration—and a hint of subtle comparison.
"You left the academy so suddenly after graduation. Xiao Yan kept talking about how she wanted to get together with you. We even went to the Spirit Pagoda to ask Gu Yue where you were… but no one knew."
His gaze drifted to Gu Yue.
She didn't react. Her crimson flame flickered steadily, untouched by his words.
Gu La chuckled, prodding the fire with a stick. Sparks crackled upward.
"Stayed too long at the academy. I wanted to see the world. These past half-years, I've traveled the continent—I've met different Soul Masters, witnessed strange landscapes. My heart opened up. Along the way, I stumbled on a few lucky breaks. The breakthrough was just… natural."
His answer was half-truth, half-story—delivered with effortless ease.
He shifted his gaze to Tang Wulin, a teasing glint in his eyes.
"But you? Your changes are incredible. That green soul ring you used in your match… hmm. Those old fools in the Sea God Pavilion—especially the Atlas Douluo—must've been weeping into their tea. The Golden Ancient Tree's reserves must be near empty."
He knew perfectly well how much energy he'd taken for himself. Tang Wulin was clearly another massive consumer.
Tang Wulin scratched the back of his head, sheepish but unable to hide his delight.
"I didn't know why… Tree Elder said I was some kind of 'Child of Nature' and insisted on pouring energy into me to strengthen my soul power and form my soul ring…"
His tone was apologetic—but the pride in being chosen, in being gifted, shone through.
Gu La fell silent for a moment, lifting his water flask to his lips.
He himself had been granted miracles beyond measure. But hearing Tang Wulin speak of his "chosen one" treatment… he couldn't help but mutter inwardly:
'Is this… a different kind of humblebrag?'
"You didn't come just to catch up, did you?" Gu La set down the flask, cutting straight to the point. He'd seen the unease behind Tang Wulin's eyes.
Tang Wulin blinked, as if remembering why he'd come. His expression grew serious—but his gaze held a trace of suspicion, almost protective.
"Right. It's about Na'er. She's been asking about you lately. How… how well do you two know each other?"
He looked at Gu La like a guard dog eyeing a stranger near his most precious treasure—fearful someone might steal it away.
Gu La paused, then laughed outright, his expression open and utterly sincere.
"Na'er? I don't know her well. We've met a few times. Maybe she's inquiring about some Spirit Pagoda business? I don't know the details."
He paused, then added, "After this tournament, when I return to Shrek City, I'll go find her and ask."
Tang Wulin studied his face carefully. Seeing no deception, no hidden meaning, his suspicion eased—though the instinct to protect remained.
He nodded slowly. "Alright… I'll tell her."
They chatted a little longer—about the tournament, their recent lives—then Tang Wulin rose to leave. His figure melted into the shadows of the camp lights.
Gu La watched him go. His gaze flickered.
He sensed Gu Yue had finished her meditation—and was now looking at him.
"Na'er asked about you?" Her voice was cool, unreadable.
"Mm." Gu La replied simply. He didn't elaborate. Instead, he stared into the fire, thinking of something else:
'That boy… his growth rate is terrifying. And this is only the beginning. Twenty-one years old, nearing godhood… a little too much, isn't it?'
'Looks like it's time to collect the 'gift' I left for the Holy Spirit Cult. Otherwise, I'll be left behind…'
Night deepened. The sea breeze rustled. The fire crackled. Two souls sat in quiet silence, each lost in their own thoughts.
—
The next day, the Soul Emperor round began.
Gu La, exempt from the first round, watched idly.
The first match featured Bai Haoze and Bai Zhichen—the twin sisters.
Whether by luck or misfortune, they drew each other as opponents. Fortunately, since scoring was based on wins, not matchups, it didn't matter.
In the end, the elder sister conceded defeat to her younger sibling—not out of humility, but because her Light Unicorn Soul simply couldn't match the sheer, uncontrollable nature of her sister's Spatial Unicorn. Pure Space was simply too elusive.
—
The fourth match:
Shrek Academy — Bai Yuan vs. War God Hall — Long Qingshan.
The referee signaled for both to ascend.
Long Qingshan stepped forward first, his towering frame towering half a head above his peers. Muscles bulged beneath his skin, each step heavy, as if the arena itself trembled beneath his weight.
His face was rugged, his gaze sharp—radiating the iron-blooded aura of the War God Hall.
His martial soul, the Coiling Dragon Shield was already unleashed: a massive, dark-gold tower-shield, its surface layered with overlapping dragon scales. At its center, a roaring dragon's head carved in bas-relief glowed with crimson eyes, radiating ancient dragon might and unyielding will.
Three purples, three blacks. His soul rings rotated slowly around him.
He wore a Two-Word Battle Armor—Coiling Dragon—also dark gold, ancient and heavy in design. Dragon motifs adorned his shoulder, arm, and chest plates, seamlessly blending with his shield. The aura was unified, overwhelming in its defensive might.
Bai Yuan, by contrast, stood calm. Tall and slender, his face blurred behind a faint veil of purple-black mist.
His martial soul, the Abyssal Glutton, did not fully manifest. Instead, behind him, a swirling vortex of purple-black energy spun silently—a void that devoured light itself, radiating chilling hunger and malice.
His Two-Word Battle Armor, "All Devouring" was a deep, abyssal black, its surface etched with pulsing, dark-purple energy lines that breathed like living veins. The style was eerie, alien.
"Begin!"
Long Qingshan barked a command—his military training guiding his instincts.
He stomped forward, lowered his center of gravity, and slammed his massive Coiling Dragon Shield into the ground with a thunderous BOOM, as if anchoring himself to the arena.
First soul ring ignited—Coiling Dragon Defense!
The dragon head on the shield blazed with light. A thick, dark-gold aura spread outward, enveloping half his body—his defense skyrocketed.
He resolved to hold firm first—to test the depth of that strange devouring power. His Soul was immune to most abnormal states. But this… this was unlike anything he'd faced.
Bai Yuan moved.
He didn't rush. He shifted like a shadow, silent, swift—sliding to Long Qingshan's flank.
Third soul ring flared—Abyssal Invisibility!
His body grew translucent, dissolving into swirling purple-black mist.
Long Qingshan tensed, his spiritual power highly concentrated.
Bai Yuan flicked his hand—a claw of purple-black energy tore through the air, striking Long Qingshan's side.
Long Qingshan adjusted his shield slightly, blocking it effortlessly.
Thud!
The claw struck the shield—yet vanished like mud sinking into water. Most of the energy was absorbed and neutralized.
But Long Qingshan felt it—just a whisper of his soul power, sucked away.
'So it's not completely immune… but my martial soul resists the absorption. The effect is weakened, within tolerable limits,' His mind calmed.
At that moment, Gu La, in the spectator seats, blinked—interest sparking in his eyes.
Through their hidden connection, he whispered to Bai Yuan:
'That dragon soul in the shield… interesting. It carries a faint echo of ancient, unyielding battle will. It blends well with his forming domain.'
'Don't end it quickly. Push him. Make him reveal his true strength. Let me see the limits of that dragon soul.'
Bai Yuan's mind shifted instantly.
His plan to finish swiftly vanished.
He accelerated—second soul ring ignited—Three Heads, Six Arms!
Purple-black soul power surged. Behind him, a towering, three-headed, six-armed demonic apparition coalesced—three meters tall, faceless and monstrous, its six arms each split open into gaping maws lined with jagged teeth. The mouths opened and closed rhythmically, emitting a sickening, sucking sound.
"ROOOO—!"
The phantom roared silently. Its six arms lunged simultaneously from all angles, each maw unleashing a far stronger devouring force.
Long Qingshan's face hardened. He braced, muscles tensing, shield held firm. Fourth soul ring ignited—Counter-Strike Dragon Pattern!
The dragon head on the shield blazed with intricate runes.
Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!
The six maws slammed into the Coiling Dragon Shield. The impact shook Long Qingshan violently—he skidded back, leaving two deep grooves in the ground.
Worse—the six mouths unleashed a vacuum-like suction. He felt his soul power draining like a dam breaking.
'Stronger than before! Was that just a warm-up?' His heart lurched. He poured soul power into the Counter-Strike Pattern.
HUM!
The shield erupted in blinding light. A powerful, dragon-roaring shockwave exploded outward, violently repelling the six arms—halting the devouring momentarily.
But Bai Yuan's assault was relentless.
As the phantom recoiled, Bai Yuan himself dissolved into shadow—his fifth Soul Skill: Abyssal Phantom.
He became semi-ethereal, speed doubling. Like a wraith, he slipped behind Long Qingshan and lunged—a claw aimed straight for his spine! The suction was stronger than ever.
Long Qingshan, battle-hardened, heard the wind. He didn't turn. He spun with blinding speed, swinging his massive shield backward like a door slamming shut—trying to block and force Bai Yuan away.
Screeeech!
Bai Yuan's claw scraped along the shield's edge. The sound was grating.
The devouring effect activated again. Though it didn't strike flesh, it still tore away a sliver of Long Qingshan's defensive soul power.
"Can't just defend!" Long Qingshan roared, and charged.
He lowered his head, driving forward like a war machine, his third Soul Skill: Unyielding Dragon Soul activating.
A fierce, battle-worn aura erupted from him—growing stronger with every blow, every wound. His defense, paradoxically, rose as he took damage.
The dragon head on his shield roared, its voice a physical wave of soul power lashing forward.
"Interesting," Gu La murmured from the stands. "This 'Unyielding' domain prototype… absorbs the opponent's attack aura and his own battle will to reinforce defense. The dragon soul is the key… It's like a weaker version of 'getting stronger the stronger the opponent is.'"
Bai Yuan retreated fluidly, evading the charge.
He commanded the three-headed phantom to surge again—six maws opening and closing, relentlessly eroding Long Qingshan's momentum and soul power.
Meanwhile, Bai Yuan himself used the speed and invisibility of his Phantom Skill to strike from impossible angles—each touch siphoning a sliver of soul power.
The battle settled into a stalemate.
Long Qingshan attacked with ferocious power, his shield a whirlwind of draconic fury, his unyielding will growing stronger.
But every strike landed on cotton—his force absorbed, dispersed. His soul power drained steadily.
Bai Yuan moved like the most patient hunter—dodging, consuming, perfectly executing his main body's command: Draw it out.
Slowly, meticulously, he forced Long Qingshan to reveal his Soul's mechanics, his Soul Skills—and especially the conditions and limits of the "Unyielding" dragon soul.
Ten minutes passed.
Long Qingshan's breathing grew ragged. Sweat beaded on his brow. His soul power was nearly spent.
Though his Unyielding domain still held firm, he felt like a bucket with a hundred leaks.
'Enough,' Gu La whispered.
In this short time, he had already understood the difference between this dragon soul, the Dragon Staff, and the Nine Phoenix Flute.
The battlefield shifted.
Bai Yuan's eyes changed. He stopped evading.
He inhaled deeply.
The three-headed phantom vanished into his body.
He clasped his hands together in a strange, intricate seal.
The third soul ring—the deep black one—blazed with blinding light.
Ultimate Devour!
BOOM!
A colossal, abyssal purple-black vortex erupted from Bai Yuan, swallowing half the arena. The suction force multiplied tenfold.
Long Qingshan felt his body sink into quicksand. His movements slowed to a crawl. His soul power poured out uncontrollably.
Even the dragon head on his shield flickered dimly—the unyielding will within it trembling, as if about to be torn apart and devoured.
'No!' Long Qingshan screamed internally. He poured every last drop of soul power into the shield—his final stand.
But Bai Yuan gave him no chance.
He raised his right hand—and clenched his fist.
Sixth Soul Skill — Abyssal Maw!
The power of the Abyssal World Devourer unleashed—pure, explosive, single-use.
From the vortex, a monstrous, tooth-filled maw—forged entirely of purple-black energy—shot forth and swallowed Long Qingshan whole, shield and all.
The maw snapped shut.
The vortex collapsed.
The arena fell silent.
There stood Long Qingshan—kneeling, armor cracked and dull, armor and shield dimmed, his body drenched in sweat, soul power utterly drained.
He had felt it—the terror of total annihilation. That fear clung to him like a curse.
"Victory: Shrek Academy—Bai Yuan," the referee declared.
Bai Yuan glanced once at the broken warrior, then turned and walked off the arena, as if he'd merely brushed dust from his sleeve.
Only Gu La knew: this prolonged battle had been no contest. It was an experiment.
A meticulously controlled observation.
The War God Hall's leader stared at the ground, face dark.
Gu La, however, smiled faintly as he withdrew his gaze.
In his mind, data was logged: the nature of the dragon soul, the structure of the "Unyielding" domain prototype.
Useful? Perhaps.
Irrelevant? Possibly.
But spending a little time gathering such data?
It was no big deal at all.
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