The Human-Faced Demon Spider, as the pinnacle among poison-attribute soul beasts, was so fearsome that even Soul Sages dreaded those of ten-thousand years or higher.
This kind of soul beast basically had no weaknesses.
Not only was it fast, but its strength was terrifying, and its sharp, powerful legs were among its deadliest weapons. Its carapace was as hard as refined steel. In the wild, even soul beasts of thirty or forty thousand years would not casually provoke this venomous monster.
As it advanced, its legs left clear marks on the granite floor.
Xu Zihuang could clearly see that unlike the black carapace covering the rest of its body, its abdomen was entirely white. Or rather—it was a pale human face, complete with facial features. The expression was twisted and hideous, and the pair of deathly white eyes filled the onlookers with chilling dread.
Those two pale eyes were not its true eyes, but one of its abilities. Its real eyes were beneath its head: six small, ghostly blue orbs radiating venomous, icy light.
At the moment, this ferocious spider was being suppressed by Gong Changlong, restrained by the Title Douluo's ninety-fifth level soul power.
This Human-Faced Demon Spider was not necessarily the highest in cultivation among the beasts in the pen, but it was definitely the strongest in combat ability.
Seeing Gong Changlong hold it down, Du Weilen finally breathed a sigh of relief. He immediately instructed Wang Yan and the Class Two homeroom teacher:
"Teacher Wang, take the students up to the platform first."
He was still shaken. If the spider had charged into the students, the casualties would have been immense—and the responsibility would fall squarely on him.
Wang Yan wiped the sweat from his brow. At just over level fifty, his reaction hadn't been much better than the students'.
After calming himself slightly, he turned to Class One.
At the front, Dai Huabin and Wang Dong's faces were deathly pale. Several female students with weaker cultivation and mental resilience were sobbing in fear, shadows etched into their hearts.
"Ah…"
Wang Yan sighed deeply. The Human-Faced Demon Spider would surely leave a lasting scar on them. If they couldn't overcome it, their futures would be affected.
By contrast, Yu Tianhuang's composure while facing the spider, calmly restraining it with his soul skill, revealed his brilliance.
Wang Yan gazed at the tall figure in the arena with admiration.
Some geniuses were destined to be admired by all.
He gently patted a weeping girl's back to comfort her, then turned to Dai Huabin, whose face had eased slightly.
"Dai Huabin, organize everyone to move to the platform."
"Yes, Teacher Wang." Dai Huabin's voice was strained. His trembling hands betrayed his unsettled heart.
"He's a Soul Ancestor? He already broke through to Soul Ancestor?! How is that possible?!"
Wang Dong was equally shaken.
His proud expression was gone, replaced by horror. Thinking back to his earlier provocations toward Yu Tianhuang, he now felt like a ridiculous clown.
He had risked his foundation by taking pills just to barely reach Soul Elder, yet Yu Tianhuang had already stepped into Soul Ancestor—and with a fourth ring that was clearly ten-thousand years old.
His confidence wavered.
Silently trailing the class, Wang Dong glanced at his right hand. Whatever he thought of reignited his determination.
So what if you're stronger than me now? I have gifts you'll never touch.
Besides them, Zhou Sichen, Cao Jinxuan, and Tuoba Yu were the first to recover. Over the break, all three had gained their third rings and advanced to Soul Elder.
They exchanged long, silent looks.
Only once they had sat down in the spacious stands under Wang Yan's direction did Zhou and Cao glance at Tuoba Yu.
"Tuoba, did you know the class monitor was already a Soul Ancestor?"
"If I'd known, would I be so shocked?" Tuoba Yu rolled his eyes.
"But with his talent, nothing that happens to him should surprise us."
"True enough."
Zhu Lu, sitting beside Dai Huabin, found it even harder to accept. It felt like the beliefs she had built for so long had collapsed. Before undeniable reality, she had to admit Yu Tianhuang far outshone Dai Huabin.
Wu Feng, too, was filled with despair. Though the sun shone bright, she felt chilled to the bone. If the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect learned of Yu Tianhuang's talent, they wouldn't stop Ning Tian from associating with him—they would encourage it.
Her last shred of hope was gone.
Xiao Xiao, beside Wang Dong, was still shaken, but her eyes never left Xu Zihuang, shining like a star in the arena. Remembering something, her face flushed red, and she lowered her head shyly.
Unlike Wang Dong, she had always admired Xu Zihuang, but her timid nature and Ning Tian's constant presence had kept her from speaking up. Often, when Wang Dong disparaged Xu Zihuang, she found herself defending him.
Class Two fared even worse.
Once both classes had been brought to the platform, Du Weilen returned to the arena. After a glance of praise at Xu Zihuang, he gave Gong Changlong a wry smile.
"Elder Gong, I wasn't told there was a ten-thousand-year Human-Faced Demon Spider in the beast pens."
Gong Changlong sighed, clearly remorseful.
"I caught this spider along with that Qianjun Ant recently in Star Dou Forest. I hadn't reported it yet. I locked it in the ten-thousand-year beast area, but then got busy and forgot it was there. Even the staff didn't know. I'll take full responsibility."
Du Weilen quickly waved his hands.
"Elder Gong, I'm not here to assign blame."
"Little Du, don't worry. I know. If not for this student restraining it in time, tragedy would've struck. This was my fault. I'll go to Sea God's Pavilion to confess." Gong Changlong's tone was sincere, guilt in his eyes.
He turned to Xu Zihuang, clapping his shoulder firmly.
"Three purple, one black—at twelve years old, already a Soul Ancestor. Outstanding. I owe you a great debt today. I'll grant you one request, anything within my ability."
"Elder Gong, you're too kind," Xu Zihuang replied respectfully, addressing him as Du Weilen had.
"I only acted out of self-preservation—"
Before he could finish, Gong waved a hand and barked, "I never go back on my word!"
Xu Zihuang looked to Du Weilen, who nodded knowingly.
After a pause, Xu Zihuang said firmly, "In that case, I have one request: please allow me to continue challenging the ten-thousand-year Human-Faced Demon Spider for my advancement assessment."
"What?!" Both Du Weilen and Gong Changlong paled.
"Do you know how dangerous a ten-thousand-year Human-Faced Demon Spider is?!"
Du Weilen frowned. "Yu, I won't stop you from choosing a ten-thousand-year beast—I believe in your strength. But this spider is too dangerous. Pick another."
Xu Zihuang's expression didn't change. He repeated calmly:
"Please, Elder Gong, Director Du—grant me this."
He wasn't seeking to show off. He wanted to test his true strength, and the spider was the perfect opponent. With Gong Changlong present, there was little danger.
It was too good a chance to pass up.
Just then, a warm, spring-like voice rose from the platform.
"Old Gong, let him try. Weren't we the same at that age?"
It was Yan Shaozhe, dressed in white, smiling gently.
Beside him stood a woman in red. Her figure was tall and well-proportioned, with an exaggerated bust and slender waist flaring sharply at her hips. Her long legs were straight and full, radiating youthful allure.
Her face was veiled, but her delicate brows and enchanting pink eyes suggested stunning beauty. Luckily, her cold gaze tempered their soul-stealing charm.
Hearing Yan's voice, Xu Zihuang looked up instinctively. His gaze lingered on the woman briefly before withdrawing.
She was undoubtedly Ma Xiaotao.
"At your age, you dared to challenge a ten-thousand-year spider?" Gong thought bitterly, but he held his tongue.
"Since even Old Yan says so, let him try. But if something goes wrong, I won't take the blame. Little Du, step back."
"Yes, Elder Gong." Du Weilen bowed to Yan Shaozhe.
"Dean Yan, isn't this too risky?"
Yan smiled. "Don't worry. With Gong and me here, nothing will happen. Besides, the students need to overcome their fear of this spider. It's only one ten-thousand-year beast—Shrek can afford the loss. We can't let this affect their futures."
Du Weilen understood but still had doubts.
As if reading his thoughts, the woman beside Yan voiced them.
"Teacher, do you really have such confidence in him?" Ma Xiaotao's melodic voice carried curiosity.
"His soul ring configuration surpasses normal limits, but his cultivation feels only just past level forty. Even for me, facing this spider would require at least level fifty."
"Xiaotao, just watch," Yan chuckled.
"After this trip to Star Dou Forest, even Le Xuan praised him. If he can suppress your evil fire, he could be your perfect match—helping you soar in the future."
Ma Xiaotao blushed. "I don't want to marry, least of all because of martial soul problems to someone I don't love."
Yan's expression hardened slightly.
"How do you know you won't love him someday? Yu Tianhuang has looks, talent, and strength—superior in every way. His talent even surpasses yours. Feelings can grow, but life is only once. You are exceptional, and I expect you to inherit the Martial Soul Department someday."
Her grievance softened.
"…Only if he can really suppress my evil fire."
They spoke through soul power transmission.
Meanwhile, Gong Changlong retreated to the edge of the arena and ordered:
"Raise the soul tool barrier."
Immediately, soul power flared at the arena's edge, forming a massive golden shield that enveloped Xu Zihuang and the spider.
Its defense was astonishing, hard even for a Soul Douluo to break.
Though Gong had deferred to Yan, he stayed ready at the edge to intervene.
As the barrier completed, his suppression was cut off.
The spider reacted instantly. Regaining control, its five-meter body leapt up, spinning like a grinding wheel, abdomen exposed, and hurtled toward Xu Zihuang.
Its long-suppressed ferocity erupted!
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