When Jiang Nannan knocked out a Soul King with a single punch, most teams in the tournament were surprised—but they didn't think too deeply about it. After all, as a disciple of Shrek Academy, that level of strength was within expectations: powerful, yes, but not outrageously so.
However, as events unfolded, both the competing teams and the high-ranking officials of the Sun Moon Empire soon realized how wrong they were—terribly wrong.
When Jiang Nannan used just one punch again to knock out the Heaven Armor Sect's second contestant, also a Defense-type Soul King, even Xu Tianran, seated high on the royal dais, found his curiosity piqued. He turned to the black-robed man beside him.
"National Teacher, what do you think of this Shrek Academy girl?"
The black-robed Grandmaster chuckled coldly. "Heh… Your Highness, if you ask me, this woman has already reached her limit. I thought Shrek Academy would have something more impressive. But it seems they've even resorted to sending out those so-called Extreme-type Soul Masters who were long phased out. Pathetic."
"Extreme-type Soul Master?" Xu Tianran's eyes flashed. As the Crown Prince of the Sun Moon Empire, his knowledge was vast—of course he knew of the "Extreme Path." But still, he frowned slightly. Could this Jiang Nannan truly be an Extreme-type Soul Master? Somehow, he found that hard to believe.
Turning his head, he said, "Juzi, I want a full report on Jiang Nannan."
"Yes, Your Highness," Juzi replied at once, immediately dispatching people to investigate.
On the stage, the Heaven Armor Sect's third contestant—also a Defense-type Soul King wielding the Heaven Armor Shield—entered the arena. Perhaps having learned from his comrades' defeats, he didn't dare take chances. As soon as the match began, he unleashed all of his soul skills. His shield swelled in size, thickness, and weight, forming a massive barrier before him like an impregnable fortress.
But Jiang Nannan showed not the slightest sign of caution.
In her mind, there was a simple truth: In all martial arts, nothing is truly indestructible—only speed is unbeatable. When velocity reached a certain threshold, even the sturdiest fortress became a paper wall.
Thus, her move was once again simple and unadorned—a single punch. Only this time, her speed was faster than before—so fast that not even the spectators could catch her silhouette.
Both the black-robed Grandmaster and Jing Hongchen, sitting beside Xu Tianran, frowned simultaneously. Jiang Nannan's speed had completely surpassed their estimations. Their original judgment placed her around the Soul Sage level—but what they were seeing now far exceeded a typical Soul Sage's capabilities.
Even the most agile Agility-type Soul Sages could only reach such speed while in Martial Soul Avatar form. Yet this woman was doing it with her human body alone.
Could this really be the hallmark of an Extreme-type Soul Master?
Neither the black-robed Grandmaster nor Jing Hongchen had ever witnessed a true practitioner of the Extreme Path. In the current Douluo Continent, such individuals were exceedingly rare. Thus, neither man could determine whether Jiang Nannan's terrifying display was unique talent—or a trait shared by all Extreme-type Soul Masters.
Back on the stage—
With a sound like thunder, Jiang Nannan's punch struck the massive Heaven Armor Shield.
Bang!
A deep metallic clang reverberated through the arena. The shield flew backward uncontrollably, spinning through the air. The Heaven Armor Sect's contestant behind it had no chance to react before the transmitted force hit him like a tidal wave. He blacked out instantly, thrown clear of the platform to join his fallen teammates.
Jiang Nannan stood gracefully where she was, a sweet smile on her lips. Yet her delicate jade hand trembled slightly. She sighed inwardly.
As expected, forcing my arms to endure sonic-level pressure was a bit reckless. I shouldn't push too hard.
As the possessor of the Lunar Jade Rabbit martial soul, Jiang Nannan's body was far sturdier than that of an ordinary Agility-type Soul Sage. Only an incredibly resilient physique could withstand the strain of supersonic movement.
Her body was indeed flexible and resilient enough to bear three times the speed of sound—but, as she knew, her strongest limbs were not her arms.
They were her legs.
Her hands could barely endure sonic speed, but her legs could easily handle triple that, and the explosive force of her kicks far surpassed her punches. Had she chosen to attack with her feet instead of her fists just now… the Heaven Armor Sect might have lost three heirs in a single round.
After losing three matches in a row, the Heaven Armor Sect's team leader was already numb.
This Shrek Academy girl is far too strong!
Not one of his disciples could withstand a single blow. All three had been floored in seconds.
Damn it, this is humiliating! Anyone watching would think our Heaven Armor Sect was a support-type sect!
But no matter how much it burned his pride, there was nothing he could do. The girl hadn't even revealed her martial soul yet! All he knew was that she was an Agility-type Soul Master. They hadn't even forced her to show her spirit rings.
How utterly disgraceful!
He clenched his teeth and barked, "Chen Cong, you're up next!"
"Yes, Team Leader!"
The fourth contestant—a young man—stepped onto the stage, though his face was ashen. As a Soul King, he already knew his fate, but a direct order couldn't be disobeyed.
He trudged to the center of the arena and raised a trembling hand. "Um… Sister, could you please go easy on me?"
Jiang Nannan couldn't help but laugh aloud, her voice like music. The sound alone left Chen Cong dazed and blushing.
By the time he realized he was staring, it was already too late. Jiang Nannan's form blurred, her fist transforming into a whip-like kick—
Bang!
Chen Cong soared into the air like a cannonball, spinning several times before crashing down. He fainted instantly, not even knowing what had hit him.
The Heaven Armor Sect's leader could only grit his teeth until his jaw hurt.
This idiot! Even more useless than the last three! The others at least summoned their martial souls. You? You just stood there drooling like a fool!
When we get back, I'll make sure you regret it!
By the time Jiang Nannan secured her fourth consecutive victory, Xu Tianran finally received the intelligence report he had requested.
"Your Highness, this is all the information we could gather on Jiang Nannan."
Juzi handed him a single sheet of paper.
Xu Tianran skimmed it quickly, reading aloud in a low voice:
"Jiang Nannan, native of Anyang City, Heavenly Soul Empire. Age: 20. Previously participated in the Star Luo City Soul Master Tournament, where she was awarded the title Moon God Princess. Current rank unknown, estimated at least Soul Sage."
He raised an eyebrow. "That's all?"
Juzi lowered her head respectfully. "Because she is an Inner Court disciple of Shrek Academy, our intelligence access is… limited."
"Oh?" Xu Tianran's tone was mild, but that single syllable made Juzi's back break into a cold sweat.
A long pause passed before Xu Tianran murmured, almost wistfully, "Such a beautiful and powerful woman… What a shame she isn't one of my Sun Moon Empire's people."
Onstage, the match was ending. The Heaven Armor Sect's fifth and final Soul King was swiftly defeated by Jiang Nannan's elegant kick.
At last, the Heaven Armor Sect's team leader threw in the towel.
There was no point continuing. If even five Soul Kings had failed, what could two Soul Elders possibly do? Better to surrender and salvage what little dignity remained.
And so, the Heaven Armor Sect conceded.
Shrek Academy advanced smoothly to the group stage.
The crowd erupted in thunderous cheers. Even though most spectators were citizens of the Sun Moon Empire, they couldn't help but applaud this breathtaking woman. She hadn't managed a full one-against-seven, but one-against-five was already enough to set hearts ablaze.
Among the other competitors, however, the mood was far heavier. Many had assumed that Shrek's previous lineup—one Soul Emperor and three Soul Kings—was already their peak. Now they realized they were wrong.
That woman alone was terrifying. Based on her performance, she was undoubtedly a Soul Sage, perhaps even a high-level Soul Sage.
As Jiang Nannan stepped down from the stage, she immediately threw her arms around Zhu Ziyang's arm and smiled brightly.
"Brother, how was that? Not bad, right?"
Zhu Ziyang chuckled and pinched her delicate nose. "Clean and efficient. Excellent work."
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