"Are all of you alright?" Elder Xuan, supported by Elder Lin, walked up to the core and reserve team members, asking with concern on his face.
Fortunately, the two eighth-grade soul tool shells—powerful enough to injure a Rank 98 Super Douluo—had not resulted in any fatalities. Everyone was still alive, largely thanks to Elder Xuan absorbing the majority of the blast. The others had only suffered from the shockwaves.
Unfortunately, Elder Xuan was seriously injured and needed rest. It was his first time encountering an eighth-grade soul tool shell, and he hadn't expected its power to rival a full-force strike from a Super Douluo. Because of that, he hadn't prepared many defenses for himself, focusing entirely on shielding the core team members. By the time he realized the danger, he was already caught in the explosion. Thankfully, he still managed to channel all his strength in time to resist it head-on.
Among the core members, only Jiang Nannan emerged unscathed, protected by her third soul skill's golden body immunity. The others weren't so lucky. The least injured were Ma Xiaotao and Dai Yueheng, both suffering only minor internal injuries, which would heal in a few days with rest.
The most severely injured were Chen Zifeng, Gongyang Mo, and Ling Luocheng. Since Elder Xuan had been holding Gongyang Mo and Ling Luocheng during the blast, part of the shockwave passed directly to them, giving them moderate internal injuries that would take at least half a month to recover from.
Chen Zifeng had it the worst—not because of internal injuries, but because both his legs were broken. The absurd part was, his injuries weren't from the explosion, but from being crushed under Elder Xuan's Martial Soul True Body. It was ridiculous.
Even though no one died, the grim expressions on Elder Xuan and Elder Lin's faces said everything. Out of seven core members, five were injured. Only four had combat capability in the short term. With the Soul Master Tournament approaching, this was undeniably a huge blow.
What now? Should they rely on the reserve team? Or just on Zhu Ziyang and Jiang Nannan?
Speaking of Zhu Ziyang, everyone suddenly realized—he hadn't come out yet!
All eyes turned toward the cave blocked by rubble. Elder Lin was about to rush inside when, all of a sudden, the rocks exploded apart and a figure strode out from within.
Without question, it was Zhu Ziyang.
At this moment, he had activated his Heavenly Frost Holy Dragon Martial Soul, his entire body radiating extreme cold and a domineering dragon aura. His half-dragonized form shattered the massive stones as he emerged, and the five crimson soul rings floating behind him left everyone stunned—everyone except Jiang Nannan, that is.
"Elder Lin, Elder Xuan, are you alright? Everyone else, are you okay?" Zhu Ziyang dashed out of the cave without even retracting his Martial Soul. His eyes were drawn to Elder Xuan's back, a bloodied mess, and worry surged in his heart. If even a Rank 98 powerhouse like Elder Xuan was this badly hurt, then what about the others?
"Don't worry. Everyone's just a little injured, nothing life-threatening." Elder Lin let out a breath of relief at the sight of him, rushing to his side and examining him closely. Only when she confirmed that no parts were missing did she relax.
All her previous concerns faded too. With strength like Zhu Ziyang's, perhaps he really could carry the team to win the Soul Master Tournament on his own. After all, he had five one-hundred-thousand-year soul rings!
"Ziyang, you've really been hiding your strength!" Ma Xiaotao, pale-faced, couldn't help commenting as she looked at the brilliant crimson glow of those soul rings.
Everyone else nodded in agreement. They were amazed not only by his twin Martial Souls, but also by the sheer presence of those five terrifying soul rings.
"What happened? Why are Elder Xuan and everyone else injured?" Zhu Ziyang retracted his Martial Soul and asked, puzzled.
"Eighth-grade soul tool shells!" Elder Lin said grimly. "Those two evil soul master Title Douluos were actually carrying them. Neither Elder Xuan nor I anticipated that."
"That's right!" Elder Xuan said weakly, his face pale. "And those two evil soul master Title Douluos—we've never even heard of them before. They just appeared out of nowhere. From their conversation, I gathered that they're part of some kind of organization."
"You're correct, Elder Lin, Elder Xuan," Zhu Ziyang replied. "I heard from that Death God Envoy that those two were enshrined elders of an evil soul master organization called the Holy Spirit Cult."
"Holy Spirit Cult?!" Elder Lin and Elder Xuan exchanged glances in shock. It was the first time either had heard of this group.
"Yes. According to the Death God Envoy, the Holy Spirit Cult has two Ultimate Douluo and more than a dozen Title Douluo!" Zhu Ziyang's expression grew grim as he relayed this possibly true information.
"What?!" The two Super Douluo's expressions instantly changed. While the idea of evil soul masters forming an organization was already troublesome, the presence of two Ultimate Douluo made the group something Shrek Academy had to take very seriously.
"I can't confirm if it's true, but I think the academy should start investigating," Zhu Ziyang advised.
"Naturally," Elder Lin nodded. "Even if you hadn't said anything, the academy would still look into this. Whether or not they really have two Ultimate Douluo, just the fact that they possess eighth-grade soul tool shells is reason enough to act. Those things aren't something ordinary groups can get their hands on!"
"Exactly!" Elder Xuan's face turned even paler. As someone who had just been blown up by one of those shells, he knew their power firsthand. Ever since he became a Super Douluo, he had never been so seriously wounded. The external injuries were manageable, but his internal organs had shifted from the blast. Returning to full health would take at least six months of recovery.
"I've decided," Elder Lin's expression turned solemn as she gathered everyone. "Wang Yan, you'll take over as the lead instructor. Take Ziyang, Nannan, Xiaotao, Yueheng, and the reserve team and head straight to Star Luo City. Don't bother visiting the Western Army Group's base—I suspect some of them may be colluding with the evil soul masters."
Her words immediately piled pressure onto Wang Yan, and a fierce glint appeared in Dai Yueheng's eyes.
"As for me, I'll escort Elder Xuan, Chen Zifeng, and the others back to the academy," Elder Lin continued. "Chen Zifeng's legs are broken—he won't be fighting anytime soon. But Ling Luocheng and Gongyang Mo are still viable. I'll ask Elder Zhuang to heal them. Within seven days, I'll bring them to join you in Star Luo City. Until then, I'm counting on all of you."
"I'll do my best, Elder Lin!" Wang Yan said seriously.
"Ziyang, be careful," Elder Lin said with deep concern before leaving.
"Don't worry, Elder Lin. I will," Zhu Ziyang responded solemnly.
After Elder Lin left with Chen Zifeng and Elder Xuan, the rest of the group stood in place, feeling a little lost.
"Alright, everyone. Let's head to Star Luo City as Elder Lin instructed," Wang Yan said, stepping into his role. "Ziyang, Nannan, look after Xiaotao and Yueheng—they're both injured."
"Understood. Let's go!" Zhu Ziyang nodded and moved to help Dai Yueheng.
"No need!" Dai Yueheng's face darkened as he brushed him off. "I'm going back to the army camp. You all go on to Star Luo City."
With that, he rose into the air and flew toward the Western Army Group's camp, vanishing from sight in less than a minute.
Wang Yan grew anxious. "He can't just act on his own! Ziyang, go bring him back!"
"Bring him back for what? He's not a child. Why does he need anyone to look after him?" Ma Xiaotao said coldly. She looked displeased—she understood why Dai Yueheng left, and she didn't like Wang Yan ordering Zhu Ziyang around.
"Teacher Wang, let him go. He's the White Tiger Duke's eldest son—he'll be fine. Let's focus on getting to Star Luo City," Zhu Ziyang said, trying to ease the awkward tension on Wang Yan's stiffening face.
"Sigh... I suppose that's all we can do," Wang Yan said helplessly. As a teacher, he had authority, but as an outer court instructor with just Soul Emperor-level strength, he couldn't override Ma Xiaotao.
With Dai Yueheng gone, the rest of the group set out toward Star Luo City. The atmosphere remained heavy—the recent battle had taken a toll on morale, even if no one had died.
They traveled swiftly until nightfall before stopping to rest. After half a day to decompress, the tension began to ease. They gathered around a campfire. Huo Yuhao was drafted to roast food for everyone, while the others helped however they could, chatting and eating in an effort to lift the gloom.
(End of Chapter)
---
A Huge Shoutout and Welcome to DarkLost234 and Alma for Joining us on Patreon and Becoming a Member of Diamond.
---
This Fanfiction Has Been Completed on Patreon, There is 2 Chapters Ahead of Release for Free Memebers on my Patreon.
Support me if you like this Fanfiction.
Patreon,com/Fallen_Archangel_
(Remove comma for dot.)
Leave a 5 star Review and a Power Stone.