In front of Xu Zihuang, Beibei and Xu Sanshi, though protected by Elder Xuan's immense soul power, had faces as pale as paper, with a hint of terror in their eyes.
Especially Xu Sanshi, whose condition was somewhat different from Beibei's. His Black Tortoise bloodline had been in a semi-awakened state, and forcing it to activate would cause immense strain on his body.
The dark green hue on him rapidly faded, his face growing pale, and he appeared to be on the verge of collapse.
This was not merely the side effect of forcibly activating the Black Tortoise's power but also the result of his direct confrontation with Xu Zihuang's combination of the second soul skill, Mirror of Annihilation, and the third soul skill, Time Distortion, which had inflicted severe internal injuries on him.
In comparison, Beibei appeared to be in better condition. He had only exhausted too much soul power from his full-out burst.
From the start of the battle to the end, it hadn't lasted long. The three of them only clashed a few times, but every collision was enough to make everyone present feel a chill. Whether it was the core disciples from the outer courtyard or the teachers, none could remain calm.
It wasn't an exaggeration to say that even duels between inner courtyard disciples wouldn't necessarily have such an overwhelming force.
Though both Beibei and Xu Sanshi still had soul skills left unused, it didn't mean they hadn't given their all. The threat Xu Zihuang presented was simply too great, especially with his second and third soul skills, which had overwhelming restraining power.
In that situation, using the century-old soul ring skills had already become ineffective.
Therefore, they had chosen to activate their third soul skills, which enhanced their overall strength, right from the beginning.
Xu Sanshi had barely managed to block the descending conical crystal thanks to the second soul skill, Black Tortoise Shield Array, enhanced by his third soul skill, Black Tortoise Power. This was his strongest defense at present.
But even so, he had nearly been unable to hold on, and only with Beibei's Thunder Dragon Head—activated in the Thunder Fury state—was the massive and impact-heavy dark red conical crystal finally shattered.
It was at this moment that they truly felt the depth of Xu Zihuang's strength. With their battle experience, they knew that finding an opportunity to unleash their strongest skills was the only chance for victory.
This led to the subsequent combination of Xu Sanshi's Dark Mystic Exchange and Beibei activating the Holy Light Dragon bloodline inside him to unleash the Emperor Thunder Domain.
Originally, Xu Sanshi still had two more moves, but one was a fierce killing move, and the other required some time to charge.
Clearly, neither of these was suitable for dealing with Yu Tianhuang.
Ultimately, it was still Yu Tianhuang's restricting soul skills that were too strong, preventing them from fully demonstrating their abilities.
This was the essence of control-type soul masters: restricting the enemy, guiding the development of the battle, and taking absolute control.
However, more than these, what Beibei was concerned about was the final technique Yu Tianhuang had used.
The golden dragon scales on Beibei quickly turned into a bluish-purple color, and then he immediately released the Wuhun avatar state. He looked at Xu Zihuang, his bitter gaze tinged with a hint of relief.
"We lost, thoroughly lost. Ultimate Thunder, is it?"
Upon hearing these words, Xu Sanshi also suddenly understood, exclaiming in surprise.
"Tianhuang, you have twin martial souls?!"
Xu Zihuang's face showed no sign of pride from defeating Beibei and Xu Sanshi. Instead, he helped the unsteady Xu Sanshi up and nodded at the two.
"Bei Shixiong, Xu Shixiong, I actually took advantage of something just now."
Skills like Emperor Thunder Domain, which originated from Beibei's bloodline, were something that even the silver-winged beast that became Xu Zihuang's fourth soul ring could not imprint. This was because it didn't possess the Holy Light Dragon bloodline. But Xu Zihuang was different. His second martial soul, the Purple Sun Thunder Prison Dragon, and Beibei's Blue Electric Tyrannosaurus Dragon had some connection. What he imprinted was merely the method Beibei used to activate his bloodline power. After combining it with his own Purple Sun Thunder Prison Dragon, he was able to use a pure version of Ultimate Thunder, resulting in the Emperor Thunder Domain unique to him.
There are four types of domain-based soul skills. The first type originates from the soul ring, and such domain-type soul skills generally only appear when a soul master reaches the ninth soul ring. The second type comes from soul bones, similar to the first, but because the soul bone skills are often the most powerful innate abilities of soul beasts, they tend to be stronger.
As for the third type, it comes from bloodlines, like Beibei's. This is an extremely rare kind. Soul masters who possess bloodline-based domain-type skills typically have the highest-grade martial souls. Moreover, these bloodline-derived domain skills evolve with the growth of the soul master's cultivation.
Xu Zihuang's second martial soul, the Purple Sun Thunder Prison Dragon, was undoubtedly above Beibei's Blue Electric Tyrannosaurus Dragon in quality. Naturally, it also had access to such bloodline-derived domain skills. However, his martial soul was a mutated, unique existence, which meant he had to explore it himself.
Unlike Beibei, who had been personally guided by Moon, Xu Zihuang had to find his own path. But after using his fourth soul skill to imprint and execute the Emperor Thunder Domain with Ultimate Thunder, he had gained some insight. Perhaps in the near future, he would be able to fully master the bloodline power of his second martial soul, the Purple Sun Thunder Prison Dragon, and comprehend his unique domain.
The final type of domain is rarer than the third. It is one gained through the inheritance trials of gods. For example, the Killing God Domain that Tang San obtained after leaving the Killing City a thousand years ago. These types of domains can also evolve through special methods.
Beibei's Blue Electric Tyrannosaurus Dragon had never truly evolved into a Holy Light Dragon. The Emperor Thunder Domain he used was still primarily composed of thunder and lightning, although it contained a strong light attribute.
It was only natural that Xu Zihuang's Ultimate Thunder was able to suppress it completely.
"We lost, we really lost," Beibei said with a wave of his hand, forcing a bitter smile. "I thought I felt a familiar aura coming from you earlier, now I understand why."
With these words, Beibei's attitude toward Xu Zihuang became much closer. After all, they came from the same lineage and shared the same blood.
Standing silently to the side, Elder Xuan quietly observed the three of them, and for the first time, there was a trace of appreciation in his eyes.
"Victory doesn't bring arrogance, and defeat doesn't cause despair," he thought. These words were easy to say, but when it came to oneself, how many could remain that calm?
From Yu Tianhuang, Beibei, and Xu Sanshi, he saw the future of Shrek Academy. If nothing unexpected happened, in a few years, these three would definitely become the leading figures of the next generation of Shrek Academy.
Elder Xuan waved his left hand, dispersing the soul power barrier that had separated the three from the others. He then looked sternly at Beibei and Xu Sanshi.
"You two little brats, remember not to reveal that Yu Tianhuang has Ultimate Thunder and a second martial soul to anyone."
"Yes, Elder Xuan," Beibei and Xu Sanshi replied solemnly.
They were not the kind of naive commoner soul masters. They knew exactly what Ultimate Thunder meant. A soul master who had grown with Ultimate Thunder could pose a destructive threat to any rogue soul masters. Moreover, Yu Tianhuang's dual martial souls—one of which was his primary martial soul—would undoubtedly attract attention from all the top forces across the continent if the news got out.
Rogue soul masters would want to eliminate Yu Tianhuang early, while the mainline sects and powers would want to recruit him. The situation would be dangerous for him.
Elder Xuan looked at Xu Zihuang with increasing satisfaction and joy. After pondering for a while, he instructed the still-stunned Wang Yan at the edge of the arena.
"Little Wang, take them back. The core disciple selection ends here for today."
Wang Yan, having come to his senses, was still confused about the results of the core disciple selection. However, it was not the time to ask Elder Xuan any questions. He respectfully agreed and instructed all the class instructors to orderly escort the core disciples out of the Soul Arena.
Xu Zihuang and Beibei then paid their respects to Elder Xuan before supporting Xu Sanshi out of the arena.
As they made their way out of the Soul Arena, they ran into Wang Yan and the core disciples from various classes. Their presence immediately drew the attention of the crowd.
Everyone reacted differently, but the predominant response was awe.
Xu Zihuang was somewhat surprised to see even Dai Huabin nodding in his direction. Ning Tian, with her watery blue eyes, was gazing at him thoughtfully, her lips slightly pursed. She was now almost certain about the guess in her mind and was relieved that her decision had been the right one. The only thing left for her to consider was how to make Yu Tianhuang choose her in the future.
Ever since she had seen Ma Xiaotao during the assessment, she had felt a sense of crisis. A genius like Yu Tianhuang would never lack admirers. While she was undoubtedly excellent, there were bound to be other female soul masters who could be even better.
Among the crowd, the only ones who seemed out of place were Wang Dong and Wu Feng. Wang Dong's expression was unpredictable, while Wu Feng appeared completely numb, isolated and trailing behind the others.
Wang Yan gave Xu Zihuang one last lingering glance before waving his hand and announcing the disbanding of the group.
Although Wang Yan had deep knowledge of martial soul theory, he still couldn't quite understand the method Xu Zihuang had used to suppress Beibei during the fight.
However, such secrets regarding soul skills, even if he were a teacher, weren't something he could simply ask about.
Sighing in frustration, he shook his head and turned, gradually disappearing from the view of the crowd.
Meanwhile, Tuoba Yu, Zhou Sicheng, and Cao Jinxuan, who hadn't forgotten Xu Sanshi's earlier "friendly" glance, quickly made their exit after Wang Yan announced the disbanding. The others also followed suit and dispersed.
Xu Sanshi looked at the retreating figures of Cao Jinxuan and the others and grumbled in displeasure to Xu Zihuang, "Tianhuang, do you know those three guys well?"
"If you want to teach them a lesson, feel free to do so, Xu Shixiong," Xu Zihuang replied with a smile.
Xu Sanshi nodded fiercely, "I'll take care of those three."
"Enough with the nonsense. We need to get you to the infirmary. I still have to find Xiaoya later," Beibei said with some exasperation, looking at Xu Sanshi, who was still more concerned with other things than his injuries.
Hearing this, Xu Sanshi's face immediately flushed red. It wasn't clear whether it was from anger or embarrassment.
"Beibei, you're really something else! You've got no heart for your brothers when there's a woman involved. If it weren't for you provoking me with Nannan, would I have ended up like this? You're a sly rascal, I'm going to get back at you!" he yelled, tightening his arm around Beibei's neck.
At that exact moment, Jiang Nannan happened to walk by. Xu Sanshi's actions suddenly froze. His expression changed as he awkwardly forced a grin.
"Nannan…"
However, Jiang Nannan simply turned her head and shot him a cold, disgusted glance. She quickly released her martial soul and, with a powerful leap, disappeared several dozen meters away in an instant.
Beibei chuckled, shaking his head. "You trying to chase Jiang Nannan? It's like watching a pig climb a tree. It's more impossible than impossible."
Xu Sanshi, annoyed, retorted, "Are we still brothers? Always taking pleasure in my misery. You're showing your true colors now that Xiaoya isn't around. You should learn from Tianhuang—at least he's got some class."
"Now we're talking about brotherhood? Weren't you just calling me a sly rascal a second ago?" Beibei asked in surprise.
"…."
While Beibei and Xu Sanshi bickered, the trio quickly arrived at the infirmary.
Ning Tian, who had been quietly trailing behind them, stopped outside the infirmary. She waited until Yu Tianhuang emerged, then left together with him.
Meanwhile, on the first floor of the Sea God Pavilion, a meeting was taking place.
Whenever there was something major happening at Shrek Academy, a meeting was held at the Sea God Pavilion. Only the dean and vice deans of the Martial Soul and Soul Guidance departments, along with the senior elders, were eligible to attend. This was the highest-level meeting of Shrek Academy, where important decisions were made, often by a show of hands.
At the center of the hall, an oval table was surrounded by ten individuals. Xian Lin'er and Qian Duoduo sat at the farthest end on the right, while Yan Shaozhe and another woman, who appeared to be in her fifties, occupied the farthest end on the left. The woman had a cold expression and didn't even spare Xian Lin'er a glance. Judging by her facial features, she must have been extremely beautiful in her youth.
In addition to these four, six elderly figures with snow-white hair were seated in front. Their postures varied, but Elder Xuan and Elder Lin were seated closest to the front, on the left and right sides, respectively.
The elderly Mu Lao was sitting at the head of the table, lying comfortably in a reclining chair where his appearance couldn't be fully seen.
"Speak, Xuan Zi. Why did you call for this meeting at the Sea God Pavilion?" Mu Lao's gentle voice rang out, carrying a soothing, almost purifying quality.
Elder Xuan, seated at the leftmost seat, wiped his hands and stood up, causing a stir in the room.
"Yu Tianhuang's second martial soul possesses the Ultimate Thunder attribute."
"Ultimate Thunder?!"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here are the chapters for today (づ￣3￣)づ╭～
"Don't forget there are 40 early chapters available on Patreo
[email protected]/facficmax10