The deep-purple and violet-gold currents formed from the Thunder Prison Vine's right leg bone continuously circulated within Xu Zihuang's right leg. Arcs of lightning danced around it as his aura steadily climbed.
Only when he began fusing with this soul bone did he truly sense the immense thunder-attribute energy and soul power contained within it.
As a twin martial soul holder—one of them being an Ultimate Martial Soul—his soul power quality was already exceptionally high. Yet under the effect of the energy transformed from this soul bone, his soul power quality showed faint signs of further improvement.
This soul bone mainly enhanced the quality of his soul power and comprehensively strengthened his physical body—bone density, meridian flexibility, and muscle strength alike. Saying that it possessed the effect of "refining the essence and remolding the body" was no exaggeration.
It was only because he had been born with innate full soul power and had, since childhood, used various top-grade heavenly treasures to refine his body and purge its impurities that the transformation did not appear more dramatic.
If someone like Huo Yuhao, whose innate soul power was only level one and whose physical talent was abnormally poor, were to fuse with this soul bone, it would make his future cultivation path smooth and unimpeded.
Even if it couldn't ensure advancement to Titled Douluo, it would still be enough to change his natural talent and give him the potential to break through to Soul Sage and become a high-level Soul Master.
That was one of the main reasons top-tier soul bones were so highly coveted among Soul Masters. A single superior soul bone could easily create a powerful Soul Master.
Of course, this was only a hypothesis. Given Huo Yuhao's Martial Soul, talent, and physique, it would be absolutely impossible for him to succeed in fusing with such a high-grade soul bone.
While Xu Zihuang was fusing with the soul bone, time in the outside world continued to pass swiftly.
Yet to him, it felt as though only an instant had gone by before he slowly awoke, his right leg filled with power and a refreshing sensation.
The Thunder Prison Vine was a plant-type soul beast that stood at the very pinnacle of its kind. Though it resembled a bamboo shoot in its early stages, once fully grown it took the form of a vine similar to the Blue Silver Emperor.
It not only controlled violent thunder-attribute power and possessed innate soul skills of terrifying destructive force, but its strength and tenacity were also astonishing.
After successfully fusing with the Thunder Prison Vine's right leg bone, Xu Zihuang faintly sensed a mysterious understanding forming within his heart.
It was the same kind of instinctive realization a Soul Master experienced upon completing a soul ring fusion—he instinctively knew the soul skill granted by the bone.
This right leg bone, originating from a fifty-thousand-year-old Thunder Prison Vine, under the nourishment of Xu Zihuang's Ultimate Lightning Soul Power, was elevated to the level of sixty thousand years.
This evolution would continue over time.
Princess Jiujiu's earlier statement at the auction had not been false.
After fully sensing these changes, Xu Zihuang opened his eyes. His clear, deep-purple pupils seemed to have grown even more profound, and a flicker of violet light flashed within them.
In the private Room Seven, only Ning Tian sat across from him, and their gazes met perfectly.
Sensing his unspoken question, Ning Tian—sitting gracefully with her knees together—explained softly,
"The four Imperial Offering Douluo from the Star Luo Empire saw that your fusion with the soul bone was nearing completion, so they left first. Teacher Wang went to check on Senior Gongyang Mo. Since he's an auxiliary-type Soul Master, fusing a twenty-thousand-year soul ring is more difficult. Teacher Wang said that once you're done, you should return directly to the Star Emperor Hotel with me. When Senior Gongyang Mo gains his sixth soul skill to enhance defense, our previously discussed tactics might need some adjustment."
Xu Zihuang stood from the sofa and nodded to Ning Tian with a smile. His feet felt light, his body transformed.
It was as though he had lost all weight—merely pushing slightly with his right leg gave him the sensation of soaring into the air. With his right leg's current strength, he could better combine it with his third soul skill, Time Distortion, greatly enhancing his close-combat ability.
The soul skill granted by this soul bone was indeed as Princess Jiujiu had said—Thunder Hell, one of the Thunder Prison Vine's three innate abilities. It was a domain-type skill with terrifying power and immense coverage.
"How long was I cultivating?" he asked.
"You've only been fusing for nearly four hours. There's still about half an hour until dawn. Congratulations, Tianhuang. It seems this soul bone suits you perfectly."
Ning Tian rose gracefully, smoothing her skirt with both hands. A gentle smile blossomed on her lips, and her blue eyes shimmered with genuine happiness for him—without the slightest trace of pretension.
Xu Zihuang stepped forward, clasped Ning Tian's soft, delicate jade hand, and once again expressed his gratitude sincerely.
"Thank you."
She had spent fifty-five million gold soul coins to purchase this soul bone for him—he couldn't possibly offer no response. Given Ning Tian's status and the power of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect behind her, their alliance offered him great benefits at this stage.
But what mattered even more was the urgency he had felt after the Shrek Academy high-ups had tried to pair him with Ma Xiaotao.
Refusing to deepen things with Ma Xiaotao—and thus tie himself completely to Shrek Academy—was one reason. Another was that he genuinely disliked her fiery temperament. Compared to Ma Xiaotao, he preferred the composed and perceptive Ning Tian.
Although the personality he showed others was a disguise, his inner pride had never changed.
He could tolerate Ma Xiaotao's temper if necessary, but there was no need to.
If not for wanting to leave a good impression on Shrek's leadership, he would never have endured her commanding tone.
He had no inclination to play the obedient follower.
Ning Tian trembled slightly when Xu Zihuang took her right hand. The warmth of his palm and the refreshing aura emanating from him stirred a faint shyness within her.
Though she had always appeared proactive over the past year of acquaintance, there had been very few such moments of physical closeness between them.
The first had been after the spar between the main and reserve teams, when Xu Zihuang had taken her to the infirmary. The second was during their encounter with the Evil Soul Masters, when he had shielded her from the explosion's toxic blood. This was the third—and this time, the meaning was far clearer.
There was no need for forced declarations; everything unfolded naturally.
That was the most appropriate way for a man and woman to interact.
"Mm," Ning Tian responded instinctively, her heart fluttering with a mix of warmth and confusion that left her mind momentarily blank.
It wasn't until they left the Starlight Auction House and the cool night breeze brushed her face that she came back to her senses.
When Xu Zihuang led Ning Tian out, Qing Ya, who had been waiting outside the door, noticed them. But seeing the intimacy between the two, she wisely refrained from interrupting—merely watching respectfully as they departed.
Night still veiled the majestic Star Luo City, its streets illuminated by scattered soul-guided lamps, creating a hazy, dreamlike beauty.
As the two walked hand in hand toward the Star Emperor Hotel, at some point their fingers intertwined naturally.
Shyness gave way to a growing sense of affection and quiet joy in Ning Tian's heart.
Xu Zihuang's gaze toward her was gentle, yet his inner state remained calm.
His Golden Eye Martial Soul not only granted dynamic vision—it also allowed him, being a spiritual-type soul master, to maintain precise control over his emotions.
It was unrealistic to say he felt nothing for Ning Tian. As a healthy young man, some desire was natural. But true emotional attachment? Not quite.
Partly because he could perfectly regulate his emotions—and partly because the hardships he had endured had shaped him into a fundamentally detached person.
His past-life memories extended only to the plot of the original story; his temperament and will were entirely his own.
The sole surviving son of a powerful prince—once exiled after his family's massacre, surviving in despair overseas, then rescued by loyal retainers and blessed with unmatched talent.
His pride and cold composure were natural consequences. For revenge and ambition, what did sacrificing personal emotion matter?
By the time they returned to the Star Emperor Hotel, the nearby Star Luo Square was already packed with a sea of people.
The Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Dueling Tournament had reached the final sixteen. Each remaining match was bound to be spectacular, tickets nearly impossible to obtain. Many spectators had queued through the night just to witness the battles.
Still, with thousands of soldiers maintaining order, the crowds didn't disturb the hotel's surroundings.
Inside, the rooms remained dark—most participating students were meditating. Only the grand hall on the first floor and the crystal-walled restaurants reserved for Shrek Academy and the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy were still lit, warm and elegant.
With half an hour until dawn, Xu Zihuang and Ning Tian didn't return to their rooms but instead went to the crystal restaurant at the corridor's end.
Open twenty-four hours a day, it provided food and drink exclusively to the previous tournament's champion and runner-up academies.
Ning Tian, having regained her usual poise, ordered a pot of fragrant red tea and some pastries according to Xu Zihuang's taste. As they chatted casually, they gazed through the crystal walls at Star Luo City slowly waking beneath the night sky.
After over a year of studying together at Shrek, they met nearly every day. Shared memories form the basis of feelings—spend enough time together, and conversation never runs out.
Taking the red tea Ning Tian slid across the crystal table, Xu Zihuang felt momentarily lost in thought. The scene reminded him of four years ago, when he had lived imprisoned on that remote island.
Back then, he too would sit alone, sipping red tea while staring out at the distant landscape through his castle window.
But his circumstances now were completely different.
"What's wrong, Tianhuang?" Ning Tian asked softly, glancing sideways at him from the same sofa.
"Nothing," he shook his head and smoothly returned to their earlier topic.
"No wonder Wu Feng was so hostile toward me back then—you two grew up together."
"Feng and her family have served the direct bloodline of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect for over three thousand years. We're as close as sisters," Ning Tian explained, then added, "When this tournament ends and we return to the academy, I'll personally explain our relationship to Feng. She'll understand."
And she truly would—but if Wu Feng didn't listen and again acted hostile toward Yu Tianhuang as she had at the start, Ning Tian was prepared to have her withdraw from Shrek and return to the sect.
She had long since made that decision. As her sister and subordinate, Wu Feng could always remain within the sect, but Yu Tianhuang was different. With such overwhelming talent, countless outstanding women would surely pursue him in the future—even Ning Tian herself wasn't confident she could always stay by his side.
As they talked, golden sunlight began to rise from the eastern horizon, casting a radiant glow over the entire Star Luo City.
The resplendent light reflected in their eyes and on the restaurant's crystal walls, amplifying the already intimate atmosphere.
At that moment, a series of approaching footsteps echoed from the corridor outside.
A group soon entered.
Leading them was Wang Yan, followed by Ma Xiaotao, Dai Yueheng, Chen Zifeng, and the newly advanced Soul Emperor Gongyang Mo—behind them came the five reserve members.
Xu Sanshi grinned mischievously at the sight of Xu Zihuang and Ning Tian's closeness.
"Tianhuang, Ning junior sister, enjoying yourselves, huh?"
"Unlike someone here—wants company but has none," Beibei quipped with a smile, as usual teasing Xu Sanshi mercilessly.
Xu Sanshi's grin froze instantly, but before he could reply, Wang Yan approached with an easy smile.
"The sixteen-to-eight elimination match against Star Luo Imperial Academy is about to begin. This is a knockout round, and they'll be going all out—so stay focused. Gongyang Mo's advancement to Soul Emperor greatly strengthens our team and gives us more tactical options. While we eat, I'll explain some adjustments."
"The overall plan remains as before," Wang Yan continued. "Xu Sanshi, you'll use your fourth soul skill, Mysterious Underworld Exchange, to swap in both of their control-type Soul Masters first. Then Ma Xiaotao, Chen Zifeng, Beibei, Xu Sanshi, and Tianhuang—you five will join forces to eliminate them quickly.
"Dai Yueheng, when Xu Sanshi uses his second exchange, he'll swap you into the enemy's center. Your task is to hold off their remaining five for a short time.
"Also, Ma Xiaotao, Yueheng—you two are our strongest individuals. Preserve your strength; don't reveal your most powerful attacks yet. Remember, our true final opponent is the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy."
It was a well-thought-out plan. Xu Sanshi's soul skill had yet to be used in this tournament. If handled correctly, it could turn the tide—and revealing it now was safer than exposing Ma Xiaotao or Dai Yueheng's trump cards too early.
The Star Luo Imperial Academy was among the top five teams in the competition. Win this, and the path ahead would be far smoother.
Seeing Ma Xiaotao's dismissive expression, Wang Yan's tone hardened.
"Shrek Academy has always won the championship, but that also makes us everyone's target. Every academy studies us. With the development of soul tools, strategies are far more diverse now. We can't measure opponents with the same simple logic as before—especially the Sun Moon team; this year's lineup is the strongest in their history. Do not underestimate them. Remember the consequences of our carelessness against the Death God Thieves."
Though Ma Xiaotao's pride flickered in her eyes, she held her tongue. The others grew solemn, recalling vividly the horror of that battle—the explosion and its aftermath.
Xu Zihuang silently observed Ma Xiaotao's expression. Her personality could indeed cause trouble. He guessed that once onstage, she might defy orders and force Xu Sanshi to switch her into the enemy formation's center.
Wang Yan didn't dwell further. After breakfast, they headed toward Star Luo Square.
The plaza was packed tighter than ever—crowd upon crowd, a sea of black heads as far as the eye could see.
The competitors' waiting area, however, was much quieter. Out of over a hundred participating academies, only sixteen remained—the strongest on the continent.
The Sixteen-to-Eight phase consisted of both team and individual matches, held alternately over four days with four matches per day.
In the waiting area, they spotted several familiar teams—including the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy and Zheng Tian Academy.
Although the Sun Moon Academy's match was scheduled for the afternoon, they had still arrived early—clearly intending to observe how Shrek would handle the powerful Star Luo Imperial Academy.
When Ma Xiaotao and Dai Yueheng appeared for the first time, both Xiao Hongchen and Ma Rulong narrowed their eyes. They sensed an indescribable threat from the two—especially Ma Xiaotao, who had not even appeared as a reserve in the previous tournament.
Meanwhile, Meng Hongchen's gaze remained fixed on Xu Zihuang, her expression less than cheerful.
Though Xu Zihuang and Ning Tian didn't show any overt intimacy under public eyes, her intuition as a woman told her something between them had changed.
As the match drew near, the crowd's excitement reached a fever pitch.
"The first match of the Sixteen-to-Eight elimination round: Shrek Academy versus Star Luo Imperial Academy! Both teams, please proceed to the staging area!"
The referee's announcement ignited thunderous cheers. The atmosphere exploded instantly.
On one side stood the legendary Shrek Academy—the number-one academy on the continent. On the other, the Star Luo Empire's strongest academy.
Who could possibly not be thrilled for such a battle?
High above the square, Emperor Xu Jiawei of Star Luo had arrived early as usual—he never missed a match involving Shrek Academy.
Standing beside him on the city wall was Princess Jiujiu, wearing a bright yellow combat outfit—the uniform of the Star Luo Imperial Academy. Her golden hair was tied into a ponytail, her fair face radiant with confidence, and her azure eyes burned with fighting spirit.
"Brother, I'm going to prepare."
Amid bows from officials and ministers, Princess Jiujiu turned and left the wall.
Shrek Academy was strong, but she had her own confidence too.
Watching her departing figure, Emperor Xu Jiawei's eyes glimmered with expectation. His gaze fell upon Shrek's formation—more precisely, upon Xu Zihuang.
"Many on the continent have long forgotten our Xu family's Star Crown Martial Soul. I hope you'll bring me some surprises today."
Earlier that day, Heavenly Fiend Douluo Huang Jinshu had shared a theory about Yu Tianhuang's second Martial Soul. If that theory proved true, this youth would be worth any price to win over.
Meanwhile, Wang Yan led Ma Xiaotao, Dai Yueheng, Chen Zifeng, Gongyang Mo, Xu Zihuang, Beibei, and Xu Sanshi into the waiting zone.
Across from them, the Star Luo Imperial Academy's staging area held only six competitors and a single teacher.
Just as the audience began to murmur in confusion, a figure in yellow combat attire approached from the distance.
The moment they recognized her—Princess Jiujiu—not only the members of Shrek Academy but nearly every academy present widened their eyes in shock.
Most of them had attended the top-tier auction days before, so her face was unmistakable.
Now, seeing her dressed in the uniform of the Star Luo Imperial Academy, their surprise only deepened.
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