Even though the Hundred-thousand-year Infernal Delicate Apricot was not a perfect match for Ye Guyi's Sacred Angel Martial Soul, both its soul ring and soul bone still provided her with enormous amplification.
Leaving aside the Hundred-thousand-year Martial Soul True Body for now, just the two soul skills granted by the Hundred-thousand-year soul bone were enough to elevate her overall strength to an extremely astonishing level.
Domain-type soul skill: Lava Purgatory.
Area-of-effect attack soul skill: Purgatory Red Lotus.
Even among the hundred-thousand-year soul skills, these two were quite powerful. Moreover, when used together, their power could stack and amplify each other.
In Xu Zihuang's memory from his previous life, the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass only provided Huo Yuhao with three soul skills. Among them, two were amplification-type soul skills, and only the Octagonal Omnidirectional Thorn was an area-of-effect attack soul skill.
Unlike the ice-attribute Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass, the fire-attribute Infernal Delicate Apricot was far more inclined toward slaughter and destruction.
In terms of pure destructive power, the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass could not compare to the Infernal Delicate Apricot. It was only because of the mutual restraint between their attributes that neither side could completely suppress the other.
Ye Guyi ultimately held back against Ma Xiaotao. Even so, a clear victor still emerged between the two women.
A crimson red lotus with a diameter exceeding a hundred meters became the terrifying center of that explosion.
Ma Xiaotao, in her Fire Phoenix True Body form, desperately resisted the frenzied fire-attribute energy erupting from the Purgatory Red Lotus. The dazzling golden-red light on her body flickered continuously. Her Martial Soul, whose bloodline had been purified into the Fire Phoenix, already possessed attributes very close to ultimate fire. Yet the Purgatory Red Lotus unleashed by Ye Guyi was a genuine ultimate fire-level soul skill.
The Infernal Delicate Apricot possessed the attribute of ultimate fire. Normally, to absorb its soul ring and soul bone, one would also need to possess an ultimate fire-level Martial Soul; otherwise, it would be extremely difficult to withstand the impact of the soul ring and soul bone energy, and there was a high chance of bodily explosion and death.
Of course, if the Infernal Delicate Apricot willingly offered itself as a sacrifice or voluntarily formed a contract with a soul master to become a soul spirit, the situation would be completely different.
The reason Ye Guyi could absorb the soul ring and soul bone of the Infernal Delicate Apricot was entirely due to the effect of that Hundred-thousand-year Yearning Heartbroken Red. As one of the supreme divine immortal herbs, the Yearning Heartbroken Red suppressed the aura of the Infernal Delicate Apricot.
As a result, the soul ring and soul bone of the Infernal Delicate Apricot fused with Ye Guyi almost perfectly. Almost all of the might of the soul ring and soul bone was preserved to the greatest extent.
Just as Ma Xiaotao was about to be engulfed by that incomparably condensed crimson red lotus, a sudden deep rumbling explosion rang out. In an instant, lightning danced across the sky, and streaks of electricity descended from above.
The entire space instantly transformed into an ocean of lightning. The thunder and lightning falling from the sky formed what looked like an enormous lightning prison, completely enclosing that crimson red lotus within it.
Outside was dark purple; inside the cage was blazing crimson, and the two were clearly separated.
The one who acted was naturally Xu Zihuang.
What he used was the right leg bone soul skill of the Thunderclap Hell Vine, Forest of Lightning. This was the true, complete power of the Forest of Lightning.
Compared to killing enemies, this Forest of Lightning leaned much more toward controlling the opponent.
With his tangible yet formless level of spiritual power, Xu Zihuang was already able to wield this soul skill like an extension of his own arm on only his second use. He even altered its form, creating this lightning prison cage.
The two Hundred-thousand-year soul skills, Purgatory Red Lotus and Forest of Lightning, began to clash.
Fire-attribute and lightning-attribute soul skills were both renowned for their immense destructive power, yet when they collided head-on, there was none of the expected earth-shattering spectacle.
Because Forest of Lightning was unilaterally suppressing the Purgatory Red Lotus.
Although both were Hundred-thousand-year soul bone skills, Xu Zihuang's Thunderclap Hell Vine right leg bone was essentially equivalent to a soul bone produced by a two-hundred-thousand-year cultivation spirit beast, while Ye Guyi's Infernal Delicate Apricot left arm bone only barely reached the Hundred-thousand-year level.
The lightning prison slowly contracted, completely confining all the energy and aura contained within the crimson red lotus.
The lightning in the cage continued to flash. The originally solid crimson red lotus gradually began to turn illusory. After nearly half a quarter of an hour, the crimson red lotus finally dissipated and vanished into the air.
At the same time, the lightning prison also disappeared.
Everything returned to calm.
Below, the group of inner court disciples opened their mouths dryly, their gazes dazed. These soul skills that resembled natural disasters had completely exceeded their normal understanding.
Even battles between Title Douluo probably weren't much more impressive than this.
Yet the ones who used these two soul skills, Yu Tianhuang and Ye Guyi, were younger than many of them. Yu Tianhuang was only seventeen years old.
Every single person who could become an inner court disciple of Shrek Academy was a proud child of heaven. But in front of the Yu Tianhuang and Ye Guyi siblings, they could only serve as foils.
After releasing her Martial Soul True Body and returning to human form, Ma Xiaotao's face was somewhat pale. She subconsciously clenched her fists.
She lost. She lost completely. She lost to someone even younger than herself. Apart from Yu Tianhuang, this was the second time she had felt such defeat among her peers.
Ma Xiaotao's delicate body trembled as she lowered her head. Without saying a word, she flapped her phoenix wings and flew toward Sea God Island. Her figure looked desolate.
Ye Guyi also came to Xu Zihuang's side and silently watched Ma Xiaotao's departing back. She had won against Ma Xiaotao, yet she felt almost no joy.
In the world of soul masters, strength always spoke the loudest. Ma Xiaotao's power had earned her respect.
She knew very well that without Xu Zihuang bringing her to consume the Hundred-thousand-year Yearning Heartbroken Red and absorb the soul ring and soul bone of the Infernal Delicate Apricot, there was no way she could have suppressed Ma Xiaotao so completely from beginning to end like she did today.
Ye Guyi expressionlessly glanced at Xu Zihuang.
Xu Zihuang awkwardly withdrew his Martial Soul and took the initiative to hold Ye Guyi's jade hand.
Both of them knew exactly what the other was thinking.
With a trace of jealousy, Ye Guyi broke free from Xu Zihuang's grasp, turned around, and left.
Accepting Ning Tian was one thing, but expecting her to happily witness all of this was obviously impossible. It was better to just leave, out of sight, out of mind. Plus, later she could use this to give Ning Tian a little "lesson" and make her remember her place.
Starting tomorrow, she planned to apply to enter the underground world beneath the Sea God Pavilion for cultivation. Zhang Lexuan had told her that every inner court disciple had one opportunity to deeply meditate once in the underground world of Sea God Pavilion.
This was the perfect chance to make Ning Tian wait and put her in her proper place. Given her public relationship with Xu Zihuang, Ning Tian would only exhaust every means possible to please her.
Xu Zihuang helplessly circulated his soul power and landed on the dark-red crystal surface of Sea God Lake. Under everyone's gazes, he walked step by step toward Ning Tian.
The group of inner court disciples still hadn't recovered, their eyes instinctively following Xu Zihuang's movement.
When Xu Zihuang was about ten meters away from Ning Tian, she suddenly rushed forward and threw herself into his arms. Her charming face was radiant, and her water-blue eyes were brimming with affection.
"Tianhuang—"
"Mm." Xu Zihuang gently stroked Ning Tian's back with a tender smile.
After a brief moment of silence, thunderous applause and cheers erupted across the lake's surface.
Zhang Lexuan and Han Ruoruo clapped in perfect unison and said together:
"The segment of Yu Tianhuang and Ning Tian's hundred-year harmony has been completed. We wish them eternal happiness, to walk together forever in the future, supporting one another."
Ning Tian shyly took Xu Zihuang's arm and faced everyone.
From full expectation to despair when hope was shattered, and now this tremendous reversal, her emotions had been thrown into complete chaos. But to end with such a beautiful outcome was the most unforgettable and touching.
"Tianhuang, Junior Sister Ning Tian, congratulations!" Tang Ya waved cheerfully at Xu Zihuang and Ning Tian with a grin. Beibei and He Caitou clapped while sending congratulatory looks.
Xiao Xiao and Nanmen Yun'er, who had been watching Xu Zihuang the entire time, finally let out a breath of relief. As Senior Sister Zhang Lexuan had said, when a man is too outstanding, one has to consider whether one is capable of attracting him.
Between Yu Tianhuang and Ning Tian, there was simply no room for anyone else to intervene.
Wu Feng collapsed on the crystal surface, face bloodless as she stared at Xu Zihuang and Ning Tian flying toward the shore of Sea God Lake, looking particularly out of place at this moment.
But right now, no one was paying attention to her.
Today, the performance of Yu Tianhuang and Ye Guyi was truly shocking. This was also the first time Xu Zihuang had truly revealed the terrifying power of his second Martial Soul — extreme lightning, in front of the inner court students and the Sea God Pavilion elders.
The ferry boat was exceptionally lively.
Yan Shaozhe's eyes sparkled with excitement as he asked Elder Xuan:
"Elder Xuan, the soul skill Tianhuang used just now… was that Forest of Lightning? That should be the innate soul skill of the Thunderclap Hell Vine, right? Could it be that his second Martial Soul absorbed the soul ring of a Hundred-thousand-year Thunderclap Hell Vine? Does a Hundred-thousand-year cultivation Thunderclap Hell Vine even exist?"
Elder Xuan cut him off impatiently.
"Enough, stop making a fuss. Some things don't need to be asked and clarified. Elder Mu once said that Tianhuang is a child of destiny born in this era, a person who carries great fortune. No matter what kind of opportunity he has, I won't be surprised. If you really want to know, just find a chance to ask Tianhuang later. I believe he won't deliberately hide it."
Elder Song smiled and said:
"With Tianhuang here, the academy will be worry-free for at least several hundred years. What he needs most right now is time to grow. But with his talent, he probably won't need even ten years to fully mature. I only hope that during this period, the situation on the continent remains stable."
Elder Xuan nodded slightly and withdrew his gaze. After personally witnessing Yu Tianhuang's astonishing strength, he could finally rest assured and follow Elder Mu's instructions.
"While we have the time, there is something I want to discuss with all of you."
All the elders looked toward Elder Xuan.
Elder Xuan said seriously:
"Elder Mu's original plan was to have the entire Shrek Seven Monsters generation of Tianhuang join the Tang Sect. However, considering the special origins of Tianhuang and Ning Tian, Elder Mu had no choice but to abandon that idea and did not bestow upon them the title of Shrek Seven Monsters. Still, before his passing, Elder Mu instructed me that the academy must fully support the development of the Tang Sect. My thought is this: let Tianhuang and Ning Tian represent our academy to participate in the next All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Dueling Competition, while Beibei, the others, and Tang Ya represent the Tang Sect."
"…"
Arriving at the shore of Sea God Island, Xu Zihuang held Ning Tian's hand as they strolled along the lakeside path. The Sea God Fate Blind Date Conference was still ongoing, but they no longer had any interest in watching.
The sparkling waves on the clear lake surface reflected in both of their eyes.
Xu Zihuang stopped, looked at Ning Tian, and said apologetically:
"I'm sorry… I hid many things from you."
Facing Xu Zihuang's gaze, Ning Tian gently shook her head.
"I understand, Tianhuang. You don't need to apologize."
As she spoke, Ning Tian turned sideways, came in front of Xu Zihuang, and wrapped her arms around his waist and back. She rested her chin against his chest and looked up at him.
"The Spirit Hall back then indeed almost destroyed our Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, but that has nothing to do with you. We can't just transfer those old grudges onto you simply because you carry the bloodline of the Angel family."
Before Xu Zihuang could even speak, Ning Tian had already imagined many things herself. But this was also the normal line of thinking based on the known information.
In the next moment, Ning Tian stood on tiptoe and lightly touched Xu Zihuang's lips, then brought her face very close, their eyes locked together.
Ning Tian gazed into Xu Zihuang's eyes, her pure and elegant smile filled with sweetness.
"Tianhuang, no matter who you really are, I don't care. I only know that because of you, my monotonous life gained color. Because of you, I finally found myself, instead of living like a tool, carrying the title of the sole heir of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Actually… I'm very grateful. Grateful that I was able to meet you at Shrek Academy."
Xu Zihuang gave a meaningful soft laugh and lifted Ning Tian's smooth chin.
"So that's why you were so heartbroken when you misunderstood the relationship between my sister and me?"
Ning Tian's cheeks flushed. She gave Xu Zihuang a shy glare.
"Who told you to hide it from me?"
Thinking of this, she couldn't help showing a worried expression.
"Tianhuang… does Sister Guyi… have a bad impression of me?"
"Don't overthink it. She only left first because she consumed a lot of soul power in the battle with Senior Sister Xiaotao. Besides, at a time like this, she can't possibly come and disturb us, right?" Xu Zihuang smiled comfortingly.
"Or are you saying you want to stay up all night chatting with her tonight and kick me aside?"
Ning Tian shyly shrank her body, clutching Xu Zihuang's clothes tightly. After a moment of silence, she bit her red lips and softly said:
"Tianhuang… let's go to the Nine Treasure Pavilion."
"Alright." Xu Zihuang's eyes remained smiling. He suddenly scooped Ning Tian into his arms.
Not long after Xu Zihuang carried Ning Tian away, the main gate tower of Shrek Academy appeared in their line of sight.
After leaving through the east city gate of Shrek Academy, Xu Zihuang increased his speed. The journey that normally took more than an hour was shortened by him to less than half an hour.
South district of Shrek City. The majestic Nine Treasure Pavilion stood quietly in the center of the bustling commercial area. Inside the top-floor hall of the Nine Treasure Pavilion, through the deep blue crystal floor-to-ceiling windows, one could clearly see the lively streets outside.
However, these crystal windows possessed soundproofing properties, completely isolating the noise from outside. In the silence, it seemed only the breathing of the two of them remained.
The cold moonlight poured down, adding a layer of lustrous sheen to Ning Tian's fair and delicate skin. She lay on the soft, wide sofa, gazing at Xu Zihuang. Though slightly shy, she stubbornly refused to look away.
The longing she had carried for many years was finally about to be fulfilled.
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