Barrel Explosion

Chapter 24

In an instant, the first Spirit Ring beneath his feet lit up, its golden glow illuminating his handsome features. As the strings trembled, a ring-shaped sound wave swept across the entire field with devastating force. The hard granite floor shattered like thin paper beneath that power, sending fragments of stone flying like rain.

Tang San hastily raised his Mysterious Jade Hand to block, but the Zither Sound seemed capable of piercing through defenses and striking directly at his organs. He let out a muffled groan, circulated his power to regulate his breathing, and retreated seven steps before barely steadying himself. The blood seeping from the corner of his mouth stood out starkly against his pale face.

"Xiao San!" Xiao Wu cried out, her pink eyes filled with distress. Her slender fingers gripped the edge of the Douluo Stage tightly, as if she would leap onto it the next moment.

The Shrek Academy group wore grave expressions, Dai Mubai's tiger eyes wide. Only then did they realize that the youth who had worn such a warm smile all along possessed such terrifying strength.

"That kind of power... impossible!" Yu Xiaogang abruptly rose to his feet, and the tactical notes in his hand slipped to the ground. His prized disciple had suffered a huge loss in a single exchange.

Zhao Wuji stroked the stubble on his chin, his eyes gleaming. "Interesting. This kid's Zither Sound seems to counter Little Monster's flashy tricks perfectly. Flander, it looks like our little monster has finally kicked an iron plate today."

Tang San steadied his trembling body, a trace of surprise flashing through his Purple Demon Eye. He stared at Feng Yao, who calmly played his qin in the distance, his heart turning cold—among Spirit Masters of the same rank, those capable of so keenly detecting his Hidden Weapons concealed within his Martial Soul attacks were exceedingly rare. Combined with Feng Yao's Martial Soul, he could conclude that the other's hearing was no less sharp than his own.

Feng Yao lightly plucked the strings and gently advised, "Student Tang, a sneak attack may catch someone off guard." The Zither Sound shifted into a clear, resonant melody. "But it is ultimately a minor path and may hinder your future. Better to—"

He raised his eyes with a faint smile, stars seeming to flow within them. "—put more effort into strengthening the foundation of your cultivation."

To outsiders, this was an extremely friendly reminder. To Tang San, however, it had an entirely different meaning.

Feng Yao's casual words struck Tang San like lightning. His face instantly turned deathly pale, and his knuckles whitened from the force of his clenched fists—as a Tang Sect disciple, the path of Hidden Weapons was the foundation of his existence. This evaluation was tantamount to a complete rejection of everything he had learned in his life. This battle was no longer merely his challenge against Feng Yao; it was a battle to defend the honor of the Tang Sect!

A cold glint flashed in Tang San's eyes, and a trace of blood-red flickered deep within his Purple Demon Eye. To disgrace the Tang Sect, you have earned your death. Killing intent surged in his heart, yet his expression remained unchanged. His left hand slowly rose into the posture of Tang Sect Questioning Hands, while his right hand quietly moved behind his back—there was a soft click, and an entirely black refined-iron crossbow appeared in his palm. Faint blue patterns flickered across its body beneath the soul tool lights, while three poisoned bolts lay ready to fire.

Feng Yao's ear twitched slightly. His keen hearing, honed through years of playing the qin and cultivating, allowed him to precisely catch that nearly inaudible click of the mechanism. The look in his eyes as he watched Tang San gradually turned cold, a sharp edge surfacing within his previously gentle gaze.

Feng Yao lightly brushed the strings and silently recited in his heart, Those who kill shall be killed.

In the stands, Yu Xiaogang's gaze narrowed as he watched the coldly gleaming crossbow in Tang San's hand. His lips moved as if he wanted to stop him, but he ultimately fell silent—on the Douluo Stage, there were only victory, defeat, and life or death. Though using external objects was frowned upon in the Spirit Master world, it was not against the rules.

Beside him, Flander furrowed his brows. Behind his lenses, his gaze shifted repeatedly between Tang San and Qin Ming in the distance. He knew perfectly well that, given Qin Ming's relationship with Shrek Academy, this should have been a sparring match ending at the right point. Yet Tang San had now brought out a killing weapon, crossing the line of healthy competition.

Tang San tightly gripped the crossbow, determination flashing through his Purple Demon Eye. He knew the power of the Zhuge Divine Crossbow in his hand—even a Soul Ancestor-level Spirit Master would find it difficult to escape unscathed at such close range. Once those poisoned bolts left the string, no matter how miraculous the other's qin skills were, there would be no way to alter their trajectory.

The icy sensation beneath his fingers greatly boosted his confidence. Tang San secretly calculated: three bolts fired at once, aimed at the throat, heart, and Dantian. Even if Feng Yao avoided fatal wounds, he would still suffer severe injuries.

In an instant, Tang San's figure became elusive. He pushed the Ghost Shadow Perplexing Steps to its limit, leaving several afterimages on the Douluo Stage that were impossible to distinguish between real and false. The Zhuge Divine Crossbow, gleaming with a ghostly chill, had already locked onto Feng Yao's vital points, its black bolts flashing with deadly light beneath the soul tool lamps.

"Watch out!" Zhu Zhuqing's cold, beautiful face abruptly changed below the stage, and her clear voice tore through the air.

Feng Yao's eyes narrowed as his long fingers suddenly exerted force upon the strings. Yellow, yellow, and purple—three Spirit Rings erupted with brilliant light at once. The Fuxi Qin let out a dragon-like tremor, and the surging Soul Power distorted even the air.

A warning flared within Tang San's heart. The intensity of Soul Power Feng Yao unleashed far exceeded his expectations. His finger had just begun to squeeze the trigger when Feng Yao's fingers had already swept across the strings.

How could a crossbow bolt possibly match the speed of a sound wave? The moment that clear qin note rang out, Tang San knew he had already lost the initiative.

Feng Yao's eyes flashed like lightning, and his sharp cry echoed across the field. "The strings stir and startle wind and rain; the sound rends clouds ten thousand miles away! Zheng—!"

Just as Tang San pulled the trigger, an invisible sound wave precisely pierced through the crossbow mechanism. With a soft crack, the Zhuge Divine Crossbow, forged from refined iron, exploded before everyone's eyes!

Feng Yao lightly stroked the strings, a fierce glint flashing through his eyes. Naturally, he could not take Tang San's life in full view of everyone, but he could give this so-called Tang Sect disciple an unforgettable lesson.

Tang San's web between thumb and forefinger split open, and fragments of the Zhuge Divine Crossbow mangled his entire right hand into a bloody mess. More terrifyingly, Feng Yao's Zither Sound had not merely targeted the Zhuge Divine Crossbow; it burrowed into Tang San's Meridians like a festering parasite. He violently spat out a mouthful of blood, mixed with fragments of internal organs.

"Pu—"

In the final instant before his consciousness faded, Tang San felt the agonizing pain of every Meridian in his body snapping inch by inch. The sound wave was like countless red-hot steel needles roaming freely through his body, triggering heart-rending pain each time it passed through an acupoint.

"Though exquisitely crafted," Feng Yao's voice flowed like a clear spring, yet every word pierced the heart, "it is a pity..." His gaze swept over the pile of scrap metal on the ground, and he sighed softly. "It is merely an external object. The more intricate the mechanism, the more flaws it contains."

Tang San was blasted several yards away like a kite with its string cut, crashing heavily against the edge of the Douluo Stage. The costly Zhuge Divine Crossbow had long since shattered into pieces, its components scattered everywhere.

"Xiao San!" Xiao Wu's heart-wrenching cry split the air as her pink figure rushed toward the Douluo Stage like an arrow released from its bow. The Shrek Academy group followed close behind.

At the same time, every member of the Imperial Dou Team leaped onto the stage. The phantom of Dugu Yan's Jade Phosphorous Serpent flickered into view, lightning flashed around Yu Tianheng's body, and the seven stood in a fan formation behind Feng Yao, their momentum soaring.

The two sides confronted each other on the bloodstained Douluo Stage. The tense atmosphere froze even the air, as if they would begin fighting the next moment.

"Stop!"

Three figures flashed onto the stage like lightning. Flander's Cat Eagle Martial Soul left an afterimage in the air as he carried Yu Xiaogang onto the platform, while Qin Ming appeared beside Feng Yao like Ghostly.

Without waiting for Qin Ming to speak, Feng Yao turned to Ye Lingling and said warmly, "I'll have to trouble Sister Ling Ling."

Ye Lingling had just started forward when the wary gazes of the Shrek Academy group stopped her. Cold light gleamed from Dai Mubai's tiger claws, Xiao Wu's scorpion braid stretched taut like a whip, and the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda slowly spun in Ning Rongrong's palm.

Feng Yao lightly stroked the strings, his tone gentle yet unquestionable. "If you do not wish for Student Tang's foundation to be completely ruined, please step aside."

"Hypocrite!" Dai Mubai's tiger eyes widened, cold light flashing from his claws. "Isn't Xiao San's current condition all because of you?"

Feng Yao's expression remained calm. "Student Tang harbored killing intent first. I merely defended myself." His gaze swept over the unconscious Tang San. "Without a sound wave powerful enough, how could I have shattered that refined-iron crossbow? If you insist on obstructing us—"

Feng Yao paused slightly. "For every moment you delay, his Meridians will suffer more damage."

Ning Rongrong seemed to think of something and suddenly pushed through the crowd. "Move aside!" She clutched the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda, her voice trembling. "He's right. Xiao San's injuries cannot be delayed—"

Qin Ming stepped forward at the right moment, his gentle voice like a spring breeze. "Rest assured, everyone. With Ling Ling here, he will be fine." His gaze softly swept across them. "Come to think of it, I am also your senior."

Flander hurriedly tried to smooth things over. "All right, Qin Ming, save the catching up for later. Let this little girl begin quickly." He anxiously looked at the unconscious Tang San, his heart in turmoil. If anything truly happened to Tang San, not only would Shrek Academy be unable to continue, but their entire group would probably have to pack up and flee in different directions.

Ye Lingling quickly arrived before Tang San and raised her delicate hand. Though Xiao Wu glared furiously at Feng Yao, she ultimately did not stop her.

"Nine Heart Begonia, bloom."

As Ye Lingling's cool voice rang out, pale pink begonia petals drifted down like rain. Each petal that touched Tang San's wounds transformed into specks of light and merged into his body. Most astonishing was his mangled left hand—shattered bones reassembled, torn flesh healed, and the entire process took only a few breaths.

The Shrek Academy group stared in dumbfounded amazement. Dai Mubai could not help murmuring, "Having a healing-type Spirit Master like that on a team is practically having an extra life."

Ning Rongrong watched the drifting begonias and softly said, "The single-inheritance Nine Heart Begonia truly lives up to its reputation."

Yu Tianheng's gaze suddenly froze at Flander's side. When he clearly saw that familiar figure, unbelievable delight instantly burst from his dragon eyes. "Uncle?!"

His voice trembled slightly with excitement. This Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Spirit Master, who had dominated the Douluo Stage moments ago, now resembled a child seeing family. The pride around him visibly diminished by several degrees.

Seeing that Tang San was out of danger, Flander adjusted his glasses and smiled at Yu Xiaogang beside him. "What a case of flooding the Dragon King Temple!"

The Shrek Academy group all turned to look. None of them had expected that this ordinarily unremarkable theory master came from the illustrious Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect.

Yu Xiaogang's gaze lingered on Yu Tianheng for a moment, but the corner of his eye discreetly swept toward Feng Yao beside them, an unreadable complexity flashing through his eyes.

"Tianheng, you have grown up." His tone was gentle, but just as Yu Tianheng was about to smile, his tone shifted. "But when will you correct that habit of underestimating your enemy and charging in recklessly?"

The Imperial Dou Team's once imposing captain immediately wilted like an eggplant struck by frost. He stood with his hands hanging at his sides, exactly like a youth who had made a mistake and was being lectured by an elder.

As the treatment neared its end, fine beads of sweat covered Ye Lingling's smooth forehead, and her breathing had become slightly hurried. Her long lashes trembled as she slowly withdrew the blooming Nine Heart Begonia, the Soul Power around her receding like the tide.

"The injuries are no longer serious." She wiped the sweat at her temple, her voice as cool as ever. "But he must not use Soul Power for three months."

Xiao Wu hurried forward, her pink eyes full of gratitude. "Thank you so much!"

Ye Lingling merely shook her head slightly. Her snow-white skirt swirled gently as she turned and walked toward the Imperial Dou Team, leaving a faint floral fragrance drifting through the air.

Feng Yao turned his gaze toward Zhu Zhuqing in the distance, a gentle smile at the corner of his lips. "Thank you, Miss Zhuqing, for warning me earlier."

Zhu Zhuqing's expression remained cool as she merely shook her head. "Even without my warning, you could have handled it."

"At a moment when victory and defeat hung in the balance," Feng Yao solemnly bowed, "you alone spoke up righteously without regard for gain or loss. Such breadth of heart is truly admirable."

His words brought shame to the faces of the Shrek Academy group. Dai Mubai awkwardly turned his face away, while even Flander and Yu Xiaogang could not help coughing lightly.

"You saved me." Leaving behind only that brief explanation, Zhu Zhuqing turned and departed like a cool breeze, her black leather outfit cutting a neat arc through the air.

Dugu Yan's jade-green eyes swept lightly over the Shrek Academy group, her tone cool. "Teacher Qin, it is late. We will not disturb you while you catch up with old acquaintances."

Qin Ming nodded somewhat awkwardly. "All right, Yan Yan. Go back to the hotel and rest first."

"Little Feng, let's go." Dugu Yan turned to Feng Yao, her voice unconsciously softening.

Feng Yao nodded in understanding. Before leaving, he cupped his hands toward the Shrek Academy group. "Please convey to Student Tang that Feng deeply apologizes for today's events." His gentle smile seemed especially sincere beneath the moonlight.

Then Feng Yao looked to Qin Ming. "Then I will trouble Teacher Qin to handle the aftermath for us at this Great Spirit Arena."

Qin Ming nodded. As the Imperial Dou Team members departed one after another, only Yu Tianheng and Qin Ming remained. Flander slightly adjusted his square-framed glasses and said to Qin Ming with some embarrassment, "This time, I really made you lose face in front of your students."

At once, Qin Ming straightened his back and placed his right hand over his chest in a formal disciple's salute. His voice was respectful and resolute. "You overstate it, Headmaster. A teacher for one day is a father for life. You will always be my benefactor, and Shrek Academy will always be my home." His gaze swept over the Shrek Academy group as he said warmly, "Young people are hot-blooded. A few clashes are also part of the path to growth."

A gleam flashed through Yu Xiaogang's eyes, and he nodded approvingly. "Well said. Only after seeing a broader sky can one understand that there is always someone greater." He pondered for a moment, then suddenly proposed, "Would Teacher Qin be willing to let Imperial Dou and Shrek Academy exchange and learn from one another for a time?"

Qin Ming looked troubled and was about to return to seek everyone's opinions when Yu Tianheng beat him to it. "Of course!" Excitement gleamed in his blue eyes. "Receiving Uncle's guidance would be of tremendous benefit to us."

As he spoke, he turned to Qin Ming. His tone was firm, though a trace of disdain flashed deep in his eyes. "Teacher, I believe that exchanges with Shrek Academy will certainly allow Imperial Dou to rise to another level."

In Yu Tianheng's eyes, although the Shrek Academy group was somewhat stronger than the mediocre students of Heaven Dou Royal Academy's second team, they were nothing more than that. The reason he agreed so readily was largely because he hoped to spend more time with the uncle he had not seen in years and receive his guidance.