Soul Fighting Trial, Tianxing Team Two
In Dean Flender's office on the back hill of the Shrek Academy, the air seemed to freeze.
Flender pushed up his signature crystal glasses, his gaze behind the lenses sharp as an eagle, repeatedly scanning the scene where the conflict had just ended, Tang San, who was being supported by Xiao Wu and Oscar, pale-faced but with a stubborn look in his eyes, and Dai Mubai, who was unconscious and being urgently treated by Li Yusong and Lu Qibin.
His heart was already in turmoil, far from the calm he appeared on the surface.
"Twin Martial Souls... Besides the Man Faced Demon Spider, it's actually Dragon Martial Soul! Crimson Gold Dragon... Judging from the shape and power of those Dragon Claw, its grade is definitely extremely high! Even... not inferior to the inherited Martial Soul of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan of the Upper Three Sects!"
Flender's heart pounded. As a dean who enjoyed "collecting monsters," discovering a gem like Tang San was even more exciting for him than finding Ten Thousand Year Soul Bone.
However, along with the excitement came immense doubt and a hint of unease. "That old codger Tuoba Xi's White Armored Earth Dragon Martial Soul, while also a top-tier Dragon Martial Soul, focuses more on strength and defense, carrying earth attributes. But this Crimson Gold Dragon... so pure, domineering, and filled with a murderous aura that tears everything apart, is this really a mutation of the White Armored Earth Dragon? The mutation range is too great, isn't it?"
An absurd yet irresistible thought swirled in his mind, "If I hadn't known he was Tuoba Xi's son, just looking at those Crimson Gold Dragon Claw... I would have suspected he was a stray descendant of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan!"
After all, that ability to instantly Dragon Transformation is very similar to the top secret technique of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan — True Dragon Transformation! It is a terrifying combat skill that perfectly combines the Dragon Bloodline, Bloodline Power and Soul Power of the dragon race, and briefly bursts out power far exceeding the current realm.
But Flender quickly noticed something different. "No... Tang San's Dragon Transformation seems to rely more on his own Blood Essence and qi and that hidden bloodline power, with Soul Power acting more as a catalyst than the main force? Strange, very strange..." He felt that what he had picked up was not a simple treasure, but a treasure shrouded in mystery, or rather... a hot potato.
Flander's gaze fell once more on the unconscious Dai Mubai, Flender felt a headache coming on. The Star Luo Dai Family behind Dai Mubai was not to be trifled with. Although the Star Luo Empire no longer existed and the Dai Family had merged into the Federation, their influence remained deeply entrenched. Now, before the Seed Team had even taken shape, the core members had already turned into mortal enemies.
"Ugh, what a mess, what a huge mess..." Flender rubbed his temples, but the glint in his eyes shone even brighter. "However... the greater the risk, the greater the reward! If we can train this kid... hehe..." He was already fantasizing about the Shrek Academy shining brightly in future competitions with Tang San by his side.
Meanwhile, Xiao Wu, who was helping Tang San walk back, had extremely complicated feelings.
She stared at Tang San's pale profile, his tightly pursed lips and slightly furrowed brows, while her mind kept replaying the overwhelming Dragon Might that had appeared with the Crimson Gold Dragon Claw, as well as the fleeting ferocity and unfamiliarity in Tang San's eyes.
That Dragon Might... that Dragon Claw...
Fragments of memories, like a nightmare, surged wildly into her mind! It was a blood-red day she could never forget!
The towering Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon True Body tore through the sky, terrifying lightning raged, the mother (Hundred-Thousand-Year Soft Bone Rabbit) screamed in agony, the Sky Azure Bull Python Da Ming roared in anger and despair, and even the Titan Giant Ape Erming had been besieged and killed by the Clear Sky Sect Er Ming before... And the one who orchestrated that siege, whose hands were stained with the blood of her loved ones, was none other than the now-powerful God King Yuanchen — Yu Yuanchen! The man who possessed the supreme Thunder Sacred Dragon Martial Soul!
Although Tang San's Crimson Gold Dragon and Yu Yuanchen's Thunder Dragon Might have vastly different attributes—one is primarily about violent slaughter, and the other about the transformation of thunder—the oppressive aura of a top-tier Dragon Clan, lofty and looking down upon all living beings, is remarkably similar! Both made this Hundred-Thousand-Year Soft Bone Rabbit tremble and feel fear from the depths of her soul!
Over the years, thanks to Tang San's companionship and the relatively peaceful life at the human academy, the deep-seated hatred in her heart seemed to have been covered by a layer of dust. She even became somewhat addicted to this "playing house" state where she didn't have to live in constant fear and could eat, drink, and have fun without a care in the world.
Perhaps, subconsciously, she already understood that relying on her Soft Bone Rabbit racial talent to seek revenge against Yu Yuanchen, who had become God King, was nothing short of a pipe dream. That sense of despair made her unconsciously give up.
But today, Tang San's sudden Second Martial Soul, the incredibly powerful Crimson Gold Dragon Claw, was like a thunderbolt, slamming open her deliberately forgotten past!
"Revenge... I'm here for revenge..." Xiao Wu's heart trembled, but her eyes gradually hardened, even becoming obsessive. "I can't do it on my own... but if... if he can..."
She looked at Tang San with burning eyes. Tang San's Twin Martial Souls, especially the infinitely potential Crimson Gold Dragon Martial Soul, gave her a glimmer of hope in the endless darkness.
"The Man Faced Demon Spider combined with the Crimson Gold Dragon... his talent might truly have the potential to reach that level! As long as... as long as I can guide him and make him powerful enough!"
Once the thought took hold, it grew wildly. Xiao Wu gripped Tang San's arm tightly, as if she had grasped a lifeline.
She decided to get closer to Tang San and do everything she could to help and guide him, making him her "sword" for revenge! As for what she would have to pay in the process, or whether it would be fair, Xiao Wu, blinded by hatred and "hope," no longer cared.
This Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast, ignorant of human affairs and simple-minded, could never have imagined that her existence and her plan to "cultivate humans for revenge" had fallen into the game between the two God King from the very beginning, making her a pawn in the gears of fate.
For the next six months, the atmosphere within the Shrek Academy's Seed Team plummeted to rock bottom.
After Dai Mubai recovered from his injuries, his hostility towards Tang San only increased, and he regarded Tang San as his mortal enemy. Led by Dai Mubai, along with Oscar, the Food System Soul Master who was already close to him, and Ma Hongjun, the Evil Fire Phoenix, a small group was formed to openly and secretly ostracize Tang San and Xiao Wu.
Tang San, on the other hand, had a more somber personality, spending most of his time immersed in cultivation and research, and rarely interacting with others except for Xiao Wu. Xiao Wu, meanwhile, revolved entirely around Tang San, and the two were inseparable.
Li Qingshan (Dragon Patterned Stick) and Lu Ziqi (Star Luo Chess) chose to protect themselves and turned a blind eye to the conflict between the two sides, thus forming a neutral faction.
Flender was exasperated by the team's stark divisions and near-complete lack of teamwork. At this rate, they'd be lucky if the team didn't disband, let alone achieve good results in major tournaments.
"This can't go on!" Flender slammed his fist on the table, making a firm decision. "We have to use real combat to temper these brats' rough edges! Let them bleed, let them take a beating together, and then they'll know who their true teammates are!"
With a wave of his hand, he made a decision: The Shrek Seed Team will head to the Suotuo Great Soul Arena immediately for a month-long team Soul Fighting training!
The announcement elicited mixed reactions from the team members. Dai Mubai was eager to get back at them in the Fighting Arena; Oscar and Ma Hongjun were both excited and apprehensive; Li Qingshan and Lu Ziqi were indifferent; Tang San's eyes gleamed, seemingly seeing it as an excellent opportunity to improve his combat experience; Xiao Wu was somewhat worried, but mostly had confidence in Tang San.
Over the past six months, with the support of cultivation resources provided by the Shrek Academy that far surpass those of Nuoding City (although Flender was stingy, he still invested in the seed team members, and of course, most of the expenses were recorded), everyone's Cultivation Level has significantly improved.
Dai Mubai, 15 years old, Level 43 Soul Ancestor;
Oscar, fourteen years old, level thirty-five Soul Elder;
Ma Hongjun, twelve years old, level thirty-three Soul Elder;
Li Qingshan, fifteen years old, level thirty-seven Soul Elder;
Lu Ziqi, fifteen years old, level thirty-six Soul Elder;
The ones who made the most progress were Tang San and Xiao Wu. Before, they had almost no access to decent resources to aid their cultivation or pills that could enhance their Soul Power without any side effects in Nuoding City. The "rich upbringing" they received over the past six months allowed their potential to explode, and their Soul Power broke through to the fourth level in succession!
Tang San, twelve years old, level thirty-six Soul Elder!
Xiao Wu, twelve years old, level thirty-six Soul Elder!
The advancement in their levels and the nourishment of resources made Tang San and Xiao Wu deeply realize the importance of resources, and they developed a stronger desire for greater power and more resources.
The Suotuo Great Soul Arena was brightly lit and bustling with activity.
Shrek Team's debut was not smooth. The seven players fought individually, with no coordination whatsoever. Although they managed to win a few matches against weaker teams thanks to their individual skills, they struggled against well-coordinated teams and won with great difficulty.
The shadow of defeat and the boos from the audience were like buckets of cold water poured over everyone's heads.
Even the most arrogant Dai Mubai's expression turned extremely ugly after his team nearly collapsed due to his solo incursion into enemy territory.
Flender's relentless criticism during each post-match review made them realize the seriousness of the problem.
The turning point came during what seemed like an ordinary team Soul Fighting.
This time, Shrek Team's opponent is a team called "Iron Wall". The members of this team Cultivation Level, and in terms of Soul Power alone, they are even slightly inferior to Shrek Team. Their Martial Soul are not top-notch either, mostly being defensive Martial Soul such as rhinoceros, Iron Armored Beast, and granite.
However, right from the start of the match, the Shrek Team found themselves in an unprecedentedly tough battle!
The seven members of the "Iron Wall" team cooperated with an astonishing level of coordination! Their tactics were extremely simple, yet incredibly effective: the three strongest defensive Soul Master stood at the forefront, like a mobile fortress, withstanding all of Shrek's attacks;
Two Agility Attack System Soul Master roamed the flanks, harassing and targeting weaker defensive members like Oscar and Ma Hongjun.
Their captain, a level 38 Control System Soul Master, Martial Soul is "Swamp Giant Crocodile," is in the middle. His Soul Skill can create a large area of mud, which greatly restricts the Shrek members' movement speed!
In contrast, the Shrek Team's problems were glaringly obvious.
Dai Mubai was determined to prove himself through aggressive attacks, often venturing deep into enemy territory alone and becoming separated from his teammates;
Tang San is used to fighting alone, and his control and attacks are not well coordinated with his teammates;
Xiao Wu is agile, but lacks effective support;
Li Qingshan and Lu Ziqi attempted to control the situation, but their efforts were greatly diminished because the front line couldn't hold and the flanks were harassed.
Oscar's sausage supply line was intermittent;
Ma Hongjun's Phoenix Flame occasionally accidentally injures friendly forces...
For a time, the Shrek Team was caught off guard and suffered repeated defeats.
Dai Mubai charged forward several times, but was blocked by the Iron Wall formation of the three opponents. He was also almost ambushed by the agile Soul Master on the flank.
Tang San's Tough Spider Web was often neutralized or restricted by the opponent's control Soul Master's swamp as soon as it was released.
Xiao Wu's Soft Skill are greatly reduced in the mud.
"Damn it! These turtles!" Dai Mubai roared in anger after failing to break through their defenses for so long, adding several more wounds to his body.
"Boss Dai, come back! The formation is broken!" Li Qingshan shouted anxiously.
"Oscar, Recovery Great Sausage!" Lu Ziqi urged while setting up obstacles with the Star Luo Chess.
The situation was extremely passive, and boos could even be heard from the stands. Flender's face was ashen as he stood in the stands, wishing he could personally go down onto the field and beat up these good-for-nothing lads.
Tang San frowned deeply; defeat was inevitable if things continued this way. He glanced at Xiao Wu, who was also stuck in the mire and moving slowly, then at Dai Mubai ahead, who was like a mad tiger but repeatedly thwarted. A fierce internal struggle raged within him. Personal grudges versus the victory of the team—which mattered more?
Just as the opponent's Soul Master activated another Soul Skill, and an even larger swamp was about to engulf the immobile Xiao Wu, a resolute glint flashed in Tang San's eyes!
"Boss Dai!" Tang San suddenly shouted, his voice piercing through the noise of the arena. This was the first time he had called Dai Mubai" Boss."
Dai Mubai was taken aback and subconsciously turned around, seeing Tang San's unusually serious yet sincere eyes.
Tang San lowered his voice and spoke very quickly, "Their core is that Soul Master who controls the Soul! I'll restrict his frontal attacks. Your White Tiger Meteor Shower will cover his left and right sides, preventing him from dodging."
Li Qingshan, the Dragon Patterned Stick disrupts his footing! Lu Ziqi, the chessboard traps his retreat! Xiao Wu, prepare to charge! Oscar, sausage!"
This series of instructions was clear and concise, instantly highlighting the key point! Although Dai Mubai was extremely annoyed with Tang San, he knew this was the only chance to break the deadlock! He gritted his teeth and roared, "Fine! I'll listen to you this once! Brothers, let's cooperate!"
"First Soul Skill, Tough Spider Web!" Without hesitation, Tang San launched a massive spider web precisely at the front of the opposing Soul Master, forcing him to react.
"Fourth Soul Skill, White Tiger Meteor Shower!" Dai Mubai suppressed his displeasure with Tang San and unleashed his anger on his opponent, with countless light bullets covering the space around the Soul Master.
"Third Soul Skill, Thousand Layered Stick Shadows!" Li Qingshan's Dragon Patterned Stick transformed into countless staff shadows, slamming them hard against the ground beneath the feet of the controlling Soul Master, disrupting their center of gravity.
"Second Soul Skill, Star Luo Chessboard!" Lu Ziqi waved his hand, setting up Soul Power chessboard to block the escape route of the controlling Soul Master.
"Third Soul Skill, Instantaneous Movement!" Xiao Wu seized the opportunity and instantly escaped the quagmire, appearing behind the temporarily restrained Soul Master, activating her Waist Bow!
This sudden and seamless teamwork caught the "Iron Wall" team completely off guard! Their control core was instantly targeted by concentrated fire. Although they managed to hold on thanks to their level and defense, their rhythm was thrown into chaos!
"Now! Charge!" Tang San roared, his Man Faced Demon Spider Martial Soul Possession activating as he charged forward. Dai Mubai followed with a roar.
Without the effective control over the Soul Master, the "Iron Wall" team's impenetrable formation began to crack. The Shrek Team seized the opportunity to launch a fierce attack. Although their coordination was still rusty, they finally turned the tide. After a hard-fought battle, they ultimately won a narrow victory.
After the match, the Shrek Team collapsed to the ground, panting heavily. Although they had won, there was little joy on anyone's face, only exhaustion and lingering fear.
Dai Mubai looked at Tang San, who was also panting heavily not far away, with a complicated expression. The cooperation just now had indeed played a crucial role.
He snorted coldly and turned his head away, but the hostility that had seemed like an irreconcilable conflict before appeared to have... faded somewhat. At least, when facing a common and powerful enemy, they could temporarily put aside their prejudices.
Flender nodded slightly from the stands, finally showing some promise. Real-world experience is indeed the best catalyst for team cohesion.
In the subsequent Soul Fighting, although the Shrek Team still struggled, the members began to communicate and execute tactics more effectively.
A strange tacit understanding developed between Dai Mubai and Tang San, with one taking the lead in attack and the other providing support, greatly increasing their strength. After a month, they actually managed to obtain the Silver Soul Fighting Badge, and their team cohesion improved significantly.
However, just as the Shrek Team was gradually finding their rhythm as a team, they faced an unprecedentedly powerful opponent in their final team Soul Fighting at the Great Soul Arena — the Tianxing Team!
It wasn't the monstrous team that Yu Tianquan belonged to, but another seeded team cultivated by the Tianxing Academy. Even so, the prestige of coming from the continent's number one academy still made the entire Suotuo Great Soul Arena boil with excitement!
The players from both sides take the field.
The Tianxing Team, a seven-member lineup, exudes an extraordinary aura:
Captain: Meng Yiran, 15 years old, Martial Soul: Dragon Snake Scepter, Level 45 Assault Type Battle Soul Ancestor, Tall and with a cold and beautiful face.
Vice Captain: Ning Rongrong, twelve years old, Martial Soul: Eight Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, Level 39 Support System Vessel Soul Elder, petite and cute, with lively eyes.
Lei Dong, fifteen years old, possesses the Martial Soul Lightning Leopard, and is a level 43 Agility Attack Type Battle Soul Ancestor with a lithe and agile physique.
Song Qing, fifteen years old, with the Martial Soul Sky Blue Vine, is a level 44 Control Type Battle Soul Ancestor with a calm and composed demeanor.
The other three are ordinary genius students of the Tianxing Academy: Zhang Long (14 years old, Martial Soul Iron Armored Rhinoceros, Level 38 Power Attack System Soul Elder), Zhao Hu (14 years old, Martial Soul Wind Wolf, Level 38 Agility Attack System Soul Elder), Wang Ming (13 years old, Martial Soul Rock Golem, Level 38 Defense System Soul Elder).
The Shrek Team is under immense pressure. Looking solely at their Soul Power Level, their opponents have a clear advantage!
From the Douluo Dalu 1, the Tianxing Team displayed the discipline of a top-tier academy. Under the dazzling light of Ning Rongrong's Eight Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda (boosting strength, speed, Soul Power, and defense), the attributes of all members of the Tianxing Team skyrocketed!
Meng Yiran brandished her Dragon Snake Scepter, launching a fierce attack that single-handedly suppressed the combined forces of Dai Mubai and Li Qingshan! Lei Dong transformed into Blue Lightning, darting across the field at a speed far exceeding that of Xiao Wu and Ma Hongjun, constantly harassing the back row.
Song Qing's Sky Blue Vine was like Gui Mei, precisely restricting Tang San and Lu Ziqi's control and constantly disrupting Shrek's formation! Zhang Long, Zhao Hu, Wang Ming formed a solid front line, steadily advancing.
The Shrek Team is facing their toughest battle since the start of the tournament! Despite their previous practice and teamwork, they are still completely outmatched by the opponent's superior strength and perfect team coordination!
Dai Mubai roared repeatedly, but couldn't break through Meng Yiran's staff shadow; Tang San's spider web and Lu Ziqi's chessboard were repeatedly broken by Song Qing's Sky Blue Vine; Xiao Wu and Ma Hongjun were in grave danger in front of Lei Dong, whose speed was being crushed; Oscar's sausages were almost impossible to deliver...
"Bang!" Xiao Wu was caught off guard and was Lei Dong on the shoulder by Lei Dong's claw strike, which had a paralyzing effect. She screamed and flew backward, spitting out blood. She was clearly seriously injured!
"Xiao Wu!" Tang San's eyes were bloodshot! Seeing Xiao Wu injured, his mind went blank for a moment, leaving only overwhelming rage and killing intent! The shadow of his mother's tragic death and being hunted down overlapped with the image of Xiao Wu's injury, completely igniting the violence in his heart!
"You... all deserve to die!!!" Tang San roared like a wild beast, his eyes instantly becoming bloodshot!
Buzz--!
An aura far more terrifying and violent than that he had experienced during his previous battle with Dai Mubai erupted from his body! Crimson-gold light shot into the sky!
Click! Click!
The eight purplish-black, somewhat illusory spider legs that appeared on his back due to the martial arts possession suddenly became as sharp as spears, gleaming with a cold metallic luster. It was indeed the External Soul Bone — the Eight Spider Lances.
At the same time, his right arm Dragon Transformation once more, covered in Crimson Gold Dragon and turning into a ferocious Dragon Claw! The chilling aura of the Man Faced Demon Spider intertwined with the domineering presence of the Crimson Gold Dragon, making him look like Demon God returned from hell!
"What is that?!"
The entire arena erupted in uproar! Even Flender in the stands jumped to his feet, his eyes filled with disbelief! "Could this be... External Soul Bone?! And this Dragon Transformation... it's even more complete than last time! This kid..."
Tang San unleashed his trump card, his strength skyrocketing! The Eight Spider Lances granted him extreme speed, attack power, and deadly poison, while the Dragon Claw provided unparalleled tearing power! He was like a tiger among sheep, instantly disrupting the Tianxing Team's formation!
The Eight Spider Lances pierced wildly, and the Dragon Claw tore everything apart! Meng Yiran's staff shadow was forcibly torn apart, Lei Dong's speed seemed slow in the face of the rapid speed of the Eight Spider Lances, and Song Qing's Sky Blue Vine was easily torn off by the Dragon Claw! Tang San was fighting in a style that was completely exchanging injury for injury and risking his life, like a madman!
The Tianxing Team was stunned! They had never seen such a crazy and reckless opponent! Under Tang San's suicidal outburst, Zhang Long, Zhao Hu, and Wang Ming were the first to be severely injured and eliminated. Lei Dong and Song Qing were also seriously injured, and Meng Yiran was forced to retreat repeatedly!
However, the Tianxing Team was indeed well-established. With Ning Rongrong's full support, which spared no Soul Power, Meng Yiran, Lei Dong, Song Qing barely withstood Tang San's frenzied attacks, and the two sides were locked in a fierce war of attrition!
In the end, the only ones still standing on the field were Ning Rongrong, pale-faced, who had been desperately protected by her teammates, and Tang San, whose Soul Power was almost exhausted, who was covered in blood, and whose Eight Spider Lances and Dragon Claw had dimmed.
Tang San, panting heavily, walked step by step towards Ning Rongrong, his eyes still filled with killing intent. As long as this support character was dealt with, Shrek would win!
Ning Rongrong looked at Tang San approaching, a hint of panic flashing across her small face, but it was quickly replaced by determination. She took a deep breath, and with a flick of her wrist, she produced a crossbow over a foot long, exquisitely crafted, and engraved with complex runes—it was a Level Four Soul Tool! It was the "Soul Chasing Crossbow" that she had made herself!
"Go!" Ning Rongrong shouted, channeling her remaining Soul Power into the crossbow. A solid blue crossbow bolt shot towards Tang San like lightning! After all, she was Support System Soul Master with insufficient combat experience. Although the arrow was fast, it lacked variety.
Although Tang San was already at his limit, his fighting instincts remained. He managed to turn to the side, and the crossbow bolt grazed his shoulder, leaving a trail of blood. However, his forward momentum was also halted.
Ning Rongrong wanted to activate it again, but her face turned pale, and her Soul Power was already depleted. Tang San's eyes flashed with a cold light, and he mustered his last bit of Soul Power, slamming his Dragon Claw claw down!
Just as the Dragon Claw was about to strike Ning Rongrong, a Soul Tool Barrier appeared in time to block the attack.
Ning Rongrong used her last bit of Soul Power to activate the Level 4 Defensive Soul Tool.
After this attack, Tang San and Ning Rongrong both collapsed, their Soul Power exhausted.
"Both teams are out of action, the match is over! A draw!" the referee announced loudly.
Tang San swayed, his Eight Spider Lances and Dragon Transformation deactivated, and he collapsed to the ground. Ning Rongrong also breathed a sigh of relief and slumped down.
An extremely fierce battle ended in a draw.
In the stands, Flender looked at the unconscious Tang San and the still-shaken Ning Rongrong with a complex expression.
Tang San's trump cards and potential far exceeded his imagination, but the violence and uncontrollability of this power also made him deeply worried.
And Ning Rongrong, that little girl from the Eight Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, is actually a Level 4 Soul Engineer... This Tianxing Academy is truly a place where dragons and tigers hide!
Shrek Team's journey to Suotuo City ended in this thrilling draw. Tang San's name, along with his strange External Soul Bone and powerful Second Martial Soul, entered the sights of some of the continent's top powers for the first time. The storm seemed to have only just begun to brew.