Ambush and Sacrifice
The clamor of the Continental Elite Tournament of Advanced Soul Master Academy finally subsided with the conclusion of the earth-shattering final between Yu Tianquan and Qian Renxue. The golden rain of petals seemed to still be falling before their eyes, and the thunderous cheers still echoed in their ears, but Shrek Academy's journey had come to an end.
The final rankings have been released, and Shrek Academy is ranked twelfth. This is a fairly good result for the Shrek Academy, which lacks a strong foundation.
Flender beamed with joy as he looked at the official gold-embossed certificate and a substantial bonus, as if all the fatigue of the past few days had vanished.
Zhao Wuji grinned widely and patted each team member's shoulder forcefully, even though most of them still had unhealed wounds.
"Well done, boys! Twelfth place! Hahaha, let's aim for the top eight next time." Flender was smug and already planning for the next competition.
The team members, however, had much more complicated feelings. Tang San looked at the familiar and dazzling names on the list— Tianxing, Martial Soul, Federation Soul Guide, Tianshui, Leiting... He clenched his fists secretly, his eyes burning with unwillingness and an even more intense flame.
Xiao Wu stood close to Tang San, able to sense the turbulent emotions beneath his calm exterior, and gently took his hand.
Oscar, Ma Hongjun, and others were excited but also a little bewildered. The experience of the competition was like a bizarre dream, which allowed them to see the view from the top and also to see the rugged path ahead.
The Shrek Academy's Revival Round tournament was far more difficult than the preliminary and qualifying rounds. This was because the teams that entered the Revival Round Revival Round were all strong contenders who had fallen from the top sixteen, and each of them was determined to prove themselves and wash away the shame of their defeat.
Facing these formidable opponents, the Shrek Team did not back down at all, giving their all in every match.
Dai Mubai's ferocity, Tang San's unpredictability, Xiao Wu's agility, Oscar's support, Ma Hongjun's explosive power, Li Qingshan's staff skills, and Lu Ziqi's control... They fought with all their might and managed to defeat the other four teams, excluding the second teams of the three major academies.
Nevertheless, they still lost decisively when facing the second teams of the Federal Soul Master Academy and the Martial Soul Academy.
The three academies' foundations are indeed formidable. Even their second team boasts a luxurious lineup of three Soul King and four high-level Soul Ancestor. As long as they don't let their guard down and play steadily, Shrek Academy has virtually no chance of winning.
But what truly left them feeling resentful and elevated their understanding of top geniuses to a whole new level was the match against the Tianxing Academy Second Team.
Before the match, the Shrek Team did not fail to dream of victory. Tang San's Second Martial Soul, the Crimson Gold Dragon, contained the bloodline of Golden Dragon, a bloodline that had an innate suppressive effect on most Dragon Martial Soul.
The captain of Tianxing Academy Second Team, Yu Tianheng, possesses the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Martial Soul. If they can successfully suppress Yu Tianheng's Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Martial Soul, Dai Mubai's pressure will be greatly reduced, and the Shrek Team will have a fighting chance.
The match began, and the fantasy briefly became reality. When Tang San activated his Crimson Golden Dragon Bloodline, the pressure emanating from the very source of his bloodline did indeed cause Yu Tianheng's aura to falter, and even the lightning of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon dimmed somewhat. Dai Mubai seized the opportunity to launch a strong attack, and for a time, he actually gained the upper hand.
"It worked!" The Shrek Team's morale soared.
However, Yu Tianheng only frowned slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, before regaining his composure. "An interesting bloodline suppression... unfortunately, not pure enough, and not strong enough!" He shouted, and the Third Soul Ring beneath his feet suddenly lit up, "Wrath of Thunder!" With his angry shout, violent Thunder Power instantly swept over his entire body, forcibly diluting the sense of suppression!
What's even more alarming is that, as the battle progressed, Yu Tianheng adapted to the Golden Dragon's oppressive aura at an astonishing speed. At first, his movements were slightly stiff, but after only a few breaths, his body became agile. He was adapting to the suppression of the Golden Dragon Bloodline at a visible speed, his body instinctively adapting and resisting.
"The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's ' True Dragon Secret Technique ' truly lives up to its reputation, as it was created by Lord Yuanchen!" A knowledgeable old Soul Master in the VIP section exclaimed in amazement. "The core of this True Dragon Secret Technique is to grow stronger when facing stronger opponents, constantly breaking through limits in battle! While Yu Tianheng's talent may not be as monstrous as his cousin Yu Tianquan, he is still worthy of the title of a top genius."
Shrek's tactics were completely disrupted. After adapting to the suppression, Yu Tianheng displayed the terrifying strength of the captain of the Tianxing Team Two. He activated his Fifth Soul Skill, Blue Lightning Divine Dragon Swiftness, and Thunder Dragon, condensed to its extreme, lunged at Tang San, whose Soul Power was greatly depleted!
"Brother!" Xiao Wu exclaimed, instantly activating her Fourth Soul Skill, Invincible Golden Body, granting her three seconds of invincibility! Her petite figure resolutely stood in front of Tang San!
Boom! The Thunder Dragon crashed into the golden light shield, unleashing a blinding light. Xiao Wu groaned, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth, but the golden light remained steadfast.
"Foolish!" Yu Tianheng sneered. With his rich combat experience, how could he not know the weakness of invincible Soul Skill? With a thought, the energy output of the Blue Lightning Divine Dragon Swiftness suddenly changed, from an instantaneous explosive impact to a continuous Thunder Baptism! The violent lightning bombarded the golden light shield like a tidal wave!
Three seconds—it's gone in the blink of an eye!
The moment the golden light dissipated, the thunderous energy that had been gathering Accumulate Power burst forth like a flood, instantly engulfing the exhausted Xiao Wu!
"Xiao Wu!" Tang San's eyes widened in fury!
Fortunately, the referee was paying close attention, and a Soul Power Barrier fell in time, blocking most of the power. However, Xiao Wu was still electrocuted, her body was charred black, she coughed up blood and flew backward, and she was seriously injured and unconscious!
"We concede!" Flender immediately rushed onto the stage, picked up Xiao Wu, his face ashen. Yu Tianheng withdrew his hand, glanced coldly at the Shrek members, and turned to leave. His gaze was as if he were looking at a group of overconfident ants.
This battle shattered Shrek's last shred of hope. The gap in strength was comprehensive and insurmountable. Twelfth place was the best result they could achieve after giving it their all.
After the competition ended, students from various academies left one after another. Shrek Academy also packed their bags, preparing to return to Suotuo City.
Before their departure, Flender generously treated the entire team to a lavish meal at the best restaurant in Spirit City as a celebration.
During the gathering, everyone temporarily set aside their disappointment and reminisced about the highlights of the competition—the laughter, the emotions, and above all, the anticipation and determination for the future. They all understood that this competition was merely a stop on their path to becoming Soul Master; the real training had only just begun.
However, no one expected that a deadly ambush was quietly unfolding on their inevitable journey home, an invisible net waiting for them to walk right into it.
The official road leading from Suotuo City to Bala Ke Province, the capital of Barak City Province, winds through rolling hills. It is late autumn, and the trees on both sides of the road have long since shed their green coats and put on golden attire. The fallen leaves dance like butterflies, fluttering to the ground and spreading out a golden carpet.
A bleak autumn wind swept by, carrying a hint of coolness, rustling the leaves and adding a touch of desolation and loneliness to the journey home.
Shrek Academy's caravan traveled at a leisurely pace along the official road. The caravan consisted of three carriages: the lead carriage carried Flender and Zhao Wuji, while the middle two carriages carried the team members and several teachers.
Flender and Zhao Wuji sat facing each other in the lead carriage. Flender pointed to a location on the map and said to Zhao Wuji, "Old Zhao, on our way back this time, we can stop by Barak City. There are many resources for Soul Master to cultivate there. We can take the opportunity to purchase some and improve the academy's facilities."
Zhao Wuji nodded and said, "Okay, but you have to be generous, don't be as stingy as a miser."
Flender smiled and said, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. When we get back, we'll start repairing the academy, buying new equipment, and hiring a few more experienced teachers, so we can try to recruit a group of even more talented students next year."
The team members were scattered in the carriages at the back, each doing their own thing: some were meditating to recover, some were talking in hushed tones, and some were gazing out the window in a daze.
Tang San and Xiao Wu rode in the same carriage. Xiao Wu's injuries had been largely healed by the Healing Soul Master, but her face was still somewhat pale. She leaned on Tang San's shoulder, fiddling with the hem of his clothes, and softly asked, "Brother, what are your plans after we go back?"
Tang San gazed at the fleeting scenery outside the window, his eyes distant. "Cultivation, becoming stronger. The competition showed me the true world. We are so far behind." He paused, then tightened his grip on Xiao Wu's hand. "But one day, I will catch up with them. I will have enough power to protect those I want to protect."
Xiao Wu looked up at Tang San's resolute profile, her eyes filled with reliance and trust. "Yes! I believe in you, brother! Let's get stronger together!"
Just then, the carriage abruptly stopped. From outside came the driver's panicked shouts and Flender's grave, low command, "Who goes there?!"
A heavy, mountain-like pressure, like an invisible tide, instantly enveloped the entire convoy! The air seemed to freeze, and the horses pulling the carriages neighed in terror, their hooves going weak, almost collapsing to the ground.
"Not good! Enemy attack!" Zhao Wuji's angry roar rang out.
Tang San and Xiao Wu's expressions changed, and they rushed out of the carriage. They saw two figures as tall as iron towers blocking their way on the official road.
Both were dressed in dark gold close-fitting clothes, with rugged faces and cold eyes, emanating a suffocating aura of Soul Power — Soul Douluo! And there were two of them! Their Martial Soul had already possessed them, and their skin had a diamond-like texture; it was the Diamond Mammoth Martial Soul of the Huyan Family!
"The Huyan Family!" Tang San's pupils shrank, and a storm raged in his heart! He instantly realized that these people were after him!
"Flender, Zhao Wuji, if you know what's good for you, hand over Tang San! Otherwise, today Shrek Academy will be wiped out!" The Soul Douluo on the left spoke in a hoarse voice, carrying an undeniable killing intent.
"Bullshit!" Zhao Wuji roared, instantly activating his Immovable Wisdom King True Body, his Seventh Soul Ring shining brightly, ready to charge forward.
"Old Zhao, calm down!" Flender grabbed him, his face extremely grim. As the dean of the Shrek Academy, he was even more meticulous. He could clearly sense the other party's aura; both Soul Douluo had Soul Power Level of over 85, and both were Defense System Soul Douluo with extremely strong defensive capabilities.
What alarmed him even more was that he keenly sensed at least four powerful auras lurking in the surrounding dense forest, each of them reaching the Soul Sage level! This was clearly a meticulously planned, doomed killing spree. The opponent's target was clear: Tang San Tang San, and they were willing to do anything to kill him!
"Huyan Zhen really thinks highly of Shrek!" Flender suppressed his anger and tried to stall for time. He knew that with Shrek's current strength, it was impossible for them to contend with two Soul Douluo above level 85 and four Soul Sage. A direct confrontation would only lead to their death.
"Gentlemen, Tang San is a student of the Shrek Academy and is protected by Federation law! Your Huyan Family is acting like this, openly intercepting and killing a student from the Soul Master Academy on the official road. Aren't you afraid of being investigated by the Federation?"
"Federation law?" The Soul Douluo on the right scoffed. "If it weren't for Federation law, do you think we'd be ambushing someone in this desolate wilderness? As long as it doesn't become public knowledge, the Federation doesn't care much about Soul Master vendettas. Flender, this is your last chance, get out of here!"
Before he finished speaking, the Fifth Soul Ring under the feet of the left-hand Soul Douluo lit up—"Gravity Swamp!" A terrifying Gravity Field suddenly spread out from him, enveloping Flender and Zhao Wuji!
Flender is Agility Attack System Soul Master, and speed is his advantage. However, under this terrifying Gravity Field, his speed was instantly suppressed by more than half. His originally light body became extremely heavy, and every step he took required a huge amount of Soul Power.
At the same time, the Sixth Soul Ring under the feet of the Soul Douluo on the right also shone brightly—"Mammoth Tracking!" An invisible mark instantly locked onto Flender, and no matter how he dodged, the opponent's lock remained as close as a shadow.
"Attack!" Knowing there was no way to resolve this peacefully, Flender shouted fiercely, activating his Four-Eyed Owl True Form, attempting to use his speed to break free of the Gravity Field and attack the opponent's weak point. Zhao Wuji also roared and charged towards a Soul Douluo, unleashing Vajra Palm strike!
Teachers Li Yusong, Lu Qibin, Shao Xin, and others also rushed down from the carriage, released their Martial Soul, and joined the battle.
However, the two Defense System Soul Douluo from the Huyan Family cooperated perfectly. One restricted the movement, while the other launched a powerful attack. With the suppression of the Gravity Domain, the Shrek Academy teachers, despite having the numerical advantage, were forced to retreat steadily and could only barely hold on.
Of course, this was also because the two Soul Douluo held back. After all, unlike assassinating students, assassinating the dean of a high-level Soul Master Academy is a serious crime, and they dared not really defy the Federation. In any case, their target was only Tang San.
The four Soul Sage who had been lurking in the dense forest also revealed themselves. They were all powerful individuals carefully trained by the Huyan Family, with strength exceeding level 75. They bypassed the battlefield of the two Soul Douluo and prepared to ambush Tang San.
"Their target is Third Brother!" Xiao Wu exclaimed urgently.
Tang San's face was icy cold, his eyes filled with killing intent and determination. He watched as his teachers were in grave danger under the fierce attack of the Soul Douluo, and then looked at Dai Mubai, Oscar, and the others, and made a decision in an instant.
He knew the Huyan Family was after him, and he probably couldn't escape today, but he couldn't implicate the academy! He couldn't implicate everyone!
If he leaves, the teachers and students may still have a glimmer of Life Force.
"Mubai! Everyone! Their target is me! I'll draw them away, you all run!" Tang San roared, his voice filled with a hint of determination and reluctance. He turned around abruptly, instantly unleashing the Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track to its fullest extent, and sped off towards the dense forest in the opposite direction of the convoy!
"Chase!" The four Soul Sage of the Huyan Family exchanged glances upon seeing Tang San escape, then pounced like cheetahs, rapidly pursuing the direction Tang San had fled! Their mission was clear: to kill Tang San at all costs! To accomplish this mission, they had already made thorough preparations, confident that no matter where Tang San fled, they would catch up with and kill him.
"Brother!" Seeing Tang San draw the enemy away alone, Xiao Wu didn't hesitate for a moment. She instantly drew her Waist Bow and shot into the dense forest like an arrow! She couldn't let Tang San Tang San the danger alone; she wanted to fight alongside him! Even if it meant death, she wanted to die with Tang San!
"Xiao Wu! Come back!" Dai Mubai and the others cried out in alarm upon seeing this, but dared not chase after her. They could only watch helplessly as Xiao Wu's figure disappeared into the depths of the dense forest, their hearts filled with powerlessness and worry.
Deep in the dense forest, the trees are lush and leafy, and sunlight filters through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled shadows. The ground is covered with a thick layer of fallen leaves, which rustle underfoot.
Tang San pushed the Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track to its limit, increasing his speed to the extreme. His figure nimbly weaved between the trees, trying to shake off the pursuers behind him.
However, the speed difference between Soul Ancestor and Soul Sage is too great. All four Soul Sage are experts above level 75, and their Soul Power is far deeper and their speed is far faster than Tang San Tang San's.
In a short while, four figures appeared around Tang San like Gui Mei, surrounding him completely. The powerful Soul Power pressure was like four mountains, making it hard for Tang San to breathe. His face turned pale, and his breathing became rapid.
"Kid, you're pretty fast!" a Soul Sage said with a sneer, a cruel smile on his face and killing intent in his eyes. The Diamond Mammoth phantom behind him roared, radiating a terrifying aura.
Tang San's eyes were filled with despair, but even more so with a cold madness. He knew he couldn't escape his fate today, but even if he died, he would take a few of them down with him! He would never let these people succeed so easily!
"Eight Spider Lances!" Tang San roared, his clothes were instantly torn apart, and the purplish-black External Soul Bone Eight Spider Lances burst out from his back. The eight ferocious spider legs, carrying deadly poison, shimmered with a dark purple light and frantically stabbed outwards!
At the same time, his Man Faced Demon Spider Martial Soul Possession, and a huge phantom of the Man Faced Demon Spider appeared behind him. His Third Soul Skill, Spider God Transformation, was activated instantly, forcibly enhancing his condition.
His Soul Power, speed, and strength were greatly enhanced in a short period of time. His Crimson Gold Dragon Claw claws flickered with golden light, as he attempted a final desperate gamble.
"A mere trick!" The four Soul Sage sneered, using their Soul Skill to conjure Mammoth Giant Foot that easily shattered the attack of the Eight Spider Lances.
The Eight Spider Lances, External Soul Bone had been invincible in battle, shattered like fragile glass under the absolute power difference! Fragments of the dark purple spider legs were scattered all over the ground, stained with Tang San's blood.
Intense pain instantly swept through his body. Tang San spat out a mouthful of blood, his face turned ashen, and his breath became even weaker.
"It's over!" A Soul Sage raised his giant foot, covered in diamond light, once again, and with Destruction power, stomped down hard on Tang San's head! If this stomp landed, Tang San's brains would splatter and he would die on the spot!
The shadow of death loomed over Tang San. His eyes flashed with the image of his mother's tragic death, Xiao Wu's smiling face, and a mixture of longing for power and resentment...
He closed his eyes, awaiting death.
At this critical moment!
"Don't you dare hurt my brother!"
A pink figure finally caught up, immediately using her Instantaneous Movement Soul Skill to shield Tang San with her Invincible Golden Body, taking the hit. It was Xiao Wu!
Her speed was astonishing, clearly she was giving it her all. Her face was as pale as paper, but her eyes were incredibly resolute, carrying a dazzling light that Tang San had never seen before, as if burning everything!
"Xiao Wu! Run!" Tang San shouted hoarsely, his eyes filled with terror and anxiety. He didn't want Xiao Wu to sacrifice herself for him; he wanted Xiao Wu to live.
Xiao Wu turned back and glanced at Tang San. Her eyes held endless reluctance and an unwavering resolve. She smiled sweetly, like a blooming epiphyllum, poignant and magnificent.
"Brother, live on..."
The next moment, Xiao Wu's body erupted with a dazzling red light! That wasn't Soul Power, but the most primal Life Force and soul power!
An irresistible force pushed the four Soul Sage away, keeping Tang San away from danger. At the same time, a huge red cocoon of light formed, enveloping Xiao Wu and Tang San, creating an indestructible barrier that kept the four terrified Soul Sage out!
"Sacrifice! It's a sacrifice of Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast!" A Soul Sage screamed, his eyes filled with fear and greed! The sacrifice of Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast could not only grant the recipient a Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring, but also potentially a Hundred Thousand Year Soul Bone! This was an irresistible temptation for any Soul Master!
Within the cocoon of light, Xiao Wu's body began to fade into ethereal form. Her voice, as if from beyond the heavens, echoed in Tang San's ears, "Brother... meeting you is the luckiest thing that has ever happened to me... From now on, I won't be able to stay by your side... You must take good care of yourself..."
"No! Xiao Wu! No!" Tang San frantically pounded on the cocoon of light, tears blurring his vision, his heart breaking! He wanted to stop it, but he couldn't budge the cocoon at all.
The crimson light surged into Tang San's body like rivers flowing into the sea! A vast amount of pure energy flowed through Tang San's meridians, cleansing his meridians and nourishing his soul!
His body seemed to be set ablaze, becoming exceptionally hot. His Second Martial Soul, the Crimson Gold Dragon, appeared automatically as if summoned, its golden Dragon Shadow swirling and roaring behind him, emitting a joyful Dragon Roar!
A vibrant red Soul Ring slowly condensed, like a red ribbon, and was placed on the Crimson Gold Dragon Martial Soul! Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring!
At the same time, a Spirit Bone radiating a soft pink glow detached from Xiao Wu's illusory body and, as if Life, slowly merged into Tang San's Left Arm Bone! The Left Arm Bone of the Hundred-Thousand-Year Soft Bone Rabbit! One of its Soul Bone Skill: Instantaneous Movement, Teleportation within 100 meters with no cooldown!
The sacrifice is complete.
The cocoon of light slowly dissipated, the red glow gradually faded, and the dense forest returned to its original darkness. Xiao Wu's figure, like shattered starlight, completely disappeared into the air, leaving only a small, snow-white rabbit that landed in front of Tang San.
Only Tang San, his eyes bloodshot and his appearance like a madman, remained on the spot, along with the dazzling 100,000-year-old red Soul Ring at his feet.
"Roar--!" Tang San let out a roar that was not human, his voice filled with endless pain and anger, like the howl of a wounded beast. He had gained power, but the price he paid was a weight he could never bear—he had lost Xiao Wu, the girl who cherished him as her Life, and the most important person in his world!
"Kill her!" The four Soul Sage snapped out of their shock, their eyes burning with greed that outweighed their fear. The allure of Hundred Thousand Year Soul Bone was enough to drive them mad! They pounced simultaneously, each unleashing their strongest Soul Skill, blasting towards Tang San!
Tang San's blood-red eyes swept over the four men, showing no fear, only endless coldness and killing intent. His left leg flashed— Instantaneous Movement! He instantly appeared a hundred meters away, avoiding the combined attack of the four Soul Sage.
In another flash, his figure appeared in another direction! Like Gui Mei, he darted through the forest, using Instantaneous Movement and his surging power to hold his own against four Soul Sage. His occasional counterattacks even forced the Soul Sage into a frantic state, but overall, even after accepting Xiao Wu's sacrifice, Tang San still did not have the strength to kill Soul Sage.
Moreover, Tang San's heart was already dead. Xiao Wu's sacrifice had taken away all his Life Force and color.
After struggling with the four Soul Sage for a while, Tang San's survival instinct made him stop fighting. He used his Instantaneous Movement skill to flash in front of Xiao Wu's corpse, and after a few more flashes, he broke free from the Soul Sage ' entanglement and disappeared into the vast forest like a kite with a broken string.
He didn't know where he was going, or what the meaning of his life was. He just ran aimlessly, trying to escape this world full of pain.
The four Soul Sage couldn't catch up, and looked at each other, their faces extremely grim. Their mission was to kill Tang San, but they never expected that not only would they fail to kill Tang San, but Tang San would also obtain Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring and Spirit Bone, greatly increasing his strength!
Now, not only have they failed to complete their mission, they've also caused even more trouble for the Huyan Family. A genius Soul Master with Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring and Spirit Bone, and a blood feud with the Huyan Family, will surely become Huyan Family nightmare in the future!
The battle on the official road also ceased due to the anomaly here.
The two Soul Douluo from the Huyan Family sensed the terrifying sacrificial energy and the aura of the Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring. They knew that the situation was out of control and that continuing to entangle themselves would be pointless and might even bring them danger.
They exchanged a glance, made a decisive move, and used their Soul Skill to force Flender and the others to retreat. Then they quickly recalled the four Soul Sage, led them away from the scene, and disappeared into the dense forest.
Flender, Zhao Wuji, and the others, disregarding the pursuit, immediately rushed to a clearing deep in the dense forest. They saw only a scene of devastation, with broken fragments of the Eight Spider Lances scattered everywhere, stained with blood.
"Xiao San... Xiao Wu..." Flender's old eyes were bloodshot, and his body trembled slightly. Tang San and Xiao Wu had probably already met a terrible end.
Zhao Wuji slammed his fist into a nearby tree, snapping the thick trunk in two with a crack, sending splinters flying. His eyes were filled with anger and self-reproach—anger at the cruelty of the Huyan Family, and self-reproach for failing to protect Tang San and Xiao Wu.
Dai Mubai, Oscar, Ma Hongjun, and the others stood silently, their faces filled with sorrow and helplessness. Looking at the mess on the ground, they found it hard to accept this cruel reality.
As the sun set, golden rays filtered through the leaves, casting a poignant glow on the open ground, adding a touch of melancholy to the tragedy. The Shrek Academy students, carrying the honor of twelfth place and a heavy burden of sorrow, embarked on their journey home. Their shadows stretched long in the setting sun, appearing exceptionally lonely.
Tang San, burdened with Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring, Spirit Bone, and endless pain, began a aimless wandering in a state of utter despair.
He didn't know where he was going, or where he could go.
His path as Soul Master seemed to have lost all meaning at this moment.