Forced Marriage

She let go of the reserve expected of the Spirit Hall Saintess.

She laid everything out plainly.

She even spread her arms and tried to throw herself into Gu Qing's embrace.

Gu Qing's brow furrowed slightly, and a trace of irritation rose in his heart.

Powerful Soul Power surged once more.

An irresistible force sent Hu Liena staggering back several steps.

"Don't try to challenge my limits, and don't play with fire in front of me."

"Get out and cultivate."

"Don't let me see you acting this foolishly again."

Gu Qing reprimanded her coldly and without the slightest hint of tenderness.

Just as Hu Liena was knocked back, her footing unsteady and on the verge of falling,

someone pushed open the heavy wooden door, which had been left ajar.

The crisp sound of footsteps came to an abrupt halt at the threshold.

A tall, beautiful figure stood silently in the doorway.

Qian Renxue wore a luxurious golden gown.

In the sunlight, her exquisite face looked incomparably holy.

She had just returned from Bibi Dong's place.

She had specifically come to discuss the security arrangements for the wedding on the day of the finals with Gu Qing.

She was still holding a delicate jade box containing some newly delivered, top-grade spirit tea.

But when she looked toward the center of the hall,

she happened to see Hu Liena, her face flushed and her clothes slightly disheveled, throwing herself at Gu Qing.

Gu Qing's outstretched arm was just in front of Hu Liena.

From where Qian Renxue stood,

Hu Liena's alluring, tempting appearance and Gu Qing's raised hand

made it look as though the two were engaged in some extremely intimate embrace.

The faint remnants of the Heavenly Fox Charm Scent in the air only further stirred her senses.

The misunderstanding immediately magnified countless times in Qian Renxue's mind.

The scene in the hall seemed to freeze in place.

The cheerful smile on Qian Renxue's face stiffened instantly.

Her hands tightened around the jade box.

Her knuckles turned bluish-white from the strain.

A rush of intense bitterness and anger surged in her heart.

Their wedding was just around the corner, yet this man was in his own residence,

getting tangled up with Bibi Dong's most prized disciple.

And in broad daylight, with the door not even properly shut.

Qian Renxue bit down hard on her lip.

Her pride made her disdain storming in like a shrew to demand an explanation.

She only shot Gu Qing a cold look.

Her gaze held disappointment, anger, and hurt.

She did not say a word.

She did not even ask a single unnecessary question.

Qian Renxue simply turned around

and strode away from the gates of the Holy Son's residence without looking back.

Gu Qing did not immediately go after her.

In the meeting hall of the Holy Son's residence, Yan, Xie Yue, and Hu Liena were still kneeling.

The three members of the Golden Generation, renowned throughout Spirit Hall, had been thoroughly won over.

Gu Qing waved a hand, signaling the three of them to leave.

Only after the hall was empty did Gu Qing straighten his cuffs and head toward the rear quarters.

The carved wooden door to the rear quarters was ajar.

A sharp crash of porcelain shattering came from inside.

Gu Qing pushed open the door and stepped over the broken shards of jade on the floor.

Qian Renxue stood by the window, her chest heaving.

Her usually flawless, delicate face was now clouded with anger.

"What are you doing here?"

Qian Renxue turned around, her beautiful eyes blazing with fury.

"Why not go back and keep embracing that little vixen?"

Gu Qing's expression remained unchanged. He glanced only at the wreckage on the floor.

"Hu Liena tried to use Charm. I've already crushed it."

"There's nothing between her and me."

Gu Qing calmly stated what had just happened.

But his frankness only made Qian Renxue angrier.

"Nothing between you?"

"I saw with my own eyes how she threw herself at you!"

Qian Renxue gritted her teeth, her nails digging deep into her palms.

"You've become Spirit Hall's new Holy Son, and you hold the Dark Gold Token."

"You've become the apple of Hu Liena's eye, too."

"That woman Bibi Dong probably can't wait to match you two up so she can leave me out in the cold!"

Gu Qing stepped forward and reached out, hoping to soothe Qian Renxue.

Qian Renxue abruptly knocked his arm aside.

"Don't touch me!"

"Gu Qing, I'll make this clear right now!"

Qian Renxue's eyes reddened, and her voice suddenly rose.

"Even if I die, even if I'm shattered to pieces, I'd never be willing to marry you!"

At those words, Gu Qing's outstretched arm stopped in midair.

His gaze fell on Qian Renxue's stubborn, wounded face.

The wedding was set for dusk today.

Tang Hao, that one-armed, remnant soul, had long sworn to take revenge on the wedding day and bury everyone in Spirit City with him.

Countless factions had also secretly gathered beyond the city.

In the open, the Shrek Seven Devils were making trouble under the banner of avenging Zhao Wuji, vowing to win the championship.

Crisis loomed on all sides, and undercurrents churned throughout Spirit City.

Gu Qing's mind was filled with plans to use the Blue Silver Emperor Right Leg Bone and the Grass Bird Secret Report to prepare the defenses.

At this moment, Gu Qing truly didn't have the energy to coax an jealous woman throwing a tantrum.

Gu Qing slowly withdrew his hand and clasped both hands behind his back.

"Think whatever you want."

"The Soul Master Tournament finals are about to begin. As the Holy Son, I have to oversee every matter."

"I reinforced this secret chamber with Life-Type Blue Silver Grass. It's very safe."

"Stay here. You're not allowed to go anywhere."

After giving those few instructions, Gu Qing turned and left.

His stride was steady, without the slightest hesitation.

Qian Renxue watched Gu Qing's retreating figure and stomped her foot in anger.

"Gu Qing, you bastard!"

The door shut again, sealing Qian Renxue's angry curses inside.

After leaving the Holy Son's residence, Gu Qing headed straight for the enormous plaza at the center of Spirit City.

Spirit City was especially noisy today.

Tens of thousands of Soul Masters crowded the stands, their voices roaring like thunder.

On the high platform before the Pope Palace, Bibi Dong sat upon the throne symbolizing the highest authority.

She held a scepter, her gaze indifferently sweeping over the crowd below.

Gu Qing walked to the front of the platform. The Dark Gold Token at his waist shimmered brilliantly in the sunlight.

Every Soul Master belonging to Spirit Hall bowed as soon as they saw Gu Qing.

"Greetings, Your Highness the Holy Son!"

The deafening cries rang through the skies.

Gu Qing raised his right hand and pressed it gently downward.

The entire arena fell silent in an instant.

Gu Qing surveyed the surroundings, his perception quietly spreading out.

The Grass Bird Secret Report had already sent the arena's defensive layout into Gu Qing's mind.

After confirming that Tang Hao had yet to appear, Gu Qing turned his gaze toward the preparation area.

Two teams about to take the field stood there.

One was the Golden Generation, the pride of Spirit Hall.

The other was the Shrek Seven Devils, brimming with hatred after fighting their way to the finals.

Gu Qing drew a deep breath and sent his voice across the entire arena.

"The Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament finals."

"Spirit Hall Academy Team versus Shrek Academy Team."

"Both teams, enter the arena!"

At Gu Qing's announcement, the two teams emerged from the passageways on opposite sides of the arena.

Yan led the Spirit Hall Team, heat radiating from his entire body.

Xie Yue held two strange curved blades, his gaze icy.

Hu Liena walked in the middle, her figure alluring, a faint pink glow radiating from her body.

Though these three were respectful and submissive before Gu Qing, they regained their usual haughty arrogance when facing the Shrek Seven Devils.

On the Shrek Seven Devils' side, Tang San walked at the very front.

Tang San raised his head and fixed his gaze on Gu Qing atop the high platform.

His fists were clenched so tightly his knuckles had turned white.

In the eyes of the Shrek team, Gu Qing was the culprit behind Zhao Wuji's death.

Dai Mubai's eyes were bloodshot, and the phantom of a White Tiger was already faintly taking shape around him.

Xiao Wu, Ma Hongjun, Oscar, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing were all filled with anger as well.

They had sworn to use the blood of the Spirit Hall Team to pay tribute to Zhao Wuji at today's tournament.

Gu Qing took in the hatred in the eyes of the Shrek team.

His heart remained unmoved.

Everything was under Gu Qing's control.

"There are no restrictions in the rules."

"The match ends when one side is completely defeated or falls out of the ring."

"Now, begin!"

As soon as Gu Qing finished speaking, the atmosphere in the arena exploded.

"Martial Soul Possession!"

Yan roared, dark red flames surging from his body.

The Flame Lord Martial Soul appeared in an instant.

The scorching heat distorted the air around the arena.

Xie Yue spread both hands before him.

Two enormous blades shaped like crescent moons appeared in his hands, their edges gleaming.

A fluffy fox tail grew behind Hu Liena, and her eyes turned a hazy pink.

Yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black.

Five dazzling Soul Rings rose beneath the feet of the three members of the Golden Generation.

The immense pressure of Soul Kings bore down on the Shrek Seven Devils as if it had taken physical form.

Tang San refused to back down, and Soul Rings lit up around him as well.

Deep blue Blue Silver Grass surged from Tang San's palms, spreading across the ground like dozens of venomous snakes.

Dai Mubai roared skyward and immediately unleashed White Tiger Vajra Transformation.

His body swelled, his muscles bulged, and golden fur covered him from head to toe.

Zhu Zhuqing became a black shadow and vanished from her spot in an instant.

The Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda in Ning Rongrong's hands shone brilliantly.

Several radiant beams of colored light landed precisely on the Shrek team.

Their Strength and speed boosts took effect instantly.

Yan stamped both feet hard against the ground.

Great sheets of magma erupted from beneath the earth, rushing straight toward Tang San.

"Prepare to die!"

Yan swung his enormous flaming fist, smashing it toward the center of the Shrek formation with overwhelming force.

Dai Mubai strode forward and met Yan's fist with a White Tiger Intense Light Wave.

A golden beam of light and a dark-red fist of flame collided violently in midair.

The roar was deafening.

The shockwave sent several stone slabs flying from the arena floor.

Dai Mubai grunted and staggered back three steps before regaining his balance.

The enormous gap in Soul Power Level was unmistakable at that moment.

Although the White Tiger Intense Light Wave had held Yan back for a moment, his assault had not weakened.

He continued pressing toward the Shrek side.

Just then, Xie Yue moved.

His body left behind an afterimage.

The Moon Blades in his hands traced two dazzling silver arcs, aimed straight at Xiao Wu on the flank.

The blades moved incredibly fast, shrieking as they tore through the air.

Tang San's gaze sharpened.

"Fatty, cover her!"

Ma Hongjun was ready. A torrent of crimson flames from his Evil Fire Phoenix burst from his mouth.

The flames formed a wall of fire in front of Xiao Wu.

Xie Yue's Moon Blades slashed into the wall, hissing as they cut through the flames.

Using the wall of fire as cover, Xiao Wu drove off with both legs and leaped high into the air.

She gathered strength for a Waist Bow midair.

Hu Liena stood at the back of the Spirit Hall team, a faint sneer curling her lips.

A pink glow rippled out from her.

Charm activated in an instant.

An invisible wave of mental energy swept across the entire arena.

Ma Hongjun had just breathed out a mouthful of fire when he ran headlong into the mental wave. His eyes immediately grew hazy.

Even Xiao Wu, still in midair, stiffened for the briefest moment.

Xie Yue seized the opening, reversed his Moon Blades, and struck out again with a fierce slash.

The blade was about to hit Xiao Wu.

Purple light blazed in Tang San's eyes.

The Purple Demon Eye unleashed a powerful mental shock, meeting Hu Liena's Charm head-on.

The two forces of mental energy collided in midair, sending out a violent ripple.

Hu Liena's face paled, and she involuntarily took half a step back.

The Charm Skill was forcibly interrupted.

Tang San's fingers twitched.

Dozens of tough Blue Silver Grass vines burst from the ground.

The vines wrapped precisely around Xiao Wu's waist and yanked her back with all their strength.

The Moon Blades skimmed past the hem of Xiao Wu's skirt, cutting off only a few drifting strands of hair.

At first, neither side could gain the upper hand.

The Golden Generation held a clear advantage in strength and destructive power, thanks to their formidable Soul King-level abilities.

Every one of Yan's heavy blows made the arena tremble.

Xie Yue's Moon Blades clung to their opponents like bone-deep poison, forcing the Shrek Seven Devils to defend themselves constantly.

The other four members of the Spirit Hall team kept using Soul Skills from the perimeter, hemming in the Shrek Seven Devils and restricting their movement.

Cheers erupted from the stands.

Most of them were cheering the Spirit Hall Team's fierce assault.

Gu Qing stood on the high platform, his expression unchanged.

Back in the Holy Son's residence, in the council hall, Gu Qing had already pointed out the blind spots in Yan and Xie Yue's use of their Martial Souls.

They had gained some insight, but old habits were hard to change in the heat of battle, especially in such a short time.

Tang San had clearly noticed this too.

"Boss Dai, draw them in from the left!"

"Zhu Zhuqing, cut off their formation on the flank!"

As Tang San used Blue Silver Grass to counter Yan's magma attacks, he rapidly issued his orders.

Dai Mubai roared and gave up his direct confrontation with Yan.

He twisted away and charged at an Auxiliary System Soul Master on the Spirit Hall Team's left flank.

Seeing this, Xie Yue immediately rushed to help, swinging his Moon Blades.

The moment Xie Yue left the center of the battlefield,

Zhu Zhuqing appeared like a phantom behind the Spirit Hall Team's right flank.

The Nether Hundred Claws swept out with a chilling gust, raking furiously at another Control System Soul Master.

Caught off guard, the Soul Master could only hurriedly release a protective barrier of soul light.

With a grating scrape,

Zhu Zhuqing forced the Soul Master back again and again, throwing the formation into disarray.

Hu Liena sensed the formation breaking apart and immediately tried to rush back and help.

How could Tang San give her the chance?

His fourth Soul Ring suddenly blazed.

Blue Silver Cage!

Thick black vines burst from the ground, enclosing Hu Liena and Yan together.

Yan roared in fury, the dark-red flames on his body scorching the Blue Silver Grass wildly.

The vines gave off a burnt smell, but they did not break right away.

"Oscar, Flying Mushroom Sausages!"

Tang San issued another order.

Oscar quickly tossed the sausages he had prepared to everyone.