Forced Marriage

She cast aside the reserve expected of a Saintess of Martial Soul Hall.

She laid her intentions out with absolute clarity.

She even opened her arms, attempting to force herself into Gu Qing's embrace.

Gu Qing frowned, a flicker of annoyance rising in his heart.

Powerful soul power surged once more.

An irresistible force shoved Hu Liena back several steps.

"Do not attempt to challenge my bottom line, and do not play with fire in my presence."

"Get out and cultivate."

"Do not let me see you in this foolish state again."

Gu Qing rebuked her coldly without a shred of courtesy, lacking even the slightest inclination to cherish the fairer sex.

Just as Hu Liena was forced back, her balance wavering as she nearly fell, the heavy, half-closed wooden door of the hall was pushed open from the outside.

Crisp footsteps came to an abrupt halt at the threshold.

A tall, beautiful figure stood silently at the entrance of the hall.

Qian Renxue was dressed in a luxurious golden gown.

Her exquisite face appeared incomparably holy under the illumination of the sunlight.

She had just returned from seeing Bibi Dong.

She had come specifically to discuss the security details for the grand wedding with Gu Qing.

In her hand, she carried an exquisite jade box containing newly arrived premium spirit tea.

However, as her gaze fell upon the center of the hall, she happened to witness the scene of Hu Liena, face flushed and clothes slightly disheveled, lunging toward Gu Qing.

Gu Qing's outstretched arm happened to be positioned right in front of Hu Liena.

From the angle where Qian Renxue stood, Hu Liena's alluring, dripping-wet posture combined with Gu Qing's raised hand looked, from every angle, like the two were engaged in some form of intimate struggle.

The faint, lingering scent of Heavenly Fox Charm Scent in the air further stimulated her nerves, causing the misunderstanding to amplify a thousandfold in Qian Renxue's mind.

The scene in the hall seemed to freeze in place.

The smile that had been gracing Qian Renxue's face instantly stiffened.

Her hands, holding the jade box, gripped it so tightly that her knuckles turned pale.

A surge of intense bitterness and anger welled up in her heart.

With the grand wedding imminent, this man was actually in his own residence, entangled with Bibi Dong's most prized disciple.

And in broad daylight, no less, with the doors not even properly closed.

Qian Renxue bit her lip tightly.

Her intense pride made her disdainful of rushing in to interrogate him like a shrew.

She merely stared coldly at Gu Qing.

That gaze contained disappointment, anger, and grievance.

She did not say a single word.

She did not even offer a redundant question.

Qian Renxue turned around directly.

Without looking back, she strode away from the gates of the Saint Son's residence.

Gu Qing did not immediately give chase.

Inside the council hall of the Saint Son's residence, Yan, Xie Yue, and Hu Liena remained in their kneeling positions.

These three members of the Golden Generation, renowned throughout Martial Soul Hall, had been completely subdued.

Gu Qing waved his hand, signaling for the three of them to withdraw.

Once the hall was empty, Gu Qing smoothed his cuffs and stepped toward the back hall.

The carved wooden door of the back hall was left ajar.

From within the room came the crisp sound of porcelain shattering.

Gu Qing pushed open the door and stepped over the shattered jade fragments on the floor.

Qian Renxue stood before the window, her chest heaving violently.

Her originally flawless and exquisite face was now filled with indignation.

"What are you here for?"

Qian Renxue turned around, her beautiful eyes burning with rage.

"Why aren't you still out there dallying with that vixen?"

Gu Qing's expression remained unchanged as he merely glanced at the mess on the floor.

"Hu Liena attempted to use Charm, and I have already crushed it."

"There is no unnecessary entanglement between her and me."

Gu Qing's tone was calm as he stated the facts of what had just occurred.

Yet, this indifferent attitude only served to make Qian Renxue even more furious.

"No entanglement?"

"I saw with my own eyes how she was clinging to you!"

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

"You have now become the new Saint Son of Martial Soul Hall, holding the Dark Gold Token in your hand."

"You have become a hot commodity in Hu Liena's eyes."

"That woman Bibi Dong is likely dying to pair you two together, just to leave me out in the cold!"

Gu Qing stepped forward, reaching out a hand to soothe Qian Renxue's emotions.

Qian Renxue violently shook off Gu Qing's arm.

"Don't touch me!"

"Gu Qing, I will say this clearly today!"

Qian Renxue's eyes turned slightly red, her voice suddenly rising.

"Even if I, Qian Renxue, were to die, even if I were to end up shattered to pieces, I would never be willing to marry you!"

Hearing these words, Gu Qing's outstretched arm paused in mid-air.

His gaze fell upon Qian Renxue's stubborn yet aggrieved face.

The grand wedding was scheduled for this evening.

Tang Hao, that broken-armed remnant soul, had long since sworn to take his revenge on the day of the wedding and bury everyone in Martial Soul City.

Outside the city, countless factions were gathering in secret.

On the surface, the Shrek Seven Devils were using the pretext of avenging Zhao Wuji to stir up trouble and seize the championship.

Crisis loomed, and undercurrents were surging throughout Martial Soul City.

Gu Qing's mind was entirely occupied with how to utilize the Blue Silver Emperor Right Leg Bone and the Grass Bird Secret Report to set up defenses.

At this moment, Gu Qing truly had no extra energy to coddle a woman throwing a jealous tantrum.

Gu Qing slowly withdrew his hand and clasped it behind his back.

"Think what you will."

"The Soul Master Tournament finals are about to begin, and as the Saint Son, I must preside over all matters in full."

"This secret chamber has been reinforced by my Life-Type Blue Silver Grass; it is very safe."

"Stay here, and do not go anywhere."

After leaving these instructions, Gu Qing turned and walked away.

His pace was steady, without the slightest hesitation.

Qian Renxue watched Gu Qing's departing back, stamping her feet in anger.

"Gu Qing, you bastard!"

The door was closed once more, sealing Qian Renxue's angry curses inside.

After leaving the Saint Son's residence, Gu Qing headed straight for the massive plaza in the center of Martial Soul City.

Martial Soul City was exceptionally boisterous today.

Tens of thousands of soul masters gathered in the spectator stands, the noise deafening.

On the high platform in front of the Pope Palace, Bibi Dong sat upon the throne that symbolized supreme power.

She held her scepter, her gaze indifferent as she looked down at the crowd below.

Gu Qing walked to the front of the high platform, the Dark Gold Token at his waist gleaming brilliantly in the sunlight.

The moment all the soul masters belonging to Martial Soul Hall saw Gu Qing, they bowed in unison.

"Greetings, Your Highness the Saint Son!"

Deafening shouts and cheers resounded through the sky.

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

The entire arena fell silent in an instant.

Gu Qing surveyed his surroundings, his perception quietly spreading outward.

The Grass Bird Secret Report had long since transmitted the layout of the perimeter defenses into Gu Qing's mind.

After confirming that Tang Hao had not yet appeared, Gu Qing cast his gaze toward the preparation area.

Standing there were the two teams about to take the stage.

One side was the Golden Generation, the pride of Martial Soul Hall.

The other was the Shrek Seven Devils, filled with hatred and having fought their way to the grand finals.

Gu Qing drew breath into his dantian, his voice carrying across the entire arena.

"The grand finals of the Elite Advanced Soul Master Academy Competition."

"Martial Soul Hall Academy Team versus Shrek Academy Team."

"Both teams, enter the arena!"

Following Gu Qing's announcement, the two teams stepped out from the tunnels on either side of the arena.

Yan walked at the very front of the Martial Soul Hall team, his body radiating a scorching aura.

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

Hu Liena walked in the center, her figure alluring, a faint pink halo emanating from her body.

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

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

Tang San raised his head, his eyes locked onto Gu Qing on the high platform.

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

In the minds of everyone from Shrek, Gu Qing was the primary culprit behind the death of Zhao Wuji.

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

Xiao Wu, Ma Hongjun, Oscar, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing were likewise filled with burning rage.

They swore that on today's arena, they would use the blood of the Martial Soul Hall team to pay tribute to Zhao Wuji.

Gu Qing took in the hatred of the Shrek group in its entirety.

Yet, there was not a single ripple in his heart.

Everything was under Gu Qing's control.

"The rules of the match: there are no restrictions."

"Continue until one side has completely fallen or been knocked off the stage."

"Now, let the match begin!"

The moment Gu Qing's voice fell, the atmosphere on the arena instantly exploded.

"Martial Soul Possession!"

Yan roared wildly, and dark red flames erupted from within his body.

His Flame Lord martial soul was revealed in an instant.

The scorching high temperature caused the air around the arena to distort.

Xie Yue spread his hands out in front of him.

Two giant blades resembling crescent moons fell into his hands, their edges razor-sharp.

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

Yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black.

Dazzling five-soul rings rose beneath the feet of the three members of the Golden Generation.

The powerful pressure of the Soul Kings crushed toward the Shrek Seven Devils like a physical force.

Tang San did not back down, his own soul rings lighting up as well.

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

Dai Mubai roared at the sky, immediately unleashing his White Tiger Vajra Transformation.

His body surged in size, his muscles bulged, and golden fur covered his entire frame.

Zhu Zhuqing transformed into a black shadow, vanishing from her spot in an instant.

The Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda in Ning Rongrong's hands shone with brilliant light.

Several magnificent rays of colorful light landed accurately within the bodies of the Shrek group.

The boosts to strength and speed took effect instantly.

Yan stomped his feet violently against the ground.

Massive amounts of magma erupted from beneath the earth, surging straight toward Tang San.

"Go to hell!"

Yan swung his massive flaming fists, smashing toward the center of the Shrek formation with violent momentum.

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

The golden beam of light and the dark red flaming fist collided fiercely in mid-air.

The roar was deafening.

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

Dai Mubai let out a muffled groan, retreating three steps before steadying his stance.

The vast gap in Soul Power Level was revealed without a doubt at this moment.

Although Yan was hindered for a moment by the White Tiger Intense Light Wave, his offensive momentum did not weaken.

He continued to advance toward the Shrek camp.

Just then, Xie Yue moved.

Xie Yue's body left behind an afterimage where he had stood.

The Moon Blades in his hands carved out two blinding silver arcs, aiming straight for Xiao Wu on the flank.

The blade light was incredibly fast, accompanied by a sharp whistle that tore through the air.

Tang San's gaze sharpened.

"Fatty, cover!"

Ma Hongjun was already prepared, spewing out a torrent of crimson flames from his Evil Fire Phoenix.

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

Xie Yue's Moon Blades slashed into the fire wall, emitting a sizzling sound.

Taking advantage of the cover provided by the fire wall, Xiao Wu exerted force with her legs and leaped high into the air.

She completed the charge for her Waist Bow while in mid-air.

Hu Liena stood at the rear of the Martial Soul Hall Team, a cold sneer playing on her lips.

A pink halo rippled outward from her body.

Her Charm skill was activated instantly.

An invisible mental wave swept across the entire arena.

Ma Hongjun, having just finished spewing his fire, collided head-on with this mental wave, his eyes instantly turning dazed.

Even Xiao Wu, mid-air, experienced a momentary stiffness in her movements.

Xie Yue seized this opening, reversing his Moon Blades to slash out another fierce arc of blade light.

It looked as though the blade light was about to strike Xiao Wu.

A brilliant purple light flared in Tang San's eyes.

His Purple Demon Eye erupted with a powerful mental shock, clashing directly against Hu Liena's Charm.

The two mental forces collided in the void, creating a violent ripple.

Hu Liena's face turned slightly pale, and she involuntarily took half a step back.

The Charm skill was forcibly interrupted.

Tang San's fingertips flickered.

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

The vines precisely wrapped around Xiao Wu's waist, pulling her forcefully back.

The Moon Blades grazed the hem of Xiao Wu's skirt, severing only a few falling strands of hair.

In the initial exchange, both sides were locked in a stalemate.

The Golden Generation relied on their formidable strength as Soul Kings, holding a clear advantage in raw power and destructive capability.

Every heavy blow from Yan caused the arena to tremble incessantly.

Xie Yue's Moon Blades were like maggots on rotting bone, forcing the members of Shrek to remain on the defensive.

The other four members of the Martial Soul Hall Team continuously unleashed soul skills from the periphery, sealing off the movement space of the Shrek Seven Devils.

The spectator stands erupted in waves of cheers.

Most were cheering for the ferocious offensive of the Martial Soul Hall Team.

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

Back in the council hall of the Saint's Mansion, Gu Qing had already pointed out the blind spots in the martial soul applications of Yan, Xie Yue, and the others.

Although they had gained some insights, it was difficult to change their ingrained combat habits in such a short time during actual combat.

Tang San clearly sensed this as well.

"Boss Dai, lure the enemy on the left!"

"Zhuqing, cut off their flank formation!"

While manipulating his Blue Silver Grass to neutralize Yan's magma attacks, Tang San issued rapid commands.

Dai Mubai let out a roar and abandoned his head-on confrontation with Yan.

His figure swerved, lunging straight toward an auxiliary-system soul master on the left side of the Martial Soul Hall Team.

Seeing this, Xie Yue immediately brandished his Moon Blade to rush to the rescue.

The very moment Xie Yue broke away from the center of the battlefield, Zhuqing appeared like a phantom at the rear right of the Martial Soul Hall Team.

Her Nether Hundred Claws, carrying a bone-chilling gale, clawed frantically at another control-system soul master.

Caught off guard, that soul master could only hastily release their protective soul light.

Accompanied by a teeth-gritting sound of friction, the soul master was forced to retreat repeatedly by Zhuqing, their formation falling into chaos.

Noticing the tear in their formation, Hu Liena immediately attempted to fall back and reinforce.

How could Tang San possibly give her such an opportunity?

His fourth soul ring suddenly flared.

Blue Silver Cage!

Thick, black vines erupted from the earth, directly enclosing Hu Liena and Yan together.

Yan let out an angry roar, the dark red flames on his body burning the Blue Silver Grass frantically.

The vines emitted a scorched smell, but they did not snap immediately.

"Oscar, Flying Mushroom Sausage!"

Tang San issued another order.

Oscar quickly tossed the prepared sausages toward the others.