Ice Phoenix

Snow Emperor's body trembled slightly as she leaned her head against Xue Tianyu's solid chest.

Listening to the powerful rhythm of his heartbeat, her internal defenses collapsed in an instant.

"Tianyu..."

Snow Emperor's voice was as faint as a mosquito's hum, yet it carried an unprecedented tenderness.

"Actually... I don't dislike this."

Hearing these words, Ice Emperor, who had been splashing in the water nearby, immediately leaned in.

Ice Emperor blinked her large eyes, smiling like a blooming flower, and reached out to poke Snow Emperor's arm.

"Snow Maiden, you're admitting it just like that?"

"I knew it; no woman could ever resist Tianyu's charm."

Teased by her best friend, Snow Emperor's stunning face flushed an even deeper shade of red.

She extended a jade-like hand and gave Ice Emperor's waist a gentle pinch under the water.

Ice Emperor let out a delicate cry and dove straight into Xue Tianyu's arms, like a clingy little kitten.

Xue Tianyu wrapped his left arm around Ice Emperor and used his right hand to lift Snow Emperor's chin.

"Look into my eyes."

Snow Emperor lifted her head slightly, meeting that intensely aggressive gaze.

"Say what you just said again, but in a different way."

His overbearing tone was laced with absolute will.

Snow Emperor bit her lower lip, struggling violently within for a moment.

In the end, she cast aside all her reserve.

Her jade hand rose slowly to hook around Xue Tianyu's neck.

"Tianyu, I like you."

"The Far North is too cold, and I... I want to stay by your side forever."

This sentence exhausted every ounce of her strength.

After speaking, Snow Emperor buried her face directly into Xue Tianyu's chest, refusing to lift it again.

Xue Tianyu let out a hearty laugh that echoed throughout the Hot Spring Palace.

"Good!"

"Since you've spoken, you are my woman for this lifetime."

"If anyone dares to cast a second glance at you, I will make sure they die without a burial ground!"

Within the hot spring pool, the scenery was boundless with spring.

Over the next few days, the atmosphere in Martial Soul City grew increasingly tense.

The final stage of the Elite Advanced Soul Master Academy Competition officially kicked off.

Led by Xue Tianyu, the Skywater Team marched forward with unstoppable momentum.

Not a single team could hinder them in the slightest.

Whether it was the Royal Team of the Star Luo Empire or the various formidable foes from the Heaven Dou Empire, they were all nothing before Xue Tianyu.

Most of the time, he couldn't even be bothered to release his Martial Soul.

He could sweep the entire arena with just a few strands of Frost Sword Qi.

Any opponent who attempted to resist was frozen into an ice sculpture on the spot.

On the field, as soon as they saw the Skywater Team appear, opponents would often choose to forfeit immediately.

No one was willing to face that youth who resembled a god of slaughter.

The frost on the arena floor would not even have time to melt before the next match had already ended.

Cutting through the competition like a hot knife through butter, the Skywater Team advanced to the grand finals without a shred of suspense.

The grand final arena was set up on the massive plaza in front of the Pope Palace of Martial Soul Hall.

The morning sun spilled onto the magnificent, golden dome of the Pope Palace, refracting a dazzling light.

The plaza was surrounded by fully armed Holy Emperor Warriors.

The clanking of armor created a solemn and grave atmosphere, carrying a suffocating pressure.

Pope Bibi Dong sat enthroned upon the supreme Pope's chair.

Holding the gemstone scepter that symbolized her power, she looked down upon the arena with a condescending gaze.

Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo stood on either side, their auras deep and unfathomable.

Only three teams remained standing on the grand final stage.

The Martial Soul Hall Academy team, led by the Golden Generation of Martial Soul Hall.

The Blazing Fire Academy team, led by Huo Wushuang and Huo Wu.

And the Skywater Team, led by Xue Tianyu.

The referee stood in the center of the arena, loudly announcing the final rules of the competition.

"The finals will follow an elimination format!"

"From these three teams, the final champion shall be decided!"

As soon as the referee's voice fell, Huo Wushuang of Blazing Fire Academy raised his right hand directly.

"We, Blazing Fire Academy, forfeit the fight for the championship!"

"We concede!"

The entire arena erupted in an uproar.

Countless gazes instantly converged upon the members of Blazing Fire Academy.

Huo Wushuang's face was filled with bitterness as he looked toward the direction of the Skywater Team.

The scene from the preliminary round a few days ago, where Xue Tianyu ignited the Extreme Cold Domain with a single drop of water and froze their entire team into ice sculptures, remained their nightmare to this day.

Competing for the championship against a monster like that was simply courting death.

Huo Wu bit her lip; though she was unwilling, she had no choice but to lower her head.

She knew deep down that going up there was just throwing their lives away.

Bibi Dong frowned slightly, feeling a trace of displeasure at Blazing Fire Academy's cowardice.

However, she did not say much, merely locking her gaze onto Xue Tianyu.

"Since Blazing Fire Academy has forfeited."

The referee announced loudly, his voice echoing across the entire plaza.

"Then the battle for the championship shall unfold between Martial Soul Hall Academy and the Skywater Team!"

The seven members of the Martial Soul Hall team immediately walked onto the arena.

Hu Liena walked at the very front, her figure alluring, yet her eyes revealed a deep, venomous resentment.

Xie Yue and Yan followed closely behind, intense fluctuations of soul power radiating from their bodies.

The encounter outside the Hot Spring Palace a few days ago was viewed by them as a supreme humiliation.

Today, they would reclaim the dignity of Martial Soul Hall under the gaze of the entire continent.

On the side of the Skywater Team, Shui Bing'er and the others were just about to step forward.

Xue Tianyu raised a hand to stop them.

"You all can just watch from below."

Shui Bing'er was stunned.

"Captain, this is the finals; we are facing the Golden Generation of Martial Soul Hall."

Xue Tianyu didn't even turn his head, his gaze sweeping toward the arena with disdain.

"Do you really need the whole team to deal with a few pieces of trash?"

He walked onto the arena alone, his steps calm and composed.

On the vast competition field, on the side of the Skywater Team, only the solitary figure of Xue Tianyu remained.

Watching this scene, Hu Liena trembled with rage.

"Xue Tianyu, you are too arrogant!"

"You dare to come up alone for the finals?"

Xue Tianyu stood with his hands behind his back, looking at Hu Liena with cold eyes.

"Arrogance requires the strength to back it up."

"And you lot are only fit to be trampled under my feet."

He extended a finger and pointed at Hu Liena.

"I'll give you a chance."

"Today, I will challenge you, Hu Liena, one-on-one."

"As long as you can make me take half a step back, this final shall be considered a victory for your Martial Soul Hall."

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire arena fell into a deathly silence.

Immediately afterward, earth-shaking exclamations erupted from the stands.

Countless soul masters widened their eyes, staring in horror at the tall, upright youth on the stage.

Making the core of the Martial Soul Hall Golden Generation take half a step back would count as a loss?

What incredible arrogance!

Hu Liena laughed in fury, her delicate features twisting into a grimace.

"Xue Tianyu, do you really think you're invincible?"

"Today, I am going to tear that mouth of yours to shreds!"

On the Pope's throne, Bibi Dong gripped her scepter, a flash of chilling murderous intent crossing her eyes.

This brat actually dared to hold the dignity of Martial Soul Hall in such contempt!

The referee looked toward Bibi Dong, seeking her instruction.

Bibi Dong gave a slight nod, her face as cold as frost.

The referee immediately raised his right hand and swung it down forcefully.

"Skywater Academy versus Martial Soul Hall Academy, the match begins!"

Boom!

On the Martial Soul Hall team's side, all seven members released their martial souls simultaneously.

Colorful spirit rings instantly illuminated the entire plaza.

Hu Liena let out a sharp, piercing shriek.

Martial Soul Possession: Demon Fox!

A furry fox tail sprouted from behind her, and an aura of enchantment erupted from her body.

Yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black—five spirit rings pulsed rhythmically beneath her feet.

As the Saintess of Martial Soul Hall, her strength towered over the masses.

"Fox Charm!"

The second spirit ring beneath Hu Liena's feet flared brightly.

A dense cloud of pink mist spewed from her mouth, instantly surging to envelop Xue Tianyu.

This pink mist contained immense mental control power.

Once inhaled, even a high-level Spirit Emperor would instantly lose the ability to resist.

Xue Tianyu stood where he was, not even lifting an eyelid.

He allowed the pink mist to wrap completely around him.

Seeing this, Hu Liena let out a coquettish laugh.

"Not even dodging? You truly don't know how to value your life."

"In the face of my charm, the strength you're so proud of won't be able to manifest at all!"

Xie Yue drew his Moon Blade, and Yan manifested the arms of his Magma Behemoth.

Just as the two were about to charge into the mist to deliver a fatal blow to Xue Tianyu, a crisp shattering sound suddenly echoed from the center of the fog.

Crack! Crack!

The dense pink mist began to freeze at a speed visible to the naked eye!

The pink vapor turned into countless tiny ice crystals, clattering as they fell to the ground.

In the blink of an eye, all the mist dissipated into nothingness.

Xue Tianyu stood in place, completely unscathed.

The surrounding air had plummeted to an intensely frigid freezing point.

He brushed the ice shavings off his sleeves, his face full of mockery.

"Is this the charm you're so proud of?"

"Low-class tricks, yet you dare to show them off in front of me."

Hu Liena's expression changed drastically, shock overwhelming her.

Her charm skill hadn't even been able to touch the opponent's mental defenses in the slightest!

"This is impossible!"

Hu Liena shrieked, her fourth spirit ring erupting with blinding black light.

"Demon Fox Fire!"

Clusters of dark red fox fire coalesced in mid-air, carrying intense heat as they rained down upon Xue Tianyu, covering the sky.

Each cluster of fox fire contained destructive power.

It was enough to melt refined steel into molten iron.

Xue Tianyu let out a cold snort.

"Playing with fire?"

"This fire of yours isn't even fit to warm my hands."

He stomped his right foot violently against the ground.

BOOM!

With him at the center, a layer of deep blue frost instantly swept across the entire arena.

Extreme Cold Domain, erupt!

The terrifying low temperature caused the surrounding space to ripple with visible waves.

Those dark red fox fires that had been raining down were extinguished mid-air the moment they touched the Extreme Cold Domain!

Not even a single Fire Spark remained.

The floor tiles of the entire arena began to crack, and a thick layer of ice covered every inch of the corners.

Hu Liena felt that bone-chilling cold, and her body began to tremble violently and uncontrollably.

The kind of fear that felt as if it would freeze her very blood left her mind completely blank.

"Now, it is my turn."

As soon as Xue Tianyu's voice fell, his figure vanished from where he stood.

His speed was so fast that not even an afterimage remained.

Hu Liena's pupils constricted sharply as an intense sense of impending death enveloped her entire body.

"Liena, watch out!"

In the distance, Xie Yue roared, his two Moon Blades flying from his hands in an attempt to intercept.

However, Xue Tianyu had already appeared before Hu Liena like a Ghost.

He ignored the incoming Moon Blades.

With a backhand, he slapped Hu Liena hard across her delicate cheek.

SLAP!!!

The crisp, resounding sound of the slap echoed throughout the entire plaza.

Hu Liena was sent flying like a kite with a broken string, spinning seven or eight times in the air before crashing heavily onto the hard ice.

Pfft!

She spat out a mouthful of blood, which contained several shattered teeth.

Half of her cheek swelled up instantly, and the red imprint of five fingers was clearly visible.

"You... you dare hit my face?!"

Hu Liena clutched her face, her eyes filled with humiliation and venom.

Since she was a child, as the Saintess of the Martial Soul Hall, she had never suffered such a disgraceful insult.

Xue Tianyu walked toward her step by step, his eyes filled with nothing but extreme contempt.

"What if I hit you?"

"With that look of yours, do you really think every man in the world must revolve around you?"

The two flying Moon Blades stopped in mid-air half a foot from Xue Tianyu's back.

A thick layer of frost froze them solid, and then they shattered inch by inch, turning into scrap metal on the ground.

Xie Yue suffered a backlash from his Martial Soul, spitting out a mouthful of blood as he collapsed to his knees.

Yan let out a furious roar, his entire body erupting with terrifying magma.

"Bastard, I'm going to kill you!"

Waving his massive lava fists like a crazed beast, he charged toward Xue Tianyu's back.

The other members of the Martial Soul Hall team also unleashed their strongest soul skills, attempting to flank him from the sides.

Xue Tianyu did not stop his pace, nor did he even turn his head.

He casually swung his hand backward.

A Frost Sword Qi several yards long tore through the air!

The sword qi was extremely sharp, carrying the momentum to tear through everything.

Sizzle!

The lava on Yan's body was instantly split in two.

The sword qi struck Yan's chest with brutal force.

Yan let out a shrill, pig-like scream as a terrifying wound, deep enough to see bone, appeared on his chest.

Not a single drop of blood flowed from the wound.

Because the extreme cold had already frozen his blood vessels and internal organs.

Yan's massive body crashed to the ground, and he fainted on the spot, his life or death unknown.

Immediately following, the remaining power of the sword qi swept across the entire arena unabated.

The remaining four members of the Martial Soul Hall team didn't even have time to scream before their spirit power defenses were severed at the waist.

The four of them flew backward in unison, crashing against the edge of the arena, all of them heavily injured and unconscious.

One move!

With just a single move, he had crippled the majority of the combat strength of Martial Soul Hall's Golden Generation.

The entire arena fell into a deathly silence, leaving only the sound of heavy breathing from the crowd.

Bibi Dong, standing on the steps of the Pope Palace, suddenly rose to her feet.

A terrifying pressure of spirit power erupted from her body, causing the surrounding air to distort.

She stared at Xue Tianyu on the arena, her eyes burning with rage.

Xue Tianyu walked up to Hu Liena and looked down at her from above.

"Is this all the capability your Martial Soul Hall's Golden Generation has?"

Hu Liena endured the intense pain, struggling as she tried to crawl back up.

"I haven't lost yet!"

The pitch-black fifth spirit ring at her feet suddenly erupted with unprecedented radiance.

At the same time, she forcibly channeled all the remaining spirit power within her body.

Demon Fox Martial Soul Avatar!

A massive phantom of a Nine-Tailed Demon Fox coalesced behind her.

The demon fox's eyes were blood-red, emitting a piercing, shrill cry.

The giant fox tails, like steel whips, whistled through the air as they lashed fiercely toward the top of Xue Tianyu's head.

This strike condensed all of Hu Liena's unwillingness and fury.

Xue Tianyu didn't even spare the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox a glance.

He slowly raised his right hand.

In the center of his palm, a crystalline Ice Snow Lotus bloomed silently.

Immediately following, a clear and resonant phoenix cry echoed through the heavens!

SCREECH!!!

The power of ultimate frost transformed into an Ice Phoenix dozens of meters long, soaring into the sky.