My Master, Sword Douluo Chen Xin

Oscar successfully absorbed the soul ring of the Phoenix-tail Crested Serpent, gaining a third soul skill that provided one minute of flight. Everyone was happy for him, and the previously tense atmosphere eased significantly.

Seeing that the objective was achieved, Zhao Wuji signaled for everyone to prepare to return to the academy.

However, just as the group finished packing and prepared to depart, a sudden, unprompted surge of intense soul power erupted from Tang San, who stood to the side!

The fluctuation was swift and violent, causing the surrounding air to seem to stagnate. Tang San let out a muffled groan and sat cross-legged; a flicker of pain crossed his face, but it was quickly overshadowed by surprise. The Mysterious Heaven Skill within him surged wildly, and the bottleneck at level twenty-nine, accumulated through successive battles and pressure, was shattered in one fell swoop!

"Level thirty! Little San has reached level thirty too!" Xiao Wu was the first to cry out in surprise.

The group looked at one another, their faces displaying expressions of disbelief mixed with a touch of numbness. Two students breaking through to level thirty in a single day—this Shrek Academy was truly a gathering place for monsters.

Zhao Wuji rubbed his throbbing temples and grimaced, unsure whether to laugh or cry: "Damn it, this is great. Not only was the trip a waste, but now we have to dive back in. Flender, that old ghost, already headed back, so now it's all up to me."

Complaints aside, obtaining soul rings for his students was a teacher's duty. Zhao Wuji had no choice but to pull himself together and lead the group deeper into the mixed zone of the Star Dou Great Forest to find a suitable soul beast for Tang San.

Lin Yi followed Ning Rongrong in silence, though he understood the situation perfectly. He knew that, according to the "plot," the great upheaval was about to occur. He secretly adjusted his state, the soul power of his Snow Lotus martial soul flowing slowly through his meridians, ready to respond to any emergency.

Finding a thousand-year soul beast suitable for a control-type Blue Silver Grass was no easy task, especially given Tang San's specific requirements for the beast's species and traits. The group moved cautiously through the dense jungle, encountering several thousand-year soul beasts along the way, but none met the criteria.

As the sky gradually darkened, the atmosphere in the forest became increasingly eerie and dangerous. Zhao Wuji was just about to order the group to find a place to camp for the night and continue the search tomorrow.

Just then—

"ROAR—!!!"

A terrifying roar, as if from the primordial age, exploded like a thunderclap, shaking the entire forest! An indescribable, terrifying pressure swept out from the depths of the forest like a physical tsunami, instantly engulfing everyone!

Thump! Thump!

The weaker members, Oscar, Ma Hongjun, and Ning Rongrong, were instantly paralyzed by the pressure, collapsing to the ground with pale faces, struggling even to breathe. Dai Mubai, Zhu Zhuqing, Tang San, and Xiao Wu barely managed to hold their ground, their bodies trembling violently, their eyes filled with horror.

Zhao Wuji's expression changed drastically. He instantly released his seven soul rings, his Vajra Bear martial soul avatar manifesting as he attempted to resist the pressure, roaring, "Everyone, gather round! Prepare for battle!"

However, before his words could fade, a mountain-like figure appeared at the edge of their vision, its footsteps causing the earth to crack.

It was a giant ape covered in fur as black as iron, standing over fifteen meters tall. Its muscles were knotted with explosive power, and its lantern-sized, amber eyes radiated an aura of coldness and savagery.

The Titan Giant Ape! One of the kings of the forest, a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast!

"Er Ming..." A flicker of complexity crossed Xiao Wu's eyes the moment she saw the Titan Giant Ape, but it was quickly replaced by anxiety. She could not let Er Ming hurt her companions!

Zhao Wuji's eyes were bloodshot. He knew that against such an existence, fleeing was futile; he could only fight to the death! He roared, his seventh soul ring shining as he charged at the Titan Giant Ape with all his might, attempting to buy a sliver of hope for his students.

But the gap in strength was too vast. The Titan Giant Ape merely swiped its massive palm, and an irresistible, terrifying force erupted. Zhao Wuji's seemingly indestructible defense shattered like paper; his massive bear form was swatted away, snapping several giant trees before slamming into the ground. He vomited blood and instantly fell into a coma, severely injured!

"Teacher Zhao!" Tang San and the others cried out.

At that moment, the Titan Giant Ape's gaze seemed to lock onto Xiao Wu. Its massive hand reached out again, but instead of attacking, it scooped up the startled Xiao Wu with a gentleness that belied its size. It turned and strode away, sprinting toward the core of the forest, the ground groaning beneath its feet.

"Xiao Wu—!!!" Watching Xiao Wu being taken away, Tang San let out a heart-wrenching roar, his eyes instantly turning blood-red. Without a moment's hesitation, he snatched the Flying Mushroom Sausage Oscar had just produced and shoved it into his mouth. Pale red wings sprouted from his back, and he transformed into a streak of light, chasing desperately in the direction the Titan Giant Ape had vanished!

Everything happened too quickly; from the appearance of the Titan Giant Ape to the abduction of Xiao Wu, only a few breaths had passed.

Dai Mubai, Zhu Zhuqing, and the others barely recovered from the terrifying pressure. Seeing Zhao Wuji unconscious, Xiao Wu abducted, and Tang San in pursuit, they were momentarily thrown into a panic.

"Teacher Zhao!" Ning Rongrong looked at the motionless Zhao Wuji on the ground, her face drained of color.

"Calm down!" A steady voice rang out, acting like an anchor that settled the panicked group.

Lin Yi had appeared beside Zhao Wuji at some point, his expression grave but his eyes calm. He quickly checked Zhao Wuji's injuries: internal organ trauma, multiple fractures, and chaotic soul power. The injuries were severe, but fortunately, not immediately life-threatening.

"Mubai, Zhuqing, you are responsible for the perimeter. Be careful of other powerful soul beasts being attracted here. Oscar, keep making the mushroom sausages in case of emergency. Hongjun, keep an eye on the sky." Lin Yi issued orders rapidly, his tone brooks no argument. The calmness and decisiveness he displayed caused Dai Mubai and the others to instinctively obey.

After making the arrangements, Lin Yi knelt down, his palm hovering over Zhao Wuji's chest. A soft white light flowed from his palm, pouring into Zhao Wuji like a warm spring. It was the first soul skill of his Snow Lotus martial soul—Healing Light.

But unlike ordinary Healing Light, the soul power Lin Yi injected was purer and more majestic, carrying the unique life-purifying aura of the Snow Lotus, efficiently repairing Zhao Wuji's damaged organs and meridians while stabilizing his chaotic soul power.

At the same time, the second yellow soul ring at his feet flickered, and a translucent, crystalline Ice Lotus petal phantom unfolded, enveloping both Zhao Wuji and himself. This was his second soul skill, Ice Lotus Protection. It was not for defense against attacks, but to isolate them from potential external interference and auras, ensuring the healing process remained undisturbed.

After about the time it takes to burn an incense stick, amidst the anxious waiting of the group, Zhao Wuji coughed violently, spat out a mouthful of stagnant blood, and slowly regained consciousness. Though still weak, his life was no longer in danger. He looked at Lin Yi with a mixture of shock and gratitude. He knew how severe his injuries were; to be pulled back from the gates of death in such a short time, Lin Yi's healing ability was likely far beyond his imagination.

"Teacher Zhao, how do you feel?" Ning Rongrong asked hurriedly.

"I'm not dead yet..." Zhao Wuji's voice was hoarse as he struggled to sit up. "Where is Little San? Did he chase after them?"

Dai Mubai nodded with a heavy expression.

"Foolish! He's going to his death!" Zhao Wuji was both anxious and angry.

"There is no use saying that now." Lin Yi supported Zhao Wuji, saying calmly, "The priority is to find Tang San. Teacher Zhao, your injuries haven't healed; you shouldn't move too much. Rongrong, you and the others stay here to look after Teacher Zhao. I will take Mubai and Zhuqing to follow the tracks and find Tang San."

His arrangement was reasonable, and no one objected. Lin Yi, Dai Mubai, and Zhu Zhuqing immediately followed the tracks left by Tang San and the Titan Giant Ape, moving quickly.

The tracking process was not smooth; the Titan Giant Ape's strides were too large, and the tracks were intermittent. The three were burning with anxiety, terrified that they would arrive only to find Tang San's corpse.

Finally, after passing through an area filled with faint toxic miasma, they heard the sounds of fighting and a shrill, mournful cry ahead.

The three accelerated, and the sight before them made them gasp.

In a desolate clearing, a massive spider-type soul beast with a hideous human face—a Man Faced Demon Spider—lay in a pool of blood, clearly killed only moments ago. Tang San was kneeling to the side, pale and panting, his body covered in green blood and dust, but his eyes were exceptionally bright, and his hands seemed to be clutching something tightly...

He had succeeded! He had actually managed to kill a powerful Man Faced Demon Spider with a cultivation of over two thousand years, all on his own!

However, before Dai Mubai and the others could step forward to congratulate him, two powerful auras suddenly locked onto them from the woods to the side.

It was none other than Dragon Duke Meng Shu and his wife, Chao Tianxiang, who had returned!

Dragon Duke Meng Shu swept his gaze over the corpse of the Man Faced Demon Spider, then looked at the strangely composed Tang San, before finally landing on Lin Yi and the others. His eyes were as sharp as blades, and he made no effort to conceal his Spirit Douluo-level pressure: "Hmph! What a small world! We had our eyes on this Man Faced Demon Spider first; we've been chasing it for half a day, only to have you lot reap the benefits! Brat, let's see what you have to say for yourselves this time!"

The powerful pressure turned the faces of Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing pale, making it difficult for them to breathe. Tang San also struggled to stand, his eyes grave.

Just as the atmosphere grew tense, Lin Yi stepped forward, blocking the path in front of Tang San and Dai Mubai. Facing the immense pressure from Dragon Duke Meng Shu, his expression remained calm; he merely cupped his hands slightly and said neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Junior Lin Yi greets Senior Dragon Duke and Senior Snake Matriarch."

Dragon Duke Meng Shu let out a cold snort, making no move to withdraw his pressure.

As if he could not feel the suffocating pressure at all, Lin Yi continued calmly, "This Man Faced Demon Spider was killed by my friend Tang San at the risk of his own life to obtain his third soul ring; we did not intend to contend with you, Seniors. I hope you will see the truth of the matter."

"Killed at the risk of his life? By a mere Soul Grand Master?" Chao Tianxiang sneered. "Boy, do not spout nonsense! We must take this soul beast today!"

Lin Yi raised his head, looking directly at Dragon Duke Meng Shu. His tone remained peaceful, but the content of his words caused everyone present—including Dai Mubai, Zhu Zhuqing, and Tang San behind him—to tremble in shock:

"If you insist on this, Seniors, although my strength is meager, I dare not tarnish my master's reputation. My master is Chen Xin; surely you two have heard of him."

"Sword Douluo, Chen Xin?!"

Dragon Duke Meng Shu and Chao Tianxiang exclaimed almost simultaneously. The arrogance and killing intent on their faces froze instantly, replaced by deep shock and wariness.

Sword Douluo Chen Xin, the world's number one offensive Title Douluo, had extinguished countless powerhouses beneath his Seven Kill Sword! His reputation was enough to shake the entire soul master world! Although the Peerless Dragon and Snake couple were well-known, they were nothing compared to that decisive peak of the sword path!

Dragon Duke Meng Shu stared fixedly at Lin Yi, seemingly trying to find a trace of a lie on his face. But all he saw was a bottomless calm and a composure that belied his age. Recalling the healing abilities Lin Yi had previously displayed, along with his Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect background... he already believed him seven or eight parts.

To offend the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, especially that terrifying Sword Douluo, for the sake of a thousand-year soul beast? That would be an act of utter stupidity!

The muscles on Dragon Duke Meng Shu's face twitched a few times. Finally, the massive pressure receded like a receding tide. He took a deep look at Lin Yi, then glanced at the strangely conditioned Tang San, and let out a cold snort. Without saying a word, he grabbed the still-unwilling Chao Tianxiang and turned to vanish rapidly into the dense forest, as if afraid that leaving a second later would be too late.

Not until their presence had completely vanished did Dai Mubai and the others let out long sighs of relief, their backs soaked in cold sweat. They looked at Lin Yi, who still stood there calmly, their eyes filled with an indescribable complexity. A single name had frightened away the powerful Peerless Dragon and Snake couple!

Tang San looked at Lin Yi's back, his heart surging with waves. He had originally thought he had already overestimated this guard of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, but he had never expected the other's background to be so astonishing! A disciple of Sword Douluo... no wonder he possessed such strength and bearing.

Lin Yi turned around, acting as if he had just done something trivial, and said to Tang San, "Hurry and absorb your soul ring; this place is not suitable for a long stay."