Holy Fire God Butterfly

Light shot skyward. Within the blazing pillar, a colossal creature spread its wings!

It was a giant butterfly, formed entirely from flowing golden-red flames.

Its wings, fully outstretched, covered most of the Soul Fighting Arena.

Every strand of flame making up its body was solid and tangible, as if forged by a god. It radiated an emperor's domineering majesty and a terrifying heat capable of melting steel.

"The Holy Fire God Butterfly!"

Across from it, the Hell White Tiger, formed through the fusion of Dai Huabin and Zhu Lu, let out a threatening roar.

It was eight meters long, with bulging muscles. Murderous energy swirled between its black-and-white stripes, and it brimmed with a primal desire to kill and destroy.

Yet before the Holy Fire God Butterfly's overwhelming might, the Hell White Tiger's ferocity was utterly suppressed.

"Roar—!"

Dai Huabin forced the Hell White Tiger into motion through sheer will. It drove off with all four limbs, instantly cracking the ground, and its massive body shot toward the butterfly in the sky like a black-and-white bolt of lightning.

Facing this violent charge, the Holy Fire God Butterfly merely hovered there, serene.

Its enormous golden-red wings slowly rose. At the center where they came together, a highly condensed golden orb the size of a fist began to take shape.

The orb drew upon the butterfly's power at an astonishing rate, rapidly expanding.

One meter, two meters, three meters...

At last, a colossal golden fireball more than five meters in diameter floated before the butterfly, like a true miniature sun.

It did not blaze with dazzling light. All its energy was perfectly contained within, and the only thing it gave off was a force capable of destruction.

"Go."

A majestic voice rang out, impossible to tell whether it came from Ji Jing or Wang Dong.

With the might of Thunderous Might, the enormous golden fireball shot forth!

What happened next left the audience gaping in astonishment.

The charging Hell White Tiger had not even come into contact with the golden fireball. While they were still more than ten meters apart, the Soul Power making up its body began to evaporate violently under the terrifying pressure and heat!

It was like an ice cube tossed into a steel furnace. It could not even let out a scream. Its massive body was forcibly dismantled as it charged, then completely collapsed, vanishing into countless black-and-white sparks.

Dai Huabin and Zhu Lu tumbled out of it. Their eyes had rolled back, and the shock wave had knocked them unconscious.

After crushing the Hell White Tiger, the golden fireball lost none of its momentum. Carrying the power to incinerate everything, it hurtled straight toward the protective barrier outside the Soul Fighting Arena!

"Not good!"

In the Shrek viewing stands, Xuan Zi's lazy expression vanished in an instant, replaced by utmost seriousness.

He flashed into existence directly in the fireball's path.

Facing this world-shattering attack, Xuan Zi's eyes widened as he unleashed all his Soul Power without reservation.

He did not dare underestimate it for even a moment. He immediately summoned the immense Soul Power of a Super Douluo, condensing it into a colossal shield before him!

"BOOM—!!!"

The deafening explosion resounded throughout Shrek City!

The golden fireball slammed into the Soul Power shield, and a violent storm of energy swept wildly in every direction.

Xuan Zi grunted. Even the shield he was maintaining with all his strength rippled like the sea!

At last, the fireball ran out of energy and exploded, transforming into a rain of fire.

High above, the enormous Holy Fire God Butterfly faded away. Ji Jing supported the pale Wang Dong as they descended steadily to the ground.

The whole arena fell deathly silent.

Xuan Zi shook his slightly numb arm, suppressing his shock, then proclaimed in a booming voice:

"The champions of this year's freshman assessment are—Team Ji Jing!"

He gave Ji Jing and Wang Dong a long look, but said nothing more. He simply announced:

"The awards ceremony will be held in three days."

With that, he flashed away from the scene.

Staff members immediately came onto the arena and carried the unconscious Dai Huabin and Zhu Lu away on stretchers for treatment. Cui Yajie, looking utterly lost, hurried after them.

Under the awed gazes of all the students, the three from Ji Jing's team left the arena calmly.

At the highest point of the viewing stands, Xuan Zi had returned to his seat. His hands were still trembling slightly, beyond his control.

Just then, an elderly figure leaning on a cane appeared silently beside him.

The moment Xuan Zi saw him, he stood up and bowed respectfully.

"Elder Mu."

The visitor was none other than Mu En, the Limit Douluo who stood as the pillar of Shrek Academy.

Mu En nodded lightly, indicating for him to sit, then asked:

"Xuan Zi, are you all right? What exactly was that Martial Soul Fusion Skill those two children used? I sensed an extremely unusual aura."

Xuan Zi replied gravely:

"Before I blocked that attack, I could clearly sense an aura within it that stood above all things. Before it, my Soul Power was like ordinary iron facing a divine weapon—it was completely suppressed."

Mu En stroked his grizzled beard, his gaze deep. He said only one word:

"Divinity!"

Xuan Zi's eyes widened. He was about to press him for an explanation when Mu En stopped him with a raised hand.

"I'm only guessing. I don't know for certain."

Mu En's voice was calm and firm.

"But the rank contained within it was enough to suppress even me. In this world, the only things that could stand above me and make me feel that way would have to be connected to the divine."

With that, Mu En flashed out of existence.

To celebrate their victory, Ji Jing personally prepared a lavish dinner beside Sea God Lake that evening and invited Beibei and Tang Ya to join them.

The atmosphere at the table was warm and lively.

Tang Ya and Beibei praised the three junior fellow disciples' performance without reservation. The Martial Soul Fusion Skill that had shaken the heavens and split the earth in particular filled them with confidence in the Tang Sect's future.

After a few rounds of drinks and several courses, Ji Jing put down his chopsticks and addressed Huo Yuhao seriously.

"Yuhao, there's something I want to remind you about."

"Your Spiritual Detection played a decisive role in this freshman assessment, but you were still supporting the team from behind the scenes. On the surface, your performance wasn't especially striking."

"I'm worried the Martial Soul Department may not grant you core disciple status right away."

Huo Yuhao paused, then nodded. He had thought of that himself.

Ji Jing continued:

"That might not be a bad thing, though. Your Body Martial Soul gives you a natural advantage in Soul Tools. I suggest you focus on the Soul Guidance Department instead."

"With your talent, becoming a core disciple in the Soul Guidance Department is a sure thing. Developing in both fields means that, in the future, you won't be outdone by any Battle Soul Master in the Power Attack System."

Beibei nodded in agreement.

"That's a great suggestion."

"If Yuhao becomes a core disciple in the Soul Guidance Department, the Tang Sect's future will be completely different. It's the best choice for both you and the Tang Sect."

A look of understanding flashed through Huo Yuhao's eyes. He nodded firmly.

"I understand, eldest senior brother, Ji Jing. I'll apply to the Soul Guidance Department!"