Division of Spoils, Father and Daughter United

In the distance, Cao Dezhi and Yun Ming, who were locked in battle with the Burning Sun Heavenly Dragon, sensed five familiar auras vanishing from the Spirit Ascension Platform almost at the same moment—Guan Yue, Zang Xin, Cai Yue'er, Zhuo Shi, and Feng Wuyu, one after another.

Cao Dezhi's expression instantly turned incomparably grim.

"Wiped out..." He gritted his teeth, unable to suppress the fury in his voice. "Those three from the Spirit Pagoda actually took them all out? And so quickly!"

Yun Ming said nothing, but his grip on his spear tightened slightly. His gaze passed over the Burning Sun Heavenly Dragon and fell upon the three faintly visible figures in the distance, a trace of gravity flashing through his eyes.

From the very beginning of the battle, both of them had kept their boosting soul skills active. Cao Dezhi's second soul skill, Edge of Breaking Everything, gave the Heartless Sword an extremely powerful armor-piercing effect, practically ignoring defense against opponents of the same rank, along with a fifty percent boost to speed and strength. Yun Ming's first soul skill, Power of Heaven-Supporting, likewise maintained boosts to his strength and speed throughout the entire battle. Even so, they could only rely on the Heaven-Supporting Divine Spear's Martial Soul talent, Air Prohibition, to limit the Burning Sun Heavenly Dragon's flight before barely holding their own against it.

The Burning Sun Heavenly Dragon was simply too powerful. Even an ordinary Soul Emperor without Battle Armor would be unable to defeat it.

Its flames could burn Soul Power, its dragon claws could tear through armor, and when its tail swept out, even the air cracked with explosive booms. Though Cao Dezhi and Yun Ming were both geniuses among geniuses, before an absolute gap in strength, they could only fight while retreating, searching for flaws in the Burning Sun Heavenly Dragon and gradually wearing down its stamina.

They had originally hoped that Guan Yue and Zang Xin would come support them after dealing with the three Spirit Pagoda members. Once all five of them were in place, with Zang Xin's control, Guan Yue's support, Zhuo Shi and Feng Wuyu's frontal restraint, plus Cai Yue'er's boosts, they had been confident they could surround and kill the Burning Sun Heavenly Dragon.

But now, the entire plan had gone down the drain.

"Captain, what do we do now?" Yun Ming knocked aside the Burning Sun Heavenly Dragon's claw with a spear thrust, borrowing the force to retreat as he asked in a low voice.

Cao Dezhi gritted his teeth, ruthlessness flashing through his eyes. "At this point, we can only forcibly drag Xiao Cheng's group into the Burning Sun Heavenly Dragon's battle. Only then will we stand a chance."

"Using a tiger to devour wolves?" Yun Ming instantly understood his intention. "But will Xiao Cheng and the others fall for it?"

"We can only gamble." Cao Dezhi said coldly. "The Burning Sun Heavenly Dragon attacks indiscriminately. As long as we lure the battlefield toward them, it will naturally include them within its attack range. When that happens, even if they don't want to fight, they'll have no choice!"

As he spoke, he feinted with his sword. An arcing sword aura of Edge of Breaking Everything slashed toward the Burning Sun Heavenly Dragon's eye, and then he turned and retreated toward Xiao Cheng's group.

Yun Ming matched his rhythm. White light blazed from the Heaven-Supporting Divine Spear as his second soul skill, Horizontal Cloud Guarding the Abyss, activated. Countless spear shadows surged like a sea of clouds, blocking the Burning Sun Heavenly Dragon's pursuit before he retreated after Cao Dezhi.

Enraged by their attacks, the Burning Sun Heavenly Dragon let out an ear-splitting roar. Its dragon wings spread wide. Though it could not fly, it charged after them on all fours like a moving volcano!

In the distance, Xiao Cheng and the other two quickly noticed Cao Dezhi and Yun Ming's intentions.

"They're bringing the Burning Sun Heavenly Dragon over here." Leng Yaozhu narrowed her eyes. "They want to drag us into the fight too."

"Should we retreat?" Leng Yulai asked.

Xiao Cheng did not answer immediately. Instead, he calmly observed the state of the battlefield.

Cao Dezhi and Yun Ming had indeed expended a great deal. He could sense that their Soul Power fluctuations were no longer as stable as before, and their breathing had become much more hurried. Yun Ming in particular had maintained a boosting soul skill throughout the entire fight, which consumed an enormous amount of Soul Power. Though his spear techniques remained sharp, Xiao Cheng could see that his movements were no longer as fluid as before.

The Burning Sun Heavenly Dragon was not in peak condition either. Its scales were damaged in many places, dragon blood constantly flowed from its wounds, and its breathing had grown labored. Though its flames remained scorching, both their frequency and power had declined.

"We're not retreating." Xiao Cheng shook his head, a smile curling across his lips. "Since they want to fight, we'll fight with them."

"Huh?" Leng Yaozhu froze for a moment. "Are you serious?"

"I am." Azure Sky Divine Spear in hand, Xiao Cheng fixed his gaze on Cao Dezhi and Yun Ming as they drew closer. "The two of them have already expended a lot, and the Burning Sun Heavenly Dragon is no longer in peak condition. Under these circumstances, even in a three-way melee, we might not lose."

He paused, confidence flashing through his eyes. "Besides, I want to see just how capable Shrek Academy's two strongest members of this generation really are."

Leng Yaozhu and Leng Yulai exchanged a glance, and both saw excitement in the other's eyes.

"Fine! Then let's play with them!" Leng Yaozhu drew the Phoenix Feather, flames flowing across its blade.

"I'm ready too." Dark Phoenix Flowing Fire danced in Leng Yulai's palm, its dim flames reflecting off her serious little face.

Rather than retreating, the three advanced and took the initiative to meet them!

When Cao Dezhi saw that Xiao Cheng's group not only had not retreated but had instead come forward to meet them, his heart sank slightly.

They aren't afraid of the Burning Sun Heavenly Dragon? A trace of worry flashed through his mind, but it was quickly replaced by battle intent. There's no other choice now.

With a loud shout, light flared from the Heartless Sword. He drove his second soul skill, Edge of Breaking Everything, to its fullest, turning into a gust of cold wind as he rushed toward Xiao Cheng!

At the same time, the Burning Sun Heavenly Dragon caught up. Seeing three more humans before it, it roared furiously and spewed a scorching torrent of flames from its mouth, sweeping toward everyone!

The three-way melee had officially begun!

Facing Cao Dezhi's incoming Heartless Sword, Xiao Cheng neither dodged nor avoided it. Azure Sky Divine Spear shot forward in a direct thrust, meeting it head-on!

Clang—!!!

Spear and sword collided with a crisp metallic ring!

Cao Dezhi felt an enormous force travel through his sword, numbing his arm slightly and forcing him back two steps!

What tremendous strength! Cao Dezhi was shocked. He had long heard that Xiao Cheng possessed terrifying physical strength, but only upon truly clashing with him did he realize that it was even more frightening than he had imagined. He was a high-level Soul Elder, nearly an entire major realm above Xiao Cheng. He had also absorbed high-year Soul Bones and was receiving the boost from Edge of Breaking Everything, yet he had actually been crushed by Xiao Cheng in terms of strength!

Cao Dezhi snorted coldly. Chilling light flowed over the Heartless Sword as he instantly changed techniques, borrowing the momentum. First soul skill—Heartless Dawn!

Fine, razor-sharp sword auras burst from the Heartless Sword, carrying an icy chill as they swept toward Xiao Cheng! Those sword auras were like countless tiny blades, cutting through the air with shrill whistling sounds!

Yet Xiao Cheng remained unhurried. Azure Sky Divine Spear spun in his hand, its tip transforming into glimmering cold stars that shattered every sword aura one by one!

Clink clink clink clink clink!

A dense string of collisions rang out, like pearls striking a jade plate. Xiao Cheng's spearwork was fast and precise, every thrust striking the weak point of a sword aura and neutralizing Cao Dezhi's attacks completely!

At that moment, a blazing white spear shadow struck from the side—Yun Ming had made his move!

Carrying sharp Spear Intent, the Heaven-Supporting Divine Spear stabbed straight toward Xiao Cheng's ribs! The thrust was fast, vicious, and extremely tricky in angle, clearly a premeditated blow! Furthermore, under the doubled boost of Power of Heaven-Supporting, its speed and strength had reached an astonishing level!

However, as though he had anticipated it all along, Xiao Cheng shifted to the side and swept Azure Sky Divine Spear backward, meeting Yun Ming's Heaven-Supporting Divine Spear exactly!

Clang—!!!

Another deafening collision rang out!

Yun Ming felt a mountain-toppling force surge through his spear, slightly numbing the web between his thumb and forefinger as it drove him back several steps. He immediately steadied himself and activated his second soul skill—Horizontal Cloud Guarding the Abyss!

Gripping his spear with both hands, he swung its shaft sideways. Countless spear shadows surged like a sea of clouds, forming a curtain of spears around him that combined offense and defense! Layer upon layer, it resembled a mottled cloud sea and rolling waves. It blocked Xiao Cheng's potential pursuit while secretly gathering momentum for a counterattack!

Yun Ming's Horizontal Cloud Guarding the Abyss was not merely a defensive soul skill, but one that built momentum as well. Those seemingly chaotic spear shadows were each secretly accumulating power, waiting for the instant of eruption. A rash attack would very likely result in being struck by that long-gathered force.

"Defending without attacking isn't the path to victory." Xiao Cheng spoke indifferently. Azure light blazed from Azure Sky Divine Spear as he unleashed Flood Dragon Exits the Sea, thrusting directly into Yun Ming's spear curtain!

With this strike, he did not choose to bypass the spear curtain and attack Yun Ming's body. Instead, he chose a frontal clash!

Surprise flashed through Yun Ming's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by battle intent. He drove Horizontal Cloud Guarding the Abyss, and countless spear shadows surged like a sea of clouds to meet Xiao Cheng's spear tip!

Boom—!!!

With a thunderous explosion, azure and white light erupted from the point of impact!

Yun Ming's spear curtain shook violently under Xiao Cheng's frontal assault, as though it might collapse at any moment! Yet he clenched his teeth and forcibly stabilized it, while the power he had secretly accumulated began to counterattack!

One spear shadow after another separated from the curtain, surging toward Xiao Cheng like raging waves bursting from a cloud sea!

Xiao Cheng remained composed. Azure Sky Divine Spear moved through his hands like an azure wandering dragon, weaving freely through those spear shadows. His spearwork was exquisite beyond compare, every strike landing on their weak points and breaking them apart one by one!

In only a few breaths, the two clashed repeatedly! Spear shadows crisscrossed, sparks flew everywhere, and the air around them twisted beneath the churning of their Spear Intent!

Then, scorching flames swept in from the side—the Burning Sun Heavenly Dragon had joined the battle!

It opened its dragon maw and fired a flame beam condensed to the extreme at both Xiao Cheng and Yun Ming! This attack distinguished neither friend nor foe. It clearly intended to burn everyone into ash!

"Watch out!" Yun Ming's expression changed. He quickly withdrew his spear and retreated, avoiding the direct impact of the flame beam.

Xiao Cheng also activated Teleportation. With a flash, he vanished from where he stood and avoided the flame beam.

The flame beam struck the ground and blasted out a massive crater. The soil was burned black, releasing a pungent smell.

"This beast really won't stop chasing us!" Cao Dezhi cursed, then swung his sword again and attacked Xiao Cheng!

At the same time, the Burning Sun Heavenly Dragon roared and pounced fiercely toward Cao Dezhi and Xiao Cheng!

Facing attacks from both sides, Xiao Cheng's expression remained unchanged. With a shake of Azure Sky Divine Spear, he first forced Cao Dezhi back with a thrust. Then he flashed again, activating Teleportation to evade the Burning Sun Heavenly Dragon's claws before attacking Yun Ming once more!

Seeing Xiao Cheng charge at him, Yun Ming's heart tightened slightly, but he did not retreat. White light flared from the Heaven-Supporting Divine Spear as he activated his third soul skill—Broken Peak Thousand Heads.

Yun Ming pointed his spear forward. Countless blazing spear shadows appeared, densely arranged in neat ranks behind him to form a Heaven-Supporting Divine Spear formation. With thousands of blades tearing through the air and fingers that shattered peaks, they erupted with unmatched momentum and earth-splitting majesty, sealing off every route of escape for the target.

This was Yun Ming's strongest single-target burst attack! Under the boost of Power of Heaven-Supporting, its might had reached a terrifying level!

Xiao Cheng did not dare treat this attack lightly. He poured the Power of Empty Green into Azure Sky Divine Spear with all his strength. Azure light blazed from the spear, while the Evil God Body's power was driven to its limit. With Azure Sky Evil God Slash, he met it head-on!

Boom—!!!

A deafening explosion shook the air!

Azure and white light erupted at the point of collision, forming a dazzling, chaotic storm of energy! Nearby trees were uprooted, the ground was lifted away in a layer, and shattered stones flew in every direction!

When the smoke and dust dispersed, Xiao Cheng had retreated three steps, while Yun Ming had been forced back seven or eight. The hand gripping his spear trembled faintly, and a trace of blood seeped from the corner of his mouth.

"You're very strong." Yun Ming looked at Xiao Cheng, admiration flashing through his eyes. "Among people our age, you're the strongest I've ever seen."

"You're not bad either." Xiao Cheng said. "If you hadn't expended so much before this, it probably wouldn't have been so easy for me to beat you."

"But a loss is still a loss." Yun Ming gave a bitter smile and turned toward Cao Dezhi. "Captain, let's withdraw."

Cao Dezhi's expression shifted several times before he finally sighed helplessly.

He knew there was no point in continuing. They had consumed too much, while Xiao Cheng's group remained in excellent condition. If they kept fighting, they would only lose even more miserably.

"Xiao Cheng, we admit defeat this time." He said. "But the next time we meet, we won't lose again."

"I'll be waiting." Xiao Cheng said.

Cao Dezhi and Yun Ming exchanged a glance and pressed the exit buttons at the same time. Their figures turned into white light and faded into the air.

Seeing its two opponents disappear, the Burning Sun Heavenly Dragon roared furiously. Yet there were still three opponents left, and it pounced toward Xiao Cheng!

Watching the Burning Sun Heavenly Dragon rush at him, Xiao Cheng smiled.

"Now it's time to deal with you."

Azure Sky Divine Spear in hand, he activated the Evil God Body once more and charged toward the Burning Sun Heavenly Dragon!

Leng Yaozhu and Leng Yulai attacked at the same time. Working together, the three launched a fierce assault against the Burning Sun Heavenly Dragon!

Though the Burning Sun Heavenly Dragon was powerful, its condition had greatly declined after its prolonged battle against Cao Dezhi and Yun Ming. Meanwhile, Xiao Cheng's group was in peak condition and worked together seamlessly, quickly suppressing it.

In the end, under Xiao Cheng's fatal Azure Sky Evil God Slash, the Burning Sun Heavenly Dragon let out an unwilling roar. Its enormous body crashed to the ground, transforming into a massive mass of spirit energy and a crimson wing bone that fell onto the ground.

"Oh dear, we accidentally killed the Burning Sun Heavenly Dragon." Xiao Cheng looked at the Soul Bone on the ground and spoke with feigned surprise. "What should we do now?"

"Since we killed it, we can't let it go to waste." Leng Yaozhu walked over with a grin and picked up the Soul Bone. "We'll reluctantly accept this Soul Bone."

"Is that really okay?" Leng Yulai asked softly. "This belongs to the Spirit Pagoda, after all..."

"What's wrong with it?" Leng Yaozhu said righteously. "We had no choice but to kill the Burning Sun Heavenly Dragon in order to stop the Shrek people from taking it! We're heroes! What's wrong with taking a little loot?"

"Yaozhu is right." Xiao Cheng agreed with a smile. "We're heroes. Taking a little loot is perfectly reasonable."

The three exchanged smiles, then began absorbing the spirit energy dropped by the Burning Sun Heavenly Dragon.

This trip to the Spirit Ascension Platform had yielded quite a harvest.