Among Those Present, Who Wasn't a Chosen One? Who Didn't Have a Mighty Power Backing Them?
Dugu Yan stood frozen in place, her purple eyes filled with shock.
Although she knew Lin Xia was exceptionally talented, witnessing firsthand this unconventional Martial Soul and Soul Ring Configuration was still incredibly impactful.
The awe-inspiring second ring, especially, was truly breathtaking.
Now Dugu Yan finally understood why His Holiness the Pope valued this disciple so much, and felt a mix of fear and relief for her previous "taking care of her younger brother" mentality—this kid was nothing but a monster in the guise of an angel!
Where is she needed to take care of things?
Perhaps... the ones who should be worried are his rivals?
An eerie, deathly silence fell over the entire Martial Arts Arena.
Only the giant flower bud on Ivysaur's back undulated slightly with the fluctuations of Soul Power, and the vines swayed unconsciously, making a soft rustling sound.
Sunlight shone on its deep green body and purple Soul Ring, creating a dazzling interplay that exuded a suffocating, silent intimidation.
Time seemed to stretch out countless times.
In the end, it was Dugu Yan Sheer Force broke the suffocating silence.
Dugu Yan took several deep breaths before she could barely suppress the turmoil in her heart.
She tried to move the corners of her mouth to show a natural smile, but the smile looked stiff and Sisi.
Dugu Yan walked to Lin Xia's side, reaching out as if to pat his shoulder, but then hesitated upon seeing the enormous Ivysaur. Finally, she simply spoke to Lin Xia in a clearly Sheer Force, exaggeratedly admiring tone:
"Wow! Xiao Xia! Your Martial Soul... is... is so amazing!"
Dugu Yan's voice was a few octaves higher than usual, sounding somewhat deliberate.
"This Soul Ring... this Soul Power... my god! This is incredible! No wonder he is the His Highness the Holy Son of the Spirit Hall! I... I am truly... so impressed!"
Dugu Yan's words were dry and awkward, filled with the embarrassment of being at a loss for words.
That "I admire you" carried a deep sense of powerlessness.
What else could she say?
Faced with absolute strength and talent, any words seem pale and powerless.
All she wanted to do at that moment was end this embarrassing situation as quickly as possible, while inwardly groaning.
Isn't this task... a bit too difficult?
This isn't just playing with someone; it's like I'm looking up at an insurmountable peak!
Dugu Yan's forced smile and dry praise served as a mirror, clearly reflecting the turbulent emotions and indescribable complexities in the hearts of everyone present—shock, horror, frustration, disbelief, and a hint of bewilderment in the face of overwhelming talent.
The deathly silence on the Martial Arts Arena was broken by Dugu Yan's somewhat stiff and shocked exclamation. She tried to appear natural, but the shock that came from the depths of her soul made her smile and tone sound somewhat unnatural.
Lin Xia looked at Dugu Yan, and behind her, Yu Tianheng's ashen face, Ning Rongrong's speechless expression of shock, and the gaping mouths of Osler and the others. A hint of understanding flashed in his clear eyes. The harmless smile on his face grew even brighter, like the warm spring sun trying to dispel the chill that had settled in the room.
"Sister Yanyan," Lin Xia's voice was still clear and melodious, with a childlike softness that reached everyone's ears clearly, "Actually, you don't need to worry too much. I've achieved this much entirely thanks to the special care from my master and the elders of the Spirit Hall. All sorts of cultivation resources, simulated environments, and Coaching from amazing teachers—it's all been piling up!"
His explanation was intended to ease the atmosphere and reduce the heaviness in everyone's hearts.
However, as soon as he finished speaking, the atmosphere in the Martial Arts Arena did not ease; instead, it became even more subtly suffocating.
The expressions on everyone's faces became even more complicated.
Favoritism from elders? Prioritized resources?
Who among those present wasn't a chosen one? Who didn't have a powerful force backing them?
Xue Ke, a princess of the Heaven Dou Empire, enjoys the most abundant resources in the empire.
Ning Rongrong, the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, is doted on by Ning Fengzhi and Sword and Bone Douluo, and her resources are even more abundant than those of the Empire.
Yu Tianheng, the young sect leader of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, how much could the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's resources and foundation be inferior to the Spirit Hall?
Dugu Yan, granddaughter of Poison Douluo. Although her grandfather was aloof, everything he gave his granddaughter was a treasure.
Ye Lingling, the Shi Mo Shi Mo brothers, Yu Feng, Osler... aren't they all core members of the family that they've been painstakingly cultivating?
Their resources are top-notch, and their elders take excellent care of them!
But what was the result?
Xue Ke, Level 17.
Ning Rongrong, Class of 2012.
Yu Tianheng, class 32 (but 7 years older than Lin Xia!).
Dugu Yan, class of '31 (also 7 years older!).
The others mostly hovered around level 28-29 in Soul Power Level (and were also much older than Lin Xia).
The boy in front of us, only seven years old, is a true level 29 Soul Grandmaster, possessing a spirit Martial Soul that defies common sense and Second Soul Ring that lasts for a thousand years!
The disparity in how elders treated each other was like another knife stabbing into everyone's hearts.
The idea that it was "piled up" not only failed to offer any comfort, but seemed more like a silent boast—as if to say that the Spirit Hall's "piling up" was not even in the same league as the "piling up" you understood!
Yu Tianheng clenched his fists so tightly his knuckles turned white, and his teeth were clenched.
Dugu Yan's smile froze completely on her face, her eyes filled with extreme complexity.
Ning Rongrong lowered her head in shame and indignation, feeling that her proud family background and talent were a joke in front of Lin Xia.
As a teacher with extensive experience, Yan Zhe immediately realized that Lin Xia's attempt to comfort her had backfired.
He coughed suddenly, his loud voice like the beating of a war drum, Sheer Force drawing everyone's attention back to him.
"Haha! Good! Lin Xia is right. On the path of cultivation, the guidance of one's master and elders is crucial! But even more important is that this talent and Effort Values such dedication!"
Yan Zhe gaze swept across the entire room, deliberately ignoring the unnatural expressions on everyone's faces.
"Everyone should be happy! It's your good fortune to meet such outstanding peers in the Elite Class! Only by following the strong can you become strong faster!"
"Yu Tianheng! Dugu Yan! You guys, stop standing there! Quickly, report your Martial Soul and Soul Power so the new classmate can get to know you! Then, the practical training will begin immediately!"
Yan Zhe Sheer Force pushed the pace forward with an unquestionable commanding tone.
Yu Tianheng took a deep breath, suppressed his turbulent emotions, and stepped forward.
He was, after all, the heir of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, and his pride wouldn't allow him to lose his composure for long.
Yu Tianheng straightened his back, and his voice rang out in a deep yet clear tone.
"Yu Tianheng, Martial Soul: Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, Level 32 Power Attack System Battle Soul Elder."
Dugu Yan followed closely behind, regaining some of her usual aloofness. "Dugu Yan, Martial Soul: Jade Phosphorous Serpent, Level 31 Control-type Battle Soul Elder."
Ye Lingling remained concise. "Ye Lingling, Martial Soul Nine Heart Begonia, Level 28 Support-type Weapon Soul Grandmaster."
The Shi Mo and Shi Mo brothers, in their simple and honest manner, said in turn:
"Shi Mo, Martial Soul: Black Tortoise Turtle, Level 29 Defense-type Battle Soul Master."
"Shi Mo, Martial Soul: Xuanwu Black Tortoise Turtle, Level 29 Defense-type Battle Soul Master."
Yu Feng: "Yu Feng, Martial Soul Wind Bell Bird, Level 29 Agility-Attack Type Battle Soul Master."
Osler: "Osler, Martial Soul: Ghost Leopard, Level 29 Agility-Attack Type Battle Soul Master."
As the senior students announced their strengths one by one, Xue Ke and Ning Rongrong's hearts, which had just calmed down slightly because of Lin Xia's explanation, were once again stirred up into a raging storm!