Ch. 61The Tournament Begins

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Wang Yan, the Shrek Academy teacher, reassures his students about their chances in the tournament, mentioning they can send Ma Xiaotao and Ling Luochen if needed.
  • Wang Dong reflects on her journey to Shrek Academy and encounters Yao Shi in Star Luo City.
  • Yao Shi reveals he left Shrek Academy and is now studying at the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy.
  • The Soul Master Tournament begins, and the teams draw lots for their matches.

Character Developments

  • Wang Dong: Shows determination to prove herself in the tournament and expresses her feelings of betrayal towards Yao Shi for leaving Shrek Academy without telling her.
  • Yao Shi: Reveals he left Shrek Academy due to feeling undervalued and decides to study Soul Tool knowledge at the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy.

Significant Themes

  • Confidence in one's abilities and the expectations of others (Wang Yan's reassurance to his students, Wang Dong's determination).
  • Betrayal and the pain of not knowing why someone left (Wang Dong's feelings towards Yao Shi).
  • The pursuit of knowledge and personal growth (Yao Shi's decision to study Soul Tool knowledge).

Character Interactions

  • Wang Dong and Yao Shi: Reunite and discuss their past, with Wang Dong expressing her hurt feelings and Yao Shi explaining his reasons for leaving Shrek Academy.
  • Wang Dong and Meng Hongchen: Briefly interact, with Meng Hongchen showing curiosity about Yao Shi's past and Wang Dong feeling irritated by Meng Hongchen's closeness to Yao Shi.

Ch. 62Has Shrek Fallen?

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Dueling Tournament begins.
  • Shrek Academy's reserve team faces Tianling Advanced Soul Master Academy in the first knockout round.
  • The audience is surprised and disappointed by Shrek's team composition, with only three Soul Ancestors, two Soul Elders, and two Soul Grand Masters.

Character Developments

  • Yao Shi reveals he knows the Star Luo Princess, Xu Jiujiu.
  • Meng Hongchen becomes suspicious of Yao Shi's background.
  • The Shrek team members feel nervous but determined before their first match.

Significant Themes

  • The prestige and expectations surrounding Shrek Academy.
  • The impact of age and experience on competition.
  • The importance of team dynamics and strategy.

Character Interactions

  • Yao Shi interacts with Princess Xu Jiujiu, drawing Meng Hongchen's suspicion.
  • Wang Yan encourages the Shrek team before their match.
  • Elder Ma expresses his disdain for Shrek Academy's team selection and warns Ma Rulong.

Ch. 63First Day of the Tournament, Auction House

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Shrek Academy's reserve team faces Tianling Advanced Soul Master Academy. Despite the opponents' initial excitement, Shrek Academy's team swiftly defeats them in under a minute.
  • Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy sends only four five-ringed Soul Masters and fifth-grade Soul Engineers to compete, causing a stir due to their perceived arrogance.
  • Yao Shi, Meng Hongchen, and Xiao Hongchen attend an auction at the Starlight Auction House.

Character Developments

  • Elder Ma's assumptions about Shrek Academy are proven wrong, leading to a shift in his perspective.
  • Yao Shi's reluctance to accompany Meng Hongchen is futile, and he eventually gives in to her persistence.

Significant Themes

  • Arrogance vs. Humility: Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy's overconfidence contrasts with Shrek Academy's underestimation, highlighting the dangers of both extremes.
  • Teamwork and Strategy: Shrek Academy's team demonstrates effective teamwork and strategic planning, leading to a swift victory.

Character Interactions

  • Elder Ma and Xiao Hongchen: Elder Ma's assumptions are challenged by Xiao Hongchen's insights, leading to a tense moment that is later defused.
  • Yao Shi and Meng Hongchen: Yao Shi's reluctance to accompany Meng Hongchen is a recurring theme, with Meng Hongchen's persistence ultimately winning out.

Ch. 64Soul Devouring Carving Knife

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The chapter takes place in the Starlight Auction House, dedicated to Soul Tools below Class 6.
  • The final lot is a seemingly ordinary carving knife, later revealed to be the infamous Soul Devouring Carving Knife, ranked 99th among listed carving knives and known for its malevolent reputation.

Character Developments

  • Yao Shi, Meng Hongchen, and Xiao Hongchen attend the auction. Yao Shi recognizes the auctioneer, Qing Ya, as an acquaintance from his past.
  • Meng Hongchen initially feels Qing Ya is looking at Yao Shi, but he clarifies they are just friends.

Significant Themes

  • The allure and danger of powerful, yet cursed items (the Soul Devouring Carving Knife).
  • The value and desirability of items can be subjective, as seen in the audience's varied reactions to the carving knife.

Character Interactions

  • Yao Shi, Meng Hongchen, and Xiao Hongchen interact casually, with Yao Shi providing information about Qing Ya.
  • The audience reacts with fear and disinterest to the Soul Devouring Carving Knife, contrasting with Qing Ya's attempts to sell it.
  • Yao Shi is the only one to show initial surprise and interest in the carving knife.

Ch. 65Awakening the Life Metal

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Yao Shi bids and wins the notorious Soul Devouring Carving Knife at an auction, despite warnings from friends.
  • Qing Ya, the auctioneer, is concerned about Yao Shi's safety and tries to discourage him but to no avail.
  • Yao Shi takes the knife back to his Glazed Abundance Pure Land and successfully purifies it using the Pure Land's energy.
  • He uses Creation and Evolution to awaken the Life Metal, transforming the carving knife into a humanoid doll.

Character Developments

  • Yao Shi demonstrates confidence and determination in his decision to buy the Soul Devouring Carving Knife, showing his growth and maturity.
  • Qing Ya shows concern for Yao Shi's safety, revealing her caring nature.
  • Meng Hongchen and Xiao Hongchen express worry about Yao Shi's decision but ultimately support him.

Significant Themes

  • Risk vs. Reward: Yao Shi takes a significant risk by purchasing the Soul Devouring Carving Knife, but he believes the potential reward justifies it.
  • Friendship and Concern: Qing Ya, Meng Hongchen, and Xiao Hongchen express their concern for Yao Shi's safety, highlighting the importance of friendship in their world.

Character Interactions

  • Yao Shi interacts with Qing Ya, Meng Hongchen, and Xiao Hongchen, showing their close friendship and mutual concern for each other's well-being.
  • Yao Shi interacts with Snow Empress, Ice Empress, Little White, and Han Xiao within the Pure Land, demonstrating his leadership and their trust in him.

Ch. 66The Abilities of Life Metal, Another Crisis at Shrek Academy

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Yao Shi successfully brings life to a metal carving knife, naming it "Little Spirit."
  • Little Spirit reveals it can create ninth-grade Soul Tools using its knowledge and abilities, with the Pure Land's Abundance power aiding in repair.
  • Shrek Academy's reinforcements, led by Elder Xuan, fail to arrive due to an ambush by evil Soul Masters, resulting in four disciples' deaths.

Character Developments

  • Yao Shi: Shows interest in Little Spirit's abilities and plans to use it for his intelligent machines project.
  • Little Spirit: Demonstrates its ability to create high-grade Soul Tools and self-repair, showing initiative and intelligence.
  • Elder Xuan: Implied to be unreliable due to consecutive incidents under his watch, raising concerns about his leadership.

Significant Themes

  • The power of life and intelligence, as demonstrated by Little Spirit.
  • The consequences of inaction and poor leadership, as seen through Elder Xuan's failures.

Character Interactions

  • Yao Shi and Little Spirit: Yao Shi tests Little Spirit's abilities, and they discuss future plans.
  • Shrek Academy members: Discuss the absence of reinforcements and the possibility of forfeiting the tournament due to Elder Xuan's failures.

Ch. 67Loop Stage, Yao Shi Takes the Field

Chapter Summary: “Loop Stage, Yao Shi Takes the Field”

Key Plot Points and Events

  • During the loop stage of the Soul Fighting Tournament, Shrek Academy is forced to continue competing despite lacking available students. Bei Bei insists that they should fight rather than retreat, believing withdrawal would betray Shrek’s principles.
  • The Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy draws a one-on-one relay elimination match against Steel Armor Academy.
  • Yao Shi volunteers to compete, despite originally being intended only as an observer. Elder Ma hesitates because Dean Jing had ordered Yao Shi and the other reserve members not to fight, but ultimately allows him to participate.
  • Yao Shi enters the first match against Shi Wudi, a five-ring defensive Soul Master from Steel Armor Academy.
  • Shi Wudi underestimates Yao Shi because of his youthful and beautiful appearance, but Yao Shi effortlessly dodges his attack and defeats him with a single use of Emperor’s Palm, Great Cold, No Snow.
  • Yao Shi’s attack freezes Shi Wudi and his shield into an ice sculpture, ending the match almost instantly.
  • Shrek’s team recognizes that Yao Shi possesses an Ultimate ice-and-snow attribute, shocking them because they knew him previously as a student with a vine Martial Soul and only two rings.

Character Developments

  • Yao Shi demonstrates overwhelming growth and confidence. He has advanced from a two-ring Soul Grandmaster to a four-ring Soul Ancestor in only a few months and appears to possess a second, Ultimate ice-and-snow Martial Soul.
  • Elder Ma shifts from caution to approval, recognizing that Yao Shi may be powerful enough to dominate the match while still worrying about the consequences if he is injured.
  • Bei Bei shows loyalty and courage by arguing that Shrek should fight honorably despite its severe disadvantages.
  • Ma Xiaotao initially dismisses Yao Shi as an insignificant former student but is stunned when she learns that he once defeated the Hell White Tiger during the freshman assessment. She immediately considers recruiting him to help resolve her Evil Fire problem.
  • Wang Yan becomes deeply disturbed by Yao Shi’s transformation and realizes that Shrek may have disastrously overlooked a rare genius.
  • Dai Huabin reacts with anger and resentment because Yao Shi, who once defeated him, is now fighting for the Sun Moon Empire.
  • Ling Luochеn correctly identifies the extreme ice-and-snow power in Yao Shi’s technique, confirming its Ultimate attribute.

Significant Themes

  • Pride and perseverance: Shrek’s students refuse to surrender without fighting, emphasizing the academy’s ideals of courage and honor.
  • Hidden talent and institutional failure: Yao Shi’s rapid advancement suggests that Shrek Academy seriously underestimated him by denying him core disciple status.
  • Prejudice and underestimation: Shi Wudi and Ma Xiaotao both judge Yao Shi by his appearance or past status, only to discover that he is far stronger than expected.
  • Rivalry between nations and academies: Yao Shi’s appearance on the Sun Moon team intensifies tensions, particularly for Dai Huabin, who views him as a former Shrek student now aiding an enemy power.
  • Extraordinary growth: Yao Shi’s development highlights the possibilities of rare talent, twin Martial Souls, Ultimate attributes, and rapid cultivation breakthroughs.

Character Interactions

  • Bei Bei pleads with Wang Yan to let Shrek fight rather than retreat.
  • Elder Ma and the substitute members discuss Yao Shi’s participation, with the substitutes strongly supporting his ability.
  • Xiao Hongchen is privately offended by Yao Shi’s claim that Soul Ancestors and Soul Kings cannot threaten him, motivating him to consider challenging Yao Shi later.
  • Ma Xiaotao questions Yao Shi’s background, while Ning Tian and Zhu Lu explain his history and past victory over the Hell White Tiger.
  • Shi Wudi patronizes Yao Shi and promises not to hurt him, but Yao Shi responds calmly and defeats him with ease.
  • Yao Shi’s victory causes the Shrek team to reassess both his strength and the academy’s earlier decision to reject him as a core disciple.

Ch. 68What the Ice and Snow Goddess Was Supposed to Be

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy wins the first two matches of the individual elimination relay against Steel Armor Academy.
  • Yao Shi, a four-ring Soul Ancestor, defeats two five-ring Soul Kings with a single palm strike each.
  • Yao Shi requests and is granted permission to fight five Steel Armor Academy members at once.
  • Yao Shi uses a domain-type soul skill, "Snow Dance Shining Sun," to suppress and defeat all five opponents simultaneously.

Character Developments

  • Yao Shi demonstrates incredible strength and confidence, growing from a seemingly ordinary student to a formidable Soul Master.
  • Steel Armor Academy's team leader acknowledges Yao Shi's power and concedes defeat.

Significant Themes

  • The rarity and power of domain-type soul skills.
  • The tension between the Sun Moon Empire and the original three nations of Douluo Continent.
  • The cheering audience's shift in focus from the academy to Yao Shi as the "Ice and Snow Goddess."

Character Interactions

  • Yao Shi shows respect and sincerity when challenging Steel Armor Academy's team.
  • Steel Armor Academy's team leader and members recognize Yao Shi's strength and concede defeat.
  • Elder Ma, Xiao Hongchen, and Meng Hongchen from the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy express pride and amazement at Yao Shi's performance.

Ch. 69Sari Lang! Sari Lang!

Chapter Summary: “Sari Lang! Sari Lang!”

Key Plot Points and Events

  • After Yao Shi’s spectacular one-against-seven victory, the crowd begins chanting “Ice and Snow Goddess” in admiration of his twin Martial Souls, ultimate attributes, and domain.
  • Wang Yan and Ma Xiaotao discuss recruiting Yao Shi back to Shrek Academy by offering him core disciple status, though Wang Yan recognizes that Yao Shi is now an important student of Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy.
  • Yao Shi is warmly congratulated by the Sun Moon team. Xiao Hongchen, initially discouraged by Yao Shi’s talent, regains his composure by teasing him about being called the “Ice and Snow Goddess.” Meng Hongchen knocks Xiao unconscious for mocking him.
  • In the afternoon, Shrek Academy faces Zhengtian Academy in a seven-versus-seven round-robin match.
  • Because Shrek lacks sufficient Soul Kings and Ma Xiaotao is one of their strongest fighters, she volunteers to participate despite the danger posed by her unstable Evil Fire.
  • Shrek’s team consists of Ma Xiaotao, Bei Bei, Xu Sanshi, Jiang Nannan, Ning Tian, Dai Huabin, and Zhu Lu. Wang Yan orders Ning Tian to immediately provide buffs and Dai Huabin and Zhu Lu to use their Martial Soul Fusion Skill.
  • Shrek initially struggles because Ma Xiaotao is suppressing her Evil Fire, while Zhengtian’s Tang Xiaolei interferes with Ning Tian and Yang Yifan restrains the Hell White Tiger.
  • Ma Xiaotao’s condition changes when Yan’er attacks her with fireballs. Because Ma Xiaotao’s flames are stronger, she absorbs the fireballs, accidentally triggering the Evil Fire within her.
  • Ma Xiaotao loses control and unleashes devastating black-tinged flames. Yan’er loses her left arm while three of Zhengtian Academy’s agility-type members are burned to death. The other surviving members suffer lesser injuries.
  • Zhengtian Academy surrenders, but Ma Xiaotao remains unconscious and continues attacking. The referee, a Title Douluo, is forced to block her flames and warns that Shrek will be disqualified if she does not stop.
  • Ma Xiaotao eventually regains a small amount of awareness and collapses. However, her body remains so dangerously hot that Bei Bei is burned when he tries to help her.

Character Developments

  • Yao Shi: His remarkable abilities attract admiration from the public and renewed interest from Shrek Academy, confirming his exceptional talent and growing importance to the tournament.
  • Xiao Hongchen: His envy and frustration over Yao Shi’s talent temporarily disappear when he jokes about Yao Shi’s nickname, revealing his competitive but playful personality.
  • Ma Xiaotao: Her power is shown to be both overwhelming and unstable. The match demonstrates the destructive danger of her Evil Fire and her inability to fully control it under pressure.
  • Wang Yan: He makes a difficult strategic decision by allowing Ma Xiaotao to fight, prioritizing Shrek’s chances of victory despite the risks.
  • Shrek’s team: They rely heavily on coordinated tactics, Ning Tian’s support, and Dai Huabin and Zhu Lu’s fusion skill, but ultimately Ma Xiaotao’s uncontrolled strength determines the outcome.
  • Zhengtian Academy: Their confidence collapses rapidly after Ma Xiaotao’s rampage, leaving them unable to continue despite beginning the match with a tactical advantage.

Significant Themes

  • Power and loss of control: Ma Xiaotao’s immense strength becomes a liability when her Evil Fire is awakened, showing that raw power without control can cause catastrophe.
  • The danger of competition: Although the event is a tournament, the battle produces real deaths, forcing spectators and officials to confront how thin the line is between sport and lethal combat.
  • Reputation and recruitment: Yao Shi’s performance highlights how exceptional talent attracts attention from rival institutions, while Shrek’s desire to reclaim him reflects the importance of status and recognition.
  • Moral ambiguity: The audience debates whether the deaths are an unavoidable consequence of battle or an unacceptable escalation, illustrating conflicting views of responsibility and fairness.
  • Team strategy versus individual strength: Shrek enters with carefully planned tactics, but Ma Xiaotao’s uncontrolled power ultimately overwhelms both strategies and the opposing team.

Character Interactions

  • Wang Yan and Ma Xiaotao discuss bringing Yao Shi back to Shrek, with Ma Xiaotao advocating the offer of core disciple status.
  • Xiao Hongchen teases Yao Shi over the “Ice and Snow Goddess” nickname, prompting Meng Hongchen to knock him unconscious.
  • Ma Xiaotao reassures Wang Yan that she can suppress her Evil Fire and coordinate with Ling Luochen if necessary.
  • Ma Xiaotao exchanges words with Zhengtian’s captain, Ye Wuqing, before the match, both displaying confidence in their teams.
  • Yan’er’s fire attack unintentionally triggers Ma Xiaotao’s Evil Fire, transforming the course of the battle.
  • The referee repeatedly orders Ma Xiaotao to stop and ultimately shields Zhengtian’s surviving members from her flames.
  • Bei Bei attempts to assist the fallen Ma Xiaotao but is burned by the heat still radiating from her body.

Ch. 70Shrek Academy Leaves Early, the Championship Belongs to Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy

Chapter Summary

1. Key Plot Points and Events

  • After Ma Xiaotao loses control of her Evil Fire and collapses, Ling Luochen tries to cool her with ice, but Ma’s body is so overheated that the ice immediately evaporates.
  • Wang Yan concludes that Shrek Academy cannot continue the tournament without Ma Xiaotao. Since reinforcements are unavailable and the reserve team is too weak to face multiple Soul Kings or Soul Emperors, he recommends withdrawing.
  • Bei Bei accepts the decision, promising that Shrek will return in five years to reclaim its honor. The team leaves the arena to prioritize Ma Xiaotao’s treatment.
  • The damaged arena delays the afternoon matches. Later, Yao Shi attends a high-level auction with the Hongchen siblings and obtains the Ice Jade Scorpion’s Ice Explosion Soul Bone.
  • Shrek officially forfeits the remainder of the round-robin stage, causing a public uproar. Many spectators demand refunds and criticize the academy for abandoning the tournament.
  • Star Luo Emperor Xu Jiawei explains that Shrek had been attacked by Evil Soul Masters before the competition, forcing it to use a reserve team and eventually withdraw. Public anger gradually subsides.
  • Without Shrek, Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy dominates the tournament. Yao Shi controls the battlefield with her ice-and-snow domain while her teammates overwhelm opponents with Soul Tools.
  • The final is set between Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy and Star Luo Royal Academy.
  • Xu Jiawei reveals that Yao Shi is originally a citizen of the Star Luo Empire who had once studied at Shrek Academy. She left after the academy failed to recognize her talent.
  • White Tiger Duke Dai Hao suggests killing Yao Shi if she cannot be recruited, fearing that her domain ability could devastate Star Luo forces in a future war. Xu Jiawei instead decides to attempt recruitment and privately recognizes the empire’s failure to support talented commoners.
  • Dai Hao becomes the final referee. The championship begins in a team battle under the two-two-three format.
  • Xu Jiujiu tries to trap Yao Shi with a Level Seven Absolute Defense Soul Tool, but Sun Moon Academy immediately responds with overwhelming Soul Tool firepower.
  • Yao Shi activates Snow Dance Shining Sun, freezing the arena except for the area occupied by her teammates. The chapter ends as Xu Jiujiu uses Star’s Protection to shield her entire team from the bombardment.

2. Character Developments

  • Ma Xiaotao: Her destructive Evil Fire leaves her incapacitated, showing both the danger of her power and the cost of relying on her as Shrek’s main combat force.
  • Ling Luochen: Demonstrates loyalty and determination by attempting to carry and cool Ma Xiaotao despite being unable to withstand the heat.
  • Wang Yan: Acts pragmatically and protectively, placing the students’ safety above Shrek’s reputation.
  • Bei Bei and the reserve team: Though deeply humiliated, they accept responsibility for withdrawing and vow to become strong enough to restore Shrek’s glory.
  • Yao Shi: Emerges as the tournament’s most frightening prodigy. Her battlefield-wide domain and confident attitude establish her as a dominant force and a major political threat.
  • Xu Jiujiu: Shows tactical awareness by targeting Yao Shi first, but becomes intimidated when Sun Moon Academy reveals its superior coordination and Soul Tool arsenal.
  • Xu Jiawei: Appears politically calculating but also recognizes the Star Luo Empire’s failure to provide opportunities for commoner talents.
  • Dai Hao: Displays hostility toward Yao Shi and views her primarily as a future military danger.

3. Significant Themes

  • Honor versus survival: Shrek chooses to withdraw rather than sacrifice its remaining students, accepting temporary humiliation to preserve its future.
  • The consequences of neglecting talent: Yao Shi’s rise highlights Shrek’s failure to identify and support her potential, while the Star Luo Empire’s lack of accessible Martial Soul awakening services is also criticized.
  • Changing forms of power: Sun Moon Academy’s victory reflects the growing importance of Soul Tools and coordinated firepower alongside traditional soul skills.
  • Political tension and nationalism: Yao Shi’s status as a Star Luo citizen fighting for the Sun Moon Empire turns the tournament into a reflection of the wider conflict between the two nations.
  • The burden of genius: Yao Shi is admired as a prodigy but also treated as a weapon or threat by political leaders.

4. Character Interactions

  • Ling Luochen and Wang Yan work together to stabilize and transport Ma Xiaotao.
  • Wang Yan persuades the Shrek students to prioritize their safety, while Bei Bei formally accepts the withdrawal.
  • Yao Shi bonds with the Hongchen siblings through their shared participation in Sun Moon Academy’s dominant team.
  • Xu Jiawei and Dai Hao discuss Yao Shi’s origins, potential recruitment, and whether she should be eliminated as a future threat.
  • Xu Jiujiu and Yao Shi exchange polite but tense remarks before the final. Jiujiu claims she will not hold back, prompting Yao Shi to promise the same.
  • During the opening clash, Xu Jiujiu attempts to neutralize Yao Shi, while Xiao Hongchen, Meng Hongchen, Ma Rulong, and the rest of Sun Moon Academy immediately coordinate a massive Soul Tool assault.

Ch. 71Final Battle of the Individual Matches

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Xiao Hongchen's attacks fail to damage Xu Jiujiu's Star's Protection.
  • Sun Moon Imperial Academy uses the Nine-Turn Soul-Changing Instrument, temporarily boosting Huang Heyun's power to near Soul Sage level.
  • Ma Rulong uses the Sword of Judgment to injure Huang Heyun, preventing him from further attacks.
  • Yao Shi breaks free from Xu Jiujiu's trap and destroys Star's Protection with Emperor's Sword.
  • Star Luo Royal Academy concedes the team battle, and Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy wins.
  • Individual elimination matches begin. Meng Hongchen, with her Vermilion-Eyed Ice Toad Martial Soul, wins six consecutive matches against lower-cultivation opponents.

Character Developments

  • Yao Shi demonstrates his ability to break Xu Jiujiu's absolute defense Soul Tool, showcasing his immense power and talent.
  • Meng Hongchen proves her strength and versatility in the individual elimination matches, easily defeating opponents with her poison and ice abilities.

Significant Themes

  • The power of Soul Tools and their strategic use in battle.
  • The importance of teamwork and adaptability in Soul Master Academy tournaments.
  • The significance of individual strength and talent, as seen in Yao Shi and Meng Hongchen's performances.

Character Interactions

  • Ma Rulong and Huang Heyun clash, with Ma Rulong using the Sword of Judgment to injure Huang Heyun.
  • Yao Shi and Xu Jiujiu face off, with Yao Shi ultimately breaking free and destroying Xu Jiujiu's Star's Protection.
  • Meng Hongchen defeats six consecutive opponents in the individual elimination matches, showcasing her dominance.

Ch. 72The Tournament Concludes, a God Descends?

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Xu Jiujiu, despite being a Soul King, loses to Meng Hongchen due to her auxiliary-type Soul Master role and the lack of her powerful defensive soul skill, Star's Protection.
  • Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy wins both the team and individual matches, making them the champions of the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Fighting Tournament.
  • Yao Shi declines to choose a soul bone from the royal treasury, as he cannot fuse with them due to his unique body rejecting them.
  • Yao Shi decides to visit his grandfather in Bluestone Town before returning to the Sun Moon Empire.

Character Developments

  • Xu Jiujiu accepts her defeat and acknowledges Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy's dominance.
  • Yao Shi demonstrates his humility and selflessness by declining the soul bone and prioritizing his grandfather's company.
  • Meng Hongchen shows concern for Yao Shi's well-being and safety.

Significant Themes

  • The theme of acceptance and defeat is shown through Xu Jiujiu's acknowledgment of Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy's superiority.
  • Yao Shi's selflessness and humility are highlighted as he prioritizes his family over personal gain.

Character Interactions

  • Xu Jiujiu and Meng Hongchen's battle showcases their skills and the disparity between their Soul Master types.
  • Yao Shi and Meng Hongchen's farewell emphasizes their sibling-like bond and mutual respect.
  • Yao Shi's internal monologue reveals his affection and concern for his grandfather.

Additional Note

  • The chapter ends with a mysterious, powerful entity addressing Yao Shi, hinting at an upcoming confrontation or revelation about Yao Shi's true nature or destiny.

Ch. 73Tang San Appeared, Yao Shi Fell

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Tang San, now a God King, appears and kills Yao Shi, the Life God King's inheritor, with his Asura Divine Technique, Annihilation.
  • Yao Shi's death affects Tang Ya and Huo Yuhao, causing them immense pain and leaving them traumatized.

Character Developments

  • Tang San: Revealed to be a God King, showing his immense power and ruthlessness in eliminating Yao Shi.
  • Yao Shi: Dies at the hands of Tang San, but his death affects Tang Ya and Huo Yuhao, hinting at a possible connection.
  • Tang Ya: Experiences backlash from Yao Shi's death, causing her to convulse in pain and vow revenge against Tang San.
  • Huo Yuhao: Also affected by Yao Shi's death, leading him to question his future plans and the loss of his benefactor.

Significant Themes

  • Power and its consequences: Tang San's immense power as a God King leads to Yao Shi's death, affecting others in the process.
  • Revenge and its cyclical nature: Tang Ya's desire for revenge against Tang San hints at a potential continuation of the cycle of vengeance.
  • Loss and trauma: Both Tang Ya and Huo Yuhao experience loss and trauma due to Yao Shi's death, shaping their future actions.

Character Interactions

  • Tang San and Yao Shi: Their interaction is brief but intense, leading to Yao Shi's death and Tang San's departure.
  • Tang Ya and Yao Shi (implied): Their connection is hinted at through Tang Ya's reaction to Yao Shi's death and her vow for revenge.
  • Huo Yuhao and Yao Shi (implied): Huo Yuhao's reaction to Yao Shi's death shows their close relationship and the impact of the loss on him.

Ch. 74By the Lake of Life, the Wishes of All Beings, the Mark That Refused No Wish

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Huo Yuhao awakes from his coma, driven by rage and a desire for vengeance against the god Tang San who killed his brother Yao.
  • Electrolux reveals that Yao Shi might still be alive, as his mark on Huo Yuhao remains, and he had never seen such a powerful ability at Yao Shi's level.
  • Di Tian, the Golden-Eyed Black Dragon King, reports to his master, who is hidden beneath the Lake of Life, about the sudden appearance and disappearance of the Asura God King.
  • Yao Shi regains consciousness in a strange, golden-green void, where he hears prayers and gains a new skill, [All Wishes Accepted: Mark That Refused No Wish].

Character Developments

  • Huo Yuhao's resolve strengthens, driven by his desire to avenge Yao Shi and become stronger.
  • Electrolux shows concern for Huo Yuhao's well-being and agrees to help him.
  • Di Tian displays loyalty and concern for his master's well-being, but also expresses anxiety about the growing threat of humanity.
  • Yao Shi regains consciousness and gains a new skill, but his physical form is missing.

Significant Themes

  • Revenge and the desire for power.
  • The passage of time and its impact on different species.
  • The power of prayers and wishes.

Character Interactions

  • Huo Yuhao and Electrolux discuss Huo Yuhao's desire for vengeance and Electrolux agrees to help him.
  • Di Tian interacts with his master, reporting the Asura God King's appearance and seeking guidance.
  • Yao Shi interacts with the prayers of all beings, gaining a new skill.

Ch. 75Compassionate Medicine King, Abundance Pharmacist

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Yao Shi enters an incorporeal, transcendent state in which he perceives countless beings across the universe. Through his “myriad eyes,” he witnesses widespread suffering:
    • An elderly man tormented by illness and his wife praying for his recovery.
    • A six-year-old boy suffering from a lifelong disease, attempting to comfort his mother and sister despite knowing he may die.
    • Villagers in a desert slowly dying from thirst and starvation.
    • An elf lamenting her inability to cultivate because she lacks a spiritual root.
    • A wounded Soul Beast helplessly being devoured by another.
  • Hearing countless pleas for survival, relief, and immortality, Yao Shi is overwhelmed by compassion. He declares that he will use “Abundance” to protect living beings, cure suffering, and sustain their vitality.
  • The people who hear his voice ask who he is. Yao Shi names himself the Compassionate Medicine King, the Abundance Pharmacist, marking the apparent emergence or declaration of his divine identity.
  • Meanwhile, the Shrek reserve team returns to Shrek Academy after being eliminated during the tournament’s round-robin stage, failing to reach the top thirty-six.
  • Yan Shaozhe and Cai Mei’er wait at the academy gates. Although the team performed poorly, Yan Shaozhe makes clear that Wang Yan is not to blame because the major failures resulted from Xuan Zi’s mistakes.
  • Yan Shaozhe takes responsibility for Ma Xiaotao, whose Evil Fire has stabilized, while Cai Mei’er reassures the rest of the team that the academy will not punish them harshly.
  • Cai Mei’er reveals that Elder Mu has ordered the entire reserve team to visit Sea God Pavilion, an extraordinary honor normally reserved for the academy’s highest-ranking elders and deans.

Character Developments

  • Yao Shi undergoes a major transformation in perspective and identity. By directly witnessing suffering throughout the universe, he develops a profound compassion for all living beings and resolves to become a force that provides healing, protection, and abundance.
  • The dying and suffering people collectively represent the helplessness of ordinary beings facing disease, poverty, disaster, lack of talent, and predation.
  • The six-year-old boy displays painful maturity, trying to prepare his family for his death while still expressing a deep desire to live.
  • Wang Yan returns feeling responsible for the team’s defeat, but Yan Shaozhe explicitly absolves him of blame, recognizing his efforts under disastrous circumstances.
  • Ma Xiaotao remains physically vulnerable due to her Evil Fire condition and must be carried back by Ling Luochen, though her condition has stabilized.
  • The reserve team shifts from humiliation and anxiety over their tournament defeat to surprise and anticipation after learning that Elder Mu wishes to meet them personally.

Significant Themes

  • Compassion and universal suffering: Yao Shi’s vision emphasizes that pain exists everywhere, affecting humans, elves, Soul Beasts, and other beings alike.
  • The desire to live: Repeated pleas such as “I don’t want to die” and “I want to live” establish survival as a universal instinct shared by all life.
  • Healing versus helplessness: The chapter contrasts the inability of ordinary people to overcome disease, poverty, and disaster with Yao Shi’s vow to provide medicine and abundance.
  • Divine responsibility: Yao Shi does not merely gain power; he accepts a moral duty to use it for the benefit of suffering beings.
  • Failure and forgiveness: The Shrek team’s defeat is acknowledged, but the academy chooses understanding rather than punishment, highlighting responsibility, loyalty, and institutional support.
  • Honor and hidden significance: The invitation to Sea God Pavilion suggests that the reserve team’s return has greater importance than their tournament results alone reveal.

Character Interactions

  • The elderly couple’s desperate prayers and the sick child’s conversations with his sister illustrate familial love under extreme hardship.
  • The desert villagers and their chief discuss the unfairness of their lives, revealing shared despair and resignation.
  • Yao Shi symbolically responds to all of these suffering beings, promising relief and protection even though he cannot physically interact with them yet.
  • Yan Shaozhe reassures Wang Yan that the tournament failure was not his fault, while Cai Mei’er offers comfort to the returning students.
  • Yan Shaozhe takes Ma Xiaotao from Ling Luochen and personally examines her condition, demonstrating the deans’ concern for the team.
  • Cai Mei’er informs the stunned reserve members of Elder Mu’s summons, transforming their return from a humiliating defeat into an unexpected opportunity.

Ch. 76Shrek Academy's Future, Your Relative

Shrek Academy's Future, Your Relative

Sea God Island was very quiet, as if no one lived there at all.
Everything was peaceful and tranquil, like a paradise removed from the world.
Cai Mei'er led the seven of them along a small path until they arrived before a three-story brown wooden building.
On the plaque directly above the first-floor entrance were the words "Sea God Pavilion."
"You're here?"
An aged voice rang out, and the previously pitch-black room suddenly lit up.
The sight left the seven reserve team members utterly stunned.
The light also revealed the old man sitting quietly in a reclining chair.
"Elder Mu."
Cai Mei'er bowed slightly to the old man and spoke respectfully.
The other seven immediately followed suit and bowed as well.
Bei Bei, however, was completely bewildered.
What was going on? Why did that back look so much like my great-grandfather's?
He was the master of Sea God Pavilion?
Could I actually be the young master of Shrek Academy?
Before he could think any further, the old man's voice continued.
"I already know about your performance in the tournament. Although you did not perform particularly well, your courage in the face of pressure is worthy of praise. I called you here today because there are some matters I need to explain to you."
As he spoke, Mu En slowly turned around.
"As the seven strongest students among all the outer academy students this year, you are also the next generation of the Shrek Seven Monsters. The academy's great responsibility in the future will rest upon your shoulders. Therefore, over the next few years, Bei Bei, Jiang Nannan, and Xu Sanshi, the three of you will undergo the inner academy assessment ahead of schedule this semester. If you pass, you will enter the inner academy to study."
"Dai Huabin, Wang Dong, Zhu Lu, and Ning Tian, you will remain on Sea God Island for a time. During this period, you will study under me and the academy elders for two years. After two years, you will return to the outer academy. At the Soul Fighting Tournament five years from now, you will wipe away this humiliation and reclaim Shrek Academy's glory."
An early assessment?
Study under the elders?
All seven were shocked upon hearing this.
Study under the masters of Sea God Pavilion? Did they really qualify for that now?
"Alright, go back and pack your things first. Mei'er, go notify Lin'er and have her come over."
"Yes."
Cai Mei'er replied respectfully, then left Sea God Pavilion.
The other seven did not linger either. After bowing to Elder Mu once more, they followed her out.
...
Half an hour later.
Cai Mei'er returned to Sea God Pavilion, with Xian Lin'er, the dean of the Soul Guidance Department, following behind her.
"Elder Mu, you wanted to see me?"
"Mhm."
Only after everyone had arrived did Mu En slowly speak.
"Lin'er, tell me, how does the development of our Soul Tools compare to those of the Sun Moon Empire?"
Xian Lin'er gritted her teeth. Though unwilling, she had no choice but to admit it.
"We are far behind them."
"Yes, far behind them." Mu En let out a long sigh.
"Over the past thirty years, Soul Tools have developed at an astonishing pace, changing almost by the day. The era is advancing, yet we have remained stagnant. It is time to change our students' mindset of rejecting Soul Tools. Otherwise, we will eventually be eliminated by the times, just like..."
"The Tang Sect."
Mu En shifted his reclining chair and controlled it as it moved out of Sea God Pavilion, with Cai Mei'er and Xian Lin'er following closely behind.
"Lin'er, within the next few days, send a letter to the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy in the name of the Soul Guidance Department. Propose an exchange program and send our Soul Guidance Department students there to study."
"Discuss the matter carefully. I require that within five years at most, the Martial Soul Department and Soul Guidance Department must begin to integrate. Martial Soul Department students must add one Soul Engineer class per week. I do not require them to make Soul Tools, but they must at least be able to use some ordinary ones."
Mu En spoke these words with great solemnity, but the next moment, his expression became desolate.
"I don't have much time left..."
"Elder Mu..."
Mu En raised a hand, stopping them from speaking.
"Remember this: the development of Soul Tools can no longer be reversed. The extent to which Soul Tools may develop in the future is beyond anything we can imagine. Now is also the time for us to make our move."
"Shrek Academy has never lacked geniuses, nor do we lack high-level combat power. But the future path for Soul Masters must be combat through the combination of Martial Souls and Soul Tools. If we continue to look down on them like this, we will only end up at a dead end like the Tang Sect."
"So while I can still protect the academy, I must push forward the development of both as quickly as possible."
"Pass these words on to Shaozhe, the other teachers, and those students. If they still refuse to take this seriously, if they still refuse to change, then Shrek Academy will not be far from destruction."
"Yes."
...
Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy.
"It has been three days. Why hasn't Junior Brother returned yet?"
Meng Hongchen lay by the room's window, thinking anxiously.
Could something have happened to him?
At that thought, Meng Hongchen abruptly shook her head. "No, no. Maybe the journey was simply too far, and he is still on his way back. Junior Brother must be worried about his grandfather's health, so he probably slowed down on the way here."
"Mm, that must be it."
Star Dou Great Forest, where Yao Shi had fallen.
"Have you found anything unusual?"
Di Tian ordered Xiong Jun and King of Ten Thousand Monsters to lead several dozen Soul Beasts here to investigate and see whether the Asura God had left behind any traces.
"No. There is not a single trace here. It is as though no one ever came."
King of Ten Thousand Monsters shook his head beside him.
Over the past few days, he had first sent dozens of intelligent Soul Beasts here. When they found nothing, he and Xiong Jun came personally today, but they still found nothing.
"Hmph, there is nothing here at all. I think our lord and Di Tian are simply worrying too much."
"Shh, watch your mouth. Do you have a death wish?"
Hearing Xiong Jun's words, King of Ten Thousand Monsters was so frightened that he immediately stepped forward and covered Xiong Jun's mouth.
"Mmph... What are you afraid of? Di Tian is so far away, and our lord is sleeping. How could they possibly hear us?"
Xiong Jun pushed King of Ten Thousand Monsters's hand away and continued courting death.
"Idiot."
King of Ten Thousand Monsters cursed under his breath.
"What does that mean?"
Obviously, the big and burly Xiong Jun did not understand the term.
King of Ten Thousand Monsters explained expressionlessly, "Nothing. It means a shark's arm."
With that, he continued inspecting the surroundings.
Xiong Jun scratched his head, looking puzzled.
"Fish have arms?"

ROAR—

Just as the two Soul Beasts were investigating, a resounding roar erupted.
King of Ten Thousand Monsters and Xiong Jun turned around at the same time and saw a bear slowly emerge from the bushes.
The bear was nearly ten meters tall, with bone armor draped over its shoulders and several branches growing out from the flesh on its back.
"This is... your relative?"
Seeing the bear's appearance, King of Ten Thousand Monsters poked Xiong Jun beside him and teased him.
"I think it is your relative. Look, trees are growing out of its back."
Xiong Jun caught King of Ten Thousand Monsters's mockery and immediately retorted.
"Come to think of it, what kind of Soul Beast is this thing? It looks like an Armored Bear, but Armored Bears do not grow branches and leaves on their backs."
"I don't know. It couldn't be some hybrid between my clan and yours, could it?"
"Eugh."
"Bear vegetation. Disgusting."
"What if it is vegetation's bear?"
"..."
The two ferocious beasts, each with hundreds of thousands of years of cultivation, simply watched this peculiar Armored Bear with at least fifty thousand years of cultivation and chatted idly.

Ch. 77Suspicious Sprout

Key Plot Points and Events

  • King of Ten Thousand Monsters and Xiong Jun encounter an unusual Armored Bear that isn't afraid of them.
  • Xiong Jun attacks and seemingly kills the Armored Bear, but it regenerates into three bears with increased cultivation.
  • King of Ten Thousand Monsters discovers a mysterious, glowing sprout near the Armored Bear's worship site.
  • King of Ten Thousand Monsters brings the sprout and the three Armored Bears back to the Lake of Life to show Di Tian.

Character Developments

  • King of Ten Thousand Monsters: Demonstrates his wisdom and caution by not immediately killing the Armored Bears and investigating the sprout's origin.
  • Xiong Jun: Shows his recklessness and lack of intelligence, but also his curiosity and willingness to follow King of Ten Thousand Monsters' lead.

Significant Themes

  • The unknown and mysterious nature of the Asura God's appearance and intentions.
  • The power of regeneration and growth, symbolized by the Armored Bear and the sprout.

Character Interactions

  • King of Ten Thousand Monsters and Xiong Jun: Despite their differences, they work together to investigate the strange occurrences and bring back the sprout.
  • King of Ten Thousand Monsters and Di Tian: King of Ten Thousand Monsters presents his findings to Di Tian, showing respect for his wisdom and leadership.

Ch. 78The Purpose of Asura God's Descent to the Mortal Realm?

Key Plot Points and Events

  • A mysterious sprout is discovered, suspected to have come from the God Realm.
  • Three unusual Armored Bears are captured, which can regenerate and split into multiple beings when injured.
  • The sprout and the Armored Bears' connection to the Medicine King and blessings are discussed.
  • Di Tian contemplates the possibility of the Medicine King's existence and its potential to heal Tang Wulin's old wounds.

Character Developments

  • Di Tian shows curiosity and shock upon seeing the unusual sprout and Armored Bears.
  • King of Ten Thousand Monsters demonstrates analytical skills in connecting the sprout and the Armored Bears.
  • Di Tian reveals his wish for Tang Wulin's recovery and the Soul Beast Clan's return to the God Realm.

Significant Themes

  • The existence and nature of the Medicine King and its blessings.
  • The desire for immortality and healing.
  • The connection between the God Realm and the Douluo Continent.

Character Interactions

  • Di Tian and King of Ten Thousand Monsters discuss the sprout and the Armored Bears.
  • Di Tian interacts with the mysterious voice, expressing his anger and curiosity.
  • King of Ten Thousand Monsters and Xiong Jun follow Di Tian's orders regarding the Armored Bears.

Ch. 79Ambrosial Arbor Sprouts

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Di Tian, the strongest Soul Beast, hears a mysterious voice claiming to be the Medicine King, who can grant eternal life.
  • Di Tian prays to the voice, seeking eternal life and Immortal Bodies for the Soul Beasts.
  • A green light appears, and a fingernail-sized sprout grows into a colossal tree, the Everlasting-Life Divine Tree or Ambrosial Arbor, within minutes.
  • The voice claims the tree will grant all beings eternal life and freedom from suffering.

Character Developments

  • Di Tian, initially composed and dignified, becomes desperate and reverent in his pursuit of eternal life for the Soul Beasts.
  • Xiong Jun, King of Ten Thousand Monsters, is injured by Di Tian for disrespecting the Medicine King, showing Di Tian's newfound devotion.

Significant Themes

  • Desperation and Hope: Di Tian's desperation for a solution to the Soul Beasts' plight leads him to cling to the possibility of the Medicine King's existence and power.
  • Respect and Worship: The appearance of the Medicine King and the Ambrosial Arbor instills a sense of reverence and worship in Di Tian, leading him to protect the Medicine King's honor.

Character Interactions

  • Di Tian and the Voice/Medicine King: Di Tian interacts with the mysterious voice, initially skeptical but eventually reverent and devoted.
  • Di Tian and Xiong Jun: Di Tian's newfound devotion leads him to attack Xiong Jun for disrespecting the Medicine King, showing a shift in his priorities.

Ch. 80Undercurrents Stir

Key Plot Points and Events

  • A giant tree, the Abundance Ambrosial Arbor, appears in the Star Dou Great Forest, causing widespread astonishment and fear among humans and Soul Beasts.
  • The Soul Beasts believe the tree is a divine gift from Medicine King, a deity inclined toward their clan, and begin cultivating near it.
  • Shrek Academy convenes a meeting and decides to join forces with other nations to eliminate the threat posed by the giant tree in one week.

Character Developments

  • Di Tian, the leader of the Soul Beasts, shows indifference and coldness towards Xiong Jun, demonstrating his power and influence.
  • Bi Ji expresses doubts about the tree's effects on the Soul Beasts, hinting at her wisdom and caution.
  • Yao Shi's disappearance from Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy raises concerns, with Meng Hongchen fearing for his safety.

Significant Themes

  • The power struggle between humans and Soul Beasts, with the appearance of the giant tree escalating tensions.
  • The divine and miraculous nature of the Abundance Ambrosial Arbor, which both attracts and frightens the characters.
  • The theme of trust and loyalty, as seen in Di Tian's relationship with the Emperor Auspicious Beast and the uncertainty surrounding Yao Shi's allegiance.

Character Interactions

  • Di Tian and Xiong Jun: Di Tian's cold and dismissive attitude towards Xiong Jun highlights the power dynamics within the Soul Beast Clan.
  • Di Tian and the Emperor Auspicious Beast: Di Tian's reassurance to the Emperor Auspicious Beast shows his protective nature towards the younger beast, despite his stern demeanor.
  • Jing Hongchen and Meng Hongchen: Their conversation reveals their shared concern for Yao Shi's well-being and their differing theories about his disappearance.
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