Forced to Withdraw, His Strength Exhausted

"You forced me to use the Gate of Burial and reverse its flow by force. You're strong," Hai Yansheng said evenly. "Unfortunately, willpower can't completely bridge the gap in our levels. Admit defeat. If we keep fighting, you'll damage your foundation."

Li Xuanshu leaned on the shaft of his halberd, gasping for breath. Pain stabbed through his meridians, his Soul Sea was empty, and even his vision had begun to blur. Hai Yansheng was right. If he kept fighting, he might damage his very foundation.

But...

He raised his head toward the Li Family's rest area. He saw the concern beneath Li Xuansheng's calm gaze, Li Xuanbing's cool eyes, Li Xiaochen's slight nod as he pushed up his glasses, and the trust in every member of his family's eyes.

"The Li Family... has no cowards who retreat without a fight!" Li Xuanshu growled hoarsely, straightening his back. The Soul Power left in his body flared up again, along with his unyielding will!

"Seventh Soul Skill—Martial Soul Avatar!"

He made a decision that stunned everyone! With less than thirty percent of his Soul Power remaining and internal injuries already plaguing him, he forced himself to activate the Martial Soul Avatar—the technique that consumed the most Soul Power!

"Screee—!"

A phoenix cry rang through the clouds! Blazing golden-red light swallowed Li Xuanshu whole! His body swelled and changed shape within the radiance, finally becoming a five-meter-tall Flame Heavenly Phoenix warrior wreathed in roaring golden fire! Lacking Soul Power, this Martial Soul Avatar looked somewhat illusory, less solid than it would have at full strength. Yet its heat and the pressure of a top-tier Martial Soul still shook the entire arena!

The Flame Heavenly Phoenix spread its wings, and the temperature across the stage soared! It lowered its head, fixed its flaming eyes