On the woodland path outside Spirit Grass Valley, the Heaven Dou Royal Academy contingent advanced at a measured pace, with the Shrek Seven Devils and their accompanying instructors close behind. An indescribable mixture of gravity and excitement hung over them throughout the journey.
The gravity came from killing Ghost Hand, a Soul Emperor of Spirit Hall, and thoroughly enraging that towering behemoth. Their days ahead were destined to be fraught with turmoil. The excitement came from witnessing Lin Chen defy all reason and slay a Soul Emperor as a mere Soul Elder. That shock lingered in everyone's heart.
Holding Su Qingyuan's and Yue Huaxi's hands, Lin Chen walked at the rear of the group, his aura withdrawn. He appeared calm, but all the while, he was quietly contemplating the mysteries of Ice Heart Binding.
When his Life Domain unfolded, a strand of frigid Iceheart Power now mingled with its formerly pure life suppression. As his soul power circulated, it could nourish him while also freezing an enemy's soul power pathways, blending strength with suppleness to achieve near-perfect control. Within his dantian, the emerald leaves of his Life Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul bore a layer of luminous white frost patterns. Spiritual energy spilled from them as they swayed gently. His martial soul's quality had entered an entirely new realm, only a step away from becoming a thousand-year martial soul.
His cultivation as a rank-thirty-three Soul Elder was exceptionally stable, and his soul power was far more condensed than that of his peers. Even without Spirit Grass Valley's terrain advantage, he was confident he could face a Soul Emperor around rank sixty head-on without falling behind. If he unleashed his domain's full suppressive power, an ordinary Soul Emperor would be no match for him.
"Lin Chen, when you circulated your soul power just now, I sensed an extremely cold aura. Was that an opportunity brought by the Ten-Thousand-Year Ice Heart Grass?" Su Qingyuan tilted her head, curiosity in her eyes. Her Soft Bone Martial Soul was highly sensitive to changes in aura, and the chill Lin Chen had inadvertently released had startled even her.
Yue Huaxi also stopped, her gaze settling on Lin Chen. Her Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul was keenly attuned to soul power amplification and changes in attributes, so naturally, she had noticed his martial soul's transformation as well.
Lin Chen nodded slightly and explained softly, "After the Ten-Thousand-Year Ice Heart Grass awakened its spirit, my Life Domain gained the ability to use Ice Heart Binding. It can freeze an enemy's soul power. You could say I've gained another trump card."
His tone was casual, yet delight filled both women's eyes. Su Qingyuan gently tightened her delicate hand around his and said softly, "Then you'll have another safeguard when you face powerful enemies in the future."
"But Spirit Hall certainly won't let this go. Once we return, we need to intensify our training too. We can't hold you back." Yue Huaxi's voice was firm. Though the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had deep foundations, only strength of her own could protect those beside her from Spirit Hall's frenzied retaliation.
Lin Chen smiled faintly and clasped their hands in return, warmth flowing between them. "With me here, there's no need to worry. Once we return to the academy, we'll devote ourselves to preparing for the Continental Soul Master Academy Tournament. As long as we distinguish ourselves there, we can gather more resources and take our strength another step forward."
The three walked side by side, wrapped in warmth, while the atmosphere among the Shrek Seven Devils a short distance away was especially oppressive.
Tang San walked in the middle of the group, his hands clenched tightly at his sides, his knuckles white. Throughout the journey, his gaze kept drifting involuntarily toward Lin Chen. Jealousy and resentment grew wildly in his heart like weeds.
As an heir of the Clear Sky Sect, with the Purple Demon Eye and the Mysterious Heaven Treasure Record at his disposal, he considered his talent unrivaled. Yet before Lin Chen, he remained utterly suppressed. From their first soul skill contest to Lin Chen's latest feat of killing a Soul Emperor beyond his rank and transforming his martial soul, the gap between them had not narrowed. Instead, it had become as insurmountable as a heavenly chasm.
Even the Ten-Thousand-Year Ice Heart Grass he had been determined to claim had ultimately become Lin Chen's opportunity, allowing his strength to leap forward yet again. That disparity stirred a growing viciousness in Tang San's heart.
Dai Mubai patted Tang San's shoulder and said gravely, "Little San, don't dwell on it. Lin Chen's talent really does defy heaven, but we're no slouches either. If we train hard, catching up might not be impossible."
Oscar, Ma Hongjun, and the others voiced their agreement, though they all knew that keeping pace with Lin Chen would be as difficult as climbing to heaven. His almost heaven-defying talent and opportunities were not something effort alone could make up for.
Yu Xiaogang watched Lin Chen's back ahead of him, his brows tightly furrowed and his eyes full of thought. He had studied soul master theory his entire life, yet he had never seen such a bizarre martial soul transformation, nor a Soul Elder who could cross two major ranks to kill a Soul Emperor. Lin Chen's appearance had utterly shattered his understanding of soul master cultivation.
"This Lin Chen has far too many secrets. His Life Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul is certainly not as simple as ordinary blue silver grass..." Yu Xiaogang murmured. His curiosity about Lin Chen had reached its peak.
The group hurried onward, avoiding harassment from soul beasts on the outskirts of the Star Dou Great Forest. Half a day later, they finally emerged from the forest and returned to an official road within the Heaven Dou Empire.
As soon as they stepped onto the road, several guards dressed in Heaven Dou Royal Academy uniforms hurried toward them, their expressions anxious and their faces filled with urgency.
"Vice president, instructors, you're finally back!" The lead guard bowed, speaking hurriedly.
The vice president frowned slightly, sensing that something was wrong, and asked in a low voice, "What happened? Why are you so alarmed?"
"Vice president, something major has happened in the soul master world! News that you killed Ghost Hand, Spirit Hall's Soul Emperor, has spread throughout the Heaven Dou Empire and even reached Spirit Hall Headquarters. Spirit Hall is furious and has been searching everywhere for your whereabouts. And..." The guard paused, took a deep breath, and continued, "Just now, Spirit Hall and the Two Great Empires jointly announced that the Continental Elite Soul Master Academy Tournament will officially begin in Heaven Dou City one month from now!"
As his words fell, an uproar swept through the group!
Everyone froze before shock appeared on their faces.
The Continental Elite Soul Master Academy Tournament was the largest and most prestigious competition for young soul masters in the entire soul master world. It gathered all the finest young soul master academies from the three great empires. The champions would receive not only supreme glory, but also vast cultivation resources bestowed by Spirit Hall and the Two Great Empires. It was the ultimate stage for young soul masters.
Rumors of the tournament had circulated before, but no date had been set. Now, its sudden official announcement coincided with the spread of news that Lin Chen had killed a Spirit Hall Soul Emperor. The implications spoke for themselves.
The vice president's expression instantly grew grave. "Spirit Hall announcing the tournament now is likely a case of the drunkard's heart being set on something other than his wine. They clearly intend to use the tournament as an opportunity to strike at Lin Chen!"
Understanding immediately dawned on everyone.
Spirit Hall's attempt to ambush them with a Soul Emperor in the Star Dou Great Forest had failed. Once Lin Chen returned to Heaven Dou Royal Academy and gained its protection, Spirit Hall could not easily attack him openly. But the Continental Soul Master Tournament was a public event where every faction would gather, and life and death on the battlefield were left to fate. It was the perfect opportunity for Spirit Hall to deal Lin Chen a killing blow!
Lin Chen's gaze cooled slightly. He already understood.
He knew Spirit Hall's intentions perfectly well. Yet rather than feeling the slightest fear, fierce fighting spirit blazed in his eyes.
Perfect timing!
Since Spirit Hall wants to strike during the tournament, I'll reveal my full edge there and let the entire soul master world know that I, Lin Chen, am no one's pawn to toy with!
"The tournament has come at just the right time. I can use this opportunity to temper myself and show Spirit Hall the price of provoking me." Lin Chen's voice was calm, yet carried an unquestionable confidence.
Su Qingyuan and Yue Huaxi exchanged a glance, then stepped forward to stand beside Lin Chen, their gazes resolute. No matter how many dangers lay ahead, they would remain at his side and fight shoulder to shoulder with him.
The Shrek Seven Devils also perked up at once. The Continental Soul Master Tournament had been the goal of their journey all along. Now that it was approaching, their true test was about to begin.
Tang San tightened his grip on the phantom of the Clear Sky Hammer at his waist, a ruthless glint flashing deep in his eyes. At the tournament, he would not only prove himself, but also find an opportunity to surpass Lin Chen!
"Return to the academy immediately and gather all core students. As of today, the entire academy will enter tournament preparation!" The vice president made his decision at once, issuing his orders in a deep voice. "All instructors are to devise targeted training plans. We must ensure the students make another breakthrough before the tournament begins!"
"Yes!"
Everyone answered in unison, and the group immediately quickened its pace toward Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
They hurried all the way, and as the sun sank in the west, Heaven Dou Royal Academy's magnificent buildings finally appeared before them.
Splendid golden halls, neatly arranged training grounds, and young soul masters cultivating everywhere offered a glimpse of the profound foundations of Heaven Dou Royal Academy, the foremost soul master academy in the Heaven Dou Empire.
By then, a crowd had already gathered at the academy entrance. Its senior staff, instructors from every department, and students who had hurried over upon hearing the news were all craning their necks in anticipation.
News that Lin Chen had killed a Spirit Hall Soul Emperor had already spread throughout the academy. Every student was curious to see just what this genius who had slain a Soul Emperor as a Soul Elder looked like.
When Lin Chen's group came into view, the entire crowd instantly fell silent. Tens of thousands of gazes settled in unison on Lin Chen at the very rear of the group, filled with shock, reverence, admiration, and concealed jealousy.
"That's Lin Chen? A rank-thirty-two Soul Elder killed a rank-sixty-one Soul Emperor? That's utterly heaven-defying!"
"My heavens, a feat like that has never been seen before and will never be seen again!"
"From this day on, Lin Chen is our academy's number-one genius!"
Exclamations rose one after another, and the gazes directed at Lin Chen burned with fervor.
The Heaven Dou Royal Academy President personally led the welcoming party. Looking at Lin Chen with appreciation and gratification, he said, "Lin Chen, on this journey to Star Dou, you not only resolved the crisis but also dealt Spirit Hall a heavy blow and brought honor to our academy. Thank you for your efforts!"
"You flatter me, President. I only did what I should." Lin Chen bowed slightly, neither servile nor arrogant.
"Good! Only those who remain free of arrogance and impatience can achieve greatness!" The president laughed heartily, then grew serious. "You should already know about the tournament. From now on, the academy will commit all its resources to helping you prepare. I hope that Heaven Dou Royal Academy will take first place in this tournament!"
"We will not disappoint you, President!"
Everyone answered together, their morale soaring.
Just as they were about to enter the academy, a fierce aura descended from the sky. The pressure of a Soul Saint instantly enveloped everyone present!
A figure in Spirit Hall's black robes stood suspended in the sky, his face cold and sinister. His hawklike gaze locked firmly onto Lin Chen, and his bone-chilling voice rang throughout the academy:
"Lin Chen, you killed a Soul Emperor of Spirit Hall. Spirit Hall will remember this debt! At the Continental Soul Master Tournament, we will take your head as a warning to others!"
With that, the black-robed man said no more. He turned into a black shadow and vanished into the horizon in an instant.
Dead silence fell over the crowd. Everyone had been cowed by the sudden appearance of Spirit Hall's Soul Saint.
Spirit Hall had actually sent someone directly to their doorstep to provoke them!
Lin Chen looked up in the direction the black-robed man had departed, his gaze indifferent. Green and luminous white light quietly flowed around him as the corners of his mouth curved into a cold smile.
"If you want my head, we'll see whether you have the ability to take it."
"I'll be waiting for you at the Continental Soul Master Tournament."
With those words, Lin Chen took Su Qingyuan's and Yue Huaxi's hands and strode into Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
The sunset's lingering glow fell upon him, outlining his upright figure as an aura that feared nothing quietly spread.
The curtain had already risen on the Continental Soul Master Tournament.
Spirit Hall's lethal assault, the contest between geniuses from every faction, the unknown dangers deep within the Star Dou Great Forest, the mysterious aura lurking in the shadows...
A storm that would sweep across the entire soul master world was quietly brewing.
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