Chapter 531: The New King Ascends, the Old Emperor Fades · Part Fifteen
At this point, Ma Xiaotao could no longer concern herself with anything but recovering. The power required for her final attack had left her gasping for air and struggling to stay upright. That single devastating blow had drained her soul power to half, yet Ma Xiaotao felt it was worthwhile. If she had continued exchanging blows with Tang Ya, she believed she'd only expend even more of her soul power.
Since the referee hadn't declared her victory, Ma Xiaotao took advantage of the moment to slowly restore her soul power, even if just a little it might be exactly what she needed to turn the tide in the next battle.
As she focused on her recovery, a flash of regret flickered in her mind. This was, after all, just a tournament, and she had nearly taken someone's life. However, she quickly steeled her resolve. It was all for Shrek's honor.
In that brief lapse of concentration, the blazing cocoon of Blue Silver Emperor suddenly exploded, sending golden streams of light directly toward Ma Xiaotao.
"What?!"
Caught off guard, Ma Xiaotao barely managed to react, instinctively igniting her Extreme Fire in defense. But these golden threads were no ordinary Blue Silver Emperor vines; their tips, now sharpened, pierced her skin with ease, causing her a jolt of pain. Realizing she couldn't remain in place, Ma Xiaotao took flight, flapping her fiery wings to escape to the edge of the arena.
Finally, she could see her assailant clearly.
"Blue Silver Grass?"
Although the color was strange, Ma Xiaotao immediately recognized the familiar shape of the Blue Silver Grass, one of the most common plants across the continent.
As she hastily plucked the sharp strands from her skin, she noticed something peculiar: the golden hue began to fade, revealing blue stems with a single golden line along each one. Yet before she could process what she was seeing, a new wave of golden Blue Silver Grass projectiles filled the air, leaving her with no room to maneuver.
Frustration flashed in Ma Xiaotao's eyes. She'd only been hit earlier because of a momentary lapse, and in truth, these Blue Silver Grass attacks weren't particularly powerful. Now incensed, she flapped her flaming wings furiously, creating a fierce gust that scattered the incoming barrage, sending charred Blue Silver strands raining to the ground.
Finally, Ma Xiaotao caught sight of her opponent, and shock filled her gaze.
"This can't be… my last attack should've been lethal! Not even a Soul Douluo could withstand it. How did she survive?"
Tang Ya emerged unscathed from the scorched remnants of the battlefield, her figure as pristine and elegant as ever. However, the circular soul tool that had floated behind her now encircled her body, rotating and shimmering with a new layer of golden light.
"It seems you were quite confident in that last attack," Tang Ya said, her voice laced with mocking amusement. "Too bad you're unaware of my master's true power. Maybe you should regret not having had the wisdom to join us under his guidance."
With a confident smile, she continued, "Now, it's my turn."
Tang Ya began channeling her soul power, her Extreme Gold Ring soul tool pulsing with radiant blue gold energy as countless Blue Silver Emperor vines materialized, transforming into a wall of pure gold.
Ma Xiaotao's face twisted with disbelief. "But… it's impossible! That was Extreme Fire! There's no way you could've blocked it!"
Suddenly, realization dawned on Ma Xiaotao's face. She raised her voice, addressing the referee directly. "Referee, I suspect foul play! I request an immediate halt to the match and a thorough investigation!"
The entire arena fell into stunned silence.
Tang Ya, who had been preparing to make her next move, froze mid action, disbelief flashing across her face. Ma Xiaotao, however, continued, her voice firm as she pointed at Tang Ya.
"My last attack could not have been blocked by a simple control type plant soul master without outside interference. I suspect someone tampered with the battle, and I demand that the officials take immediate action!"
As her words rang out, Ma Xiaotao cast an accusatory glare at the Sky Academy seating area. Her expression clearly implied her suspicions of Ye Wen's involvement.
A tense silence blanketed the arena.
Initially, the spectators and officials were stunned by Ma Xiaotao's audacity after all, questioning the honor of a Peerless Douluo was a dangerous move. But then they recalled she was a Shrek Academy student, which meant she likely felt secure under the protection of her own academy's Peerless Douluo.
Ma Xiaotao might not have felt any fear, but the officials from Star Luo couldn't afford to be as bold. They nervously glanced at Ye Wen, silently hoping he'd provide an explanation to defuse the situation.
Ye Wen, a slight smile on his face, appeared as calm as ever. This was not the first time he had encountered such baseless suspicions. Shaking his head slightly, he took a step forward and, with a mere light exertion of force, appeared on the stage before Ma Xiaotao, who continued trying to recover her soul power unnoticed.
"This will be the first and the last time I allow anyone to question my honor in such a manner."
Ye Wen's calm voice carried a subtle but undeniable authority, and his gaze swept over the audience as he continued, "There are things beyond your understanding that do not equate to impossibility. And remember, this is merely a tournament. As a Peerless Douluo, I could hardly care less about the outcome of a mere competition."
His words rang through the air as he unleashed a powerful wave of his aura, filling the arena with an oppressive weight. For an instant, everyone present felt as if they were suffocating, forced to recognize the power that stood before them. Then, just as swiftly as it had arrived, the pressure dissipated, leaving only the lingering tension and a wave of reproachful glances directed at Ma Xiaotao.
Although no one dared express discontent toward a figure as powerful as Ye Wen, they were quick to shift their frustrations onto the one who had instigated the unnecessary confrontation.
Ignoring the crowd's reactions, Ye Wen gestured calmly, and Tang Ya's circular soul tool floated over to him. He held it up for all to see and began to explain.
"This is a specialized soul tool I crafted specifically to enhance this armor a level nine soul tool known as the Ultimate Gold Ring. Yes, you heard correctly: a level nine soul tool. As for why a Soul Elder is able to use a soul tool of this grade… the principles behind it are complex and not something I care to explain."
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 532: The New King Ascends, the Old Emperor Fades · Part Sixteen
When the crowd heard that Tang Ya's soul tool was actually a ninth level device, everyone was stunned. After all, there was no ninth level soul engineer in all of Douluo Continent, and now, with this new era dawning, a Peerless Douluo had become a ninth level soul engineer. This realization set the hearts of the Douluo Empire's spectators racing with excitement.
However, as Ye Wen began to explain the functions of this ninth level soul tool, the shock among the audience grew even greater.
"I named this ninth level soul tool the Extreme Gold Ring," Ye Wen said, his tone calm. "Its purpose is to temporarily convert a soul master's soul power into an attribute known as Extreme Gold."
He continued, "As you may already know, these soul armor sets that I crafted for my disciples allow them to forcibly elevate their soul power to a level equivalent to 70. So, when this young woman here mentioned that only an 85th level defensive Soul Douluo could withstand Ma Xiaotao's attack, she overlooked the fact that, within the protection of the Blue Silver Emperor, Tang Ya's defenses were fortified by Extreme Gold."
With a meaningful glance, Ye Wen looked directly at Ma Xiaotao. "So now you understand why my disciple survived that attack?"
Ma Xiaotao stood frozen, every part of her tense with regret. If what Ye Wen was saying was true, then her earlier accusations amounted to a grievous offense against a Peerless Douluo. Ma Xiaotao's Extreme Fire at level 67 against a 70th level defense bolstered by Extreme Gold stood no chance. Aware of her position, Ma Xiaotao lowered her head, swallowing her pride and bowing.
"I understand, Elder Tianxing," she said formally. "Thank you for enlightening me."
Ye Wen nodded, accepting her apology, then tossed the Extreme Gold Ring back to Tang Ya. However, he was far from finished and continued his play with words, intent on making an example out of Shrek.
"Actions speak louder than words," Ye Wen declared. "Tang Ya, why don't you demonstrate for everyone?"
"Yes, Master," Tang Ya replied respectfully. Activating the Extreme Gold Ring, she once again summoned the golden Blue Silver Emperor vines to encase herself.
Turning to the referee, Ye Wen ordered, "Bring up an 80th level assault type Soul Douluo and let him test the defensive strength of this soul tool."
Although the referee was technically required to obey, he hesitated, fearing that such a test might drain Tang Ya's soul power and negatively impact her next match. So he voiced a soft protest.
Ye Wen, unfazed, responded with a proud smirk. "Shrek has its own skills and strength. My disciples don't need to win at any cost; this is merely a training exercise. Let someone test the defenses. No need to accuse me of bullying juniors." With that, he turned and left the stage without a backward glance.
Ma Xiaotao felt a surge of humiliation. As Shrek's top student, she'd just been reduced to nothing more than a training dummy for others. But with Ye Wen's overwhelming power, she could do nothing but accept the situation.
Soon, an 80th level Soul Douluo took to the stage, but he'd been explicitly warned to restrain his strength so as not to bring any embarrassment to Ye Wen. Despite using his sixth soul skill, the Soul Douluo's attacks barely made a dent in Tang Ya's Extreme Gold defense, proving the formidable power of the ninth level soul tool.
With the demonstration complete, Tang Ya and Ma Xiaotao's battle resumed. But many of the spectators now seemed distracted. Among them, several soul engineers stared intently in Ye Wen's direction, their minds racing with curiosity and desire to understand the exact rune arrays and formations required to enable a Soul Elder to wield a ninth level soul tool. Such technology, if spread, would undoubtedly reshape the entire Douluo Continent, as lower level soul masters would likely be swept aside in the resulting upheaval.
Emperor Xing Luo, realizing the implications of this technology, felt a renewed urgency to solidify his sister Xu Jiujiu's alliance with Ye Wen.
While Xing Luo and his allies from the Douluo Empire were thrilled, Ma Xiaotao and her Shrek teammates were filled with dread. With the power of the Extreme Gold Ring, Tang Ya had the upper hand.
For Ma Xiaotao, facing Tang Ya, who now wielded such formidable abilities, was much more challenging than expected. The Blue Silver Emperor vines, fortified by the Extreme Gold, seemed limitless as they swarmed her from all directions. Under normal circumstances, Ma Xiaotao's Extreme Fire would have easily incinerated the Blue Silver Emperor, but these vines, empowered by Extreme Gold, required far more than a simple blaze to burn.
Then, unexpectedly, Tang Wulin, who had remained quiet in the Shrek waiting room, let out a gasp.
"Wait! No, something's wrong!"
Everyone turned to him, their nerves fraying as they watched Ma Xiaotao's dire predicament unfold on the field. Wang Yan quickly asked, "What is it?"
Tang Wulin replied urgently, "Tang Ya is using Tang Sect's hidden weapon techniques, like Rain of Petals and Heavenly Girl Scattering Flowers, and the way she's wielding them is no joke. She's mastered One Thousand and One Nights, Tang Sect's fourth ranked hidden weapon technique. If Ma Xiaotao doesn't stay on guard, she'll be gravely injured in an instant!"
Hearing this, Beibei shot Tang Wulin a conflicted glance but said nothing. Despite not being a member of Tang Sect anymore, Tang Ya had dedicated herself to preserving it for years, and now her own sect seemed to be turning against her.
But since Tang Wulin had learned that it was Tang Ya's master who had disrupted his plans, he harbored a resentment that extended to Tang Ya as well, making it easy for him to disregard any allegiance to her.
The One Thousand and One Nights technique had been a powerful asset in Tang San's hands, allowing him to take down the famed Purple Pearl Pirates in one fell swoop. This move's destructive potential was nothing short of terrifying.
Wang Yan shook his head helplessly. Even with this insight, there was nothing he could do external interference was forbidden in the match. And with no spiritual abilities to rely on, like Huo Yuhao's telepathic assistance, Ma Xiaotao's fate was already sealed.
Back on the battlefield, Tang Ya's relentless attacks forced Ma Xiaotao to spend every bit of soul power she managed to recover. She was now down to only 40% of her total energy. Realizing that continuing this way would spell her end, Ma Xiaotao steeled herself, a fierce resolve flashing in her eyes.
"For the glory of Shrek!"
She surged forward with fiery determination, becoming a streak of crimson as she charged directly at Tang Ya.
Tang Ya had initially been wary of Ma Xiaotao's strength, but seeing her opponent's desperation, a sense of triumph welled up within her. For so long, she had felt slighted by Shrek's elite, and now it was her turn to turn the tables on them.
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 533: The New King Ascends, the Old Emperor Fades · Part Seventeen
Seeing Ma Xiaotao's determined approach, Tang Ya was taken aback and instinctively summoned a dense barrier of Blue Silver Emperor vines to shield herself. To the audience, it appeared that Ma Xiaotao had abandoned finesse in favor of an all out, reckless assault, seemingly determined to drag her opponent down with her.
But as Ma Xiaotao neared Tang Ya, a smirk of victory crossed her lips. She stamped her foot on the ground, and a brilliant phoenix emblem bloomed at her feet. At that moment, the onlookers realized they'd underestimated her intentions.
Ye Wen, observing from afar, chuckled in amusement. "So even Ma Xiaotao has started to use tricks under pressure. High and mighty as she is, desperation has made her resourceful."
"Fourth Soul Skill: Phoenix Skystrike!"
A fierce blaze of Extreme Fire erupted from the phoenix emblem, shooting upwards as if it aimed to pierce the very heavens. The intense heat began to sear the surroundings, though it posed little immediate danger to Tang Ya's defenses. However, it soon became clear to Tang Ya that her Blue Silver Emperor vines were floating freely rather than rooted to the ground, giving her no stability.
With the force of the fire propelling her upwards, Tang Ya's cocoon was launched high into the air. The crowd gasped in awe, captivated by the unexpected maneuver.
In situations like this, most people would be stunned or frozen by the unfamiliarity of it, and even Tang Ya momentarily hesitated. However, her harsh life experiences had hardened her. She quickly regained her composure, her mind racing to assess her next move. Despite the odds, she was determined not to accept defeat without a fight. She still had a chance!
As Ma Xiaotao watched Tang Ya's cocoon being flung into the air, she made no move to celebrate. Instead, she carefully unfurled her fiery wings, steadily ascending, her gaze fixed on the cocoon. Her plan was to strike Tang Ya while she was vulnerable and force her out of the ring, securing victory.
In the Shrek Academy waiting room, Wang Yan's eyes brightened at Ma Xiaotao's maneuver. "What a brilliant move!" he exclaimed, admiration evident in his voice. The others from Shrek Academy nodded approvingly, echoing his sentiments. Their leader's ingenuity had filled them with pride.
Ten meters, eight, five, two Ma Xiaotao drew closer, feeling the intense heat radiating from the cocoon, ready to deliver a decisive blow. She twisted her body, aiming a powerful kick to propel Tang Ya from the platform. To her, this was the only surefire way to claim victory.
Ma Xiaotao was convinced that Tang Ya's ability to withstand her Extreme Fire was solely due to the strange ninth level soul tool. As she observed the cocoon's design, she concluded that the soul tool strengthened the Blue Silver Emperor, but not Tang Ya herself. This meant that Tang Ya would be unable to withstand the heat without the cocoon's protection. Confident in her imminent victory, Ma Xiaotao prepared to strike until, suddenly, the cocoon opened.
"This can't be!" Ma Xiaotao gasped.
Tang Ya emerged, her right arm shrouded in a thick layer of Blue Silver Emperor vines, blocking Ma Xiaotao's kick directly.
"Don't underestimate me!" Tang Ya shouted, her voice fierce. Where her flesh was exposed, burns and scorch marks marred her skin, but she had pushed past the pain, her determination unmatched. In a wild surge of strength, she wrapped Ma Xiaotao in layers of Blue Silver Emperor vines, securing her grip tightly.
"What's happening?!" Ma Xiaotao tried to free herself, instinctively attempting to ignite her flames to burn through the restraints. Yet, these Blue Silver Emperor vines had been reinforced with Extreme Gold, making escape impossible.
With a sharp downward pull, Tang Ya plummeted toward the ground, her sheer physical strength enough to drag Ma Xiaotao with her, pulling the two of them down like a weight. Ma Xiaotao, caught completely off guard, slammed into the ground, dazed and gasping.
"Ahh!" Ma Xiaotao cried out, the impact jarring her to the core. Tang Ya hadn't emerged unscathed either, having withstood the burns of Extreme Fire up close. But with her near limitless vitality, the Blue Silver Emperor's life energy kicked into high gear, quickly healing her injuries.
Countless leaves of Blue Silver Emperor surrounded Tang Ya as she steadied herself, the vibrant golden hue cast by the Extreme Gold reflecting the sunlight, creating a dazzling spectacle.
"Fourth ranked Tang Sect hidden weapon technique One Thousand and One Nights!"
A cold glint flashed in Tang Ya's eyes, and she began to unleash a rain of Blue Silver Emperor leaves. Enhanced by Extreme Gold, the countless leaves spun and twisted in an unpredictable, deadly dance that no one could follow, all targeting the injured Ma Xiaotao, who was struggling to rise.
In the Shrek Academy waiting room, the two elders acting as protectors grew visibly uneasy. After all, Ma Xiaotao was one of their academy's brightest talents!
Ma Xiaotao looked up at the approaching storm of blades, feeling a sinking dread in her heart. Her entire body ached, and even the simple act of raising her arm sent pain radiating through her.
But conceding now? Out of the question!
With only about 30% of her soul power remaining, Ma Xiaotao's gaze sharpened, filled with resolve.
"It seems this is the end for me…but I won't leave this trouble for my teammates!"
With a final surge of willpower, her body ignited in the searing flames of Extreme Fire once more.
"Sixth Soul Skill: Phoenix Meteor Shower!"
Expending every last bit of her remaining soul power, Ma Xiaotao was determined to fight Tang Ya to the very end. The sky filled with fire, blazing meteors clashing with the shimmering Blue Silver Emperor blades in a dazzling, fiery explosion. The audience could barely discern what was happening amidst the intense display.
The fiery meteors obscured Tang Ya's view, forcing her to rely on instinct to maintain her barrage against Ma Xiaotao. Amid the chaos, a figure suddenly broke through the haze of fire and smoke.
Tang Ya, thinking Ma Xiaotao was attempting another desperate charge, instinctively braced herself. This time, however, she was unfazed by the flames and prepared to meet Ma Xiaotao head on.
Without hesitation, she unleashed another wave of Blue Silver Emperor vines, hurling them directly at her approaching foe, showing no mercy.
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 534: The New King Ascends, the Old Emperor Fades · Part Eighteen
As the crowd realized this was a ninth level soul tool, shock rippled through them. After all, the Douluo Continent had no native ninth level Soul Engineer of its own. Times were changing, and now this ninth level Soul Engineer was also an Absolute Douluo, stirring pride and excitement among the leaders of the Douluo Federation.
However, when Ye Wen began detailing the tool's abilities, the audience was astonished beyond measure.
"I named this ninth level soul tool the Extreme Golden Ring because it grants soul masters the ability to convert their soul power temporarily into Extreme Gold, regardless of its original attribute. Each of my disciples, thanks to their soul armor, can forcibly raise their soul power to the level of a 70th rank. So, when faced with an attack that would normally demand an 85th rank defense type Contra to withstand, Tang Ya was able to endure by transforming her Blue Silver Grass to an Extreme Gold defense," Ye Wen explained coolly, directing his words at Ma Xiaotao.
Ma Xiaotao could only feel a cold sweat run down her spine. If Ye Wen's words were true, she had just recklessly accused an Absolute Douluo. Her Extreme Fire was indeed powerful, but against a defense buffed to an extreme level, breaking through was impossible.
Swallowing her pride, Ma Xiaotao bowed to Ye Wen. "I understand. Thank you for clarifying, Lord Tianxing."
Ye Wen nodded slightly, accepting her apology. He then handed the Extreme Golden Ring back to Tang Ya. Yet, Ye Wen was not finished; he intended to make Shrek feel the full weight of their actions. "Tang Ya, demonstrate it again for everyone to see."
"Yes, Master." Tang Ya complied, and with a surge of soul power, encased herself in a cocoon of golden Blue Silver Emperor vines.
Ye Wen turned to the referees and spoke, "Summon an 80th rank assault type Contra to test the strength of this defense."
Normally, the referee would have complied without question, but he hesitated, concerned that the demonstration might overly deplete Tang Ya's soul power, affecting her performance in the match. But Ye Wen remained unbothered. "My disciples don't need to worry about the outcome of this tournament; they're here to hone their skills. Let a powerful Contra attack and see the defenses of this armor. I want no one thinking that I, Tianxing Douluo, need underhanded means to secure a victory."
Then, without sparing another glance, Ye Wen returned to the Tianxing Academy booth.
To Ma Xiaotao, his actions were nothing short of humiliating. Once a proud representative of Shrek, she was now reduced to an opponent that Ye Wen's disciples could simply practice against. Her once unshakable pride was crushed by Ye Wen's overwhelming force and unrelenting demonstration of power.
Soon enough, an 80th rank Contra ascended to the stage. He had been briefed beforehand to use only partial strength, not wanting to provoke the Absolute Douluo with any notion of sabotage. Yet, even with his sixth soul skill, his assault failed to even scratch Tang Ya's defense, proving the soul tool's terrifying power.
The match resumed, but now, much of the audience's focus had shifted from the fighters to Ye Wen himself. Many engineers among them stared at Ye Wen with fervent curiosity, desperate to unravel how he had developed a soul tool that allowed a lower ranked soul master to wield the power of a ninth level artifact. Such a breakthrough would alter the balance of the entire continent, potentially making low ranked soul masters obsolete.
For the Star Luo Empire, the revelation that Ye Wen was offering their princess this training brought boundless excitement. But in the waiting area, Shrek's own participants were growing increasingly grim.
With her 70th ranked power and the additional abilities of the Extreme Golden Ring, Tang Ya easily maintained her advantage over Ma Xiaotao. Each wave of Tang Ya's Blue Silver Emperor, strengthened with the Extreme Gold attribute, wore down Ma Xiaotao's remaining strength. While the Shrek team's other prodigies were indeed talented, they were helpless against the overwhelming power difference. They watched with mounting despair as Tang Ya systematically dismantled their leader.
Even though Ma Xiaotao had made her battle memorable, the overwhelming force of Tianxing Academy proved too much. Not a single Shrek fighter managed to outlast Tang Ya. Shrek Academy, the unbeaten legend, was finally forced to settle for second place.
At the awards ceremony, as Huo Yu'er accepted the champion's trophy, many eyes in the crowd lingered not on her, but on Ye Wen seated above. Shrek's loss wasn't merely a defeat but a signal that they were no longer the uncontested leaders of the Douluo Federation. A new era was dawning.
Late into the night, Huo Yu'er and her fellow disciples celebrated their victory with a grand feast, toasting the bright future they would soon embark on. It was during this time that Xu Jiujiu and Wei Na, having made up their minds, finally approached Ye Wen's room. Finding many of their senior sisters already assembled, Xu Jiujiu and Wei Na realized that this path would bind them to their master and each other for life.
Upon learning Ye Wen's true identity, they were initially shocked, but soon, they knelt and pledged their loyalty. Thus, the Valkyrie Alliance took shape, a bond destined to alter the future of the continent.
With Xu Jiujiu and Wei Na officially becoming part of Tianxing Academy, Ye Wen did not hesitate to invest in their empires. Soul tool technology, advanced metalworking techniques, rare medicinal herbs Ye Wen provided them with resources that sent both the Star Luo and Heavenly Soul Empires into a frenzy. Their respective emperors, ecstatic at the potential benefits for their nations, saw this as a step toward unrivaled strength.
Yet, not everyone on the Douluo Continent shared their joy. The empire feeling the most isolated and uneasy was undoubtedly the Dou Spirit Empire. Tianxing Academy had accepted the other empires' royals but left Dou Spirit conspicuously excluded. To the Dou Spirit leadership, this felt like blatant discrimination. But with no means to challenge this situation, they decided to seek an alliance with Tianxing Academy by sending their most gifted citizens to train there, clinging to the hope that some would prove themselves worthy.
But the nation perhaps most troubled by these developments was the Sun Moon Empire. The Sun Moon Emperor, aging and frail, sat silently, eyes dark with anger as he reviewed the intelligence on Ye Wen.
"To think the situation has escalated even beyond what Elder Jing Hongchen reported," the emperor muttered. "How I regret my earlier oversight."
Across the room, Jing Hongchen, the esteemed Hall Master of the Mingde Hall, sat with a grim expression, his silence heavy.
From the opposite side, a hulking elder spoke up with a low rumble. "Your Majesty, I believe there's no need to worry. This Tianxing Douluo doesn't seem interested in meddling with the continent's affairs."
The Sun Moon Emperor nodded but sighed heavily, his concerns unresolved. "It's not so much what he does or doesn't do, Grand Worshipper; it's the 'what if.'"
Seeing malice in others was often a reflection of one's own heart. Kong Deming, the Grand Worshipper and a man of decades' experience, shared the emperor's sentiment. For now, the Tianxing Douluo appeared detached, but he knew that if the Sun Moon Empire's actions ever crossed paths with Ye Wen's interests, the situation could turn dire. The grand words he spoke earlier were more for the emperor's comfort than for any belief he held.
The vast study remained silent, each figure lost in thoughts of a future overcast with looming uncertainties.
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 535: Underlying Currents · Part One
The Soul Tool Division of Tianxing Academy was bound to become a driving force in shaping the future of the Douluo Continent. For now, though, it wasn't the knowledge of Soul Tool formations that most shocked Jing Hongchen and Kong Deming of the Sun Moon Empire, but rather the fact that Ye Wen had openly shared his expertise in metal forging.
The art of blacksmithing predates even the history of soul masters. During humanity's most primitive stages, blacksmithing emerged as a crucial trade, even before the soul master's system of Wuhun awakening came into existence.
On Douluo Star, no one had ever considered combining blacksmithing with the extraordinary techniques of soul masters primarily because blacksmiths were often ordinary people of low social status, lacking either a powerful Wuhun or noble background. Thus, blacksmithing did not see significant development until thousands of years later, when Divine Blacksmiths finally earned their title.
As Kong Deming pondered Tianxing Academy's admissions policies, he spoke in a somber tone.
"Your Majesty, the future may be uncertain, but for now, we must ensure we can learn the knowledge of soul tools from Tianxing Academy. Otherwise, the Douluo Continent might surpass us, undoing decades of our efforts."
The Sun Moon Emperor nodded, acknowledging the concern. "What you say is true," he replied before turning to Jing Hongchen, who headed the Sun Moon Royal Academy. "Headmaster, I'll leave the selection of students to attend Tianxing Academy in your hands."
"Yes, Your Majesty. I plan to personally accompany this group of students to Tianxing Academy. If I can fully grasp Tianxing Douluo's Soul Tool technology, I should be able to advance to the level of a tenth level Soul Engineer, like the Grand Worshipper," Jing Hongchen responded.
The Sun Moon Emperor's eyes gleamed with excitement at the news. Currently, the Sun Moon Empire's only Super Douluo was the Grand Worshipper, Kong Deming. With his tenth level Soul Tool, he was theoretically capable of rivaling Dragon God Douluo Mu En. Although unproven, this addition to their forces would mean the Sun Moon Empire could contend with even the most powerful figures of Douluo.
The Emperor also couldn't help but consider Ye Wen. His strategic mind assumed that Ye Wen's neutrality simply indicated that the Douluo Federation had not yet offered him a high enough price.
So, while congratulating Jing Hongchen on his upcoming breakthrough, the Emperor made one last request. "Headmaster, I know Tianxing Douluo's knowledge is crucial, but do not forget he remains a latent threat to our empire. During your time there, try to find any weaknesses he may have. And if an opportunity for assassination arises, seize it."
The prospect of assassinating an Absolute Douluo even with the vast firepower of ninth level Soul Cannons at their disposal was daunting. Jing Hongchen could only nod solemnly, his expression strained. The three most powerful leaders of the Sun Moon Empire then discussed the details late into the night.
Meanwhile, back on the Douluo Continent, in the Sea God Pavilion of Shrek Academy's Inner Court, the academy's Super Douluos sat silently around an opulent table made of the sacred Golden Tree. Their expressions were grave.
Wang Yan, who had led the team to the tournament, bore a heavy sense of responsibility for Shrek's loss. Officially, Elder Xuan was the lead instructor, but his oversight had already cost the academy dearly once before. If not for Ye Wen's intervention, Shrek could have lost its future leaders entirely. Though they now owed Ye Wen a considerable debt, the academy's strength remained intact.
While none present blamed Wang Yan, the atmosphere was tense as they pondered Tianxing Academy's sudden and overwhelming strength.
In the midst of this silence, a gentle voice echoed. "So, we lost in the end." Dragon God Douluo Mu En's tone held no anger, just an air of acceptance. Due to the Soul Realm's constant siphoning of energy, the Douluo Continent's core had weakened significantly. A Super Douluo who once lived a thousand years could now only survive a mere three centuries, roughly the lifespan of a newly advanced Title Douluo. Mu En, after a deadly clash with Du Busi of the Body Sect, had sustained injuries that greatly reduced his lifespan.
For the few years he had left, he maintained his calm. "Why the silence?" Mu En asked, his voice carrying a hint of playfulness. Then, his tone softened. "Raise your heads, everyone. This was but one defeat. No one can guarantee victory forever be it myself, you, or anyone on Douluo."
Turning to a young woman, Mu En continued, "Lin'er, I hear Shrek's loss was due to a unique Soul Tool used by Tianxing Academy?"
The woman who stood to answer was none other than Xian Lin'er, dean of Shrek's Soul Tool Department. Standing around 1.7 meters tall, she had a polished, confident look with her long black hair neatly pinned up. Despite possessing an impressive 96th level rank and the title of 'War God Douluo,' her actual combat power wasn't particularly remarkable. Yet, as an eighth level Soul Engineer and one of Mu En's direct disciples, she had significant influence.
"Indeed, Teacher. Shrek's team performed well initially. Ma Xiaotao and the others are easily the top among their generation. However, Tianxing Academy employed a mysterious Soul Tool that forcibly raised its users to the 70th rank, leading to our defeat. Therefore, I propose that you lead an initiative to amend the Soul Master Tournament rules, banning the use of tools that artificially enhance soul power."
"Hmm," Mu En replied, his tone indifferent. Xian Lin'er wondered if she had spoken out of line. Shrek's Soul Tool Department was, after all, a recent addition, lacking any ninth level Soul Engineers. The department's growth had long been hindered by the reluctance of many traditional soul masters.
Back at Tianxing Academy, Ye Wen's innovations had created a ripple effect, fueling aspirations across Douluo Continent and even shifting the balance of power among its nations.
Many in the Federation saw the academy's advancements as a glimmer of hope against the growing threat of the Sun Moon Empire. Even within the Sun Moon Empire, however, the Emperor's doubts about Ye Wen's intentions grew.
The Emperor was torn between admiration and distrust toward Ye Wen, who wielded immense power but remained elusive in his intentions. As he and his most trusted advisors discussed the matter deep into the night, the emperor's gaze grew even colder.
The changing power dynamics sparked debates and new alliances across the continent. At Tianxing Academy's banquet, Huo Yu'er and her sisters celebrated their victory and the dawning of a new era. But as midnight approached, Xu JiuJiu and Wei Na, resolute in their loyalty, stepped into Ye Wen's quarters, pledging their commitment to their master's cause. Witnessing their dedication, the senior disciples embraced them as sisters.
Now united as the Valkyrie Alliance, these women were ready to face any challenge. Empowered by Ye Wen's support, Xu JiuJiu and Wei Na received resources that would elevate the Star Luo and Heavenly Soul Empires. Both empires celebrated this unprecedented boon, with their emperors ecstatic at the potential for greatness.
But not all nations were pleased. The Dou Spirit Empire, feeling increasingly isolated, faced a dilemma. Tianxing Academy had allied with Star Luo and Heavenly Soul, leaving Dou Spirit without direct access to Ye Wen's teachings. Fearing their recent independence from the Heaven Dou Empire might be short lived, Dou Spirit hastily began selecting its most promising citizens to send to Tianxing Academy, hoping that a few might prove worthy.
The Sun Moon Empire's response, however, was much darker. The aging Sun Moon Emperor pored over reports about Ye Wen, his expression souring.
"To think the situation is even more critical than Jing Hongchen warned us," he muttered, his voice laced with regret.
Jing Hongchen sat silently, his gaze heavy with understanding. Across from him, a tall, broad shouldered elder spoke. "Your Majesty, perhaps there's no need to worry. Tianxing Douluo does not seem to have ambitions for continental control."
The Sun Moon Emperor gave a small nod but replied with a sigh, "True, but there's always the threat of the unknown."
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