Ten days had quietly passed amidst the intense tournament schedule.
The top-tier medications in the Star Luo Royal recuperation room, combined with the unreasonably powerful regenerative abilities of the Golden Dragon King bloodline, allowed Tang Wulin to fully recover from his weakness.
Not only that, but the fifty-thousand-year True Dragon left leg soul bone had perfectly fused with his body.
A faint dark golden glow flowed within the bones of his left leg. Every time he circulated his soul power, he could feel a heavy, stable force—like the earth bearing all things—surging from the soul bone, forming a wondrous complement to the unruly might of his Golden Dragon King blood essence.
His soul power, stimulated by the fusion of the soul bone, naturally broke through to Level 44. To Tang Wulin's delight, he could clearly sense that this soul bone was not a 'dead' object.
It hungrily absorbed the strands of dragon might that leaked from his Golden Dragon King blood essence—traces of the God-King-level aura—like parched land drinking in rain.
The dormant "essence" within the soul bone was awakening, and the trace of immortal True Dragon divinity was rejoicing. Old Tang's prophecy was coming true. Even without deliberate restoration, as Tang Wulin continued to unlock the seals of the Golden Dragon King, this soul bone's power would inevitably be nurtured and refined, eventually reaching a terrifying height worthy of matching the Dragon King bloodline.
This was the domineering nature of the God-King-level bloodline—it could elevate even external objects.
At this moment, in the Star Luo Grand Stadium, the atmosphere had reached an unprecedented boiling point.
The brutality and upsets of the individual competition were still fresh in everyone's minds: Shrek Academy had emerged seemingly out of nowhere, overcoming the supposed "disadvantage" of being younger on average, and had nearly defeated all nine Heavenly Kings of the Monster Academy that the Star Luo Empire took pride in.
Especially unforgettable were Long Yue's uncontrollable rampage and Bai Yuan's strange yet powerful Abyssal Taotie martial soul awakening—both had become indelible memories for the Star Luo spectators.
Shame? Amazement? Resentment?
Complex emotions intertwined in the hearts of the Star Luo people. Because of this, the previously overlooked team competition due to the disparity in strength now became the focus of everyone's attention.
Countless eyes were fixed on the massive alloy platform, the air thick with almost palpable tension.
The people of Star Luo yearned to see the geniuses of Monster Academy redeem themselves through teamwork. Meanwhile, the audience and supporters of Douluo Continent anticipated whether this young team could once again create miracles, continuing the undefeated myth of Shrek Academy.
"Now, let us welcome both teams—to the stage."
The commentator's gentle yet clear voice echoed throughout the venue via amplification soul tools, instantly igniting the dormant volcano of anticipation.
The passage for Monster Academy opened first.
Dai Yueyan strode forward proudly, shouldering the honor and responsibility of an imperial prince, his sharp gaze cutting like a blade. Hua Lantang followed closely behind, his wolfish eyes scanning predatorily, exuding a fierce aura. Su Mu swayed gracefully, her fox-like eyes sweeping across the stands, her bewitching charm drawing loud cheers, though her expression remained cool and calculating.
Ye Zhi's demeanor was focused; as the team's sole auxiliary soul master, she bore great significance. Teng Teng was the most low-profile, her Shadow martial soul making her presence ghost-like as she quietly hid in the shadows at the side of the team, nearly undetectable.
Finally, Long Yue emerged from the passage. His towering physique made every step feel as heavy as a mountain. His crimson vertical pupils swept across the venue, finally locking onto the direction of Shrek's passage, especially the figure yet to appear.
The blood within him roared silently; the humiliation of his previous defeat and the loss of power needed to be washed away with a complete victory!
However, walking at the forefront of the team, becoming the focal point of everyone's attention, was the newly appointed "Sea King"—Bo Xi.
Clad in a deep blue suit adorned with silver-white wave patterns, his tall frame carried a calm and reserved aura, resembling a vast, deep ocean concealing immense power beneath its tranquil surface.
The martial soul "Walking Wake" bestowed upon him dominion over water, while the dragon-attribute bloodline of the divine beast Water Sovereign imbued his presence with an inviolable nobility and dignity.
His appearance instantly overshadowed Long Yue's savage ferocity, establishing himself as the undeniable tactical core and spiritual pillar of Monster Academy.
The audience erupted into deafening cheers, the name "Sea King Bo Xi" resounding through the skies. The people of Star Luo pinned their hopes of redemption largely on this mysterious and powerful Ninth Heavenly King.
The passage for Shrek Academy opened.
Bai Yuan stepped out first. He maintained his usual indifferent demeanor, as if the roaring waves around him were irrelevant.
But the moment he set foot on the platform, an intangible abyssal presence that seemed to devour light quietly spread, causing those with weaker strength in the opposing Monster Academy team to feel a tightening in their chests.
His deep gaze swept over the opposition, pausing momentarily on Bo Xi. The instinct of the Abyssal Taotie sensed the vast, pure water and dragon powers within him—an excellent "nourishment."
Both were incarnations of Gu La, but unless necessary, they wouldn't hold back against each other in battle.
Firstly, there was no need; secondly, it was precautionary to avoid revealing any clues. In other words, the outcome of this battle was unpredictable even to them now.
Then, his gaze flickered over Long Yue, carrying a faint appraisal akin to inspecting ingredients, which caused Long Yue's breathing to grow heavier, his fists clenching audibly.
Tang Wulin followed closely behind. His steps were steady and powerful; after absorbing the True Dragon soul bone, his presence had become even more condensed and substantial, like a giant tree rooted firmly in the earth.
His gaze was electric, instantly locking onto the figure who had once dealt him a crushing blow—Long Yue.
The Golden Dragon King bloodline surged within him, and the newly fused soul bone transmitted waves of stability. A strong fighting spirit burned in his chest. Redemption would come today!
Wu Siduo's eyes were sharp, exuding the alertness and pride of a feline soul beast. Her gaze lingered on Dai Yueyan, searching for her own shortcomings.
Though both possessed White Tiger martial souls, the Wu and Dai families were originally one lineage. However, Wu Siduo's ancestors hadn't followed them to the Star Luo Continent, leading to separation over time.
Despite the lack of frequent interaction, the blood connection couldn't be wrong. It didn't mean outright hostility—the royal family had even sent someone to greet her once.
But Wu Siduo wouldn't show mercy on the battlefield. She was similar to Ye Xinglan—both pursued strength relentlessly. Though perhaps not as pure as Ye Xinglan, she absolutely wouldn't allow herself to be a burden.
Ye Xinglan's gaze was pure and focused. Her only disappointment was that the Star Luo Continent was predominantly filled with beast-type martial souls, leaving her without suitable opponents to hone her swordsmanship.
Xu Lizhi's honest face showed a hint of nervousness but was mostly firm—he was an indispensable supply for the team. Xu Xiaoyan tried hard to steady her heartbeat; though her cultivation was the lowest, her control would be key to the team's rhythm.
Yuanen Yehui stood silently at the back, her small frame exuding overwhelming pressure, her gaze calm and profound.
Even though Gu La and Gu Yue had opted out of participating, two others couldn't join the team competition. Considering Yuanen Yehui's twin martial soul advantage, she was chosen to participate.
Le Zhengyu was currently in the stands, arms crossed, sulking as he watched the seven members on the field. He begrudgingly admitted that each person on the stage was as important as he was, a devastating realization for the proud heir of the Angel Family, and precisely why the Angel Family sent him to train at Shrek Academy.
The members of both teams stationed themselves at opposite ends of the platform, their invisible auras colliding and wrestling in the center.
---
Tang Wulin locked his gaze on Long Yue, his fighting spirit blazing. He growled, "Long Yue, this time, I won't lose."
However, Long Yue's crimson vertical pupils merely paused briefly on him before locking onto Bai Yuan as if drawn by a magnet.
His eyes were filled with deep hatred, raging fighting spirit, and a residual instinctive wariness from having his power devoured.
"My opponent isn't you."
A low growl escaped his throat, but he didn't immediately lash out, instead leaning slightly forward, like a predator ready to pounce.
He understood that today's main event wasn't about his feud with Tang Wulin, but the revenge battle of the entire Monster Academy, with the core of the team being the deep-sea-like Bo Xi.
The other members of Monster Academy were equally brimming with fighting spirit. Dai Yueyan coldly stared at Wu Siduo, the resonance of their shared White Tiger martial souls making him sense her extraordinary abilities.
Hua Lantang's gaze locked onto Yuanen Yehui—a clash of Wolf-Dragon versus Titan Giant Ape, a confrontation of raw power. Su Mu's fox tail swayed lightly, her enchanting gaze sweeping toward Shrek's control system users, Xu Xiaoyan and food system user Xu Lizhi, intending to disrupt.
Ye Zhi's Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda shimmered with precious light, ready to provide the strongest boost to her teammates at any moment. Teng Teng's shadow flickered in and out of sight, like a lurking viper, seeking a one-hit kill opportunity.
All of them had suffered defeats in the individual competition, but now, with strong teammates providing support and tactical coordination, they vowed to reclaim their lost honor.
Bo Xi stood at the forefront of the team, his footsteps pausing momentarily. His expression was calm as his gaze swept over the seven members of Shrek Academy, like a king surveying his domain.
He didn't spare much attention to Bai Yuan or Tang Wulin, treating them as mere chess pieces to be handled. His focus was more on Xu Xiaoyan.
His "Endless Water Dragon Whirlpool" required time to build, and team coordination would create that time for him.
The air around him began to subtly distort, a barely noticeable warmth and humidity spreading stealthily—signs of his "Steam Domain" activation.
Bai Yuan sensed the terrifying power Bo Xi held back, like the calm before a tsunami.
The devouring instinct of the Abyssal Taotie thrilled him, but he also perceived the suffocating heat and weight of the opponent's domain.
He tilted his head slightly, whispering to Tang Wulin beside him, "Be careful of that 'Sea King.' His domain is troublesome. Leave Long Yue to you." His voice carried the characteristic icy echo of the abyss and the ethereal reverberation of dragons, making Tang Wulin pause momentarily.
Afterward, Tang Wulin nodded firmly, refocusing his gaze on Long Yue. The golden blood essence, supported by the soul bone in his left leg, became even more condensed and controllable: "Don't worry, I won't lose this time!"
Zhuo Shi and Cai Yue'er stood on Shrek Academy's exclusive viewing platform, their expressions grave. The lineup of Monster Academy was stronger than anticipated, especially Bo Xi, who gave off an unfathomable aura, not inferior to any member of Shrek Academy.
Dai Tianling, En Ci, and other high-ranking officials of Star Luo gripped the handrails tightly, their eyes filled with anticipation and tension. Bo Xi was their greatest hope for redemption. They wanted to emulate the Sun Moon Academy and defeat the glory of Shrek Academy, even if only for a few days!
Throughout the Star Luo Grand Stadium, hundreds of thousands of spectators held their breath, the silence so profound you could hear a pin drop. The air felt as solid as iron, heavy enough to make breathing difficult.
On the platform, fourteen soul masters representing the peak combat prowess of the younger generation from two continents stood like stars about to collide, accumulating destructive energy. They waited for the referee's command to ignite this tension-filled powder keg.
The referee took a deep breath, raising his right hand high, his sharp gaze sweeping over both sides. His voice, like a blade about to split chaos, rang out across the deathly silent arena:
"Both sides prepare—begin!"
The echo of the referee's "begin" still reverberated in the air when the Star Luo Grand Stadium exploded like hot oil hitting a pan, instantly boiling over! The pent-up fighting spirit burst forth with explosive intensity!
"Gravity Control Domain—!"
Long Yue's roar shattered the air first. His Mountain Dragon King martial soul enveloped his body, earthy yellow scales covering him entirely, his size swelling, and a terrifying pressure like a tangible mountain rushed toward Shrek's ranks.
He stomped heavily on the alloy platform, accompanied by the ear-piercing sound of tearing metal, transforming into a streak of dark gold light tearing through space, his target directly aimed at Bai Yuan.
A destructive dust storm swirled around him as the Gravity Domain unleashed. He intended to reclaim the humiliation of having his power devoured last time, with interest.
"Your opponent is me!"
Tang Wulin bellowed fiercely, charging forward. The Golden Dragon King bloodline surged, and a brilliant yellow light radiated from his left leg.
"Unmovable as a Mountain!"
The fifty-thousand-year True Dragon left leg soul skill erupted powerfully.
A heavy, earth-like aura instantly enveloped Tang Wulin's entire body. His forward-charging figure seemed to merge instantly with the ground beneath him, his stance as immovable as a rock.
Unmovable as a Mountain connected Tang Wulin to the earth, entering a "dominant body" state, rendering him immune to physical-related controls like "knockback" or "freeze," significantly boosting his defense and resistance.
The terrifying wind pressure and shockwaves from Long Yue's violent charge struck Tang Wulin's body, unable to budge him in the slightest.
With the dominant body state activated, a condensed layer of bright yellow film deflected the force into the ground.
Clang—!
The claws of the Mountain Dragon King viciously struck Tang Wulin's crossed Golden Dragon Claws, emitting a deafening explosion, sparks flying everywhere.
This time, Tang Wulin wasn't knocked back.
His feet sank deeply into the alloy platform, withstanding Long Yue's full-force attack. Although his arms trembled violently and his blood surged, the effect of Unmovable as a Mountain kept him firmly rooted in place, buying precious startup time for his teammates behind him.
A trace of astonishment flashed in Long Yue's eyes. He couldn't understand how this underling, whom he had easily defeated last time, could now withstand his full-powered strike in such a short span of time.
But his actions were faster than his thoughts. Using the Tang Sect's ultimate technique: Ghost Shadow Perplexing Steps.
He attempted to bypass Tang Wulin, seeking his true opponent.
But Tang Wulin wouldn't let him have his way. His black fourth soul ring flickered, and the Blue Silver Emperor surged forth like a blue python, forming a riotous jungle of twisting vines.
Blue Silver Tyrant Transformation!
------------------------------------------------------
Join my Patreon to read an exclusive novel – 'Douluo: Rebuilding Hao Tian Sect'
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)