The central area of the Ming Dou Mountain Range, on the border between the Star Luo Empire and the Sun Moon Empire.
"Don't worry, everyone. According to the specific information my father gave me, while the leader of the Death God's Hand Bandit Group might be an Evil Soul Master, their cultivation definitely doesn't exceed that of a Soul King."
Dai Yueheng, the captain of the main team, glanced back at his father's military camp before turning his gaze forward, saying excitedly,
"Soul Masters make up about a tenth of the bandit group, but they're all incompetent. We just need to charge in, and we'll take care of all of them!"
Soul Chasing Sword Soul King Chen Zifeng, Yao Haoxuan, Xi Xi, and the others all had excited expressions, clenching their fists with enthusiasm.
Usually, when I act alone, I'm always on edge. But with the seven of us elites working together this time, there won't be any problems!
Gongyang Mo, the main support Soul Master with the Rainbow Dragon Martial Soul, chuckled. "I don't have combat ability, so completing missions has always been a hassle. This time, I'm just riding on your coattails."
The Inner Courtyard disciple from the Soul Tool Department's eyes lit up. "If you don't mind, I can lend you a couple of Soul Guided Devices for combat, both offensive and defensive—"
The squishy support, Gongyang Mo, was about to agree with a smile when Taotie Douluo Xuan Zi, who was sipping from a wine gourd, suddenly appeared out of nowhere, descending from the sky. His tone was displeased.
"Hmph, what kind of talk is that? Are you looking down on Gongyang Mo's abilities, or are you looking down on our strength, thinking we can't protect him?"
"Forget about flying Soul Guided Devices for travel. When did Shrek's Martial Soul Department geniuses ever need obstructive things like Soul Guided Devices to enhance their strength? Are you trying to poach him?"
The Inner Courtyard disciple from the Soul Tool Department immediately felt a dangerous Ferocious Beast's unfriendly gaze on him. He hastily smiled and waved his hand, indicating he had no such intention.
Gongyang Mo also gave an awkward smile, stating that he, of course, trusted his companions' and Old Xuan's strength.
Ling Luochen asked, "Old Xuan, by custom, do we, the main team, go first while the junior students stay outside and watch, or do they follow us—"
"Of course, they're coming with you! What are you thinking?"
Old Xuan casually waved his sleeve, sweeping his gaze across a certain Reserve Team student who annoyed him greatly but whom he couldn't punish. A slight, disdainful smile played on his lips.
"Our Shrek Academy's Seven Devils are all top-notch elites and heroes, brimming with courage. Will they be afraid of a small situation like this?"
"Don't treat your junior students like timid cowards who fear danger. The Grand Competition is approaching; this is the best opportunity for experience."
"Once they're familiar with this kind of fighting, they won't get stage fright in the Grand Competition and will be able to calmly face any enemy."
"Besides, aren't I here? What Evil Soul Master can pose a life threat to you under my nose? What are you worried about?"
"Go, go, go! All of you, go! If anyone dares not to, don't blame this old man for making things difficult for you when you get back."
Ling Luochen opened her mouth, thinking, You, old man, probably don't know that I have some connection with Senior Sister, and I've heard about your unreliable "glorious achievements" from back in the day.
Xu Sanshi knew that Old Xuan, this old geezer, found him annoying no matter how he looked at him. Given Old Xuan's immense strength, Xu Sanshi didn't want to bother arguing with him, simply treating his words as nonsense that went in one ear and out the other.
After dropping these semi-threatening words, Xuan Zi flicked his sleeve and vanished from everyone's sight. The Shrek group, led by Dai Yueheng, changed into the Supervision Group's uniforms and equipment, then swiftly entered the depths of the Ming Dou Mountain Range.
Not long after, Wang Yan and Dai Yueheng together found the cave's location.
Xuan Zi reappeared, waved his sleeve, pointed towards the cave, and gave a command:
"Children, on behalf of Shrek, launch your fiercest assault against these evils!"
"Alright!!!"
The seven Inner Courtyard disciples responded loudly, simultaneously unleashing their Martial Souls. Six Soul Kings and one Soul Emperor, led by Dai Yueheng at the forefront, charged into the cave.
"White Tiger Bodyguard Barrier, White Tiger Vajra Transformation, White Tiger Meteor Shower!"
"Soul Chasing Sword, pierce! break! destroy!"
"Rainbow Dragon, Scarlet Power."
"Ice Staff, Ice Armor, Ice Cage!"
Screams of agony quickly poured out of the cave, and brilliant Soul Skills illuminated the darkness.
From those heart-wrenching sounds, the seven members of the Reserve Team could imagine how incomparably brave their senior students were, making the bandit group cry out for their parents.
Following the seniors' path into the cave, the demeanor of the seven Inner Courtyard disciples came into view.
Dai Yueheng, the White Tiger Soul Emperor, charged at the very front like a vanguard general. His tiger claws swept through the enemy, and wherever a claw mark landed, the bandits—whose strength didn't exceed Soul Ancestorand whose Soul Rings were quite poor—had their brains burst, falling silent.
The ferocious Dai Yueheng, caught up in the thrill of battle, even performed a move where he tore an enemy apart by hand, ripping a Soul Elder in half with a powerful flex of his shoulders.
Chen Zifeng, the other Assault Type Soul Master with the Soul Chasing Sword in the team, stood in Ma Xiaotao's original position. His Soul Chasing Sword appeared and disappeared like a ghost, delivering fatal blows to all bandits, splattering blood everywhere.
The two major Assault Type experts were like two sharp daggers, piercing the heart of the bandit group. Yao Haoxuan, Xi Xi, and the Soul Tool Department disciple watched both sides, picking off any stragglers.
Gongyang Mo was positioned in the center, his Rainbow Dragon's colorful light flowing and dancing, providing enhancements to his teammates no less effective than the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.
Ling Luochen wielded her Ice Staff at the rear, providing support. While casting Ice Armor on herself, she unleashed a flurry of ice, creating a scene of flying snow before the Reserve Team's eyes.
"Big Brother is truly invincible! I'm going to help him! Zhu Lu, let's go!"
Seeing Dai Yueheng display such divine might, Dai Huabin's eyes turned red for some reason. With a roar, he unleashed White Tiger possession and charged forward, directly surpassing Bei Bei and Xu Sanshi.
With a "meow," Zhu Lu unleashed her Netherworld Spirit Cat possession. With a low-slung dash, she shot past everyone, and along with Dai Huabin, they bypassed Ling Luochen and rushed directly towards Dai Yueheng. Two Soul Skills were already unleashed even before they encountered an enemy.
"White Tiger Vajra Transformation, White Tiger Light Wave!"
"Netherworld Thrust, Netherworld Hundred Claws!"
Jiang Nannan had already been enraged by the bloody scenes along the way. With Dai Huabin and Zhu Lu charging out, she could no longer hold back. Her long legs tensed and pushed off, and she darted forward.
"Hey, Nannan, don't rush ahead so fast! Wait for me!" Xu Sanshi yelled at Jiang Nannan's retreating figure, taking out his Profound Tortoise Shell Shield, ready to charge forward.
Bei Bei unfurled his dragon arm, his body, shimmering with electricity, surpassing the slower Xu Sanshi. He patted Xu Sanshi's shoulder. "Brother, this is our last fight. I'm not holding back. Whoever kills more will be the big brother from now on."
With that, Thunder's Fury erupted. Bei Bei's body surged with thousands of lightning snakes. With both hands extended, Thunder Dragon Claw and a large lightning net flashed out. He himself turned into an arc of lightning.
"You're picking on us Defense Type Soul Masters because we're slow and not good at killing, huh? Today, I'll show you what I can really do!"
Xu Sanshi saw that Bei Bei was exploiting his advantage over Xu Sanshi's disadvantage. His mind raced, and he made a firm decision, activating the transformation of his Profound Tortoise Shell Shield.
A powerful black aura immediately spread from the shield, instantly covering an area of ten square meters, like a booming, outward-pushing air shield.
Under the astonished gazes of He Caitou, Xiao Xiao, and Wang Yan, Xu Sanshi's aura rapidly intensified. A dark green snake with blood-red eyes also appeared on the intricate, thick tortoise shell shield.
Because he had taken the right path under the guidance of a certain "Third Brother," Xu Sanshi's Black Tortoise Shield had completely awakened, allowing him to control its state at will.
When he entered this state, he was no longer purely a Defense Type Soul Master; he would possess terrifying offensive power. However, the consumption would be immense.
To get the upper hand on Bei Bei, he had to go all out!
"Black Tortoise Awakening, Black Tortoise Power, Black Tortoise Tremor!"
Xu Sanshi roared, and his first and third Soul Rings shone brightly. Wang Yan sensed with shock that Xu Sanshi's aura had instantly more than doubled, now no weaker than Inner Courtyard elite Soul Kings like Ling Luochen and Xi Xi!
His Third Soul Skill not only boosted Xu Sanshi's power by more than double but also affected a large area of the environment. Xiao Xiao, He Caitou, and even Wang Yan felt as if they were enveloped by viscous water, and their Soul Power circulation became sluggish.
The terrifyingly grand and savage aura even drew wary glances from Inner Courtyard disciples like Ling Luochen and Gongyang Mo. Then they saw:
Xu Sanshi charged forward with huge strides, his Black Tortoise Tremor transforming into a dark green energy shield covering dozens of square meters. Along its path, it was as if a massive explosion had occurred, sending rubble flying.
"Is this… a Martial Soul evolution, or what? How can it be this powerful?"
The Soul Tool Department disciples, who had the weakest Martial Souls among the crowd, were stunned and lost in thought. Xu Sanshi's outburst was no less potent than his Soul Guided Device bombardment.
Ling Luochen gave a wry smile. "Now I understand why he had to go home…"
As a veteran student, Ling Luochen was certain that this was beyond Shrek Academy's capabilities, and certainly not something the Outer Courtyard could achieve. Xu Sanshi's Martial Soul transformation could only stem from his family.
He was five years younger than them, yet his strength was not much worse. Why would he stay at the academy? His family had plenty of powerful individuals; he should have returned long ago!
Xu Sanshi wasn't reckless. He stopped charging once he reached Jiang Nannan, focusing solely on being her protector and not taking the positions of Dai Yueheng and Chen Zifeng.
Dai Huabin and Zhu Lu, however, rushed to Dai Yueheng's side, determined to advance or retreat with their elder brother.
"I'll help too!"
Remembering Old Xuan's words, "Whoever doesn't participate, I'll deal with you," He Caitou shouted and charged forward with full firepower. Xiao Xiao couldn't find an opportunity to contribute and stayed behind with Wang Yan as spectators.
Stimulated, Bei Bei's eyes became resolute and arrogant. With a long roar, the surrounding lightning turned golden.
"Overlord, Thunder Domain!"
Dazzling golden light condensed above Bei Bei's head, radiating a powerful, kingly aura that dominated the world. Roaring waves of golden light surged forth, spreading to a diameter of twenty meters wherever they went.
The competitive offensives of both men were large-scale attacks, forcing the Inner Courtyard disciples to rush forward, almost running out of standing room.
"Black Tortoise?! Light Sacred Dragon?! No wonder you're known as the Outer Courtyard's Twin Stars. You're truly formidable."
Wang Yan sighed at the academy's inability to retain talent, yet also felt some relief. The situation was now excellent. Bei Bei, even if not quite as strong as Xu Sanshi, wasn't far behind, and Xiao Xiao had a promising future.
Just then, a sharp, piercing shriek echoed from deep within the cave.
"You dare trespass into my Death God Envoy's territory! Heheheh, all of you will die! I'm going to use Corpse Slaves to blow you all to kingdom come!"
Upon hearing this voice, the remaining bandits showed no joy; instead, despair filled every one of their eyes.
Xu Sanshi's face changed dramatically upon hearing the voice, and his fourth Soul Ring shone brightly. "Nannan, Bei Bei, watch out! Black Tortoise Displacement!"
The evolved Black Tortoise Displacement could instantly summon Soul Masters within a hundred meters to Xu Sanshi's side. Xu Sanshi and Bei Bei, if not like brothers, were lifelong sworn friends. Xu Sanshi immediately forcibly summoned Bei Bei behind him to protect him.
The dark green energy shield expanded, enveloping Jiang Nannan and Bei Bei. This was the limit of what Xu Sanshi could achieve in an instant. Sensing immense danger, Dai Yueheng immediately activated his three major amplification Soul Skills—White Tiger Bodyguard Barrier, White Tiger Vajra Transformation, and Devil God Transformation—to their maximum. After a moment of hesitation, he lunged forward, tackling Dai Huabin and Zhu Lu to the ground.
Ling Luochen summoned Ice Armor for herself. Wang Yan pulled Xiao Xiao back. The other students either froze or reacted in a flash.
In that critical moment, the bodies lying on the ground swelled at an impossibly fast rate, enveloped in a faint red glow.
At this very moment, the seven members of the Reserve Team, except for Xiao Xiao who was pulled away, were mingled with the main team, even pushing Ling Luochen to the very back.
Bei Bei, having been moved and protected by Xu Sanshi, left behind a ground covered in corpses that conveniently blocked Yao Haoxuan and Xi Xi's escape route. The terrifying kill counts of the Black Tortoise and Light Sacred Dragon became their death counts.
He Caitou stood alongside the Inner Courtyard Soul Tool Department disciples, thrown to the ground by his senior. Gongyang Mo had already been knocked over and was frantically searching for cover.
However, thanks to the "enthusiastic help" of the junior students from the Reserve Team, he was now surrounded by piles of corpse fragments. Only the Ice Armor that Ling Luochen remotely placed on him provided a sliver of security.
But this couldn't be blamed on the junior students being too enthusiastic. Hadn't Old Xuan said that anyone who didn't participate would be targeted by him?
The next instant, a violent explosion drowned out everyone's ears.
*RUMBLE—!*
Continuous Corpse Explosions echoed from the narrow, cramped cave. Horrifying toxins and flying corporeal fragments splattered everywhere.
At the exact moment the explosion sounded, Old Xuan, covered in grease, was drinking wine and gnawing on a chicken leg on an old tree outside the cave, smacking his lips contentedly, his eyes filled with satisfaction.
The voice pierced Xuan Zi's ears. He froze for a moment, then fury flashed in his eyes. He shot up, transforming into a streak of light, and flew toward the cave.
Wang Yan, who was holding Xiao Xiao, was knocked back by the shockwave and collided with Xuan Zi. Xuan Zi haphazardly pushed them aside, gradually taking in the scene inside the cave.
After blinking blankly for a few seconds, Xuan Zi's eyes turned blood red. His cloudy pupils reflected the horrific sight of flesh and blood splattered everywhere, and bones strewn across the ground. These were the fragments of students who, not long ago, had been full of life.
The nightmare-like terror jolted him, leaving him bewildered and helpless. He fell to his knees, a long howl ripping from his throat.
"No~ no~ no! Why? Why is it like this again!"
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Translation by: randomtranslator.com
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