At the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy, in Training Field Nine, Xu Tianxi and his two companions—a team of two Soul Kings and one Soul Ancestor—clashed fiercely with the main team, which consisted of one Soul Emperor and six Soul Kings. After three minutes, a victor emerged.
Leveraging his invisibility, Xiao Hongchen, equipped with Detection Glasses crafted by Xuan Ziwen, unleashed his full power. Hundreds of Level 5 Soul Guided Cannon barrels rained down, delivering a painful blow to the main team. Xu Tianxi and Meng Hongchen, meanwhile, switched to close-combat gear and launched flanking attacks.
Xu Tianxi hadn't immersed himself in a specific combat style like Ji Juechen, but at his level of strength, simply wielding a Level 6 Soul Guided Battle Spear was enough to sweep through an army.
The Training Field thundered as Xu Tianxi weaved in and out, tearing apart Ma Rulong's seven-man defensive line and splitting the group into three sections.
Ma Rulong and Lin Xi were pinned down by Xiao Hongchen's concentrated firepower, unable to escape for the moment.
The brothers Chen Fei and Chen An became Meng Hongchen's targets. Icy light scattered everywhere, and sword shadows fell like silk threads, creating chaotic disarray.
Meng Hongchen's Soul Power was just a hair's breadth from the Soul Emperor realm. After absorbing the Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone, her strength had transformed. Coupled with two Soul Bones and the enhancement of her Level 6 Melee Soul Guided Armor, her close-combat prowess rivaled that of a high-tier Soul Emperor. She effortlessly took on two opponents, suppressing the two Soul Kings so thoroughly they couldn't even catch their breath.
The remaining three, Li Yan, Xiao Xiafeng, and Mijia, were Xu Tianxi's targets. Xu Tianxi called out, "If you senior brothers are afraid of pain, just scream! I'm quite strong," then swept his spear forward.
Immediately, three "Aww~woo," "Woo~wah," and "Ah~ya" sounds, reminiscent of human ancestral cries, rang out. The three fully armed Soul Kings were instantly sent flying by the sudden lightning-shadow electric spear.
Unveiling himself, Xu Tianxi gave an apologetic smile to the three Soul Kings who were writhing on the ground, groaning in pain, after being swept away by his single spear strike. He then turned to observe the other two ongoing battles.
Soul Engineers generally didn't have high physical endurance. Even if these three senior brothers were elite Soul Engineers, the gap between them and Xu Tianxi was simply too vast.
Furthermore, Xu Tianxi's equipment was superior to theirs, so resolving the battle in a single move was hardly surprising.
Chen Fei and Chen An were being terribly suppressed by Meng Hongchen. They tried to compensate for each other using their years of brotherly coordination, but the tide of battle was rapidly turning against them; it was only a matter of time before they fell.
At Xiao Hongchen's location, Ma Rulong, as the captain of the main team, naturally had some tricks up his sleeve. After being briefly suppressed, he adopted effective countermeasures.
He unleashed a Ten Thousand Year Soul Beast to assist in the fight, stirring up the battlefield, while methodically pulling out various Soul Guided Cannons to counter Xiao Hongchen's surging Soul Guided Rays.
The tall and burly Lin Xi, clearly favoring defense, quickly erected fortifications to shield Ma Rulong from the wild onslaught from all directions, occasionally clashing with Xiao Hongchen's attacks himself.
For a time, Ma Rulong and Lin Xi became the last hope for the main team to regain their dignity.
I remember in the original novel, that unlucky guy Lin Xi got burned to death by Ma Xiaotao even with his Invincible Shield. He died a miserable death...
Xu Tianxi leisurely watched the fierce battle between the two and Xiao Hongchen, his eyes shifting with changing expressions. He mused that both sides were performing well.
If this were the Xiao Hongchen before he absorbed the Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid and the Soul Bone, he probably would have been taken down by Ma Rulong after his initial bombardment. The fact that he can fight them to such a stalemate now is truly commendable.
Old Ji's training really did have some effect, and Teacher Xuan's Detection Glasses greatly improved his cannon's accuracy. That's why he's able to fight like this.
Ma Rulong still has a trump card; he hasn't pulled out that Level 8 Sword of Judgment yet. But his strength should still be inferior to Old Ji's—
His gaze shifted to Xiao Hongchen. Xu Tianxi analyzed Xiao Hongchen's progress in strength while simultaneously rehearsing a hypothetical battle between himself and Ma Rulong in his mind.
If I were to fight Ma Rulong, he probably wouldn't even have a chance to use his trump card.
Not long after, two "bang-bang" sounds echoed. Meng Hongchen had dealt with her opponents and drifted down beside Xu Tianxi, a hint of regret in her voice:
"I thought I was fast enough, but I still wasn't as fast as you."
It was already impressive that she had defeated Chen An and Chen Fei in just one minute. Only after she collected herself did she realize that Xu Tianxi had already turned the three Soul King senior brothers into rolling gourds.
Xu Tianxi smiled calmly. "It's nothing. Now let's see how your brother performs. Do you think he can win?"
"I don't think his chances are good. If he keeps fighting, his Soul Power won't hold up. Although his Soul Power greatly increased after absorbing the Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid, it can't withstand this kind of constant bombardment."
Meng Hongchen observed for a moment, then said, "If his opponents were three Soul Kings, he might have a chance to win.
But Senior Brother Ma Rulong is a Soul Emperor, capable of creating and using Level 7 Soul Guided Devices; he's a Level 7 Soul Engineer. Plus, there's Senior Brother Lin Xi beside him. Xiao won't be able to win."
"I agree," Xu Tianxi said, nodding, as he waited for the outcome of the battle.
In his past impression, Xiao Hongchen was arrogant. At a time like this, it was best to let him finish the fight on his own. Otherwise, if he saw that they had already dealt with their opponents, he would probably be depressed for a long time.
Hmm, Xiao Hongchen should still be associated with the word 'arrogant,' right?
Two minutes later, Xiao Hongchen's Three-legged Golden Toad burst of power was completely exhausted. Lin Xi, who had been maintaining the defensive line, collapsed to the ground. Ma Rulong seized the opportunity and held a sword to Xiao Hongchen's neck.
Xiao Hongchen's face showed unwillingness as he, having exhausted his Soul Power, was eliminated from the match.
Before Ma Rulong could even catch his breath, a cold spear tip pressed against his back, and a thin, cicada-wing-like ice sword appeared seemingly out of thin air, resting against his neck from the side. Both the spear tip and the sword's edge seemed to materialize from nothing.
Ma Rulong, with his vital points threatened, was eliminated. He reluctantly raised his hands, signaling the defeat of the entire main team.
"Done," Xu Tianxi said, retracting his armored spear. He helped Xiao Hongchen, who was almost collapsing, and gave him a thumbs-up.
"You fought quite hard. I'll take care of Old Ji's trouble for you a few times."
Joy surged onto Xiao Hongchen's pale face. "Then many thanks—"
"No need to thank me. I'll block him for you; you just need to train with me from now on. Remember to put some power into your cannon shots," Xu Tianxi said with a smile.
Xiao Hongchen: ".————·∑(V"a"
Xu Tianxi, I can't believe even you, with your thick eyebrows and big eyes, are just like my grandpa!
Xu Tianxi ignored Xiao Hongchen's inner turmoil and continued:
"The competition is approaching, and I have some plans I want to submit to the Dean. Are you two interested in reviewing them for me before we submit them to the Dean?"
Meng Hongchen's eyes never left Xu Tianxi's face, as if she wanted to take in every detail at once. Her slender, pale wrists swayed continuously as she smiled charmingly:
"If Xiao Hongchen can't think of anything, just tell your grandpa directly what you need."
Xiao Hongchen: "...—o(T~T)."
I shouldn't be here.
"Alright then, I'll write down my ideas, and you can add to them or correct them anytime. Once we're all in agreement, we'll sign it together."
Xu Tianxi glanced at Xiao Hongchen. Seeing no objection from him, he took out a pen and paper and began writing his proposal:
"First, we need the academy to provide us with strong enough security to prevent any unforeseen incidents. For example, if a student from another academy loses and their team leader can't accept it, threatening our lives or interfering with the competition results, or even abducting students, by claiming they'll go mad."
"My suggestion is to anticipate the opponent's strength to be at the peak of a Level 98 Super Douluo. We should deploy Level 9 Soul Engineers carrying a large number of Level 9 Soul Guided Devices. If necessary, we can use Level 9 Fixed Soul Cannon Shells to pressure the Star Luo Empire. If they don't help stop a certain academy's misbehavior, we'll launch a grand fireworks display over Star Luo City."
"Of course, this is only a last resort. On the other hand, we need to prepare sufficient combat equipment for our participating students, such as a Level 7 Soul Guided Device for absolute defense, which can temporarily seal powerful individual enemy combat units, and enough Invincible Shields."
"In short, even if we have to overwhelm them with Soul Guided Devices, we must ensure our entire team emerges as champions, safe and sound!"
"Finally, I suggest the Dean seize this excellent opportunity, with Star Luo City hosting the Pan-continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Fighting Tournament and gathering nobles from the Four Great Empires, to launch a public relations offensive:"
"We should demonstrate upward mobility and a thirst for talent to the Soul Master elites of the Original Three Kingdoms, attracting benevolent and aspiring individuals from the Original Three Kingdoms to make long-term choices more beneficial for their future."
"Specifically, we can promote positive examples, such as Teacher Xuan Ziwen, whose parents are both from the Heavenly Soul Empire, but he himself is now the Chief Researcher of Mingde Hall."
"This is enough to show that the Sun Moon Empire absorbs talent in an unconventional manner. As long as one is willing to contribute to the Sun Moon Empire, we will accept and cultivate them with the most inclusive attitude—."
"In fact, we have always done this. It's just that our Sun Moon Empire's image has been demonized in the Original Three Kingdoms. What we need to do is break through this information cocoon and show our true selves; to ensure that the common people and Soul Masters of the Original Three Kingdoms are no longer deceived."
"Considering that the risk of doing this might be slightly higher, I suggest the Dean refine this draft plan of mine and submit it to higher decision-making levels, so they can mobilize the Sun Moon Empire's military forces to ensure safety and dispatch other high-level Soul Engineers if necessary."
In short, they planned to stir things up in Star Luo City.
Meng Hongchen said nothing, only nodding in agreement. Xiao Hongchen frowned in thought, a chill spreading through him as he felt a shiver down his spine at Xu Tianxi's move.
Good heavens, it's a good thing you came to us from the Original Three Kingdoms. Doing something like this would uproot the Original Three Kingdoms!
While the Original Three Kingdoms certainly had hardline Soul Masters, there were also those who remained aloof and unconcerned, and others who cared only for benefits regardless of their stance. If they were to hear about this... the consequences would be dire.
Meanwhile, Ma Rulong helped his team members up. Lin Xi, holding his lower back which had been rattled by the shockwave, mumbled as he looked at the trio:
"If they're so good at fighting, why do we even need our main team? Couldn't they just go in and slaughter everyone? Besides Shrek, who else could be their opponent?"
Ma Rulong's expression was peculiar as he said, "Someone's helping us defeat Shrek, and you're still complaining?"
Lin Xi paused, then suddenly understood, his eyes instantly filled with admiration: "You're right! Captain, you're brilliant!"
Just then, Xu Tianxi's voice reached their ears:
"Seven seniors, would you care to sign a joint petition to the Dean with me?"
Outside Shrek Academy, Xuan Zi and Wang Yan led the assembled main team of seven and the reserve team of seven. Two generations of Shrek Seven Devils advanced towards the Star Luo Empire.
During their casual chat, the two White Tiger young masters from the White Tiger Duke's Mansion met, greeting each other warmly and reminiscing. Dai Yueheng smiled kindly, speaking with gentle encouragement; Dai Huabin repeatedly agreed, his eyes respectful; Zhu Lu echoed their sentiments from the side.
As for how much sincerity was in the brothers' words, that was open to interpretation. Currently, the Dai Family had no imperial succession, but the Duke's title was still paramount in the Star Luo Empire.
Bei Bei looked wistful, missing Tang Ya. Xu Sanshi was wholeheartedly trying to please Jiang Nannan, attracting many cold stares.
He Caitou discussed Soul Guided Devices with his senior from the Soul Tool Department, while Xiao Xiao and Ling Luochen, the only female senior from the Inner Courtyard, hit it off and conversed about their situations.
Xiao Xiao: "Senior Sister Ling, our academy's team this time is really impressive. Besides that senior from the Soul Tool Department, all of you are high-level Soul Kings and Soul Emperors at Level 55 or above."
The ice-element beauty Ling Luochen smiled gently: "Junior Sister Xiao, you don't need to envy us. When we were your age five years ago, our cultivation wasn't that high either. You'll also reach our level in five years."
As she spoke, her gaze drifted to Xu Sanshi and Bei Bei, and she said:
"Especially those two, they will definitely cultivate to be high-level Soul Emperors in five years. Among our Inner Courtyard students under twenty, only one person can compare to them."
Xiao Xiao asked curiously, "Are there other masters from our Inner Courtyard who haven't come? Why isn't that senior in the main team?"
Upon hearing this, a hint of unnatural aversion appeared on Ling Luochen's face as she said, "That person's Martial Soul has a flaw; they're not suited for this kind of situation."
"Alright, alright, stop chatting, everyone. It's time to discuss serious matters."
Xuan Zi released his Soul Power pressure, and the previously boisterous team immediately fell silent.
A satisfied expression on his face, Xuan Zi smiled and nodded, clearing his throat before speaking:
"Before officially participating in the competition, we have a mission to complete first. We need to go to the Ming Dou Mountain Range in the Star Luo Empire to eliminate a notoriously evil assassin group."
"Representing Shrek Academy in punishing evil is the honor and responsibility of every Shrek Inner Courtyard disciple. It also concerns the future development of you seven reserve team members—."
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