At this moment, as the System's notification echoed in his mind, a trace of intense curiosity appeared in Liu Yuan's eyes.
"Has the reward arrived?" he murmured inwardly. "This time… what skill will it be?"
The System responded without delay. Soon, the cold mechanical voice rang out once more:
[Congratulations to the Host, you have obtained a random Mega Rayquaza skill — Draco Meteor!]
[Draco Meteor]
[Attribute: Dragon]
[Power: 130]
[Type: Special Attack]
[Special Effect: After hitting the target, there is a 100% chance to reduce its Special Defense by 2 Ranks.]
"Draco Meteor?"
Liu Yuan's eyes lit up instantly.
"Not bad at all."
This skill suited him perfectly.
Not only was its raw power terrifying, but more importantly, its special effect was downright broken—a guaranteed two-stage reduction in the opponent's Special Defense!
What did that imply?
It meant that in future battles, he could open with Draco Meteor. Regardless of the immediate damage dealt, as long as it hit, the enemy's defenses would be severely weakened.
After that, chaining his other special attack abilities would result in exponentially increased damage.
This was the definition of a perfect opener—a strategic, god-tier skill that paved the way for total suppression.
Liu Yuan nodded in satisfaction before turning his awareness inward to examine his current condition.
Within his dantian, spirit power surged like an endless tide, far more vigorous than before.
There was no doubt about it—under the blessing of the god-bestowed spirit ring, his cultivation had officially stabilized at Rank 52.
"Now that's satisfying…"
After reviewing his gains, his mood grew even lighter.
This trip had not only fulfilled its purpose—it had far exceeded expectations.
"That's enough. Time to head back to the Sun Moon Royal Academy."
Without hesitation, he identified his direction and shot forward like a streak of cyan light, rapidly leaving the depths of the Star Dou Great Forest.
---
Meanwhile — Core Area of the Star Dou Great Forest, Lake of Life
What Liu Yuan didn't know was that the brief moment he summoned Mega Rayquaza had already shaken the very core of the forest.
Moments after that overwhelming aura disappeared, two figures rushed toward the Lake of Life, stopping before a tall man in black who stood with his eyes closed.
The newcomers were Xiong Jun, the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear ranked fourth among the Ten Great Vicious Beasts, and the seventh-ranked Emerald Swan.
"Di Tian!"
Before he even steadied himself, Xiong Jun roared:
"Did you feel that just now? What was that thing?!"
Even the usually gentle Emerald Swan wore a grave expression.
"That aura… it made my very Soul tremble."
The man in black—Di Tian—slowly opened his golden eyes, which radiated endless majesty.
"I saw it."
He stood up, gazing toward the direction where the aura had appeared, a rare hint of caution flickering in his eyes.
"It only appeared for an instant… but its presence was beyond anything I've ever felt."
He paused, choosing his words carefully.
"This wasn't suppression based on spirit power."
"It was suppression from bloodline… from origin itself."
"It felt like a higher, more ancient existence."
Xiong Jun nodded frantically.
"Yes! Exactly! When it appeared, I felt like a newborn cub—my legs almost gave out!"
The Emerald Swan frowned deeply.
"It vanished too quickly… its aura completely disappeared. If such a being exists in Star Dou, we don't know whether that's a blessing or a disaster."
Di Tian's gaze sharpened.
"No matter what, we must investigate. We cannot allow an unknown existence of this level to roam freely within our territory."
Just as he was about to depart—
A cold, majestic female voice suddenly echoed directly within his mind.
It came from the depths of the Lake of Life… from the slumbering Gu Yuena.
[Di Tian, investigate it thoroughly.]
Even her voice carried a trace of rare astonishment.
[Find out exactly what that being was.]
Clearly, even she—the Silver Dragon King—had been shaken by that divine aura.
"Yes, My Lord!"
Di Tian immediately responded with utmost respect.
Turning sharply, he commanded:
"Xiong Jun, Emerald Swan—come with me. Even if we have to overturn the entire Star Dou Great Forest, we will find it!"
"Yes!"
The three figures shot into the sky, racing toward the source of that terrifying presence.
---
Elsewhere — Within the Star Dou Great Forest
Inside a temporary cave, a scorching wave of heat erupted outward.
Ma Xiaotao slowly opened her eyes, her phoenix-like gaze blazing with excitement.
She had succeeded.
Under the protection of Xuan Zi, she had absorbed the spirit ring of an 80,000-year Flame Demon Lion.
Her spirit power surged like molten lava.
Rank 72.
She had officially stepped into the Spirit Saint Realm before the tournament even began.
"Hahaha! Good! Excellent, Xiaotao!"
Xuan Zi appeared instantly before her, his aged eyes filled with satisfaction.
A 72nd-rank assault-type Spirit Master…
Across the entire tournament, this was absolute dominance.
In his mind, victory for Shrek Academy was now guaranteed.
How could they possibly lose?
But at that exact moment—
A terrifying pressure descended from the heavens.
"BOOM—!!!"
Both their expressions froze as they instinctively looked up.
The sky had dimmed unnaturally.
A colossal cyan-green dragon coiled high above, its body blotting out the sun itself.
Its presence felt like the embodiment of the universe—overwhelming, sacred, and absolute.
Just looking at it made one's Soul tremble.
Ma Xiaotao's voice shook:
"W-What kind of Spirit Beast is that…?"
Even her Phoenix Spirit trembled in fear.
Xuan Zi's face turned grave as he stared upward.
"It's… that creature again."