Chapter 264: Chen Sixue vs. the Dragon Slayer Sect
As the All-Continental High-Level Soul Master Competition approached, the political situation within the Sun Moon Empire had shifted considerably from what was once recorded in history.
Unlike the original timeline, Crown Prince Xu Tianran had failed to secure clear support from Jing Hongchen. On top of that, the aged emperor's health had significantly improved over the past two years, preventing Xu Tianran from becoming regent as he once had. Now, still merely a crown prince, Xu Tianran found himself increasingly powerless against his rival siblings.
Still, the competition drew massive crowds. Among the spirited citizens of the Sun Moon Empire, excitement buzzed in the air.
"Last time, we won under the leadership of the Hall Master! This year, we'll take the championship again for sure!"
"Of course! Back then, the Hall Master crushed Shrek Academy at just fifteen! There's no way we'll lose now!"
But not everyone shared that certainty.
"I heard the Hall Master isn't even participating this year. They're only sending a few soul masters with ten-thousand-year souls?"
"It makes sense. With his current position, he shouldn't be entering anymore. But don't worry—those ten-thousand-year souls are terrifyingly strong. You'd be amazed if you'd seen one!"
One Sun Moon Empire citizen began enthusiastically recounting the tale of a distant cousin:
"My cousin reached level 50 and took out a loan from the Soul Palace to buy a 20,000-year soul. His original soul ring ratio was one white, two yellow, and one purple—pretty average. But after he bonded with the soul, it changed to four purple and one black! Even better, the ten-thousand-year soul can fight alongside him directly. With the help of that 20,000-year-old beast, he can stand toe-to-toe with a Soul Emperor!"
The man spoke so passionately, he seemed to glow with pride—as if his cousin's accomplishments were his own.
However, such talk eventually reached the ears of those from the original Douluo Three Kingdoms. And they were far less impressed.
"Hmph, what nonsense. You Sun Moon people sure know how to brag," one man sneered. "Something that can upgrade your soul rings and summon beasts to fight? Even Shrek Academy hasn't done that!"
The audience from the Sun Moon Empire glared at him, but the man didn't back down.
"You're saying the Sun Moon Empire created something that even Shrek couldn't? Ridiculous!"
"I, Wang Chen, will say this now—if what you claim is true, I'll eat shit in public!"
Gasps echoed through the crowd as eyes turned toward Wang Chen, some in shock, others in amusement. He stood proudly, drinking in the attention.
"Don't act like you're speechless now!" he snapped. "Challenging Shrek's legacy with something so absurd. You people should be ashamed!"
Just as Wang Chen prepared to continue his tirade, one of his companions tugged on his sleeve nervously.
"He's joking—he's obviously joking!"
"What's your problem?" Wang Chen barked. "You really believe that spirit nonsense?"
But his friend no longer responded, instead turning his gaze toward the competition platform.
The first match was beginning: Sun Moon Royal Soul Instructor Academy vs. the Dragon Slayer Sect.
The Dragon Slayer Sect sent all seven of their team members to the arena, forming up in a standard team formation.
But from the Sun Moon side… only one person stepped onto the field.
A girl named Chen Sixue.
She wore pure white robes lined with subtle gold, her long hair cascading like silk to her waist. Her appearance was graceful and noble, and her face exceptionally beautiful. But the men of the Dragon Slayer Sect didn't have time to admire her looks.
Their captain stepped forward, glaring.
"What is this? This is a team battle! What's the meaning of this?"
Chen Sixue answered calmly, her tone gentle but resolute.
"I know. But I'm enough to handle all of you."
The Dragon Slayer captain clenched his jaw, fury surging.
"You think we're weak?! Fine! Don't cry when you lose. There's no resurrection match for this opening round!"
Chen Sixue smiled softly.
"You won't win."
"Brothers! Let her see that the Dragon Slayer Sect isn't a pushover!"
"Let's go!"
As the team roared and the referee confirmed the Sun Moon Academy's intention to field only one contestant, the match officially began.
The seven members of the Dragon Slayer Sect charged, their soul rings flaring to life—most with the solid ratio of two yellow, two purple, and even a few with one black.
Then, Chen Sixue raised her hand.
A light shimmered around her as her soul rings emerged:
Purple, purple, purple, black, black.
A five-ringed configuration—three purple and two black—one that should have been impossible by traditional soul ring evolution standards. It instantly silenced the crowd.
From the stands, Wang Chen's mouth dropped open in disbelief.
"What… what is that soul ring ratio?! Shrek students only start with black soul rings after the fifth ring… How can she have two already?!"
His friend clapped him on the shoulder, grinning.
"Still think the Sun Moon Empire can't surpass Shrek?"
"Hmph! It's just the soul rings. I don't see any summoned soul beast to fight alongside her!"
Almost as if in direct response to his words, Chen Sixue stepped forward again—and beneath her feet, a massive 20,000-year-old Human-Faced Demon Spider materialized.
Wang Chen: "…"
His face went pale.