After Huo Yuhao was taken away by Yazi Douluo
The Saintess, under the protection of Nightmare Douluo, returned to the street.
The residents had fled due to the earlier battle, and Yazi Douluo left without making any arrangements.
As a result, all the poisoned city defense soldiers, including the Soul Emperor-level gate captain, lay collapsed on the street, unguarded by any strong fighters.
"Your Holiness, please hurry. More powerful figures will arrive soon," Elder Nightmare urged.
Returning carried risks, but taking such risks befitted the Saintess's status and showcased the grace expected of their Holy Religion's Saintess.
Thus, Elder Nightmare harbored no complaints, only growing admiration for her.
Elder Nightmare activated his martial soul, creating a soul power barrier.
His martial soul, Nightmare Demon, could induce sleep and devour mental energy. The barrier blocked anyone with weaker mental power from approaching the street.
"I understand. Don't worry, it'll be quick," the Saintess said, her gaze cold as she surveyed the fallen soldiers.
"Thanks to that boy by Beibei's side."
"When Tang Sect fell, the city defense army turned a blind eye, and the Heavenly Soul Empire might've even fanned the flames. Why else, when other sects were wiped out, did the empire do nothing, yet when Iron Blood Sect fell, they scoured the city for culprits?"
"Tang Sect defended Sky Dou City!"
"Since the Heavenly Soul Empire was unjust first, don't blame me for being unrighteous. Let the blood and lives of these soldiers fuel my martial soul's full awakening!"
"And they dared harm Beibei—they've earned their deaths!"
The Saintess raised her hand, and countless Blue Silver Grass vines surged, piercing the defenseless soldiers, recklessly devouring their life force and flesh.
Huo Yuhao had previously limited the cold poison's potency, so the ice attribute in the soldiers was weak, unable to stop the Blue Silver Grass from invading their bodies.
In moments, the street was blanketed in Blue Silver Grass.
Its color shifted from the usual blue-silver to a menacing black-red. The once gentle Blue Silver Grass now looked ferocious and terrifying.
As the grass consumed flesh and life
A surge of life energy flowed back to the Saintess, converting into soul power. Her aura skyrocketed, peaking at the level 40 Soul Ancestor realm.
Without a soul ring to break through, her cultivation would've climbed even higher.
Absorbing vast life energy, the Saintess flushed with pleasure, her body trembling slightly.
Elder Nightmare nodded approvingly. "Congratulations, Your Holiness! Your martial soul has fully awakened!"
"You're too kind, Elder Nightmare. Tang Ya owes you thanks for your protection."
The Saintess's true identity was the long-missing Tang Ya!
Due to the invasion of evil fire, its malevolence awakened the dark power within her Blue Silver Grass martial soul, amplifying its devouring attribute.
The evil intent also corrupted Tang Ya's consciousness, pushing her toward darkness and extremism.
Nurtured by her hatred, the darkness grew, leading Tang Ya to willingly embrace the path of an evil soul master without manipulation.
She sought revenge! Slaughter! Power!
Her clash with Ma Xiaotao by Poseidon Lake had mutually propelled them onto the evil soul master path.
The difference? Ma Xiaotao was temporarily suppressed, while Tang Ya was set free, growing wild.
Truly worthy of their Saintess potential.
After leaving Shrek Academy, as if guided by fate
When Tang Ya took her first step as an evil soul master, she encountered Elder Nightmare, who was scouting for talent.
Her Blue Silver Grass's evil and dark aura convinced him she had the makings of a Saintess.
Thus, Elder Nightmare decided to help Tang Ya fully awaken her martial soul before bringing her to the Holy Religion.
Now, after over a decade of nurturing in darkness, Tang Ya's Blue Silver Grass revealed its true form: Dark Blue Silver Grass!
Though its foundation was damaged by evil fire, the nourishment from devouring and darkness would mend it, making it even more terrifying!
"Heavenly Soul Empire, just wait. My Blue Silver Grass will be your nightmare!" Tang Ya glared toward Sky Dou Palace, a red glint of malice in her eyes.
Then, her body stiffened, emanating cold air.
Elder Nightmare quickly supported her, probing, and soon found the cause.
"Your Holiness is poisoned? That cold poison traveled through your martial soul into your body?"
"Pity that boy was taken to Sky Dou Palace. We should've brought him to the Second Elder."
"No matter. Let's get Your Holiness detoxified first."
Elder Nightmare hurriedly left with Tang Ya.
When the city defense's strong fighters finally arrived
They found only desiccated corpses and wilting Dark Blue Silver Grass scattered across the street, uncollected.
The evil soul master's massacre of the city defense army sparked an uproar in Sky Dou City.
…
Huo Yuhao, the "accomplice" behind it all, didn't hear the news until evening.
He was settled in a palace hall in Sky Dou Palace, attended by over a dozen beautiful maids.
Beibei was in the Imperial Hospital, treated by top experts.
Yazi Douluo hadn't lied—both received elite treatment.
Huo Yuhao learned of the soldiers' deaths from Yazi Douluo during a visit.
After Yazi Douluo left, Huo Yuhao shut the hall's doors and windows, slapped his thigh, and cursed inwardly.
"No wonder no one came to me to detox those soldiers! Someone else swooped in and stole my hostages!"
"But black Blue Silver Grass? Could it be…"
"Wonder if I could still collect ghosts from those corpses."
"But I'm in Sky Dou Palace, with hidden guards watching. Better not stir trouble."
Huo Yuhao quashed his mischievous thoughts.
Tianmeng Ice Silkworm had long sensed the hidden guards.
Likely, the Heavenly Soul Emperor feared Huo Yuhao causing more chaos.
However, the emperor didn't meet Huo Yuhao immediately. Instead, he arranged a banquet that night to welcome him.
Yazi Douluo's visit was to inform Huo Yuhao of this.
The daytime was probably used to verify Huo Yuhao and Beibei's identities.
With identities confirmed, a formal apology was needed.
With all involved soldiers dead, only Huo Yuhao and Beibei's account remained.
The Heavenly Soul Empire had no chance to dispute it.
Finally, at banquet time, a beautiful maid led Huo Yuhao to the venue.
"Let's go, Tianmeng-ge. Time to feast!"
The banquet wasn't held in the grand hall where the Heavenly Soul Emperor typically hosted ministers, but in a smaller banquet hall within the palace, with limited capacity.
Clearly, the emperor didn't want the matter to become public knowledge, preferring to handle it internally.
Huo Yuhao guessed that once he entered, he'd find the hall filled with the emperor's people, with him as the sole outsider.
As for Beibei… he was still unconscious.
So, Huo Yuhao had to attend alone.
Yet, his face showed no trace of nervousness or panic, only a cold expression, as if his anger still lingered.
Huo Yuhao: *Can't give them an easy time!*
The banquet hall's doors opened, and Huo Yuhao strode in, chest out, head high, stepping into the opulent, gilded hall.
The hall was already filled with people, seemingly waiting just for him.
The moment he entered, all eyes locked onto him, expressions varying.
Such a scene would naturally pressure most.
But Huo Yuhao was unfazed, boldly sizing up everyone in the hall.
With a glance, he discerned three factions.
On the right were officials in formal attire, likely Heavenly Soul Empire bureaucrats.
In the center, at the head, were the royals. At their core was the host, the master of the Heavenly Soul Empire—the Heavenly Soul Emperor.
The emperor appeared as an elegant, noble middle-aged man.
Beside him was a dignified, beautiful woman—undoubtedly the Heavenly Soul Empress.
Finally, the left faction.
Huo Yuhao realized he'd misjudged. These people didn't seem to be the emperor's allies.
There were only three on the left: two adult men and aBoys. Their simple clothing belied an undeniable presence.
One look revealed they were powerful soul masters, their eyes gleaming with sharpness.
Beside them stood a girl.
She was about fifteen or sixteen, dressed in a palace gown that accentuated her figure, though the gown was somewhat conservative. Her gentle demeanor gave a fragile impression, and her beautiful, expressive eyes sparkled with curiosity as she studied Huo Yuhao.
In terms of beauty, she surpassed the girls who usually flocked to Huo Yuhao, falling just short of Snow Emperor. A continental stunner.
"Hao-ge, that girl's aura feels kinda like yours," Tianmeng Ice Silkworm said, puzzled.
Electra suddenly chimed in, "Perhaps it's the martial soul."
"Martial soul? Could she be…" Tianmeng seemed to realize something.
Yet, despite her stunning beauty, Huo Yuhao glanced at her once and looked away.
Right now, his eyes saw only luck! Luck! And more damn luck!
He'd never seen such a lavish luck lineup.
Everyone's head glowed with golden luck.
Some even carried rare dragon and phoenix qi. Dragon qi was concentrated among the royals, with the emperor radiating the most.
Phoenix qi centered on the empress, similar to dragon qi but differing in hue.
And that unique girl? She bore both dragon *and* phoenix qi, marking her as not just royalty but a potential empress or consort.
Even if she didn't vie for the throne, her future would be unimaginably illustrious.
Huo Yuhao had a bold idea.
"I wanna take them all out!"
Tianmeng: "Hao-ge, activating backup energy reserves!"
Golden Tortoise: "Hao-ge, give me a chance to shine!"
Electra: "Yuhao, aren't you being a bit extreme?"
Huo Yuhao's killing intent was unconcealed.
He hadn't come to play nice.
Those who sensed his intent reacted: some faces darkened, others grew stern, and some looked troubled.
But no one from the Heavenly Soul Empire spoke first.
They all knew Huo Yuhao's identity.
The token he'd dropped was verified as Dragon God Douluo Mu En's proof.
Whoever spoke first would be the sacrificial lamb.
Yazi Douluo, near the emperor, was sweating. He hadn't expected Huo Yuhao's killing intent to be so intense.
*Good grief, you're facing a nation's emperor!*
*You've got some guts!*
*Fearless newborn calf or iron-headed fool?*
"Hmph, so you're Dragon God Douluo's disciple from Shrek Academy? Doesn't look like much!" a voice cut in abruptly.
Yazi Douluo perked up, searching for the speaker.
*Who's this brave general?!*
Seeing the figure, Yazi Douluo understood.
It was one of the adult men from the left trio.
They had a deep grudge with Shrek Academy.
Yazi Douluo got it!
"No wonder they insisted on attending, and His Majesty allowed it. This was the plan!"
But when he glanced at the emperor, he saw the emperor looking at the speaker with the same surprised, troubled expression as everyone else.
*No wonder he's the emperor.*
That cunning, that acting—flawless.
Interrupted, Huo Yuhao slanted his eyes toward the speaker. "Who're you?"
The man stepped forward, proud. "Body Sect, Diao Sheng!"
"Hao-ge, he's a Soul Douluo," Tianmeng added in the spiritual sea.
Huo Yuhao nodded. No wonder they were hostile.
"Body Sect?" He narrowed his eyes. "The one whose leader was killed by my teacher?"
Crowd: "!!!"
Even the emperor had to size Huo Yuhao up, wondering if he was truly brave or truly foolish.
Yazi Douluo thought Huo Yuhao sure knew how to talk.
"You're courting death!"
The two Body Sect men erupted, unleashing Soul Douluo-level soul pressure on Huo Yuhao.
The emperor quickly spoke, "Your Excellency Yazi…"
Yazi Douluo understood, ready to shield Huo Yuhao.
Conflict with Body Sect was fine, but Huo Yuhao couldn't get hurt.
Unexpectedly, as the pressure hit, Huo Yuhao collapsed.
Blood trickled from his mouth.
His gaze locked onto… the Heavenly Soul Emperor.
The emperor was floored.
He realized Huo Yuhao wasn't brave or foolish—he was cunning!
Huo Yuhao had seen through his scheme and was stirring trouble!
No dramatic cries—Huo Yuhao still had his pride.
His performance stunned the three from Body Sect.
*We barely tried, and you're down?*
"Hmph, Shrek Academy trash!" Diao Sheng sneered.
He and his companion retracted their pressure.
Pressuring someone so spineless brought no satisfaction.
But Huo Yuhao stayed down, staring unblinkingly at the emperor.
Emperor: *Don't your eyes get dry? Can you look somewhere else? You're creeping me out!*
Face?
Whose face?
Does Hao-ge care about face?
I'm a Soul Elder facing two Soul Douluos. If I can't win, can't I just lie down?
As for Shrek Academy's face?
How many soul bones can Shrek's face buy?
Something that can't be traded for benefits—what's the point of keeping it?
Foolishness isn't a barrier to a good life, but a bottom line is!
Without a bottom line, life gets so much easier.
"Today, Hao-ge's teaching you a lesson: want nothing, fear nothing. Fear nothing, and you can scheme big!"
Tianmeng Ice Silkworm: "Huh? Didn't get it."
Golden Tortoise: "Sounds… kinda interesting."
Electra: "Crooked logic."
He Caitou: "Aba aba aba…"
Electra: "Why're you joining in? Get back to studying magic basics!"
…
The Heavenly Soul Emperor knew he had to speak.
Orchestrating Body Sect to trouble Huo Yuhao was indeed his doing, though he merely seized the opportunity.
Body Sect disciples, hearing about the Sky Dou City incident and learning Huo Yuhao and Beibei were from Shrek, took interest.
The emperor only leaked that Huo Yuhao was Mu En's disciple.
Sure enough, the three from Body Sect took the bait, demanding to meet and challenge Huo Yuhao.
Thus, they joined the banquet.
Pitting Body Sect against Shrek Academy brought no harm to the Heavenly Soul Empire.
The empire didn't instigate—the grudge was already there. They just provided the venue.
Besides, Huo Yuhao and Beibei's incident had strained ties with Shrek. If this sparked a conflict, drawing Body Sect fully to the empire's side
The Heavenly Soul Empire's strength would surge!
It might even break Shrek's grip on top-tier experts, freeing the empire from their influence.
A mere academy outranking an empire had long irked the three Douluo nations.
Requiring a city lord's recommendation for Shrek enrollment was one way the empires curbed Shrek's recruitment. And no royal from the three empires had joined Shrek in years.
Just as the emperor was about to speak, a sweet, gentle voice cut in.
"Brother Huo, are your daytime injuries still unhealed? If so, let me treat you."
All eyes turned to the speaker—the girl near the Body Sect trio.
The emperor was surprised, then pleased.
*My sweet little jacket, stepping in to save the day!*
Saying Huo Yuhao was injured, not crushed by Body Sect's pressure, preserved face for both Shrek and Body Sect.
But… why was his little jacket staring so intently at Huo Yuhao?
"Wei Na, hurry and heal Dragon God Douluo's disciple," the emperor said, seizing the moment.
"Yes, Father." Wei Na nodded slightly, gliding toward Huo Yuhao.
Her name confirmed her identity.
Heavenly Soul Princess, twin martial souls: Ontology Brain and healing-type Snow Lotus.
Huo Yuhao showed no reaction to Wei Na.
But Wei Na's reaction to him was significant.
The moment she saw him, her Snow Lotus martial soul stirred with longing.
Intense longing!
It was a strange, unfamiliar sensation. But a soul master's martial soul reacting to another soul master had one explanation.
Martial soul resonance!
This suggested their martial souls might form a martial soul fusion skill!
Wei Na had also heard Huo Yuhao's martial soul, like her Snow Lotus, had ice attributes.
So, from the moment she saw him, her gaze locked onto Huo Yuhao, unwavering.
When he collapsed, feigning injury
Wei Na saw her chance.
She wanted to use her Snow Lotus martial soul to test Huo Yuhao's. If they could form a fusion skill…
The Heavenly Soul Empire might poach Dragon God Douluo's disciple!
As the princess, her empire's interests came first—just like her joining Body Sect.
Even without a fusion skill… it wasn't impossible to try. Huo Yuhao's looks and aura were her type, and his talent was exceptional. Rumor said he could fight a six-ring Soul Emperor.
Wei Na didn't notice that as she watched Huo Yuhao, someone watched her.
The Boys from the Body Sect trio.
The girl he admired was staring at another guy, unblinking.
WhatBoys could stand that?
He'd long clenched his fists, ready to explode with the slightest trigger.
His gaze fixed on Wei Na and Huo Yuhao, waiting for any disrespect to unleash his wrath.
Body Sect feared no Shrek Academy!
Under everyone's watch, Wei Na approached Huo Yuhao, bringing a gentle fragrance.
As a healing soul master, she naturally exuded a soft aura.
"Brother Huo, let me heal you."
Huo Yuhao looked at Wei Na, exasperated.
She'd interrupted his "passionate stare-down" with the emperor. Without pressuring the emperor, how would he get his payout?
To Wei Na's greeting, Huo Yuhao kept a cold face, silent, gazing up at her… assets.
"This woman's ruining my plan!" he thought.
*Think I'll go easy because you're a woman? If you block my gains, I'll take you down too!*
The Body Sect, however, looked displeased.
"Hmph, Shrek's people have no manners! Wei Na speaks to him, and he doesn't even respond."
Huo Yuhao's silence didn't stop Wei Na.
She raised a hand, and her Snow Lotus martial soul appeared, radiating a faint chill, enhancing her noble, ethereal presence.
Three soul rings—two yellow, one purple—circled the Snow Lotus.
"This is the Snow Lotus martial soul?" Huo Yuhao eyed it, nearly laughing.
*Yours isn't as pretty as mine!*
His stare at the Snow Lotus made Wei Na, who was watching his reactions, misunderstand.
"He's looking at my martial soul! He feels it too!"
The closer she got, the stronger her Snow Lotus's longing for Huo Yuhao.
"This isn't a mistake!"
Excited, Wei Na acted, squatting down and grasping Huo Yuhao's hand.
To check for a fusion skill, soul power compatibility was enough!
The move stunned the onlookers.
Snow Lotus healing didn't require physical contact, right?
Yazi Douluo glanced at the emperor.
The emperor noticed the empress and other royals staring, as if asking if this was his plan.
*Such a seduction tactic—classic you!*
*Testing like this—who wouldn't fall for it?*
Emperor: *It wasn't me, I didn't, stop assuming!*
Wei Na cautiously channeled her soul power into Huo Yuhao's body, attempting to merge it with his.
Huo Yuhao was stunned.
*You're healing, fine, but why the hands-on approach?*
Then, Wei Na's soul power blended into his.
Wei Na's face lit up with joy.
Huo Yuhao's face… was pure shock.
*What's happening?*
He bolted upright.
Soul power fusion between soul masters was possible—evil soul masters knew this best. Ten thousand years ago, soul power fusion skills even existed.
But fusion varied.
Some evil soul masters absorbed others' soul power to boost their own, rapidly gaining strength. However, this tainted their soul power, lowering its purity. Before level 70, progress was fast, but afterward, advancement slowed drastically, often stalling at the Soul Sage stage.
The soul power fusion skills from ten thousand years ago merely pooled soul power for attacks, offering no cultivation benefits.
But Huo Yuhao and Wei Na's fusion was different.
It was seamless, a perfect intermingling.
Typically, only soul masters with martial soul fusion skills—and high compatibility—achieved soul power fusion. True fusion not only combined soul power to boost strength but also accelerated both parties' cultivation.
Like the Hao-Dong Power in the original story.
But Huo Yuhao quickly sensed something off.
While their soul powers merged, he felt he could actively siphon Wei Na's to enhance his own cultivation.
In short, this fusion wasn't equal.
It was more like… absorption?
The 100,000-year Snow Lotus in his heart glowed faintly, as if stirring.
100,000-year Snow Lotus: *A familiar vibe? Interesting, but meh.*
To investigate, Huo Yuhao took the initiative.
His Ultimate Ice soul power flowed into Wei Na's meridians, making her shiver.
Ultimate Ice's chill was harsh, even for fellow ice-attribute soul masters, especially since Wei Na's soul power level was below Huo Yuhao's true strength.
Once his Ultimate Ice soul power entered her meridians, it naturally fused with hers.
Then, Wei Na's soul power fluctuations grew stronger!
Her Snow Lotus martial soul became lively, as if celebrating.
Wei Na adjusted to the chill, squinting in pleasure.
The powerhouses present, witnessing this, showed subtle changes in expression, their eyes gleaming.
They all thought of one possibility—martial soul fusion skill!
Soul power fusion, active martial soul, stronger fluctuations—these were signs of a martial soul fusion skill!
Yazi Douluo was floored: *Damn, this kid! Shameless!*
The Heavenly Soul Emperor narrowed his eyes, deep in thought. What Wei Na considered, he did too, with even grander ambitions!
As everyone grew excited, Huo Yuhao calmed down.
Through careful perception, he realized their soul powers could indeed fuse.
But Wei Na's changes stemmed from his Ultimate Ice amplifying her ice-attribute soul power and the 100,000-year Snow Lotus's aura boosting her Snow Lotus martial soul.
As for a martial soul fusion skill? Two words: *No chance.*
It just wasn't possible.
World rules had to be respected.
The 100,000-year Snow Lotus wasn't his martial soul, and his Variant Frost Centipede martial soul had no reaction to her Snow Lotus. Where's the fusion skill?
Soul power fused, but the next step stalled.
However, during fusion, Huo Yuhao could freely siphon Wei Na's luck—she was practically defenseless against him.
Even her dragon and phoenix qi were partially siphoned.
The dragon qi split: one part merged into the "king" pattern on his Visualized White Tiger's forehead, another into the snake head behind his Visualized Black Tortoise.
The phoenix qi flowed into the 100,000-year Snow Lotus in his heart, making its petals flutter briefly, though no clear change emerged.
No fusion skill—it was all an illusion caused by the 100,000-year Snow Lotus's power.
Wei Na's weaker strength and lower-grade Snow Lotus martial soul meant she couldn't detect the fusion's true nature unless Huo Yuhao showed malice.
Honestly, Huo Yuhao wanted a flashy martial soul fusion skill to show off.
But, alas, it was a false hope.
Still, snagging luck, dragon qi, and phoenix qi? Not a loss. He prepared to retract his soul power.
*Wei Na, let's not meet again. I'm worried the 100,000-year Snow Lotus might get jealous.*
But then, his Evil Eyes martial soul stirred.
It felt a strange longing for Wei Na's Brain martial soul!
Evil Eyes: *I want a brain.*
Huo Yuhao: "Huh?!"
*No luck in the east, but shining in the west?*
Before he could explore Wei Na's brain further, a cold shout interrupted him.
"What did you do to Wei Na?"
The Body SectBoys couldn't hold back, glaring at Huo Yuhao with icy fury.
Huo Yuhao, focused on Wei Na's body, finally noticed her.
She was squatting before him, face flushed, biting her lip, eyes misty with shy allure.
Her captivating pose as a stunning beauty stoked dark desires.
"Hao-ge, this Wei Na's shameless, flirting with you!" Tianmeng Ice Silkworm declared loudly.
"Medicinal qi! It's the medicinal qi! My soul power carried medicinal qi!" Huo Yuhao realized instantly.
He'd tested it on the Poison Marsh Lizard Dragon—moderate medicinal qi brought euphoria and boosted strength and physique.
Huo Yuhao yanked his hand back.
*Can't let Wei Na keep taking advantage!*
If he kept channeling soul power, she'd level up.
As he withdrew, Wei Na, legs wobbly, staggered up, avoiding his gaze. Covering her face, she hunched and fled the hall.
She left, resolute, without a word.
The Heavenly Soul Emperor's eyes twitched.
The powerhouses were stunned.
Soul power fusion was *that* intense?
Without partners for soul power fusion, they couldn't judge if this was normal, but Wei Na's initial blissful expression seemed genuine…
"No wonder many with martial soul fusion skills end up married," Yazi Douluo mused, feeling he'd uncovered a truth.
Only the Body SectBoys reacted differently, grinding his teeth.
Huo Yuhao ignored Wei Na, lying back down, staring resentfully at the emperor, awaiting compensation.
"Hmph, Heavenly Soul Empire, the floor's filthy. Looking down on me?!"
The emperor's face nearly cramped. *My princess nearly threw herself at you, and you're still playing the victim?*
But the Body SectBoys stepped forward first, pointing at Huo Yuhao. "Shameless thief, stand up!"
Huo Yuhao ignored him.
*How many billions you got to talk to Hao-ge like that?*
The Boys, ignored, grew angrier.
Not only did Huo Yuhao "flirt" with Wei Na, but he also snubbed him.
Double humiliation.
"Body Sect, Long Aotian, level 41 Battle Soul Ancestor. Let's spar!"
Long Aotian declared his challenge, activating his martial soul and soul rings without waiting for agreement.
Four soul rings—yellow, purple, purple, black—rose from him, his skin glowing faintly.
Yazi Douluo looked to the emperor.
The emperor shook his head slightly, showing no intent to stop it. He studied Huo Yuhao, his gaze now appraising.
Different mindsets, different perspectives.
Seeing no signal from the emperor, the others stayed silent. *Someone's putting on a show for us—why complain?*
"If you won't stand, I'll make you!" Long Aotian said coldly.
He charged, aiming a kick at Huo Yuhao's abdomen.
When Long Aotian announced his name, Huo Yuhao immediately recalled his identity.
This fierce man, sharing a name with classic web novel protagonists, left a deep impression on Huo Yuhao.
A level 70 soul master daring to tank a level 9 soul cannon head-on? If that's not fierce, what is?
Long Aotian, the future prime heir of Body Sect, with the Ontology Skin martial soul. His future secondary martial soul awakening would reach Silver rank. During the Sun Moon Empire's soul master tournament, he outshone the original story's Huo Yuhao and Xu Sanshi in the solo elimination rounds.
His strength was formidable.
Plus, he was Wei Na's future lover.
For now, though, their relationship seemed unconfirmed, but he was already protective of her.
Sadly, unlike his namesake predecessors who defied heaven, earth, and air while charming women of all ages, Long Aotian met his end at the Soul Sage stage, dying to protect Wei Na in the war against the Sun Moon Empire.
That was the moment he tanked the level 9 soul cannon!
Fierce? Absolutely. Dead? Also absolutely.
Memorable as he was
When Long Aotian aimed a kick at Huo Yuhao, Huo Yuhao's brow twitched.
*Hao-ge's brow twitch—life or death hangs in the balance.*
The two Body Sect Soul Douluos hadn't grasped the gravity of the situation. Instead of intervening, they watched with amused smirks.
Huo Yuhao's left-hand soul mark glowed.
"Frost Centipede, emerge!"
The Variant Frost Centipede martial soul materialized, knocking Long Aotian back.
Long Aotian slid across the banquet hall, his expression stern as he eyed Huo Yuhao and the sudden centipede, though his legs trembled involuntarily.
The centipede's collision numbed his feet, making him realize its strength!
"His martial soul mutated?" Long Aotian speculated. A beast martial soul detaching to fight independently was a first for him.
But he wasn't afraid.
Huo Yuhao looked eleven or twelve, likely a three-ring Soul Elder at best—a solid talent.
Honestly, a four-ring Soul Ancestor bullying a three-ring kid was already shameless.
But for Wei Na, Body Sect, and his own pride, he had to teach Huo Yuhao a lesson!
The downsized Variant Frost Centipede, now two meters long, stood upright, hands on hips, glaring at Long Aotian.
If speaking weren't awkward, Tianmeng Ice Silkworm would've unleashed a Zu'an-style rap to hit Long Aotian with a verbal mental strike.
Huo Yuhao finally took a proper look at Long Aotian.
Fourteen or fifteen, Long Aotian's burly frame was forged through relentless training. At 1.8 meters tall, broad-shouldered and muscular, his reddish-brown hair parted in the middle, soft strands framing his face. Narrow eyes gleamed coldly, and his sharp features carried an air of devilish charm.
With his Skin martial soul active, his already fair skin turned jade-like, faintly shimmering with inner light. His movements exuded valor.
The next moment, Long Aotian charged the Variant Frost Centipede again.
He aimed to crush Huo Yuhao head-on!
The centipede met him fearlessly, engaging in fierce combat. Naturally, Tianmeng Ice Silkworm fought while standing, as always.
The two Body Sect Soul Douluos, eager for Long Aotian to school Huo Yuhao, didn't want the fight interrupted.
One spoke to the Heavenly Soul Emperor, "Your Majesty, Body Sect will cover any damage Aotian causes."
The emperor smiled lightly. "No need, friends. The Heavenly Soul Empire will bear all losses. After all, allowing conflict between guests is our lapse in courtesy."
"Hahaha, then we won't hold back."
The Soul Douluos chuckled.
They found the emperor reasonable.
The emperor didn't care about petty damages. He wanted Long Aotian to fight hard, to test Huo Yuhao's strength and potential.
Yazi Douluo had mentioned the Variant Frost Centipede defeating a Soul Emperor with poison and ice, but the details were unknown. The soldiers, including that Soul Emperor, had been scavenged by some damned evil soul master.
So, Huo Yuhao's true strength remained a mystery.
Since Huo Yuhao hadn't unleashed his Ultimate Ice attribute during the daytime battle, keeping his ice at a standard level, no one had clocked his true attribute.
Now, the emperor only wanted to know if Huo Yuhao could truly defeat a Soul Emperor.
He could see Long Aotian's feelings for Wei Na. Long Aotian was a talented soul master, but he was merely an outstanding disciple, not yet the prime heir.
The two Soul Douluos weren't protecting him—they were mentoring him.
After trading blows with the Variant Frost Centipede, Long Aotian gauged its capabilities, a hint of ease in his eyes.
The centipede's physical strength was high, but its odd fighting style made it ineffective, unable to leverage its power.
It hadn't shown attributes, though it seemed ice-based.
Even if it used attribute attacks, Long Aotian was confident in his skin's defense.
Trained in Body Sect since childhood, he'd mastered top-tier combat skills and tempered his body and skin. He'd only just broken through to level 40.
Otherwise, he'd be at least level 45.
This allowed him to absorb his second and fourth soul rings beyond his level, boosting his combat power and potential.
"A mere mutant martial soul can't compare to my forged body!"
Long Aotian got serious, charging the centipede again.
Body Sect disciples rarely used soul skills, but when they did, it signaled the decisive moment.
But the Variant Frost Centipede switched stances.
Two centipede legs guarded its head like a boxer, its body swaying.
Long Aotian: "???"
"Fancy tricks!"
*No matter your moves, I'll break them with one punch!*
The next second, Long Aotian's face got hit.
The centipede's guarding legs hadn't moved, yet he took a blow.
Covering his face, he glanced down, seeing the centipede's other legs twitching eagerly.
Long Aotian: *I got careless and didn't dodge!*
"Despicable! No more chances!" He glared, his first soul ring flickering. "First soul skill…"
And then, nothing.
*Thud.*
Long Aotian collapsed, frozen stiff, his angry expression locked on his face. Faint chill emanated from him.
He'd been poisoned with cold toxin at some point!
During their first clash, the Variant Frost Centipede had planted the toxin!
Only then did the centipede's soul rings light up.
Purple, purple, black!
Three rings floated.
The crowd gaped at the centipede's mind-boggling soul rings.
Still lying on the floor, Huo Yuhao spoke faintly, "Second soul skill, Hidden Mysterious Poison!"
Long Aotian's cold toxin wasn't ordinary.
It included mixed toxins from absorbing the Twin-Headed Colorful Scale King Snake's soul ring, including nerve-paralyzing venom. Long Aotian didn't notice he was poisoned, his reactions slowed, and he couldn't dodge the centipede's attacks.
Until the poison took full effect.
He never realized he'd been poisoned.