Ch.30: Thunderclap Academy VS Hollow Beast Academy

The stage was set for a showdown between the members of the Hollow Beast Academy and their rivals from the Thunderclap Academy. As the tension in the arena grew, each member stepped forward to introduce themselves.

"Ma Jun, Level 31 Power Attack System, Martial Soul: Flame War Horse," Ma Jun declared with fiery confidence.

"Yao Chen, Level 34 Agility Attack System, Martial Soul: Black Lined Ghost Leopard," Yao Chen followed, his eyes filled with a predatory gleam.

"Chao Tianxiang, Level 31 Agility Attack System, Martial Soul: Serpent Cane,"

"Ye Jingying, Level 26 Auxiliary System, Martial Soul: War Flag. I look forward to a challenging match," Ye Jingying said with a hint of anticipation.

"Meng Shu, Level 39 Power Attack System, Martial Soul: Dragon Staff," Meng Shu declared.

With the introductions complete, the battlefield crackled with anticipation. Dugu Xin and Yu Tianxiang, two formidable members of the Hollow Beast Academy, opted to observe the initial exchanges, reserving their strength for when it was most needed.

The Shi brothers, displaying their formidable teamwork, were the first to make a move. With resounding roars, they summoned their spirit abilities. "2nd spirit skill, Tortoise Shield!" they bellowed in unison. Their green turtle shells morphed into shields, hurtling towards Dugu Xin's teammates.

Ma Jun, undeterred, stepped forward to intercept the incoming attacks. His first and second spirit rings blazed to life, enveloping him in flames. His entire body became a furnace of power, with blazing red scales covering him like armor. His hands sprouted formidable claws, and his size swelled. He met the Shi brothers' assault head-on, creating a momentary stalemate. Before Ma Jun could break free from the dual attack, Ning Lele sprang into action. Her first spirit skill, Strength Amplification, was unleashed on Qing Tianyu. With the agility of his Lightning Wings, Qing Tianyu streaked towards Ma Jun like a bolt of lightning. But just before impact, Yao Chen materialized behind Qing Tianyu, his fingers intertwining into a lethal blade. His speed doubled, and he slashed at Qing Tianyu, forcing him to defend and retreat.

Meng Shu entered the fray, activating his third spirit ring, Gravity Great Defense. The gravitational force around him intensified threefold, causing the Thunderclap Academy members to stagger and struggle with each step. Their movements grew sluggish as they fought against the increased gravity.

"You think you can eliminate one of our teammates so easily?" Meng Shu taunted, making it challenging for the Thunderclap Academy members to regain their footing. Seizing the opportunity, Ma Jun finally pushed back the Shi brothers' assault. Li Jingying seized her chance, using her second spirit skill, Flaming Hope Amidst Darkness, to empower Ma Jun's elemental and physical attacks. He sprinted towards the Shi brothers, daring them to challenge him.

Yao Chen, in pursuit of the Shi brothers, found himself facing an unexpected obstacle. Wang Jia, their teammate, raised his hands and pressed them into the ground. An intricate web of blue lightning emanated from his palms, rapidly expanding to a twenty-meter diameter. It ensnared the area, forcing Ma Jun and Yao Chen to halt their attack and retreat.

In the midst of this standoff, a six-meter silver, snake-like dragon erupted from Meng Shu's form. Its hexagonal scales glistened like sharp blades as it lunged at Wang Jia. Meng Shu also used Thorn Dragon Rush, doubling his speed, and Dragon Strike, which disrupted Wang Jia's focus. Caught off guard, Wang Jia was hurled out of the arena.

Meanwhile, Chao Tianxiang faced a formidable adversary in Qing Tianyu. Li Jingying's second spirit skill had boosted her, but Qing Tianyu's martial soul wings enabled him to evade her strikes effortlessly. Recognizing her struggle, Yao Chen leaped to her aid, activating his second spirit skill, Shadow Vajra Enhancement. His muscles condensed, and his aura darkened to a blackish-blue hue as a king-like character manifested on his forehead. With newfound power, he joined the fray.

Together, Yao Chen and Chao Tianxiang put relentless pressure on Qing Tianyu, nearly forcing him out of the arena. Though he managed to regain his balance, Chao Tianxiang couldn't resist teasing Yao Chen. "Thanks for the help," she quipped.

Yao Chen chuckled, his eyes dancing with mischief. "No problem. It seems your boyfriend can't help you in this moment of crisis."

"Hmph," Chao Tianxiang huffed playfully. "Wait until the end of the fight. You'll see what I have in store for daring to tease me."

Dugu Xin, observing the intensifying battle and sensing that Yu Tianxiang's teammates were in dire straits, decided to intervene. His second spirit ring glowed beneath his feet, and he nonchalantly uttered, "Red Demon Poison Mist." A crimson fog billowed forth, shrouding the battlefield. The mist obscured the Thunderclap Academy's vision and sapped their strength, reducing their attributes while bolstering Dugu Xin's own.

Shi Lie and Ning Lele, in particular, felt the debilitating effects of the poison. Muscles ached, and breathing became a laborious task. The other Thunderclap Academy members, though affected, managed to persevere.

With her teammates' situation deteriorating and one already eliminated, Yu Tianxiang had no choice but to engage Dugu Xin directly. She ignited her first spirit ring, her body crackling with thunder. She unleashed her first spirit skill, Thunder Dragon Claw, streaking toward Dugu Xin like a lightning bolt.

Dugu Xin responded by activating his first spirit skill, Cursed Shroud. Green-jade scales enveloped his arms and forearms, and his nails elongated, exuding a toxic poison. His attributes surged by 30%, and he met Yu Tianxiang's fierce onslaught with steely resolve.

Yu Tianxiang's relentless assault impressed even Dugu Xin. "Her thunder and lightning possess greater penetrative force and destructive potential, than last time," he mused.

A small smile tugged at Yu Tianxiang's lips as she observed her growing proficiency. 'My physical strength may not be enough to overpower him completely, but the gap is closing. I can see the day when I match his strength,' she thought, her determination fueling her determination.

Dugu Xin, equally aware of Yu Tianxiang's progress, silently acknowledged the potential of his formidable opponent. "If she continues on this path, I may not have the advantage in physical strength for much longer, even with Real Guard."

The battle raged on, each member of the Hollow Beast Academy and the Thunderclap Academy pushing themselves to their limits. The arena crackled with energy as spectators held their breath, anticipating the next thrilling move in this fierce contest of martial prowess.

…

The battle raged on relentlessly as Thunderclap Academy struggled to keep pace with the relentless onslaught from Hollow Beast Academy. The effects of Dugu Xin's poisonous mist had already taken a toll on their opponents, but the gap between the two teams continued to widen. In a mere two minutes, the Shi brothers had been eliminated by the combined efforts of Ma Jun and Yao Chen. Meanwhile, thanks to the remarkable boosts provided by the Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda, Qing Tianyu managed to hold back the formidable duo of Meng Shu and Chao Tianxiang.

Amidst the chaos, Yu Tianxiang and Dugu Xin engaged in a brutal brawl fueled by sheer physical strength. However, Yu Tianxiang recognized the urgency of the situation and made a fateful decision. 'This can't go on. I need to force him out of the arena, or we'll face certain defeat.'

"Dugu Xin, do you dare to gamble on the outcome of this match with our next attack?"

Dugu Xin was taken aback by her suggestion, but after a moment's contemplation, he understood the gravity of their situation. With half of their team already eliminated and the rest teetering on the edge of defeat, admitting defeat would be a bitter pill to swallow. 'Knowing her, she'd rather fight to the bitter end than concede,' he thought. "Very well, let's see what you have."

Seeing his agreement, Yu Tianxiang felt a surge of hope, but her expression quickly turned serious. She activated the 4th and 3rd spirit rings beneath her feet, causing a massive, 5-meter-long Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon to materialize behind her. The intense blue light shifted into a deep purple hue, as a layer of lightning formed, encasing the dragon like armor. The power of the lightning grew even more formidable.

…

In the VIP area, Golden Crocodile Douluo Jin Yang couldn't conceal his astonishment at the mastery Yu Tianxiang displayed over thunder. He remarked, "Impressive control over thunder. Her lightning's power rivals that of a high-level Spirit Emperor."

Ice Swan Douluo Xue Qingyun concurred, "Ha ha ha… Indeed, the child from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Clan is the most promising talent I've seen in my lifetime other than that brat Dugu Xin." Yet, his gaze briefly shifted to Dai Tianxing, the White Tiger Douluo, who clenched his fists in anger while discreetly noting down the names of the formidable young spirit masters from the Heaven Dou Empire. 'Hmph, a scheming old man. I'll need to keep a close eye on his actions in the future. But regardless, this generation is truly blessed with remarkable talents like Yu Tianxiang, Tang Hao, and Dugu Xin. As long as he remains on the side of the Heaven Dou Empire, it's all for the best.'

…

The air filled with a resentful and malevolent dragon's cry, sending shivers down the spines of the weaker spectators. A blood-red Poison Dragon, measuring ten meters in length, emerged. Its appearance caused the toxic mist on the battlefield to dissipate, absorbed by the malevolent beast. With a final roar, the Poison Dragon charged aggressively towards the Purple Lightning Dragon.

The colossal purple dragon emitted an enraged roar as it hurtled toward Dugu Xin. Yu Tianxiang, vigilant, had already witnessed the might of his third spirit ring in the Soul Arena. She challenged, "Let's see whose dragon is stronger, my Purple Lightning Dragon or your Poison Dragon."

Upon collision, the Purple Lightning Dragon's soul power was swiftly corroded, rendering it powerless. The Poison Dragon triumphed, issuing another mournful cry as it closed in on Yu Tianxiang, who felt the impending grip of death. Her entire body froze in fear. Yet, as the Poison Dragon closed in for the kill, Dugu Xin exercised his control, causing the dragon to explode. This reduced the poison's concentration and spared Yu Tianxiang's life, albeit while poisoning her. Her soul power was drained, and she writhed in immense pain.

Dugu Xin breathed a sigh of relief, thankful he had halted the dragon before it could fatally harm Yu Tianxiang. At that moment, the voice of Ning Lele echoed through the arena, "We give up!"

The crowd erupted into cheers, and even Jin Yang couldn't help but smile knowingly. "That kid... I was starting to believe he possessed only one poison-related skill, given his martial soul. But it seems I was mistaken. If he had faltered for even a moment, that dragon would've struck the girl, and the poison it carried could've killed her or left her crippled. I see while he hesitated to use it."

Hurriedly, Dugu Xin rushed to Yu Tianxiang's side. He activated his first spirit skill and pierced her shoulder with his claws, beginning the process of absorbing the poison from her body. Simultaneously, he initiated the Heaven Snake Poison Pill Technique to strengthen himself and recover the soul power he had expended. 'Even if the boost is diminished due to the poison originating from me, it's better than nothing.'

 The beautiful host promptly announced, "Hollow Beast Academy wins!" She swiftly summoned the medical team to treat both teams. Even though the Hollow Beast Academy had emerged victorious, their spirit power had been depleted, and Li Jingying lay unconscious in the hands of a fatigued Ma Jun.

From the Thunderclap Academy's escort team in the audience, the teacher observed Dugu Xin and commented with a hint of admiration, "As I suspected, he is indeed a very special talent."

Teacher Luo Tian glanced at Dugu Xin, his lips curling into a pleased smile, his eyes filled with anticipation.