24 Chapter 24 The Bet

Wang Dong chuckled, "Are you a masochist or something? Right, let's cultivate here for a while. Once Old Lady Zhou comes back and sees us diligently practicing while waiting for her, she'll definitely think we're hardworking, and her mood will be much better."

Huo Yuhao tapped him on the head and said, "You're quite the trickster at playing sly."

"Nonsense, you're the one who's sly. We've got a match this afternoon. We've used up some energy earlier too, so what's wrong with recovering a bit now? Are you coming or not? Hurry up." As he spoke, he had already taken off his shoes, crossed his legs on the sofa, and stretched out both hands toward Huo Yuhao.

Huo Yuhao, who always took any opportunity to cultivate, naturally didn't refuse and joined palms with Wang Dong, doing as he did. Both of them began to operate their Soul Power simultaneously.

As their Soul Power circulated and merged with each other, they felt differently than during yesterday's afternoon practice. Their Soul Powers seemed to have grown closer, and the initial speed of fusion was significantly faster than yesterday's, nearly instant upon contact, Haodong's Power emerged. Driven by their respective consciousnesses, it operated along the trajectories of their cultivation routine, enhancing their cultivation speed by at least more than ten percent compared to the day before.

Because they had closed their eyes when they started cultivating, they did not notice that over their joined palms, a faint tricolor light of blue, purple, and gold slowly radiated, circling around their arms and bodies, gradually tinting them with these colors.

They initially intended to merely restore some Soul Power there, but once they started cultivating, they quickly entered a meditative state. They forgot themselves and lost all perception of the outside world.

Shortly after they began cultivating, Zhou Yi returned, bringing along another person. If Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong had been awake at that time, they would have been greatly surprised, for the person Zhou Yi brought was none other than Teacher Wang Yan, their invigilator during the competition's rounds.

Seeing Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong cultivating in such a manner, Zhou Yi was startled while Wang Yan was utterly shocked. Then, the two of them surprisingly made a silent gesture to each other at the same time.

Zhou Yi's eyes revealed a hint of inquiry, Wang Yan shook his head at her, then quietly crouched not far in front of Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong, carefully observing their condition and seriously feeling the fluctuations of their Soul Power during cultivation.

The more he sensed, the more shock appeared on Wang Yan's face, subconsciously rubbing his hands together.

Zhou Yi had known Wang Yan for more than a day or two, and she knew that this motion indicated his nervousness and excitement. Being a teacher herself, she too could feel that Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong's current state was very peculiar, something she had never encountered before. Two Soul Masters actually practicing together, with their Soul Powers not only non-conflicting but also fusing with each other. From the flow speed of the tricolor light, it was evident how fast their cultivation was. Even a three-ring Soul Venerable might not have their speed!

Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong continued their cultivation through thirty-six cycles before stopping, having fully recovered the Soul Power they had expended during the morning's match and even making a slight advancement in their cultivation.

Exhaling together, they slowly retracted their Soul Power, and the tricolor light on their bodies gradually dissipated.

Upon opening their eyes, both felt invigorated, finding such a rate of cultivation exceedingly satisfying. However, they were soon taken aback.

"Teacher Zhou, Teacher Wang?" Huo Yuhao exclaimed in surprise upon seeing Zhou Yi and Wang Yan sitting in chairs not far from the sofa, watching them intently.

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Wang Dong was also startled, and it was then that they both realized they were in Zhou Yi's office.

Huo Yuhao said somewhat awkwardly, "Teacher Zhou, we were hoping to recover our soul power earlier to prepare for the competition this afternoon, so we..."

Zhou Yi waved her hand and said, "No need to explain. Knowing to be diligent is good. This is Teacher Wang Yan, an outstanding theoretical expert of the academy, with a higher professional title than mine, and has done a lot of research on Martial Soul Fusion Skills."

Wang Yan smiled slightly and said, "I think no introduction is necessary, we have already met, as I was the proctor for their round-robin matches." At this moment, his expression had returned to calm, but as for whether he was calm on the inside, only he knew.

"Teacher Wang," Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong said simultaneously, bowing respectfully to Wang Yan.

Wang Yan nodded and said, "I have carefully observed your cultivation. Initially, I didn't believe Zhou Yi's words, but now it seems my knowledge was lacking. I can now fully attest to Zhou Yi that you have completed Martial Soul Fusion and possess a Martial Soul Fusion Skill."

Zhou Yi looked at him with some surprise but did not interject.

Wang Yan continued, "The compatibility of your soul power has merged without the slightest conflict and even aids mutually in cultivation. This has never been recorded in the annals of Shrek Academy's millennia of history. There is only one explanation: your Martial Souls' compatibility is a hundred percent perfect, which is legendary and allows your soul power to merge so inseparably, sharing each other's cultivation speed. Congratulations to you both. I can even foresee now that in the future, you will surely become the pride of Shrek Academy."

Huo Yuhao listened to Wang Yan's words and couldn't help but secretly admire him. He had also heard about perfect Martial Soul compatibility from the Skydream Ice Silkworm, but Wang Yan didn't fully understand them and was able to make such judgments solely by observing their cultivation, truly a representative of the theoretical experts of the academy.

Wang Dong asked puzzled, "Teacher Wang, if this is the case, why did our Martial Soul Fusion Skill fail today? Just now, Huo Yuhao and I tried, but we couldn't use it again!"

Wang Yan chuckled and explained, "Do you think Martial Soul Fusion Skills are just ordinary soul skills? It's not so simple to use them. They can only be used when your Martial Souls are in the best condition, and your spirit, essence, and energy are also at their peak. This is the first time I've seen a Martial Soul Fusion Skill with perfect compatibility. But based on my experience, after the initial completion of a Martial Soul Fusion, there is a certain buffer time following the use of a Martial Soul Fusion Skill. During this time, you cannot use the Martial Soul Fusion Skill again. Generally, this buffer time will be seven days, and as your cultivation advances, this time will gradually decrease until you are able to fully utilize the Martial Soul Fusion Skill."

Huo Yuhao asked, "Teacher Wang, when will we be able to freely use the Martial Soul Fusion Skill then?"

Wang Yan answered, "That's still a long way off; at the very least, both of your cultivations need to reach Level Seventy, with a Martial Soul True Body, in order to freely employ the Martial Soul Fusion Skill. This applies to any Soul Master. However, since yours is likely a perfect compatibility fusion, I suggest that from now on, you try to execute the Martial Soul Fusion Skill every day. Until you can do it again. This is how you determine the buffer time after each use. Once you've figured out this time, make sure to come to me so that I can experience your Martial Soul Fusion Skill for myself. I'm very curious, indeed!"

With Wang Yan's explanation, Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong gained a clearer understanding of the Martial Soul Fusion Skill.

Off to the side, Zhou Yi inquired, "Teacher Wang, since they have a perfect compatibility fusion, besides being able to assist each other in cultivation, are there any other benefits?"

Wang Yan chuckled and replied, "Teacher Zhou, a man's heart is never content, like a snake that would swallow an elephant! You've already picked up two treasures. Just the mutual assistance in cultivation alone can double their cultivation speed for one another. It might not be evident now, but wait a few years and I'm sure, in no more than three years, among their peers, absolutely no one will be able to match their soul power cultivation. However, you are not wrong to ask. Another difference between a perfect compatibility Martial Soul Fusion Skill and an ordinary one is the power. You should have guessed this as well. According to the rules of Martial Soul Fusion Skills, the higher the compatibility, the greater the power of the skill. However, we have never seen this kind of perfect compatibility, which is why I want to personally feel just how powerful their Martial Soul Fusion Skill is and what effects it has."

Zhou Yi nodded and said, "Thank you for the enlightenment. Teacher Wang, should we report this matter together?"

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Wang Yan shook his head and said with a smile, "No need. You can report it yourself. You should have been promoted to an advanced teacher long ago. Moreover, these two youngsters were discovered by you; I certainly can't take credit for that."

Zhou Yi gave a slight smile and nodded at him.

Wang Yan stood up and said, "You two little fellows must work hard. You've made it to the top thirty-two in the elimination rounds, right? When you get into the top eight, you'll need to put in even more effort. The academy's senior staff will be watching your matches. Moreover, the rewards for the champion are quite substantial in the eyes of us teachers, and you shouldn't miss out. I believe we will have more interactions in the future, and you can come to me if you have any questions. My office is on the fourth floor. Teacher Zhou, I'll be leaving now."

Zhou Yi escorted Wang Yan to the door of the office. Before leaving, Wang Yan took another deep look at Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong, then departed.

Zhou Yi didn't go back inside the office; instead, she waved to Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong in the office, "Come on, it's time to eat. I'll treat you to a good meal today."

Although she didn't say it outright, her offer to treat them to a meal was already her way of apologizing for having wronged Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong.

Huo Yuhao and the others found it somewhat unbelievable, but they quickly recovered, excitedly rushing out of the office to join Zhou Yi for a meal in the cafeteria.

Zhou Yi's treat was far from stingy; she actually treated them to the highest-grade dishes at the innermost part of the cafeteria. Not to mention Huo Yuhao, even Wang Dong was eating such fine food for the first time.

The top-tier dishes in the cafeteria were priced exceedingly high, with daily prices varying, but they were always valued in golden soul coins. Today there were two top-tier dishes, and Zhou Yi ordered two of each, spending almost sixty golden soul coins in total.

"Teacher Zhou, that's too extravagant," said Huo Yuhao, feeling somewhat embarrassed. He had been selling grilled fish for so long and still hadn't saved up sixty golden soul coins.

Zhou Yi said, "Hurry up and eat while it's hot. Don't think that the academy offers these top-tier dishes just to make money. In fact, of all the meals served in the cafeteria, it is only with these top-tier dishes that the academy is losing money."

"Why?" Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong almost asked in unison.

Zhou Yi smiled faintly and said, "Of course, it's for the students' health. Do you recognize what these two dishes are?" She pointed at the plates in front of them.

Both dishes exuded a rich aroma, one looking like braised meat, the other like a clear soup.

The braised meat was dominated by lean meat and tendons, with a thick, sticky sauce and tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat quality, turning the tendons into a soft gelatinous mass. Even a mere glance would make one's mouth water.

The clear soup had a faint golden hue, containing nothing but the soup itself, which was fragrant and even more rich than the braised meat, with a hint of medicinal herbs' scent.

Without a doubt, Huo Yuhao could not name either dish, and after hesitating for a moment, Wang Dong said, "Teacher Zhou, this braised meat seems to be the flesh of the Scale Armored Demon Crocodile? But I can't tell with the soup."

Zhou Yi nodded and said, "Indeed, as a scion of a noble family, you are correct. This stew is made from Scale Armored Demon Crocodile. The Scale Armored Demon Crocodile is an amphibious soul beast with immense strength. Eating its meat greatly benefits us Soul Masters by improving our physique and enhancing the resilience of our meridians. It is a rare delicacy. However, its flesh is as tough as iron, and it takes exceptional culinary skills to transform its tough flesh into tenderness. Therefore, what I want to tell you is that Shrek Academy isn't just the number one in terms of teaching faculty on the continent, but our chefs are also unparalleled. An adult Scale Armored Demon Crocodile is at least at the level of a thousand-year-old soul beast. Do you still think this dish is expensive?"

"As for this soup, it is made from a flying soul beast that has been stewed for a long time. It has the effect of nourishing the internal organs. It helps stabilize the internal breath of us Soul Masters and is beneficial for cultivation."

"As I've said before, among the new students this year, there are three who have already reached the thirty-level Soul Venerable cultivation. They certainly have good talent and are willing to work hard. But they are also children from major families and have had the best support in both diet and elixirs from a young age, which allowed them to achieve such cultivation. Wang Dong might have had the same treatment before coming to the academy. As for why you haven't reached three rings, I think it's very likely due to your own laziness or some special circumstances of your own. And if I remember correctly, you've just turned eleven not long ago."

Wang Dong nodded, "Teacher Zhou, before I turn twelve, I'm sure I can also reach three rings."

Zhou Yi said, "Alright, hurry up and eat. After finishing your meal, rest for a while because the competition this afternoon will begin soon. I will report your ability to perform Martial Soul Fusion Skills, and if you are ultimately approved as key disciples of the outer courtyard. Then, your meals in the future will be provided by the academy free of charge, these top-grade dishes. You can imagine for yourselves how beneficial they are for your cultivation. However, having Martial Soul Fusion Skills does not necessarily mean you will become key disciples. Our Shrek Academy is never short of geniuses. Your final ranking in the knockout stages will greatly influence whether you can enter that core circle. To be honest with you, I also graduated from the outer courtyard, but I never made it to the core, let alone had the qualification to enter the Inner Court. Becoming a core disciple is an important step for your future admission into the Inner Court. Nearly half of the core disciples have successfully passed the Inner Court's assessment. Becoming a core disciple also means that you will get more attention from the academy's teaching faculty. Understood?"

"Yes," Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong responded together, then immediately began to devour their food.

Zhou Yi's praise for the chefs was instantly validated by Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong, especially Wang Dong. Although he hadn't eaten gourmet ingredients before, the taste of his family's cooking was nothing compared to the top-grade dishes prepared by the academy's cafeteria.

After the meal, both Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong felt a slight warmth throughout their bodies, particularly in their stomachs, where a warm feeling spread to their limbs, indescribably comfortable. Indeed, you get what you pay for!

Zhou Yi escorted them to the door of their dormitory, and before leaving, she placed her hand on Huo Yuhao's shoulder and said lightly, "If you're not born a noble, then become one through your own strength."

After uttering those words, she turned around and left. From the mealtime to now, her coldness seemed to have completely dissipated.

At the dormitory entrance, the old man who seemed to be the dorm manager but never really got involved was still reclining in his chair. He seemed to have heard Zhou Yi's words, murmuring something in his mouth, but nobody could hear it clearly.

After habitually greeting the old man, Huo Yuhao returned to the dormitory with Wang Dong. Having just eaten well, it was only proper to cultivate for a while longer—wasting it would be shameful! And the afternoon competition was clearly not going to be as easy as the morning's.

The new student assessment elimination contest, the round of thirty-two progressing to sixteen, officially began in the assessment area as the afternoon school bell rang.

Compared to the morning, the number of students participating in the elimination contest was halved. After drawing lots again, they immediately went to the areas they had drawn to start their matches.

Since it was the same day's competition, the fields hadn't changed at all, remaining divided like in the morning, but now only the top sixteen fields were being used.

In the north side of the assessment area, a high platform had been erected, standing twenty meters above the ground and supported by six metal columns. Looking up from the bottom, one couldn't make out the number of people who could fit on it, but there seemed to be some people watching the battles from there. From the height of twenty meters, one could overlook the entire assessment area and clearly see what was happening in each field.

Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong did not arrive late this time; instead, they got to the assessment area early to draw lots, which relieved Xiao Xiao.

This time, the assessment area for the three of them was changed to number eight. When they arrived at the site, another team that had also drawn the eighth area had already arrived.

What surprised Huo Yuhao and his team was that the other three were all girls, and they were all quite pretty young ladies.

Watching Platform.

Zhou Yi stood quietly on the platform, overseeing the match about to start below. In the round-robin matches, Class One emerged as the biggest winner. But as they moved into the elimination rounds, some students with powerful individual strengths began to display their potential and capabilities. Out of the matches to advance from sixty-four to thirty-two, only five teams from Class One remained. Although this was still more than the other freshman classes, the advantage was no longer as distinct.

The upcoming matches from thirty-two to sixteen would be crucial.

"Teacher Zhou, are you looking for your class's seed team? I just took a look at the draw, and what a coincidence, the seed team you picked is facing our class's seed team over there, in the eighth assessment area. Who do you think will win?"

A female teacher who appeared to be in her thirties approached Zhou Yi's side and said with a low chuckle.

Zhou Yi's expression suddenly became serious, "Mu Jin, you think your students have already won?"

Although Mu Jin was not young, she could definitely be described as youthful and beautiful. She shook her head with a smile, "Not necessarily. Nothing's absolute. However, I've heard there aren't any particularly outstanding talents in your class this time, at least none above level 30. What a pity."

Zhou Yi's gaze turned icy, "Are you here to provoke me?"

The smile on Mu Jin's face also vanished instantly, "What if I am? Isn't Class One supposed to have good results? I want to see how many of your students can make it into the top eight. When the draw ended just now and I found that my seed student was up against your seed student, I felt very pleased. Ever since the last time you expelled my brother despite my earnest pleas, this is the first time I've felt this good. I heard you want to advance to a higher professional title, ah, but it seems like you're going to be disappointed again."

Zhou Yi was not looking at Mu Jin's provocative expression; her gaze was fixed on the competition area below, specifically at the eighth area where Huo Yuhao and his team were, as she said indifferently, "Shall we make a bet?"

Having come to anger and humiliate Zhou Yi, Mu Jin immediately agreed without hesitation, "Bet, what do you have to bet with me?"

Zhou Yi finally stopped ignoring her, turned to face her, and said solemnly, "A soul bone, do you dare?"

Upon hearing the words "soul bone", Mu Jin's pupils suddenly shrank.

For Soul Masters, Soul Rings were already a precious existence, for they were necessary for every Soul Master to break through their bottlenecks.

However, soul bones were even a hundred times more precious than Soul Rings. Every Soul Master could fuse with six soul bones, namely, Head soul bones, trunk soul bones, and limb soul bones.

Each soul ring could grant a Soul Master one skill, and a hundred-thousand-year Soul Ring could grant two skills. Thus, a regular Soul Master who cultivates to the level of a nine-ring Titled Douluo should have nine skills. Soul bones, however, are a completely separate system; each soul bone can give a Soul Master one skill and significantly enhance the physique of the specific body part it attaches to.

Every soul beast is bound to produce a soul ring upon death, but not every soul beast will produce a soul bone. Only those soul beasts that have lived for a hundred thousand years have the certainty of producing soul bones. For soul beasts of lower levels, the chance of producing a soul bone is only one in ten thousand! The appearance of any soul bone would inevitably cause a scramble among Soul Masters.

There's a saying in the Soul Master world, "To become an outstanding Soul Master, you must strive to improve your soul power and obtain soul rings with the highest possible age."

But if you want to become a top Soul Master, a real powerhouse in Soul Land, then you must have your own soul bones. The more soul bones you have, the stronger your power becomes. In some sense, soul bones also have the effect of elixirs, as fusing with just one soul bone can enhance a Soul Master's soul power.

Now that Zhou Yi had suggested betting a soul bone, it sounded as if she was willing to risk her all against Mu Jin. How could Mu Jin not be shocked? Most importantly, she had no idea where Zhou Yi's confidence stemmed from.

A hint of disdain flickered at the corner of Zhou Yi's mouth, "If you're scared, stay away from me, so I don't have to smell that disgusting perfume of yours."

Sharpness flashed in Mu Jin's eyes, "Fine, I'll take your bet. You think you can scare me off with empty threats? If I lose, I'll give you a soul bone. But if you lose, you'll have Teacher Fan Yu craft a Close Combat Soul Guidance Device for me."

Zhou Yi replied coldly, "I'm the one you're betting with, not him. If I lose, I will still give you a soul bone."

Mu Jin huffed, "I don't want your soul bone; I want Fan Yu to craft a Close Combat Soul Guidance Device for me."

"Fine, I'll answer for her," a deep voice rang out, and a tall figure had, without notice, appeared beside Zhou Yi. Wasn't it Teacher Fan Yu from the Soul Guidance Department who Zhou Yi had once taken Huo Yuhao to meet?

Seeing Fan Yu appear, Mu Jin's face changed, and the aggressiveness she had shown earlier disappeared completely; her complexion turned pale, she took a step back, her eyes welled up as she looked at Fan Yu and said, "You're ganging up on me."

Fan Yu's expression remained calm, though his brows were slightly furrowed, "You're the one being unreasonable. If you want to bet, then bet; if not, then stop bothering Zhou Yi. As for us and you, we're no more than colleagues, nothing more."

"I'll bet, why wouldn't I? Just because I lost to her doesn't mean my students will lose to hers," Mu Jin turned sharply, grabbing the railing of the high platform tightly, her eyes misty as she turned to watch the competition area.

Unaware of the scene unfolding on the watching platform, Huo Yuhao and his companions were focused entirely on their opponents.

The three young ladies opposite were all quite pretty, also dressed in the freshmen uniform. The girl in front was rather tall, slightly taller than both Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong, with golden short hair, giving her a very neat appearance. Her large aqua-blue eyes were framed with long lashes, and her cheeks sported several cute freckles.

Behind her, to the left, was a girl with fiery red short hair and rare red eyes that were a bit terrifying at first glance, but on closer observation, her features were extremely delicate and her skin was fair like jade. Her gaze, however, was very cold, capable of comparing with Old Lady Zhou.

The girl on the right presented a stark contrast to the girl on the left, her light green hair cascading down her back. Her dark green eyes brimmed with tenderness, and that delicate and fragile aura evoked a sense of compassion in anyone who saw her.

The proctor said, "Both parties, please enter the field and announce your names."

The six individuals from both sides simultaneously entered the spacious arena, standing on opposite ends. They maintained their original formation, with Wang Dong in the front, Xiao Xiao in the middle, and Huo Yuhao at the rear.

The formation of the three girls on the opposite side had changed as well; the blonde girl who had been at the forefront now stepped back, and the other two girls moved forward to shield her.

The girl with red short hair proclaimed proudly, "Freshman Class Nine, Wu Feng. Level Twenty-Five Direct Attack Class Battle Soul Master."

The girl with light green hair gave her a slightly reproachful look, as if chiding her prideful tone and even revealing her soul power rank, but she didn't change the way she announced herself. Her gentle voice contrasted sharply with Wu Feng's proud coldness, "Freshman Class Nine, Nanmen Yun'er, Level Twenty-Four Agile Attack Battle Soul Master."

Another calm voice came from behind the two girls, "Freshman Class Nine, Ningtian, Level Thirty-One Auxiliary Tool Soul Venerable."

Upon hearing this, Huo Yuhao and his teammates were simultaneously taken aback. A level thirty-one Soul Venerable? They truly hadn't expected to encounter one of the three-ring level Soul Venerable freshmen so soon, just as they had moved into the top thirty-two of the competition, and it was an Auxiliary Tool Soul Master to boot.

It was known that Tool Soul Masters usually cultivated slower than Battle Soul Masters, yet the opponent had managed to cultivate to level thirty-one at around twelve years old, and with three Soul Rings no less. This was clearly not a mere matter of talent.

Surprised as they were, Huo Yuhao and his teammates didn't forget to announce their names. Since the other party started with a Direct Attack Class Battle Soul Master, they did the same.

"Freshman Class One, Wang Dong, Level Twenty-Four Direct Attack Class Battle Soul Master."

"Freshman Class One, Xiao Xiao, Level Twenty-Two Control-Class Battle Soul Master."

Huo Yuhao was the last to speak, "Freshman Class One, Huo Yuhao, Level Seventeen Control-Class Battle Soul Master."

When the number seventeen was mentioned, Wu Feng on the opposite side noticeably curled her lip, displaying a look of disdain.

Wang Dong's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze fixed tightly on Wu Feng. For some reason, seeing her scornful look kindled a flame of anger within him.

Wu Feng felt his stare and, meeting his eyes, she huffed coldly. The match hadn't even started, yet there was already a whiff of gunpowder between them.

Huo Yuhao patted Wang Dong's shoulder, and when Wang Dong turned to look back at him, they exchanged a glance. Though nothing was said, they both understood each other's intentions.

Just then, the proctoring teacher shouted, "Begin the match."

Wang Dong's toes touched the ground, and with a lunge, he had already charged out, his stunning blue-golden wings spreading out suddenly while he surged forward.

No matter how confident Wu Feng, Nanmen Yun'er, and Ningtian were, they couldn't help but be dazzled by the sight of his glorious Bright Goddess Butterfly Wings, silently praising their beauty in their hearts.

Wu Feng also let out a delicate cry and her petite body shot up, with thick heat surging from her and even a faint dragon roar could be heard. Wu Feng's body abruptly elongated. When she was in the air, she already looked like a fully-developed sixteen or seventeen-year-old girl. Her elongated body split her school uniform open, revealing the tight-fitting clothes underneath.

Clearly prepared, she was wearing a highly elastic bodysuit that exposed her bare, meaty thighs. The bodysuit was connected all the way up, encompassing her full bosom after the transformation of her Martial Soul.

Wu Feng's skin shimmered with a faint red luster, starting from the left side of her face, it was covered with fine dragon scales, the scales extended down her neck, along her shoulder, all the way to her entire left arm and hand.

Compared to Bei Bei's Blue Electric Overlord Dragon Martial Soul's domineering presence, Wu Feng's likewise dragon-based Martial Soul was relatively softer, but only by comparison. The fire attribute Red Dragon, bursting with the immense aura of a superior Martial Soul, two yellow soul rings rose up from her feet in an instant.

Wu Feng's figure was slender and beautiful but also seemed to be filled with explosive strength. With a flicker of her body, she appeared in front of Wang Dong. Her left arm swept across, lashing directly at Wang Dong's body.

Rather than using a soul skill straightaway in the face of her fierce attack, Wang Dong half-twisted his body in midair, his right leg kicking out like lightning, colliding with Wu Feng's left arm.

A muffled "bang" resounded, and Wang Dong's body swayed in the air, shifting five meters to the side. Wu Feng, on the other hand, fell toward the ground. In this first clash, it was clear that Wang Dong had come out the worse for wear. Although they were both Direct Attack Class Battle Soul Masters, their focuses were not the same. In a contest of physical strength, the Goddess of Light Butterfly did not have the advantage against the Red Dragon.

At that moment, Nanmen Yun'er from Ningtian's team made her move. As she launched herself, her body seemed weightless and effortlessly swift, but her speed far exceeded that of Wang Dong and Wu Feng, who were engaged in battle. It seemed that with just a flicker, she had spanned a distance of tens of meters to reach Xiao Xiao.

Only upon closer inspection could one see that behind Nanmen Yun'er, a pair of green wings had appeared at some unknown time. The wings weren't large and far from as dazzling as Wang Dong's Bright Goddess Butterfly, but they propelled Nanmen Yun'er with incredible speed. Her hands also turned a green hue, looking as if they were carved out of jade, and she aimed a strike directly at Xiao Xiao's face.

Meanwhile, standing in the distance, Ningtian stretched out her right hand and called out clearly, "Seven Jewels convert into Glaze." Her body spun in place for a full rotation, and a dazzling array of seven-colored lights burst forth from within her. In the area where the seven-colored lights converged, a small seven-colored pagoda, about a foot high, now appeared in the palm of Ningtian's right hand.

This pagoda sparkled and glinted, seemingly inlaid with countless gemstones, and the moment it appeared, it drew the attention of everyone on the spectator's high platform.

Two yellow and one purple, three soul rings rose from Ningtian's palm, orbiting around the seven-layered pagoda in her hand in an orderly manner.

On the high platform, Mu Jin turned her head to look at Zhou Yi and Fan Yu, catching the shock in their eyes. Zhou Yi blurted out in surprise, "Nine Treasures Glazed Sect, Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda!"