Chapter 172: Is He Really a Soul King?
The moment Zhu Zhuqing's three slashes descended, dark evil energy rippled wildly around Luo Ling, solidifying into a tangible barrier.
The strikes halted mid‑air, frozen against the oppressive aura that now shielded him completely.
The instant her attacks were neutralized, Zhu Zhuqing's complexion turned pale. Two of her shadow clones flickered and vanished, dispersing into faint wisps of light. Her body weakened, collapsing straight into Luo Ling's waiting arms.
"Impressive. In a one‑on‑one fight, I doubt many here could defeat you," Luo Ling said with genuine admiration.
Her performance had truly earned his respect.
Freed from the chains of her former engagement, Zhu Zhuqing had poured everything into mastering her martial spirit.
Now her strength far surpassed her original self, no longer just a support piece for the Nether White Tiger fusion skill.
Luo Ling made no effort to lower his voice—everyone in the arena could hear him.
As they recalled Zhu Zhuqing's display, the experts from various academies fell into thoughtful silence, their faces soon growing solemn.
After some reflection, they each realized the same thing—if they were to face her, they weren't certain they could win either.
Tang San and Yu Tianheng's expressions darkened visibly.
They had always believed themselves the strongest members and the true core of Shrek Academy. Yet Zhu Zhuqing's showing today had overturned those assumptions completely.
"But I still can't match you," Zhu Zhuqing murmured softly, lowering her head as she remained pressed against Luo Ling's chest.
"My spirit power is far higher than yours. My strength exceeds what you imagine. Don't belittle yourself," Luo Ling replied with a faint smile.
Then he leaned down slightly, lowering his voice so only the two of them could hear. "If you want to know more about me, we can talk after the match."
Zhu Zhuqing froze, realizing just then that she was still nestled in his embrace. Their posture was far too intimate. Blushing furiously, she quickly pushed away.
After several awkward seconds, she turned toward the referee. "I concede."
Her declaration sent another wave of murmurs through the stands.
Five opponents had stepped up, and none had lasted long.
No matter who stood before him, Luo Ling's demeanor remained calm and effortless. Even against Zhu Zhuqing's fierce, coordinated attacks, he appeared unshaken—as if his power ran as deep and hidden as the ocean, unfathomable to all.
The referee cast Luo Ling a peculiar look.
Just one match ago, he'd shared an ambiguous encounter with one girl; now another stood before him, clearly flustered.
Two beautiful women—and they even knew each other. The referee couldn't help feeling a strange sense of awe.
Managing relationships like that required skill, he thought gravely.
After clearing his throat, he announced the outcome. "Heaven Dou Royal Academy wins again!"
Next, it was Shrek's turn to send another fighter.
Yu Tianheng hesitated. Things weren't going the way he had imagined.
By his calculations, after five consecutive battles, Luo Ling's spirit power should have been mostly depleted, yet he still looked entirely composed.
Was he feigning strength?
Regardless, the officials were urging him forward.
Gritting his teeth, Yu Tianheng stepped onto the arena.
He had recently advanced another level to reach rank forty‑seven, making him the second‑highest in spirit power among all competitors—second only to Luo Ling.
"He only has one more ring than I do. There's nothing to fear," he told himself as he walked to the center of the stage.
But when he met Luo Ling's calm, almost bored gaze, his confidence faltered.
Even before the fight began, he could feel it—fear.
Luo Ling tilted his head slightly, voice mild but cutting. "Do you regret leaving Heaven Dou Royal Academy?"
Yu Tianheng paused, momentarily speechless.
"Do you really think following that so‑called master, Yu Xiaogang, will bring you more glory?"
"A 'master' who's barely a level‑thirty spirit elder?" Luo Ling added with disdain.
Up in the stands, Yu Xiaogang's face darkened instantly.
It wasn't the first time Luo Ling had humiliated him; in truth, Luo Ling had never taken him seriously.
"You don't know what you're talking about! My spirit power has reached forty‑seven!" Yu Tianheng shot back, defending his teacher heatedly.
Whether Yu Xiaogang's reputation was real or false, the Blood Ritual he'd provided was undeniably effective—and Yu Tianheng even considered teaching it to his family.
"Forty‑seven, hmm…" Luo Ling smiled faintly, his crimson eyes gleaming with strange light. "Tell me, drawing power from something so intangible—are you sure it isn't corrupting you?"
For an instant, the glow in Luo Ling's gaze pierced straight into Yu Tianheng's soul, and panic rose unbidden.
What did he mean by that?
Before Yu Tianheng could respond, Luo Ling lifted his scythe casually. He was already losing interest.
"The match has begun. How long do you plan on standing there daydreaming?" His cold voice cut through the air.
Startled, Yu Tianheng immediately called forth his martial spirit.
The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon burst forth; lightning crackled along his scales as he entered rage‑mode, his body expanding under the Dragon Transformation.
The battle began—and ended almost at once.
No sooner had the transformation completed than Yu Tianheng realized Luo Ling had vanished.
A heartbeat later, black steel slashed across his chest.
The scythe's evil aura bit deep, the pressure alone making him feel as though one wrong move could cleave him clean in half.
And Luo Ling could have done it, but he chose mercy—if only to spare Shrek from complete humiliation this early in the tournament.
Yu Tianheng's body flew backward like a cannon shell, crashing outside the stage. The gash across his chest reached bone.
He never even managed to strike back before losing consciousness.
The arena fell utterly silent.
Everyone there knew Yu Tianheng—one of the highest‑ranked competitors outside Luo Ling himself, wielder of the famed Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon.
Yet he hadn't withstood a single blow.
"Is this guy really just a Soul King?" muttered Feng Xiaotian, the captain of Godwind Academy, unable to hold back his disbelief. "What kind of martial spirit does he have? How can a power‑attack type fighter move that fast?"
It was the question on everyone's minds.
Luo Ling was simply too strong, so strong that calling him a Soul King almost seemed absurd.
Could even a Soul Emperor have defeated a Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon this easily, especially after facing four opponents prior?
(END CHAPTER)
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