Chapter 153: Chapter 153: Instant Defeat of the Nether White Tiger
Chapter 153: Instant Defeat of the Nether White Tiger
Among the audience, the ones with the most complicated expressions were undoubtedly those from Heaven Dou Team One, led by Yu Xiaogang. As a discarded member of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and the butt of many in the spirit master world, Yu Xiaogang's greatest ambition had always been to prove himself. After finally earning his position as the leader of Heaven Dou Team One and carefully training his team to reach Soul Elder levels, he had every reason to be proud of their strength. His pupil Tang San especially was his pride and joy, capable of contending with Soul Kings even as a Soul Elder.
Yu Xiaogang had been hopeful as they entered the tournament, but Heaven Dou Team One had already been defeated by Heaven Dou Team Two both in the preliminary and promotion rounds. Now, in the finals, they faced not only the Spirit Hall team with its three Soul Kings, but also the formidable Heaven Dou Team Two, with a Soul Emperor no less. The chances of winning had never looked so slim.
Tang San, standing nearby, wore a deeply troubled expression. "Teacher, how could Yang Potian have managed to absorb a ten-thousand-year spirit ring for his fourth ring?"
Yu Xiaogang shook his head. "I don't know. The standard limit for a fourth ring is around five thousand years. Even soul masters with remarkable physical resilience rarely go much beyond that. Your own fourth ring exceeded the limit, so you understand the pain of such an absorption. I've read countless records, but I've never seen anyone's fourth ring reach the ten-thousand-year level."
Tang San pondered for a moment, then asked, "Teacher, is it possible that Yang Potian is also a twin-spirit user?"
After a thoughtful pause, Yu Xiaogang replied, "If a twin-spirit user raised their first spirit past the Soul King stage, they could indeed equip their second spirit with ten-thousand-year rings. But Yang Potian has only ever shown his Soul-Breaking Spear as his spirit. If he had a second spirit, he'd likely have equipped it with more than just a single ten-thousand-year ring."
"There's also the matter of twin spirits' inherent attribute conflicts. If he does possess a second spirit, it could potentially lead to significant problems."
Perplexed, both of them finally turned to their teammates Tailong and Bai Xiaofei.
Tailong ventured an answer. "Young master, I've never heard of Yang Potian having twin spirits, nor have I ever seen his fourth ring in action. What I do know is that all of his spirit rings surpass their age limits, and he always chooses strength-type spirit beasts."
"Also, Yang Potian has always focused heavily on physical conditioning. Since becoming a spirit master, he's undergone intense body training, far beyond what most people endure. Perhaps that has something to do with it."
Yu Xiaogang nodded slightly. "Extreme physical training combined with the Po Clan's herbal baths could indeed strengthen the body, but that alone wouldn't account for a ten-thousand-year fourth ring. There must be other factors involved."
No one could focus on the current battle; the audience buzzed with speculation about Yang Potian and the potential secrets he held.
After a day of rest, the finals resumed, and this time, Heaven Dou Team Two drew Star Luo Royal Academy as their opponent.
Yang Potian could only sigh—why did they keep drawing the strongest teams? All of the formidable teams that Shrek Academy had faced in the original story now seemed to line up against Heaven Dou Team Two. The targeting was becoming too blatant.
When it was time for Heaven Dou Team Two to take the stage, Star Luo Royal Academy joined them on the field. Star Luo Royal Academy was widely known as a powerhouse, and in the last tournament, they'd even taken the championship. Their team was composed entirely of Soul Elders.
The team leader was Davis, a forty-ninth level Assault System Soul Elder with a White Tiger spirit. He was only a step away from becoming a Soul King, making him one of the highest-level competitors in the tournament. His vice-captain, Zhu Zhuyun, wielded the Nether Civet spirit and was a forty-seventh level Agility System Soul Elder.
The rest of the team included Li Yang, with the Reflective Mirror spirit and a level forty-two; Ying Wei, with the Expanding Water Buffalo spirit at level forty-four; Tang Hongning, with the Sharp Thunder Leopard spirit at level forty-three; and the Shang sisters, level forty Support System Soul Elders with the Upper Water spirit.
Star Luo Royal Academy's true ace, however, was the combination of Davis and Zhu Zhuyun, who could execute the Nether White Tiger spirit fusion skill, the proud hallmark of the royal Dai family.
Heaven Dou Team Two's lineup was mostly the same as before, with Yang Yuxuan replacing Niu Kui. As planned, the two alternated to gain experience in these crucial battles.
Like the previous match, Yang Potian positioned himself at the front while the rest of his team stayed behind, prepared to let him handle most of the fighting alone.
As the preparation time began, both teams summoned their spirits and spirit rings. At the referee's signal, the match commenced.
Star Luo Royal Academy took immediate action, learning from the New Godwind Team's defeat. Ying Wei unleashed his fourth spirit skill, Water Buffalo Guard, conjuring a massive spectral buffalo that shielded his teammates. Meanwhile, Li Yang activated his fourth spirit skill, creating mirrors around Davis and Zhu Zhuyun to protect them from interference as they initiated their fusion.
In the eyes of Star Luo Royal Academy, their best shot at victory lay in their fusion skill, the Nether White Tiger.
Yang Potian didn't move. He stood patiently, waiting for them to complete their fusion.
Once Davis and Zhu Zhuyun completed their fusion, they transformed into a towering Nether White Tiger, exuding an overwhelming aura of power. At the same time, the Shang sisters cast their third spirit skill, Mighty Wave, amplifying the strength of the Nether White Tiger as their team gambled everything on this formidable fusion.
Yang Potian finally readied his Soul-Breaking Spear as the Nether White Tiger leapt toward him. His sixth black spirit ring began to glow—this was his sixth spirit skill, Golden Lion Roar. The Soul-Breaking Spear emanated a brilliant golden light, materializing into the image of a gigantic Golden Lion King. A tremendous roar echoed across the arena, reverberating against the Nether White Tiger.
As the two forces collided, the powerful sound waves from the Golden Lion Roar rapidly diminished the enhancements surrounding the Nether White Tiger, almost dispelling the fusion itself.
The clash of the Nether White Tiger and the golden lion produced a deafening blast, enveloping the arena in a blinding light. When it faded, the crowd gasped at the sight—a massive crater had formed in the arena, with Davis and Zhu Zhuyun lying unconscious at the bottom, severely injured.
Even though Yang Potian had deliberately restrained his skill's power, the force of his sixth spirit skill had nearly annihilated them.
Unfazed, Yang Potian tightened his grip on his spear and charged the remaining Star Luo team members. Against his overwhelming power, they had no chance. In less than a minute, all five of them lay defeated on the ground.
The most stunned expressions in the arena undoubtedly belonged to the members of Heaven Dou Team One, especially Yu Xiaogang. As an outcast of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and a figure often ridiculed in the spirit master world, Yu Xiaogang's lifelong goal had been to prove his worth. After becoming Heaven Dou Team One's coach, he had worked tirelessly to raise his students to the rank of Soul Elders, creating a formidable team. Tang San, his prized disciple, was even capable of battling Soul Kings despite only being a Soul Elder, filling Yu Xiaogang with pride.
Now, with Heaven Dou Team One defeated by Heaven Dou Team Two in both the preliminaries and the promotion rounds, the finals seemed bleak. Their hopes were overshadowed by the presence of three Soul Kings on the Spirit Hall team and now, even worse, a Soul Emperor in Heaven Dou Team Two. Winning the championship was slipping further and further away.
Tang San's expression turned grim. "Teacher, how did Yang Potian manage to absorb a ten-thousand-year spirit ring as his fourth ring?"
Yu Xiaogang shook his head. "I have no idea. Normally, a fourth ring caps at around five thousand years. Even spirit masters with exceptional physical strength struggle to exceed that by much. You remember the pain of surpassing the age limit for your own fourth ring. I've read countless records, but a fourth ring with a ten-thousand-year limit has never been documented before."
Tang San paused, then asked, "Could it be that Yang Potian also has twin spirits?"
After a moment's reflection, Yu Xiaogang replied, "If he had twin spirits, it's possible his second spirit could absorb ten-thousand-year rings once his first spirit passed Soul King level. But he's only ever shown his Soul-Breaking Spear. If he had a second spirit, it's doubtful he'd equip it with just a single ten-thousand-year ring."
"There's also the problem of conflicting attributes in twin spirits. If he does possess a second spirit, it could bring its own set of issues."
Perplexed, the two of them turned to their teammates Tai Long and Bai Xiaofei.
Tai Long spoke up. "Young master, I've never heard of Yang Potian having twin spirits, and I've never seen him use his fourth ring before. But I do know that his spirit rings always exceed the age limit, and he consistently chooses strength-type spirit beasts."
"From a young age, Yang Potian has focused heavily on body training. His training regimen has always been far beyond ordinary standards. Could this extreme training be a factor?"
Yu Xiaogang nodded thoughtfully. "Extensive physical conditioning, combined with the Po Clan's herbal baths, might account for a heightened physical tolerance. But it doesn't explain the ten-thousand-year fourth ring. There must be something more to this."
Almost everyone in the stands was captivated by the mystery of Yang Potian. The day after, the finals resumed, and this time, Heaven Dou Team Two was drawn against Star Luo Royal Academy.
Yang Potian couldn't help but sigh—another high-ranked team? All the formidable opponents that had originally gone up against Shrek Academy were now facing Heaven Dou Team Two instead. The targeting felt painfully deliberate.
When it was time for Heaven Dou Team Two's match, Star Luo Royal Academy entered the stage. Known as a powerhouse, Star Luo had won the last tournament and boasted a full lineup of Soul Elders.
Their team was led by Davis, a forty-ninth-level Assault System Soul Elder with the White Tiger spirit, just a step away from Soul King level. His vice-captain, Zhu Zhuyun, wielded the Nether Civet spirit at forty-seven levels, also an Assault System Soul Elder.
The rest of the team included Li Yang, a forty-two level Agility System Soul Elder with the Reflective Mirror spirit; Ying Wei, a forty-four level Assault System Soul Elder with the Expanding Water Buffalo spirit; Tang Hongning, a forty-three level Agility System Soul Elder with the Sharp Thunder Leopard spirit; and the Shang sisters, both level forty Support System Soul Elders with the Upper Water spirit.
Star Luo Royal Academy's ace up their sleeve was the Nether White Tiger, the spirit fusion skill of Davis and Zhu Zhuyun, the foundation of the Dai family's power.
Heaven Dou Team Two's lineup was the same as before, with the only change being Yang Yuxuan replacing Niu Kui. The plan was for the two to alternate and gain experience in these crucial battles.
As before, Yang Potian stood at the front while his teammates stayed behind, clearly leaving most of the battle to him.
During the preparation phase, both teams summoned their spirits and displayed their spirit rings. At the referee's signal, the battle commenced.
Learning from the New Godwind Team's mistake, Star Luo Academy opened with Ying Wei's fourth spirit skill, Water Buffalo Guard, a massive, spectral buffalo that shielded the team. Li Yang also activated his fourth spirit skill, encircling Davis and Zhu Zhuyun with mirrors to protect them as they initiated their spirit fusion.
It was clear that they were relying on the Nether White Tiger as their only hope of countering Yang Potian, now revealed to be a Soul Emperor.
Yang Potian remained stationary, calmly waiting for them to complete their fusion.
Once Davis and Zhu Zhuyun finished, a giant Nether White Tiger stood before them, its aura imposing and powerful. At the same time, the Shang sisters cast their third spirit skill, Mighty Wave, enhancing the Nether White Tiger with their support abilities. Everything rested on the power of the Nether White Tiger.
Only then did Yang Potian raise his Soul-Breaking Spear and advance. As the Nether White Tiger pounced, his sixth black spirit ring shone, activating his sixth spirit skill: Golden Lion Roar. His spear emitted a brilliant golden light, forming a colossal spectral Golden Lion King that roared with an ear-splitting sound.
In the ensuing clash, the Nether White Tiger was weakened by the roar, and its supporting enhancements rapidly faded, even threatening to cancel out the fusion itself.
The golden lion collided with the black Nether White Tiger, creating a deafening blast and filling the arena with blinding light. When it finally dissipated, the audience collectively held their breath. A massive crater had formed in the arena, with Davis and Zhu Zhuyun lying unconscious and seriously injured within it.
Yang Potian had purposefully held back his power; otherwise, the sixth spirit skill would likely have ended their lives.
Without wasting time, he advanced, his Soul-Breaking Spear making quick work of the remaining Star Luo team members. Within less than a minute, the remaining five members lay defeated.
But what surprised everyone the most was Yang Potian's speed—it surpassed that of the agility-specialized Tang Hongning. Yang Potian caught up to him with a single thrust, sending him sprawling to the ground.
Against Star Luo Academy, a recognized powerhouse, Heaven Dou Team Two had achieved victory in just two minutes.
As Yang Potian withdrew his spirit and prepared to leave the stage, the referee finally recovered from his shock, hastily announcing, "All seven members of Star Luo Royal Academy have been eliminated. Victory goes to Heaven Dou Team Two."
Yang Potian led his team off the stage, showing no sign that their victory had been anything remarkable.
The audience, however, looked far more serious. None had anticipated the terrifying power of Yang Potian's sixth spirit skill, capable of defeating the formidable Nether White Tiger.
Ning Fengzhi, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's leader, was especially shocked. Pale-faced, he turned to Sword Douluo. "Uncle Sword, did you notice? Yang Potian's skill has unique properties."
Sword Douluo nodded slightly. "Yang Potian's skill appeared to nullify the auxiliary effects on the Nether White Tiger, even breaking through the fusion itself. It would likely counter the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's amplification effects too."
"He wasn't concerned by the fusion's power at all. It's clear he held back, or Davis and Zhu Zhuyun would not have survived."
Nearby, Hu Liena and Xie Yue also looked deeply troubled. Judging by the power of that spirit skill, their own fusion technique would be similarly countered. Without it, they had no confidence in facing Yang Potian.
As Yang Potian returned to the Heaven Dou Team Two stands, he was unexpectedly approached by a flamboyant figure in golden armor and heavy makeup—a man, but with strikingly beautiful features. This was Chrysanthemum Douluo.
Upon seeing Yang Potian, Chrysanthemum Douluo's face lit up, and with a flash, he appeared before him.
Poison Douluo's face darkened as he growled, "Yue Guan, what do you think you're doing? Just because we're in Spirit Hall doesn't mean you can act however you please."
Chrysanthemum Douluo only huffed, irritated. "Oh, relax, you old poison. I just wanted to meet young Yang Potian. I mean no harm."
With a completely oblivious Yang Potian caught off guard, Chrysanthemum Douluo drew close, taking a deep, blissful inhale. "Ah, that enchanting scent—absolutely marvelous!"
Yang Potian's face shifted as he pieced together the situation. He wanted to avoid trouble here in Spirit Hall, so he forced a polite response, "Elder, is there something you wish to discuss?"
Chrysanthemum Douluo continued to inhale deeply, seemingly lost in ecstasy. Finally, after savoring the moment, he glanced at the onlookers and said softly, "Young Yang Potian, might we speak privately?"
Remembering the original story, Yang Potian felt somewhat reassured. Chrysanthemum Douluo might be eccentric, but he was one of Spirit Hall's most diligent workers, even sparing Shrek's members in the original story for the rare herbs they carried. As a loyal Spirit Hall agent, he was known for his dedicated work ethic.
With that in mind, Yang Potian nodded and followed Chrysanthemum Douluo away from the group.
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