Chapter 153: Don't Come Any Closer

As five members of the Skywater Academy collapsed, the remaining two were clearly powerless to resist. They exchanged glances, eyes filled with helplessness.

"We surrender."

Hearing this, the referee confirmed the decision once more before announcing:

"Skywater Academy vs. Heaven Dou Royal Academy Second Team—Heaven Dou Royal Academy Second Team wins!"

As soon as the referee's words fell, the stadium erupted in thunderous applause and cheers.

However, before Ye Hao could bask in the joy of victory, he stepped off the stage without hesitation—his mind was fixated on finding Shi Nian.

Meanwhile, seated in the VIP section, Xue Qinghe watched his younger brother leave the arena and fell into deep thought.

From Ye Hao's behavior throughout the match, it was clear that he was hovering on the edge of anger.

Given what Xue Qinghe knew about Ye Hao, there was no way he would normally start a battle by using his fifth soul skill head-on against Shui Bing'er and Shui Yue'er's Martial Soul Fusion Skill.

Just as Xue Qinghe had suspected, the moment Ye Hao stepped out of the Heaven Dou Grand Soul Arena, he unwittingly stepped into the illusion set up by Shi Nian.

Ye Hao walked alone through a deserted street—what was once a lively, bustling place had now become completely abandoned.

Yet, instead of feeling alarmed, Ye Hao smirked to himself.

Isn't this precisely what I wanted?

Shi Nian's illusions were indeed terrifying. With his Soul Sage-level strength, hardly anyone on the continent dared to provoke him. His illusions struck fear into even the strongest warriors—once trapped inside, escape was almost impossible.

But for Ye Hao, who was under the protection of the Death God's Heart, this illusion was meaningless.

Glancing to the side, Ye Hao spotted Shi Nian lurking in the shadows, a sinister grin plastered across his face. He looked so pleased with himself.

Ye Hao shook his head slightly.

Who gave this guy the courage to challenge me?

Following Shi Nian's script, Ye Hao continued walking through the illusion, the scenery repeating itself just like a looping dream.

After some time, Ye Hao came to a halt. A faint, knowing smile crept onto his lips.

Shi Nian, hidden in the darkness, felt puzzled.

He's at death's door, and he still has the nerve to smile? This kid is…

Then, a sudden realization struck Shi Nian, causing his expression to change dramatically.

At that moment, Ye Hao raised the Death God's Heart, his smile widening as he hurled it straight at Shi Nian.

Shi Nian was utterly shocked.

How?! My illusion is supposed to be flawless!

Even the strongest warriors on the continent avoided confronting him. No one dared to challenge his illusions—anyone who entered them was doomed to be lost forever.

But Ye Hao shattered that belief in an instant.

As the Death God's Heart soared through the air, it expanded rapidly, reaching Shi Nian in the blink of an eye. Then, it suddenly disassembled into six floating mirror shards, from which six purple lightning-wrapped chains shot out, binding Shi Nian completely—his limbs, his neck, and even his waist were locked in place.

At that moment, Shi Nian resembled a lamb to the slaughter. He was completely paralyzed, still in shock from what had just happened.

Everything had happened far too quickly. Before he could even register what was going on, it was already over.

He stared blankly at Ye Hao, who was approaching step by step. For the first time, a deep fear surfaced in Shi Nian's eyes.

"You… You! Don't come any closer!" Shi Nian screamed in panic.

They were deep in the forests outside Heaven Dou City—tall trees and winding paths made it a perfect place where no one would come looking for him.

Ye Hao smirked.

"Now you're scared? Just a moment ago, weren't you the one radiating killing intent? Did you think I would be easy to deal with?"

Faced with Ye Hao's mocking words, Shi Nian trembled in fear.

Is this boy really only thirteen?

He had once taken pride in hunting down young prodigies, yet now, he had become the prey.

Ye Hao studied Shi Nian for a moment before speaking again.

"I'll give you a chance. I want you to test someone for me."

Hearing this, Shi Nian's eyes lit up with hope, and he quickly responded, "Of course! Whoever you want me to test, even if it's a Titled Douluo, I'll do it!"

His desire to live was overwhelming.

Ye Hao chuckled.

"There's someone in Shrek Academy named Tang San. Do you know him?"

Shi Nian paused for a moment, then nodded.

"I do! He was actually my next target. Just like you, he's extremely talented for his age. Though not as remarkable as you, the fact that he has cultivated the Blue Silver Grass to this extent shows that he is no ordinary soul master."

Just as I thought!

Ye Hao's smirk deepened.

"Tonight, I want you to sneak into Shrek Academy and test Tang San. While you're at it, I want you to gather some intel on their current state."

Shi Nian hesitated for a moment before asking, "That's all?"

Ye Hao glanced at him coldly.

"What else do you think?"

Shi Nian immediately straightened up, nodding fervently.

"Understood!"

Ye Hao leaned in slightly.

"Remember, I'll have someone following you. If you try anything funny, I don't think I need to explain what will happen to you."

With that, Ye Hao released the restraints, allowing the Death God's Heart to return to his palm.

Shi Nian let out a heavy sigh of relief, still shaking. Without wasting a moment, he bolted away from the area, vanishing into the depths of the forest.

As soon as he left, Zhuer and Zhuzhu stepped out from the shadows, both visibly puzzled by Ye Hao's decision.

"Master, why did you let that guy go?" Zhuzhu asked, unable to comprehend.

Shi Nian had already harbored murderous intent toward Ye Hao, and he was a notorious hunter of prodigies. He was someone who deserved to die.

Ye Hao smirked as he tied up his long hair. Watching the direction in which Shi Nian had disappeared, he replied,

"Shi Nian is just a small fry. I don't have time to waste on him. My goal is simply to make life even more difficult for Shrek Academy. They've already lost two matches, and their morale is crumbling. Sending Shi Nian to stir things up will just be adding fuel to the fire."

Then, Ye Hao turned to Zhuzhu.

"Zhuzhu, follow Shi Nian to Shrek Academy. If he dies, make sure you grab any soul bones he drops. I don't want them falling into Shrek's hands."

"Soul bones?"

Zhuzhu hesitated for a moment before nodding. Without another word, he swiftly followed Shi Nian's trail, tracking his scent.

Meanwhile, Zhuer looked at Ye Hao curiously.

"Master, I'm curious—how did you know that Shi Nian had a soul bone?"