Chapter 224: If You Want a Fight, Then Fight—Tang Ya’s Strength

"Elder Xuan, many in the Inner Court are unconvinced."

"If these two don't prove themselves, they'll face rejection even if they join the Inner Court in the future."

"Even as a Sea God's Pavilion elder, you shouldn't play favorites. Talent is meaningless without strength to back it up," said Dai Yueheng coldly.

His words echoed the sentiments of most Inner Court students. While Qian Ran and Tang Ya's talents were undeniable, the consensus was that they were too young and could wait for the next tournament. After all, previous participants selected to represent Shrek Academy were top-tier geniuses with unquestionable strength.

Ma Xiaotao smirked, her expression bemused.

"They're underestimating him, huh?"

She couldn't help but recall how she too had once underestimated Qian Ran—only to find his strength shockingly formidable. Below the rank of Soul Emperor, no one could be his match.

As for Tang Ya, Ma Xiaotao knew her well. Her junior's full strength was downright terrifying. Tang Ya was effectively a self-controlled evil soul master—a rarity.

Evil soul masters were naturally adept at fighting beyond their level, and for someone like Tang Ya, a Soul Ancestor evil soul master, defeating an ordinary Soul King wasn't difficult.

Tang Ya's Dark Blue Silver Grass, in particular, was even more dangerous and powerful than typical evil soul master abilities.

Underestimating Qian Ran and Tang Ya based on their cultivation levels would be a grave mistake.

Still, Ma Xiaotao remained silent. Actions spoke louder than words, and only a dominant victory would silence the murmurs.

But... could it be that Qian Ran has his eye on Ling Luochen?

Ma Xiaotao frowned at the thought. She had noticed Qian Ran's gaze lingering on Ling Luochen earlier.

Ling Luochen, often called the "Ice Princess," wasn't just known for her Ice martial soul but also her frosty demeanor, which discouraged suitors. However, if Qian Ran's second martial soul really had evolved into Ultimate Ice, it would give him common ground with Ling Luochen—possibly too much common ground for Ma Xiaotao's liking.

"Qian Ran, what do you think?" Elder Xuan asked with a smile, clearly eager to see Qian Ran in action. It had been some time since the boy had displayed his abilities, and Elder Xuan was curious about his progress.

Just how far has he grown?

"Let's fight," Qian Ran said with a nonchalant shrug.

Elder Xuan chuckled and gave the order. "Bring Chen Zifeng and Yao Haoxuan here. Let's see if they really got their spots unfairly."

Moments later, Chen Zifeng and Yao Haoxuan arrived, clearly expecting this.

The stage was set, with Qian Ran and Tang Ya on one side, and Chen Zifeng and Yao Haoxuan on the other, standing 100 meters apart.

"Let your strength speak for itself. No holding back," Elder Xuan announced.

The moment the command was given, Yao Haoxuan erupted into action. His uniform tore apart with a loud ripping sound, revealing an elastic dark-gold bodysuit underneath. His body began to expand, muscles bulging grotesquely.

In mere seconds, Yao Haoxuan transformed into a towering figure over four meters tall, his skin turning an iron-gray hue. His eyes glowed a sinister green, and his chest muscles jutted out like slabs of iron.

With five soul rings—two yellow, two purple, and one black—lighting up around him, Yao Haoxuan's presence was like that of a mobile fortress.

"Control and Support System soul master?" someone murmured.

Yao Haoxuan's appearance seemed more suited for a frontline fighter than his stated role.

Meanwhile, Chen Zifeng moved with lightning speed, a dense crimson aura bursting from his body. His eyes turned blood-red as his killing intent surged, sharp and cutting.

In his hand appeared his martial soul, the Pursuing Soul Sword—a slim blade, three feet six inches long, with no guard but three blood grooves running along its length. Unlike most soul rings that orbited their wielder, Chen Zifeng's five rings circled the blade itself.

The Inner Court students watched, impressed by the power and ferocity of the two challengers.

On the other side, Tang Ya activated her martial soul, her eyes glowing with a dark blue light. A noble and icy demeanor surrounded her, laced with a sinister edge that was uniquely captivating.

Two yellow and two purple soul rings appeared around her as streams of dark blue vines, glistening like sapphire, erupted from her back. They writhed with a life of their own, surging toward Yao Haoxuan.

Even among the Inner Court disciples, her presence left an impression.

"She's strong!"

"Is this really a Soul Ancestor's aura?"

Even Ling Luochen was taken aback. Tang Ya's oppressive aura felt far beyond what a mere Soul Ancestor should possess. Yao Haoxuan, the target of her vines, seemed visibly shaken, the sinister energy sending chills down his spine.

Qian Ran turned his gaze to Chen Zifeng. "You're mine."

His tone was calm but carried weight.

"Good. Let's see how strong you are," Chen Zifeng replied, his killing intent sharpening.

Chen Zifeng knew his own strength. In a one-on-one fight, he was second only to Ma Xiaotao and Dai Yueheng among the Inner Court's Soul Kings. His Pursuing Soul Sword excelled in single combat, making him confident of victory.

A Soul Emperor might defeat him, but a mere Soul Elder? Ridiculous.

No matter how talented Qian Ran was, the gap in cultivation should be insurmountable.

But as the battle began, both challengers quickly realized the Outer Court students weren't ordinary opponents.

Tang Ya's dark blue vines moved with eerie precision, weaving around Yao Haoxuan and constricting his movements. Her aura exuded an unsettling chill, leaving her opponent wary of making a wrong move.

Meanwhile, Qian Ran faced Chen Zifeng head-on. Despite the gap in their cultivation, Qian Ran's confidence didn't waver, his presence commanding the battlefield.

(End of Chapter)

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