Chapter 160: Ma Xiaotao vs. Dai Yueheng (1800 Words)

With the top three of the preliminaries decided, the inner courtyard students who had been eliminated earlier gathered at the edge of the martial soul area, whispering among themselves. The atmosphere was abuzz with speculation:

"Why did Ma Xiaotao admit defeat?"

"What's the relationship between Huo Yuhao and Ma Xiaotao?"

"Has the inner courtyard's active volcano changed her temperament?"

"Who will be replaced in this session of the Shrek Seven Monsters?"

Even the seven members of the previous reserve team couldn't remain calm at this moment.

Dai Yueheng's expression darkened slightly. He had already realized that Ma Xiaotao's cultivation level was undoubtedly far superior to his own. This made her his greatest opponent, and his position as captain might not be secure.

Chen Zifeng stood tall, his fighting spirit burning brightly. Although the preliminary matches hadn't revealed much about Huo Yuhao's abilities, it didn't matter to him. He would simply let his sword do the talking.

Ling Luochen was talking with her close friend Xixi, who clung to her hand, shaking it anxiously. "Luochen, I feel like my spot is gone. I'm so upset (╥﹏╥)o."

Ling Luochen patted Xixi's shoulder reassuringly. "Don't worry, we'll work hard together."

Xixi sighed, "Where's the comfort I need?"

Meanwhile, Luo Sheng from the Soul Guidance Department was already feeling desperate. If only Ma Xiaotao joined the team, he might still have a chance to hold on.

After all, as a soul engineer, he could flexibly adapt to other roles with the help of his martial soul. But if Huo Yuhao joined as well, the team's structure would be severely disrupted.

In contrast to his worried teammates, Gong Yangmo remained calm, even taking the time to observe Huo Yuhao's heroic demeanor.

As an auxiliary-type soul master, Gong Yangmo didn't need to worry about challenges from others. His martial soul, the Rainbow Dragon, provided support abilities that rivaled the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.

Unless Shrek decided to prioritize non-auxiliary soul masters or found an auxiliary soul king with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, his position was secure.

Of course, Shrek didn't have many soul emperors of the right age.

The Continental Elite Young Soul Master Tournament was limited to participants under 20 years old. Reaching the level of a soul king at this age was already a remarkable achievement, let alone becoming a soul emperor.

In the entire inner courtyard, only Ma Xiaotao and Dai Yueheng had reached the soul emperor level before turning 20.

…

"Alright, quiet down, everyone. Listen to me," Yan Shaozhe, the dean of the Martial Soul Department, spoke up.

Dressed in white, his voice carried authority. "Three inner courtyard students have been selected in the preliminaries. To represent Shrek Academy in the Continental Elite Young Soul Master Tournament, you must challenge the previous reserve team. Based on your overall performance, we will form the final team."

Yan Shaozhe continued, "You will choose your opponents later—attack against attack, control against control. Of course, there are no restrictions on soul masters, and everyone can challenge anyone they wish."

"The rules have been explained. The challenge will begin immediately. Remember, the purpose of the challenge is to showcase your strengths to the fullest. Winning doesn't guarantee a spot on the team. Now, the seven selected monsters, step forward and introduce yourselves."

"Yes, Dean!" Dai Yueheng and the others responded, stepping forward one by one.

Dai Yueheng was the first to introduce himself. He was a tall, robust young man with medium-length golden hair draped over his broad shoulders. His masculine features, strong jawline, and piercing eyes gave him a commanding presence.

"Dai Yueheng, White Tiger martial soul, level 64 strong attack system battle soul emperor, current captain of the Shrek Seven Monsters."

As he spoke, six soul rings—two yellow, two purple, and two black—appeared around him, radiating the powerful aura of a soul emperor.

Next was Chen Zifeng. Though not as imposing as Dai Yueheng, he had a sharp, blade-like presence. His kind face and faint smile contrasted with his intense demeanor.

"Chen Zifeng, level 57 strong attack system battle soul king."

At just 19 years old, reaching the 57th level was an impressive feat. In any other academy, he would have been a captain-level figure. But at Shrek, surrounded by geniuses, his brilliance was somewhat overshadowed.

The third to introduce herself was Xixi, a short-haired girl with an unremarkable appearance and a plain voice.

"Xixi, level 56 agile attack system battle soul king."

Her introduction was brief, and her presence was as fleeting as a leaf in the wind, leaving little impression. But those familiar with the Douluo Continent knew that the essence of an agile attack system was to remain inconspicuous. This system excelled in reconnaissance, assassination, and sneak attacks. Blending into the ordinary was its greatest strength.

The fourth was Ling Luochen. Unlike Ma Xiaotao's fiery temperament or Zhang Lexuan's gentleness, she exuded a cold, aloof beauty. Her medium-length icy blue hair and delicate features left a lasting impression. Her pale skin and graceful movements made her seem almost ethereal.

"Ling Luochen, level 55 control system battle soul king."

The fifth was Yao Haoxuan, a thin young man who resembled a bird. Standing at about 1.6 meters tall, his bright eyes and slender frame gave him a unique presence.

"Yao Haoxuan, level 55 control and support system battle soul king."

The sixth was Gong Yangmo, who spoke softly, "Gong Yangmo, level 59 auxiliary system battle soul king." He even winked at Huo Yuhao, who couldn't help but shudder. As a spiritual-type soul master, Huo Yuhao's perception was extremely sharp, and Gong Yangmo's intense gaze was unnerving.

Finally, the seventh was Luo Sheng from the Soul Guidance Department. He forced a smile as he introduced himself.

"Luo Sheng, level 53, Class 5 soul engineer."

With the introductions complete, Yan Shaozhe nodded thoughtfully. He glanced at Huo Yuhao, Ma Xiaotao, and the others, considering who to replace.

First, Dai Yueheng and Gong Yangmo were irreplaceable—one was a powerful offensive soul emperor, and the other was a vital support. Ling Luochen, as a control-type soul master with an ice-element martial soul, also couldn't be replaced, as her abilities synergized well with Huo Yuhao's Ultimate Ice.

As for Chen Zifeng, the nominal third-strongest in the team, Yan Shaozhe considered replacing him.

With Huo Yuhao and Ma Xiaotao joining, both strong attack types, the team already had three such members. Xixi, as the only agile attack type, was essential. Although Huo Yuhao had teleportation skills and could occasionally fill the agile attack role, a dedicated teammate was still necessary.

Yao Haoxuan and Luo Sheng, however, were expendable. After careful consideration, Yan Shaozhe decided to replace them. With four strong attack types, the team's offensive power would be overwhelming.

Moreover, Yan Shaozhe knew Huo Yuhao well. Despite the boy's preference for the attack role, his Spirit Eye martial soul leaned more toward control.

Of course, Yan Shaozhe still had to go through the formalities of the challenge to finalize the team.

…

"Everyone can challenge the soul master of their choice…" Yan Shaozhe announced.

Huo Yuhao pondered silently. In the original storyline, it was the unfortunate soul teacher who had been replaced by Ma Xiaotao. In a way, he was lucky to have avoided a gruesome fate.

Ma Xiaotao, standing beside Huo Yuhao, explained, "Yuhao, even though you're also from the Soul Guidance Department, don't forget that Shrek is the number one soul master academy on the continent. Our focus is still on soul masters."

"Understood," Huo Yuhao nodded. He could sense Yan Shaozhe's strong preference for soul masters, so he didn't press the issue.

While the integration of soul masters and soul engineers was the future trend, Huo Yuhao's current focus was on martial soul cultivation. Besides, Shrek Academy hadn't yet felt the sting of defeat from soul tools. Once they did, they would naturally start paying more attention to their development.

….

The challenge began with the third-place finisher. After being defeated by Ling Luochen, it was Ma Xiaotao's turn.

"Now, it's Ma Xiaotao's turn. Please choose your opponent," Yan Shaozhe announced.

Ma Xiaotao's pink eyes swept over Dai Yueheng and the others. Chen Zifeng silently prayed, 'Please choose him, not me!'

He would rather face Dai Yueheng than Ma Xiaotao, whose reputation as the "active volcano" of the inner courtyard was well-earned. Her Evil Fire Phoenix martial soul was a top-tier attack-type beast soul, even stronger than the White Tiger.

But Ma Xiaotao had already made up her mind. Even before the preliminaries, Yan Shaozhe had asked her and Dai Yueheng about their willingness to lead the team. Ma Xiaotao had volunteered, and this battle had been inevitable.

"I challenge Dai Yueheng!" Ma Xiaotao declared.

Dai Yueheng's face darkened. 'Why is this crazy woman challenging me so early? Aren't there Chen Zifeng and Luo Sheng?' he thought, exasperated.

The two stepped into the center of the martial soul arena.

As Ma Xiaotao summoned her martial soul, six soul rings—two yellow, two purple, and two black—appeared around her. The overwhelming aura of a level 69 soul emperor swept through the arena, causing the surrounding students to pale.

Dai Yueheng, facing her directly, was even more shocked. The five-level gap between them was significant, and at higher levels, each level represented a vast difference in power.

But Dai Yueheng was proud. He wouldn't back down without a fight. In close combat, the White Tiger martial soul had the advantage. It was anyone's game!

"White Tiger martial soul, possess!" Dai Yueheng roared as the match began.

Ma Xiaotao shot forward like an arrow, fiery red feathers appearing around her as her eyes blazed with intensity.

"Second Soul Skill: Bathing Fire Phoenix"

"Third Soul Skill: Phoenix Wing Ascension!" she cried, unleashing a golden-red flame that lit up the entire arena.

Dai Yueheng activated his first, third, and fifth soul rings simultaneously. A golden-white light shield enveloped his body, and his form expanded dramatically. His white hair turned golden, and a massive White Tiger phantom appeared behind him before merging into his body. His eyes glowed with golden light as his power surged to its peak.

With a roar, Dai Yueheng charged forward, smashing through the Phoenix flames and closing in on Ma Xiaotao with unstoppable momentum.

Ma Xiaotao snorted coldly, spreading her wings and pulling back. The sixth soul ring around her glowed black, and the sky above her turned red.

"Sixth soul skill, Phoenix Meteor Shower!" she declared.

Golden-red fireballs rained down like meteors, transforming into phoenix shapes as they accelerated toward Dai Yueheng.

Dai Yueheng's sixth soul ring lit up in response.

"Sixth Soul Skill: White Tiger's Extermination!" he roared, pushing his soul power to its limit. His golden tiger claws gleamed menacingly as he leaped into the air, colliding with the phoenix meteors.

…

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