Chapter 16: Battle Against the Immovable King (Part 3)

"Roar."

Zhao Wuji let out a furious roar, his Vigorous Vajra Palm cloaked in golden light, striking out towards the azure tree trunk alongside the golden light sphere.

"Bang!"

The golden light sphere instantly collided with the azure trunk, unleashing a surge of soul power. The scorching light burned like blazing flames. A barely perceptible crack appeared on the surface of the trunk where the light struck, forming a shallow depression at the point of impact, with faint scorch marks at the edges.

Zhao Wuji was momentarily stunned, but quickly followed with another palm strike aimed at the same spot. His hand expanded to more than twice its normal size, golden light radiating from his palm.

"Boom."

The Vigorous Vajra Palm, capable of cleaving metal and stone, landed on the trunk with a muffled sound, as if hitting reinforced steel. The immense force traveled into the trunk, but it was like a stone sinking into the sea—no ripples, no response.

Zhao Wuji's heart sank. He knew better than anyone the power of his own palm. Even if the opponent's sixth soul skill was stronger, it should have been broken by now.

A sense of unease rose within him. He exchanged a glance with Flender, who hovered in mid-air, his sharp brows furrowed.

"What a pity... truly a pity. Two seniors, it's my turn now."

Chen Xiaoming's calm voice echoed from within the sealed Azurewood Defense. A soft sound followed, and a vast soul power erupted from the azure tree. A deep black ten-thousand-year soul ring slowly emerged, exuding a terrifying energy fluctuation. Tiny crimson sparks flickered within the blackness, catching Flender's eye.

"That soul power... that soul ring..."

Realization dawned on Flender, and the shocking truth only left him more astonished.

"Explode!"

With a snap of his fingers, Chen Xiaoming's indifferent voice rang out. The black ten-thousand-year soul ring merged into the azure wood, which exploded under the infusion of soul power.

"Swish swish swish..."

Countless fragments shot out like swords, hurtling toward Zhao Wuji and Flender. Chen Xiaoming stepped out from the shattered azure wood, smiling faintly.

His sixth soul skill was not merely for defense—it was both offensive and defensive.

Caught off guard, Zhao Wuji's first soul ring flared as the golden light of the Immovable King enveloped him. With a glance at Dai Mubai behind him, he gritted his teeth and activated his sixth soul skill, sending a golden shockwave toward the incoming fragments while shielding Dai Mubai with his enlarged hands.

In the air, Flender's wings trembled as he ascended higher. His third and fifth soul rings lit up simultaneously, the fifth black soul ring merging into his wings, causing them to expand and shimmer with metallic luster. The third purple soul ring condensed in front of his wings, forming a gale that swept toward the azure fragments.

As the black light flickered, Flender wrapped his wings around himself, deflecting the fragments with clanging metallic sounds. The fragments left shallow marks on his wings before breaking apart, their force greatly diminished.

Chen Xiaoming's brow lifted slightly. "Cunning old fox."

Despite his efforts, Flender's combat experience proved formidable. However, Zhao Wuji was less fortunate, unable to deploy his martial soul avatar in the village. Relying solely on the Immovable King Body and Vigorous Vajra Palm, he couldn't defend every angle. Stray fragments pierced his golden light, leaving wounds on his body. His robust physique endured, but anger flared in his eyes.

"Boom!"

With a final palm strike, Zhao Wuji shattered the last fragment, his fierce gaze fixed on Chen Xiaoming. Just as he was about to activate his seventh soul ring, Flender intervened, blocking his path.

"Your Excellency's strength is unparalleled. We admit defeat."

"Flender, you..."

Zhao Wuji's anger boiled, but Flender's solemn expression and subtle gesture made him pause. They had known each other for years—Flender must have his reasons.

Chen Xiaoming sighed, a hint of disappointment in his eyes. "Ah, such a pity. Holding back in battle is no fun. Well, never mind. Dean Flender, I wish to take the position of vice headmaster at Shrek Academy. I trust there won't be any objections?"

Flender's eyes flickered. He had thought Chen Xiaoming was joking, but now he realized the man was serious. Given his background, there was nothing at Shrek Academy worth his interest.

After a brief contemplation, Flender's expression shifted to a warm smile, retracting his martial soul. "If Your Excellency graces Shrek with your presence, it would be our honor."

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