Chapter 30: Worthy of Being the Eternal Guardian

"What do you know?!"

Wu Feng's voice rang out, sharp and defiant. Loud enough for everyone nearby to hear—including Xu Sanshi, who was never one to let such words slide.

With a dark expression, he brushed aside Tang Ya, who had been trying to hold him back. A deep black light flared around his hand as he reached straight for Wu Feng's wrist, intent on teaching the arrogant freshman a lesson.

But before his fingers could close in—

A slender yet iron-strong hand intercepted him.

Xu Sanshi's eyes widened slightly as the grip on his wrist tightened. The black glow around his arm shattered instantly, and an invisible force rippled outward, carrying a sense of power that made even him pause.

His irritation vanished in an instant, replaced by sharp scrutiny. He no longer cared about whatever Wu Feng had said. His focus had shifted entirely to the freshman standing before him.

"If you're looking for a fight, I'll be happy to oblige," Chen Junting said, a cool smirk curling at his lips. But his grip didn't loosen. "As for picking on girls… Well, I suggest you reconsider. Otherwise, I'll have to make sure you pay for it."

Xu Sanshi's brow lifted, his initial anger giving way to intrigue. "Oh? A hero protecting flower do you?"

"No," Chen Junting replied casually, finally releasing his wrist. "I just enjoy a good opponent."

That response made Xu Sanshi chuckle, shaking his head. "Brave little junior, aren't you? Fine then. If you've got the guts, follow me."

With that, he turned and strode toward the Soul Fighting Arena.

Excitement crackled in the air. Ning Tian and the others followed closely behind, eager to see how this would unfold. Meanwhile, Tang Ya bolted toward the dormitory building, already shouting for Beibei to come and witness Xu Sanshi's humiliation.

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In The Soul Fighting Arena

The Soul Fighting Arena was one of the most important areas in Shrek Academy, located in the northwest corner near Shrek City. It was the only place where students could officially challenge each other in battle. If there were disputes, they were often settled here.

Specialized teachers acted as referees, ensuring fairness, providing healing, and maintaining order—for a price. The most basic bet was ten gold soul coins per participant. More importantly, victories earned points that contributed to a student's ranking and advancement.

By the time they arrived, the arena was already packed.

"So many people!" Wu Feng gasped, eyes darting around. "They're all here for Xu Sanshi's fight! No surprise—who wouldn't want to see a freshman take on a fifth-year?" She huffed, crossing her arms. "If it were me, I'd be excited too."

A sharp flick to her forehead made her yelp.

"Think before you speak," Ning Tian scolded.

"I was wrong…" Wu Feng grumbled, rubbing the red mark.

"Yet you keep making the same mistake."

On the sidelines, Huo Yuhao remained quiet, a trace of worry flickering in his eyes. "Brother Junting should be fine... right?"

"Relax, Xiao Yuhao," came a familiar voice.

Beibei appeared beside them, his signature gentle smile in place. Tang Ya stood next to him, bouncing with excitement. "Junior Ning Tian, Junior Wu Feng, long time no see," he greeted politely.

"What do you mean 'long time'?! It's only been a few days!" Tang Ya huffed, elbowing him.

"Xiaoya..."

"HMM?!"

"Ahem. I mean, Teacher Xiaoya."

The group exchanged knowing looks as the couple bickered, but their attention soon returned to the match.

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"Fifth-year student Xu Sanshi challenges first-year student Chen Junting. If Xu Sanshi loses, he must pay an additional ten gold soul coins. Any objections?" the referee announced.

"None." ×2

"Then let the battle begin!"

The moment those words fell, both combatants unleashed their martial souls.

Xu Sanshi's soul rings—two yellow and one purple—rose from beneath him. His muscles swelled, his skin darkened, and a massive black tortoise-shell shield materialized in his right hand. A thick, defensive aura spread outward as black soul power surged around him.

Chen Junting, in contrast, raised a single hand. A sleek, silver sword appeared in his grasp—the Seven Killing Sword. Though he had yet to reveal his soul rings, the sheer presence of his martial soul sent a chilling pressure through the air.

Xu Sanshi tensed.

The moment that sword appeared, a vast and overwhelming aura radiated from Chen Junting—an ancient, honed killing intent that made even Xu Sanshi feel uneasy.

"He's been tempering his blade," Beibei murmured, watching closely. "This isn't just raw talent. This is refinement."

Chen Junting made the first move.

The Seven Killing Sword hummed, releasing a golden light. With a single slash, a blade of energy shot forward, slicing through the black soul power around Xu Sanshi with ease.

Xu Sanshi responded instantly. Raising his shield, he blocked the attack, but the impact made him slide back half a step. His expression darkened as black energy erupted from his shield, forming a defensive barrier around him.

Chen Junting didn't hesitate. Six more sword slashes followed in rapid succession, each more powerful than the last. The sword energy twisted together, forming a massive character—"Kill"—which descended toward Xu Sanshi like an executioner's blade.

Xu Sanshi's pupils shrank.

The black energy within the word "Kill"—it was his own soul power, forcibly stripped away and turned against him!

But he wasn't about to go down that easily.

With a sharp breath, two of his soul rings flared.

The air thickened with moisture as his third and first soul skills activated in tandem. A powerful black halo expanded outward from his shield, pushing back against the falling sword energy.

"BOOM!"

The two forces clashed violently. The shockwave sent ripples through the arena.

Yet, despite his effort, Xu Sanshi staggered back a step.

And that single moment of imbalance was all Chen Junting needed.

His figure blurred—

A flash of silver—

His sword thrust forward, aiming directly at Xu Sanshi's throat!

Xu Sanshi barely managed to react, raising his shield to intercept. The two weapons collided with a deafening clang, sparks flying upon impact!

"Second soul skill! Xuanming Shield Formation!"

With a roar, his shield split apart, fragments hovering around him before rapidly closing in on Chen Junting.

But Junting's swordplay remained flawless.

His blade danced between the incoming shields, shattering them one by one with pinpoint precision. His aura intensified, and the Seven Killing Sword shone brighter than ever.

Xu Sanshi's eyes narrowed.

"A second soul ring… at the thousand-year level? This kid—he's a monster."

"Then I'll have to go all out."

But before he could retaliate—

Chen Junting's sword slashed forward, carrying a force that made the entire arena tremble!

Xu Sanshi threw up his defenses, but it was too late.

"KRAK!"

His shield cracked.

His arm gave way.

And when the dust settled, the Seven Killing Sword was poised just inches from his neck.

The referee's voice rang out. "Chen Junting wins."

The crowd erupted into stunned whispers.

A freshman… had just defeated a fifth-year.

Chen Junting lowered his sword and extended a healing pill to Xu Sanshi.

"Thanks for the match, senior."

Xu Sanshi accepted the pill but couldn't help asking, "That last move… What was it?"

Chen Junting smiled. "The first sword of the Seven Killing Sword Techniques—Heavy Sword Without Edge."

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(End of chapter)

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