CHAPTER 288: A Glimmer of Hope in Ashes

Chapter 288 – A Glimmer of Hope in Ashes

When Xiao Qiang burst out of Taotie's body using Ring Explosion, only three Titled Douluo of Shrek remained alive—Du Bu Si, Xuan Zi, and a Level 95 Super Douluo.

But that Super Douluo was already spent—his spirit power had been greatly depleted due to the martial soul fusion technique. Even though Xiao Qiang himself was in an extremely weakened state, one last full-force mental shock was still enough to end the Super Douluo's life instantly.

After unleashing Skyfire through the Ring Explosion, the six 100,000-year soul rings belonging to Xiao Qiang's Sharingan shattered, leaving him grievously weakened. The backlash from detonating six 100,000-year soul rings inflicted heavy internal injuries. If not for Xiao Qiang's exceptional physical constitution, the strength of his soul bones, and the vitality granted by the Gold of Life, the explosion's energy would have been fatal.

Xiao Qiang's condition was dire, but Xuan Zi's was worse. The sword wound from Skyfire had torn his abdomen, and while the backlash from his martial soul fusion wasn't immediately life-threatening, age had caught up to him—over two centuries old, his blood and vitality were dwindling. Lacking the Gold of Life's regenerative effect, his body could not endure as Xiao Qiang's did.

"Seven-colored gem, yellow… soul!"

Emerging from Xuan Zi's stomach, Xiao Qiang had already killed the Level 95 Super Douluo from within. However, his body could no longer stay aloft and began to fall. At that moment, a stream of light descended onto his forehead, rapidly restoring his depleted spirit power. Bai Qingshan's seventh soul skill followed immediately, restoring Xiao Qiang's combat capability in the shortest time possible.

Without hesitation, Xiao Qiang endured his injuries and swung the Skyfire Holy Judgement toward Xuan Zi, determined to finish him off.

Despite being far from peak condition, Xiao Qiang didn't need to be perfect—only stronger than Xuan Zi. His superior offense and rapid recovery were enough to gain the upper hand. As his sword was about to fall upon Xuan Zi's neck, a calm sigh echoed through the battlefield.

"Hey… my friend, can this matter end here? Consider it giving me a little face."

A black-clad old man had appeared, catching the Skyfire Holy Judgement mid-swing with one hand. Though Xiao Qiang had never seen him before, he immediately recognized the figure.

"Dragon Emperor Douluo, Long Xiaoyao."

"Oh? You know me?"

"Not personally, but for… special reasons, I'm aware of your existence."

Xiao Qiang retrieved his sword and quietly distanced himself from Long Xiaoyao. Meanwhile, the Snow Empress accelerated her battle against Du Bu Si, eager to rejoin Xiao Qiang. However, despite not burning his cultivation, Du Bu Si managed to cling to life. Though his realm was beginning to decline, he was still able to resist, preventing the Snow Empress from returning immediately.

"Old Long." Xuan Zi, having narrowly escaped death, respectfully greeted Long Xiaoyao. Despite being of a much younger generation, he acknowledged Long Xiaoyao's seniority both in age and strength.

"I didn't expect anyone to still remember me. Judging by your age, you probably don't know much about me. If you're from the Sun Moon Empire, could you be the one who fought Du Bu Si?"

Du Bu Si: "…"

He's calling me senior? What next? My grandmother will start calling me 'young lady'?

That thought only worsened Du Bu Si's mood, especially with the Snow Empress bearing down on him.

"It's not really related to Sister Jingliu," Xiao Qiang added, "It's a special situation. But I agree with what you said—this matter can end here."

After burning their cultivation, even if they survived, the Shrek veterans would be crippled. Mu Enzhong might barely linger in a half-dead state, and Xuan Zi would likely lose his strength. Whether they made it out or not, Shrek was finished.

More importantly, Xiao Qiang had reached his limits. If he had been in his prime, he could have exchanged several blows with Long Xiaoyao and escaped unscathed. But after using the Ring Explosion, his strength was spent. He had only managed to suppress Xuan Zi because the latter was in even worse condition.

Right now, even a mentally powerful Super Douluo could prove difficult for Xiao Qiang. His spiritual energy had been drained by back-to-back soul shocks—one killing the Super Douluo instantly, the other used to suppress Xuan Zi. Those actions had pushed Xiao Qiang's mind to the brink.

"Thank you, my friend," Long Xiaoyao said with a gentle smile, stroking his beard. Just as he prepared to leave with Xuan Zi and the others—

"No! This matter cannot end here!"

Xuan Zi's sudden outburst surprised even Long Xiaoyao.

"So many Titled Douluo of Shrek died—he must at least hand over our traitors and the soul technology as compensation to Shrek!"

Xuan Zi hid behind Long Xiaoyao. He understood his position well—this was a bluff, asking for more than he expected to receive.

First, it was in his nature to act superior.

Second, even if he and Du Bu Si made it back to Shrek alive, they'd be crippled. Xiao Qiang understood this, and so did Xuan Zi.

Third—and most crucially—Moon had once told him: if things ever became truly desperate, he could try appealing to Long Xiaoyao, who might help Shrek in a critical moment.

That might had been a long shot, so Xuan Zi had never treated Long Xiaoyao as part of Shrek's support. But now, there was no other choice. This gamble was Shrek's last hope. With soul technology, even if Shrek fell, they might rise again.

"This…"

Long Xiaoyao's face showed hesitation.

But Xuan Zi was delighted—he hadn't refused outright.

If Long Xiaoyao sided with Shrek, then unless the Soul Palace had another Ultimate Douluo hidden in reserve, the momentum would swing back to Shrek.

But where would the Soul Palace find another Extreme Douluo on such short notice?