Nightfall.
Dai Hao and his party received a warm welcome from the mayor and military officer of Gongbei Town. Of course, the mayor and officer weren't fools—they simply extended the highest level of hospitality to Dai Hao's group without extravagance. Instead, the town's defenses were tightened even more.
Not only did they win Dai Hao's favor, but they also demonstrated their competence.
Their conduct left Dai Hao satisfied. As a result, he accepted their hospitality and took note of them. Should they distinguish themselves on the battlefield in the future, he wouldn't mind giving them an opportunity for promotion.
Even just an opportunity was incredibly precious to them.
Without sufficient strength or background, it was hard for the average imperial official to rise in the ranks. Although the Xingluo Empire valued individual capability, the influence of the nobility was still deeply entrenched.
Moreover, nobles typically possessed greater talent and strength, making them more likely to advance.
The officer was a five-ring Soul King, and the mayor merely a four-ring Soul Sect. Both were commoners with no noble background. To jointly manage a town was already close to their career ceiling.
And only because Gongbei Town was on the frontier—noble heirs would rarely take posts in such places, and even if they did, it was usually to pad their resumes.
In this era, even awakening a martial soul was not guaranteed for commoners. Talented commoners were even rarer. Some major powers would proactively awaken martial souls for commoners—not just for reputation.
Those commoners whose souls were awakened by major powers had to join them if they turned out to be capable of cultivation, and would serve those powers in the future.
The Empire itself was, of course, one such major power.
Wang Xian'er and the Shattered Star Douluo didn't attend the banquet. They remained in their room to rest. But the mayor and officer hadn't forgotten them and had someone deliver an even more sumptuous meal to their room.
Though they didn't know the identities of the honored guests in the carriage, anyone escorted by Dai Hao had to be extraordinarily noble—perhaps even connected to the royal family. Best to curry favor.
That night, the town bustled with activity, but everything remained orderly. Both host and guest were pleased.
However, the hotel provided for Dai Hao's party was rather quiet.
To prevent any disturbances—or worse, malicious intent—the surrounding area was placed under lockdown.
Two soldiers were posted outside the hotel entrance, both possessing Soul Elder-level cultivation, showing just how seriously the mayor and officer took security.
Inside the hotel's most luxurious room.
Wang Xian'er sat quietly in a grand chair, eyes closed in repose.
A lavish meal was laid out on the dining table, still steaming hot.
But she hadn't touched the food. Instead, she was listening to a report from Shattered Star Douluo.
Having completed his investigation, the Douluo had returned and now stood to the side, reporting with a somewhat awkward expression.
"Ancestor… aren't you being overly cautious? I've scouted the town inside and out—there's nothing suspicious…"
No ambushes, not a single high-level threat!
Wang Xian'er cast a sideways glance at him, and he instantly fell silent.
"How did you even reach the level of Title Douluo? Don't you know you can't ignore a sense of danger?" she scolded.
Shattered Star Douluo opened his mouth, then shut it. He hesitated repeatedly but ultimately said nothing.
Of course, he had sensed danger. But a Battle Soul Master's danger instincts weren't the same as a Support-type Soul Master's.
Still, remembering Wang Xian'er's status, he kept his mouth shut.
"If even you say so, then I'll remain on high alert," he finally relented.
Wang Xian'er nodded in satisfaction. "You might be careless, but at least you listen."
Shattered Star Douluo: "…"
Imagine, being called a "child" when you're over a hundred years old.
But if it's the Ancestor saying it, then... well, never mind.
"Ancestor, it's getting late. Mind if I eat something before resuming my guard duties?" he asked sheepishly.
"No one's stopping you," Wang Xian'er replied, a little exasperated. "You're a grown man. Do you really need permission to eat?"
"Ahem…" he coughed quickly, trying to change the subject. "Shall we eat together then, Ancestor?"
"I thought you wanted to eat it all yourself."
"…"
Ever since visiting Shrek Academy, the Ancestor's personality had become much more... carefree.
The infusion of life energy at Shrek had rejuvenated Wang Xian'er considerably—mind and body alike.
Some elders grow kind with age, not because their temperament changes, but because their bodies no longer allow them to be mischievous.
Shattered Star Douluo helped Wang Xian'er to the table, where she took a seat. He sat beside her.
He picked up his chopsticks, about to take a bite—
"Wait a moment!" Wang Xian'er suddenly said.
"Huh?"
Was the food not even safe to eat now?
From her sleeve, Wang Xian'er produced a special silver needle. "Let's test for poison first," she said coolly.
Suddenly, Shattered Star Douluo didn't feel hungry anymore.
"Ancestor… surely that's unnecessary? Do you think the mayor and officer would actually dare poison us? Besides, with you here—okay, okay, you win. You're the Ancestor."
Wang Xian'er said nothing. She simply stared at him.
Shattered Star Douluo sighed in defeat, set down his chopsticks, and waited for the test.
Satisfied, Wang Xian'er nodded and began checking the food with her silver needle. As she worked, she lectured gently:
"Xing'er, being strong is not a license for recklessness. Do you know how I've managed to live this long?"
She inserted the needle into the food as she spoke.
"Because of your strong life force?" he blurted out.
Among long-lived Title Douluo, only Mu En came to mind besides her.
"It's caution, you idiot!" Wang Xian'er snapped. "I'm a Support-type Soul Master with no real combat power. Even with vitality, I could've easily died!"
"It's because I've always been cautious that I lived long enough to reach Title Douluo. That's what gave me the confidence to survive. Many of my peers were more talented than I was, cultivated faster too—but because they weren't cautious enough, most didn't even make it to Title Douluo. They ended up buried long ago."
Shattered Star Douluo relied too much on his strength. That was a common flaw among Battle Soul Masters.
Wang Xian'er had been cautious all her life—practically a cunning old fox by now.
She'd seen too much, and prepared accordingly.
"This silver needle is made from Deep Sea Heavy Silver and tempered in special medicinal liquids for decades. It can detect almost every known poison on the continent and is reusable. If the needle tip changes color, that means the food is poisoned."
Her tone carried a hint of pride.
As expected, Shattered Star Douluo looked stunned. He silently praised the Ancestor's treasures.
"The needle can turn red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, or violet. Violet indicates the weakest toxins, red the strongest. Different color combinations can even reveal the nature and type of poison."
"The time should be up. Let's see if the needle changed color."
With that, Wang Xian'er withdrew the needle.
And fell silent.
Shattered Star Douluo looked shocked. "Ancestor, it's got all seven colors. What does that mean?"
"It means the poison in this food could knock out a Title Douluo!" Wang Xian'er shouted. "What are you spacing out for? There's an enemy here!!!"
She immediately activated her Martial Soul.
(Wang Xian'er: The secret to living to a ripe old age—stay hidden and play it safe!)
What? It's really poisoned?!
And it's potent enough to take down a Titled Douluo?!!
Starshatter Douluo's expression drastically changed. He instantly summoned his Martial Soul, with nine soul rings appearing simultaneously, ready to storm out and demand answers.
However, neither Starshatter Douluo nor Wang Xian'er expected that the enemy's tactics weren't limited to just poisoning.
The moment they activated their Martial Souls, the table of gourmet dishes that had been identified as suspicious suddenly began to swell—and then exploded!
Food grenade black tech?
No—what exploded was the poison hidden inside the food!
This was the Poison Explosion Technique!
The stronger the toxin, the more the poison, the greater the explosion!
And the explosion also helps spread the toxin further.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The explosion from just one table of food was immensely powerful—powerful enough to collapse the entire hotel.
Toxic green mist surged up, enveloping the ruins of the hotel.
The deafening explosion alerted others in the town, including Dai Hao, who had been attending the banquet.
At the banquet, Dai Hao was slightly tipsy when he faintly heard the booming sound from the town. Having long been stationed at the border confronting the Sun-Moon Empire, he sobered up instantly. He recognized it at once—it was the sound of an explosion!
Why would there be an explosion in the town out of nowhere?
And judging by the sound, it wasn't a small one either!
Dai Hao immediately stood up, Martial Soul activated, spirit pressure erupting. Channeling his spirit power to his throat, he shouted:
"Everyone, be on full alert!"
His voice carried straight out of the mayor's estate. A dozen cavalrymen who had accompanied him outside immediately responded. Some rushed into the estate, while others dashed back to the barracks to alert the full cavalry force.
The music in the banquet hall fell silent. The dancing girls looked at Dai Hao in terror. The mayor and the officer were stunned, as if they hadn't realized what had just occurred.
Dai Hao narrowed his eyes and swept his gaze over them, making no effort to conceal his aura.
The two men shivered from the pressure.
The mayor quickly raised his hands. "General, we don't know anything!"
The officer came to his senses—something had clearly happened in the town. Their strength wasn't on Dai Hao's level, so they hadn't sensed a thing. Now aware of the situation, he quickly bowed and handed over his military command token. "General, this is my command seal. You may use it to mobilize all soldiers in town."
Dai Hao stared at the two for a long moment but didn't detect anything suspicious. Their reactions seemed genuinely innocent.
At that moment, the cavalry who had entered the estate arrived at the banquet hall.
"General! We've come to assist!" one cavalryman shouted, drawing his weapon. The sight made everyone else back away in fear.
Only then did Dai Hao retract his aura, though he still reached out to take the officer's command seal and coldly ordered, "You two are coming with me. The town is under full lockdown—no entry, no exit!"
The mayor and officer exchanged bitter glances but could only agree and obediently follow Dai Hao.
Dai Hao then led the cavalry out of the estate at a brisk pace to rally more forces.
—
Elsewhere in town—
The ruins of the hotel, still shrouded in poisonous mist, suddenly burst apart as a green orb of light rose from within. The toxic fog could not penetrate the orb at all.
The orb floated up into the sky, high above the reach of the poisonous haze, then slowly dissipated—revealing the figures of Starshatter Douluo and a young girl.
The girl's eyes were bright green, full of sunshine and life. Behind her sprouted five pairs of emerald wings, gracefully fanned open. Her appearance suggested she was only 18 or 19 years old—bright-eyed, charming, and breathtakingly beautiful. She radiated an aura of life and purity that instantly made anyone who saw her want to approach and befriend her.
This was Wang Xian'er in her Martial Soul-possessed form!
Thanks to the mighty powers of her Healing Angel, Wang Xian'er had even achieved a youthful appearance once again.
It was precisely her power that protected them both from the explosion and the toxic mist.
While Wang Xian'er wasn't adept at combat, her defensive and survival abilities were extremely formidable.
Starshatter Douluo wasn't distracted by her appearance—he was livid. His nine soul rings danced wildly as he roared furiously into the surroundings:
"Show yourself, coward!"
Wang Xian'er also scanned the area, but then her brows furrowed. She had clearly noticed something off.
Before she could warn him, a soft, ghostly voice drifted through the air and into their ears.
"Oh my, as expected of a Titled Douluo… truly hard to kill."
The voice was eerie and untraceable, like a ghost's whisper—Starshatter Douluo couldn't pinpoint its origin.
He clenched his teeth furiously, ready to strike, but Wang Xian'er placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Starshatter, look at the town first. Be careful—it could be a trap!" Her voice, restored to that of a youthful girl, was crisp and clear.
Reminded by her words, Starshatter Douluo glanced around. At first, he didn't notice anything—but as a Titled Douluo, it didn't take him long to realize what was wrong. His eyes widened in shock.
The town was lit with lanterns—but there was no sound, no activity. Even after the explosion, no one had come out to investigate. It was as if… the town was completely empty.
"The townspeople?!"
Wang Xian'er shook her head. "I can still sense life energy. The people are likely still alive—for now. But if we don't stop whoever's behind this, their fate may change."
She had a unique sensory ability to detect living beings. While she couldn't identify specific individuals, she could spread her sensing range across the entire town with her power level.
"Ancestor, what about Dai Hao? And the cavalry unit?" Starshatter Douluo asked urgently.
"Dai Hao is on his way here. As for the cavalry... their camp no longer shows any signs of life." Wang Xian'er's voice was grim.
Starshatter Douluo's eyes darkened.
Meanwhile, several cavalrymen who had been sent to alert the others returned to their camp on the outskirts of town. The cavalry had been treated to a feast that evening—even without wine or women, the food had been abundant.
But as they approached the camp, they found only silence.
Delicious food was scattered across the ground, pools of blood were everywhere—and the cavalrymen who had been enjoying the feast now lay lifeless. Corpses. All in various horrifying states of death.
The common feature? Every one of them had their heart ripped out.
Some still had their eyes wide open—as if they'd seen something terrifying, dying without peace.
The returning cavalrymen were nearly scared senseless.
Even on the battlefield, they had never witnessed such horror.
"Not good! Something's terribly wrong!"
Just as they turned to flee and report back to Dai Hao, a chilling voice whispered behind them:
"Well now, since you're here, how about we have a little heart-to-heart~? It's been so long since I saw you… I missed you all so much~"
"Argh!" Two cavalrymen screamed.
Two ghostly hands pierced through their backs, crushing their hearts.
A eunuch's ghost hovered above, wearing a twisted smile.
This cavalry unit had been carefully trained by Dai Hao himself. Many of them had originally come from the White Tiger Duke's estate—and some even recognized this eunuch.
And he recognized them too.
Splurt—
The eunuch withdrew his hands, each holding a still-beating, steaming heart.
He looked down at the shocked and terrified soldiers and said with a smile:
"Brother Hao said he wanted your hearts… so I won't hold back. Don't worry—Grandpa here works real fast~"
Huo Yuhao: Even Wang Xian'er looks so tender and tasty!
"Damn you! Get out here!" Starbreaker Douluo bellowed, trying to force their hidden enemy into the open.
But the enemy was far more cunning than expected and did not reveal themselves. Only eerie laughter echoed from all directions, disturbing their minds. Clearly, it was some sort of mental technique—aimed at unsettling both Starbreaker Douluo and Wang Xian'er.
"Starbreaker, we can't delay any longer! This is a powerful spiritual ability!" Wang Xian'er warned, her youthful face serious and brows tightly furrowed.
Even she was affected by the unnerving laughter around them.
Starbreaker Douluo realized that they had to take the initiative. He raised his palm, and from it surged forth his martial soul—Light of the Shattered Star—which radiated outwards and enveloped the area.
Brilliant purple light cascaded down, illuminating the darkness and revealing every hidden corner of the surrounding buildings. There was nowhere left to hide.
This radiant display also caught the attention of Dai Hao and the others en route. Realizing Starbreaker Douluo was in combat and Wang Xian'er might be in danger, Dai Hao's expression changed, and he urged the team to speed up—charging ahead on his own.
Unnoticed by Dai Hao, once he left the group, red eyes began opening slowly in the surrounding shadows, locking onto the remaining team members. The town mayor and commander's eyes faintly gleamed with golden light.
Back at the hotel ruins, under the purple radiance, hidden figures were forced into the open.
Starbreaker Douluo and Wang Xian'er both immediately focused on a black-robed figure nearby, whose ominous aura was now exposed.
"Interesting…" the figure chuckled, studying the light that had revealed him. He slightly lifted his head, exposing eerie dual-colored pupils—one red, one blue—beneath the black hood. Yet, nothing else could be seen of his face, as if it was swallowed by endless darkness.
"Who are you?" Wang Xian'er demanded.
"You may call me... Compassionate Demon," the young man replied with a pleasant voice, sounding like a teenager.
It was Huo Yuhao.
The name "Compassionate Demon" caused a slight change in Starbreaker Douluo's expression. Wang Xian'er noticed and asked, "Starbreaker, do you know him?"
"I've only heard of him. Rumor has it that the Duke of the White Tiger's eldest son was tortured to death by this guy—his blood and soul power drained. The perpetrator is believed to be a Contra-level evil soul master. The Empire tried to hunt him down but failed," Starbreaker Douluo explained quickly.
The death of Dai Yaoheng had stirred many rumors. Though not discussed openly, high-ranking officials and nobles of the Star Luo Empire knew the truth. The Empire's manhunt for Compassionate Demon had been extensive, and the Duke's family never gave up on investigating.
Wang Xian'er's expression turned cold, her gaze toward Huo Yuhao filled with killing intent. "An evil soul master? Then you deserve death."
Starbreaker Douluo felt the same. In Douluo Continent, evil soul masters were universally condemned.
But Huo Yuhao remained unfazed by their hostility. Instead, he became intrigued by the Light of the Shattered Star.
"So this is the Light of the Shattered Star?"
Though he had seen it before, experiencing it firsthand was a different matter. The formless martial soul was quite interesting—capable of breaking through his stealth technique.
Which meant… he'd have to deal with both of them.
Huo Yuhao: I won't be polite, then.
Starbreaker Douluo took action. Since the enemy was confirmed, there was no need for negotiation.
Having already broken through to Rank 96 and becoming a Super Douluo, Starbreaker Douluo—along with Wang Xian'er, the strongest healing-type Super Douluo—was confident in facing anyone below the level of Xuanzi or the Poison Immortal. Even against them, they weren't without hope.
Purple starlight descended upon Huo Yuhao like a meteor strike.
"Heh…"
Huo Yuhao chuckled softly.
"You actually chose to attack me head-on instead of running?"
What seemed like a ferocious attack was, in Huo Yuhao's eyes, like a slow-motion clip.
His Evil-Eyed Observation ability had grown tremendously with his power. Facing the destructive starlight, Huo Yuhao's eyes glowed slightly.
Enhance Vision, Enhance!
Every soul ring he possessed increased his enhancement multiplier:
Evil Eye Martial Soul: 1 ring
Frost Centipede Martial Soul: 7 rings
Ghost Banner Martial Soul: 4 rings
1 + 7 + 4 = 12 rings.
With the power of 12 soul rings, Huo Yuhao's body instantly underwent 12x enhancement.
Then, he activated his soul bones:
Tyrannosaurus Rex Right Leg Bone Soul Skill: Tyrant Armor
Effect: Greatly enhances defense; manifests T-Rex scale armor but reduces speed.
Trait: Power of Gold
Effect: Boosts physical strength.
Radiant Light Left Arm Bone Trait: Ice Radiance
Effect: Releases extreme ice or light attribute powers for offense, defense, healing, or restoration.
Titan Snow Demon King Right Arm Bone Soul Skill: Ice God Snow Demon Transformation
Effect: Boosts all attributes by 200%, but induces berserk state and weakens rationality.
Aside from soul rings, Huo Yuhao activated all of his enhancement abilities—and he'd smoked a cigar earlier, too.
Blue, gold, and black light burst from his body. He felt immense strength flooding his body, his form bulging so much that it stretched his robe.
Even his chest muscles seemed bigger.
The starlight crashing down didn't even reach him. His aura alone shattered it mid-air.
This shocked both Starbreaker Douluo and Wang Xian'er.
Huo Yuhao already possessed physical and mental strength comparable to a Rank 98 soul master. With all enhancements active, he now had the power to stand toe-to-toe with an Ultimate Douluo!
Starbreaker Douluo and Wang Xian'er were formidable, but unfortunately—they drew the shortest straw.
As Huo Yuhao raised his gaze toward them, they felt a mountain-like pressure that made their hair stand on end.
The mental instability from Ice God Snow Demon Transformation began to show—but Huo Yuhao was already mentally unhinged, so it hardly mattered.
To truly drive him insane, you'd have to go through his demonic-Buddhist teachings first!
"Starbreaker, run!"
Sensing mortal danger, Wang Xian'er shouted at once, preparing to flee with him.
But it was already too late.
Behind Huo Yuhao, a great sun rose.
He had summoned He Caitou's Solar Martial Soul, manifesting searing flames that wrapped around him and converged into his right arm.
Seeing this, Starbreaker Douluo gasped.
"A solar martial soul?! Are you from the Sun Moon Empire's royal family?!"
(Huo Yuhao: Powerful! Powerful! Powerfuuuul, yaaa!)
The moment most people saw the Sun Martial Soul, their first thought was: this person must be a member of the Sun-Moon Empire's royal family.
After all, the Sun Martial Soul was the very symbol of the empire's royalty.
However, Huo Yuhao merely smiled lightly.
"Who knows?"
What terrified Starshatter Douluo most was that when Huo Yuhao spoke, he was still standing on the ground—but his voice echoed right next to Starshatter Douluo's ear.
Because in just the blink of an eye, Huo Yuhao had already flashed behind him!
At this moment, Starshatter Douluo had no mental bandwidth left to question Huo Yuhao's identity or his motives for attacking.
The threat of death was already upon him!
"Starshatter, look out!" Wang Xian'er shouted urgently.
But it was too late.
Huo Yuhao's flame-wreathed fist struck Starshatter Douluo's back like a falling sun.
Ghostfiend Combat Technique—Solar Annihilation!
This punch, utilizing the power of sinister ghostly entities, was part of the Ghostfiend Combat Techniques Huo Yuhao had developed himself.
Even though Cao Tou was his primary soul, he too was a ghost!
The principle of this punch also borrowed from the Extreme Ice Frost Centipede Fist, concentrating the full power of Huo Yuhao's body into a single fiery strike—like launching a miniature sun.
Combined with Huo Yuhao's current combat strength, the punch was terrifying—practically his ultimate attack!
The instant Huo Yuhao's fist touched Starshatter Douluo, it incinerated his clothes, his defensive soul tool, and even his inner soft armor. The sheer pressure of the punch crushed his spine, tore open his flesh, and carbonized the muscles on his back under extreme heat.
But Starshatter Douluo was a Titled Douluo after all. In the instant before his chest was pierced, he activated his Martial Soul True Body.
"Seventh Soul Skill: Starshatter True Body!"
BOOM—
A pillar of purple light shot into the sky, as if piercing through the heavens.
Dai Hao had just arrived and was stunned by the sight. Without a second thought, he joined the battle.
"Sixth Soul Skill: White Tiger Destruction Strike!"
Golden light erupted from Dai Hao's body. He transformed multiple times midair, releasing intense gold beams that crossed into a giant "Kill" character slamming toward Huo Yuhao with overwhelming force.
But Huo Yuhao casually raised a hand and crushed the attack. He didn't even glance at Dai Hao—instead, he locked his eyes straight on the Starshatter True Body.
Activating his True Body had allowed Starshatter Douluo to avoid the killing blow.
His entire body had disappeared, completely transformed into his Martial Soul—Starshatter Light, formless and intangible, illuminating the silent town in the dead of night with a mysterious purple glow.
"A special kind of Martial Soul True Body?" Huo Yuhao murmured with a faint smirk.
Generally, Martial Soul True Bodies were divided into Beast Soul True Bodies and Tool Soul True Bodies.
Beast Soul True Bodies transformed the soul master into their beast martial soul.
Tool Soul True Bodies manifested the martial soul physically.
Some exceptions existed—certain Tool Soul True Bodies could summon beast spirits, while others allowed the martial soul to turn into armor (Soul True Armor), enhancing combat ability.
Starshatter Douluo's was clearly a special variant. Though Starshatter Light was a Tool Soul, he could transform completely into it like a beast martial soul.
As an intangible being, he became far more elusive.
But Starshatter Douluo understood: even with his True Body activated, the best he could do was stall Huo Yuhao—defeating him was impossible.
And although that punch hadn't killed him outright, it left him severely wounded. He wouldn't be able to maintain his True Body for long.
"Dai Hao, cover the Ancestor's retreat! We cannot defeat this enemy—report this incident to His Majesty and let him decide!" Starshatter Douluo's voice echoed from within the light, deadly serious. He was ready to sacrifice himself.
If they all tried to flee together, once his True Body faded, they'd all be doomed.
What? Wang Xian'er's Healing Angel can fly?
What a joke—if her martial soul really had that kind of speed, why didn't she become an agility-type soul master instead of a healing-type?
In this era, as long as you were fast, even with minimal attack power, you could dominate with the help of soul tools.
Soul masters usually prioritized being battle-oriented. After all, they all craved strength.
Wang Xianer's Healing Angel could fly, yes—but that was it. Among soul masters of her level, her speed was still among the lowest.
Fortunately, Wang Xian'er was now strong enough that her flight speed had improved somewhat—there was still a chance for her to escape.
Especially with Dai Hao covering her.
Wang Xian'er hesitated, sorrow written all over her beautiful face.
She hadn't expected the enemy to push Starshatter Douluo to this point in just one blow.
"Has that Compassionate Demon really reached a level comparable to Dragon God Douluo?"
It seemed the only plausible explanation.
Which made her feel utterly cold inside.
Dai Hao didn't fully grasp the situation, but he knew that if Starshatter Douluo was willing to stay behind and die, the enemy was beyond his ability to handle. All he could do now was protect Wang Xian'er's retreat.
The cavalry—and even the entire town—would have to be abandoned!
Dai Hao was filled with grief and rage, but he had no choice.
Huo Yuhao merely stood off to the side, calmly watching their desperate efforts—with a curious expression.
It was like watching ants sacrifice a few of their own to let the colony escape.
"How unfortunate," Huo Yuhao said softly. "I have no interest in chases. And I don't want this town's secrets leaking beyond its borders."
"A'Tai!"
"A'Hui!"
Two overwhelming soul beast auras of 200,000 years each descended from the sky, instantly suppressing Dai Hao and Wang Xian'er.
Dai Hao collapsed to his knees under the pressure.
Wang Xian'er was also forced to the ground.
Before everyone's disbelieving eyes, two massive soul beast phantoms appeared behind Huo Yuhao.
Compared to the towering hundred-meter form of the Titan Snow Demon King, the 20-meter-long Ice Radiant Dragon seemed more graceful.
"He can summon soul beast spirits?! And not just any—those are over 100,000 years old! That's... impossible!" Starshatter Douluo cried out in shock. Though he had no physical body, he remained unaffected.
In the next second, Starshatter Douluo retaliated, firing three beams of Starshatter Light—one each at Huo Yuhao, A'Tai, and A'Hui—to buy time for Wang Xian'er and Dai Hao.
But this was exactly what Huo Yuhao wanted.
He stepped forward to meet the incoming light—disabling his enhanced eyes—and took the attack directly with his body.
"What?" Starshatter Douluo exclaimed. "Why would he willingly take my attack?!"
A sense of dread rose in his heart.
The Starshatter Light struck Huo Yuhao but failed to injure him—his Tyrant Armor had impressive defensive power.
Feeling the beam up close, Huo Yuhao smiled and looked toward the Martial Soul True Body.
"Starshatter Douluo, your True Body must fuse your soul and body into your martial soul, allowing you to become formless and intangible, right?"
"What... what are you doing?" Starshatter Douluo asked instinctively.
"Why, giving thanks—and digging in, of course!"
It was Huo Yuhao's first time encountering someone who essentially cooked themselves for him—he couldn't be more grateful.
Starshatter Douluo suddenly saw Huo Yuhao's eyes change. In the darkness beneath his black robes, a pair of cracked orbs radiating the aura of annihilation lit up.
Eyes of Oblivion—Activate!
The next moment, Huo Yuhao recited an incantation. A brilliant aura of destiny bloomed, and the Oblivion Eyes exerted a powerful suction force, drawing in the Starshatter Light and absorbing it entirely.
The destructive properties of the Starshatter Light became nourishment for the Eyes of Oblivion, strengthening and evolving them even further.
Wang Xian'er and Dai Hao could only watch in utter shock.
Because by absorbing Starshatter Douluo's Martial Soul True Body—Huo Yuhao was literally eating him alive!
"Ah!!!"
The devouring of his Martial Soul True Body brought an indescribable agony to Starbreaker Douluo. It was as if, while fully conscious, he was forced to watch a monster slowly savor both his body and soul!
Even more terrifying than the pain was the boundless fear of being devoured.
Death itself lasts only a moment, but what's truly horrifying is the process of waiting for death—and the unknowable, incomprehensible nature of the devourer.
Starbreaker Douluo tried to cancel his Martial Soul True Body, only to discover in terror that a strange force was interfering—he was unable to deactivate it!
He had never even heard of such a technique before.
It was utterly horrifying!
If a Soul Master couldn't even control their own Martial Soul or state, how were they any different from meat on a chopping block?
The one making this possible was none other than the power of fortune (Qi Luck).
The Evil-Eyed Martial Soul naturally possessed the ability to enhance itself by devouring powers of similar attributes, so the Eye of Annihilation had no trouble absorbing the Light of Starbreak.
Huo Yuhao was still using his fortune-based ability to aid in the absorption, precisely to prevent Starbreaker Douluo from escaping.
Although this consumed fortune, the gain was immense.
Fortune was precious, yes—but it should be used where it counts.
Directly absorbing Starbreaker Douluo's power was already a good dish. But now, with his body and soul fused into his Martial Soul, devouring him became a banquet!
Feast!
Eat, eat, eat!
Starbreaker Douluo realized with despair that all his strength, in front of Huo Yuhao, was like a child's struggle—completely powerless.
Dai Hao and Wang Xian'er were both shocked by the scene. Wang Xian'er's eyes were bloodshot with rage.
Such an inhumane sight, happening to someone close to her—how could she not be filled with wrath and hatred?
"Dai Hao! He's the Compassionate Demon!" Wang Xian'er shouted, her soul power surging. Her seventh soul ring lit up, "Seventh Soul Skill: Martial Soul True Body!"
Huo Yuhao, still absorbing the Light of Starbreak, was briefly distracted, but it didn't hinder his continued absorption.
When Wang Xian'er revealed his identity, Dai Hao's face changed drastically. Originally unsure of the situation, Dai Hao now only wanted to kill Huo Yuhao!
To avenge Dai Yaoheng, and to defend the honor of the Duke of White Tiger's House!
Without any hesitation, Dai Hao also activated his Martial Soul True Body.
Then—
The six green-feathered wings behind Wang Xian'er expanded simultaneously, glowing brilliantly with soul power. The wings wrapped around her, shielding her completely, and in that moment, she broke free of the combined pressure from Atai and Ahui.
When the wings unfolded, Wang Xian'er herself was gone. Instead, the Healing Angel Martial Soul appeared in full form before everyone, its size expanding to a towering three meters. With perfect features and figure, and an aura of maturity and compassion, only smooth green silk ribbons wound around the body to cover vital areas.
It radiated a harmonious blend of life and light, a soothing green glow that brought peace and calm to all who saw it—as if both body and soul were being healed and comforted.
If not for the surrounding screams of Starbreaker Douluo, one might think the battle had already ended peacefully.
In contrast, Dai Hao's Martial Soul True Body exuded no such serenity.
A wave of killing intent and bloodlust surged into the sky—murderous aura accumulated from years on the battlefield—which elevated the White Tiger's power even further.
Slaughter and battle were the best paths for cultivating the White Tiger Martial Soul, and what cemented its strength!
"Roar—!"
A deafening tiger roar shattered the pressure around them. Dai Hao's figure vanished, and in his place appeared a massive five-meter-long White Tiger. Though only an eight-ring Soul Douluo, the Tiger's ferocious aura rivaled that of a Title Douluo.
The higher the level of a Martial Soul, the more powerful the True Body state, as it revealed the Martial Soul's truest and strongest form.
For the White Tiger, its greatest strength lay undoubtedly in its attack.
At the moment Dai Hao entered his Martial Soul True Body state, Huo Yuhao nearly lost control of the bloodline's thirst. Within his spiritual sea, the envisioned White Tiger howled toward the sky, spread its wings, and confronted Dai Hao's White Tiger True Body across space.
However strong the White Tiger might be, it still paled in comparison when faced with the oppressive might of two 200,000-year-old fierce beasts.
Atai and Ahui's eyes grew sharp; they stopped playing around and got serious. Their combined aura once again came crashing down like waves, making the White Tiger's massive body sink. The majestic tiger's momentum was instantly disrupted.
Thankfully, the Healing Angel released a radiant glow, enveloping the White Tiger and helping it shake off the pressure.
It even seemed that the White Tiger, under the glow of the Healing Angel, became somewhat more docile—not weaker, but stronger, due to Wang Xian'er's support.
The infusion of life energy amplified its combat state.
The next moment, the White Tiger locked its eyes on Huo Yuhao, flashed a murderous glare, and leapt toward him.
Dai Hao's furious shout echoed from within the tiger's form:
"Compassionate Demon—Die!"
This pounce was vengeance, resolution, and a charge into death.
If there's no escape, then fight!
But just as the White Tiger lunged, two massive figures stepped in its way.
Atai and Ahui.
"You want to touch… our lord? Did you ask us first?" Ahui squinted disdainfully.
"A mere sickly cat dares act up?" Atai casually raised a hand, and with a wide palm, grabbed the White Tiger mid-leap—just like catching a kitten.
Such humiliation completely shattered the White Tiger's dignity.
If Wang Xian'er were a battle-type Super Douluo, Atai and Ahui wouldn't have been so carefree. Unfortunately, her strongest ability was support—specifically healing—and it mainly served to sustain Dai Hao's fighting condition rather than elevate his temporary combat power.
Dai Hao was still only a Soul Douluo.
Even if he could rival a Title Douluo in strength, he wasn't one.
Atai and Ahui weren't just ordinary 100,000-year-old soul beasts—they were 200,000-year-old fierce beasts!
That said, Wang Xian'er was still a Super Douluo with hidden cards.
Suddenly, a wave of life and light rippled out from the Healing Angel. The halo above her head burst with intense brilliance, activating her life attribute to the fullest.
"Life Halo!"
Wang Xian'er's voice echoed from within the Healing Angel.
This was a technique she developed over years of cultivation and great strength. It activated her life power, enhancing all soul skills released afterward.
In other words, this so-called Life Halo… was the prototype of a Domain!
After all, hers was a variant Martial Soul inherited from the angelic bloodline, with the potential to awaken a true Domain. Should she fully awaken it, she would become even stronger—capable of reaching greater heights.
After releasing the Life Halo, Wang Xian'er immediately used her strongest support-type soul skill.
"Ninth Soul Skill: Heart of Life!"
Wang Xian'er: I'm going all out here!