Chapter 132: The Style of That Punch!
Huo Wushuang watched Fire Dance, who was leaping around like a spirit amidst the flames in the arena, and nodded approvingly.
"Little sister knows that Dai Yao is an Assault-type Soul Master. As soon as she entered the arena, she immediately used her third soul skill, Rejection Fire Ring, to push Dai Yao away, thus avoiding the close combat advantage of an Assault-type Soul Master."
"As a Control-type Soul Master, my sister controls the rhythm of the entire battle. It seems that victory is already in her hands."
Feeling the fire attribute energy gathering around her, Huo Wushuang was a bit surprised.
"My sister is actually preparing to use her fourth soul skill. Is she planning to end it with one blow?"
Her gaze shifted from Fire Dance to Dai Yao. When she saw the faint smile at the corner of his mouth, a sense of unease surged within her. It was as if something bad was about to happen.
Feng Wutong looked at the fire attribute energy accumulating in the arena and, as the possessor of the divine-level Zhuque martial soul, she knew how terrifying Fire Dance's current state was.
The fire was suppressed, not emitting any outward force, but Fire Dance's control over her martial soul had reached an extremely terrifying level.
In the arena, seeing Fire Dance preparing to unleash her fourth soul skill, Dai Yao could not help but smile faintly. He had endured all this humiliation just for this moment.
Using his fire immunity ability and the experience gained from training for three years in the Sky Dou Soul Arena, he had been constantly evading Fire Dance, making her believe that without using her powerful fourth soul skill, she would have no way to defeat him.
It wasn't that Dai Yao couldn't defeat her head-on, but with so many people watching, he would inevitably reveal too much if he fought seriously against Fire Dance, who was level 41. This was something Dai Yao wanted to avoid.
The fire attribute energy on Fire Dance's head continued to gather, and the immense power caused everyone present to feel a chill down their spines.
Fire Dance's eyes began to shine brighter and brighter as she coolly spoke from her cherry lips:
"Fire—Dance—Yao—"
With just one last word, she was about to unleash her fourth soul skill. Suddenly, her expression froze, and the unexpected change in the arena left everyone stunned!
Boom! Sizzle! Boom!
Three loud sounds rang out in quick succession, so powerful that only those with higher soul power could differentiate them.
Boom!
Dai Yao smiled faintly, his third purple soul ring flashing.
Third Soul Skill—White Tiger Dark Gold Transformation!
This was the soul skill granted by the Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear's soul ring, enhancing strength, defense, and speed by three times!
Dai Mu Bai's White Tiger Vajra Transformation only increased these by one time!
A difference of two times, showing the dominance of the Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear. Moreover, while in the state of White Tiger Dark Gold Transformation, Dai Yao could still use the Dark Gold Terror Claw's paw bone to unleash its terrifying soul skill—Dark Gold Terror Claw!
This was a brutal single-target attack skill, and it was the move that the Bear King used to injure Emperor Tian!
The moment Dai Yao's third soul ring lit up, his body began to swell. His white robe tore as his muscles bulged, and as his body expanded, his pupils slowly focused. The soul power inside him was roaring, wildly pouring into his legs. He suddenly stomped down, unleashing an explosive step that created a thunderous sound.
Boom—
The ground cracked open, with countless fissures, especially at the center where Dai Yao's foot had struck, which shattered into countless small stone particles. A cloud of smoke and dust spread outward.
Using the thrust from his foot, Dai Yao shot forward like an arrow, his movement so fast that no one could even see his trajectory. In the blink of an eye, he appeared beside Fire Dance, who had been standing fifty meters away just moments ago.
Looking at Fire Dance, who was right next to him, Dai Yao's eyes shone with brilliance. Soul power surged into his right arm.
"Eight Extremes—Crash!"
His right fist shot forward, so fast that the sleeves on his arm were torn apart by the sharp air, and even his tough skin was scratched, blood flowing out.
The force of his punch cut through the air, the sharp sound of wind ripping through the arena.
Sizzle—
The shrill sound of the wind from the punch rang out across the arena, and Fire Dance's left ear almost went deaf. All the spectators instinctively covered their ears.
"No!"
Huo Wushuang's excited expression froze on his face. The change happened so quickly, and his heart raced. But before his nervous system could react, Dai Yao was already right next to Fire Dance, delivering that terrifying punch.
The power behind the punch was something even he, Huo Wushuang, believed he could not stop. How much less could a Control-type Soul Master like Fire Dance?
If that punch landed squarely on her body, not only would her bones likely break, but surviving it would be considered lucky.
Around them, the spectators wore expressions of disappointment, despair, joy, or worry, but all of them were frozen in place, their gazes slowly filling with astonishment.
Fire Dance's previously mocking expression remained on her face. When Dai Yao suddenly appeared in front of her, her mind went blank for a moment. But then, she quickly regained her senses.
Time seemed to slow down. Her pupils slowly contracted, and the pores on her skin tightened, causing a sharp pain. A wave of terror swept through her heart.
Looking at that iron fist, the force behind it was so strong that her left ear had gone deaf. Her heart raced as the moment her heart skipped a beat, blood rushed to her head.
The terrifying power of that punch was something she had never seen in an Assault-type Soul Master before.
"I'm going to die!"
"I'm—"
"Dead!"
The thought of death suddenly exploded in her mind. She felt paralyzed with fear, and despite trying to dodge, she realized she was moving far too slowly.
Dai Yao's fist was still coming at her with unmatched ferocity!
She slowly closed her eyes, preparing to face the inevitable death!
Boom!
The force of the punch scraped her face, and her fiery red hair danced wildly in the gust of wind created by the punch.
After a long while, she slowly opened her eyes. Her brain was blank as she looked at the fist that had stopped just beside her left cheek. She turned her head to look back.
The powerful force of the punch had shattered the arena's wall, sending stones flying like fireworks, accompanied by a thunderous roar of rage!
She couldn't help but think of the tragic outcome if that punch had hit her squarely.
Suddenly, her mind cleared, and all her thoughts rushed back.
Her pupils shrank to the size of pinpricks, her mind turned red from the rush of blood to her brain, and she felt dizzy. The fear that engulfed her was overwhelming.
She collapsed to the ground, and the tension from Dai Yao's punch still lingered in her body, transmitting through her limbs, causing a cold sweat to pour down.
Her gaze still filled with fear, she gasped heavily.
At that moment, Dai Yao's footsteps had already caused the dust to drift over, covering the figures of both him and Fire Dance.
All the spectators stood there dumbfounded, unable to comprehend what had just happened.
From Dai Yao's footstep to the loud cracking sound of the ground, to the fierce wind from his punch and the sound of the arena wall being shattered, everything happened in an instant.
Many couldn't even see what had happened before Dai Yao appeared in front of Fire Dance, threw a punch, and Fire Dance collapsed on the ground, the arena wall shattered and dust covering the two of them.
"What just happened?" Some spectators asked each other in confusion, not understanding what had just taken place.
But those who had seen the truth were filled with terror.
Dai Yao's speed, the power of his punch, was like an ancient god wielding power, displaying the beauty of strength in its purest form.
"What kind of monster is this?!"
Ma Hongjun, with his plump body trembling, gazed in shock at Dai Yao, as if seeing a creature from another world. The students of Shrek, who had once considered themselves monsters, could no longer hold such thoughts after witnessing Dai Yao's fight.
"Unbelievable..." Feng Wutong muttered, her phoenix-like eyes shining with excitement. After her Martial Soul evolved, her clear eyes seemed to see everything in intricate detail, and as soon as she saw Dai Yao's punch, she understood just how terrifying his strength was.
Zhu Zhuqing's lips curled into a smile, but upon seeing Fire Dance lying exhausted on the soul fighting field, she couldn't help but frown. "Looks like I'm gaining another rival."
Fire Wushuang slid helplessly off the stands. His heart nearly stopped when he saw Dai Yao's punch aimed at his sister, his chest tight as if he might suffocate. He wished he could rush onto the field and block that punch for Fire Dance. When he saw Dai Yao's punch miss his sister's head and only strike the air, it was as if he had survived a catastrophe, and he exhaled a long breath of relief. He couldn't even imagine how painful it would be if his sister had died here.
"You lost." Dai Yao remained in his punching stance, coldly gazing down at the kneeling Fire Dance and spoke lightly.
The third purple soul ring on Dai Yao's body just flashed to life. He had used his soul power to activate the third soul skill and stepped forward to close the distance with Fire Dance in an instant. The physical enhancements from his White Tiger Dark Gold Transformation started to show their effects slowly. His muscles kept expanding, and his fur started growing rapidly. In no time, Dai Yao had transformed into a humanoid beast, exuding an overwhelming aura that made the spectators tremble.
But the fight was already over.
Amidst the smoke, Fire Dance stared blankly at Dai Yao, clearly still stunned. Hearing his words, she snapped out of her daze. The proud light in her eyes vanished, replaced by a complicated and tangled expression.
According to their bet, she had lost and would now become Dai Yao's servant. Deep inside, she still believed that losing to Dai Yao was simply a result of her own carelessness. If she had taken him seriously, the outcome would have been entirely different. But reality could not be changed, and no matter how much she regretted, it was useless. Moreover, Dai Yao had spared her with that last punch; if it had truly struck her, she would have been killed.
The bitterness of her defeat, the relief of surviving, and the confusion about her future all rushed to her mind. She bit her lip and muttered, "I lost."
At this moment, Fire Wushuang noticed the enormous fireball above Fire Dance's head.
It was Fire Dance's fourth soul skill: Fire Dance Radiance.
Though she hadn't fully completed the skill, it was close enough. A slight delay had caused the energy to swell rapidly, and it was now on the brink of explosion.
"Be careful, little sister! Your fourth soul skill hasn't been stopped! Get out of there!" Fire Wushuang urgently shouted.
His voice broke the silence and alarmed the onlookers, who were startled as they saw the blazing fireball in the sky. The energy contained in it made all the soul masters present tremble.
If it exploded, it would surely hurt everyone in the vicinity, and Dai Yao, along with Fire Dance, might be obliterated.
Zhu Zhuqing, usually calm, showed an expression of worry and anxiety. She hurriedly leaned over the railing, shouting to Dai Yao, "Brother Yao! Get out of the Soul Fighting Arena!"
Feng Wutong used her Zhuque Martial Soul to try to absorb the fire attribute energy from Fire Dance Radiance, but the energy was too vast, far exceeding her ability. After exhausting her soul power, her eyes turned red, and she anxiously looked at Dai Yao.
Dai Yao noticed the fireball above him. Pointing at it, he asked Fire Dance with a serious expression, "Can you control your soul skill?"
Fire Dance stared in horror at the fireball, her hands and feet numb. In a daze, she answered, "No, Fire Dance Radiance has exceeded my control."
She had just barely survived, but now she was about to die by her own soul skill. Her emotions surged like crashing waves. Just as she had relaxed, now she was tense once again.
At that moment, the dazzling fireball in the sky exploded with brilliant light, and the violent energy began to pour out.
Fire Wushuang desperately tried to jump over the railing, hoping to get closer, but it was too late.
The students from Auckland Academy were the same, shouting in panic. Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong rushed ahead.
"Am I going to die?" Fire Dance thought, despair filling her heart.
Sigh—
A sigh echoed, and Fire Dance turned to see Dai Yao, who seemed resigned. He muttered, "Looks like I can't hide this after all."
Dai Yao had intended to use his third soul skill once more, utilizing his explosive speed to leave the arena. However, after using the skill earlier, it was still on cooldown, and he couldn't use it again.
"Get down!"
Dai Yao rushed toward Fire Dance, pinning her down on the ground. His voice was cold.
"Is he protecting me?" Fire Dance thought in shock, instinctively turning and wrapping her arms around Dai Yao.
"Close your eyes."
Dai Yao fixed his gaze on her, commanding her.
Although Fire Dance was confused, she could feel the authoritative tone in Dai Yao's voice. Her heart skipped a beat, and without thinking, she obeyed.
Boom—
The fireball exploded violently, and the turbulent energy ravaged the arena, with a blinding white light bursting forth. Everyone instinctively turned away, shielding their eyes.
"Now!"
Dai Yao's eyes glinted as the blinding light masked his movements. The only person who could still see was Fire Dance, who had her eyes closed.
Soul power surged within him, and a ripping sound came from behind him.
Eight wings suddenly unfolded, enveloping both him and Fire Dance.
The savage energy battered the soul fighting arena, and Dai Yao grunted in pain. His back ached terribly, but compared to the agony of absorbing the soul rings, this pain was bearable.
A mouthful of blood sprayed from his mouth, brushing Fire Dance's cheek and leaving a red streak on her face.
"Hm?"
Fire Dance felt the wetness on her cheek and was puzzled. Just as she was about to open her eyes, a domineering but weak voice spoke in her ear.
"I told you to close your eyes!"
Upon hearing this, Fire Dance, usually so proud, found herself obeying Dai Yao, as if compelled.
The pain in Dai Yao's back was unbearable. His White Tiger Eight Wings were badly damaged, feathers scorched in numerous places. However, the main structure of the wings had remained intact.
After the chaotic energy began to subside, Dai Yao knew that his White Tiger Eight Wings couldn't be revealed yet. With the white light still shielding them, he had to act quickly.
Judging the remaining power of the Fire Dance Radiance, he made a decision. He withdrew his White Tiger Eight Wings into his body.
The violent energy slammed into his back, and his tough body immediately broke open.
Crack!
The stones in the soul fighting arena were battered under the explosion of Fire Dance Radiance, creating pits and cracks. The debris flew toward the stands, striking the walls and making loud cracking noises.
The white light finally began to fade. Both teams gritted their teeth, rushing to the stage, urgently searching for Dai Yao and Fire Dance's whereabouts.
"Alright, let go."
Dai Yao spoke softly.
Huo Wu opened her eyes and gazed blankly at Dai Yao. Her pupils gradually focused, and she saw Dai Yao's current state. Although he looked somewhat weak, his hair disheveled and blood dripping from his forehead, there was an indescribable aura of dominance radiating from him.
"Why... why did you save me?"
Huo Wu asked, her voice filled with confusion.
"Are you okay, sister?"
Huo Wushuang rushed to her side, anxiously examining her.
However, Huo Wu didn't respond to her brother. Instead, her gaze was fixed intensely on Dai Yao.
Dai Yao, however, did not answer. He turned gently to Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong and said, "I'm fine."
Zhu Zhuqing didn't believe him. Her eyes were bloodshot as she looked at Dai Yao's lacerated back, almost to the point of tears. She reached out, intending to transfer some of her soul power to him.
After sensing Dai Yao's soul power was still abundant, it became clear that although he was injured, he didn't seem as weak as he appeared.
Zhu Zhuqing immediately understood that Dai Yao was pretending to be more injured than he was. She looked at him, speechless.
Ignoring the pain from his back, Dai Yao put on his snow-white Oaklan Academy uniform with the assistance of Feng Wutong.
With a playful look in his eyes, he turned toward Huo Wu and said, "You lost."
"Yes, I lost."
Huo Wu smiled bitterly, biting her lip.
First, Dai Yao had shown mercy and did not strike Huo Wu directly. Instead, he deliberately missed, which allowed her to survive. Second, Dai Yao had put himself in danger to protect her, sparing her life.
Having been saved twice, Huo Wu knew she owed Dai Yao. However, as the daughter of the principal of the Blaze Academy, she could never become a man's servant.
"According to the agreement, if I lost the duel, I was supposed to become your servant. But for the reputation of Blaze Academy, I cannot fulfill that."
After saying this, the soul power inside Huo Wu began to stir violently. Her skin turned bright red as if flames were burning from within.
"No!"
Huo Wushuang's face changed drastically. He hadn't expected his sister to be so determined that she would attempt to take her own life just because she lost the duel.
Although he wanted to save her, because they both had fire attributes, forcing an intervention would only make things worse.
Hum—
The temperature around Huo Wu started to rise. Her previously snow-white skin now looked as though it was igniting with flames.
Just then, a cool wave of soul power entered her body, calming the volatile fire element within her. When she sensed the change, Huo Wu opened her eyes in confusion and saw Dai Yao's pitch-black pupils.
Dai Yao pulled out the agreement contract he had prepared earlier from his storage belt. He placed it in a nearby flame.
The contract was burned to ashes, scattering in the wind.
"I'm not particularly interested in taking you as a servant. I already have Wutong as my servant, and that's enough."
Dai Yao said indifferently, "I know that our Oaklan Academy is not on par with Blaze Academy. We may be weaker, but we won't let ourselves be bullied. You insulted our academy earlier, but defeating you was just a lesson."
"I hope you'll learn to temper that pride of yours and show respect to the weak in the future."
Looking at the handsome young man, Huo Wu's beautiful face was filled with complex emotions as she bit her lip.
Upon hearing Dai Yao's words, all the Oaklan Academy students around immediately cheered and surrounded Dai Yao. They had previously been insulted by Huo Wu, and while they couldn't do anything at the time due to their weaker strength, they had to endure it. Now that Dai Yao had defeated Huo Wu, they were finally able to vent their frustrations. They were overjoyed!
"Alright, everyone. The show is over. Go back to your own places."
Dai Yao cupped his hands in a polite gesture to the many visiting soul masters.
The visiting soul masters exchanged looks. They understood that under Dai Yao's protection, Feng Wutong was unlikely to leave with them. While they felt regretful, seeing such an incredible match from Dai Yao made the trip worthwhile.
"What an incredible duel. Dai Yao is truly a gifted individual."
"Until we meet again."
The visiting soul masters cupped their hands in return and left.
"Let's go, sister."
Huo Wushuang looked at his sister with concern but noticed that she was staring blankly at Dai Yao, her eyes holding a different kind of emotion.
Suddenly, he felt as though his sister had become somewhat unfamiliar.
·····
Inside the carriage of Blaze Academy.
Huo Wushuang looked at his sister, who was staring blankly out the window, her eyes distant. He asked with concern, "Sister, are you okay?"
"I'm fine." Huo Wu snapped out of her daze, turning to look at Huo Wushuang, forcing a faint smile.
"Victory and defeat are common in battle. You lost to Dai Yao because of carelessness. If you had taken him seriously, the result would have been different."
Huo Wushuang analyzed seriously.
Huo Wu sighed but didn't answer. She turned back toward the window, but even the beautiful scenery outside seemed tasteless.
Her hand clenched tightly.
In her palm was a single feather.
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