The massive nine-headed shadow of the Emperor Flame Nine-Headed Dragon stretched across the sky, releasing a fearsome pressure of Ultimate Fire.
The surrounding temperature rose to terrifying levels, making it unbearable to approach.
More importantly, Lin Feng's soul power had significantly increased—if measured by the standards of a Soul Elder, he'd gained at least seven to eight levels. But since he was now approaching the Soul Ancestor stage, the actual gain was around five to six levels.
Unable to withstand the searing heat, Dugu Yan instinctively stepped back and released her own soul power to resist the incoming waves of fire.
Even Dugu Bo was taken aback.
Though he himself possessed a top-tier martial soul, he could still feel a trace of divine dragon suppression emanating from Lin Feng.
Not all top-tier martial souls were Ultimate Martial Souls, but every Ultimate Martial Soul was above most so-called top-tier ones.
"Lin Feng, put away your martial soul already!"
"It's too hot!" Dugu Yan shouted anxiously.
"Alright."
Lin Feng retracted his martial soul.
"I'll rest a moment. Then we'll head out to get the two of you your soul rings," Dugu Bo said with a satisfied smile.
He was now eager to see Lin Feng's true strength after absorbing the immortal herb.
"Yay, soul rings, soul rings!" Dugu Yan cheered, throwing her arms around Lin Feng.
"Muah~" Lin Feng, sensing Dugu Bo's gaze from behind, deliberately planted a kiss on Dugu Yan's cheek.
Her earlobes instantly turned crimson.
"Ugh…"
"young people these days have no shame at all…" Dugu Bo muttered, quickly turning away and covering his eyes.
---
That same day, behind Heaven Dou Academy…
Yu Tianheng was rigorously training on his own.
"Ha! Another day of closing the gap with Lin Feng," he exclaimed confidently after finishing a round of cultivation.
Suddenly, three figures appeared from the distance—it was the preparatory team's background trio.
"Yu Tianheng, you were acting pretty smug yesterday, weren't you?"
"Have you learned nothing about respecting your seniors?"
One of them scoffed, voice thick with disdain.
"Did I say anything wrong?"
"Gossiping behind people's backs—what kind of Soul Master are you supposed to be?"
Yu Tianheng stood up, replying with equal contempt.
"Yan Qing, he's talking about you, isn't he?" said the guy beside him, Baru, with a chuckle.
"What if I was?" Yan Qing sneered and raised a fist. "You looking for a beating?"
He lunged forward, but Baru quickly stepped in to hold him back.
"Heh…"
"Yan Qing, you're 16 years old and only at Rank 32 soul power. And you're trying to act tough in front of me?"
"Do you think you're Lin Feng or something? I could crush you with one hand."
Yu Tianheng snorted coldly, oozing disdain.
"Screw you!"
"First Soul Skill—Wind Blade!"
Unable to take the taunt, Yan Qing summoned his martial soul, turning the surrounding air into countless blades that flew at Yu Tianheng.
"First Soul Skill—Thunder Dragon Claw!"
In response, Yu Tianheng condensed lightning into a dragon claw and slashed upward.
The air roared, instantly shredding all the wind blades to pieces.
"You've got guts. You really dared to strike first?" Yu Tianheng raised a brow. "Who gave you that courage?"
"I'm a direct descendant of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan!"
"Hmph! So what?" someone scoffed. "Everyone's got a background. My father is a renowned general of Heaven Dou Empire!"
Finally, the long-silent Ye Chen stepped forward.
"What use is your general of a father?" Yu Tianheng mocked. "He's not even a Titled Douluo, yet you dare show off?"
"How dare you insult my father!" Ye Chen roared.
"Second Soul Skill—Knight's Charge!"
Mounted on a soul-powered steed and armed with a longsword, he charged straight at Yu Tianheng.
"Hmph! A petty trick?"
"Second Soul Skill—Thunder Crash!"
Coils of thunder surrounding Yu Tianheng suddenly expanded into lightning bolts and shot at Ye Chen like arrows.
"First Soul Skill—Knight's Shield!"
Ye Chen quickly raised his sword to block the barrage.
Seeing Ye Chen reveal an opening during his defense, Yu Tianheng leapt into the air, soul power gathering in his palm, and struck Ye Chen in the abdomen.
The phantom horse vanished; Ye Chen staggered back, defeated.
Bang!
A sudden jolt surged through Yu Tianheng. His body brimmed with soul power.
"Hahaha!"
"I broke through Rank 30?!"
"You bunch of bugs, what can you do against me now?!"
Yu Tianheng's face lit up with joy, laughing triumphantly.
"He actually broke through during the fight?"
"Hmph. Guys, let's all attack together!" Ye Chen growled.
In sync, all three took to the air.
"Second Soul Skill—Knight's Charge!"
"Second Soul Skill—Tornado!"
"Second Soul Skill—Fury of Mount Tai!"
Three powerful attacks came at Yu Tianheng from different angles.
No matter how strong he was, one man couldn't fend off all three.
Even after unleashing Thunder Crash again, Yu Tianheng was overwhelmed and crashed hard to the ground.
"Tch!"
"No skill, just ganging up on me?"
"You didn't like Lin Feng before—why don't you go fight him, huh?"
Yu Tianheng spat out a mouthful of blood and growled.
"What's wrong with your head?"
"Or do you think we're the ones with a problem?"
"We don't have a grudge against him. Why would we pick a fight with him?" Yan Qing scoffed, looking down on Yu Tianheng before turning to leave.
Yet Ye Chen remained thoughtful.
Lin Feng's father, Lin Ye, was a strong contender for the future general's seat—a political rival to his own father.
Now that his father was aging, he might soon step down.
It was better to build ties with Lin Feng, not enmity.
After the three left, Yu Tianheng forced himself to his feet and got treated by a teacher.
Then, he immediately sought out Qin Ming.
"Teacher Qin, I broke through Rank 30."
"Can you take me to get my third soul ring?"
Eager to grow stronger, Yu Tianheng wasn't willing to waste even a second.
"Alright. I'll prepare. Let's head out this afternoon," Qin Ming replied with a smile.
He treated all students equally.
And seeing Yu Tianheng's recent effort had genuinely pleased him.
—
Sunset Forest.
Several figures moved stealthily through the dense woods.
Yu Tianheng followed closely behind Qin Ming.
He was determined to find a thousand-year dragon-type soul beast today.
The Soul Hunting Forest lacked suitable varieties, and Star Dou Great Forest was too far.
Thus, they came here.
Several Soul Kings led the way.
"Teacher Qin, what's with this group?"
"They're all just Soul Kings like you. If trouble shows up, can they even protect themselves?"
Yu Tianheng's tone was full of dissatisfaction.
"Shut it! These teachers agreed to come—be grateful!"
"You think we can just bring anyone stronger?" Qin Ming rebuked, clearly disappointed.
He hadn't expected Yu Tianheng to be so arrogant and entitled.
So that aloof and quiet persona before… was all an act?
Now that he'd lost to Lin Feng once, his true nature had finally come out.
------
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