There's actually such a side effect?
"Then I'll just inject him with a bit more life essence next time."
Tang Feng paused slightly.
After hearing Gu Yuena's explanation, he formed a new plan for his fifth soul ring.
Since his Life Blue Silver Grass, when combined with the Armor-Stripping concept trait, could drain an opponent's life force—
Couldn't that evolve into a dedicated soul skill?
Especially since every one of his concept traits was closely tied to soul skills.
If the two were fused—
The resulting ability would certainly be extraordinary.
"For the next two tournaments, Shrek Academy and Sun Moon Royal Academy are doomed."
Wang Dong said gleefully.
He despised Shrek's conduct.
As for Sun Moon Royal Academy—
They belonged to the Sun Moon Empire, outsiders to the original Douluo Continent.
Whether Star Luo Empire, Heavenly Soul Empire, or Dou Spirit Empire—
Their ancestors were the same.
But the Sun Moon Empire was an external invader, naturally standing opposed to the three great empires.
"Before the semifinals, we likely won't run into either of them."
"We already have precise plans for both Shrek Academy and Sun Moon Royal Academy."
Xu Jiujiu spoke confidently.
Shrek's long-held championship title—
It would finally be seized by the Star Luo Royal Academy.
As for who would take second place—
That would depend on Shrek's luck.
Whoever encountered Tang Feng first—
Would be eliminated.
"Alright. The tournament officially begins tomorrow."
"Everyone, get proper rest. You'll need your energy to beat them."
Tang Feng instructed.
The first round would be elimination matches.
Tang Feng, Xu Jiujiu, and Wang Dong would not compete—
But they would attend in person.
"Sister Xiao Ya, shall we sneak out shopping?"
Wang Dong proposed mischievously.
Even if Bei Bei guarded the front gate—
They could exit through another.
The Princess Manor was enormous.
One person couldn't possibly monitor every entrance.
"Sure!"
Tang Ya agreed immediately.
After finally getting a break, she wanted to go out.
Staying indoors felt stifling.
She actually wanted to visit Jiang Nannan—
But now wasn't the right time.
If she went, she might be abducted by Gluttonous Douluo or Martial God Douluo.
"Take two Soul Sages with you."
Xu Jiujiu did not object, but added a condition.
Even though two Soul Sages would be powerless against a Titled Douluo—
Star Luo City was crowded with eyes everywhere.
Having them along would simplify many matters.
After all—
They were members of the Star Luo royal family.
That alone carried deterrence.
"I'll go with them."
Gu Yuena wished to explore as well.
With all the top academies of the Douluo Continent gathered in Star Luo—
It was a perfect opportunity to better understand humanity.
"Fine. I'll go cultivate."
Tang Feng was close to Rank 50.
If not for the upcoming tournament—
He would have secluded himself until breaking through.
"Sister Na'er, let's go!"
Tang Ya hugged Gu Yuena's arm happily.
She usually went shopping with Wang Dong—
This was an unexpected delight.
Tang Feng was obsessed with cultivation.
Xu Jiujiu, as a princess, rarely had the freedom to wander casually.
Inside Tang Feng's spiritual sea—
"Ice Empress, get up and work."
"You wouldn't want to see me flirting with Snow Empress right in front of you, would you?"
Tang Feng glanced inward.
Ice Empress was lounging lazily.
Snow Empress, however, was diligently assisting in fusing two divine power origins.
In just one year—
The fusion had progressed smoothly.
His Life Blue Silver Grass was now constantly accompanied by purple lightning.
"Tang Feng, you're ruthless!"
"Your damn strange ability!"
Ice Empress was forced to get up.
Every time Tang Feng threatened her—
She found herself compelled to comply.
"Xiao Feng, stop bullying Bing'er."
Snow Empress shot him a quiet glance.
These two argued constantly.
Ice Empress always lost—
And could do nothing about it.
"Then I'll bully you instead."
Tang Feng sat behind Snow Empress,
Wrapping an arm around her slender waist,
Resting his head on her shoulder.
"What do you want to ask me?"
Snow Empress ignored Ice Empress's murderous glare.
She continued fusing divine power,
Helping Tang Feng enhance his Blue Silver Grass.
Even without prompting—
She would assist him.
"In the Extreme North, are there soul beasts over fifty thousand years old that can absorb life force?"
Tang Feng asked deliberately.
Since Snow Empress had worked so diligently—
He planned to absorb Xiao Bai first and eventually bring them both to the Divine Realm.
"In the eastern region of the Extreme North, there exists a species called Devouring Soul Ice Spiders."
"They feed on the life force of their prey to grow stronger."
"When young, they're often hunted."
"But I've seen a Spider King nearing one hundred thousand years."
Snow Empress understood immediately.
He wanted a soul skill that amplified life-devouring capabilities.
"Aren't you afraid of being labeled an evil soul master?"
Ice Empress stared at him.
Such life-devouring creatures were infamous even among soul beasts—
Just as evil soul masters were despised among humans.
"My martial soul is Ultimate Life."
"And I'm a disciple of the Life Goddess."
"Who would dare call me an evil soul master?"
Tang Feng sneered.
Even if Shrek labeled him one—
What difference did it make?
He had been hunted as a healing soul master anyway.
It wasn't exclusive to evil soul masters.
"…Fair point."
Ice Empress was speechless.
The Life Goddess governed life itself.
If she deprived someone of life—
Was that really evil?
Tang Feng wouldn't be absorbing life through a soul skill—
He would directly strip it away.
There was a fundamental difference.
"Xiao Feng… thank you."
Snow Empress kissed his cheek gently.
If they were heading to the Extreme North—
Tang Feng certainly wouldn't gain just one soul ring.
His second martial soul didn't even have a fourth ring yet.
He would definitely require ice-attribute soul beasts.
After all—
With a Soul Beast Co-Lord like Gu Yuena around—
Was it really necessary to ask Snow Empress?
Surely Star Dou Forest also had similar beasts.
Clearly—
His visit carried a deeper meaning.
The Next Morning
On the walls of Star Luo Imperial City—
A middle-aged man stood with his hands behind his back.
Dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe,
Wearing an Eight-Treasure Purple-Gold Crown.
He stood at the central position above the main gate—
The best vantage point for viewing the tournament.
To his left stood Tang Feng and Xu Jiujiu,
Overlooking hundreds of thousands gathered in Star Luo Plaza.
"Shrek! Shrek! Shrek!"
Suddenly—
The plaza erupted in unified chants.
In the direction of Shrek Academy—
Seven reserve members looked visibly nervous.
They had never witnessed such a spectacle.
"Do not panic."
"This glory belongs to Shrek—and to you."
"Remember—our opponents are ten times more nervous."
"Because we are Shrek Academy."
Ma Xiaotao raised her head—
Locking eyes with Tang Feng atop the city wall.
A provocative smile appeared.
As if this time—
She would crush him beneath her feet.