Douluo: Starting with an Engagement to Zhu Zhuqing

Chapter 193: Shrek, Defeated?

"Attack!"

Dai Yao's third spirit ring flashed brightly as an intense wave of energy burst forth.

"Third Spirit Skill, White Tiger Darkgold Transformation!"

His aura surged even higher, his body expanding and hardening like a humanized dragon. His muscles twisted into cords of power, projecting a domineering force that made onlookers tremble. Golden hair whipped around his face, and the king's "王" symbol glowed brilliantly on his forehead. His skin took on a faint dark-gold sheen under the sunlight, radiating a metallic glint that looked invincible. This power, derived from the Darkgold Dreadclaw Bear, far surpassed the traditional White Tiger Diamond Transformation, amplifying his strength by more than double.

Feeling the overwhelming pressure from Dai Yao's unleashed Martial Soul, many held their breath, fear spreading through the crowd. This was the first time he was fully displaying his Martial Soul.

In a sudden explosion of spirit energy, Dai Yao stamped his right foot into the ground. Cracks splintered across the arena floor as he launched forward in a streak of dark-gold light toward Shrek's formation.

Dai Yao wasn't alone—Auckland's entire team surged forward, each spirit ring flashing. Feng Qianli held his Black Tortoise Shield in the lead, Dai Yuanyi wielded his Qinghong Sword behind him, eyes fixed on Shrek's movements. A shimmering rainbow streak arced across the distance and enveloped Dai Yuanyi, a power boost from Luo Ling's support ability, raising his aura to that of a Spirit Elder with a keen, cutting edge.

High above, Feng Wutong spread her Vermilion Bird wings, blazing across the sky like a fiery comet. Flames coiled around her in the form of an elegant, flowing robe, accentuating her stunning figure and regal presence. Her yellow, yellow, purple spirit rings pulsed with power, emitting a noble aura that struck terror into all bird-type Martial Soul masters on the field. Ma Hongjun, with his Evil Fire Phoenix Martial Soul, and Shui Binger, with her Ice Phoenix, felt this pressure the most.

As bearers of top-tier Martial Souls themselves, they sensed just how vast the gap was between them and Feng Wutong—a thin line that separated their power from hers, yet one that might as well have been a chasm.

The moment she appeared, Feng Wutong captivated the spectators. Her aura was distinct from Dugu Yan's dangerous charm, instead exuding elegance and majesty, beyond any impure thoughts.

At the same time, Zhu Zhuqing moved forward in her tight, jet-black battle suit, her four spirit rings glowing faintly. With her first step, her figure turned translucent, vanishing from sight as a series of explosive sounds echoed across the arena.

Right from the start, Auckland displayed an unprecedented level of power. With all members on the offensive, surging forward in a relentless onslaught, their collective spirit energy conveyed Auckland's determination to win this match.

Not only Shrek, but the remaining twenty-six teams that had once battled Auckland stared on in shock. This was no longer the surgical "spearhead" or "decapitation" tactics of previous battles—this was an all-out offensive. They couldn't help but shiver at the thought of facing Auckland in such a state, some even pitying Shrek's lineup.

However, one person remained completely motionless in Auckland's lineup: Dugu Yan. Her green, snake-like eyes, exuding both allure and danger, stayed fixed on Tang San, observing his every move.

Feeling her gaze, Tang San's heart tightened.

"Why hasn't that Jade Phosphor Serpent Martial Soul user moved? Could she be hiding something?"

But there was no time to ponder this as Auckland's attack rumbled toward them like an unstoppable tidal wave. Shrek looked like a lone leaf in the crashing waves, in constant danger of capsizing.

Glancing at his tense teammates, Tang San gently tugged on the Blue Silver Grass vines around their waists, signaling for calm. Scanning the battlefield quickly, he murmured, "We must hold our ground. Everyone, stay focused!"

"Got it, Third Brother," they replied with intense concentration.

"Follow the original plan!"

Tang San's fourth spirit ring flared as he spoke. His otherwise calm expression displayed a hint of determination that was hard to ignore.

"What nerve to remain calm in such a crisis."

In the VIP section, Ning Fengzhi watched Tang San's steady composure with admiration. For Tang San to maintain his calm in a match that could determine their eligibility for the finals, Ning Fengzhi was deeply impressed.

Tang San wasn't just talented—his calmness was extraordinary, increasing his potential to become a future powerhouse.

"Fourth Spirit Skill, Blue Silver Prison!"

Tang San locked onto the five charging Auckland members. With a surge of spirit energy, his thousand-year fourth spirit ring flashed, and without warning, hundreds of blackened Blue Silver Grass vines erupted from the ground, forming six solid cages around his targets. Apart from Feng Wutong, who was already airborne, the rest of Auckland's team found themselves caught.

"A group control skill!"

Someone exclaimed. Area control—a controller's most powerful ability in team battles—was being used right out of the gate in this decisive match.

The Blue Silver Prison held off Auckland's aggressive advance, cutting off Luo Ling's boost to Dai Yuanyi and immediately reducing his power back to Spirit Elder levels. Yet, Dugu Yan remained still, unaffected by the prison.

"Blue Silver Prison, is it?"

Dai Yao sneered. In the original story, Tang San's Blue Silver Prison had overpowered many foes, but in this state, it was nowhere near as terrifying.

With a fierce push from his foot, Dai Yao smashed the ground, sending cracks sprawling outwards. Without pause, the supposedly sturdy Blue Silver Prison shattered around him, leaving a gaping hole. Dai Yao didn't slow as he charged at Shrek's team.

From the moment the prison appeared to the moment Dai Yao broke through, there was no hesitation. He tore through it as if it were nothing more than paper. Boosted by the Darkgold Transformation, Dai Yao's body had reached an astonishing level of strength. Tang San's Blue Silver Grass was yet to awaken into its full potential and posed no threat to Dai Yao.

Zhu Zhuqing also broke free, while only Dai Yuanyi and Feng Qianli stumbled back, disoriented after colliding with the Blue Silver Prison. For an average Spirit Elder, the prison was still somewhat effective.

Dai Yao and Zhu Zhuqing advanced, exuding an aura that was more menacing than ever. Tang San's eyes flashed with fear—the Blue Silver Prison, which had proven so effective in previous matches, hadn't even stalled Dai Yao and Zhu Zhuqing for a second.

"These two… they're monsters!"

Tang San's heart sank. He looked up at Feng Wutong, who was descending from the sky wreathed in flames, and shouted, "Shrek, power up!"

Instantly, the Shrek team sprang into action.

"Dai Yao is mine!" Dai Mubai's evil eyes glinted as his third spirit ring activated, and he launched into White Tiger Diamond Transformation, charging straight toward Dai Yao, with Zhu Zhuqing's fiancée, Zhu Lu, supporting him at his side.

Ma Hongjun ascended with his Phoenix Wings, flying to intercept Feng Wutong. Xiao Wu stood calmly in Zhu Zhuqing's path, her scorpion braid fluttering in the gale generated by Auckland's offensive.

"This still won't work," Tang San muttered, running through the match scenarios in his mind. He could tell his teammates wouldn't be able to hold back Dai Yao and the others.

"Rongrong!"

Without looking back, Tang San called out. Hearing him, Ning Rongrong instantly knew her role.

"Seven Treasures, I call on thee! One for strength! Two for speed! Three for spirit!"

As Ning Rongrong's three soul rings lit up, her Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda emitted radiant beams of light, sending three colorful arcs skyward before merging into Ma Hongjun, Xiao Wu, and Dai Mubai. Their power surged dramatically.

With "The Heart of Triple Control," Ning Rongrong's ability to simultaneously boost three teammates far surpassed Luo Ling's support skills, showcasing the true power of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. The audience roared, ecstatic to witness the world's top auxiliary Martial Soul reveal its brilliance for the first time in the tournament.

In the VIP section, Emperor Xue Ye turned and, smiling at Ning Fengzhi, said, "So, it seems Rongrong has found her way to Shrek Academy. You've hidden this well, Fengzhi."

Ning Fengzhi returned the smile. "Your Majesty, I never intended to deceive you. You know Rongrong's personality—she's both mischievous and strong-willed, and given the indulgence of our sect's elders, not even I can fully guide her. Last time she ran off and joined Shrek Academy. She's matured a lot since then, and she enjoys her time there, so I declined the Royal Academy's invitation on her behalf."

Emperor Xue Ye waved it off with a smile. "Oh, Fengzhi, I don't blame you. Rongrong's personality will mellow in time. Qinghe has missed her as well; we should let the younger ones spend time together."

Ning Fengzhi's gaze sharpened slightly. He understood the emperor's intentions: he hoped to draw Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect closer to the empire by encouraging a bond, perhaps even a marriage, between Xue Qinghe and Ning Rongrong.

But Ning Fengzhi only gave a light smile. "When it comes to the children's future, I'd rather not force her. Let her decide for herself."

Emperor Xue Ye sighed softly at the polite refusal, understanding Ning Fengzhi's stance. He knew it had only been a light suggestion, and he wasn't bothered by the decline.

Their eyes turned back to the arena.

On the field, the battle raged fiercely.

With Ning Rongrong's boost, Ma Hongjun's power surged, allowing him to hold his own against Feng Wutong.

"What a powerful Martial Soul!" Ma Hongjun was astonished. Even with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda's boost, he could only match Feng Wutong, a testament to her strength. He couldn't help but steal glances at her. Feng Wutong's striking beauty even surpassed that of Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong.

In the sky, white Nanming Fire and red Vermilion Bird Fire clashed repeatedly, raising the arena's temperature to unbearable levels.

But on the ground, Shrek's situation looked grim.

As a sensitive agility-type fighter, Zhu Zhuqing had moved swiftly to intercept Xiao Wu before Dai Yao even arrived. Despite Ning Rongrong's enhancement, Xiao Wu was only a Spirit Elder. With Tang San's Blue Silver Grass for support, she managed to just barely fend off Zhu Zhuqing's relentless attacks.

All eyes were locked on the main clash between Dai Yao and Dai Mubai.

Every step Dai Yao took left deep cracks in the hardened arena floor, and he crossed the hundred-meter distance to Shrek's formation in seconds.

Dai Mubai didn't flinch. The White Tiger Diamond Transformation surrounded him with radiant white light as he clenched his fists, charging head-on toward Dai Yao. In this year's tournament, Dai Mubai had shone brightly, earning his place among the top three assault-type spirit masters alongside Yu Tianxin and Huo Wushuang.

As for Dai Yao, he had far outshined the rest, being hailed as the strongest Spirit Elder in the tournament's history.

Before the crowd, a dark-golden aura clashed fiercely with a bright white one.

"Dai Mubai, you're no match for me now." Dai Yao's voice was icy as he watched his charging opponent.

"How will we know without a fight?" Dai Mubai felt a surge of confidence from Ning Rongrong's boost and relished his newfound strength. He knew there was an insurmountable gap between him and Dai Yao, but with his teammates' support, he believed he could withstand Dai Yao.

"I need this victory to erase my past defeat."

Dai Yao made no further remarks. With the two rapidly closing in, his liquid spirit power surged powerfully through his meridians.

"Eight Extremes—Collapse!"

Dai Yao's punch glowed with a chilling white aura, a testament to years of training.

With a loud swoosh, his punch tore through the air, its force whipping across Dai Mubai's face as the deafening sound of the blow echoed around the arena. Dai Yao's eyes locked on Dai Mubai, and he swung down with full force.

Dai Mubai didn't hold back either. His first spirit skill created a white barrier in front of him. This strengthened version of White Tiger Body Barrier had been augmented by Ning Rongrong's power boost. Against someone like Huo Wushuang, he felt he could hold his ground.

In full view of the audience, the two clashed head-on.

A thunderous boom shook the arena, and a tangible shockwave erupted from the point of impact, deafening the spectators in the front rows. Competitors from other teams looked on in shock; such a clash was far beyond their own capabilities.

Huo Wushuang and Yu Tianxin watched with grave expressions, unsettled by the sheer force of the confrontation.

Yet, in the next moment, shock replaced their serious expressions as their jaws dropped in disbelief.

A crackling sound filled the air. In Dai Mubai's horrified gaze, his White Tiger Body Barrier splintered.

Even with the White Tiger Diamond Transformation and Ning Rongrong's power boost, the White Tiger Body Barrier was unable to withstand Dai Yao's strength.

"In the past, I could only narrowly defeat you. Now, you're nothing to me."

Dai Yao's voice was calm but filled with finality. This time, he unleashed the full power of the Eight Extremes Collapse. The White Tiger Body Barrier shattered like broken glass, vanishing into particles of light.

His fist, brimming with terrifying energy, smashed squarely into Dai Mubai's chest.

Dai Mubai's body flew backward, his pupils dilating with pain as he coughed up blood, splattering the air like wilted petals. The force of the blow even tore through his shirt, and the residual energy continued forward, forcing Tang San to hastily shield him with a wall of Blue Silver Grass.

"What a terrifying monster."

Tang San stared grimly at the scene, his heart pounding in alarm.

The audience was stunned. Nearly eighty thousand spectators erupted into cheers, the thunderous sound echoing through the arena.

Huo Wushuang stared, horrified, at Dai Mubai's crumpled figure. His heart skipped a beat as he realized that he, too, wouldn't have been able to withstand Dai Yao's full-powered blow.

"There's no 'strongest' assault spirit master this year—there's only Dai Yao and everyone else."

Huo Wushuang's smile was bitter.

Even Yu Tianxin, heir to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, looked on with undisguised fear. Despite his pride, he realized that facing Dai Yao now would leave him with no desire to challenge him.

The pride of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon had been shattered by that single punch.

On the arena floor, Tang San caught Dai Mubai's limp body with his Blue Silver Grass, his expression grave. But before he could react further, he noticed the black glow of Dai Yao's fourth spirit ring begin to radiate ominously, spreading a suffocating aura across the field.

(End of Chapter)

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