Chapter 411: Chapter 407.
Chapter 407.
The silence that followed was deafening, broken only by the soft rustle of wind brushing through the battle-worn square.
Everyone was in shock.
Ning Rongrong, unable to contain her amazement, frowned and muttered, "What's the point? He's out of soul power. Even if he managed to freeze Grandpa Bone and his strange golden bone like martial soul, how can he win without the strength to follow through?"
This sentiment was echoed by almost everyone observing the battle. The White Pontiff had performed a feat of control and resilience, but without the soul power to capitalize on it, his efforts seemed futile.
However, just as these thoughts settled in their minds, something unprecedented occurred.
Wang Feng's torso soul bone suddenly flared to life, its radiant glow spreading like molten fire. From his back, countless blood-like tendrils extended, their movement eerily fluid as they reached out and embedded themselves into the frozen Bone Douluo.
Gasps of astonishment rippled through the crowd.
The blood-like threads pulsated with a crimson light, glowing brighter with each passing moment, as if they were siphoning something.
Bone Douluo's frozen form shuddered slightly as Wang Feng's aura began to climb at a terrifying rate. His once-diminished soul power surged back to life, and the injuries that had previously marred his body began to heal visibly.
Sword Douluo narrowed his eyes, his sharp gaze catching the subtle transformation. Ning Fengzhi stood in stunned silence, gripping his staff tightly.
"A 100,000-year old soul bone!!!!With a siphoning soul ability?" Ning Fengzhi whispered, realization dawning upon him.
"He's extracting Bone Douluo's soul power!"
Bone Douluo could do nothing but watch helplessly as his soul power was drained away. The threads acted like conduits, pulling his energy into Wang Feng. By the time the icy prison shattered and he was free again, Bone Douluo's complexion had turned pale.
His breathing was labored, and his eyes burned with disbelief.
"You..." he stammered, taking an unsteady step back.
Wang Feng, on the other hand, stood revitalized. His injuries were healed, his soul power had returned to a significant level, and his calm expression masked the immense danger he had just escaped.
"Let's call it a draw," Wang Feng said, his voice steady but carrying a weight that silenced the crowd.
Bone Douluo's expression darkened, his pride clearly wounded. However, after a long pause, he nodded reluctantly.
From the stands, the crowd erupted into whispers.
"What kind of terrifying soul ability was that? To drain someone as powerful as Bone Douluo of his soul power in mere seconds!"
"He even managed to recover his injuries!"
Even Hu Liena and her companions were left speechless. The White Pontiff had demonstrated his true cunning and strength, –utilizing an ability that turned the tides in what should have been an unwinnable battle.
Bone Douluo took a deep breath, his voice carrying a note of resignation as he said, "If we keep fighting, it will only lead to mutual destruction. This battle is pointless now."
His acknowledgment left no room for doubt. This was not a fight for life and death, and both sides had shown incredible skill and adaptability. Wang Feng's two soul abilities—the powerful [Icebane] and the [Siphoning]soul skill from the 100,000-year soul bone—had proven too overwhelming to counter without extreme risks.
As –the tension eased, Wang Feng's thoughts were calm. He had achieved his goal, learning the Seven Kills Sword Technique in battle against one of the most formidable opponents.
"Defeat?" Wang Feng mused inwardly. "It's a win for me."
The battle may have ended in a draw, but to Wang Feng, it was nothing short of victory. The weight of the battle's conclusion hung heavy in the air. Wang Feng, standing tall in his white robes, exuded an aura of calm authority that was hard to shake. His performance had been nothing short of extraordinary, leaving a mark not just on the battlefield but in the minds of all who witnessed it.
"If he had lost, the White Pontiff would have suffered a massive blow to his prestige within Soul Hall," Ning Fengzhi thought silently, his expression grave. "But a tie... it's the perfect outcome for both us and them."
Defeating both Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo outright would have been too much, an unrealistic outcome that would have invited suspicion from Soul Hall itself, especially from Bibi Dong. The combined strength of these two titans surpassed even Golden Crocodile Douluo. A sudden victory over both would have seemed contrived, raising doubts about the White Pontiff intentions or methods.
But a tie? That was believable. It struck a perfect balance between displaying strength and maintaining credibility. To the world, it would seem that the White Pontiff had achieved the impossible—battling two Titled Douluos of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Sect to a standstill. This alone would send shockwaves throughout the continent, cementing his reputation as a fearsome figure.
Bone Douluo approached Ning Fengzhi, his face laced with an apologetic look. "Fengzhi, I'm sorry."
Ning Fengzhi shook his head. Though disappointed by the result, his expression grew more serious as he analyzed the situation.
"That ability, it's from his soul bone," he murmured. "And not just any soul bone—it must be from a 100,000-year old soul beast. His soul bone siphoned your soul power while you were immobilized. A rare and very terrifying ability."
Sword Douluo nodded, his gaze sharpening. "His scheming runs deep. This entire battle, he's been two steps ahead. First, he faced me to absorb the essence of the Seven Kills Sword Technique. Then, he used Bone Douluo as a testing ground, refining the technique to its peak. We were nothing more than whetstones for his growth."
The words stung, but they rang true.
"One hundred thousand-year old soul ring, one hundred thousand-year soul bone, unfathomable techniques, and martial soul mastery... his talent is monstrous," Sword Douluo continued, his voice tinged with regret.
"If I had known, I would have used the Seven Kills Sword Technique at its full strength from the beginning. Perhaps I could have ended this before he had a chance to adapt."
But hindsight offered no solace. Sword Douluo knew that he, like Wang Feng, had entered the battle without full understanding of the opponent's strength. Now, as he reflected on the outcome, he couldn't help but admire the genius who had stood before him.
"The Soul Hall has a Pontiff like this... I fear for the balance of the continent in the days to come." Ning Fengzhi's voice was heavy with worry.
Sword Douluo sighed deeply. "A genius like him... if only he were of our sect. The Seven Kills Sword Style would shine brighter than ever in his hands. It might even rival the Clear Sky Clan 'Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer' technique itself."
Meanwhile, on the other side of the field, Hu Liena and her team were filled with admiration.
"I told you, Sister!" Xie Yue exclaimed with a grin. "Lord Pontiff is invincible! He's like a god on the battlefield."
Hu Liena, however, remained silent, her gaze fixed on Wang Feng's figure. Her admiration for him had grown exponentially after witnessing his strength, intelligence, and calm composure throughout the battle.
"Lord Pontiff is too powerful," Yan admitted, his tone filled with awe. "Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo are legends, yet even they weren't able to defeat him. This battle proves he truly deserves his position as the third-consecration of Elder Hall."
Bishop Thomas, standing nearby, nodded solemnly. "This victory will reverberate across the mainland. Lord Pontiff's name will be written into the annals of history after today."
Wang Feng walked toward Ning Fengzhi, his expression calm and unperturbed, as if the battle had been of no consequence.
"Today's battle was enlightening," Wang Feng said, his tone even. "The strength of your sect's two Titled Douluos is remarkable. But next time, it won't end in a tie."
His words, while not arrogant, carried a quiet confidence that left a lasting impression.
Ning Fengzhi's gaze hardened, but he said nothing in response.
Bone Douluo, however, snorted coldly. "Next time, it truly won't end in a tie."
Sword Douluo remained silent, his sharp eyes studying Wang Feng closely. Despite his pride, he couldn't help but marvel at the young man's talent.
"If only he was one of us," he thought wistfully.
As Wang Feng turned to leave, the spectators began to disperse, but the impact of the battle lingered. For some, it was a display of raw power. For others, it was a testament to strategy and ingenuity. But for all, it was a moment that would not be forgotten.
The White Pontiff had solidified his place in the legends of the continent.
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