By afternoon, after intense healing and brief rest, the Tang Sect members' injuries had largely stabilized. Though far from peak condition, they at least possessed the strength to fight again.
The audience buzzed with anticipation for this semifinal.
One side was the Tang Sect—versatile tacticians who repeatedly created miracles, now boasting Wang Dong'er with her hundred-thousand-year seventh soul ring. The other was the enigmatic Natural Sect—a faction whose full strength remained hidden, rumored to harbor three Soul Saints.
This promised a battle of dragons and tigers.
In the Tang Sect's rest area, Huo Yuhao finalized his tactical plan. His face remained pale, but his eyes burned with determination:
"Natural Sect's remaining four members are unknown, but undoubtedly include Soul Saint-level powerhouses. We'll struggle in individual matches—we must find an advantage in the team battle."
He paused, continuing: "Our goal is to win at least three individual matches to force the contest into the team round. Dong'er and I are in the best condition—we'll take the first three matches."
Huo Yuhao's physical wounds had healed thanks to Life Gold and potent treatments, but spiritual exhaustion lingered. Occasional phantom pains from soul power circulation flared, yet his formidable spiritual strength suppressed them—sufficient for combat.
He remained in his wheelchair, ascending the arena first.
Spectators murmured:
"The wheelchair-bound cripple again?"
"That Tang Sect must be desperate if they're sending injured fighters."
"Who will the Natural Sect send against him?"
Among Natural Sect's four remaining members—Qing Liuli, Yin Wansheng, Bo Xi, and Mu Yi—all found the "protagonist blessed by fate" intriguing. But three were Soul Saints facing a mere five-ring Soul King.
At Gu La's subtle signal, Qing Liuli—a never-before-seen member—gracefully took the stage.
Seeing an ethereal young lady with cerulean glassy hair, Huo Yuhao's guard rose instantly.
More alarming: his spiritual detection swept over her like water vanishing into sand. Her presence was a void—no ripple in the vast sea of his perception.
Qing Liuli smiled faintly, her voice clear as a mountain stream: "I am Qing Liuli."
She paused, her translucent cerulean eyes locking with Huo Yuhao's. Her tone turned profound:
"Huo Yuhao… have you ever truly faced your inner self?"
Huo Yuhao's heart clenched. He answered not.
Unfazed, Qing Liuli offered a shallow smile and said no more.
The match bell rang. A delicate azure glazed tile lotus lantern materialized in her hands, radiating a hazy azure glow.
Beneath her feet, six profound black soul rings ascended.
The audience had grown accustomed to this spectacle. Rumors claimed Natural Sect possessed methods to enhance soul ring years. Intimidated by their Limit Douluo backer, no one dared covet the secret.
The source of these rumors, naturally, pointed squarely to the Sun Moon Empire.
Huo Yuhao wasted no time. He activated his Spirit Eyes martial soul to its limit, Spiritual Detection blanketing the arena. Silent spiritual interference enveloped his opponent.
Qing Liuli ignored his assault. Her spiritual realm stood like a mountain and lamp—undaunted by mental attacks. Her sixth soul ring flared.
Sixth Soul Skill: Heart Demon!
An invisible, strangely attractive black energy slithered toward Huo Yuhao like a living shadow.
This skill lured opponents into their deepest regrets and pains. Failing to overcome them created spiritual vulnerabilities—allowing Qing Liuli to probe or manipulate their minds.
Seeing the eerie black energy, Huo Yuhao maneuvered his wheelchair to evade. But the shadow clung like a curse. No matter how phantom-like his movements became, escape was impossible.
Puh!
The black energy sank into Huo Yuhao.
Instantly, his eyes glazed over. His consciousness was yanked back to childhood—the bleak years in the White Tiger Duke Manor, where only his mother Huo Yun'er's life shielded him from torment.
The memory of her selfless love and brutal death slashed through his heart like a blade.
"What magnificent maternal love…"
A seductive, sighing voice echoed in his soul. "But if someone could erase your pain… resurrect your mother… reunite your family… make your father proud… let every woman you've loved or regretted stand beside you… would you accept?"
The vision shifted violently!
Huo Yun'er smiled gently beside the noble Duke Dai Hao. Behind them, the White Tiger Duke Manor glowed with festive lanterns and joyous banners.
Wang Dong'er, Ju Zi, Ma Xiaotao… every woman who'd stirred his heart now stood in white wedding gowns, gazing at him with tenderness. "Husband," they chorused.
Huo Yun'er beckoned warmly: "Yuhao, my child… come…"
Dai Hao's face brimmed with paternal pride.
This flawlessly fabricated paradise could drown any soul burdened by regret.
Yet deep within Huo Yuhao's spirit, unyielding will erupted. He roared: "A convincing illusion… but falsehoods can never become truth! Shatter!"
A spiritual tsunami surged through his sea of consciousness, tearing at the beautiful mirage.
But it failed.
The Heart Demon energy didn't dissipate—it coalesced into a doppelgänger of Huo Yuhao: pitch-black, eyes overflowing with despair and isolation.
The two "Huo Yuhao" faced each other in the spiritual realm.
The true Huo Yuhao found himself paralyzed, watching helplessly as his shadow-self merged with him.
Tenfold despair. Tenfold hatred. Tenfold agony—flooding his heart like a breached dam, threatening to shatter his will completely.
"No…!"
Within his soul, Huo Yuhao screamed. Electrolux' teachings on releasing pure hatred surfaced. His scorching love for Wang Dong'er became an anchor.
These tangled emotions fused into unbreakable resolve—staving off the tide of negativity.
Below, spectators watched in confusion. The two stood motionless, as if testing each other's patience.
"Why aren't they fighting?"
A perceptive voice cut through: "This is spiritual combat—the deadliest kind!"
Qing Liuli admired inwardly: 'No wonder he'll become the future God of Emotions. This turbulent sea of emotions… truly enviable "fodder."'
Her fifth soul ring ignited.
Fifth Soul Skill: Malicious Heart!
The lantern's flame turned deep black—Purifying Glazed Fire · Evil!
This fire didn't burn flesh. It ignited the target's spiritual strength, willpower, and emotions.
The more Huo Yuhao struggled, the more his steadfast will became fuel—refining Qing Liuli's own soul power and spiritual realm.
Minutes ticked by.
After ten minutes, Qing Liuli calmly withdrew her martial soul and energy. Her expression serene, she stated simply: "I win."
Referee Zheng Zhan examined Huo Yuhao. Eyes shut, face ashen, he lay unconscious in his wheelchair. "First individual match—Natural Sect's Qing Liuli wins!"
The Tang Sect stared in disbelief!
Huo Yuhao—their spiritual pillar—had lost a mental duel?! They rushed to carry him away.
Huo Yuhao stirred awake, eyes clouded. Seeing the beautiful face before him, he murmured instinctively: "Mother…"
Wang Dong'er's cheeks flushed crimson.
Xu Sanshi leered over: "Oh ho? What sweet dream, Yuhao? Were you marrying Dong'er?"
Bei Bei punched him, while Jiang Nannan shot him a reproachful glare.
Huo Yuhao felt unprecedented spiritual exhaustion—a hollow emptiness that sapped his will. Forcing alertness, he warned Wang Dong'er:
"Dong'er… be cautious. Her martial soul isn't spiritual—it's a rarer heart/soul attribute."
This insight came from Tianmeng Ice Silkworm's emergency transmission before his collapse. Only the ice worm could discern such subtle distinctions.
"Heart/soul attribute?"
"Correct," Huo Yuhao rasped weakly. "It targets inner weaknesses, regrets, and obsessions. Guard your heart—don't let her find a crack."
After more instructions, soul exhaustion dragged him into deep sleep.
Bei Bei watched Huo Yuhao's weary face with worry. "Yuhao's drained dry. Dong'er—the rest is on you. Be careful."
Wang Dong'er nodded firmly, battle-light blazing in her eyes as she stepped onto the arena.
She faced Qing Liuli with confidence: "I fear no heart/soul tricks. Yield now to save yourself trouble."
Though her memories weren't fully awakened, she sensed a powerful, warm force guarding her soul.
Qing Liuli knew of the Sea God's divine imprint within Wang Dong'er. Calmly, she replied: "How can I know without trying?"
Wang Dong'er snorted. Beneath her feet, one yellow, two purple, three black, and one blood-red soul ring erupted!
The hundred-thousand-year seventh ring triggered fresh gasps across the stadium!
Fourth Soul Skill: Hexagram Array!
Her hands formed a seal. Six-rayed patterns glowed as energy butterflies danced around her. A binding formation of pure light shot toward Qing Liuli.
Qing Liuli didn't hesitate—activating Heart Demon once more.
But the instant the black energy touched Wang Dong'er, a golden trident印记 on her forehead blazed. Sacred, peaceful energy cleansed the Heart Demon force effortlessly.
Qing Liuli sighed inwardly: 'Someone's cheating…'
Seizing the opening, Wang Dong'er attacked. She swooped down from midair.
First Soul Skill: Wing Guillotine!
Second Soul Skill: Butterfly God's Light!
Her Light God Butterfly wings sharpened like blades, trailing radiant orbs that bombarded the temporarily trapped Qing Liuli.
Qing Liuli stood unflinching as her third soul ring ignited.
Third Soul Skill: Heart Like Glazed Tile, Impervious to All Laws!
A pristine azure halo enveloped her. Whether slicing wings or exploding light orbs struck—it—dissipated against the strange glow. No damage penetrated.
She countered: First Soul Skill, Six Senses Purified, Free from Troubles!
A wave of lethargy and surrender washed out. Useless again—the Sea God's imprint blocked it without effort.
Qing Liuli remained placid. She'd expected this.
"Everyone's using hacks. My original body didn't give me a big enough one—can't blame others," she thought with equanimity.
Heart attacks useless, she shifted to direct assault.
Second Soul Skill: Purifying Glazed Fire!
Azure flames clung to Wang Dong'er's Light God Butterfly. Under the Sea God protection, the soul-burning fire reduced to mere physical heat—its threat diminished.
Wang Dong'er gritted her teeth: "Tough shell, but pointless!"
Her fifth soul ring flared. Fifth Soul Skill: Light God Embodiment!
She transformed into pure light, harmonizing with all elements save darkness. Her other skills doubled in power. She unleashed her sixth skill: Butterfly God's Dance!
A colossal Light God Butterfly phantom soared skyward—shattering into countless smaller clones. Like a radiant meteor shower, they bombarded Qing Liuli in dazzling explosions.
The Tang Sect watched in awe. Wang Dong'er's assault was relentless, yet Qing Liuli's glow held firm.
Qing Liuli maintained Heart Like Glaze, weathering the barrage.
Light-butterflies detonated around her. Roars shook the arena, but the halo merely flickered—never breaking.
Wang Dong'er's frustration mounted. She hadn't even grazed her opponent's sleeve.
Qing Liuli absorbed no spiritual energy to replenish her soul power. Her reserves plummeted under constant defense.
As the halo dimmed near collapse, a thought flashed: 'Should I activate the "Malicious Heart True Demon" spirit soul to strengthen my sixth skill? Try breaching the Sea God's guard?'
She abandoned the idea. Too risky. No need to reveal more trump cards here. Failure would be disastrous—and if the Sea God's divine will purified her twice-regressed spirit… the loss would be catastrophic.
Just before the halo shattered, Qing Liuli dissolved her skill. Calmly, she stated: "I forfeit."
She glided offstage as if performing a trivial task.
Wang Dong'er stood victorious yet deeply unsatisfied.
She'd expended vast soul power, unleashed her strongest moves—yet hadn't shattered her opponent's defense, let alone inflicted real harm.
Grimly, she pulled out a milk bottle to replenish herself. Her gaze fixed on Natural Sect's rest area, awaiting the next—likely far stronger—opponent.
She knew the true test had just begun. The Natural Sect still had three untested Soul Saints. The Tang Sect had nearly exhausted all its trump cards.
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