Ch.10: Fight's End

Meng Shu's soul power surged as he leaped high, activating his 1st spirit ring ability once again. His Dragon Staff emitted a resounding dragon roar as he struck toward Dugu Xin. However, Dugu Xin merely smiled, sneering inwardly, "Hmph, 1st Spirit Skill, Cursed Shroud." As he activated his ability, his arms and forearms were covered in green-jade scales with four golden horns protruding from his elbows. His nails elongated, turning gold and becoming filled with the poison of his martial spirit. This transformation increased all of his body attributes by 20%. His nails were now as sharp as a 1,000-year-old Datura Snake's fangs, and his body gained the defense of a 1,000-year-old Datura Snake's body. Meng Shu charged in to attack Dugu Xin, but as he inhaled inadvertently, he immediately felt his soul power becoming erratic, and intense pain coursed through his muscles. Dugu Xin noticed Meng Shu's changing expression and the chaos in his soul power and quickly warned him, "Surrender. My poison has already adapted to your body. If you continue to fight, you'll die."

Despite the corrosive pain from his wounds, Meng Shu endured and continued to counterattack. Dugu Xin, realizing he needed to end the fight before his poison took Meng Shu's life, pressed on. Meng Shu's soul power was split between vigilance, defense, and counterattacks. He struggled to reduce his breathing and maintain control over his soul power while defending against Dugu Xin's relentless onslaught.

Meng Shu's heart raced as he felt trapped in a snake's coils, every move leading him closer to despair. He reluctantly acknowledged, "For now, this is the only option." With that, he unleashed the innate ability of the Dragon Staff, turning into a silver, snake-like dragon with sharp hexagonal scales. The serpent extended from his body, its length 4m. Additionally, Meng Shu activated his 2nd Spirit Ring ability, Thorn Dragon Rush, boosting his movement speed by 100%.

Dugu Xin was momentarily surprised to see the Dragon Staff transform into a serpentine dragon. 'Interesting, its different form the original story'. This special beast martial soul could function as both a weapon and a beast, offering dual advantages but with lower bonuses in each aspect.

Dugu Xin used his own unique technique, the Rise of Twin Spirits, allowing him to nurture a 'sprit' similar to a martial spirit avatar. Meng Shu's dragon attacked Dugu Xin, but 'Dugu Xin's Jade Phosphor Serpent Spirit', quickly emerged, biting and strangled Meng Shu's dragon, rendering it powerless. Meng Shu attempted to reinforce his dragon with soul power, but before he could do so, he spat out black blood from his mouth, and the same dark fluid began to ooze from his other orifices. Dugu Xin thought 'As I suspected, this unique beast martial soul can't be integrated with a weapon martial soul until after level 70, not until you've learned the true body of the martial soul. In weapon form, increases your attack range but your body becomes your own weakest point."

Despite the toxins eating away at his body, Meng Shu defiantly continued to battle, prompting Dugu Xin to say, "Admit defeat before you die."

An observer outside the arena commented, "What terrifying control! Meng Shu has already lost unfairly. Moreover, Dugu Xin only used his 1st spirit ring, and he intentionally weakened the poison to avoid killing him."

Meng Shu only felt that his vision was becoming more and more blurred, and his soul power was getting less and less, becoming more and more difficult to mobilize at the same time. Dugu Xin, cold and determined, mentally commanded his martial spirit, instructing it to crush Meng Shu's dragon. The serpent responded immediately, coiling around Meng Shu's serpent-like dragon formed from his Dragon Staff. With relentless force, it tightened its grip, pushing the dragon to its limits. The pressure was too much for Dragon Staff to handle, and the backlash of the attack caused Meng Shu to lose consciousness. With Meng Shu incapacitated, his Dragon Staff reverted to its original form, rolling on the ground and disappearing into the arena's ether. Silence hung in the air as the realization of Dugu Xin's victory settled over the spectators.

Teacher Fulin, the referee of the match, took a moment to absorb the turn of events. Then, he spoke with a tone of finality, "The winner is Dugu Xin."

The match ended in 3 minutes…

Confusion and surprise lingered in the air until the silence was shattered by Ma Jun and Yao Chen, Dugu Xin's dormitory neighbors. These two had initially questioned Dugu Xin's abilities and inquired about his family background but were now the first to break into exuberant cheers. Ma Jun, from the War Horse Family, and Yao Chen, from the Ghost Leopard family, couldn't contain their excitement as they jumped to their feet, shouting, "This is our roommate!"

Their enthusiasm was infectious, and gradually, the rest of the spectators joined in, offering a raucous round of applause and cheers for the victorious Dugu Xin. The resounding cheers filled the arena, echoing through the Hollow Beast Academy, as word quickly spread about the astonishing outcome of the battle. Yet, Dugu Xin himself didn't revel in the cheers and applause. Instead, he remained focused on the task at hand. He lowered his body, summoned his "spirit," and ordered it to begin absorbing the poison that had been inflicted on Meng Shu. He took a pill out of his ring carefully placing it near Meng Shu's lips. Without hesitation, he gently fed it to his defeated opponent. The pill was a powerful antidote, designed to counteract the effects of removing the poison from his body.

Once he was sure that Meng Shu had ingested the antidote, Dugu Xin prepared to call for assistance. He looked around for Meng Shu's friends, hoping they would help carry their fallen comrade to the infirmary for further treatment. However, much to his surprise, Meng Shu's friends hesitated, their expressions a mix of awe and apprehension. None of them dared to approach the victor, Dugu Xin. Seeing no immediate help forthcoming, Dugu Xin made a decision. He carefully lifted Meng Shu, and began to make his way towards the infirmary. That night, as Meng Shu slowly regained consciousness in the hospital ward, he found himself surrounded by the sterile, white walls of the infirmary. He blinked his eyes, trying to shake off the haze of his defeat and the effects of the antidote. As he slowly came to his senses, the reality of his loss settled in, and he muttered to himself in disbelief, "I lost?"

  A nearby medical staff member noticed Meng Shu's awakening and approached to check on him. The staff member explained that Dugu Xin had not only defeated him but had also taken the initiative to detoxify him and ensure that the poison did not spread further. Meng Shu couldn't help but feel a mix of gratitude and frustration at the thought of his opponent's unexpected kindness.

The following day, Dugu Xin visited Meng Shu in the hospital ward. Meng Shu, still recovering from the physical and emotional toll of their battle, observed Dugu Xin's arrival with a guarded expression. He spoke with a touch of bitterness, "What are you here for? To mock me as a loser?"

Dugu Xin's response was unexpected. He shook his head and replied in a calm and measured tone, "I'm not here to mock you. I wanted to check on your recovery and see if all the poison has been eliminated." His words were sincere, lacking any hint of gloating or condescension.

Meng Shu's anger was palpable as he retorted, "I couldn't care less about your concern. You didn't take me seriously throughout the fight, and I hate people from families like yours." His words were filled with bitterness and frustration, reflecting his feelings of inadequacy in a world where noble families held significant advantages.

Dugu Xin, however, didn't respond with defensiveness or arrogance. Instead, he smiled and posed a thought-provoking question, "Family or commoner, what's the difference?"

Meng Shu, still seething with anger and resentment, poured out his frustrations, revealing the harsh reality of soul ring hunters like himself. "What do you know? Even us soul ring hunters have to beg around for opportunities. Without talent, we're like pests, always exploited by people like you!"

Dugu Xin fell silent for a moment before speaking earnestly, "If you think the world is unfair, change it instead of complaining here."

Meng Shu sneered, "It's easy for you to say, but changing the world? Don't make me laugh. I can barely even move with these stitches." His retort was laced with a sense of hopelessness, indicating that he saw little room for improvement in his current circumstances. Dugu Xin continued, "Surprisingly, you're just a coward who doesn't even dare to dream. I must have been mistaken when I came."

He turned to leave. Just as he reached the door, Meng Shu erupted angrily, "Who are you calling a coward? Believe it or not, I'll fight you again!" Dugu Xin didn't react to the provocation and turned back, saying with a calm smile, "You decide."

Meng Shu interjected indignantly, "I won't go easy on you next time. When I reach level 30, we'll fight again, and if you win, I'll follow you in the future, without hesitation."

  Dugu Xin was somewhat surprised but quickly regained his composure, responding earnestly, "Next time you challenge me, remember that the poison I used on you was the weakest I could muster using only my 1st spirit ring skill. Before you ask me to take you seriously, think about whether you have the strength to resist my poison." He then turned and left, leaving Meng Shu speechless.

As soon as Dugu Xin returned to the dormitory, he was greeted by Ma Jun and Yao Chen, who wore broad smiles. Ma Jun enthusiastically approached Dugu Xin and said, "Boss Dugu, you really surprised us today. Meng Shu had no chance against you. You're a role model for our generation."

Dugu Xin smiled and replied, "What happened, you two?" The two exchanged a glance, and Ma Jun took a deep breath before saying, "Well, Dugu boss, something unexpected happened. We unintentionally formed a gang."

Yao Chen quickly added, "It was mostly due to Ma Jun's silver tongue, and surprisingly, many students want to join our Viper Gang now." Dugu Xin was taken aback by this revelation, and then Ma Jun pulled out a small mountain of silver soul coins and a large pile of copper soul coins. Yao Chen had a similar display.

Dugu Xin was amazed at their sudden wealth. Dugu Xin inquired, "Who did our gang recruit?"

Yao Chen immediately explained, "Most of them are civilian soul masters, and a few come from smaller families. The larger noble families don't seem to be interested in us. Some civilian soul masters still support Meng Shu."

Ma Jun chimed in, "It seems Meng Shu beat us to it. I can't sit idly by. We need to be proactive." Ma Jun rushed ahead, "This situation is quite normal. Small families and civilian soul masters face these kinds of challenges. But now that we have you as our boss, we can unite everyone again."

Dugu Xin considered this for a moment and then spoke seriously, "I do have the idea of establishing a sect. But Ma Jun, Yao Chen, you should return this money. Everyone needs to cultivate, and the requirements for joining our gang are that they must be at least level 17 soul masters."

Yao Chen frowned and said, "Boss Dugu, it takes quite a bit of money to set up a gang. And with the level 17 requirement, not many people will qualify." Ma Jun was shocked by Dugu Xin's words and muttered, "He's right."

Gathering his resolve, Ma Jun gritted his teeth and produced a small pile of Silver Soul Coins from his storage bag, even adding a Gold Soul Coin, and said solemnly, "Please take it back. I'm not afraid; I still have some left." Yao Chen hesitated for a moment and then retrieved a large number of Silver Soul Coins from his storage bag. Dugu Xin was surprised by their actions and said, "Ma Jun, Yao Chen, you..."

Ma Jun shook his head and sighed, "Our small family has always struggled to survive. The War Horse Family is even more precarious. Our strongest member is only a level 59 Spirit King, and he's severely injured. I have innate soul power at level 6, but it's uncertain whether I'll have a chance to grow."

Yao Chen added, "It's the same for me. If establishing a sect can help, I'm willing to contribute. I believe in your talent, Dugu boss. This way, the War Horse Family and my family can continue."

Dugu Xin nodded appreciatively, "Trust me; you won't regret it." He then took out a purple gold card, which left Ma Jun and Yao Chen utterly astonished.

Dugu Xin spoke seriously, "Ma Jun, Yao Chen, take back your money." Ma Jun gazed at the legendary purple gold card in awe and exclaimed, "This is a legendary purple gold card! I've never even seen one before." Yao Chen carefully received the card, wiped his hands with a tissue, and held it solemnly. Dugu Xin chuckled at their reactions. Ma Jun and Yao Chen exchanged glances, realizing that the Dugu family wasn't just an ordinary family. They silently resolved to research the Dugu family further in the library. The following day, Ma Jun and Yao Chen were walking with Dugu Xin around the campus when a sudden commotion disrupted the tranquility.

A group of young individuals surrounded a girl, led by a young man dressed extravagantly. Two of them stood up and began teasing the girl. One of them declared, "Ben Gongzi fancies you; it's a blessing from several lifetimes. You should be on your knees thanking your stars instead of refusing." The other added, "Absolutely, if I were you, I'd jump into Ben Gongzi's arms immediately."

The girl responded with a cold snort, "Such 'blessings' from the heavens, I'd rather not cultivate at all." She then turned to the other, saying, "If you like him so much, why don't you go cling to him?"

The two provocateurs blushed at the girl's straightforward response, readying themselves for a physical confrontation. However, the young man in extravagant attire signaled them to stand down and calmly said, "Chao Tianxiang, your talent is admirable, and I still have some affection for you. Why not accept my affection?"

Chao Tianxiang sneered, "A pampered child who relies on family wealth isn't worthy of my attention." The two provocateurs couldn't handle Chao Tianxiang's sharp tongue and attempted to resort to violence. They declared, "We are wolves," and activated their first soul technique, causing their teeth to sharpen, their ears to transform into wolf-like ears, and a white soul ring to appear under their feet.

Chao Tianxiang responded with a laugh, "Just as I thought, a couple of dogs." The two soul masters were angered by her remarks and lunged at her with their wolf claws.

Chao Tianxiang wasn't intimidated; instead, she brandished her Serpent Cane, which had the appearance of a serpent's head. Two yellow soul rings appeared under her feet as she activated her first soul skill, "Tongue Blade." The serpent head shot forward, aimed at the two assailants, and struck them, sending them flying. At this point, the young man in the extravagant attire unleashed his soul power, two yellow soul rings glowing beneath his feet. His martial soul, Moonlight Lone wolf, manifested behind him, and he launched his first soul skill, "Moonlight Claw," sneakily aiming for Chao Tianxiang from behind, hoping to take her by surprise.

Dugu Xin's sudden burst of soul power allowed him to intervene, and he kicked the young man away, preventing the sneak attack. 'These guys are these weak and dare cause trouble. 2 Forest Wolves both with level 16 and the leader, a level 23 with a mutated Lone Wolf – Moonlight Lone Wolf.' The young man stumbled backward, and the other provocateurs rushed to support him. The young man vented his frustration, "Who are you? How dare you interrupt me?"

Dugu Xin remained silent, but his aura emitted a palpable killing intent that caused Li Shaojie and his group to pale. Ma Jun and Yao Chen appeared beside Dugu Xin, and Ma Jun, with a flat expression, questioned, "Don't you recognize our Viper Gang leader, Dugu Xin?"

Li Shaojie, realizing the gravity of the situation, concealed his arrogance and said coldly, "This matter, I hope we can settle with dignity for the sake of our Lone Wolf family." Yao Chen adopted an air of ignorance and said, "Lone Wolf family? I've never heard of it." Ma Jun echoed, "That's right, me neither." Yao Chen continued, "Brother Xin, don't worry; we've got this. These Lone Wolf folks are nobodies." Ma Jun chimed in, "Absolutely, we will handle it."