Ch.34: Semifinals

Hello! I have returned! I think it has been more than a month since my last update. Unfortunately I had some problems with my left eye which stopped me from writing, but now I have returned to full health, almost, and I will return to the usual program: 2 chapters each weekend. 

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The game commenced with an explosive flourish. Dai Minghao, the formidable warrior, unleashed a resonating tiger's roar that resonated through the battlefield. In a mere instant, his hair underwent a striking transformation, a mesmerizing mix of black and white. His eyes shifted into a captivating combination of black and white heterochromia. Above his head, a regal emblem, akin to a king's, symbolized the martial soul possession he had masterfully completed. His teeth transformed into jagged fangs, reminiscent of a ferocious predator, while his muscles swelled, emphasizing the latent power within him.

The audience watched in awe as the fourth spirit ring beneath Dai Minghao's feet ignited, his lips muttering, "White Tiger Meteor Shower." With a determined clench of his fist, an array of white dots materialized around him, shaping into miniature meteors. These celestial bodies hurtled towards Dugu Xin and his comrades with the unwavering intent to disrupt their formation.

In response, Dugu Xin's fifth spirit ring beneath his feet illuminated, casting a crimson sheen upon his outstretched hands. He summoned forth a blood-red moonblade, each extending up to a massive 10 meters from his fingertips. A single touch from these crimson blades inflicted not only grievous wounds but also initiated a relentless bleeding effect upon their unfortunate victims. The slash carried the weight of his entire being and possessed the sharpness of a cicada's wing, obliterating the incoming meteor shower.

Yan He, the stalwart defender of the Star Luo Imperial Academy Team, reacted with remarkable agility. He activated his second spirit skill, "Giant Wall," which instantly transformed his shield into a colossal protective barrier, several times larger than usual, capable of safeguarding his entire team. Realizing that even this might not be enough to defend against Dugu Xin's onslaught, Li Jing swiftly employed his second spirit skill, "Skill Enhancement," augmenting Yan He's shield with an additional 30% increase in defensive capabilities. However, their efforts fell short, as Dugu Xin's fifth spirit skill breached their defenses, shattering Yan He's martial soul and causing him to collapse, blood trickling from his lips as he fainted.

At this critical juncture, Dai Minghao and his teammates exchanged glances, sharing an unspoken understanding. Dong Xing, the team's swift and resourceful member, acted decisively. He swiftly moved to protect Yan He and, with his strength, carried him out of the arena to prevent further harm. The remaining members channeled their soul power, preparing to unleash their spirit skills on Dugu Xin's party.

Dugu Xin, sensed their actions and his second spirit ring flared to life, casting an ominous scarlet glow around him. A sinister grin curled on his lips as he uttered, "No need for pleasantries." The entire battlefield was swiftly filled with a crimson, poisonous mist, instantaneously disrupting their attacks and obscuring the battlefield in an eerie red haze.

Dugu Xin's cold voice rang out, "Meng, Tianxiang, initiate the Martial Soul Fusion technique. This is the perfect chance to test the strength of the Serpent Dragon Joint Assault against the Hell White Tiger. I'll hold them back until you are ready and prevent them from unleashing the Hell White Tiger." He motioned to the others, "Yao, stay and protect Liuqing. Ma Jun, once I disperse the fog, launch your attack." With that, he plunged into the noxious mist, disappearing from sight.

With unwavering resolve, Dai Minghao shouted, "Everyone, gather around me! Touba Qi and Dong Xing, protect Li Jing. The rest, prepare for combat!" He declared, his voice cold and determined, "1st Spirit Skill: Madness. 2nd Spirit Skill: Skill Enhancement." As the ruby light emanated from him, Dai Minghao and his teammates felt a surge of physical strength coursing through their veins. Their spirit skills' power increased by 10%. Li Jing's 2nd spirit skill enhancement was unique, its potency depending on the number of people he enhanced. If it targeted a single person, the enhancement reached a formidable 30%, but with each additional person, the boost weakened by 5%.

Suddenly, a figure burst from the poisonous fog. It was none other than Dugu Xin himself. Dai Minghao, taken aback for a moment, soon fumed, "You're underestimating us, Dugu Xin!"

However, Dugu Xin had already activated his first spirit skill, striking swiftly towards Dai Minghao and Tuoba Qi. Simultaneously, the first spirit ring beneath Dai Minghao's feet ignited, releasing a powerful attack toward Dugu Xin. Dugu Xin, however, broke through the assault, and Tuoba Qi's second spirit ring glowed, activating his "White Armor Holy Dragon Armor." Scales sprouted all over his body, providing additional protection against Dugu Xin's attack, but he still got pushed back.

In retaliation, Dai Minghao's second spirit ring unleashed an intense light that sent anything obstructing it flying. Dugu Xin, though formidable, managed to block the hit without being pushed back. Zhu Yuqi, an agile and deadly member of the team, seized the moment. She unleashed her third spirit skill, "Nether Hundred Claws," causing her body to transform into a dark purple silhouette. Each movement sent a relentless barrage of claws towards Dugu Xin.

Amidst the chaos, Tuoba Qi's martial soul possession neared its completion. His arms became densely covered in white scales, his hands evolving into formidable white dragon claws. A white dragon horn sprouted from his forehead, his eyes adopting dragon-like pupils. He sneered, "First spirit skill: White Dragon Cracked Ground Claw!" He aimed it directly at Dugu Xin.

Dugu Xin wasn't defenseless, however. He instantly employed "Real Guard," using his serpent tail with astonishing speed, targeting Zhu Yuqi. The agile fighter managed to dodge but still received a scratch from the serpent's abdomen, the venom seeping into the wound. Zhu Yuqi landed and quickly mobilized her soul power to resist the poison. She warned the team, "The serpent tail is highly poisonous. Be cautious."

Dai Minghao seethed with anger, his determination unwavering. "He won't escape!" The trio regrouped and launched another assault on Dugu Xin. Dugu Xin, exploiting his beastly instincts to the fullest, continued to fend them off with skill and finesse. The poisonous fog, however, took its toll, weakening their movements with each passing moment.

Suddenly, a deafening dragon's roar resounded, filling the arena. From the noxious mist, a massive golden dragon emerged, spanning an impressive 20 meters in length. Its scales were a resplendent golden hue with delicate jade accents. Astonishingly, it hovered in the air without any visible means of support. It struck with breathtaking force, sending Tuoba Qi hurtling outside the arena. Simultaneously, the dragon's tail tossed Zhu Yuqi aside, though she managed to utilize her speed to stay within the confines of the battlefield.

With the emergence of the golden, poisonous dragon, the entire audience was left in awe. Qian Xunji, a perceptive onlooker, couldn't help but comment, "Heh, so he isn't the only one with talent in this fight. And their martial soul fusion seems to be stronger than the Hell White Tiger."

Dai Minghao immediately yelled at Zhu Yuqi, "Yuqi, let's form the Hell White Tiger! Fast!"

She nodded and sprinted towards him. They converged, clasping their hands with determination. The evil white tiger and the Hell Civet cat behind them roared in unison. The soul rings on their bodies began to radiate a brilliant white light. With an explosive burst of energy, the Hell White Tiger appeared, emitting a heaven-shaking tiger roar. However, its aura was slightly weaker than that of the Serpent Dragon Joint Assault.

The battle raged on, and the Nether White Tiger and the Golden Poisoned Dragon clashed with unparalleled ferocity. These two colossal beasts, engaged in a thrilling showdown. The Golden Poisoned Dragon unleashed a torrent of venomous flames, yet, the Nether White Tiger leaped nimbly, narrowly evading the fiery onslaught. With a resounding tiger's roar, the tiger released a barrage of white dots, transforming them into miniature meteors aimed squarely at the Golden Poisoned Dragon.

The Golden Poisoned Dragon, refusing to be outdone, summoned all its strength. It utilized its increased gravity while releasing an earth-shattering dragon's cry. This combined force repelled the White Tiger's meteor shower, marking a momentary impasse in their primal duel.

Seeing this, Dugu Xin gave the order. "Yao, Jun, take out Dong Xing and Li Jing. I will protect Li Jingying for the moment."

The two nodded and rushed past the towering giants, launching an assault on the remaining two members of the enemy team.

The battle was a spectacle of sheer intensity, Ma Jun, his fiery determination unmatched, swiftly engaged his opponent. The adversary enjoyed the advantage of flight, soaring gracefully through the air, but the bursts of speed generated by Ma Jun's flames allowed him to relentlessly close the gap. His ferocious spirit ignited, and with unwavering resolve, he activated his 2nd and 3rd spirit rings. His body became enveloped in shimmering dragon scales, while blue flames erupted from every inch of his being. Ma Jun was a blazing tempest, determined to emerge victorious.

Meanwhile, under Li Jingling's 2nd spirit ring, the entire team experienced a remarkable surge in their powers, their abilities enhanced by an astounding 50%, and their physical strength soared by 30%. The collective might of the Hollow Beast Team was undeniable.

But Ma Jun's adversary was no pushover. He darted and swerved, evading Ma Jun's relentless assaults with remarkable agility. The battle between the two intensified, their movements almost a blur, and Ma Jun's body bore the scars of their combat. Yet, the opponent's soul power had begun to dwindle rapidly. The strain of using the 1st and 2nd abilities continuously to both evade Ma Jun and retaliate was taking its toll.

Unlike Ma Jun, who engaged in an arduous battle, Yao Chen, moved with unparalleled swiftness. He activated his 2nd spirit skill instantly, causing his muscles to compress as a king's symbol materialized on his forehead, his figure shrouded in an ominous shadow. Despite Li Jing's attempts to bolster his defenses with his spirit skills, he proved no match for Yao's raw strength. In a devastating display of power, Yao Chen delivered a bone-crushing punch, and Li Jingling was swiftly taken out.

Finally, an opening emerged in Ma Jun's opponent's defense. Seizing the opportunity, Ma Jun soared into the air, his sights set on delivering the decisive blow. However, just as he was about to strike, a familiar presence approached from the right. A giant white tiger, materializing from a brilliant light, appeared with Dai Minghao's voice echoing in the arena, "You are too arrogant, Hollow Beast Team! Now suffer the consequences!"

Before Ma Jun could be striked, Dugu Xin, activated his 4th spirit skill and the world turned completely still. He pulled Ma Jun out of harm's way. Using his 5th spirit skill, he directed a fierce attack toward the Hell White Tiger.

As Dugu Xin canceled his 4th spirit skill, Ma Jun found himself hitting the floor, his adversary swiftly countering with five red, razor-thin moon blades that slammed into the Hell White Tiger's face at point-blank range. The impact caused the creature to hurtle across the arena, its body displaying tens of small cracks. The resplendent golden poison dragon, speaking apologetically, approached Dugu Xin, "Sorry, Boss, his attack distracted us for a few moments, and we couldn't react in time to help Brother Ma."

Dugu Xin reassured, "It's alright, but don't let it happen again. I'll finish the fight as fast as possible. You two should end the fusion; your soul power is almost completely exhausted. If you faint from the lack of soul power, the backlash from having your martial soul fusion broken will be even greater."

"Understood," the giant dragon transformed into golden and green particles, and the figures of Meng Shu and Chao Tianxiang reappeared, visibly panting due to the severe depletion of their soul power.

Dugu Xin, focused and resolute, turned his attention back to the battle. He locked eyes with the Hell White Tiger, his voice low and commanding, "Let's end this." Activating his 4th spirit skill once again, the world seemed to pause, time freezing momentarily. With calculated precision, he launched his 5th spirit skill twice, once from the left and the other from the right. The searing slashes sliced through the air with unparalleled force. Immediately canceling his 4th spirit skill, Dugu Xin watched as the White Tiger, caught off guard, was struck with 20 giant red half-moon slashes. The impact caused a deafening explosion, shattering the Hell White Tiger like fragile glass. In its place stood Dai Minghao and Zhu Zuqi, both appearing visibly worn out, coughing up mouthfuls of blood.

Zhu Zuqi, unable to continue, collapsed instantly, while Dai Minghao, his spirit undiminished, activated his 3rd spirit ring, the White Tiger Vajra Transformation. However, as he drew closer to Dugu Xin, his vision blurred, and his muscles suddenly failed him. He realized, moments before succumbing to darkness, "Poison…"

The beautiful host, with graceful wings, fluttered into the arena, her voice resonant with excitement as she declared, "The Hollow Beast Academy Wins!"

The crowd erupted into cheers as Dugu Xin approached the opposing team. Using the tail from his Real Guard, he skillfully extracted the poison from their bodies before the medical team carried him away for treatment.

Back in the waiting area, the team members began the arduous process of recovering their soul power as the battle between the Haotian Grand Battle Academy and the Spirit Hall Advanced Academy commenced. Tang Hao and his teammates stepped onto the field one by one, their resolve unwavering. The Spirit Hall Advanced Academy also made their entrance, led by a level 45th Spirit Ancestor with a Vigorous Vajra Bear.

"Huh, I guess Bibi Dong didn't participate in the tournament. A shame. I would have liked to fight another poison-using spirit master," Luo Tian, an observer from the sidelines, mused thoughtfully.

The remaining members of the Spirit Hall Advanced Academy were no less formidable, each boasting impressive spirit beasts and formidable spirit skills. The battle ensued, each team displaying their unique strengths and strategies. The Spirit Hall Advanced Academy's fusion technique, Soul Locking Prison, proved to be a formidable challenge, with hundreds of blue chains erupting and ensnaring the members of the Haotian Grand Battle Academy team. However, Tang Hao's quick thinking and remarkable skill enabled him to turn the chains to his advantage, ultimately breaking through the fusion with his Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer.

The hammer strikes, numbering 81 in total, proved to be the decisive blow, causing the members of the Spirit Hall Advanced Academy to cough up blood, defeated in the face of Tang Hao's unwavering determination. Though victorious, Tang Hao's figure was visibly shaky, his soul power depleted by the intense effort. Still, he managed to raise his Clear Sky Hammer to the sky, a symbol of triumph amidst the challenging battle.

Luo Tian observed from the side, impressed by Tang Chen's grandson's remarkable talent and skill. He noted, "Still, that little brat will have to use Spirit Rings fusion if he wants to break the 81st hammer. Heh… the 1st place this year belongs to our Hollow Beasts Academy. The only question is, how much will those kids need to fight for it."

The next day, the finals of the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament finally began amidst the cheers and screams of the audience. Countless salutes roared, and the teams of various academies remained in the exclusive viewing seats of their academies, eagerly awaiting the final to begin.

Amid the roaring of salute, the beautiful host appeared on the stage and announced loudly, "Dear audience, the finals of the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament have officially begun. Let's invite the teams." The Haotian Grand Battle Academy and Hollow Beasts Academy teams appeared one after another, proudly displaying their respective school flag emblems.

Dugu Xin's eyes were resolute as he turned to Meng Shu and the others, a confident smile spreading across his face. "Let's bring the champion back to the Hollow Beast Academy. The victory will undoubtedly belong to all of us." Meng Shu and the others mirrored his enthusiasm, their spirits high and determined.

On the side of the Haotian Grand Battle Academy team, Tang Hao stared at Dugu Xin and smiled, his gaze determined. "I've been waiting for this day for a long time, Dugu Xin."

"Let's see what you have," he added with a steely resolve in his voice.

Seeing that the two sides were already on the verge of battle, the beautiful host immediately announced, "Let the final match of the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament begin!"