Chapter 68: Xuan Yuexing vs. Tian Bing Wu Changkong: Queen Gu Yue Conquers Xuan

Practical training session, five minutes of exchange time.

Xuan Yuexing formed a circle; Gu Yue cast an inquiring glance: “Xuan Zhen, who do we challenge?”

“Master Wu.”

Zhao Xuanzhen’s reply was direct; Ye Xinglan gave a slight nod in agreement. Shen Yi was the homeroom teacher of Shi Laike Zero Class, and over three years they had undergone countless practical drills—too familiar with each other to offer any novelty.

Master Wu Changkong was a seasoned veteran returning to the fray, his combat power clearly surpassing Shen Yi’s; Zhao Xuanzhen and Ye Xinglan were highly interested in challenging him.

Seeing their determination, Gu Yue swiftly recounted Wu Changkong’s soul skills and martial soul traits from memory; the three devised a tactic and stepped onto the sparring platform, loudly declaring their challenge target.

A white glow slowly rose, forming a transparent, eggshell-like barrier enclosing the entire sparring platform.

Xuan Yuexing adopted a basic triangular formation; five minutes were too short for intricate tactics, so they made only brief arrangements: Zhao Xuanzhen held the front, Gu Yue provided long-range support, and Ye Xinglan waited for an opening.

Wu Changkong stood silently fifty meters ahead, his white robes fluttering gently in the breeze, calm and detached. Below, one hundred and one new students held their breath, eyes locked on the battlefield, unwilling to miss a single detail of the three class leaders battling their homeroom teacher.

“Begin!”

With Shen Yi’s low command, the practical training session commenced!

“Hum—”

All four released their martial souls and soul rings simultaneously; Wu Changkong acted as promised, showing no restraint or concealment—his right hand gripped a pale blue longsword.

The blade’s radiance was like autumn water, its aura like a silken ribbon; the moisture in the air seemed to freeze at its presence. Seven soul rings—yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black—circled the blade.

Tian Shuang Sword!

White robe, blue blade—frost and ice reign supreme!

The ice-affinity soul power radiating from Tian Shuang Sword spread, turning the arena into winter; the cold struck everything around. Xuan Yuexing remained calm—the chill did not affect their composure.

Black, black, black, gold—four terrifyingly excessive soul rings appeared; the third soul ring blazed fiercely, Zhao Xuanzhen’s long hair turned snow-white. His tall, slender frame became crystalline and translucent.

Then, brilliant golden light erupted—a deep, abyssal aura formed a pillar shooting skyward; dazzling golden armor covered his body, making Zhao Xuanzhen resemble a golden god of war forged from molten metal!

Third soul skill: Wuji Dao, combined with his body martial soul’s second golden awakening!

“Incredible!”

The new students stared, dumbfounded. Though most had watched recordings of the Tianhai Alliance Grand Tournament’s exhibition matches, witnessing golden awakening firsthand was an entirely different experience—the overwhelming aura struck straight to the soul!

“Is this the true power of the top name on the Young Genius Rankings, the world’s first monster, Taiji Zhao Xuanzhen…?”

“Most soul emperors wouldn’t stand a chance against him…”

Amazed, the students marveled at Zhao Xuanzhen’s strength; among them, a pair of beautiful eyes gazed intently at the golden figure—Yinming Wusiduo, one of the strongest contenders for third-highest combat power in the class.

Yesterday, in the virtual arena during the class officer battle, Wusiduo’s limit had been forcing Zhao Xuanzhen to use golden awakening—yet she hadn’t even forced out his fourth golden soul ring skill.

Before Zhao Xuanzhen’s assault, Yinming Baihu had been as fragile as a kitten; the girl was utterly crushed, lying motionless in her dormitory for hours, unable to enter meditation that night.

Every time she closed her eyes, she heard only: “You tried hard.” The phrase replayed endlessly in her mind.

Wusiduo clenched her fists—someday, she would prove herself to Zhao Xuanzhen: Yinming Baihu was not HakiMi!

On the platform, Zhao Xuanzhen, freed of restraint, became a golden streak, instantly reaching Wu Changkong’s side; his fourth soul skill, Taiji Domain, erupted—black and white vortices spiraled outward, staining the ground into a massive Taiji diagram.

Bricks shattered and floated under the domain’s pull, fragments spinning with the pattern; Tian Shuang Sword’s frost mist was torn apart by yin-yang forces—the Taiji Domain’s decomposition ability activated: all things entered Taiji, all things returned to yin and yang!

Dark golden light crept up his arms; Zhao Xuanzhen’s fingers extended into dark golden claws, their razor-sharp edges slicing fine black fissures into the air.

In the soul master world, one maxim was held as truth: the combat power of prodigies cannot be measured by soul power levels. With three skill enhancements, the Dark Golden Claws could tear apart soul emperors unskilled in defense with a single strike.

Wu Changkong’s expression remained cold, showing little emotional shift—but only Shen Yi, who knew him well, understood his senior brother had entered a state of total focus, treating Zhao Xuanzhen as an extremely dangerous opponent.

Wu Changkong unleashed Tian Shuang Sword’s first soul skill: Frost Scar. Delicate frost scars drifted out, curling toward the dark golden claws; crackling sounds followed as the freezing temperature struck, causing the claw blades to frost over.

“Clang—”

Dark golden light flared; the Jizhi sharpness burst forth, instantly shattering the ice into crystalline shards. Thousands of ice fragments drifted, reflecting the golden sunlight pouring from the sky.

The external soul bone grew with its host; having fused with Zhao Xuanzhen for three years and nourished by his cultivation, the Dark Golden Claws had evolved from a one-thousand-year soul bone into a ten-thousand-year soul bone.

If a ten-thousand-year Dark Golden Claws could be so easily countered, the Dark Golden Claws Bear would not be considered one of the most powerful soul beast species. Tian Shuang Sword’s frost scars could not suppress the claws’ razor edge!

The Dark Golden Claws lunged forward; Tian Shuang Sword rose to block. The clash of top-tier soul bone and top-tier martial soul pierced the eardrums, spraying blinding sparks. The two stared across claw and blade—then Wu Changkong used the recoil to leap back, slashing through the air, summoning a deep blue blade of light over ten meters long.

Third soul skill: Tian Shuang Slash!

The black-and-white vortex enveloped Zhao Xuanzhen; Tian Shuang Slash spun rapidly along the vortex. Wu Changkong’s pupils contracted—he finally showed an expression beyond coldness: surprise that Tian Shuang Slash had failed to break through the limits of Yin-Yang Reversal!

At the center of the Yin-Yang Reversal current, Zhao Xuanzhen’s bones cracked audibly; his Body Secret Technique, Battle Bones, continuously adjusted his skeletal structure. This Tian Shuang Slash bore mountain-like pressure—remember, Wu Changkong was a top-tier soul sage; even peers couldn’t withstand his few strikes!

The Taiji Domain circulated yin and yang energies, stabilizing the Yin-Yang Reversal vortex. Zhao Xuanzhen locked onto Wu Changkong, countering with a Cloud Hand motion—using his enemy’s method against him. Yin and yang energies surged into Tian Shuang Slash, reversing the freezing blade’s aura and striking back at Wu Changkong!

Nine fireballs traced strange arcs; Gu Yue seized the moment, the tip of her Element Staff glowing crimson. The fireballs blazed like the sun, yet their cores shimmered with icy blue light. As they neared Wu Changkong, they exploded simultaneously—ice thorns like venomous snakes burst forth, ice and flame intertwining into red-and-blue lotus blooms!

The Star God Sword’s chant echoed in unison. From the first second of battle, Ye Xinglan had closed her eyes, gathering the Star God Sword intent.

As fellow sword soul masters, Wu Changkong’s understanding of the sword far surpassed that of a thirteen-year-old girl. Ye Xinglan knew she could not fight him up close like Zhao Xuanzhen—her role was to gather her inner power and unleash a supreme strike!

The Star God Sword flowed with star-river brilliance; centered on Ye Xinglan’s body, starlight rained down. With every rise in sword intent, a layer of starlight shimmered along the blade’s edge.

When she opened her eyes, her blue irises resembled a galaxy of stars; her first soul skill, Sword God Star, and third soul skill, Starfall Sword, complemented each other—her fully charged sword intent became a Star God Sword aura, cleaving heaven and earth!

Yin-Yang Reversal, Ice-Fire Lotus, Star God Sword Aura—three soul skills struck Wu Changkong from three directions. Even the strict Wu Changkong involuntarily nodded slightly—Xuan Yuexing’s combat talent was truly astonishing!

“Boom—”

Boundless cold spread; Wu Changkong’s final ten-thousand-year soul ring flared—his seventh soul skill, Martial Soul True Form, erupted. Tian Shuang Sword instantly grew into a colossal ice blade, its surface covered in intricate ice crystal patterns.

Wu Changkong’s aura became piercingly icy; a single ordinary horizontal slash shattered all three soul skills without resistance. The residual Tian Shuang Sword aura continued toward Zhao Xuanzhen—the greatest threat.

A flash of silver—the Tian Shuang Sword aura struck empty air. Zhao Xuanzhen vanished, reappearing beside Gu Yue.

Watching, Luo Guixing rubbed his eyes, looking utterly bewildered: Spatial Element’s divine technique, Space Transfer—had it become a minor skill in Gu Yue’s hands?!

What kind of insane mechanism is this?!

Zhao Xuanzhen, Gu Yue, and Ye Xinglan exchanged glances, their gazes fixed. Martial Soul True Form was the soul master’s ultimate soul skill, elevating all attributes—Wu Changkong had clearly surpassed their limits; victory was nearly impossible.

Though at a disadvantage, none of them considered surrendering. The Taiji Domain appeared with Bagua symbols; Li Fire surged like an ocean. Wu Changkong’s Tian Shuang Sword trembled, frost scars curling to crush the fire—but upon contact, the flames froze solid. The Li Trigram’s fire blazed crimson, burning fiercely against the ice!

“Kan Trigram—Ice!”

Cold energy surged, wrapping around Tian Shuang Sword. Wu Changkong felt his blade stall, as if trapped in mud. His eternally frozen expression shifted again—this time into unparalleled shock. Zhao Xuanzhen had altered elemental affinity: fire burned through ice, even causing ice to backfire against Tian Shuang Sword!

Seizing the opportunity, Gu Yue swung her Element Staff, pouring out all her soul power. The earth rose, light and darkness intertwined, wind and fire intensified—all elemental forces transformed her staff into a silver spear, its tip faintly glowing seven shifting points: the Element Spear, fused with all seven elements!

The Bagua’s Kun, Kan, Xun, and Li positions blazed with light; earth, water, wind, and fire formed four pillars of energy, surging wildly into the Element Spear!

Feeling the tidal surge of energy within the Element Spear, Gu Yue’s dark eyes gleamed with wonder—Bagua Gate not only suppressed elements, but could also harness heaven and earth to amplify them!

Perfect. Another reason to conquer Zhao Xuanzhen.

The Element Spear shot through the air; its terrifying pressure made the soul tool barrier groan. Every student watching clearly felt the annihilation-level soul power radiating from the spear.

Simultaneously, the Star God Sword blazed brighter; Ye Xinglan gritted her teeth, swinging both hands to unleash streaks of sword light—like meteors across the sky, carrying the vast power of stars, sweeping toward Wu Changkong.

Wu Changkong sighed softly. White light appeared on his body—at his chest, waist, limbs—emanating threads of light that converged into intricate silver frost patterns.

Water vapor in the air condensed into ice crystals, falling softly. A sliver of ice Po light shot from his brow; the frost patterns formed a silver armor, glowing with radiant cold. Deep blue frozen vapor seeped from its seams, spreading three-inch ice spikes across the sparring platform.

The seven soul rings surrounding him merged with the armor; Wu Changkong’s aura surged upward. In his hand now rested a blade larger than Tian Shuang Sword’s true form.

Two-Star Doukai: Tian Bing!

Merely pointing the blade’s tip, snow and wind drifted from the clear sky. Tian Shuang Sword, Element Spear, and Star God Sword Aura collided—producing a deafening explosion. Brilliant light illuminated the entire training ground.

When the light faded, Wu Changkong stood with sword in hand, aloof and untainted. Before him, Zhao Xuanzhen stood between Gu Yue and Ye Xinglan, the Taiji diagram slowly rotating, Dark Golden Claws crossed, golden armor cracked across its surface.

Gu Yue gazed at Zhao Xuanzhen’s back, a subtle smile curling her lips—ambitious, hungry. Beside her, the Star God Sword’s glow dimmed, yet stubbornly flickered, just like its master.

“You are all excellent.”

Wu Changkong deactivated his Tian Bing Doukai. His icy eyes lingered on Zhao Xuanzhen—he could have fought without it. He used it to acknowledge Xuan Yuexing’s excellence.

If Zhao Xuanzhen’s soul power were level fifty-nine, and he too possessed Doukai, Wu Changkong knew he would no longer be his match.

Though defeated, Xuan Yuexing earned honor. The three descended from the platform and returned to their squad. The first-year Class One students wore expressions of utter complexity.

Zhao Xuanzhen and Gu Yue were beyond reason, as alien as the Singer Civilization; Ye Xinglan’s sword strike had also stunned everyone.

Tang Wulin and Wusiduo had planned to challenge Ye Xinglan for vice-class-leader position in a year—now they took it seriously. This sword girl was not easily defeated.

“Next group: Wusiduo, Luo Guixing, Yang Nianxia. Five minutes to choose your challenge target and devise your tactic.”

…

“Final group: Tang Wulin, Xie Xie, Xu Xiaoyan.”

The morning’s practical training passed quickly. The girls collapsed on the ground, exhausted like dogs; the boys collapsed on the ground, exhausted like dogs.

Both homeroom teachers applied identical standards to all genders. Because the three class leaders had set a high bar, Wu Changkong and Shen Yi pushed them harder—so these first-year daisies were ruthlessly crushed.

Tian Shuang Sword rested against Tang Wulin’s neck, its icy chill nearly cutting his skin. Tang Wulin raised both hands in surrender. Wu Changkong said coldly: “Practical training ends. Return and review thoroughly. Next session is in two days—I expect progress from all of you.”

Over a hundred voices muttered weakly, “Yes.” They had experienced what “ Beidashijiaoxue ” meant—everyone except the Xuan Yuexing trio felt every inch of their bodies torn and aching.

“Dismissed. Zhao Xuanzhen, Gu Yue, Ye Xinglan, Tang Wulin—come with me. You have another task.”

(End of Chapter)