"Good boy! Is this... a domain?"
On the viewing platform, Yan Shaozhe's eyes narrowed, sharp with surprise. Even Qian Duoduo, who had kept his cool until now, shot to his feet, visibly rattled by what unfolded below.
Yan Shaozhe stared at the frozen Netherworld White Tiger.His voice, half awe and half doubt,slipped out:
"A domain—during a freshman assessment?"
It felt impossible.Domains were as rare as phoenix feathers.Even in Shrek, few teachers possessed one.But the oppressive force spreading from Chen Junting was unmistakable.
Before the thought could settle, a gravelly voice cut through.
"No, not a domain."
Old Xuan, lazily chewing his meat, corrected him. His eyes were sharper than ever.
"It's sword power.But someday, it might well become a domain."
Xuan's gaze lingered for just a moment longer before drifting toward Area 2, though the flicker of red in his pupils betrayed his growing interest. He wasn't as indifferent as he looked.
—
In Area 1, Chen Junting stood tall, unmoved by the ferocious beast before him.
The Seven Killing Sword vibrated in his hand, a sharp, chilling hum rising from its edge.
Around him, three stars floated free — one yellow, two purple — orbiting like celestial guardians. Their glow deepened, and the atmosphere thickened until even the air itself seemed to slice at the skin.
Vast. Sharp. Unyielding.
His two fingers rose, steady.
With a clear tone like shattering glass, the Seven Killing Sword lifted into the air. Murderous energy swirled, condensing into a white dragon that coiled above the blade, its presence oppressive and unstoppable.
"ROAR—!"
The Netherworld White Tiger's eyes flared with rage and humiliation. It lunged, its claws splitting the earth beneath it.
Chen Junting's sword didn't hesitate.
It shot forward, cutting through the air with a sound between a dragon's roar and a sword's cry.
A flash of pure white light—
The Seven Killing Sword pierced straight through the Netherworld White Tiger's chest.
The tiger's claws, poised to tear Chen Junting apart, froze mid-air. Less than an inch from his brow.
Unmoving, unblinking, Chen Junting lifted his hand.
Flick.
With that simple motion, the towering Netherworld White Tiger crumbled like fragile porcelain. Dai Huabin and Zhu Lu tumbled lifelessly to the ground, unconscious, their spirits crushed by the sheer force of Junting's killing intent.
The referee didn't even need to speak. The outcome was obvious.
Yan Shaozhe, watching, kept his composure. He glanced briefly at Elder Xuan, then at Du Weilun, signaling with his eyes.
The Duke's son had to be treated,Fast.
Du Weilun caught the message immediately.
"Teacher Li," he called.
The white-robed soul master stepped forward, five soul rings rising at his feet — two yellow, two purple, three black. He descended to the arena, his hands glowing with soft green light.
The Tree of Life martial soul unfurled, showering Dai Huabin and Zhu Lu with healing energy. Their wounds stabilized, but their pride? That couldn't be mended.
Dai Huabin struggled to his feet, blood dripping from his chin. He caught sight of Chen Junting — standing tall, poised, and utterly calm.
Hatred burned in Dai Huabin's eyes.
He had lost. Even after using their martial soul fusion skill, they still lost!
The shame clawed at him from the inside out, twisting his expression into something feral.
As the referee officially declared the result, Dai Huabin's voice growled through his clenched teeth:
"Remember this... from today, you'll know my pain!"
Chen Junting didn't even look back.
To him, Dai Huabin's rage was already beneath notice.
His interest lay elsewhere: the famed, ten-thousand-year-old Netherworld White Tiger martial soul fusion skill. He'd seen enough.
—
"Brother Chen, where next?"
"Second arena. Let's see how Xiaotian is holding up."
Chen Junting spotted a clear vantage point and motioned for Qin Lan and Gao Ming to follow. He wanted to see if Ning Tian's team could survive Huo Yuhao's hidden trump card.
From their new position, they scanned the battlefield.
Ning Tian's squad looked stable—so far.
Nanmen Yuner was effectively holding down Dugu Xin, suppressing his poison attacks. Meanwhile, Wu Feng, empowered by Ning Tian's amplifications, was relentlessly pressing Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong.
If not for Wang Dong's aerial agility, they might have already collapsed under the pressure.
"Yuhao, this won't work."
Wang Dong's frustration boiled over as he dodged another surge of flames.
"We have to use it."
Huo Yuhao hesitated for only a breath. Their plan had been to save their trump card for Chen Junting, but at this rate, they wouldn't make it to the finals.
"Alright."
No more holding back.
But first, they needed an opening.
Locking eyes, they coordinated silently.
Wang Dong's wings flared, brilliant gold patterns igniting along their edges. His thousand-year soul ring pulsed, and a radiant beam of golden light blasted Wu Feng off her feet.
"Now!"
They dove toward Dugu Xin.
Wu Feng roared, furious, and chased them down. After all, Ning Tian had made it clear: take out Huo Yuhao first.
But in her pursuit, she didn't realize she'd overcommitted.
Ning Tian's sharp gaze caught it.
Something's wrong.
Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong's sudden reunion wasn't random. There was intent behind their movements.
Her gut twisted.
"Wu Feng! Stay sharp!"
Behind her, a soft white light began to rise.
Chen Junting, observing from the sidelines, exhaled quietly.
"Too late."
Even Qin Lan and Gao Ming, following the fight, didn't understand until it was already happening.
The fusion had begun.
In the arena, Wang Dong and Huo Yuhao embraced, and blue-gold light erupted around them.
The Radiant Butterfly Goddess merged into the Spirit Eyes, and an ethereal blue-gold flame ignited across their forms.
A blazing beam shot forward, cutting a straight path through the air, dazzling and unstoppable.
The Golden Road.
—
(End of chapter)
---
Gimme some stoooones~