Suddenly, a burst of green energy erupted from Li Si, spreading across a kilometer radius. The surrounding area transformed into a projection of a lush forest.
"He's truly begun to cultivate the Laws of Life… sigh."
Gu Yuena observed this scene silently, letting out a soft sigh.
Within the green field, everyone except Hu Yan Zhen felt a warm, soothing sensation. Old injuries seemed to fade, and participants injured in earlier matches found their wounds healing visibly fast.
"What is this…?"
"A domain!"
"And not just any domain—this is an innate domain!"
The audience, already stunned by Li Si's earlier feats, could only muster quiet murmurs. They had grown accustomed to their astonishment being challenged time and again.
"The Domain of Life," Li Si announced calmly.
This domain had evolved from the Blue Silver Domain after fusing with the Laws of Life.
For allies, its passive effect resembled the healing power of the Nine Heart Begonia Spirit—offering continuous, large-scale recovery. Unlike the Nine Heart Begonia, however, the Life Domain's range and potency were far superior.
As long as someone wasn't decapitated or had their heart destroyed, the domain could save them.
Its active effect for allies was a 70% boost to all attributes, with an additional 70% enhancement to soul power and life force recovery.
Once Li Si advanced to rank 80 and gained his eighth spirit ring, this enhancement would increase by 10%, with further 10% increments at rank 90 and beyond.
With just this domain, Li Si outclassed both the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda and the Nine Heart Begonia in support capabilities.
And for Li Si himself? The enhancements doubled, making him practically invincible within his domain.
Hu Yan Zhen broke into a cold sweat. His back felt chilled, and an overwhelming sense of suppression weighed on him.
Within the domain, all his attributes had been suppressed by approximately 50-60%. Worse yet, he noticed his life force steadily draining away. In just a few seconds, he had lost the equivalent of six months' worth of vitality.
"Stop! Stop! I surrender!" Hu Yan Zhen shouted with all his might.
At his level, a Spirit Douluo could keenly sense their life force and predict their natural lifespan. To lose half a year of vitality in mere seconds—if this continued for even a few minutes, he would die of old age on the spot!
Suppressed attributes were one thing, but the loss of life energy was a dire matter.
Li Si retracted his domain without hesitation, though the vitality Hu Yan Zhen had lost was irrecoverable.
"So soon…?"
Some injured spirit masters in the crowd wished the domain could have lasted longer. They had felt their hidden injuries healing rapidly and hoped for a full recovery.
Alas, it seemed this "young man" was incredible in every way, except for his generosity…
"Master, you've truly put me in a tough spot!" Hu Yan Zhen lamented, tears nearly forming in his eyes. The loss of half a year's life force was no small matter.
From the way he addressed Li Si, it was clear that Hu Yan Zhen had accepted defeat and acknowledged Li Si as his superior.
"You're so strong—why bother with formalities?" Hu Yan Zhen grumbled internally.
"Still curious about my domain?" Li Si asked with a smirk.
In the original story, Hu Yan Zhen was destined to be killed by Tang San. Now, he had become Li Si's subordinate—a curious twist of fate.
Though proud and headstrong, Hu Yan Zhen had no serious flaws. His immense strength as the leader of a lower-four sect was undeniable, and his arrogance was well-earned. Without interference from Titled Douluos, few could rival him.
It was worth noting that Hu Yan Zhen had claimed first place in the next Sect Wars. The leader of the Holy Dragon Sect, who was not yet a Titled Douluo at the time, had only achieved that rank after the tournament, thanks to rewards from Bibi Dong.
In reality, the Elephant Armored Sect was the new leader of the upper three sects after that competition.
More importantly, once Hu Yan Zhen swore allegiance, he was known for his unwavering loyalty.
"No, no, I'm good," Hu Yan Zhen quickly waved his hands, smiling awkwardly.
Another taste of that domain? No thanks—he didn't want to risk losing another chunk of his life force.
Li Si approached Hu Yan Zhen, intending to pat him on the shoulder. However, the massive height difference between them made him think better of it.
"You're a man of your word—admirable. Don't worry. Following me won't leave you disappointed," Li Si said with a steady expression.
A peak Spirit Douluo as a subordinate, along with a powerful family and sect, wasn't a bad acquisition.
Li Si also had ways to help Hu Yan Zhen reach Titled Douluo rank, though now wasn't the time to discuss such matters with so many people watching.
"Thank you for your praise, Master!"
Hu Yan Zhen's eyes lit up. This was exactly what he had hoped for—a chance to demonstrate his loyalty.
"I, Hu Yan Zhen, pledge the allegiance of the Hu Yan Family and the Elephant Armored Sect. I swear upon my martial spirit never to betray you, Master!"
Hu Yan Zhen's declaration left no room for doubt. As the leader of both the Hu Yan Family and the Elephant Armored Sect, his words carried great weight.
It was important to note that while the Hu Yan Family belonged to the Elephant Armored Sect, the sect itself included members with other martial spirits. The structure was similar to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, which had both core family members and external affiliates.
Li Si nodded. With Hu Yan Zhen's allegiance secured, the Elephant Armored Sect's submission was a natural extension.
The spectators, meanwhile, had mixed reactions. Some were envious, some thoughtful, and others merely indifferent. Li Si and Hu Yan Zhen, however, paid them no mind.
As night fell, Li Si, Gu Yuena, Xiao Wu, and Hu Yan Zhen sat around a campfire.
Hu Yan Zhen had not come to watch the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament. In fact, the Elephant Armored Academy hadn't even made it to the finals, and the sight of the competition only annoyed him. His true purpose was to meet with Bibi Dong and discuss the Elephant Armored Sect's submission to Spirit Hall.
Instead, he ended up pledging loyalty to Li Si.
"Master, about our sect…" Hu Yan Zhen began, only to be interrupted by Li Si waving a hand.
"No need to call me Master. From now on, just call me Sect Master," Li Si said.
"I never intended to form a sect, but given the circumstances, I'll take the opportunity. You'll serve as vice sect master. As for the name of our sect…"
(Chapter Ends)