In the end, the gap in soul power proved decisive—Yun Yibai stood at level 48, while Feng Xiaotian was level 45. That's a full three-level advantage. Yun's three all-attribute amplification soul skills also boosted his soul power, widening the gap further. And Yun's soul recovery—enhanced by the ten-thousand-year Blue‑Silver Emperor bone—was far superior to Feng's lackluster recovery rate.
By the time Feng's 36-hit "Gale Devil Wolf" combo was completed, Yun's soul power dominance was overwhelming. That was why Yun's fourth soul skill struck with enough force to end the fight decisively.
"I lost," Feng admitted, slowly climbing out of the crater Yun's punch had made.
"How do you still have so much soul power left?" Feng asked incredulously.
"You'll know once you quit Wind Academy and join us," Yun replied.
Feng hesitated. "I lost the bet, but I'll need time—convincing the academy head won't be easy."
"No need to bother. Just use 'Grandpa Yang's granddaughter's name," Yun said.
"Granpa Yang? Dugu Yan's grandfather?" Feng's eyes widened.
"Yes—the Poison Douluo," Yun replied matter-of-factly. Feng's academy wouldn't dare start trouble. Besides, this was a bet—recruiting isn't theft.
"Bold of you…" Feng muttered.
"I don't have time to wait for your academy's negotiations," Yun said. "The next Elite Academy Contest is just over two years away, and I still need teammates."
"So you haven't fully assembled your team?" Feng sounded incredulous.
"Guess I'll ride this ship till the end," Feng sighed, admitting enrollment.
"So, who's on your team already?"
"Dugu Yan—52-level soul‑king, Control type."
"What?! She's a soul‑king?!" Feng's head nearly spun.
"Why, can't a girl be a soul‑king?" Dugu Yan teased.
"Of course!" Feng replied nervously.
"And," Yun continued, "members from Po‑Zhi and Yu‑Zhi clans—Attack-type and Defense-type soul‑宗 levels—will join. Plus, a Food-type support soul‑师 who'll reach Soul‑宗 before the contest."
"One, two, three… that makes six members."
"Exactly. When eliminations begin, we'll have at least two soul‑kings and four soul‑宗."
Feng gasped.
Learning this, he realized Yun had quietly built a team stronger than some sects. Suddenly he didn't feel outclassed. Defeating the spirit sects would be a huge coup!
"I'll head back and see the academy head!" Feng determinedly departed.
Yun and Dugu Yan waited in Wenks City, expecting Feng's return to complete the recruitment hurdle. In all, the transfer process was rocky but successful.
When Feng met with Headmaster Liu Rufeng to request a transfer, the headmaster was dumbfounded—maybe the grind had dazed him. Feng explained the bet and Yun's genius. Eventually, Liu agreed—not out of fear of the Poison Douluo, but because the alliance held real promise.
Yun didn't necessarily ask Feng to transfer; Wenks' environment suited Feng's training best. Before Feng left, Yun handed him a pill.
"What's this? Smells good," Feng said, examining the blue pellet.
"Want to know how Dugu Yan and I advanced so much?" Yun smiled.
"Nice!" Feng accepted. He planned to test it right away.
Feng asked, "Have you selected the final member yet?"
Yun glanced at Feng. He wasn't too concerned about the last slot.
"How about Huowu?" Yun suggested.
Feng sighed: "This love-struck lollygagger is hopeless!"
Back in Wenks, after taking one of Yun's pills, Niutian and Yangtai each jumped two soul levels—to level 40. The pill surpassed even standard enhancement elixirs—Yang Wudi's brew was exceptional. After them, Oscar also used some time to reach level 40.
By the time Yun and Dugu Yan returned to Haoyue City, Oscar, Niutian, and Yangtai were already in the western Flare Forest, escorted by a soul saint from the Yang clan; Yang Wudi had urgent affairs.
Yangtai's fourth soul ring was earned with help from Niugao; Niutian's soul ring came from a joint hunt by the three of them.
"Oscar, your first two soul skills are fine—just that smell…" Niutian wrinkled his face, clearly reminded of stinky tofu.
"Your third soul skill is incredible—I never thought I'd see a support soul‑师 fly before becoming a soul saint!" As they flew above the forest's perimeter.
"I'm a food-based soul don't underestimate me!" Oscar retorted with pride.