I've also recently started a new translation, please check it out and show your support! Douluo: Seven Kill Shock the World
----------------------
The intense soul power fluctuations emitted by the ice phoenix in the sky were clearly perceived by Xiao Wu and the others.
Aside from Xiao Wu, who possessed an "Absolute Defense Skill" in her Invincible Golden Body, no one dared claim they could withstand the ice phoenix even with the protection of the emerald light shields.
Immediately, aside from Chu Chengzhou, the remaining six members of Lan Ba Academy quickly retreated from the platform before the ice phoenix fully descended.
Compared to the imposing presence of the ice phoenix, which was over seven meters long, Chu Chengzhou, standing on the brilliantly illuminated competition platform at just over one meter eight, appeared incredibly small.
Seeing Chu Chengzhou preparing to foolishly confront the ice phoenix head-on, many participants from other academies—who had once been hung from trees—couldn't help but smile with schadenfreude.
You, the great demon king, may have summons with extraordinary strength and formidable spiritual power, but you're only a Soul Ancestor. Who gave you the courage to directly face a Spirit Fusion Technique unleashed by two Soul Ancestors?
Don't you know that a dual-user Spirit Fusion Technique can boost their power by at least one major level, and sometimes nearly two?
The great demon king was about to be KO'd by the two young ladies of Sky Water Academy, and if things went poorly, he might even perish. This was like drinking an ice-cold bottle of water on a scorching summer day—a chilling delight!
The gliding ice phoenix suddenly halted mid-air, and Shui Bing'er's somewhat angry voice echoed from within the blue light: "Are you trying to get yourself killed? Get off the platform now—I can't control it anymore!"
Chu Chengzhou's track record spoke for itself. Shui Bing'er, unleashing the Spirit Fusion Technique, had given her all, but the energy condensed into the ice phoenix had already surpassed her control.
She wanted to win the match, true, but she had never intended to kill Chu Chengzhou.
As soon as Shui Bing'er's words faded, the out-of-control ice phoenix locked onto Chu Chengzhou, releasing a torrent of freezing intent to restrict his movements.
The descent of the ice phoenix wasn't particularly fast—it was slow enough that any soul master could easily evade it. But as a Spirit Fusion Technique, how could it possibly have such an obvious flaw?
Before unleashing its maximum power, the condensed ice phoenix would use its freezing aura to restrict the opponent's movement, ensuring the technique wouldn't miss its mark.
Facing the imminent arrival of the ice phoenix, a faint smile appeared on Chu Chengzhou's lips. He activated his ultimate body technique: *Divine Light Leap*. With a light tap of his toes and a few swift strides, he completely ignored the surging cold current. Before the ice phoenix descended, he broke through the freezing restrictions as though shrinking distances, leaping onto the back of Little Hong, the fire phoenix soaring in the sky.
Against non-physical ice attribute energy restrictions, Chu Chengzhou, with his immunity to ice, could ignore them entirely.
If not for wanting to conceal this extraordinary ability to potentially trap enemies in the future, Chu Chengzhou could have even endured the full brunt of the impending explosion of the ice phoenix with his bare flesh, emerging unscathed.
The next moment, the out-of-control ice phoenix descended.
In an instant, the circular competition platform, one hundred meters in diameter, was completely frozen, covered in a layer of sparkling blue brilliance.
Moreover, under the impact of this powerful ice attribute energy, the entire platform trembled like it had suffered a violent earthquake, developing numerous cracks of varying sizes.
The Spirit Hall, hosting the finals of the Soul Master Tournament, certainly hadn't anticipated that their specially constructed platform—designed to withstand attacks from below Soul Emperor-level masters without damage—would nearly be reduced to ruins during the very first match of the finals.
After the ice phoenix exploded, Chu Chengzhou leapt down from Little Hong's back, landing steadily on the frozen platform.
At the edge of the platform, Shui Bing'er, having exited the Spirit Fusion Technique state, was barely standing with Xue Wu's support. Watching Chu Chengzhou descend from mid-air, her eyes glazed over in disbelief.
She couldn't understand why this had happened. Why had their Spirit Fusion Technique, combined with the essence of her Ice Phoenix martial soul, failed to defeat Chu Chengzhou, another Soul Ancestor?
In Shui Bing'er's view, the chilling intent of Drifting Snow should have been enough to delay any opponent whose soul power didn't significantly surpass theirs. For a brief moment, the temperature on the platform had dropped to an extremely terrifying degree, and with the added control of the cold currents, no soul master below Level 60 should have been able to break free from the lock and escape the attack range.
Yet, this young man had done just that.
Could it be that the great demon king truly was the great demon king, unbeatable even by brave challengers?
At this point, both girls' faces were pale, their depleted soul power making it difficult for them to even stand upright.
Looking at Chu Chengzhou, who was unharmed and whose breathing remained as steady as it had been at the start of the match, Shui Bing'er knew that this match was over.
"We've lost."
Though reluctant to admit it, Shui Bing'er forced herself to utter those words.
"Although Sky Water Academy lost, you haven't.
Even though Sky Water Academy won't advance further in this Soul Master Tournament, your performance has been noted by Crown Prince Qinghe, who is here as a judge representing the empire.
I believe that in the future, Sky Water Academy will take pride in you.
And in my opinion, this year's Sky Water Academy team is undoubtedly the strongest among the five elemental academies."
Looking at Shui Bing'er's pale face and the dejection in her eyes, Chu Chengzhou shook his head and calmly spoke.
What was the purpose of participating in the Soul Master Tournament? Aside from competing for honor for their academy and the empire they represented, wasn't it also to showcase their strength?
Shui Bing'er's talent was already exceptional, and with a Spirit Fusion Technique at her disposal, the talent-thirsty Tian Dou Empire would surely try everything to recruit her.
That's why Chu Chengzhou said that while Sky Water Academy had lost, Shui Bing'er and Xue Wu individually hadn't.
Even though they were eliminated in the first round of the finals, who could deny their strength?
"Can you tell me how you managed to break free from the restriction?"
Shui Bing'er wasn't struggling to accept the fact that they had lost, but she wanted to understand how and why they had lost.
"Aren't you all calling me the great demon king behind my back? Isn't it only natural for the great demon king to possess overwhelming strength?"
Blinking innocently, Chu Chengzhou replied.
Shui Bing'er: "..."
Xue Wu: "..."
At this moment, the referee stepped onto the competition platform, glanced at the numerous cracks covering it, and loudly announced: "Round one of the finals, third match—Lan Ba Academy versus Sky Water Academy. Lan Ba Academy wins!"
Although the competition platform had been damaged by Shui Bing'er's Spirit Fusion Technique, the damage wasn't severe enough to halt the tournament. The matches continued without interruption.
Of course, before the fourth match began, the Spirit Hall sent fire-attribute soul masters to clear the thick ice from the platform to avoid affecting the upcoming matches.
As for the numerous cracks on the platform? They couldn't be fixed in a short time, but their impact wasn't significant either—it would do for now.
In the first round of the finals, Lan Ba Academy defeated Sky Water Academy.
In the second round, Lan Ba Academy, ranked first in the Tian Dou Division advancement tournament, received a bye and directly advanced to the top ten of the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament.
However, the Tian Dou Empire seemed to be experiencing some bad luck. In the second round, God Wind Academy faced Thunderbolt Academy, whose weaker strength led to their elimination. Meanwhile, Blazing Fire Academy faced Star Luo Imperial Academy and suffered a crushing defeat.
Ten teams advanced to the third round. Excluding the Spirit Hall team, nine teams represented the two empires. Six belonged to the Star Luo Empire, while the Tian Dou Empire only secured three spots: Lan Ba Academy, Tian Dou Imperial Academy, and God Wind Academy.
Chu Chengzhou strongly suspected that the Spirit Hall, as the host of the finals, had tampered with the draw process, engaging in some behind-the-scenes manipulation.
Otherwise, how could academies like Sky Water Academy, Thunderbolt Academy, and Blazing Fire Academy—all capable of advancing to the third round—be eliminated?
After all, in Chu Chengzhou's view, three of the six teams from the Star Luo Empire that advanced to the third round had weaker paper stats than Blazing Fire Academy.
But whether it was purely bad luck for the Tian Dou Empire or the Spirit Hall's manipulation, it didn't affect the bigger picture.
Strong teams wouldn't be eliminated by minor manipulations.
Ultimately, the Soul Master Tournament was all about strength. As long as a team was strong enough, petty tricks wouldn't make a difference.
It was worth noting that the competition platform, damaged by Shui Bing'er's Spirit Fusion Technique during the first match of the finals, had been fully repaired by the start of the second round on the third day.
On the fifth day, the third round was about to begin.
In this round, God Wind Academy and the second-ranked academy from the Star Luo Empire's advancement tournament received byes.
Lan Ba Academy's opponent in the third round was the seeded team from the Star Luo Empire—the Star Luo Imperial Academy.
"Damn it! I knew it! The Spirit Hall definitely rigged the draw!"
When Liu Erlong returned after drawing lots and revealed their opponent for this round, Ma Hongjun immediately cursed out loud.
"That's right! If it weren't rigged, why are all our opponents teams with Spirit Fusion Techniques?"
Oscar chimed in angrily.
It wasn't that they feared the Star Luo Imperial Academy—they just felt targeted.
"Who cares if it's rigged or not? It'll be satisfying to see the Star Luo Imperial Academy fall in the third round!"
Chu Chengzhou wasn't bothered and waved dismissively, addressing the group.
He had long wanted to witness the Netherworld White Tiger! Moreover, he still had a small grudge with Dai Weisi from back then!
At this moment, Liu Erlong, equally upset about the draw results, slammed her hand on the table and exclaimed: "Well said! I've always disliked the Star Luo Empire. Chu, you guys go crush the Star Luo Imperial Academy for me!"
Liu Erlong had harbored resentment toward the Star Luo Empire ever since they sent people to cause trouble at her academy during the preliminaries.
Although they had received compensation afterward, being harassed for no reason was infuriating for anyone, let alone someone with Liu Erlong's fiery temperament.
Only because their side was weaker and the gap was significant did the incident of assassins sneaking into their academy at night fade away so easily.
"Yes!"
The group responded in unison.
There were four matches in the third round.
The first match was between the Spirit Hall Academy and a minor academy from the Star Luo Empire.
Hu Liena and Xie Yue didn't use their Spirit Fusion Technique. Relying solely on the Spirit Hall team's overwhelming superiority—one whole level above their opponents—they crushed the opposing team with ease.
The second match was between Tian Dou Imperial Academy and the first-place team from the Star Luo Empire's advancement tournament.
Less than three minutes into the match, the Imperial Battle team was still at full strength, but their opponent was left with only a stubborn team captain clinging to resistance.
Subsequently, Tang San, the vice-captain of the Imperial Battle team, lit up his ten-thousand-year fourth soul ring and hurled a Blue Silver Emperor Tyrant Spear, piercing a gaping hole through the opponent's abdomen.
Tang San: Dare to resist to the bitter end? You've chosen death!
Fortunately, the Imperial Battle team's super healer Ye Lingling intervened in time, pulling the dying opponent back from the brink of death. Otherwise, Tang San and the Imperial Battle team would have been disqualified.
The third match was between Lan Ba Academy and Star Luo Imperial Academy.
"The third round of the finals, third match—Lan Ba Academy versus Star Luo Imperial Academy. Please send both teams to the platform!"
Under the announcement of the red-robed bishop overseeing the match, both teams stepped onto the competition platform.
Led by Dai Weisi, the seven members of the Star Luo Imperial Academy lined up side by side, quietly standing on the right side of the platform.
At this moment, Dai Weisi's gaze was heavy with solemnity as he stared ahead.
Though armed with the Spirit Fusion Technique: Netherworld White Tiger, Dai Weisi understood that against Lan Ba Academy, the Star Luo Imperial Academy stood little chance of victory.
On the left side of the platform, another group of seven slowly ascended.
When Dai Weisi's gaze fell on Chu Chengzhou, leading the group of seven, his eyes narrowed slightly, a flash of sharp insight crossing his gaze.
He never expected that the random youth he had encountered in the Great Star Dou Forest, the one secretly coveted by his royal elder for his concealed breathing technique, would grow to a level where even he, Dai Weisi, lacked confidence in defeating him.
Yes, Dai Weisi recognized Chu Chengzhou.
Chu Chengzhou's reputation as the great demon king was widely known. Moreover, Dai Weisi was aware that his "good brother" Dai Mubai, who had recently been dragged back to the Star Luo Empire, was from the same academy as Chu Chengzhou.
Speaking of which, when Dai Mubai returned recently, Dai Weisi had been startled, thinking that this coward had finally gathered the courage to return to the Star Luo Empire and compete for the position of crown prince.
Fortunately, it was a false alarm. From that point on, his "good brother" was thoroughly ruined.
Dai Mubai had already been no match for him, and now, having lost his fiancée, this complete failure, despite possessing decent talent, was utterly disqualified from the throne.
Otherwise, not only would his rival not allow it, but the many royal elders wouldn't permit it either.
The glorious Star Luo Empire didn't need such a pathetic prince, let alone an imperial heir or emperor.
Chu Chengzhou also noticed Dai Weisi, but after a quick glance, his attention shifted to the woman beside Dai Weisi's right hand.
Zhu Zhuyun, his older sister-in-law, was tall and voluptuous, bearing a striking resemblance to Zhu Zhuqing. Her skin was as smooth and delicate as lamb's fat jade, and her chest, though slightly smaller than her sister's, was still magnificent. If they were to have a threesome in the future...
No, no, how could I, Chu Chengzhou, think such vulgar thoughts? This is absolutely inappropriate!
"Zhuqing, it's been a long time since we last saw each other. How have you been? Father and Mother miss you dearly. If you have the chance, remember to come home and visit."
Zhu Zhuyun smiled warmly.
"Hmph! Zhuyun, stop pretending. I'm sure you wish I were dead!"
Zhu Zhuqing snorted coldly, a flicker of icy light flashing in her eyes.
"No, Zhuqing, you're wrong. This time, I genuinely mean it.
Since you've chosen to stay in the Tian Dou Empire, we can still be good sisters."
Shaking her head, Zhu Zhuyun spoke.
Zhu Zhuqing, as the imperial crown prince's fiancée, wasn't considered Zhu Zhuyun's good sister.
But Zhu Zhuqing, no longer the imperial crown prince's fiancée, was undoubtedly Zhu Zhuyun's good sister!
Before Zhu Zhuqing's martial soul awakened, the relationship between the two sisters was actually quite good. After all, they were blood-related siblings.
Moreover, the Netherworld Spirit Cat wasn't on par with top-tier martial souls like the Clear Sky Hammer or the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon. Not every noble daughter had exceptional cultivation talent, and those without needed not participate in the imperial succession struggle.
For no other reason than that they simply weren't qualified.
The competition mechanism for the Star Luo throne was indeed brutal, but not every prince or noble daughter of the Zhu family was eligible to participate. The cruel competition system was designed to select the most outstanding successor, not to allow a superior heir to eliminate all their siblings.
Unfortunately, Zhu Zhuqing possessed exceptional cultivation talent and had been betrothed to Dai Mubai, destined to become rivals. This caused the relationship between the two sisters to deteriorate to the point of mutual destruction.
But now, everything was different. Her younger sister had been whisked away, refusing to return to the Star Luo Empire. The original rivalry naturally ceased to exist.
Without the life-or-death competition, who would reject a sister with exceptional talent?
Although Zhu Zhuyun didn't know what had transpired in her sister's life over the past two years, Zhu Zhuqing's current status as a Soul Ancestor was undeniable.
A Soul Ancestor at the age of fourteen was undeniably worthy of becoming a Titled Douluo!
Whether others would reject her or not, Zhu Zhuyun didn't care. She certainly couldn't reject such an exceptionally talented younger sister.
Besides, your greatest understanding often comes from your opponent.
Zhu Zhuyun knew her younger sister well. Though outwardly cold as ice, deep down, she yearned for care and affection.
With a few kind words and the bond of blood thicker than water, even if their sisterly relationship couldn't return to its former closeness, Zhu Zhuqing wouldn't be able to refuse if Zhu Zhuyun ever needed her help.
"Hmph, no matter what you say, today you are bound to lose!"
Zhu Zhuqing didn't believe Zhu Zhuyun's lies. Even if Zhu Zhuyun was sincere, the two would never reconcile as sisters again.
A broken mirror cannot be mended—there was truth to that saying.
"Forget it, let's not talk about this anymore. However, Zhuqing, I must warn you and Chu Chengzhou—be careful in the future."
Saying this, Zhu Zhuyun glanced at Chu Chengzhou.
Though she didn't have precise information, Zhu Zhuyun was certain that, given how much Chu Chengzhou had humiliated the royal family, they would undoubtedly retaliate to save face.
However, the royal family was the royal family, and individuals were individuals. Strictly speaking, she wasn't yet a member of the royal family.
From her perspective, the appearance of a bold Chu Chengzhou who had taken her younger sister away was a blessing.
Her younger sister Zhu Zhuqing running away, Dai Mubai being utterly ruined—this secured her fiancé Dai Weisi's position as crown prince. She no longer needed to harm her own sister. If Chu Chengzhou could survive the empire's assassination attempts, then her younger sister and brother-in-law might become some of the strongest figures on the continent. Wouldn't that be better than the original situation?
Neither side suppressed their voices during the conversation, and the soul masters in the audience, with their heightened hearing, couldn't help but exchange knowing glances.
Sisters turning against each other to the point of mortal enmity was a rare sight on the continent!
Of course, soul masters familiar with the Star Luo royal family and the Zhu family of the Netherworld Spirit Cat discerned deeper implications.
A Zhu family noble daughter as talented as Zhu Zhuqing choosing to stay in the Tian Dou Empire? And Zhu Zhuyun specifically mentioning Chu Chengzhou?
Goodness! Could it be that this interesting young man with his unique martial soul and soul skills had stolen the Star Luo Empire's crown prince's fiancée? Were young people really this bold?
At this moment, the referee walked to the center between the two teams and announced: "Both teams, release your martial souls and prepare for the match. The rules remain unchanged—losers are eliminated, and winners advance to the top six!"
Instantly, the members of both teams activated their martial souls, materializing their soul tools and illuminating their soul rings.
Once the soul rings appeared, the momentum of the Star Luo Imperial Academy team inevitably fell behind.
Though the overall strength of the Star Luo Imperial Academy team wasn't weak—with only one member at the Soul Elder level, matching Tai Long from Lan Ba Academy—on Lan Ba Academy's side, Xiao Wu's soul power was at the Soul King level.
More importantly, the spectators knew that the strongest member of Lan Ba Academy likely wasn't Xiao Wu, despite her being the highest-level soul master, but rather Chu Chengzhou, whose soul power hadn't yet reached the five-ring level.
"Dai Weisi, let me see if your Netherworld White Tiger is truly a tiger or just a kitten!"
Chu Chengzhou pointed his flag at Dai Weisi, issuing a challenge.
"You're asking for death!"
Upon hearing this, a flash of murderous intent gleamed in Dai Weisi's eyes.
How dare someone look down on the empire's proud Netherworld White Tiger?
Unforgivable! You, Chu Chengzhou, have signed your death warrant! Dai Weisi declared!
"Heh, thanks to everyone's admiration, many call me the great demon king. But I must say, the great demon king isn't my nickname. After this battle, please call me the Tiger-Slaying Hero!"
Chu Chengzhou chuckled lightly, turning his gaze toward the rest areas of the various academies before loudly announcing.
The Star Luo Empire's assassins were likely already lying in wait outside Tiandou City. Disparaging Dai Weisi, mocking the Netherworld White Tiger, and adding another entry to the grudge ledger with the Star Luo Empire—it mattered little.
The crowd: "..."
------------------------------------------------------
Double Chapters Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)