Chapter 171: Changes in Shrek Academy
After taking care of everything, Yang Xiong returned home alone. As long as Ning Fengzhi took the Spirit Hall seriously, the situation wouldn't be as dire as in the original story, and there was little else Yang Xiong could do.
Once back in his room, Yang Xiong took out the Hanhai Qiankun Shield, his true trump card.
As soon as the Hanhai Qiankun Shield was taken out, the entire room was instantly bathed in a soft ocean blue. The gentle glow was extraordinarily brilliant, and even with Yang Xiong's mental power and experience, he felt his soul slightly stir, almost becoming mesmerized.
Yang Xiong cut the finger of his right hand, and under the guidance of his soul power, the blood began to flow into the Hanhai Qiankun Shield.
If someone were to observe closely, they would notice that Yang Xiong's blood was different from ordinary blood. While ordinary blood is crimson, Yang Xiong's blood contained a hint of gold, appearing stronger and more domineering, with a noticeable murderous aura, possibly due to the influence of the Qirong Tongtian Chrysanthemum.
As Yang Xiong's blood and soul power entered the Hanhai Qiankun Shield, it seemed to emit an endless pulling force, and a deep blue figure appeared, as if it were about to devour Yang Xiong's blood and soul power entirely.
As more blood and soul power flowed in, Yang Xiong felt the Hanhai Qiankun Shield's pull growing stronger, even losing control of himself. His mental power was also being consumed, and he began to lose consciousness.
As more energy poured in, the blue light of the Hanhai Qiankun Shield grew more pronounced, slowly forming a deep blue figure.
The figure, looking at the nearly unconscious Yang Xiong, showed a hint of joy in its eyes: "What a good seed. After all these years, I've finally found someone who can bear the power of the Hanhai. A genius with the physique and bloodline to withstand it, it's been worth waiting so long."
However, at that moment, something strange happened to Yang Xiong's blood. It emitted an overwhelming murderous aura, and his martial soul manifested at that moment, resembling a blood-red giant.
The blood-red giant roared: "Enough!"
The deep blue figure was immediately startled: "I never expected this. It's truly a pity."
In the end, both Yang Xiong's martial soul and the deep blue figure slowly dissipated, as though merging with the Hanhai Qiankun Shield but still slightly different. It seemed that the blood-red figure was beginning to take control.
After an unknown amount of time, Yang Xiong gradually regained consciousness.
At this moment, holding the Hanhai Qiankun Shield, he felt a sense of confusion. After much effort, it seemed he had gained the Hanhai Qiankun Shield, but it didn't feel like it had truly recognized him as its master.
The Hanhai Qiankun Shield was still a deep blue crystal, but it now had a faint blood-colored aura, which seemed even more extraordinary than before.
Yang Xiong carefully observed it for a while and then injected soul power into the shield again. The blue light flashed as if it had come to life.
After a thorough check, Yang Xiong confirmed that he could indeed use the Hanhai Qiankun Shield with his soul power. He had also gained its abilities, though it seemed somewhat different from what Tang San experienced in the original story. At least, the Hanhai Qiankun Shield had not recognized him as its master. He had only acquired the method to use it.
Like a sentient weapon, Yang Xiong could wield it, but it had not yet acknowledged him as its true owner. It was as if there was some connection between them.
The Hanhai Qiankun Shield had four abilities: Hanhai Protection Shield, Qiankun Spirit Binding Shield, Hanhai Raging Waves, and Qiankun Demon Breaking Strike.
Using the Hanhai Protection Shield ability allowed one to merge with the surrounding environment, making it impossible for others to detect one's presence, and it provided extremely strong defense.
The Qiankun Spirit Binding Shield could mentally bind an enemy, a god-like technique in battle.
Hanhai Raging Waves was a group attack skill, while Qiankun Demon Breaking Strike was a single-target attack skill. Both abilities were related to the user's soul power, with stronger soul power enhancing their effectiveness.
Yang Xiong felt that these four skills were all divine techniques. If used skillfully, even facing a Title Douluo, he would have a chance to fight.
Especially as his soul power increased, these skills would become even easier to use. Once he reached Title Douluo rank, their effects would be maximized, and they could be combined with his martial soul for unexpected results.
Yang Xiong couldn't help but think of the million-year soul rings and soul bones. Only a million-year soul ring or soul bone could possess four abilities. Anyone with four abilities could be considered a true god.
Yang Xiong had grown more and more fond of the Hanhai Qiankun Shield. It truly was a rare artifact.
Over the next period, Yang Xiong focused on cultivating while familiarizing himself with the usage of the Hanhai Qiankun Shield.
Meanwhile, news from the outside world reached him.
First, Ning Fengzhi began to gradually implement Yang Xiong's suggestions.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect recalled some disciples and began placing more emphasis on their cultivation and training, while reducing some of their business dealings.
Ning Fengzhi even personally met with Emperor Xue Ye, and the emperor showed some approval of his actions, apparently somewhat disapproving of the sect's excessive involvement in the affairs of the empire.
Meanwhile, the Body Sect in Yunwu Mountain continued to keep a low profile. Aside from its business dealings with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, it did not engage with any major factions and focused solely on cultivation.
Especially Yang Wudi, Niu Gao, and Bai He, who were increasingly devoted to cultivation, seemingly competing to see who could break through to Title Douluo first.
And then news came from the Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
Normally, with less than a year to go before the Soul Master Competition, all the teams would be gearing up, eager to shine in the competition.
But unfortunately, neither the Spirit Hall nor the two great empires seemed to have any plans to hold the new Soul Master Competition.
The last competition had seen the Spirit Hall dominate, and the Golden Generation's talents were recognized by the world. Even Hu Liena had risen to the position of Saintess because of her performance.
Clearly, the two empires no longer wanted the Spirit Hall to steal the spotlight, and they had no intention of holding another Soul Master Competition.
The Spirit Hall remained silent as well. Not only had they not offered large rewards, but they didn't even plan to continue the competition.
Without the support of the three major forces, it seemed that the last Soul Master Competition had truly been the final curtain.
Flender sent word that, due to the delay in the competition, the original Shrek team's formation had been halted. Of course, whether it could be formed or not was another matter.
Yu Xiaogang seemed to have been hit hard, becoming increasingly despondent.
Originally, Yu Xiaogang had hoped to shine in the Soul Master Competition, proving his theoretical knowledge and ability to lead a team.
But now, with the competition cancelled, how could he prove himself?
While Yu Xiaogang's ambitions remained unfulfilled, his career failed, but his romantic life was thriving. He and Liu Erlong were nearing a happy ending.
Without the title of team leader for the Soul Master Competition, Yu Xiaogang's educational career faced significant setbacks. The team no longer needed him, and what use was a team leader?
At just level 29, Yu Xiaogang didn't meet the standard for any teaching position, and his soul power level was lower than many students. His status in the Heaven Dou Royal Academy was now extremely awkward.
Though the three education committees said nothing, it was clear that they no longer valued him as they had in the past. They didn't even know how to arrange for him to teach students.
The students of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy generally had good talent and strong backgrounds. How could they be content with being taught by a great soul master? Even the lowest class teachers were Soul Kings.
Yu Xiaogang, seeing that he wasn't valued and with his romantic life flourishing with Liu Erlong, decided in a fit of anger to move to Blue Tyrant Academy.
Flender, because of his relationship with Liu Erlong and Xiaogang, also decided to become the principal of Blue Tyrant Academy, even renaming it to Shrek Academy.
Unfortunately, Blue Tyrant Academy had always been at the bottom of the Soul Master Competition rankings, and the academy had very few talents. It mostly recruited commoner soul masters.
Yu Xiaogang was even more disheartened upon arriving at Blue Tyrant Academy. The students here were far less talented than those in the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, and with his proud personality, he felt they were unworthy of his education.
In the end, Yu Xiaogang lowered his head to focus on his studies, no longer communicating with others, somewhat reminiscent of his earlier days at Notting Junior Soul Master Academy.
As for the students from the original Heaven Dou Royal Academy's team, they all forged their own paths. Ye Lingling, the only remaining member, left the team and had already met the graduation standards.
The newly admitted students had strong backgrounds. Either they returned home or continued their cultivation in the academy. There was no way they would abandon the Heaven Dou Royal Academy to go to Blue Tyrant Academy.
Ma Hongjun, after four years of cultivation, also reached graduation standards and joined his girlfriend's family. His girlfriend came from a great noble family, with abundant resources and finances, and promised to fully support Ma Hongjun's training. This was the best choice for him at this stage.
Thus, even Ma Hongjun did not follow Flender to Blue Tyrant Academy. By now, the so-called new Shrek Academy no longer had any resemblance to the original Shrek Seven Monsters.
Of course, Flender also sent another message. The original Shrek team had agreed to meet after five years, and Flender hoped everyone could attend to reminisce about their past camaraderie.
According to Flender, Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing had already responded and would return for the gathering. Even Tang San and Ning Rongrong had replied.
Unfortunately, Flender had not received any news from Oscar. It seemed that Oscar and Qin Shao had completely disappeared from the Soul Master world.
Yang Xiong specifically asked Ning Fengzhi about it. Ning Fengzhi only said that Oscar, Qin Shao, and Yang Wei had made incredible progress in their training during these years. They had gained rich battle experience and were capable of standing on their own, even showing signs of becoming top-tier soul masters.
Yang Xiong missed Oscar and his older brother Yang Wei. After all, they were his best brothers, but he didn't want to disturb their training.
When Flender became the principal of Blue Tyrant Academy, Zhao Wujie also visited the new Shrek Academy in person.
Flender and Zhao Wujie even had a drink together, two good friends sharing a moment of revelry.
From a soul power perspective, Zhao Wujie had now surpassed Flender, having reached level 86. He had been increasing his soul power by about two levels every year, keeping a steady pace.
Zhao Wujie had now settled in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, or rather, the Body Sect. Not only was the environment rich in resources, but he also had no worries about food or clothing. Whenever he got bored, he had the people of the Body Sect to teach, and he had no intention of returning to Shrek Academy.
(END CHAPTER)
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