Chapter 117: Chapter 117: An Illusion Within an Illusion—Let Chaos Reign!
On the Battlefield
A golden light emerged from Princess Xu Jiujiu's forehead, manifesting as a diamond-shaped golden gem.
As soon as the gem appeared, it radiated dazzling golden light and slowly detached from her forehead, rising gently into the air. Encircled by golden brilliance, a magnificent crown materialized above her head, descending gracefully to rest atop her.
Regal, elegant—any words used to describe this moment seemed inadequate.
Countless spectators widened their eyes in astonishment.
No one had expected the already breathtaking princess to possess such a formidable ability.
The crown appeared to be composed of countless tiny stars, all shimmering in soft golden hues. Beginning from the diamond-shaped gem, they converged backward in a delicate, refined pattern. Eighteen larger stars extended upward, forming a beautifully intricate crest.
The Star Crown—this was Xu Jiujiu's martial soul.
At the same time, two yellow, two purple, and one black soul ring appeared around her—she was a Soul King-level powerhouse.
Even more shocking, all six of her teammates were also Soul Kings, making Star Luo Imperial Academy's lineup a full Soul King team.
With such a formation, it was no wonder Xu Jiawei was confident in crushing Shrek Academy and claiming victory. This lineup alone was enough to challenge even the strongest teams, including those from the Sun-Moon Empire.
As Xu Jiujiu's third soul ring lit up, a pillar of golden light erupted into the sky.
The interior of this pillar shimmered with golden mist, tiny stars swirling and rising within—a mystical and enigmatic sight. From an outsider's perspective, it was impossible to discern its effect.
The crowd erupted into cheers and gasps of amazement.
"Let's begin."
Xu Cheng waved his hand, patiently waiting for Xu Jiujiu to finish casting her ability.
Behind him, Ma Rulong and Xiao Hongchen rushed forward, clashing with the members of Star Luo Academy in a chaotic battle.
Only Xu Cheng and Xu Jiujiu remained, locked in a silent stare.
"Mental link interference detected…"
Xu Cheng's brows furrowed slightly.
For a brief moment, he felt a disturbance in the connection between himself and his teammates, as though ripples had formed in the mental network binding them together.
But in an instant, his formidable spirit force stabilized the connection, negating the interference.
This was the special characteristic of the Star Crown martial soul.
In the original timeline, this ability had even managed to "eliminate" Huo Yuhao on the spot, as he was only at the Soul Grandmaster level at the time. However, against an opponent like Xu Cheng—who was at the same level as Xu Jiujiu—it was merely a fleeting disturbance.
"What an extraordinary martial soul."
Xu Cheng couldn't help but marvel.
Ten thousand years ago, the symbol of the Spirit Hall—a crown-like emblem—had represented the ruling class of the Star Luo Empire.
Had it not been such a rare martial soul, it would have easily been classified among the ultimate-tier martial souls of the continent.
At the same time, two elemental soul masters within Star Luo Academy's team were casting buffing spells, enhancing their teammates while disrupting Ma Rulong and Ji Juechen's movements.
Gradually, Xu Jiujiu maneuvered closer to Xu Cheng, separating him from his team.
At that moment, a Star Luo team member pulled out a golden sphere and hurled it at Xu Cheng.
In an instant, a barrier of golden light descended, encasing Xu Cheng. The light swirled with energy, and 108 luminous orbs flickered on its surface.
Xu Cheng remained unfazed.
He reached out to touch the golden barrier, his expression contemplative.
"I didn't expect even an Absolute Defense Barrier to be leaked on the black market. Those merchants are really getting bold…"
Before anyone could react—
Xu Jiujiu's fourth soul ring shone brightly.
A surge of starlight burst forth, expanding into a protective dome that enveloped herself, her teammates, and the imprisoned Xu Cheng.
Eighteen bright stars gleamed across the dome's surface, forming an unbreakable defense.
Xu Cheng had long been the primary target of every team.
Everyone understood: eliminate Xu Cheng, and victory was possible.
Yet time and again, every attempt had failed.
Even now, with all six Star Luo team members trapped inside the barrier with him, Xu Jiujiu felt uneasy.
If he could be defeated so easily…
He wouldn't be Xu Cheng.
He wouldn't be the insurmountable mountain towering over this entire tournament.
Outside the dome, Xiao Hongchen unleashed 128 Level-5 soul cannons, launching a relentless barrage of explosions.
Ji Juechen followed up with his Judgment Sword, slashing mercilessly.
Yet, no matter how fiercely they attacked, the starlit barrier remained intact.
One by one, the eighteen stars dimmed—but the barrier held firm.
"Starry Guardian Barrier… Truly formidable."
Xu Cheng sighed.
"A mere fourth soul skill capable of such an effect—impressive."
"It's just a clever trick, Xu Cheng."
Xu Jiujiu's voice was calm, yet her eyes betrayed her inner turmoil.
"I do admire you… but I must also fulfill my duty to Star Luo. I won't hold back."
The surrounding Star Luo team members stiffened in shock.
Had their princess just admitted admiration for their enemy—in the middle of battle?!
Fortunately, her words were muffled by the barrier.
Had the audience heard this… the entire Star Luo Empire would have been in an uproar.
"Attack!"
Xu Jiujiu issued her command.
Two soul masters cast their spells, launching coordinated strikes at Xu Cheng.
Six Soul Kings bore down on him with full force.
Even though he was momentarily trapped within the barrier, none of them dared to underestimate him.
This boy younger than them all was simply too terrifying…
Outside the Arena
On the city walls, Xu Jiawei observed the match intently.
His expression darkened as he saw one of his own Star Luo team members throwing an Absolute Defense Barrier at Xu Jiujiu, trapping her inside…
Then, her fourth soul skill activated, enclosing all seven Star Luo team members in a protective shield.
The result?
The Star Luo team was now fighting amongst themselves, while the Sun-Moon team watched from the outside.
Xu Jiawei frowned.
"This illusion… is too terrifying."
"Even after we imprison him, we'll need to watch him carefully. If even the Star Crown can be affected…"
Beside him, Dai Hao nodded grimly.
"It's time. Begin."
Xu Jiawei waved his hand.
The tournament result no longer mattered.
His priority was capturing Xu Cheng.
"Understood—wait, something's wrong!"
Xu Jiawei's pupils shrank as he instinctively leaped backward.
A split second later—
A blinding beam of energy tore through the spot where he had just stood.
Had he been any slower… he would have been gravely injured!
On the battlefield—
A lone figure stood, gripping a massive soul cannon with a smirk.
"Tsk. Just a little off the mark…"
The golden 108-orb barrier now had a gaping crack—a perfect opening.
At that moment, numerous powerful auras erupted across the city—
The arrival of multiple Titled Douluo.
Xu Cheng wiped the blood from his lips, grinning wildly.
"Let's make things interesting—let chaos reign!"
(End of Chapter)