The Glory of the Sun and Moon in the Peerless Tang Sect

Cold sweat streamed down Ma Xiaotao's forehead, her whole body convulsing. Suddenly, she snapped her pink eyes open. However, due to the backlash from the evil fire, the depths of her eyes had turned completely fiery red, with a mad rage raging within them.

At that moment, a deep blue light shone between her brows, enveloped in a cold yet refreshing aura.

An invisible wave instantly enveloped the entire secret room. This was the ability to project mental energy.

Without a doubt, Ma Xiaotao has successfully fused with a head soul bone. Moreover, this head soul bone is of extremely high quality, allowing her spiritual power to leap to the level where it can be projected outwards.

At this moment, Ma Xiaotao's strange eyes, a blend of pink and fiery red, turned completely into a deep blue. Her frenzied thoughts transformed into clarity.

“Teacher.” Ma Xiaotao looked up at Yan Shaozhe, her eyes filled with a pleading look.

"Xiao Tao, why are you so stubborn?" Yan Shaozhe sighed softly.

"Your skull, which is a product of the spiritual essence of an 80,000-year-old Holy Illusion Demon Ape, can only keep your consciousness clear, but it cannot completely solve your problem of backlash from evil fire."

Ma Xiaotao pursed her lips and said with a firm expression.

"Teacher, I want to go to the far north."

Yan Shaozhe's gaze sharpened, and he pondered for a long time.

"Xiao Tao, are you really sure?"

Ma Xiaotao nodded.

Beneath her fiery temper and carefree personality lies a deep sense of pride. Therefore, even after Xu Zihuang and Ning Tian confirmed their relationship, she preferred to suffer the torment of the "evil fire" herself rather than seek Xu Zihuang's help to dispel it.

So Yan Shaozhe had no choice but to retrieve the top-tier head soul bone from the academy's treasury, taken from an 80,000-year-old Holy Illusion Demon Ape. At least he had to keep her conscious.

The spiritual essence of this bone, which allows her to maintain a clear mind, combined with the extreme cold of the far north, theoretically should indeed help Ma Xiaotao suppress the evil fire within her body. However, the far north is also fraught with danger.

Yan Shaozhe hesitated, wondering if he should send his only direct disciple alone to the perilous far north.

Just as he was hesitating, he heard Old Master Mu's kind voice.

"Shao Zhe, let Xiao Tao go. This is her destiny, but also her opportunity."

Chapter 218 Extreme Test Destination - Star Dou Great Forest

Perhaps because of the presence of the Golden Tree, the mountain where the Sea God Pavilion is located is only a few hundred meters high, but it is shrouded in clouds and mist all year round.

The crispness of an early summer morning blended with the mist as Xu Zihuang, having left the Sea God Pavilion, arrived at the edge of a rocky cliff.

With a few quick taps on his toes, he leaped powerfully from the protruding rocks at the very edge, his entire body enveloped in thick mist. His deep purple eyes instantly transformed into a brilliant gold, and before his golden eyes, which possessed the power to see through the essence of all things, the entire panorama of Seagod Island unfolded before him.

"Weng—"

A crisp sound, similar to ice crystals condensing, rang out, and thin, dark red crystal mirrors appeared in the surrounding space. Xu Zihuang identified the direction of the Soul Guidance System, and using the crystal mirrors as leverage, he stepped into the air and drifted away.

Previously, Elder Mu had told him that before the Extreme Individual Soldier Program began, he and He Caitou had to undergo an extreme test in order to arrange a specific and reasonable training plan based on their situation.

And this extreme test will take place today.

In the blink of an eye, Xu Zihuang passed through the clouds. A ray of sunrise swept across the eastern horizon, and as he looked down upon the entire Seagod Island, his indifferent golden eyes revealed no emotion. But the ambition and obsession that had arisen four years ago when he escaped that cage surged into his heart at this moment.

Poseidon Island is a microcosm of Douluo Continent. In the near future, it will inevitably look down upon the entire Douluo Continent just as it does now, becoming the sole ruler of the continent.

However, not long after he left the area of ​​Poseidon Island, his golden pupils suddenly focused on a point on the vast surface of Poseidon Lake.

A girl who looked no more than eighteen or nineteen years old stood on the lake. She had long, ice-blue hair, ice-blue eyes, and skin as white as snow. Unlike Ma Xiaotao's fiery personality and Jiang Nannan's gentle nature, she exuded a cool and aloof aura.

With each graceful step, a mirror of ice would solidify beneath her feet, supporting her as she stood on the deep blue surface of the Sea God Lake. Undoubtedly, she possessed an ice-attribute martial soul. To achieve this without using her martial soul or soul skills was proof enough that her control over the ice-attribute energy within her soul power had reached a remarkably refined level.

When Xu Zihuang looked over, she also raised her head and their eyes met.

Xu Zihuang was no stranger to this girl. This girl was none other than Ling Luochen, the main control soul master from the original selection team.

Xu Zihuang nodded politely to Ling Luochen before continuing his journey towards the location of the Soul Guidance Department.

Ling Luochen stared blankly in the direction Xu Zihuang had left, a rare, subtle change appearing on her usually cold face. Although her personality was completely opposite to Ma Xiaotao's, the pride in her heart was the same.

During her recovery period on Seagod Island, she learned from news from Star Luo City that Yu Tianhuang had replaced her as the main control soul master in the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Battle Tournament, and had performed exceptionally well, helping the Shrek Academy team win the final championship.

She didn't harbor any ill will towards Yu Tianhuang, but she felt somewhat uncomfortable and regretful. She should have rightfully received this honor herself.

But after witnessing Yu Tianhuang's exquisite use of his soul skills today, her discomfort vanished instantly, leaving only the regret of not being able to represent Shrek Academy in the competition. Because she knew that she herself simply couldn't have done even a little bit.

Even without a true all-out battle between them, she knew she was no match for Yu Tianhuang. Even if she were to participate in the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Battle Tournament, she couldn't possibly perform better than Yu Tianhuang.

It's not difficult to use a soul skill in different ways; what's difficult is to use a soul skill to such a high level as Yu Tianhuang, where everything is as natural as an extension of his arm, and every bit of power is used perfectly without being wasted.

This is precisely the level that every control-type Soul Master strives for. She is currently far from achieving it.

Unlike Ling Luochen, whose mind was filled with a myriad of thoughts, Xu Zihuang's heart remained calm.

In his eyes, Ling Luochen's talent was only average, far inferior to top geniuses like Ma Xiaotao, who was about to reach the level 70 bottleneck at the age of twenty. He didn't even want to associate with Ma Xiaotao, so why would he waste his time on Ling Luochen?

He never felt that anyone his age could stand on the same level as him, and neither could Ma Xiaotao and Ling Luochen. With his unparalleled talent, he would only become someone they looked up to in the future.

Of course, he still had to maintain the appearance of a relationship, so he took the initiative to greet Ling Luochen just now to maintain his persona.

With his mind racing, Xu Zihuang quickly crossed the Sea God Lake and arrived at the Soul Guidance Department, located in the northwest corner of Shrek Academy.

Soul Guidance System, in front of the Soul Guidance Experiment Zone.

Fan Yu and He Caitou were already waiting there.

Xu Zihuang stepped forward with a gentle smile and greeted the two of them.

"Teacher Fanyu and senior brother, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."

He Caitou touched his big bald head and chuckled.

"Actually, my teacher and I just arrived."

Fan Yu looked at Xu Zihuang, and even the usually serious Xu Zihuang had a hint of a smile in his eyes.

"Tianhuang, I'm very pleased that you made this decision. With the Sea God Pavilion's decision, the Soul Guidance Department will allocate all resources to you and Caitou to fully support the execution of the Extreme Individual Soldier Plan. However, you will also face tremendous pressure. But I believe that you and Caitou will not let us down. Come with me first, Dean Xian and Dean Qian want to see you."

After saying that, Fan Yu turned and walked into the heavy soul guidance test area.

Xu Zihuang and He Caitou exchanged a smile, then quickly followed.

As they walked, Fan Yu began to explain the extreme individual soldier plan in detail to the two of them. But in reality, He Caitou already knew about these things, and Fan Yu was mostly just explaining them to Xu Zihuang.

"Before we meet Dean Xian and Dean Qian, let me first explain the significance of the Ultimate Individual Soldier Program. The purpose of the Ultimate Individual Soldier Program is to cultivate a powerful individual capable of changing the outcome of a war. Here, war refers to legion-level confrontations. In the four great empires of the continent, every legion has Soul Masters. Under normal circumstances, a legion commander needs to have at least the cultivation level of a Soul Saint. And a well-trained Soul Master legion, coupled with a sufficient number of various Soul Tools, will not be easily confronted head-on by a Title Douluo-level powerhouse."

"As selected participants in the Ultimate Individual Soldier Program, you will learn not only the creation and use of soul tools, but also skills and knowledge in many other areas such as disguise, infiltration, concealment, sabotage, and military affairs. According to the academy's plan, it is intended to take ten years to test this out. The two deans and I expect to see initial results from you within two years."

"However, Tianhuang, your main focus is slightly different from Caitou's. Tianhuang, your main focus is on the production and use of soul tools, infiltration, concealment, reconnaissance and sabotage. Caitou, your main focus is on the production, use and carrying of soul tools, disguise, wilderness survival, military, rapid response, infiltration, escape, strategy, demolition and so on."

"Simply put, Tianhuang, you are on a pure path of destruction, increasing your own destructive power and mastering all means to defeat the enemy. As a support-type Soul Master, Caitou already possesses certain support abilities. In addition to destruction, he needs to learn more skills to assist you and serve as your strongest support."

Xu Zihuang glanced at He Caitou. Although He Caitou still looked honest and simple, a strange light flashed in the depths of his eyes.

Just as they had discussed when they revealed their identities, everything was as they had anticipated.

Unbeknownst to them, Fan Yu had already led the two to the door of an office deep within the Soul Guidance Experiment Zone.

Fan Yu pressed a few times on the metal door in front of him, and a soft white light appeared on it. Accompanied by the clanging of metal, the heavy metal door revealed a gap in the middle and then slid to both sides.

"Dean Xian, Dean Qian, they've arrived."

In the spacious office, Xian Lin'er sat in a chair behind her desk. Qian Duoduo, over two meters tall and with a burly build, leaned against the desk in front of her, arms crossed. His bronze muscles had a metallic sheen, making him look like a giant version of He Caitou.

"Dean Xian, Dean Qian, hello." Xu Zihuang and He Caitou bowed to Xian Lin'er and Qian Duoduo together.

Qian Duoduo laughed loudly, then patted Xu Zihuang's shoulder heavily with his large, fan-like hand.

The force with which he slapped Xu Zihuang's body was causing it to tremble slightly, which showed just how much strength he had used.

"Good lad, you have good taste."

Qian Duoduo was undoubtedly referring to Xu Zihuang's choice to participate in the Extreme Individual Soldier Project. When the Sea God Pavilion meeting decided to let Yu Tianhuang make his own choice, neither he nor Xian Lin'er looked too happy.

Yu Tianhuang was practically born for their extreme individual soldier plan, and they really didn't want to miss out on this best candidate, so they settled for second best.

Xianlin'er appeared calmer, but the joy in her eyes seemed genuine.

"I believe you've already heard from Fan Yu. Before you officially begin the Extreme Individual Soldier Program, you'll undergo a test. You'll have one hour to prepare, after which you'll head to the Star Dou Great Forest. This test will involve surviving for half a month in the mixed zone of the Star Dou Great Forest. During this time, you can use all your abilities, including various soul tools, except for fixed-position soul tools."

Upon hearing Xian Lin'er's decision, Qian Duoduo remained expressionless, but Fan Yu couldn't help but frown. Clearly, Xian Lin'er and Qian Duoduo hadn't discussed these matters with him beforehand.

The Star Dou Great Forest, as the continent's premier habitat for spirit beasts, is fraught with danger. Generally, the outermost twenty kilometers are called the outer zone, where only ten-year, hundred-year, and thousand-year spirit beasts are active. In this mixed zone, the main species are thousand-year spirit beasts, and even ten-thousand-year spirit beasts frequently appear.

Surviving in this mixed zone for half a month involves not only facing attacks from these soul beasts, but also enduring physical and mental torment. Even for Soul Emperors or Soul Saints, surviving in this mixed zone for half a month would be extremely difficult.

However, Fan Yu also knew about Yu Tianhuang's performance in the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Battle Tournament, and that his combat power was comparable to that of a Soul Emperor. That's why he didn't raise any questions immediately.

Moreover, while there will certainly be dangers in the Star Dou Great Forest, it is precisely because the soul beasts living there are wild and extremely aggressive that they can better unleash the potential of Yu Tianhuang and He Caitou.

"Survive in the mixed zone of the Star Dou Great Forest for half a month?" Xu Zihuang murmured calmly, while He Caitou felt somewhat uneasy. Although he had also experienced life-and-death ordeals during that palace coup, his experience after being rescued by Fan Yu was far less dramatic than Xu Zihuang's, and he was inevitably somewhat inferior in temperament.

The joy in Xianlin'er's eyes faded, and her expression became much more serious.

Is there a problem?

“No problem.” Xu Zihuang and He Caitou exchanged a glance and answered in unison.

Xian Lin'er waved her hand, signaling the two of them to go down and prepare.

"Bang—" The heavy metal door opened and closed again, and at this moment only Xian Lin'er, Qian Duoduo, and Fan Yu, the three giants of the Soul Guidance Department, remained in the huge office.

Fan Yu couldn't help but ask Xian Lin'er, "Dean Xian, isn't this a bit risky?"

“Fanyu, I understand your concerns. Don’t worry, Lin’er and I will personally follow behind them and evaluate their test.” Qian Duoduo casually took over the conversation.

“No matter how many tests they undergo in the academy, they can never truly experience a life-or-death crisis. After much thought, Lin’er and I concluded that the Star Dou Great Forest is the most suitable place. Moreover, as a whole, fighting side by side in a potentially dangerous situation will foster greater trust between them.”

Hearing Qian Duoduo say this, Fan Yu immediately felt relieved.

Dean Xian and Dean Qian are both Title Douluo-level powerhouses, and they are only one step away from becoming Super Douluo. If the two of them join forces, they would be able to fight even ferocious beast-level soul beasts. Ensuring the safety of Yu Tianhuang and He Caitou within the mixed zone should not be a problem.

Meanwhile, Xu Zihuang and He Caitou, who had just left, also began their preparations. The two went their separate ways. He Caitou went to the Soul Guidance Experiment Area and his room to retrieve the various Soul Guidance Devices he had made, while Xu Zihuang went to the nearby Soul Guidance Department's canteen to purchase ample dry food and water.

Fifteen minutes later, the two were ready and met in front of the gate of the Soul Guidance Experiment Area, and walked together out of Shrek Academy.

Chapter 219 Black Cherries, Purple Cherries, and Pink Cherries

To get to Shrek Academy's east gate from the Soul Guidance Department, you have to pass through the Martial Soul Department.

When Xu Zihuang and He Caitou arrived near the Shrek Academy Plaza of the Martial Soul System along the lakeside path, a number of Martial Soul System students had already gathered there.

Xu Zihuang was well-known throughout Shrek Academy, and He Caitou's muscular build, which was even larger than an adult's, and his unusually dark skin also attracted attention. The two instantly became the focus of attention in Shrek Square.