Chapter 104: Chapter 104: The Phoenix's Mighty Display!
Facing the sudden, mysterious appearance of the flaming phoenix, Zhang Kuangmo had no time to ponder. In an instant, he transformed into a massive, dark red bat, surrounded by a bloody aura. His soul rings lit up one after another, greatly enhancing his power. In his now blazing red eyes, a flicker of calm finally appeared.
The flaming phoenix might not look intimidating, but Zhang Kuangmo's instincts told him this creature could kill him. Zhang Kuangmo had always trusted his instincts, so without hesitation, he unleashed his full power, preparing to face the fiery phoenix with everything he had.
With his Martial Soul True Body and multiple soul skills activated, Zhang Kuangmo charged toward the phoenix head-on.
"Curse it all! I am Kuangmo, the Mad Demon Douluo!" he roared defiantly.
In mid-air, the flaming phoenix collided with the blood-red bat, merging for a brief moment. Fire and blood intertwined, flame clashing against flesh. After a few seconds, the phoenix burst apart, scattering into countless embers, leaving behind a trail of pure, dustless smoke.
A charred figure dropped from the sky, hitting the ground heavily. The figure was burnt beyond recognition, reeking of a nauseating stench that turned the stomachs of those nearby. There was no doubt—it was a corpse.
"Is that…" Xu Xiaoyan murmured in disbelief, staring at the blackened body in shock. "Was that the evil Douluo?"
Her question echoed what Tang Wulin and Xie Xie were thinking. They, too, were filled with astonishment. Just moments ago, the terrifying evil Douluo had become nothing more than a charred corpse. What was that flaming phoenix that could so effortlessly annihilate a Titled Douluo?
Jing Shaoyu's face mirrored their surprise but not their confusion. His attention was now focused on the phoenix that had emerged from his Phoenix Ring. With its target gone, it shifted direction, turning to face the remaining evil soul masters. It moved with such intelligence that it seemed to be a real, living phoenix.
"A fire element born with a will…" Gu Yue murmured as she watched the phoenix soar.
"What?" Jing Shaoyu hadn't caught her words and asked instinctively.
Meanwhile, Zhang Bainin stood frozen, staring at the charred remains of his grandfather ten meters ahead. His mouth opened, but his throat seemed to close up, preventing any sound from escaping. His entire body stiffened, rooted to the spot as if he were a statue, utterly terrified.
His grandfather, the Bat King Douluo Zhang Kuangmo, was dead—just like that. The shock was too much, causing his spirit essence to waver as his mind struggled to process the unimaginable truth.
But before his Martial Soul could fully collapse, the smaller phoenix from Jing Shaoyu's Phoenix Ring swooped toward him, searing him with intense flames as it passed. A moment later, where Zhang Bainin had stood, only a pile of black ashes remained.
The phoenix soared gracefully, targeting Soul Kings, Soul Emperors, and Soul Saints among the evil soul masters. Some fled, others burned, and some perished instantly, each meeting a different fate under the relentless onslaught of the flaming phoenix.
Finally, with its form now reduced by half, the phoenix hurtled toward Zhang Zibo, who was still engaged in combat with Wu Zhangkong, unaware of the carnage below. The phoenix struck him from behind, exploding in a burst of gold and red flames that engulfed him completely.
"Ah!" Zhang Zibo's final scream was laced with fear and confusion, his death cry filled with reluctant despair.
Wu Zhangkong watched in astonishment and relief. Without pausing to dwell on it, he turned and descended swiftly, his only thought to reunite with his students.
Worry and dread filled his heart, fearing that he might find not his lively students but their cold, lifeless bodies.
When he finally returned to the ground, relief washed over him—his students were all alive, even the much-doubted Director Long Hengxu, though he was in poor condition. Breathing a deep sigh, he realized the overall strength of these evil soul masters was not as overwhelming as he'd initially feared.
"Teacher Wu is back!" Tang Wulin was the first to spot Wu Zhangkong, shouting in joy.
The others turned and lit up with smiles of relief and excitement. But Jing Shaoyu and Long Hengxu continued focusing on treatment, as Jing Shaoyu was healing Long Hengxu's wounds.
Long Hengxu looked pitiful. His entire body bore wounds, as his opponent's corrosive attacks had left most of his body scarred, with some areas even exposing bare bones. The pain was evident.
Jing Shaoyu worked intently, using his first and third soul skills in tandem to neutralize the corrosive effects and heal Long Hengxu's deeper injuries, particularly his exposed shoulder.
Wu Zhangkong didn't interrupt, instead asking the others about what had transpired. Tang Wulin and Xie Xie eagerly recounted everything, from the initial attacks to the phoenix's arrival. As Wu Zhangkong listened, astonishment filled his face, and he grew contemplative.
"…A Titled Douluo with the Blood Shadow Bat Martial Soul? And a mysterious golden-red phoenix?" Wu Zhangkong murmured with a hint of lingering fear. "This was a miraculous stroke of luck! That phoenix… could it have been a tribute from some distinguished figure?"
After some thought, he clasped his hands and respectfully bowed toward the quiet clearing around them. "Wu Zhangkong, disciple of Shrek Academy, offers his profound gratitude to the venerable one for this life-saving act!"
No one responded, leaving Wu Zhangkong in an awkward position. But he held his bow for a full three minutes before finally standing upright, undisturbed by the lack of acknowledgment.
"What should we do now, Teacher Wu?" Tang Wulin asked, stepping forward.
"Once Shaoyu has stabilized Director Long's condition, we'll return to East Sea City," Wu Zhangkong replied, glancing around the scene.
The surviving passengers were in dire shape. Before the phoenix appeared, almost two-thirds of the soul masters had been killed or defeated by the evil soul masters, and even afterward, another tenth had perished.
In the end, only around thirty or forty people remained alive—a devastating toll.
As for the evil soul masters, after the phoenix's assault, they had swiftly retreated. Led by a Soul Saint, they managed to escape with one Soul Emperor and about a dozen Soul Ancestors and Soul Elders. Their retreat was quick and orderly, and with their remaining strength, no one dared to pursue them.
The surviving passengers finally had a chance to rest and call for help. Their faces still showed fear, worried that the evil soul masters might return. Many soul masters able to move had already prepared to leave the area, while those unable to leave clustered around Wu Zhangkong.
"Please, Soul Saint, save us!" A Soul Elder, covered in blood and pale-faced, pleaded with Wu Zhangkong. "Take us with you!"
"Yes, please!" Others echoed, their faces filled with hope and desperation, looking pitiable.
Wu Zhangkong's expression remained unchanged as he coldly replied, "I have students to care for; I'm in no position to bring you along. Besides, those evil soul masters won't be coming back."
"Who could guarantee that?" the Soul Elder argued. "Please, sir, show mercy and take us with you! I swear I'll repay you handsomely!"
"Yes, yes! We'll all repay you!" others chimed in.
"I've already said—I have my students to look after!" Wu Zhangkong's face darkened as he retorted.
"I…" The Soul Elder attempted to argue further.
"Please leave!" Wu Zhangkong cut him off firmly, radiating a frosty aura that made those approaching him shiver. Fear flashed across their faces, and they wisely turned and left.
At that moment, Jing Shaoyu finished treating Long Hengxu. "Director Long, this is as much as I can do for now. The corrosive curse is gone, leaving only the injuries. Once we're back at the academy, I'll perform further treatments."
"Thank you. This is more than enough," Long Hengxu replied, his face pale but managing a smile.
"Well then, let's set off!" Wu Zhangkong sai
d, wasting no time, showing no inclination to allow Jing Shaoyu or Long Hengxu any rest.
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