Chapter 146: Chapter 146: The Battle with Hu Yanzhen
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At the main hall of the Elephant Armor Sect!
Hu Yanzhen sat in the main seat, his towering figure standing over 2.5 meters tall, almost reaching 3 meters. As he sat there, he resembled a massive mountain of muscle, not at all bloated, but instead impressively robust.
His graying hair and the wrinkles on his face made him appear to be around 70 years old, but he was far from a feeble old man. His aura was terrifying, not in the least bit inferior to that of a ten-thousand-year soul beast.
At this moment, he looked at Wang Li and Dugu Yan, his mood not particularly bright. However, given the influence of their backer, Dugu Bo, he still managed to smile warmly:
"Young friends, I have heard of your outstanding performance in the Soul Master Tournament. Your reputation as geniuses has spread across the continent. However, it is rather reckless of you to come here today, seeking to learn a technique or two from me. I, Hu Yanzhen, go by the title 'Heavenly Phenomenon,' and when I strike, the earth itself trembles. This is not something you can withstand."
Wang Li chuckled lightly and then spoke:
"It is precisely because I've heard of your title, Senior Heavenly Phenomenon, that I came to seek your guidance. Although my soul power has been increasing steadily since the Soul Master Tournament, I still feel unsteady without battle experience. Coming to the Elephant Armor Sect is just the beginning. I plan to challenge many powerful opponents, but if I don't witness the strength of the Diamond Mammoth, I will surely regret it. I hope, Senior, that you will not hold back in teaching me."
Hu Yanzhen gave a strained smile. Given his status in the Soul Master world, battling Wang Li would be an obvious case of "big bullying small," and it would certainly be ridiculed by others.
However, since Wang Li had said so, if he didn't arrange for someone to fight him, people would think the Diamond Mammoth was nothing but an empty name. So Hu Yanzhen called out:
"Since you wish to see the might of the Diamond Mammoth, I'll let my son, Huyan Qing, face you in a match. My son, Huyan Qing, is a 68th-level Defense System Soul Emperor. May I ask, Young Friend, what is your current strength?"
Wang Li, who had come to challenge strong opponents, had no intention of revealing his full strength. His camouflage skills were very effective, so he calmly replied:
"Coincidentally, I too am a Soul Emperor. Since you are unwilling to fight me, I'll face your son. I hope he can give me a bit of pressure and not let me win too easily."
Hu Yanzhen, Huyan Qing, and Huyan Li all narrowed their eyes upon hearing this.
It had only been a short time since the Soul Master Tournament, and the Soul King at that time had now become a Soul Emperor. This was the same person who had dominated the Golden Generation of the Spirit Hall.
But then, Hu Yanzhen, Huyan Qing, and especially Huyan Qing, all became even more alert, their breathing becoming heavier as they realized they had been underestimated.
Hu Yanzhen's bell-like eyes flashed with a hint of malice, and then he laughed loudly:
"If my son loses to you, I'll step in personally. You'll certainly get to experience the power of the Diamond Mammoth."
Wang Li smiled and replied:
"I'm looking forward to it."
With that, Wang Li, Dugu Yan, and the three members of the Huyan family walked into a soul fighting arena within the Elephant Armor Sect.
Many direct disciples and affiliated members of the Elephant Armor Sect gathered upon hearing the news, all coming to cheer for Huyan Qing.
Wang Li removed his blue cloak, revealing his white training clothes underneath, and handed the cloak to Dugu Yan. He gave her a reassuring look before stepping into the arena.
Hu Yanzhen himself acted as the referee. Seeing that both participants were ready, he called out:
"Both of you, take your positions and summon your spirits."
Wang Li summoned his spirit, which, of course, was a disguised version of it. Even his soul rings reverted to yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black. He did this to accumulate battle experience, as revealing his true five black and two red soul ring configuration would easily cause the situation to spiral out of control.
On the other side, Huyan Qing let out a loud roar, and the loose fat on his body quickly bulged and transformed into exaggerated muscles. His skin began to show a yellowish armor-like texture, glistening with a metallic sheen. His nose elongated, and fangs sprouted from his mouth. Six soul rings—two yellow, two purple, and two black—appeared one after another.
Wang Li's goal was Hu Yanzhen, and he wasn't interested in wasting time with Huyan Qing. So, he took the initiative and walked step by step toward him.
Huyan Qing saw Wang Li walking toward him without hesitation, and instead of being surprised, he was pleased. The Diamond Mammoth Spirit possessed immense strength and defense, but it was notably slow. Since Wang Li was taking the initiative to attack, he would have the perfect opportunity to demonstrate the power of the Diamond Mammoth.
Wang Li's pace quickened. A golden gleam flickered in his deep blue eyes as he activated his Instant Step and shot forward like a bolt of lightning.
He closed the distance between them rapidly and launched a flying kick directly at Huyan Qing's chest.
"Poof!"
Huyan Qing felt an immense force crash into him, his blood surging as he coughed up blood. His ribs cracked, the sharp pain making him stagger backward, and he was quickly sent flying.
Although Wang Li wasn't a power-type Soul Master, his incredible vitality gave him terrifying strength across the board. Crushing someone like Huyan Qing was effortless.
*Violent Kick!*
Wang Li used the momentum from the midair strike to propel himself forward again, closing in quickly. As he landed, he delivered another crushing blow, and with a loud thud, Huyan Qing slammed into the ground, his eyes glazing over—he was clearly unconscious.
The crowd gasped in astonishment. Hu Yanzhen's expression darkened. Wang Li's speed had been so fast that he hadn't been able to stop the attack in time.
Looking at Wang Li again, rage surged within Hu Yanzhen's heart. He wasn't a man to tolerate this. Coldly, he thought:
"Damned brat, you came to our Elephant Armor Sect to make a name for yourself. You're the son-in-law of a Titled Douluo, and I'll let you live, but you'll leave with injuries. That should be enough face-saving for you."
With a forced smile, Hu Yanzhen spoke:
"Young friend, you are indeed formidable. No wonder you're the champion of the continent's high-level Soul Master competition. It seems my son is no match for you. Take him away and get him treated. I'll have a proper match with you."
After saying that, he stepped forward, replacing Huyan Qing in the arena. His martial soul activated, and his eight soul rings—two yellow, two purple, and four black—appeared, exuding a powerful aura that made the air around them feel thick and oppressive.
"Ha!"
Hu Yanzhen shouted, his heavy steps causing the ground to tremble as he charged at Wang Li. Since he had made up his mind to vent his anger, he wouldn't hold back.
Wang Li, however, did not dodge. Instead, he met the charge head-on, eager for a battle of pure strength. After all, if he used all his power, one combo would be enough to take down Hu Yanzhen.
Seeing Wang Li stand his ground, Hu Yanzhen was surprised, but he didn't waste time pondering. He threw both fists down with all his might.
*Bang!*
The shockwave from the collision sent winds flying in all directions, and the force of the blow hit Wang Li directly. He gripped Hu Yanzhen's wrists, absorbing the force. Despite the immense strength behind the attack, Wang Li remained calm, his body barely shifting as his long hair billowed in the air. He smiled broadly, laughing as he spoke:
"Lord Huyan, you really do have incredible strength!"
Hu Yanzhen's eyes widened. He knew just how powerful he was, and logically, a blow like that should have left Wang Li unable to resist. But Wang Li had absorbed the strike as if it were nothing.
Incredibly, Hu Yanzhen muttered:
"Your strength isn't insignificant either. How is it possible? A mere Blue Silver Grass Spirit... How can a Soul Emperor like you match my Soul Douluo strength?"
Hu Yanzhen wasn't weak, and with his challenge, from Soul Douluo to Titled Douluo, the protagonist's strength had been rising rapidly as well.
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(End of Chapter)