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Ye Wen didn't doubt the existence of all-rounded soul masters, but Sinael was clearly a stationary-type soul master with poor mobility. Engaging in a direct clash with someone like him was simply reckless.
Perhaps this was what happened when the protagonist faction got too confident after training and strengthening themselves—thinking they could dominate the heavens and earth. Ye Wen chuckled inwardly.
However, Sinael's defensive soul skill wasn't as simple as it appeared. His next move caught Ye Wen's attention.
Sinael's shield began spinning rapidly, redirecting the force of Dai Mubai's powerful punch. The impact caused Dai Mubai to lose his balance and be flung backward.
Dai Mubai stumbled but managed to steady himself, avoiding an embarrassing tumble on the ground thanks to his immense physical strength.
"Not... not so impressive, huh?" Sinael mocked.
Though Ye Wen instinctively disliked bulky soul masters like Sinael, he had to admit that this soul skill was intriguing—it inflicted damage, but not entirely as pure retaliation.
Even for a defensive soul master, having such a first or second soul skill was already quite remarkable.
After being flung away, Dai Mubai fell silent for a moment before breaking into bitter laughter. He had expected a triumphant comeback, only to nearly become a laughingstock.
Dai Mubai decided to stop holding back.
Straightening his spine and standing tall, he slowly raised his right hand.
This stance clearly indicated he was about to unleash a powerful attack. The Absolute Offense and Defense duo immediately became alert. However, instead of activating another soul ring, Dai Mubai began releasing his soul power steadily.
As more soul power flowed outward, the previously scattered energy started rotating spontaneously, gradually condensing.
Wu Qing was shocked at the sight. "He… he can actually control the soul power released outside his body!"
In contrast, Sinael didn't react as strongly. Unlike Wu Qing, whose soul rings were one white and two yellow—a clear indication of mediocrity—Sinael had a background to rely on.
"This is a self-created soul skill. I need to be careful," Sinael thought to himself.
Ye Wen watched the scene with interest. Making soul power rotate outside the body wasn't particularly difficult. With the right method, any soul master could achieve it. For instance, Ye Wen could do it effortlessly.
He was familiar with Dai Mubai's self-created soul skill—it was called Boundless Heavenly Strength, an original technique from the manga version. However, as the story later emphasized the protagonist's prominence, Dai Mubai's role was reduced, and this skill was never seen again.
The training method Yu Xiaogang used to teach Dai Mubai involved kneading dough inside fragile clay bowls. Its core principle was: pure strength alone leads to destruction; rigidity must not break, softness must not bend; use weakness to overcome strength, and gentleness to counter rigidity. Harness the Heavenly Strength through formlessness.
Though it sounded mystical, in reality, its essence boiled down to making meatballs.
(A/N: Take note!)
Due to the pitifully weak spiritual power of soul masters in their early stages, Yu Xiaogang could only rely on this method to help Dai Mubai build muscle memory and simulate the process with soul power.
This was the essence of the self-created soul skill Boundless Heavenly Strength. It was the type of technique that any soul master could master with enough effort.
Still, Ye Wen couldn't help but wonder: If you possessed such a cultivation method, why didn't you train yourself? Otherwise, how could you have made such a fool of yourself during Tang San's first soul ring hunt?
Well, perhaps this was what it meant to be a theoretical master.
Full marks in theory (fake), zero marks in practical application.
At this moment, hurricane-like winds swirled around Dai Mubai . The mass of soul power in his hand rotated rapidly like a Rasengan, appearing incredibly mystical. What made this Rasengan unique was that it wasn't a soul skill generated by soul rings but rather one of the rare self-created soul skills in the Douluo world.
"Now, the second move!" Dai Mubai declared confidently.
Realizing the situation was becoming troublesome, Wu Qing once again activated his first soul skill, intending to strike Dai Mubai down before he could act.
This time, Dai Mubai, fully immersed in battle mode, didn't instinctively dodge as he did earlier. Instead, a confident smile played on his lips as he unleashed his second soul skill—White Tiger Fierce Light Wave!
The moment the soul skill activated, the high-speed rotating Boundless Heavenly Strength in Dai Mubai's hand was instantly infused with golden lightning. This amplified the concentration and power of his White Tiger Fierce Light Wave, which shot out fiercely, colliding head-on with Wu Qing's tongue.
The flaw of physical-based soul skills became apparent. Wu Qing's tongue was immediately paralyzed, emitting a faint burnt odor.
Not letting up, Dai Mubai maintained the White Tiger Fierce Light Wave in his hand. However, instead of launching it outward this time, he allowed it to envelop his right arm. With a sudden burst of speed, he charged forward, leaving behind a streak of lightning-like afterimages.
The ferocity of his attack caused Wu Qing to instinctively evade. But Dai Mubai's target this time wasn't Wu Qing—it was Sinael.
Faced with a self-created soul skill of such secrecy, Sinael didn't dare to take it lightly. He quickly activated his second soul ring.
"Second Soul Skill—Bronze Shell Retreat!"
In an instant, hexagonal energy constructs with vortex patterns pieced together, forming a massive barrier that firmly shielded Sinael behind it.
Dai Mubai continued charging recklessly, showing no signs of reflection from his previous battles.
But with the enhancement of Boundless Heavenly Strength, this time, Dai Mubai didn't disappoint himself!
Boom!
The intense destructive energy of the White Tiger Fierce Light Wave, combined with the concentrated force of Boundless Heavenly Strength, pushed Dai Mubai's attack to its peak. All his strength converged into a single point, instantly shattering Sinael's second soul skill and sending him flying backward.
However, thanks to his robust defense, Sinael managed to stay within the arena, avoiding a loss by being knocked out of bounds.
"You actually withstood that—I'm disappointed. Looks like I'll have to use my third move," Dai Mubai said, feigning regret. However, the smirk on his lips revealed his delight in his newfound surge of power.
"It seems it's time to settle this," Huo Yu'er remarked disinterestedly.
Though both sides had performed decently, to her—a god transcending time—it wasn't particularly impressive.
Ye Wen, however, smiled mysteriously. "It won't end just yet. These two clearly aren't good people—they always resort to underhanded tactics."
With that, Ye Wen cast a meaningful glance at Oscar, who was still bound and standing there, looking lost.
Huo Yu'er paused momentarily, then noticed Oscar as well, nodding thoughtfully.
Xiao Wu paid no attention to their conversation. She enjoyed this kind of underdog comeback story and was watching with great enthusiasm.
As Ye Wen predicted, Sinael and Wu Qing exchanged glances, then nodded slowly. Sinael grabbed Oscar by the neck and lifted him high into the air.
"L-l-let's t-talk, shall w-we?"
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