With a crisp ding, the ray was stopped, revealing its true form—a slender needle, about 5 centimeters long.
"Tsk tsk, Scorpion… I didn't expect you to throw away all martial honor like that. Using your Soul-Stealing Needle just to take down a Soul Emperor? That's your martial soul's ultimate killing move."
The one speaking was a burly, heavily-muscled man. Even with his battle armor on, his hulking physique was obvious.
He was the strongest present—seven-ring Soul Sage. Martial Soul: Rampaging Crimson Ape.
"Old man, if you leave now, I can promise not to make a move on you. Otherwise… today, you both leave your lives here."
The battle armor-clad woman known as "Scorpion" spoke in a hoarse voice. Her armor was black and crimson, her figure curvaceous and deadly—it was shocking to realize she was a woman.
So, these evil soul masters' target should be Fu Huai'an… Does he have something special about him?
Hiding nearby, Nan Fusheng silently listened, analyzing their motives.
"Hah! You rats hiding in the sewers dare to attack a federal soul train? You dare to assassinate government officials? And now you're telling me to leave? Who do you think you are?" the muscle-bound man laughed scornfully.
"In that case, you and everyone else on this train can stay here forever."
Evil soul masters were already twisted by nature. Being mocked only pushed her further into murderous rage. Killing one or killing two made no difference.
Purple, Purple, Purple, Purple, Black, Black, Black.
Seven soul rings floated behind her, making the air thick with tension.
Facing the fully unleashed Scorpion, the muscle man grew solemn. He glanced at Fu Huai'an beside him.
"Scorpion's strength is not to be underestimated. The fact that she's survived federal pursuit for so many years and still reached the Soul Sage level says enough. I'm afraid I won't be able to help you after this—you'll have to take care of yourself."
"Don't worry, Old Zhao. I can hold my own."
The Soul Sage and the Soul Emperor clashed once more. The muscular man's strength and defense were formidable, but Scorpion, being an agility-type soul master, slipped through his attacks like an eel. The fight locked into a stalemate.
But the balance didn't last. The two Soul King–level evil soul masters had already finished off their opponents and were charging toward them.
"You two, go take care of the ordinary passengers first, then bring the others to help me!"
It was the evil Soul Emperor's voice. His soul power was greatly diminished, and he had lost a large number of wraiths. By killing the passengers, he could harvest their souls to replenish his army, and also free up the lower-ranked soul masters to join the battle.
After all, a soul master's spirit was far stronger than that of an ordinary human.
And, of course, watching civilians slaughtered would almost certainly force Fu Huai'an and the others into a desperate move, creating openings for the enemy.
Sure enough, the two Soul Kings turned back toward the passenger cars. Fu Huai'an, still entangled by the wraiths, heard every word.
The bamboo sword in his hand flared with light, cutting down several wraiths in a flash. But more quickly closed in, blocking his way. His attempt to break through failed.
The one summoning the wraiths was none other than the Soul Emperor. Despite the drain on his power, he recklessly poured everything into his fifth soul skill, calling forth more and more spirits to hold Fu Huai'an down.
"Damn it… damn it! How many people has this bastard killed?"
Fu Huai'an cursed, his hands never stopping. Whether as a graduate of Shrek Academy or as a federal government officer, he could not stand by and watch civilians be slaughtered.
Meanwhile, Nan Fusheng was also in a tight spot. The two Soul Kings were headed straight for him.
You… you'd better not come over here.
It wasn't that they had spotted him—just bad luck that their path crossed his. Still, his heart leapt into his throat.
What to do? Fight? Or slip away?
With the Star Worm's abilities, he could teleport out before they even noticed him.
For a moment, he hesitated… then made his choice.
Fight.
This was the perfect opportunity to test what would happen if he forcibly drew on high-sequence powers using his Uniqueness and the Source Castle. He would have to use them soon enough anyway, so he might as well get accustomed to it now.
With a thought, Nan Fusheng activated the Source Castle and Uniqueness. With these as mediums, using high-sequence abilities became far easier. His growing sequence level meant he could now tap into the Source Castle directly—no need for the long, formal prayers he once required.
When the two Soul Kings neared, a wave of bone-deep dread washed over them.
At the same time, everyone else—Fu Huai'an locked in battle with the wraiths, the hidden Soul Emperor, even the mindless spirits themselves—froze in place.
High above, the two dueling Soul Sages paused mid-strike, each warily watching the other while scanning their surroundings.
"Aah… aaahhh—!"
Agonized screams tore through the air. The four combatants turned to see the two Soul Kings on the ground, clutching their heads, rolling in agony. Blood seeped from their eyes—a horrific sight.
Bang!
The next moment, both collapsed lifelessly. They had glimpsed something that should not be seen—knowledge their minds could not endure, overloading their brains and killing them instantly.
The survivors' gazes followed the direction the Soul Kings had come from.
Then, it appeared.
A swarm of semi-transparent worms, each encircled by twelve ghostly rings.
"AHHH!!!"
Soul Emperor, Soul Sage—it made no difference. They clutched their heads, screaming, just like the two dead Soul Kings before them. Now they understood their comrades' agony.
Countless whispers burrowed into their minds—knowledge, but knowledge they could never comprehend. Knowledge that forced itself violently into their consciousness, shattering their mental defenses.
And in the center of it all… Nan Fusheng stood, calmly observing himself.
His Mythical Creature Form.