Chapter 27: The Mysterious Ye Lingling, the Continent's Greatest Beast Spirit? Shattered with a Single Punch!

In the original story, Ye Lingling was like a background character. Aside from one match in the Soul Fighting Arena as a member of the Imperial Fighting Team against the Shrek team, she was eliminated the moment she appeared in the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament.

The only thing that left an impression was her Martial Soul. The Nine-Heart Begonia is an exceptionally rare Martial Soul; there can only be one inheritor in each generation. Across the entire Douluo Continent, only two Nine-Heart Begonia masters can exist simultaneously. Only upon the death of one can another descendant potentially awaken the Nine-Heart Begonia Martial Soul. Regardless of how many soul rings are added, the Nine-Heart Begonia has only one ability and one soul skill: area-of-effect group healing. The extent of the healing is controlled by the user's intent; the higher the cultivation, the more soul rings possessed, and the more soul power released, the stronger the healing effect. If one reaches the level of a Titled Douluo, they can even regenerate severed limbs and save someone who is down to their last breath.

However, this was what puzzled Lu Yu the most. Since the Nine-Heart Begonia only possesses a single healing ability, how did she manage to evade his spiritual perception? In the original plot, Ye Lingling’s cultivation during the tournament was merely that of a three-ring Soul Venerable. This meant that Ye Lingling’s current level could not possibly exceed three rings. For a moment, Lu Yu found it difficult to read this girl.

"And you?" At that moment, the girl’s cool, detached voice interrupted his thoughts.

Lu Yu snapped back to reality, stood up, and said, "Lu Yu."

Without another word, he turned and left. Ye Lingling glanced at his retreating back before looking away after a brief moment.

The next morning, the entire Heaven Dou Imperial Academy bustled with activity once more. The mountain peak was filled with noise, and the original six fighting platforms had been increased to eight.

Lu Yu’s first opponent was a three-ring Soul Venerable with a cultivation of level 37, yet he still failed to force Lu Yu to reveal his Martial Soul. Lu Yu’s physique was simply too monstrous; his raw physical strength alone was enough to make him invincible among his peers. Even a Soul Ancestor would struggle to gain an advantage in close-quarters combat against him. Unless it was a three-ring Soul Venerable with a top-tier Martial Soul who went all-out from the start, they would barely stand a chance.

After the first round, sixteen people were eliminated. To Lu Yu’s surprise, his second-round opponent was Yu Tianheng—the heir to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and the nephew of Yu Xiaogang. Thinking of Yu Xiaogang’s self-righteous demeanor and how that man had wanted to use him as a negative example to teach Tang San back at Notting Primary Soul Master Academy, Lu Yu, who had previously felt little interest, suddenly became fully alert.

Stepping onto the platform, Yu Tianheng said with a solemn expression, "Yu Tianheng, level 35 Power Attack System Battle Soul Venerable! Martial Soul: Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon! Please advise!"

Lu Yu replied indifferently, "Lu Yu, Soul Venerable."

Yu Tianheng frowned, sensing the hostility from Lu Yu and feeling confused. He didn’t recall ever offending him. Seeing his puzzled expression, a hint of a smile flashed in Lu Yu’s eyes. Young man, if you want to blame someone, blame your uncle! When you walk the path, you eventually have to pay the price.

As the referee announced the start of the match, Yu Tianheng activated his Martial Soul. His right arm instantly transformed into a dragon claw, with three soul rings circling it. Dragonization—the innate ability of a Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Soul Master! After reaching level 30, every added soul ring allows for the dragonization of a body part.

Stomping heavily, Yu Tianheng charged straight at Lu Yu. As he reached him, all three soul rings lit up simultaneously! First Soul Skill: Thunder Dragon Claw! Second Soul Skill: Thunderous Fury! Third Soul Skill: Thunder’s Rage! Thunder’s Rage was an amplification skill, while the other two were pure attack skills. Yu Tianheng clearly knew of Lu Yu’s strength and went all-out from the start, launching his most powerful attack.

This spectacle drew gasps from many students in the audience. After all, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon is known as the continent’s number one beast Martial Soul, making Yu Tianheng a favorite to win. No one expected him to unleash his full power against Lu Yu, who hadn't even shown his Martial Soul yet.

But Lu Yu still showed no intention of revealing his Martial Soul. He simply stood his ground, slowly raised his hand, and threw a punch!

"Bang!"

Fist collided with dragon claw. The bolts of lightning carried by the claw instantly swept over Lu Yu’s body. At the same time, the terrifying force of Lu Yu’s punch sent Yu Tianheng flying, causing him to land at the edge of the platform. Yu Tianheng’s Martial Soul manifestation was forcibly shattered; the dragonization on his right arm rapidly faded, and his entire arm was stained with blood, hanging limply at his side. He struggled to rise, his face pale, looking at Lu Yu in shock.

Lu Yu stood there, surrounded by flickering electricity, yet those bolts of lightning had caused him no harm whatsoever. He walked forward slowly, arcs of lightning flowing over him as if he were a god of thunder descended upon the world.

"Am I seeing things? That was the full-force strike of a Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Soul Venerable!"

"Good heavens... the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon is famous for controlling lightning! Yu Tianheng’s lightning power couldn't even hurt Lu Yu!"

"Junior Brother Lu Yu is so cool! I’m smitten!"

The students in the viewing area erupted. Some female students even had stars in their eyes. Lu Yu was already tall and handsome, and now, bathed in lightning, his aura appeared even more transcendent.

Seeing Lu Yu about to reach Yu Tianheng, the referee teacher quickly stepped forward and shouted, "Lu Yu wins!"

Lu Yu glanced at the referee and turned to walk away. Yu Tianheng watched his retreating figure, dazed.

Before long, the matches on the other seven platforms concluded. The third round began!

Stepping back onto the platform, Lu Yu looked at the girl opposite him with a strange expression. Dugu Yan was still dressed in her signature dark green tactical gear, her short deep-purple hair making her look heroic and spirited, while her enchanting, dark green eyes exuded charm.

"Little Brother Lu Yu! Long time no see!" Dugu Yan winked at him.

Lu Yu’s face darkened, and he retorted, "I told you... don’t call me little brother..."

Their exchange left the referee and the students in the audience stunned. They actually knew each other? After yesterday's matches, the students had tried to gather information on Lu Yu, but the result was that no one in the academy knew him. Yet, it seemed Dugu Yan and Lu Yu were quite familiar.

Glancing at the viewing area and then up at Dugu Bo on the high platform, a flash of mischief crossed Dugu Yan’s eyes. She stepped forward, leaned in close to Lu Yu, and said with a seductive lilt, "After the match, this big sister will discuss the issue of 'size' with you..."

She emphasized the words "size," her tone brimming with subtle allure. With that, she turned and headed straight off the platform, waving at the referee as she said, "I forfeit!"

Except for the students still competing on the other three platforms, everyone else was left petrified, standing in the wind, completely bewildered.