The Golden Generation bemoaned in their hearts. We never should've believed this Little God's words!
Ru Shenqi rained terror down on Spirit Empire's troops. Just then, Xiang Yuezu flew forward and cried, "Domain of Arcana!"
Sea Dragon Douluo leapt up and countered, "Devilbreaker Domain!"
He instantly cancelled the Arcana Douluo's domain, shocking her. Turning his head slightly, he bowed. "Master Ru Shenqi."
"Third spirit skill, Clear Crystal Armor!"
With her defense, he was able to launch his self-created spirit skill: Ocean Strike. Drawing on the water from the bottom of Liuying Gorge and the precipitation from the clouds, Sea Dragon Douluo condensed it all within him. With his attack power increased by two hundred percent, he shot out the compressed collective energy like a drill, rotating violently in midair, towards Xiang Yuezu. Seeing this, her eyes widened. She turned to flee.
You're not going anywhere, Ru Shenqi thought.
"First divine skill, Soul Entrapment!"
Similar to her Ice Goddess skill, this divine skill could trap spirit masters below God level in a ghostly array. They'd be burdened with seeing the souls of the dead and frozen to the spot.
Dealt with this tyrannical divine skill, the Arcana Douluo couldn't break free. Then, Sea Dragon Douluo's self-created spirit skill hit. She was thrown back over fifty meters straight into Liuying Fortress. Hu Liena's eyebrow twitched. Her hands clenched into fists, shaking.
Ru Shenqi, oh Ru Shenqi, why did I have to meet you back in Vast Sea City that day? Why did I lead you to Slaughter City only to grow an enemy?
The Goddess of Souls' gaze fell on her original mentor's. Hu Liena, you and Spirit Empire have terrorized the Continent for far too long. Soon, you and everyone from Spirit Empire shall perish. Then, I will personally guide all of your souls to Hell.
She summoned the Golden Scepter and raised further up into the air. Calling on the Power of the Ocean, she surged the water from below and brought it up like a tsunami. Deciding to teach Spirit Empire a lesson they wouldn't forget so quickly, she waved her weapon in a full clockwise circle before pointing it at Liuying Fortress. The waters sloshed and swirled. The wind picked up. Storms rolled in as slaughter intent filled her icy cold eyes.
The Shrek Six Tyrants and Seven Devils gaped. Sea Dragon Douluo breathed in amazement, "Master Ru Shenqi can even summon a hurricane."
She sent the full power of a hurricane towards Liuying Fortress. Powerful waves barraged at the stone walls. The winds picked up Spirit Empire soldiers and spun them in the air.
Under such circumstances, the spirit masters from the Seven Clans shot forward. Soldiers marched towards the joint army. Itching to join the fight, Ocean spirit masters released their spirits. Drawing on the water, they launched their strongest and widest-range attacks. Tang San and Xiao Wu merged to use the Coexistence of Two Gods spirit fusion skill. Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun created their White Tiger of Netherworld. Ning Rongrong and all of her clansmen summoned their spirits, boosting the Ocean spirit masters. Huo Wu and Feng Xiaotian combined their skills and began to fight. Ma Hongjun released his Fire Phoenix Spirit Avatar, and Oscar copied him. Yu Xiaogang and Xue Beng guided the fight while Flender flew up to keep an eye on things from the sky.
Spirit masters from the Speed Hall flew up and lined themselves in rows, stacked on top of each others. They summoned Godly Zhuge Crossbows and fired at Spirit Empire. Bing Dadao, Cang Huaban, and Qing Qiangda released their spirits and joined the fight. The Five Terrors shared a look; they knew they had greatly underestimated Ru Shenqi's power that even Spirit Empire was scared of her. Making up their minds, they launched their most explosive and most supportive skills.
As her hurricane chipped away at Liuying Fortress, Ru Shenqi also decided to help out her allies. With an even and regal tone, she said, "Seventh divine skill, Unholy Resurrection!"
Souls of the recently deceased rose up from underground to attack the living. Completely under her command, they ran forward and fought with the equal power and strength of when they were at their peak while alive. Seeing this, Xie Yue and Yan's face blanched.
"This is like Laoshi's Rakshasa Resurrection ability," Yan shivered.
But, Xie Yue shook his head. "No. This is purer. Laoshi's ability was seeped in murderous aura and the resurrected were half-rotting. These are just souls. And they're completely under control. Chrysanthemum Douluo didn't exactly listen to Laoshi."
With so many extra fighters, the Heaven Dou and Star Luo Empires seemed to have the upper hand. Taking his chance, Ming Yong's Sea Anemone King Right Leg Bone rejuvenated him and returned him spiritual power and spirit power. His fingers rested on his divine Seven String Dragon Qin strings. As his eyes sharpened, he began the Duality Cry of the Heavens. As he drain the power from those on Spirit Empire's side, especially the Elders and seven Flamens, he returned it to those on the Empires' side. After he had finished, he launched his ninth spirit skill, Dragon Qin Nirvana.
As his melodious tune rang out over Liuying Gorge, soldiers and weaker spirit masters dropped dead. Liuying Fortress shook. Its foundations had been severely weakened by Ru Shenqi's hurricane. The Golden Generation shot away just in the nick of time. After the immense pressure from Dragon Qin Nirvana, the fortress exploded. Then, he played his tune for the Melody and Harmony Domain.
Turning towards his Captain, he asked, "Xiao Shen, now what?"
Everyone waited for her orders. "Spirit Empire has been dealt a great blow today. We can consider this a victory for the Empires. Let's draw back now and tend to our wounded. Supreme Pontiff Hu Liena will have to figure out a way to take care of her Seven Clans and soldiers now that Liuying Fortress has been destroyed."
Tang San echoed, "Xiao Shen is right. We should take a step back while we have the advantage. The last thing we want is for the tides to suddenly turn on us. Let's go back to the camp and rest up."
The souls disappeared. Spirits retracted. Everyone allied under the two Empires turned and headed back to their tents.
Just before Ru Shenqi left the battlefield, she left the Golden Generation a warning, "I will find out what really happened to my parents. And the day I do... is the day Spirit Empire falls once and for all."
<><><>
Back in the camp, Ru Shenqi met with Tang San, Yu Xiaogang, Xue Beng, the Star Luo Emperor, and Sea Dragon Douluo. Sea Dragon Douluo bowed.
"Master Ru Shenqi, Lord Tang San."
"Sea Dragon Douluo, it's been a while," Tang San smiled kindly.
"Thank you for coming," Xue Beng cut in. "I understand your desire to protect Haishen Island, but I'm very grateful you've come with Xiao Shen."
"Master Ru Shenqi had a point. To keep Haishen Island safe, Spirit Empire needs to be wiped from Douluo Continent. The Seven Sacred Pillar Guardians shouldn't leave the island. But my domain can break all over domains, and I'm also the strongest of the Seven. So, I agreed to follow Master Ru Shenqi back to Vast Sea City and here to Liuying Gorge."
Tang San nodded. "Xiao Shen really matured on the island. I supposed I have the Seven Sea Titled Douluos to thank for that."
"Sect Leader, I'm right here, you know."
Yu Xiaogang cleared his throat. "Xiao Shen, you can still duplicate spirit and trap spirit masters. Does that mean you can still resurrect people also?"
She nodded slowly. "I was able to convince Sea Dragon Douluo to come with me because of the guarantee of life. My divine skill is now called Eightfold Soul Samsara, but it's the exact same skill with the exact same price to pay."
"Then don't use it unless you seriously have to," Tang San warned. "You cannot afford to lose your divine skills for a month."
Sea Dragon Douluo turned to look at her. "You never said anything about that."
"Yong died. I forced the attainment of a third divine ring to bring him back. Because I defied the Gods, this is the price I must pay for the divine skill."
The adults all sighed, knowing that Ming Yong's death was Ru Shenqi's personal regret. And Gu Xingyun's as well.
Just then, Flender and Ning Fengzhi walked in. "Xiao Shen, you're just too tyrannical!! You can even control the weather!"
"As the Head Flamen of Haishen Island, I have control over the Power of the Ocean and the Power of Haishen Hall. Speaking of which..." her words trailed off as she summoned the Golden Scepter. Calling on both powers, she launched her third spirit skill and formed a protective barrier around the joint army's camp. Having used a lot of her spirit power, she swayed on her feet. Her eyelids fluttered.
Sea Dragon Douluo caught her and steadied her. Ning Fengzhi summoned his Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda and began to renew her energy. She sat and began to meditate. Sea Dragon Douluo bowed to the Clan Chief in thanks. Ning Fengzhi nodded in return. When Ru Shenqi had recovered, she stood.
"Your Majesties, Sect Leader, don't worry. My shield will protect the camp. We can rest assured without fear of a sneak attack."
The Star Luo Emperor stroked his beard. "You're young, but you're a genius among geniuses. With your strength and everyone's determination, this war should be over soon."
"You flatter me, Your Majesty. You should wait until you see the current Shrek Tyrants Seven-In-One. Three of us are Gods and the other four are Spirit Douluos, almost Titled Douluos. Our seven-in-one spirit fusion skill is unparalleled on Douluo Continent and Haishen Island."
"I shall wait and see what the younger generation has in store for us."
Before anyone could say anything else, Ru Shenqi sensed an assault on her shield. Her eyes narrowed as her slaughter intent rose. "Who dares to break through my shield?"
She summoned a ball of water and spied on the assailants. Tang San's eyes widened. "It's Dad, Mom, Uncle, and the Elders of Clear Sky Clan! They must've brought their disciples for extra support. Xiao Shen, let them in."
She nodded and split a small opening. They entered, and she teleported away with her Sect Leader. They reappeared just before them. Tang San ran forward.
"Dad, Mom, Uncle, Elders."
"Xiao San, how are things here?" Tang Xiao asked.
"Good. We just won a victory today."
Tang Hao and Ah Yin nodded. "That's good."
The couple turned to see the jet black haired and deathly white skinned woman next to their son. Her icy blue hinting at light grey, shimmering silver-rimmed eyes gave them a sense of coldness and death. She was still dressed in her impeccable long sleeve, white floor length dress with swirls of icy blue and silver around the bosom and collar. All ten of her fingernails were still a dazzling icy blue with silver sparkles. The Penta Divine Pearl Diadem glowed brilliantly on her forehead, and the Golden Scepter contrasted her appearance. They frowned slightly.
Ah Yin asked gently, "Son, who is this?"
"This is my Junior, Ru Shenqi."
Ru Shenqi stepped forward and bowed politely. "Hello, you can call me Xiao Shen. Most everyone else does."
Tang Hao glanced at the scepter in her hand. "You have the weapon of Sea God Douluo, Bo Saixi."
She nodded. "That's right. I'm the Head Flamen of Haishen Island."
Tang Xiao chuckled. "Xiao Shen, you're still as tyrannical as ever. You've gotten stronger since you were in Heaven Dou City last."
"Clan Leader Tang, long time no see. I still apologize for terrorizing you and the Elders last time."
He waved it off. "You're a tyrant and Xiao San's Junior. It's to be expected."
Ah Yin peered at her a bit closer before backing up a bit. "Y- you're not alive."
Tang Hao quickly stepped between the two women. Tang Xiao and the Elders of the Clear Sky Clan's eyebrows furrowed. Tang San rested a hand on Ru Shenqi's shoulder.
"Go find Xiao Wu. I can explain to Mom and Dad."
"Yes, Sect Leader."
She bowed and obeyed. Ru Shenqi found Xiao Wu with the other Shrek Devils. "Laoshi."
"Hmm? Xiao Shen, what is it?"
"Sect Leader's parents, Uncle, and the Elders of Clear Sky Clan are here. Sect Leader thought you might want to say hello, so he asked me to come and get you."
Xiao Wu nodded. "Let's go."
They left the other Devils and headed towards the shield. As the two approached the group, Xiao Wu ran over. "Mom!"
Ah Yin smiled and her and embraced her warmly. Tang Hao greeted Xiao Wu as well. Seeing this family reunion, Ru Shenqi hung back, thinking of her own parents.
Mom, Dad, would you be proud of me? Of the things I've done? I miss you both.
Sadness filled her eyes, and her ghostly aura suddenly grew. This time, Tang Hao and Tang Xiao could sense it also. Tang San and Xiao Wu turned to look at her.
"Xiao Shen?"
A pained smile spread across her lips. "I'm alright, Laoshi, Sect Leader. Don't worry about me. I'll leave you to your family reunion."
Before anyone could stop her, she had already teleported away. Ru Shenqi reappeared in the tent where Fang Youyou, Liao Suyin, Ming Yong, and Gu Xingyun were sitting and talking. They rose to their feet.
"Xiao Shen?"
She just shook her head and remained silent. But, Gu Xingyun knew better.
"If something's bothering you, you can tell us."
The other three nodded. "That's right."
She bit her lip and looked down at the ground. "I miss my mom and dad."
Her beloved pulled her into a hug. Liao Suyin, Fang Youyou, and Ming Yong crowded around them.
"We understand, Xiao Shen. But don't worry, you have all of us. Although we can't fully make up for your parents, we'll always be there for you in Aunt and Uncle's place," all four of them said.
Warmth filled her heart as she heard their words. She nodded and sniffled.
"I couldn't ask for a better family."
