"Martial Spirit Avatars are indeed the dividing line for true power. But let's see how you fare against this—Sacred Dragon Domain!"
As Li Si's voice rang out, golden light flooded a 100-meter radius, enveloping the battlefield.
An oppressive aura, primal and majestic, descended upon Zhao Wuji, pressing down on him with a weight he had never experienced before.
"Th-this… a domain?"
Zhao Wuji's forehead beaded with cold sweat, his expression grim.
He's a Soul King, yet he has a domain?
Domains were rare abilities, even among Titled Douluo. For a Soul King to possess one was beyond shocking.
"Impossible!" Zhao Wuji roared in denial, his voice betraying his rising panic.
The domain reduced all of his attributes by 30%. Such a massive suppression was unprecedented for him.
"Hmm, you've got some skill, I'll give you that," Li Si said with an air of detachment.
"In my domain, spirit masters of the same rank suffer a suppression of 30% for Tool Spirits, 40% for Beast Spirits, and 50% for those with dragon-related spirits or bloodlines."
"Against opponents 10 levels higher than me, the suppression reduces by 5% for every 10-level difference."
Zhao Wuji, being a Beast Spirit Soul Sage with two rings more than Li Si, found himself under a 30% suppression. If his martial spirit had any dragon bloodline, the suppression would have been even greater.
The Sacred Dragon bloodline, while not as potent as the Golden Dragon King's, was incredibly formidable—especially with the boon of the Ice and Fire Dragon Kings. Li Si's power now rivaled even the original Dragon Kings.
The crowd was stunned into silence.
This isn't just strength—it's dominance!
Against dragon-related spirits, his suppression increases. Does it get any worse for them?
Those with dragon-related martial spirits were inherently strong. Yet here they would be crushed under Li Si's domain.
"And in case you're wondering," Li Si added with a faint smirk, "my domain also amplifies all of my attributes by 50%. Your martial spirit avatar? Tsk tsk…"
Zhao Wuji: "…"
For the first time, Zhao Wuji felt at a complete loss. He had relied on his Vigorous Vajra Bear's brute strength to dominate countless battles. But Li Si's domain rendered his advantage meaningless.
What now? This boy might be a hidden prodigy of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, Zhao Wuji thought. If I fight him seriously and lose, my reputation's gone. If I concede, he might not let me off.
"Dai Mubai, just what kind of monster did you provoke?!"
The Spectators
Xiao Wu's pink eyes were filled with confusion. Has Li Si always been this strong?
She recalled all the times he had acted weak and relied on her for protection, her cheeks flushing red.
"That sly fox," she muttered. "He's been lying to me all along!"
Ning Rongrong's usually calm demeanor cracked as her beautiful eyes widened in disbelief.
"He's a Soul King… with a domain?!"
Domains were so rare that even Bone Douluo at rank 95 didn't possess one.
"No wonder those assassins chasing Zhuqing turned tail and ran. It all makes sense now."
Of course, Ning Rongrong didn't know the real reason the assassins fled—it had nothing to do with Li Si's combat prowess and everything to do with sheer coincidence.
Zhu Zhuqing, meanwhile, whispered softly, "I didn't realize he was so strong…"
Her gaze lingered on Li Si, her thoughts a mix of admiration and regret. If Dai Mubai were this strong…
No, even if he were, my fate wouldn't change.
A Clash of Titans
"First Spirit Ability: Sacred Dragon Transformation!"
The golden ring around Li Si shimmered as his already-draconic figure grew larger, his scales gleaming with radiant energy.
This so-called "spirit ability" wasn't a true skill but a natural power of his Sacred Dragon bloodline.
With his enhanced form, Li Si's strength, defense, and speed surged.
Closing the short distance between him and Zhao Wuji in an instant, Li Si struck with a simple yet devastating punch.
"BOOM!"
The golden Sacred Dragon inherited immense physical power from its lineage, rivaling even the legendary Golden Dragon King in raw strength.
Zhao Wuji reacted quickly, meeting the attack with a punch of his own.
"BOOM!"
The collision of fists sent shockwaves rippling outward. Yet, it was Zhao Wuji who staggered backward, his face twisting in shock.
Impossible! My arm… it's broken?!
The sickening crack of bone echoed in his ears as pain shot through his body.
The Vigorous Vajra Bear was known for its unparalleled physical strength among Beast Spirits. Yet even with his martial spirit avatar active, he had lost in raw power to a mere Soul King.
Li Si didn't pause. Another punch followed, equally unadorned but no less ferocious.
Zhao Wuji hesitated. His right arm was broken. He could block with his left, but…
I can't win in strength. If I block, I'll be crippled. If I dodge, I'll be wide open!
Instinct took over, and Zhao Wuji raised his left arm to intercept the blow.
"BOOM!"
The impact sent Zhao Wuji flying, shattering his martial spirit avatar. He reverted to his human form, crashing heavily to the ground.
Aftermath
The spectators were deathly silent.
A Soul Sage, defeated in raw power by a Soul King.
Even Zhao Wuji himself lay dazed, disbelief etched into his features.
Flender's face darkened. He had initially wanted to stop the fight, knowing this boy was no ordinary opponent.
Now, seeing Zhao Wuji crushed, his worries only deepened.
This boy must be tied to either the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan or Yu Xiaogang. There's no way someone this extraordinary just appeared out of nowhere.
"This… is the power of a true Sacred Dragon," Li Si said coolly, his golden eyes narrowing as he advanced on the fallen Zhao Wuji.
"Now… shall we continue?"
(End of Chapter)