"Boom——!!!"
The azure fire feathers and the icy blue phoenix claws collided violently in mid-air! Extreme heat and extreme cold, two diametrically opposed and mutually restraining forces, erupted in the most primitive and intense conflict at this moment!
A deafening explosion sounded! A massive energy sphere blending azure-red and blue-white colors instantly expanded! Terrifying energy shockwaves spread outward in rings, sweeping madly in all directions! The sky seemed torn asunder—one side a burning azure-red sea of flames, the other a frozen blue-white ice plain—both phenomena wildly eroding and annihilating each other!
At the collision's epicenter, space itself slightly distorted, emitting unbearable humming noises! Scorching heat waves and freezing cold streams mixed together, forming destructive turbulence that swept across the entire Soul Duel Stage! The sturdy protective barrier emitted piercing, cracking groans, its light flickering violently as fine cracks even appeared on its surface, as if it might shatter at any moment!
"Hurry! Reinforce the barrier!" In the VIP seats, Emperor Xue Ye's expression changed sharply as he barked the order. Several powerful streams of Soul Power immediately poured into the barrier from various positions in the VIP section, barely stabilizing the precarious light screen.
Everyone's hearts leaped to their throats, their eyes fixed intently on the center of that destructive energy in the sky.
As the light and energy turbulence gradually dissipated, the scene within was revealed.
Marco stood enveloped in blazing azure flames, hovering mid-air like a flame war god in his fourth Spirit Ability "Azure Flame Engulfment" state. His azure flame wings beat slowly, stabilizing his position.
Meanwhile, the opposing ice phoenix showed extensive charred marks on its massive crystalline claws, with even slight melting visible in several spots as ice fragments scattered. It released a pained and furious phoenix cry, its enormous body drifting back dozens of meters before stabilizing. Its icy phoenix eyes revealed even deeper shock and gravity.
In this first direct confrontation... Marco had clearly gained the upper hand!
"He blocked it! Marco blocked the Martial Soul Fusion Skill!"
"Heavens! Incredible! That was a Martial Soul Fusion Skill!"
"Ice versus fire! This is truly a peak showdown!"
The stands erupted with tsunami-like exclamations and cheers! Everyone felt their blood boiling with excitement from this earth-shattering collision! This was the match they wanted to see! This was the contest between top-tier geniuses!
In the VIP seats, various powerful figures displayed different expressions.
Emperor Xue Ye's eyes shone with brilliant light as he applauded and praised: "Excellent! What a Marco! What an Azure Flame Undying Phoenix! To withstand a peak Soul Emperor's Martial Soul Fusion Skill without being at a disadvantage! This young man is truly a blessing for our Heaven Dou Empire!" His gaze toward Marco overflowed with undisguised appreciation and fervor.
Ning Fengzhi gently stroked his beard, his scholarly face wearing a smile, yet a profoundly complex emotion flickered deep within his eyes. There was astonishment at the terrifying strength and potential Marco had displayed, disbelief at the nearly hundred-thousand-year sixth Soul Ring, and even a trace of deep apprehension and... worry. Such a figure, if they could befriend him, would naturally be a blessing for their sect; but if he became an enemy... he dared not imagine it. Especially when recalling the "Nine Petal Purple Reishi" and Marco's transcendent demeanor during the transaction, he increasingly felt this young man was unfathomable and difficult to control.
Platinum Bishop Salas's face was as dark as water, his fingers tightening slightly on the armrest of his chair. The stronger Marco became, the greater the threat he posed to the Spirit Hall's plans. This young man must be closely monitored, and if necessary... a cold glint flashed in his eyes.
The hoarse voice of Bone Douluo Gu Rong sounded, carrying a hint of emotion: "If Old Sword Man saw this scene, his hands would probably itch. This kid's flames are frighteningly high in quality—even the Ice and Snow Phoenix's ice can't gain an advantage." He looked up at the azure-flamed figure in the sky, a rare gravity appearing on his withered face.
Within the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School camp, Ning Rongrong nervously clenched her small fists, her beautiful eyes fixed unblinkingly on the battle in the sky, her delicate face full of excitement and admiration: "Brother Marco is too amazing!" She was completely captivated by the thrilling fight.
In the Shrek Academy area, Tang San, Dai Mubai, and the others watched with shaken spirits, their expressions extremely solemn. Dai Mubai smiled bitterly: "This guy... is truly a monster among monsters! He can clash head-on with a Martial Soul Fusion Skill!" Tang San pushed his Purple Demon Eyes to their limit, trying to discern the trajectory of Marco's power, but could only see a deeply burning azure flame. He thought to himself: "This level of power... has completely surpassed my current understanding. Ice and fire counteract each other, yet he can directly confront that near-ultimate ice Fusion Skill..."
Female team members like Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing were utterly mesmerized, their hearts filled with a sense of powerlessness. Could such an opponent really be defeated?
Below the stage, Shui Yue'er, Yu Hairou, and other members of the Tianshui team, who had just recovered some Soul Power and were watching the battle, gaped in disbelief.
"Sis... Sister and Sister Xue Wu's Martial Soul Fusion Skill... was actually blocked?" Shui Yue'er murmured, feeling her worldview shaken.
In the sky, after the fierce clash, the battle did not cease!
"Screech!" The Ice and Snow Phoenix let out an angry cry, its massive wings flapping violently!
"Ice and Snow Storm!"
An even more violent blizzard swept out, the wind carrying countless razor-sharp Ice Blades and Ice Lances, shooting toward Marco like a vast army! Wherever it passed, the air froze, and space itself seemed on the verge of tearing!
Marco's eyes flickered with azure flames, showing no fear. With a beat of his wings, he advanced instead of retreating!
"Azure Flame Fire Feathers!"
The blue-red flames on his wings surged, instantly splitting into countless fire feathers. Meteors blazing with fierce flames shot toward the overwhelming Ice and Snow Storm! Each meteor contained terrifying high temperatures and explosive energy!
"Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom—!!!"
Meteors clashed wildly with ice blades and storms, exploding into dazzling yet deadly fireworks across the sky! The powers of ice and fire continuously annihilated each other, with unending explosions enveloping the heavens in azure-red and blue-white radiance! Violent energy currents ran rampant, forcing the referees and staff below to retreat repeatedly, hearts trembling with fear.
The Ice Snow Phoenix continuously spewed Extreme Ice Breath, its claws tearing through the air as it moved. Despite its massive form, it displayed remarkable agility, constantly seeking openings in Marco's defenses.
Marco, meanwhile, unleashed the full potential of the Azure Flame Undying Phoenix's speed and fiery ferocity! His figure moved like lightning, weaving through the blizzard. His legs, wings—even every part of his body—became terrifying weapons. Azure flames coiled around his legs like condensed spears as he engaged the Ice Snow Phoenix in a dazzling aerial duel!
For a time, the sky echoed with phoenix cries, blazing flames, and frozen expanses! The two figures clashed at blinding speed, each impact erupting with earth-shaking roars and energy ripples! The residual shockwaves battered the protective barrier, causing the entire Great Spirit Arena to tremble faintly!
Everyone held their breath, utterly captivated and exhilarated! This peak confrontation between ice and fire had far surpassed the expected level of a preliminary match, rivaling even battles between Soul Saints!
In the VIP seats, Emperor Xue Ye watched with blazing intensity; Ning Fengzhi wore a grave expression; Salas's gaze was icy; Bone Douluo Gu Rong was fully focused. The Shrek Academy team felt complex emotions, while the women of Heaven Water Academy clenched their sweaty palms.
Just as the battle reached its climax, with both sides intensifying their Spirit Ability exchanges and energy fluctuations peaking—when everyone assumed it would become a protracted war of attrition—
Marco, who had been fiercely trading blows with the Ice Snow Phoenix, suddenly flashed a sharp azure-red light in his eyes!
"The warm-up... should end now!"