However, before Dugu Bo could recover from his shock, the enormous ice phoenix before him suddenly erupted with dazzling light.
Its massive wings flapped in the air, stirring up gusts of icy wind as it swooped down on the Azure Serpent King.
Two claws, radiating terrifying chill, like sharp ice blades, slammed into the Azure Serpent King's hard scales.
This slammed Dugu Bo against the mountainside like a meteor, the impact causing the entire mountain to tremble, rocks to tumble, and dust to fly, as if an earthquake had struck.
Having suffered such a great loss, Dugu Bo was not about to swallow it.
A blazing fire of rage flashed in his eyes, and he instantly engaged the ice phoenix in battle.
Green and blue light intertwined.
Terrifying soul power scattered like invisible swords, cleaving trees in half and shattering rocks in its path.
The once beautiful mountainside was now reduced to ruins.
The air was thick with the scent of ice and fire; the clash of these two forces caused the earth to tremble, as if shaking in response to this earth-shattering battle.
Each of Dugu Bo's attacks carried the force of a thunderbolt, while the Ice Phoenix calmly countered, each flap of its wings unleashing a storm of frost.
In the mountains, the once tranquil streams were disrupted by the aftershocks of the battle, splashing water everywhere, even rippling the surface of the distant lake.
The aftershocks even affected the students in the school building.
The duel between Dugu Bo and Shui Yun'er had reached its climax.
Their powers collided in mid-air, erupting with dazzling light and deafening roars.
At that moment, Huo Yuhao silently used his mental detection sharing skill, connecting his mental energy with Shui Yun'er's.
"Aunt Shui, Dugu Bo's Azure Phosphorous Serpent King's weakness is about one meter above his dantian in his abdomen," Huo Yuhao's voice echoed in Shui Yun'er's mind.
Upon hearing Huo Yuhao's reminder, Shui Yun'er didn't hesitate for a moment.
She immediately mobilized all her power, maximizing her ice attribute energy.
Controlling the Ice Phoenix, its massive ice-blue form drew a graceful arc in the air, its claws gleaming with a chilling light, as it viciously clawed at Dugu Bo's abdomen.
With a piercing scraping sound, the Ice Phoenix's claws collided violently with Dugu Bo's scales.
Sparks flew from Dugu Bo's abdomen upon impact, followed by a terrifying surge of extreme ice energy that struck his abdomen.
The heavy blow sent a sharp pain through Dugu Bo's body.
His blood surged, and his soul power momentarily halted due to the sudden attack.
Unable to maintain his Martial Soul Possession state, Dugu Bo was forced to withdraw from that powerful battle form.
However, as a Title Douluo-level expert, Dugu Bo's physical attributes and recovery ability were astonishing.
He only needed a moment to adjust his breathing, and almost instantly, he resumed his soul power circulation.
As Dugu Bo slowly dispelled his Martial Soul Possession, Shui Yun'er also ceased her offensive.
Her sharp gaze remained fixed on Dugu Bo, a cold glint in her eyes.
Shui Yun'er knew that although she seemed to have the upper hand, Dugu Bo had not yet used his ninth soul skill.
It was common knowledge that a Title Douluo's ninth soul skill typically possessed world-destroying power.
Shui Yun'er knew that if she pushed Dugu Bo to the brink and forced him to use his ninth soul skill, Tianshui Academy might face annihilation.
Seeing that Shui Yun'er didn't press her advantage, Dugu Bo also stopped his further attacks.
"Hmph, I really didn't expect that in just a few years since I've been out of the spotlight, Tianshui Academy would produce someone like Dean Shui.
I imagine it won't be long before Dean Shui also enters the ranks of Title Douluo."
Hearing Dugu Bo's assessment, Shui Yun'er smiled slightly: "Mr. Dugu, you flatter me.
My sparring with Senior Dugu just now gave me a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Title Douluo realm.
I believe that within two years, I can break through my current level and reach the Title Douluo level."
Hearing Shui Yun'er's words, Dugu Bo's expression shifted uncertainly, as if he were weighing something.
However, at this moment, a strong aura suddenly emanated from the horizon, and three figures rapidly approached, each radiating a powerful aura at the Soul Douluo level.
Among these three figures, two had particularly strong auras, almost reaching the Title Douluo realm.
Sensing these three powerful auras, Huo Yuhao, Shui Yun'er, Dugu Bo, and the teachers and students of Tianshui Academy almost simultaneously raised their heads, their gazes fixed on the direction from which the auras originated.
When they clearly saw the faces of the three Soul Douluos, the three Soul Saints of Tianshui Academy were instantly moved to tears, a great weight lifted from their hearts.
The newcomers were none other than the two former deans of Tianshui Academy, Shui Zexi and Shui Yuanhao, and Shui Yun'er's husband, Shui Yuntian.
Although both deans were over sixty, their spirits were remarkably high, showing no signs of the decline often associated with old age, and they didn't seem like they were approaching their sixties at all.
"Old Poisoner, it's been ten years!
You haven't changed a bit! May I ask what brings you to my Tianshui Academy today?"
Shui Yuanhao's voice was hearty and deep, his gaze piercing as he stared intently at Dugu Bo.
In their youth, Shui Yuanhao and Dugu Bo had shared a close, gentlemanly friendship, and the two had once been kindred spirits.
However, as time passed, Dugu Bo's personality became increasingly withdrawn, clashing more and more with Shui Yuanhao's warm and outgoing nature.
Ultimately, the two parted ways due to differing ideals.
Now, the two old friends had reunited, and Shui Yuanhao felt a pang of loss; after all, time had passed, and things had changed.
"Old rascal, you have a good daughter.
I came here on Prince Xuexing's orders to capture this brat, but I didn't expect your daughter to stop me.
To be honest, your daughter's talent is far superior to yours,"
Dugu Bo said without any pretense, his voice carrying a hint of admiration.
At Dugu Bo's level, there was no need to hide anything anymore, because absolute strength was his greatest confidence.
However, after hearing Dugu Bo's words, Shui Yuanhao, Shui Yuanqing, and Shui Yuanze's expressions changed drastically, their hearts filled with worry.
They all knew that Shui Yun'er had been seriously injured before, and although she had recuperated for a period of time, her physical condition remained a concern.
Now, after fighting Dugu Bo, they were genuinely worried about whether Shui Yun'er's body could withstand it.
However, after sensing Shui Yun'er's aura, they were relieved.
Shui Yun'er's aura was very stable at this moment, showing no signs of injury, but rather even stronger than before.
A new power seemed to emanate from her aura.
Shui Yuanhao's gaze flickered slightly; it seemed his daughter had also encountered some opportunities during this time.
"Old Poison Master, since this child you mentioned is someone my daughter wants to protect, then you can't take her away today.
We two old folks have finally managed to meet; won't you come in for a cup of tea?"
Shui Yuanhao invited with a smile, his tone revealing composure and confidence.
Hearing Shui Yuanhao's words, Dugu Bo also snorted coldly: "No need for tea, but I still must remind you, Prince Xuexing won't let this go easily."
"Hehehe, you don't need to worry about that. With us here, nothing will happen to this child."
Dugu Bo gave Shui Yun'er one last deep look before turning to leave.
However, at this moment, Huo Yuhao called out to Dugu Bo: "Poison Douluo, please wait."