Soul Emperor Awakening

Mo Qianji watched helplessly as Lin Xuan's attack plunged into his chest. He felt an intense cold and a searing heat flood his body at the same time, a sensation of being plunged into both ice and fire. But that was only the initial feeling. As for what came next, he would never know.

In the next moment, he lost consciousness. His last impression was of Lin Xuan's face, filled with murderous intent. In that final moment, he felt regret—regret for ever facing a monster like Lin Xuan.

'This power is just too terrifying,' he thought. 'I couldn't even react before he struck. Compared to his fight with Xiong Ba, Lin Xuan wasn't even using his full strength back then.'

This time, it was far, far too fast. By the time he sensed Lin Xuan's aura, it was already too late. But there are no second chances in this world. Mo Qianji had paid the price for his words!

THUD!

Lin Xuan pulled out the Chi Dragon Heavens Rod. The aura around him completely dissipated, returning him to his normal state. He only maintained the Demon Fox's aura, letting the other souls disperse.

For this attack, he had used all of his souls, including the Golden Dragon King, performing a full Soul Possession. His recent increase in power had greatly improved his endurance, allowing him to possess so many souls at once.

By possessing so many souls, he was able to completely conceal his aura. No one would have sensed Lin Xuan's presence until the very moment he struck Mo Qianji!

Just as Mo Qianji had thought, Lin Xuan had only used half his strength when he fought Xiong Ba. He needed to be cautious against an opponent like that—or rather, he had to be cautious against *any* opponent and could never afford to be careless. That was why he had only used half his power to gauge his foe. Unleashing his full might would have been unnecessary. He had sized him up from the very first exchange, so why reveal his true strength?

But dealing with Mo Qianji was different. Mo Qianji had provoked him. It was as simple as that. Lin Xuan never showed mercy to those who crossed him.

"This place is your grave, and this day marks your death," Lin Xuan said coldly, looking down at Mo Qianji's corpse after withdrawing the Chi Dragon Heavens Rod.

Immediately after, the Energy from Mo Qianji's Ice and Snow Badge flowed into Lin Xuan's arm. He had absorbed the equivalent of a fifth of a badge. It didn't sound like much, but in reality, it was a terrifying amount.

The entire crowd was stunned. The match had started quickly, but it ended even faster. Before the assembled demons could even react, Lin Xuan had already won. And it was a one-hit kill—a complete and utter rout of the Demon Snake Race's genius!

"It's over already? Wasn't that a bit too fast? And he killed the Demon Snake Race's genius. The Demon Snake Race will definitely go crazy when they find out..."

"Yeah, but if you're going to blame anyone, blame Mo Qianji for being too arrogant. His opponent was at the Reincarnation Level, yet he insisted on challenging Lin Xuan. He was simply courting death!"

"This is what they call 'you reap what you sow.' Mo Qianji thought he was all that, but who knew this Demon Fox kid was even more incredible. Looks like the power structure of the Ice and Snow Tower is about to change. I wonder if he can keep challenging his way up?"

...

The demons were all shaken, but most were simply reflecting on how Lin Xuan had now made an enemy of the Demon Snake Race. That was how things were in the Ice and Snow Tower. You were bound to endlessly provoke other Demon Races unless you either attacked no one or were so overwhelmingly dominant that no one dared to challenge you. Otherwise, the hatred would only grow deeper.

As a result, wars between the Demon Races were quite frequent, though it was much the same on the human side—six of one, half a dozen of the other. But after what Lin Xuan had done, he would now face an endless stream of challengers. Without a powerful backer, no one would hesitate to try their luck. Besides, a successful challenge would make them the new Floor Master. What's not to like about that?

After the battle concluded, Lin Xuan took Liu Yue'Er to a Recovery Chamber, unconcerned with the discussions happening around him.

「Two days passed in the blink of an eye.」

Lin Xuan became the Floor Master of the Fifth Layer and gained more privileges. Overall, however, not much had changed. The facilities were more or less the same, and any major differences were unlikely at this stage.

Just as they finished their preparations on the Fifth Layer and were about to head to the Sixth Layer, two mysterious figures in black robes blocked their path. Lin Xuan frowned. "Here for a challenge?"

The auras of these two were completely hidden, likely due to the black robes they wore. Under normal circumstances, it would be nearly impossible for someone at the Essence Pill Stage to achieve this. The only exception would be if they possessed something like Lin Xuan's Soul Pearl, which allowed for Soul Possession by powerful souls, granting them the immense Control Power needed to fully suppress their aura.

"Could we have a word in private?" one of them asked in a low voice.

"If you have something to say, say it here. There's no need to be secretive," Lin Xuan said gravely.

Just then, one of the figures suddenly extended an arm covered in Golden Dragon Scales. The aura of the Golden Dragon Race flared for an instant before being quickly withdrawn. Lin Xuan and Liu Yue'Er immediately knew their visitors were from the Golden Dragon Race. No wonder they were being so secretive.

"In that case, let's speak privately."

Lin Xuan led them to the Floor Master's palace. Each Floor Master had their own private residence that others could only enter with permission—one of the privileges of the title. It was a very safe place to talk, free from the fear of being overheard.

As soon as they entered the palace, the two men removed their black robes. The aura of the Golden Dragon Race was immediately apparent, and the Golden Dragon Scales on their bodies proved they were genuine members, not impostors.

"Princess!" The two men immediately dropped to one knee before Liu Yue'Er, their expressions full of reverence.

"Please, rise. There's no need for such formalities in the future." Liu Yue'Er possessed the Golden Dragon King's memories, so she wasn't surprised by this. After her memories had awakened, she understood everything.

After they rose, one said excitedly, "The Elders never expected to hear news of the Princess here. We never thought the Princess was still alive... Bah, what am I saying! It's wonderful that you're alive, Princess! But, the Dragon King..."

They were filled with excitement; their expressions showed no hint of falsehood, only genuine emotion. Lin Xuan observed from the side, noting that they also possessed five Ice and Snow Badges. It wasn't surprising; with the strength of the Golden Dragon Race, reaching the Fifth Layer was a simple enough task.

"My father..." Liu Yue'Er sighed, her eyes turning slightly red. Old memories flooded her mind, and sorrow welled up with them.

"Those bastards from the Black Dragon Race!" the Golden Dragon Race youth gritted his teeth, his eyes also turning red. "If it weren't for them, how could the Dragon King have ended up like this!"

The Golden Dragon King was held in high regard among the Golden Dragon Race; otherwise, he never would have become the Dragon King. They had always believed he was still alive, only to learn that he had met his end after all.

A sorrowful atmosphere spread through the room, but now was not the time for grief.

"How are the Elders of the race doing?" Liu Yue'Er asked.

"The Elders have decided to escort the Princess back home!" the Golden Dragon Race youth said.