With this level of Soul Power, Ye Yunfei estimated that if he were to employ Mind Begets Demons now, he could instantly kill an ordinary warrior at the True Manifestation Realm.
“It’s time to cultivate another Soul Force Martial Art,” Ye Yunfei said to himself.
At present, the Soul Force Martial Arts that Ye Yunfei had cultivated were the Soul Devouring Needles and Mind Begets Demons. The Soul Devouring Needles had become too low-level and were now almost useless. As for the Eighteen Soul Immortal Art, its purpose was specifically to enhance Soul Power, not for offensive Soul Force techniques. Therefore, the only Soul Force Martial Art Ye Yunfei could currently use was Mind Begets Demons. He found this a bit monotonous.
“Let me think, what other Soul Force Martial Arts would suit me well?” Within his mind, Ye Yunfei began searching for techniques that interested him.
“Heavenly Soul Sword! That’s the one!” Suddenly, the words escaped his lips. Heavenly Soul Sword was an exceptionally unique martial technique that perfectly integrated swordplay with Soul Power. In simple terms, it used Sword Intent and Soul Power to condense a sword energy of soul power within the Soul Sea, which could then be used against enemies.
In his previous life, Ye Yunfei had once cultivated this technique and had always praised its might.
Having made his decision, Ye Yunfei immediately began cultivating the Heavenly Soul Sword. There was still one day left before the New Student Ranking Tournament. However, the flow of time within the Phantom Tower differed from the outside world, so he had plenty of time.
“Sword Intent!” With a thought from Ye Yunfei, sharp pulses of Sword Intent appeared within his Soul Sea. “Soul Power!” He directly activated his Soul Power, and immediately, vast amounts of it churned and surged within the Soul Sea.
Then, Ye Yunfei began trying to compress and fuse the Sword Intent and Soul Power together. Time slowly passed.
Finally, a strand of soul power sword energy was successfully condensed and now hovered within his Soul Sea. This strand was controlled by the soul, acting according to his will. At a mere thought, the sword energy would instantly lash out to attack its target.
What was rather miraculous was that it could attack both an opponent's Soul Body as well as their physical flesh! Moreover, its speed was astonishingly fast. Wherever his thought went, the soul power sword energy would arrive instantly.
There was a saying: Among all martial arts, only speed is unbreakable. Therefore, this Heavenly Soul Sword was an extremely powerful Soul Force Martial Art.
“Alright. Time to end this cultivation session. The New Student Ranking Tournament should be starting.”
Ye Yunfei concluded his training, exited the Phantom Tower, and returned to his secret room. He then walked out.
Wu Heishan, Xiao Hui, and Yuan Dayong were already waiting outside.
“Boss, you’re finally out! Today’s the day of the tournament!” Wu Heishan exclaimed as soon as he saw Ye Yunfei.
“Of course I remember,” Ye Yunfei nodded.
“Xiao Hui, you’ve actually broken through to the True Manifestation Realm Late Stage!” Ye Yunfei said with some surprise. Previously, Xiao Hui’s realm had been at the Profound Mid Stage Saint Realm. Now, she was at the True Manifestation Realm Late Stage. To have soared through four minor realms in such a short time was utterly astonishing.
“So it’s the activation of the True Phoenix Physique,” Ye Yunfei nodded in understanding.
The True Phoenix Physique was indeed worthy of its reputation. Once activated, astonishing potential would erupt during cultivation.
Ye Yunfei then sized up Wu Heishan and Yuan Dayong. He found that both were at the Profound Saint Realm Late Stage. However, it seemed they were on the verge of breaking through to the Yuan Foundation Realm Early Stage.
“Alright. Let’s go check out the tournament,” Ye Yunfei said.
*
At this moment, one of Hudao Academy’s training grounds was bustling with activity. Since early morning, it had been packed and noisy. Not only had over a thousand new students arrived early, but a large group of senior students had also come to spectate.
Each session’s New Student Ranking Tournament could be considered a major event for the academy.
“In this tournament, I must make my mark, astound everyone with a single feat, and make a name for myself! Ye Yunfei, you better pray you don’t run into me during the competition! Otherwise, even if I incur punishment from the academy elders, I will kill you!”
In a corner of the training ground, Qin An clenched his fists, his eyes filled with confidence. After entering Hudao Academy and completing his epiphany before the Stele of Enlightenment, Qin An had immediately chosen to go into seclusion, focusing entirely on advancing his realm. He was unaware of the news that Ye Yunfei had defeated four Yuan Foundation Realm Early Stage experts from the Xiao Sect.
Now that he had broken through to Yuan Foundation Realm Early Stage, he felt Ye Yunfei should no longer be his match!
“First place in this New Student Ranking Tournament belongs to none other than me, Feng Yun’ao.” In another spot, the white-robed Feng Yun’ao stood with his hands clasped behind his back. His young face was fair and handsome, yet carried a touch of indifference and self-assurance.
“First place definitely belongs to Senior Brother Feng this time!”
“Of course! Senior Brother Feng is the most monstrous talent among our year’s new students!”
A dozen or so loyal attendants crowded around Feng Yun’ao, showering him with flattery.
In yet another corner of the training ground stood a young man with an aloof expression. He wore simple hemp clothes and straw sandals. With eyes closed and head slightly bowed, his long hair reached his waist. The bustling crowd around him seemed to have nothing to do with him.
At this moment, the young man murmured words audible only to himself. “Master, I have inherited your last wish and practiced bitterly for ten years. Now, I have finally achieved some measure of success. This ranking tournament will be the opportunity for me to rise. Master, rest assured, someday I will rebuild the Lone Blade Sect and make it flourish!”
“Hehe, so lively! Today’s tournament is bound to be fun. This young lady really must make a big splash! Hmm, best if I can defeat that poser Feng Yun’ao and get first place!”
A little girl, looking only fourteen or fifteen, dressed exquisitely like a porcelain doll, watched the noisy training ground with an excited, flushed face, constantly waving her delicate fists.
At this moment, the training ground was indeed a tempest of ambition. Every young genius present swore secretly to themselves to achieve a good result in this competition.
“So many people!”
At this time, Ye Yunfei and the other three arrived at the training ground. No sooner had they stepped inside than Wu Heishan couldn’t help but exclaim in wonder. Besides the over one thousand new students, there were at least several thousand senior students who had come to watch.
“Look! It’s Ye Yunfei!”
“He’s finally come too!”
Ye Yunfei’s appearance immediately drew the attention of many students.
Because within Hudao Academy, Ye Yunfei was already somewhat of a figure. Having charged into the Xiao Sect headquarters twice, even tearing the place down—such deeds had long since spread throughout the entire academy. Thus, Ye Yunfei subtly had the aura of a rising star.
Seeing Ye Yunfei appear, Feng Yun’ao’s gaze immediately turned towards him.
Feeling the attention, Ye Yunfei looked back.
Feng Yun’ao extended his right hand and made a light, deliberate slicing motion across his own throat. The meaning was clear: If they met during the tournament, he would show no mercy.
Ye Yunfei responded with a faint smile, utterly unperturbed.
Of course, Ye Yunfei could tell at a glance that Feng Yun’ao had broken through to the Yuan Foundation Realm Early Stage. But so what? To Ye Yunfei, it presented no pressure whatsoever. Outside the imperial capital of the Ten Thousand Beasts Empire, Ye Yunfei had once slaughtered fifteen Yuan Foundation Realm experts in one fell swoop!