Chapter 165: Soul Absorption

Chapter 165: Soul Absorption

“99.1%” Luo En felt the Shapeshifter’s Skin’s charge increase slightly, though it still fell short of full capacity.

Holt’s leadership clearly bore fruit.

The remaining competitors, though unwilling to fully trust one another, formed a temporary tacit agreement—maintaining distance, harassing remotely, and draining the Lion Scorpion’s stamina.

Seizing the opportunity, Luo En cast Sound Wave Oscillation again, this time targeting the Lion Scorpion’s front leg joints. He successfully disabled one of its forelegs temporarily.

“Everyone, focus!” He began orchestrating the others:

“The burst phase is over. Now it’s searching for mana sources. If we keep draining its stamina, it’ll weaken completely!”

The surviving competitors, clinging to his words like a lifeline, rallied with renewed determination. Though they still didn’t fully trust Luo En, the dire situation left them no choice but to follow his plan.

Cui Xi strained to support the poisoned Li Yue, occasionally using plant tendrils to restrict the Lion Scorpion’s movements.

Her attacks were precise and efficient, always striking the Lion Scorpion’s weak points.

“Unexpected depth in his combat insight… a shame…”

The brunette inwardly regretted not retreating farther after dismissing Luo En’s earlier advice, a faint twinge of remorse surfacing.

Unaware of Cui Xi’s thoughts, Luo En remained focused on his strategy.

He knew the key now was to weaken the Lion Scorpion to its limit, preparing for the Shapeshifter’s Skin’s final charge.

The battle unfolded like a choreographed dance.

Each competitor found their role, forming a loose yet effective attack network.

The Lion Scorpion grew increasingly agitated—and weaker. Its attacks, though still fierce, lacked their earlier speed and precision. More critically, it began frantically searching for Blood Rite, clearly desperate for mana.

“Hold on a little longer!” Holt roared. His Earth Elemental Golem was nearly disintegrating but stood stubbornly at the front line.

Luo En seized the moment, unleashing his strongest Spirit Interference Wave.

The invisible attack struck the Lion Scorpion’s spiritcore, eliciting a pained howl.

“Now!” He signaled Daire.

The young siren instantly grasped her master’s intent. She dove from the sky, arms crossed.

Water Element condensed around her, forming dozens of water blades gleaming with icy light.

——Water Blade Thousand Strikes!

This was Daire’s ultimate skill, a killing move designed specifically for her by Luo En.

The blades pierced the Lion Scorpion’s vital points in unison.

The beast let out a piercing shriek, its body swaying, seemingly on the verge of collapse.

Now at its last gasp, the Lion Scorpion’s movements slowed drastically, its eyes dimming.

“Final strike!” Holt bellowed, driving his half-body Earth Elemental Golem into a last charge.

The golem crashed into the Lion Scorpion’s chest, knocking it to the ground.

Seeing this, the other competitors unleashed their strongest attacks.

Mana beams of all colors bombarded the Lion Scorpion, pinning it to the ground.

With a feeble final screech, the beast’s life faded.

As the battle ended, the arena fell silent briefly before erupting into deafening cheers.

“It’s time.” Luo En murmured internally, activating the Shapeshifter’s Skin for one final absorption.

Residual Soul Mana from the Lion Scorpion’s corpse surged into the relic. The Shapeshifter’s Skin warmed slightly, emitting a soft hum.

“99.5%… 99.7%… 99.9%… 100%!”

An unprecedented energy fluctuation surged from the relic as Luo En sensed its essence beginning to transform.

[Charging Complete!]

[Rare Relic—Shapeshifter’s Skin can now evolve to: Glorious Legacy—Thousand Shifting Shadows]

“Success!” Luo En exulted inwardly, maintaining his outward calm.

This was a critical step in his plan, though not yet final victory.

On the high platform, the Mentors finalized their evaluations.

“Impressive performance,” one Mentor remarked, admiration in his gaze.

“Especially that Potion Master. His composure and tactical analysis are astounding.”

“In addition,” Soren added, eager to praise his favored apprentice, “my observation notes that his siren displayed a unique dual-elemental affinity—water and wind. Clearly the result of meticulous formulation. His innate talent in bloodline formulation is equally remarkable.”

“This isn’t surprising,” Youni interjected smoothly, aligning with Soren, “given his excellence as a Potion Master. Extraordinary skills in alchemy often translate seamlessly to bloodline formulation.”

Hayaek remained silent briefly before speaking.

“This testing has met its objective. Based on your evaluations and my observations, I will now announce the final rankings and rewards.”

His gaze lingered on Luo En, flickering with complex emotion.

“A rare all-around genius… snatched by Soren and Youni,” he mused regretfully.

“But the School’s equal-distribution policy has its wisdom. Too many talents sharing a single boon dilutes its potency. After cultivating Kelinna, I should let others take their turn.”

Stepping to the platform’s edge, he declared:

“The Bloody Arena finals are concluded! All competitors, return to your designated positions for final evaluations and reward distribution.”

Luo En calmly retreated to the arena’s edge, Daire landing beside him, her water wings dissipated.

The young siren looked fatigued but exhilarated, clearly proud of her performance.

“Well done, Daire,” Luo En praised softly. His plan had advanced significantly.

The Shapeshifter’s Skin was ready to evolve into Glorious Legacy: Thousand Shifting Shadows.

Next, he’d pursue the Puppet Substitute, alongside crafting Vitality-Infused Demonblade with Potion-Making.

The day his “Furnace Conceptualization” became reality might not be far off.

All this would be the foundation for his ascent to unrivaled power.

——————

Hayaek’s voice echoed across the arena as the six surviving competitors awaited judgment.

Holt’s Earth Elemental Golem was barely holding shape; Cui Xi supported the near-lifeless Li Yue, poisoned and in urgent need of treatment. Other competitors’ combat slaves were battered, while Daire remained relatively intact, though drained from sustaining her water wings.

“Based on the Mentors’ evaluations and my observations,” Hayaek announced, “the final rankings for this Bloody Arena are: 1st place—Luo En and Lalf!”

The result drew surprised yet unsurprised reactions. Luo En’s calm judgment, precise tactics, and Daire’s unique abilities had left a profound impression.

“2nd place—Holt! 3rd place—Cui Xi! 4th place…”

Hayaek continued announcing rankings before turning to rewards:

"By tradition, the 1st place receives the special prize—Puppet Substitute, eight complete Mana Stones, and one choice from the School’s exclusive archives."

2nd and 3rd places may choose three advanced potions or one advanced alchemy item, plus five and three Mana Stones respectively. Remaining competitors receive Mana Stones based on their rankings…”

Luo En’s heartbeat quickened, though his expression remained composed.

Puppet Substitute—his primary goal for joining the arena.

“All rewards will be distributed tomorrow. Competitors, please exit for treatment and rest.”

With Hayaek’s declaration, the Bloody Arena officially concluded.

Competitors exited, greeted by the School’s healing apprentices.

Luo En and Daire walked toward the exit, feeling the crowd’s gaze—astonishment, admiration, and envy intermingling.

“Congratulations, Luo En,” Holt approached, extending his hand. “Your performance deserves 1st place.”

“Thanks for your critical support, Senior Holt,” Luo En replied, shaking hands briefly. “Without your Earth Elemental Golem holding the Lion Scorpion, the situation might’ve been dire.”

Holt shook his head. “Just a temporary measure. Cooperation was the only way to survive. Your insight and judgment were the true turning point.”

Glancing at his nearly disintegrated Golem, he added wryly, “Looks like I’ll need a new Combat Companion.”

After brief farewells, Holt departed with his damaged Golem.

As Luo En turned to leave, Cui Xi called out, “Luo En, wait.”

She approached, supporting the weakened Li Yue. The panther girl’s arm remained an unhealthy purple but had stabilized.

“You foresaw the Lion Scorpion’s trait, didn’t you?” Cui Xi asked directly, curiosity blazing in her eyes.

Luo En nodded. “Abyssal Creatures on land typically behave this way—short bursts, requiring Blood Rite or mana absorption to replenish.”

“No wonder you kept distance, harassing remotely,” Cui Xi mused. “Such tactical insight isn’t typical for a Potion Master.”

Luo En smiled faintly. “Everyone has secrets, don’t they?”

Cui Xi studied him, as if to speak, then simply nodded. “Congratulations on 1st place. The Puppet Substitute is a rare prize. Hope it aids you.”

“Thank you,” Luo En replied politely. “How is Li Yue? Does she need a special antidote?”

“Under control,” Cui Xi declined his offer. “The School has Mentors specialized in healing magic. No need to trouble you.”

After polite farewells, Luo En and Daire left the arena.

“Master, we won!” Daire finally exclaimed, her excitement spilling out.

“Yes, we claimed victory,” Luo En smiled, ruffling her hair. “Your performance was outstanding, especially the final water blades—nearly the killing blow.”

Daire blushed, clearly thrilled by the praise. “I simply followed your guidance. Your tactics were the true key.”

“This was our victory,” he chuckled, patting her silver head and leading her toward the Workshop.

The battle ended. Reward distribution and ranking conversions would wait until tomorrow.

After such a grueling fight, everyone needed rest…

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end