Chapter 10: The Soul Emperor's Trap and the Finger That Imprisons Heaven
Xiao Qiang's blood-red eyes—glowing with his Sharingan—locked coldly onto the barbecue restaurant owner sprawled on the ground. His body twitched as he coughed up blood, a few teeth flying out in the process.
Despite the pain, there was no fear on the owner's face. Instead, a sly, satisfied grin crept over his bloodied lips.
He had gambled correctly.
Xiao Qiang's punch hadn't killed him—proof that the boy still had restraint. And in his eyes, that meant his plan had worked.
Being struck by a Soul Elder was certainly life-threatening, but if it could earn him the favor of a Shrek Academy Soul Emperor, it was a price worth paying. If this Soul Emperor helped him take revenge on Xiao Qiang, rewarded him, or perhaps let him set up a shop inside Shrek City, his life would change forever.
Thinking this, the restaurant owner began shouting with renewed energy, fulfilling the task the Shrek student had given him.
"Someone help! Soul Masters are bullying civilians! Help!"
Xiao Qiang: "…"
The corner of Xiao Qiang's mouth twitched. Seems like that punch was too soft.
He was just about to take a few steps forward and "correct" that mistake when Yang Peng—the Shrek Inner Court student—finally made his move.
"As a Soul Master, how dare you abuse your power to bully an ordinary person? Don't you know that Shrek watches over this land?" Yang Peng rebuked righteously, stepping forward.
As he did, six soul rings emerged beneath his feet—two yellow, two purple, and two black—revealing his status as a Soul Emperor.
The barbecue restaurant owner crawled to Yang Peng's feet, looking especially miserable with his bloodied face. "Soul Emperor of Shrek, this Soul Master used his three-ring cultivation to attack someone like me—a powerless, innocent man! You must give me justice!"
Yang Peng didn't even glance at him.
He had already gotten what he needed—a bystander to act as witness and justification for what he was about to do.
He casually lifted his leg and kicked the restaurant owner to the side, sending him flying in a daze.
What?
The restaurant owner was stunned. Wasn't I helping Shrek complete a mission? Why do I feel like I've just been used and tossed aside?
No, no, that can't be! This is Shrek Academy! The most respected institution on the continent! They'd never treat me like this!
He consoled himself quickly, brushing aside his unease. He was sure the Soul Emperor was just focused on dealing with the "evil soul master" in front of him. Once that was done, his rewards would come.
Yes, that must be it.
Meanwhile, Xiao Qiang simply stared at the restaurant owner in silence. Everything made sense now.
No wonder this lowly shopkeeper dared to act so arrogantly in front of a Soul Master. He had the support of a Shrek student.
Xiao Qiang couldn't help but sneer inwardly.
So that's how it is. A student of Shrek Academy trying to frame someone for a mission. I guess I'm the "evil soul master" of the day.
He remembered a similar situation involving Zhang Peng, another soul master who had been falsely accused. At the time, Xiao Qiang had felt sorry for Zhang Peng.
But now?
Now he was the one being wronged.
With a sigh, he pressed a hand to his forehead, then sank his consciousness into his spiritual sea and reached out to Tianmeng Ice Silkworm.
"Brother Tianmeng, this guy came with bad intentions. Do you have a way to deal with a six-ringed Soul Emperor?" Xiao Qiang asked, already knowing the answer but wanting to confirm it.
"Of course I do," Tianmeng replied casually. "I'm a million-year-old soul beast! You think I can't handle a mere Soul Emperor?"
"But…" he hesitated.
"But what?"
"My strength is fine, but your body isn't ready. If I force my power through your body to defeat this guy, you'll be drained. I probably won't be able to help much for half a year after that."
"Wait… you'll fall asleep?"
"Nah, nothing that serious."
"So you're saying the only consequence is that you won't be able to lend me your full strength for six months?"
"Exactly. So if you can talk your way out of this, do it. Otherwise, you'll be walking around unprotected for quite a while."
Xiao Qiang fell silent. Even soul beasts from a million years ago are so straightforward…
"Brother Tianmeng, I get your point. And you're right—if this guy were a decent person, I'd try to talk it out. But they're clearly working together. This whole thing was planned."
"Now that you mention it… That bastard interrupted my meal too! Unforgivable!" Tianmeng raged. "Xiao Qiang, give me control! I'll teach them how to respect a foodie!"
"Calm down, Brother Tianmeng. Don't blow your top just yet. Give me the technique instead. Let me familiarize myself with how your attribute-based soul power works."
"Fine… But make sure you teach both of them a painful lesson for daring to disturb me while I was eating!"
As the borrowed strength flowed through him, Xiao Qiang's aura shifted.
He narrowed his blood-red Sharingan eyes and stared coldly at Yang Peng.
He was no longer the uncertain, cautious boy from a moment ago—he was fully confident now. But Yang Peng didn't take him seriously at all.
What's a Soul Elder compared to me? Yang Peng thought arrogantly. Two ten-thousand-year soul rings and one thousand-year soul ring above you. You're nothing.
He raised his chin and smirked.
"You dare question Shrek's authority? Hmph! I'll give you a choice."
He raised three fingers.
"Kneel and kowtow to him three times, destroy your martial soul, and I'll let you go. That's more than generous."
The restaurant owner immediately chimed in. "Yes, yes! I accept the Shrek Soul Emperor's decision!"
The two of them sang in perfect harmony.
But Xiao Qiang only sneered in silence.
A Soul Emperor wants me, a Soul Elder, to destroy my martial soul? Do I look like a joke to you? I just got my third soul ring!
He extended his hand slowly, and his voice turned cold.
"Great Wilderness—Prison Heaven Finger!"
"One finger… imprisons the world !"