Chapter 637: A Chance to Prove Myself!!

Lu Yu sat cross-legged on a flat boulder. The soul power around him surged like a tide, and there was a faint smell of heat in the air.

He closed his eyes tightly, beads of sweat oozed from his forehead, and his body trembled slightly, as if he was under some tremendous pressure.

The voice of the Qilin's remnant soul echoed in his mind in a low voice, with a hint of majesty: "Lu Yu, calm your mind. Although the soul power of this 50,000-year-old soul bone is strong, I am here and will never let you explode and die!"

Lu Yu gritted his teeth and said in a low but firm voice: "I understand, Senior, thank you for your help!"

He clenched his hands tightly, and a faint golden-red light flowed in his palms. Soul power poured into his body like a torrent, impacting his meridians.

The Qilin's residual soul transformed into a phantom, hovering above his head, emitting an ancient and majestic aura, firmly suppressing the violent soul power.

As time passed, Lu Yu's face turned from pale to rosy, and his breathing gradually became stable.

Finally, he suddenly opened his eyes, and two golden-red lights flashed from the bottom of his eyes. The shadow of the Qilin martial soul appeared behind him, majestic and hot. Two ink-black thousand-year soul rings slowly rotated, emitting a heart-pounding sense of oppression.

He breathed a sigh of relief, stood up, and feeling the surging power within him, he whispered, "Level 65... I finally broke through."

The Qilin Remnant Soul's voice was somewhat relieved: "Yes, your physical strength is far beyond that of ordinary people. This soul bone not only improves your soul power, but also allows your Qilin martial soul to reach a higher level.

If we can recruit some more helpers, we may not be without a chance of victory against the Wuhun Empire in the future."

Lu Yu nodded slightly, but his eyes involuntarily looked into the distance with a frown on his face.

He recalled the news he had received a few days ago—the Spirit Hall had risen strongly, officially established the Spirit Empire, and swallowed up the Star Luo Empire with lightning speed.

When Zhu Zhuqing heard the news, she felt like she was struck by lightning and tears silently flowed down her face. She believed that both the Zhu family and the Dai family were destroyed by the Spirit Hall.

She clenched her fists, her voice trembling but filled with hatred: "Lu Yu, I will make the Spirit Hall pay for their blood debt with blood!"

Lu Yu could only pat her shoulder and comfort her softly, "Zhu Qing, I know you are heartbroken, but the Spirit Hall is now powerful, so we must remain calm.

The Xingluo Empire fell too quickly, and the power of the Spirit Hall was far beyond our imagination.

Dai Mubai and Tang San...their whereabouts are unknown, we must find them as soon as possible."

Although he said this, his heart was extremely heavy.

The Spirit Hall not only annexed the Xingluo Empire, but also absorbed its remaining forces. It is very likely that it will turn its attention to the Jialuo Empire or even the Tiandou Empire.

The situation was like the calm before the storm, making him feel breathless.

While I was lost in thought, the sound of footsteps in the distance broke the silence of the forest.

Lu Yu turned his head alertly, his soul power quietly circulating, but he was slightly stunned when he saw who was coming.

He was a slightly bloated young man with tattered clothes and a tired face. He was holding a dry branch in his hand, which seemed to be a tool for exploring the way.

His steps were a little unsteady, and there was a bit of confusion and loss in his eyes.

Lu Yu frowned and whispered to himself: "Ma Hongjun?"

Ma Hongjun obviously saw Lu Yu as well, he paused, a trace of embarrassment flashed across his face, and then he forced out a wry smile: "Lu Yu...it's you.

I didn’t expect to see you here.”

His voice was a little hoarse, and his tone was full of self-mockery. "Look at me like this, don't you think I'm in a mess?"

Lu Yu looked him up and down, feeling slightly shocked.

The Ma Hongjun in front of him is the same as the "Evil Fire Phoenix" who was full of vigor and vitality in Shrek Academy back then.

It's like two people.

Although he used to have an outgoing personality, he was at least full of energy. But now he looked like a down-and-out wanderer, with weak fluctuations in his soul power, remaining at the level of a 49th-level Soul Master, far behind himself, Xiao Wu and others.

He took a few steps closer, his tone calm but with a hint of concern: "Hongjun, why are you here? And... like this?"

Ma Hongjun gave a bitter smile, found a rock to sit on, lowered his head to look at the dead branch in his hand, and said in a low voice: "Why else? I can't make it anymore.

The team of Blue Bully Academy looked down upon my strength. Dai Mubai left, Tang San returned to the Clear Sky Sect, and I, a guy with no background and no talent, could only stay in the academy to muddle through.

This time I came to the Star Dou Forest, I originally wanted to pick up some soul beast corpses and exchange them for some gold soul coins to survive.

Who knows, I didn’t even touch the fur of the soul beast.”

When Lu Yu heard this, he felt mixed emotions.

He and Ma Hongjun did not have a close relationship when they were in Shrek Academy. They even had a tit-for-tat relationship because of Dai Mubai's stance.

But now, the Xingluo Empire has collapsed, Dai Mubai's whereabouts are unknown, and there is no news of Tang San. Ma Hongjun's miserable appearance makes him feel a little pity.

He was silent for a moment, then said, “Hongjun, let’s not talk about the past.

"Have you heard about the Star Luo Empire?"

Ma Hongjun’s body stiffened, a trace of pain flashed in his eyes, and he nodded slowly: “I heard about it.

Dai Mubai...I'm afraid he's in great danger.

Lu Yu, I know you have a good relationship with Zhu Qing, and I also know that you have always looked down on us.

But now, I really regret it.

If I hadn't been so impulsive and hadn't followed Tang San and the others, maybe..."

His voice choked, his fists clenched so hard that they made a creaking sound. “Maybe it wouldn’t have turned out like this.”

Lu Yu looked at him and whispered, “It’s no use regretting, Hongjun.

No one can change the past.

What are you going to do now? Just wander around the Star Dou Forest and make a living picking up soul beast corpses?"

Ma Hongjun raised his head, a trace of confusion flashed in his eyes, and then he smiled bitterly and said, "What else can I do? With my strength, I can hardly break through to the Soul Sect. No one wants me anywhere.

The Spirit Hall is so powerful right now, a small figure like me is not even worthy of carrying their shoes."

Lu Yu frowned, and the suggestion of the Qilin's remnant soul emerged in his mind - recruit people and strengthen his strength.

He pondered for a moment and said, "Hongjun, your talent is actually not bad, but you have lacked some opportunities in recent years.

If I help you improve your strength, are you willing to join me in doing something for Dai Mubai and the Xingluo Empire?"

Ma Hongjun was stunned, a trace of disbelief flashed in his eyes: "You...you are willing to help me? Lu Yu, stop joking.

I know you are very powerful now, at the Soul King level, right? A loser like me would only be a drag on you."

Lu Yu shook his head and said firmly: "I'm not kidding.

You are Shrek's brother. Although we have had conflicts, that is all in the past.

We can't just sit back and watch what happens to Dai Mubai and Tang San.

The Spirit Hall's ambition will not stop at the Xingluo Empire. The next target may be the Jialuo Empire or even the Tiandou Empire.

If you are willing, I can help you hunt a suitable soul beast and help you break through to the Soul Sect level."

Ma Hongjun widened his eyes and his throat moved a few times, as if he wanted to say something, but he choked.

He lowered his head, his voice so low that it was almost inaudible: "Lu Yu, thank you...really.

I treated you badly before and even helped Dai Mubai to bully you, I..."

"do not talk."

Lu Yu interrupted him, his tone calm, “I don’t take the past to heart.

Let's go, there are many ten-thousand-year soul beasts deep in the Star Dou Forest, I'll help you pick a suitable one."

Ma Hongjun stared at him blankly, his eyes slightly red, and nodded heavily: "Okay! Lu Yu, I leave my life to you!"

The two went deep into the Star Dou Forest. Lu Yu released his soul power and sensed the breath of soul beasts around him.

Not long after, he stopped and fixed his eyes on a huge soul-devouring tiger.

This soul beast is dark in color and has a fierce aura. It has been cultivating for about 18,000 years, which is just right for Ma Hongjun's Phoenix martial soul.

Lu Yu whispered: "Hongjun, the spirit ring of this soul-devouring tiger can help you break through the bottleneck, and the spirit bone can also enhance your physique.

Get ready, I'll take care of it."

Ma Hongjun's eyes flashed with excitement, and he nodded and said, "Lu Yu, I believe you!"

Lu Yu's figure flashed, and the Qilin martial spirit was released instantly. The golden-red light illuminated the surrounding dense forest.

The Soul-Devouring Tiger sensed the danger, roared, and pounced on Lu Yu.

Lu Yu snorted coldly, punched out with his right fist, and his soul power condensed into a fiery Qilin phantom, directly blasting the Soul-Devouring Tiger away.

The battle lasted only a short while before the Soul-Devouring Tiger fell to the ground, completely dead.

Lu Yu took out a piece of soul bone that was shimmering with faint light from the Soul Devouring Tiger and handed it to Ma Hongjun: "Quick, absorb it.

I will protect you."

Ma Hongjun took the soul bone, his fingers trembling slightly, his eyes full of gratitude: "Lu Yu, I... I don't know how to thank you."

"No need to thank me, just absorb it quickly."

Lu Yu waved his hand, stood aside, released his soul power, and vigilantly sensed his surroundings.

Ma Hongjun took a deep breath, sat down cross-legged, and began to absorb the soul bone.

The fluctuations of his soul power surged like the tide, and his expression was sometimes painful and sometimes relieved.

Lu Yu stood aside with a gentle look in his eyes, but he was thinking about his future path in his heart.

The threat from the Wuhun Empire is getting closer and closer, he needs more allies, and Ma Hongjun may be a start.

An hour later, Ma Hongjun suddenly opened his eyes, his aura surged, his soul power broke through to level 50, and he was officially promoted to Soul King.

He stood up, feeling the abundant power in his body, his eyes full of excitement: "Lu Yu, I succeeded! Level 50 Soul King! And with this soul bone, my physical strength has increased a lot!"

Lu Yu smiled slightly: "Yes, Hongjun, your Phoenix Martial Spirit has great potential. From now on, practice hard and don't waste your talent."

Ma Hongjun scratched his head, chuckled, then straightened his expression and said solemnly: "Lu Yu, I know I was a jerk before, but from now on, my life is yours! Whatever you ask me to do, I will do it!"

Lu Yu patted his shoulder with a deep look in his eyes: "Hongjun, I don't want you to work for me.

I just hope you can do something for Shrek, Dai Mubai, and all those who have been hurt by the Spirit Hall.

Come with me, let's go find Tang San and Mu Bai, find out the truth, and fight against the Spirit Hall."

Ma Hongjun's eyes flashed with determination, and he nodded heavily: "Okay! Lu Yu, I'll go with you! No matter how difficult it is, I won't back down!"

The night wind blew, and the leaves in the Star Forest rustled.

Lu Yu looked at Ma Hongjun and a smile appeared on his lips.

Perhaps, the encounter in this forest was a turning point in fate.

He turned and walked into the depths of the forest, with Ma Hongjun following closely behind. The two figures walked away in the moonlight, leaving behind a silent forest path.

Lu Yu pushed open the door of the inn. The wooden door creaked and sunlight slanted in from outside, illuminating the slightly cramped figure behind him.

Ma Hongjun lowered his head, his wide robe could not hide his sturdy figure, and there was a hint of uneasiness on his face.

In the lobby of the inn, Zhu Zhuqing, Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong were sitting around a round table with a few plates of light snacks and a pot of steaming tea on it.

Seeing Ma Hongjun behind Lu Yu, the three women had different expressions, and a subtle tension filled the air.

"Lu Yu, why did you bring him back?"

Xiao Wu spoke first, her voice clear but with a hint of caution.

Her eyes fell on Ma Hongjun, and her eyebrows were slightly furrowed, obviously not welcoming this newcomer.

Lu Yu waved his hand, signaling Xiao Wu to be patient.

He pulled a chair over and sat down, motioning Ma Hongjun to sit down as well, and then he slowly spoke, his voice steady but with unquestionable force: "Xiaowu, Zhuqing, Rongrong, don't be anxious, listen to me.

You all know Ma Hongjun. His martial spirit is the Evil Fire Phoenix. He is extremely talented, but in the past, due to some misunderstandings and the influence of his martial spirit, he acted a little... inappropriately.

But that wasn’t entirely his intention.”

Ma Hongjun lowered his head, clenched his hands tightly, his knuckles slightly white, as if he was trying hard to suppress something.

He gritted his teeth and whispered, "Brother Lu Yu is right, I...I did do a lot of wrong things in the past.

especially……"

He paused, looked up at Zhu Zhuqing, with a bit of guilt in his eyes, "Zhuqing, I know you have a problem with me, I don't blame you.

It was because I failed to control the evil fire of my martial soul that I did those stupid things."

Zhu Zhuqing snorted coldly, crossed her arms, and swept her eyes across Ma Hongjun like a knife: "It's good that you know.

Your 'inappropriate' behavior cannot be dismissed as a martial spirit issue."

Her voice was cold and a little distant, and it was obvious that she was still brooding over Ma Hongjun's past.

Lu Yu coughed lightly, interrupting the tense atmosphere: "Zhu Qing, I understand your concerns.

But Ma Hongjun's talent is unquestionable, he just lacks the right guidance.

I have helped him absorb a soul bone and suppressed the influence of the evil fire.

Now he is already a Soul King of level 51, and his strength has increased a lot.

I believe that if he is given a chance, he can prove himself."

"Fifty-first level Soul King?"

Ning Rongrong raised her eyebrows, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.

She put down the teacup in her hand, looked Ma Hongjun up and down, and said with a bit of scrutiny in her tone: "Lu Yu, you are quite resourceful.

"He broke through the bottleneck in such a short time? However, his strength has improved, but his character cannot be changed by a soul bone."

Ma Hongjun suddenly raised his head, a hint of anxiety flashing in his eyes: "Ms. Ning, I know you have a prejudice against me, but I really want to change! I... I am willing to listen to Brother Lu Yu's arrangements, and I am willing to do anything for you, just for a chance to prove myself!"

His voice was a little hoarse and sincere, and the fat on his face trembled slightly, making him look a little excited.

Xiao Wu curled her lips, crossed her arms over her chest, and leaned back in her chair: "Proof? That's a nice way to put it.

We haven't forgotten the dirty things you did in the past.

Lu Yu, do you really think this guy can be trusted?"