Unknowingly, Lu Jingming had been in this world for eight years. Over that time, he gradually figured out part of his True Authority ability.
When he first transmigrated, the power of reality he brought had been spent on manifesting Jingliu.
The reality power he gained later came from the various effects he and Jingliu had on this world, and he received feedback in the form of reality power.
Simply put, whether it was himself or the characters he manifested, the greater their impact on this world, the more reality power he could harvest.
In recent years, the one who provided him with the most reality power wasn't the powerful Jingliu, nor Chang Li, who ruled Haiyuan City, but the homebody Black Tower Herta.
This was because of the soul tools Herta created—some of her discarded works, once sold by Lu Jingming, triggered a chain reaction across the Douluo Continent, and all those effects were credited to Herta.
So, Lady Black Tower Herta was undoubtedly Lu Jingming's biggest source of reality power for now.
"I'm a few years older than you, so I'll just call you Xiaotao. Don't worry, I'll suppress my soul power to your level so it'll be a fair fight."
Zhang Lexuan didn't like how Ma Xiaotao targeted Lu Jingming, but she was kind-hearted and wouldn't bully the younger girl.
She seriously assured Ma Xiaotao she would suppress her strength for a fair and just duel.
"Hah! I don't need you to go easy on me. I've beaten older opponents before," Ma Xiaotao said confidently, chin raised, eyes gleaming with pride.
At Shrek Academy, she was among the very top talents. Among her peers, no one could match her, and even older students had often lost to her.
Because of this, she was already famous at a young age, nicknamed the "Flame Demoness."
You had to know that Shrek Academy was the continent's top school, a gathering place for countless geniuses.
To stand out in such a place was proof that Ma Xiaotao was a top-tier genius on the entire continent.
"Shrek Academy, Ma Xiaotao. Martial Soul: Evil Fire Phoenix. Level 41 Power Attack System Soul Ancestor."
Ma Xiaotao put one hand on her hip and snapped her fingers crisply, and a bright red flame instantly ignited the air with a soft "poof."
Immediately, two yellow, and two purple—a total of four soul rings floated up from beneath her feet, perfectly arranged, radiating powerful soul power.
This was the ideal soul ring configuration that all soul masters on the Douluo Continent dreamed of, proving Ma Xiaotao's solid foundation.
There was an unwritten rule in Douluo duels: before battle, both sides must announce their name, martial soul, and soul power level.
After all, soul duels were competitive, not a life-or-death battle, so basics mattered.
Zhang Lexuan's expression remained calm as water. Her voice was cool, like a breeze: "St. Freya Academy, Zhang Lexuan. Martial Soul: Silver Moon. Level 68 Power Attack System Soul Emperor."
In Ma Xiaotao's rapidly widening eyes, a bright silver moon rose behind Zhang Lexuan, radiating gentle and sacred light. At the same time, two yellow, two purple, two black—a total of six soul rings shone under her feet, each radiating powerful soul power, intertwining to form a breathtaking force.
The surging power swept up a wild wave of air, blowing Zhang Lexuan's ink-black hair around her like a living, stunning painting.
Bathed in silver moonlight, Zhang Lexuan at this moment resembled a moon goddess descending to earth, exuding an extraordinary, breathtaking beauty that left one entranced.
Her cool aura, paired with the gentle moonlight, added a deeper sense of mystery and nobility.
Ma Xiaotao instinctively licked her dry lips, her mouth twitching uncontrollably.
She silently groaned, feeling as if she'd kicked an unyielding steel plate.
At Shrek Academy, even among the most talented inner court disciples at age seventeen, most had just reached Soul King.
Breaking through to Soul Emperor at her age was rare among the top prodigies.
But for Zhang Lexuan to already be level 68 at this age—there probably wasn't a second like her in the whole academy.
Ma Xiaotao was confident in her talent, she'd also reach Soul Emperor by seventeen, but she knew she could never hit level 68 so early.
For soul masters, the higher their level, the harder further progress became—each step required unimaginable effort and sacrifice.
Moreover, the powerful aura and perfect ring configuration she sensed from Zhang Lexuan couldn't be achieved just by taking shortcuts or using drugs; it was a real strength.
"So what if you're a Soul Emperor? I'll still fight to the end!" Even though she felt a little weak inside, Ma Xiaotao's stubborn nature made her refuse to admit defeat.
Even though she knew this battle would be tough, she still put on a fearless, unyielding front.
Zhang Lexuan could easily see through Ma Xiaotao's bravado. She smiled gently and said, "Just as I said, I'll only use my first four soul skills and suppress my soul power to your level. It may not be strictly fair, but I trust you won't mind?"
"Hmph, I've never been afraid of a fair fight at the same level," Ma Xiaotao shot back, though this time she didn't claim she didn't need her opponent to go easy on her.
She wasn't stupid—if Zhang Lexuan went all out, the sheer soul power suppression would be enough to overwhelm her.
Seeing the two ready to start, Lu Jingming pulled Keqing to sit under a beach umbrella, snacks and drinks all set. The two were ready to enjoy the show.
PS: Am I too late if I play Genshin now?