Another Kind of Genius

When the seven Flamens and Ru Shenqi arrived back in Spirit City five days later, they brought her over to the Elder Palace and locked her up in a special prison that could even restrict Limit Douluos. Although it couldn't restrict her Quasi-God King powers, she also chose to remain where she was.

Once she was alone, she sat against the cold, stone wall and closed her eyes. Mom, Dad, I'm sorry if I've disappointed you. But if I can draw the joint army to Spirit City, then maybe the war can finally end. Once Spirit City falls and Supreme Pontiff Palace is destroyed, what else will the Golden Generation have? Spirit Empire's foundation will be ruined. 

She sighed and awaited her execution.

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A scout from the Speed Hall of Tang Sect flew down and reported to the Golden Iron Triangle, Shrek Seven Devils, Shrek Six Tyrants, Xue Beng, Ning Fengzhi, Chen Xin, and Gu Rong.

"Sect Leader, I have a report!"

"What is it?"

"The seven Flamens are gone. They've left Liuying Fortress!"

"Eh, what?!" Flender cried.

"Where have they gone?" Yu Xiaogang asked.

"Back to Spirit City. They apparently took the Supreme Pontiff with them."

"Xiao Shen? Is Xiao Shen alright?" Gu Xingyun, Ming Yong, Liao Suyin, Bai Shanxin, Fang Youyou, and Shu Jiaxiang demanded.

Bai Chenxiang appeared with an uneasy look on her face.

"Xiangxiang, what is it?" Ma Hongjun wondered.

"Xiao Shen's been arrested. She was accused of treason and is going to be executed at Elder Palace in five days."

Horror filled the Shrek Six Tyrants' eyes. "EXECUTED?!"

But Tang San knew better. He breathed in realization, "She purposefully drew them back to Spirit City."

Yu Xiaogang caught on. "If Spirit City is barraged by the joint army, we stand a chance of finally ending Spirit Empire's reign."

Oscar rested a hand on Gu Xingyun's shoulder. "We won't let Xiao Shen get hurt. Don't worry."

"Senior Oscar," Liao Suyin began. "Let us come with you."

Flender cleared his throat as he adjusted his glasses. "Suyin, Spirit City has many hidden traps. Plus, the Golden Generation hasn't left here yet. It'll already be detrimental when the Seven Devils leave. We need you Six Tyrants here to fend Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan off."

Just then, another scout flew over and reported, "The Golden Generation has just left Liuying Fortress!! They seem to be headed back to Spirit City! They're taking the troops, spirit masters, and Seven Clans with them!"

Xue Beng's eyes lit with determination. "Then let's move out! Since Spirit Empire has abandoned Liuying Gorge, so will we. On my order, march for Spirit City!"

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Five days later, in the Elder Palace, Ru Shenqi sat in her cell calmly with her eyes closed. Xie Yue and Yan approached the wrought iron bars.

"Supreme Pontiff," the Flame Lord mocked. "It's time for your end."

"Are you sure about that?" she replied evenly. "Haven't I warned you enough? Ghosts can't die."

Xie Yue's gaze narrowed. "Maybe not. But you can disappear."

She opened her eyes. "I'd like to see you try."

Yan unlocked the cell doors. "Enough. Nana and the Flamens are waiting."

Sighing, the Little God stood from her dirty mat against the wall. She walked over to the open doors and followed the two Elders out of the prison. They led her upstairs to the Grand Hall in the Elder Palace.

Inside, Hu Liena stood slightly in front of the Seven Flamens. Upon seeing the other two members of the Golden Generation enter with Ru Shenqi just behind, they nodded, satisfied. The Goddess of Souls stopped in the center of the hall while Xie Yue and Yan approached Hu Liena.

"Nana, the traitor is here."

The Three-Tailed Charm Fox eyed her mentee. "Ru Shenqi, do you plead guilty to treason?"

"I plead guilty to betraying my friends, family, Seniors, and teachers by working for Spirit Empire both as Holy Maiden and Supreme Pontiff."

Everyone's eyebrows twitched. "You-!"

Ru Shenqi smirked. "Come on, I'd like to see how you execute the Douluo Divine Realm's Goddess of Souls for treason."

Xiang Yuezu snapped, "You're quite bold for being about to die!"

The chilling aura of death began to seep from the Little God. "If you can capture me, then I'll let you do whatever you want to me."

She rose up into the air. Her eight red spirit rings and eight icy-blue and silver Divine God Rings descended around her. But before she could launch any skills, golden chains shot for her wrists. Suddenly ensnared, she realized that they had been waiting for her to act.

I walked right into their trap.

The chains pulled taunt, holding her up in the air. She glared at them with hatred burning in her eyes. The Seventh Flamen, Chu Ketong¹褚坷痛 - 坷 meaning "Unfortunate in Life" and 痛 meaning "Pain/Sorrow", summoned his Thistle-Studded Horsetail Whisk.

"Ru Shenqi," he began coldly. "You've admitted to your treason. Now, it's time for you to die."

He raised his tool spirit and flicked it down. Much like a whip, the Thistle-Studded Horsetail Whisk cut at her. With each strike, a new cut appeared on her body. She grunted in pain. But much to everyone's dismay, she didn't bleed. After an hour of punishment, she raised an eyebrow at them.

"Is this all you've got?"

Anger raged in the Seven Flamens' eyes. Xie Yue summoned his Moon Blades, having had enough. They spun vengefully before he threw them at her. As the two blades dawned closer and closer, Ru Shenqi closed her eyes and turned her head, awaiting the painful cuts. But then, a spear flew past her, knocking the Moon Blades back. A spirit skill cut at the golden chains and broken them. Someone zipped in and grabbed the Little God who opened her eyes and gaped.

"Shanxin?"

Shu Jiaxiang shot between the Flamens, using her Shadow Cheetah Fog, Shadow Cheetah Claws, and Shadow Cheetah Ether spirit skills to attack. Gu Xingyun flew forward, summoning his Lightning Spear back to his hand. The other Tyrants appeared around the two young women as they lowered to the ground.

"Guys..."

"Xiao Shen, are you alright?" Fang Youyou asked as he began to support her.

"I'm just in pain. But a dead person won't bleed."

Fury lit in the God of Storms' eyes. His grip on his spear tightened, knuckles turning white. He growled, "...They dared to hurt you."

Gu Xingyun flew forward, joining the fight. Ming Yong walked up to her side.

"Xiao Shen, luckily, Sect Leader and Grandmaster caught on. We got here in time to save you."

"Mortal spirits can't kill a Quasi-God King, especially a Ghost God. There was no danger of me leaving all of you."

"Well, us, Seniors, Teachers, and the entire joint army is here. Don't worry, Spirit City will fall soon. And when it does, Douluo Continent can finally be free from their tyranny for good."

Ru Shenqi watched as her friends shot forward, going all out against the Golden Generation and the seven Flamens. Spirit skills and divine skills exploded. Weapons clashed. Beasts roared. Soon, the Shrek Seven Devils and Golden Iron Triangle came running inside to join the fight.

Xiao Wu dashed over and asked, "Xiao Shen, are you alright?"

"I'm alright, Laoshi. Sect Leader understood me."

"You were tricky about it. We barely understood why you let yourself be arrested."

The Little God cleared her throat. "Because now that I know how my parents really died, it's time for me to avenge them. If not today, then soon."

The Soft-Boned Douluo rested a hand on her disciple's shoulders. "Don't worry. You don't have to fight this battle alone anymore. You have us Seniors, teachers, and your friends to help you."

"Xiao Wu," Tang San called.

She teleported to his side, and they joined together to create their Coexistence of Two Gods. Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing merged for their White Tiger of Netherworld. The Golden Iron Triangle summoned the Golden Saint Dragon Luo San Pao. Seeing these three powerful spirit fusion skills, the Flamens and Golden Generation silently bemoaned in their hearts and cursed their Supreme Pontiff.

Ru Shenqi's eyes narrowed. "Spirit Empire, you have caused this planet enough strife. Today, us Shrek Academy will serve you justice! Thousand Heavens!"

The Shrek Seven Tyrants gathered in their positions.

"The Godly Gong Shakes A Thousand Heavens!"

Soon, the Golden Heavenly Swift, Shadow Jade Tarantula, and Clear Crystal Dragon Qin appeared. Immediately trapping the Golden Generation, the six Tyrants involved launched their strongest skills while the other spirit fusion skills and Shrek Devils dealt with the seven Flamens. Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan grumbled. The Siblings joined together to create their Charm Genie, but even it couldn't resist the godly force of the three combined spirit fusions. The Golden Generation was thrown backwards, severely injured. Ru Shenqi, Ming Yong, Gu Xingyun, Bai Shanxin, Liao Suyin, and Shu Jiaxiang fell out of their fusions. The Goddess of Souls clutched at her chest and coughed. Worriedly, Gu Xingyun spun around.

"Xiao Shen!"

"I- it's alright. I used too much spirit power just now."

At that moment, the seven Flamens dropped to their knees and spat bright red blood. Hatred burned in their glares. They growled, "Tang San!"

Hu Liena suddenly met Ru Shenqi's gaze. Much to the younger's shock, there seemed to be a hint of sadness in the older one's eyes.

Mentor... Ru Shenqi said through spiritual communication.

Xiao Shen, if only you had grown up in Spirit Empire. Then, perhaps, things won't have come to this.

The Little God frowned. What do you mean?

Ru Shenqi, oh Ru Shenqi, we never should've met.

Hu Liena raised her arm. Moments later, a clicking noise could be heard. Ru Shenqi's eyes widened, and her lips parted.

"NO!"