Another Kind of Genius

The Golden Generation and the Six Flamens' eyes widened. This power!!

"Ninth divine skill, True God's Hell Fury!"

Ru Shenqi's raw divine power surged out. Being multi-powered with the assists from Ning Rongrong, Fang Youyou, and the Seven treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda Clan, her divine power dared to border the one hundred and sixtieth rank. Soul fire burned around her like an aura.

"Spirit Empire, your end is NOW!"

She released her soul fire, and it snaked its way through the Flamens, licking at their skin and corroding their souls. The Flamens screamed in pain. Seeing this, the Golden Generation didn't hold back. But it was already too late for them to stop her.

While using her ninth spirit skill, Ru Shenqi had a complete invincibility to others' attacks. Spirit skills bounced right off of her. She guided the soul fire to the soldiers, the Seven Clans, and anyone else loyal to Spirit Empire. Cries and wails echoed all over Spirit City. Finally, the only ones left were the Golden Generation. Hu Liena, Yan, and Xie Yue looked around at the death and destruction that had been brought to Supreme Pontiff Palace.

The Three-Tailed Charm Fox pointed her finger at her mentee and screeched, "RU SHENQI!!!!"

"Mentor, I owe you for helping me to become more powerful. As such, I cannot, in good conscience, be the one to kill you. The same principle does not hold for Elders Xie Yue or Yan."

Ru Shenqi flicked out her hand, and two wisps of soul fire fell on them. They tried to flick the flames off in a mad panic, but their souls corroded and their bodies withered. Having watched her brother and her friend die before her eyes, Hu Liena slowly turned to face the Shrek Seven Tyrants and the Shrek Seven Devils.

With gritted teeth, she said, "You've won."

Tang San stepped forward. "Hu Liena, for all of the pain and suffering you've caused, you cannot be allowed to live. Back in Star Dou Great Forest, we agreed that we didn't owe each other anything anymore. As such, I shall execute your punishment."

He summoned the Asura Demon Sword and joined souls with Xiao Wu to enter their Convergence of Two Gods soul fusion skill. Together, they said, "The sharp edge returns to the sheath, calmly observing the truth and rules. The killing intent, like a blade, annihilates all illusions. Realm of the Asura!"

The lovers swung the killing blade of justice, and a bright red line appeared across the Three-Tailed Charm Fox's neck. Ru Shenqi bit her lip, wrung her hands, and stepped forward.

"Mentor, I genuinely wish it didn't have to end this way. In a few minutes, I, the Goddess of Souls, shall escort your soul to its resting place."

Hu Liena coughed and nodded, finally accepting her fate. She fell to the side, never moving again.

Ru Shenqi turned towards her friends, Seniors, and teachers. "Xiao Shen will do what Xiao Shen has promised. I will be right back."

As she turned to go, Gu Xingyun caught her arm. "You're not serious about seeing Hu Liena off?"

"I am. If she hadn't hunted the Pearl Armored Shark for me back then, how could I have saved Haishen Island from the hurricane, thus becoming its Head Flamen? If she hadn't sent me to Slaughter City, would I have met you or gained the Death God Domain? No matter what, I owe her a send off. That's the last kindness I can show her."

Ru Shenqi pulled her arm from her beloved's hand and left for the Nether Realm. There, Hu Liena's soul already awaited her.

"Mentor, this way."

The two walked through an obsidian palace and reached center where an icy blue fire burned on a pedestal.

"Is this also soul fire?" Hu Liena asked.

"Yes. But this soul fire will erase ones memories and send them on the journey of reincarnation. This is as far as I can accompany you. Thank you, Mentor, for my spirit ring and the Death God Domain. Despite our grievances and differences, Xiao Shen will never forget Mentor."

Hu Liena sighed. "If I could choose again, I don't know if I would choose Spirit Empire again."

"When or where you get reborn is not up to me but your sins." Sadness filled Ru Shenqi's eyes. "It's time, Mentor. Please reach out to the soul fire. A piece will engulf you, and it will only feel warm; it won't hurt."

Obeying, the last member of Spirit Empire held out her hand, palm upturned. A little bit of the soul fire flew out from the main flame and rested in her hand. A small smile spread across Hu Liena's face.

"It really is just warm... and comforting."

Soon, she began to forget the past. Her eyes widened as they began to lose their color. Ru Shenqi bowed her head. When the Three-Tailed Charm Fox's spirit became fully engulfed in the soul fire, her memories were completely wiped. She was finally set free.

The Goddess of Souls waved her arm, and the clean-slated soul flew away to begin its journey of reincarnation. A single tear slipped down Ru Shenqi's cheek.

Mentor, farewell. I sincerely hope your next life is better than this one.

Then, she left the Nether Realm and returned to Douluo Continent. When she reappeared back in Spirit City, her friends rushed at her.

"Xiao Shen!"

"Oh!" she yelped. "What, did you think I wouldn't come back?"

Tang San stepped forward. "Xiao Shen, has Hu Liena been sent on her way?"

She nodded. "Spirit Empire will never harm the Continent ever again."

Everyone cheered and cried, "Victory for Heaven Dou Empire! Victory for Star Luo Empire!"

Gu Xingyun clasped his loved one's hand. She turned to look at him.

"Xingyun?"

"Xiao Shen, are you going back to Haishen Island now?"

"Goddess of Souls or not, I'm still the Head Flamen. Until I get a successor, I will remain as such."

"Then... I'll go with you."

Shock splashed across her face. "You'll give up the throne of Guang Kingdom?"

He nodded. "I've already talked it over with my Eldest Brother. He'll take over the throne instead."

"His Highness Gu Tu?"

"Yes. As the eldest, he should've been Crown Prince anyways."

The couple turned towards their friends. Bai Shanxin and Fang Youyou held hands.

"We're coming with you to Haishen Island. Sect Leader wants to set up a branch location of Tang Sect there so that Ocean spirit masters can learn hidden weapons and protect themselves from future attacks as well."

Shu Jiaxiang and Liao Suyin shared a look. The Jade Poison Tarantula blushed.

"I'm going back to Suotuo City. I've decided to marry Xun Yunji. He's nice to me, and I think we can make this marriage work."

"Well, I still have no desire to marry the Luo family's son, so do you guys care if I sneak back to Haishen Island with you all?"

The others laughed. Ru Shenqi shook her head. "Not at all. You're more than welcome."

Gu Xingyun turned towards Ming Yong. "And you? You were originally planning on accompanying Xiao Shen back to Haishen Island."

Ming Yong sighed before giving his friends a small smile. "I'm going back to the ruins of Gengxin City. See if the city is revivable. The Defense Hall of Tang Sect is willing to help me rebuild my home if so. Although I can't bring my family back, I can do something about my hometown."

Ru Shenqi thought for a moment. Finally she said, "Yong, I can let you speak with your family one last time. Their grievance with Spirit Empire is gone now, and they're about to go on their way to reincarnate. Before they go, I can take you to them."

Hope lit in his eyes. "Really?"

"I'm the Goddess of Souls. This isn't impossible for me."

"They sent me off to Shrek Academy in a rush. I never got to say a proper goodbye. I'd at least like to."

"Then, come with me."

She held out her hand, and he took it. They teleported to the Nether World and appeared in front of four souls. Tears welled in Ming Yong's eyes.

"Mom, Dad, Gege, Jiejie."

They turned and gasped. "Yong? A- are you dead too? What happened?"

He shook his head and approached them. Ru Shenqi stepped back respectfully.

"No, I'm very much alive. Mom, Dad, Gege, Jiejie, don't worry. My friends and I have stopped Spirit Empire once and for all. They'll never terrorize the Continent ever again."

His father rested a ghostly hand on his shoulder. "We're so proud of you, son."

His mother nodded in agreement. "We knew you were destined for great things."

"Dad, Mom, I've become a God. The God of Music. Some day, I'll ascend to the Douluo Divine Realm."

His family's eyes widened. "How did that happen?"

Ming Yong turned towards Ru Shenqi. "It's all thanks to Xiao Shen. She pushed us Shrek Seven Tyrants to become the best of our generation. But even then, none of us could ever compare to this Little God."

She slowly walked forward and bowed slightly. "Ming family, it's an honor to meet you."

"Xiao Shen, is it?" Ming Yong's mother asked.

"Ru Shenqi is my true name. My mother was Ru Zuanshi."

"That Limit Douluo from Spirit Empire?!"

She nodded. "But I, the Goddess of Souls and the Head Flamen of Haishen Island, took revenge for my parents' deaths and eradicated Spirit Empire. I saw Hu Liena off here in the Nether World myself."

They stared at her, unable to believe it. Ming Yong chuckled. "Xiao Shen is the definition of a genius among geniuses. And she's my best friend."

"Yong," she murmured sadly.

"I need to let you go, Xiao Shen. That's also part of the reason why I'm returning to Gengxin City instead."

"I understand. Either way, you're always more than welcome on Haishen Island. Perhaps one day... us Shrek Seven Tyrants will be reunited again."

He nodded and turned towards his family. They enveloped him in one last hug. Ru Shenqi watched with tears in her eyes.

Mom, Dad, if only I could see you both again. But I cannot use my powers for a selfish reason such as this. I'm just glad that I could help Yong see his family one last time.

Softly, she said, "It's time."

He nodded and stepped back. His family looked at him and said, "Yong, we will always love you. And we are so proud of you. Go do great things as a God."

Ru Shenqi flicked out four wisps of her soul fire, and their memories were wiped. She waved her arm, sending their souls on their way. Ming Yong turned to her.

"Thank you for this, Xiao Shen."

"Of course. Anything for my family."

They returned to Douluo Continent, and everyone bid tearful farewells. Soon, the Shrek Seven Devils, the Golden Iron Triangle, and the Shrek Seven Tyrants all went their separate ways.

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A few days later, as Ru Shenqi was cultivating the power of the world in Haishen Hall, Yi Xiangli appeared in front of her.

"Xiao Shen."

She opened her eyes and looked up.

"Come with me."

They teleported to Ghost Pavilion in the Douluo Divine Realm. Once there, Yi Xiangli led her over to a mirror that seemed to shimmer and swirl like water.

"Goddess, why are we here?"

"You have done a great deed for the Douluo Universe. As such, I'll grant you this one grace." She waved her arm, and two people appeared in the mirror. Ru Shenqi gasped, hand clapping over her mouth. Tears instantly welled in her eyes.

She choked out, "Mom, Dad."