Dai Mubai looked at the half-eaten sausage in Tang San's hand, and the few leftover skewers nearby.
His face showed a mix of shock and… mischief.
Something dark flickered in his eyes.
---
"Ye Qiu, is there something wrong with his sausages?"
Xiao Wu asked curiously.
---
"You'll know in a second."
Ye Qiu looked at them with amusement.
The sausage wasn't dirty, per se—
But Oscar himself was incredibly pervy, and his thoughts were anything but clean.
Even Ye Qiu wouldn't want to eat something made by him.
---
Dai Mubai chuckled sinisterly and let go of Oscar.
He grabbed his shoulder and barked:
"Xiao Ao, go on—tell Tang San how your giant sausages are made!"
---
"Huh?!"
Oscar's beard-covered face showed clear reluctance.
"Boss Dai, let's not… I'll just refund him, okay?"
---
Dai Mubai gripped his shoulder tighter, the bones creaking.
He threatened coldly:
"Don't make me get physical, Xiao Ao!"
---
"Okay okay okay—I'll talk!"
Under Dai Mubai's intimidation, Oscar had no choice but to raise his left hand—
And in his sleazy, soft tone, he chanted his soul incantation:
---
"I, your father, have a giant sausage!"
---
The moment the words were out—
A freshly made, fragrant sausage appeared in Oscar's hand.
The only difference from what Tang San held was that this one hadn't been grilled yet—
And it didn't have a skewer.
---
Hearing Oscar's soul chant, Tang San's face instantly darkened.
> The pure, noble Tang San—
Had suddenly thought of something very unpleasant.
---
The sausage in his hand dropped to the ground.
His stomach churned with nausea.
He glared at Oscar—
His eyes full of rising anger.
---
"That's enough. Get lost."
"And remember—don't let me catch you selling sausages in the academy again!"
---
Noticing Tang San's expression darken—
Dai Mubai quickly shooed Oscar away, then burst into laughter and tried to comfort him:
---
"Hahaha! Tang San, it's fine."
"Oscar's a food-type soul master. His incantation is just… a little weird, that's all! Hahaha!"
---
While his words were soothing—
His smirking face and unrestrained laughter revealed just how much fun he was having.
---
Zhu Zhuqing silently watched from the side, subtly taking a step away from them.
---
"Gross."
Xiao Wu muttered under her breath and leaned closer into Ye Qiu's chest.
---
But then—
She noticed Ye Qiu's teasing expression.
Their eyes met—and her face suddenly flushed red.
---
She looked down, too embarrassed to speak.
She clearly remembered—
> She had eaten Ye Qiu's sausage before…
---
"You pinched me earlier. Shouldn't I punish you for that too?"
Ye Qiu whispered with a mischievous grin.
---
"No way! That was your fault just now!"
Came Xiao Wu's muffled, shy voice from his arms.
---
After finishing his laugh—
Dai Mubai finally managed to calm down Tang San.
He patted Tang San's shoulder and said seriously:
"Alright, I've arranged everything. I can now take you all directly to the fourth round!"
---
As he turned to leave with Ye Qiu's group—
---
"Wait a minute, teacher!"
"Why don't they have to take the test?!"
---
Dai Mubai's loud laughter had drawn attention from the lined-up examinees nearby.
They were all young geniuses who had reached Level 20 before age thirteen.
Seeing Ye Qiu's group skip ahead—
They immediately began to protest.
---
"Alright, quiet down!"
One of the test instructors threw over a milky-white crystal ball and instructed:
"Mubai, explain it to them."
---
"Tsk… such a hassle."
Dai Mubai caught the crystal ball and handed it to Tang San—
Signaling him to conduct a spirit power test.
---
Then, he turned to the protesting students and shouted:
---
"Open your eyes and watch carefully!
If your spirit power reaches Level 25 or higher,
you can also skip the middle exams and go straight to the fourth round!"
---
As soon as he finished—
Tang San injected his spirit power into the crystal ball.
---
Instantly, it glowed like a diamond, its brilliance completely filling the orb.
This particular crystal ball had a maximum reading of Level 30.
---
"Soul Elder?! Impossible!"
The students exclaimed, stunned.
---
"Nothing's impossible. Just because you can't do it, doesn't mean others can't."
"Let me repeat—
Shrek Academy only accepts monsters!"
---
Dai Mubai looked down on them.
He'd seen many twelve-year-olds who had reached Level 20—
But very few could pass Shrek Academy's real entrance test.
---
As he spoke—
He took the crystal ball from Tang San and tossed it to Xiao Wu.
---
Then, looking slightly embarrassed, he said:
"Cough… uh, go easy. Don't put too much power in."
---
Dai Mubai knew all too well—
Their academy dean was a tightwad. If this ball broke, he'd definitely get extorted for damages.
---
"Hmph! I know, okay?"
Xiao Wu snorted softly and began channeling her spirit power.
---
In moments, the crystal ball's brilliance surpassed even Tang San's—just a little.
"Another Soul Elder?!"
"Where are all these monsters coming from?!"
The students waiting in line broke into loud murmurs and whispers.
Suddenly, a girl in a flowing white dress gracefully emerged from the crowd like a dancing butterfly.
She snatched the crystal ball that Xiao Wu was about to hand to Ye Qiu.
At the same time, she spoke in a soft voice:
"Since that's the case, I should be able to proceed directly to the fourth round too!"
---
"Hey! You woman—!"
Xiao Wu glared angrily at Ning Rongrong.
But remembering she was Ye Qiu's target, she could only fume and silently swallow her frustration.
Ye Qiu gently squeezed Xiao Wu's soft hand—
A silent gesture of comfort.
---
"Hmph, filthy liar!"
Ning Rongrong shot Ye Qiu a glare.
She held back from throwing a tantrum—still maintaining her "lady persona."
---
As she injected spirit power into the crystal ball, it glowed brightly—
Though still noticeably dimmer than Tang San's.
---
"Level 26! That qualifies."
The testing instructor nodded approvingly.
---
Whoosh!
Before Ning Rongrong could react—
Zhu Zhuqing snatched the crystal ball straight from her hands.
Ning Rongrong found her vision suddenly filled with… a massive shape.
She froze, stunned, her eyes glued to the explosive curves before her!
---
Immediately after—
A bright white light flared once again from the crystal ball—
Even stronger than when Ning Rongrong used it.
It reflected a level 27 spirit power.
---
Dai Mubai's sharp eyes showed a flicker of complicated emotion as he glanced at Zhu Zhuqing.
---
After the test, Zhu Zhuqing casually tossed the crystal ball toward Ye Qiu.
Smack!
Ye Qiu raised a hand, catching it smoothly in his palm, then slowly injected his spirit power.
The brilliant white glow rapidly spread throughout the entire crystal ball.
---
A flicker of surprise passed through Ning Rongrong's eyes.
She hadn't expected this trickster who played her to actually be a Soul Elder.
---
"Another Soul Elder?!"
The full brilliance of the light once again silenced the rest of the examinees.
Their expressions shifted into ones of disbelief and… awe.
---
Twelve years old and already a Soul Elder?
Is that even humanly possible?
---
"Hmph! Like I said—just because you can't do it, doesn't mean others can't."
Dai Mubai scoffed and repeated himself.
Then he took the crystal ball from Ye Qiu and handed it back.
---
At the same time—
Even Dai Mubai had to admit he was feeling a little ashamed.
He couldn't deny it:
> A twelve-year-old Soul Elder—even he couldn't achieve that. Let alone Soul Ancestor level.
Especially when one of them even had a black soul ring.
---
He shot Ye Qiu another strange look, then casually tossed the crystal ball back to the teacher.
---
The test instructor gave a knowing smirk, clicking his tongue in amazement:
"Didn't expect we'd recruit so many fine talents this year. Looks like I might get a raise. Alright, Mubai, take them to the fourth round."
---
"Yes, sir!"
Without delay, Dai Mubai respectfully acknowledged the order and led them deeper into the academy.
---
No one raised any more objections.
Ye Qiu and the others had already proven themselves.
---
Among the five of them, only Tang San seemed to have built a decent rapport with Dai Mubai.
The two walked side-by-side.
Tang San was asking about Shrek Academy.
According to Dai Mubai—
> Shrek Academy's mission was to only admit monster soul masters.
Only those with exceptional talent. No trash allowed.
> If you don't reach Soul Ancestor (Level 40) before the age of 20—you don't graduate.
---
In the past 20 years, they had only admitted 62 students, of whom only 14 had graduated.
And all those who graduated became renowned across the continent.
The most outstanding of them even held a position in Spirit Hall, just below the Pope!
---
Tang San's eyes lit up.
He clenched his fists with resolve.
His teacher hadn't lied.
This place—he had definitely chosen the right one!
---
Meanwhile—
Ning Rongrong, who was still shocked by Zhu Zhuqing's overwhelming "assets," had been secretly staring at her.
But upon hearing Dai Mubai's explanation, she suddenly frowned.
She racked her brain—
But couldn't think of anyone in Spirit Hall fitting that elite description.
Someone that impressive, she should have at least heard of growing up in her clan.
---
From the corner of her eye—
She noticed a playful smirk on Ye Qiu's face.
Ning Rongrong immediately scowled and let out a cold snort.
---
Zhu Zhuqing's little face turned red—Ning Rongrong's gaze earlier had made her uncomfortable.
Xiao Wu tilted her head, curiously watching Ning Rongrong.
---
Her expression was… dangerous.
It was the kind of look a main wife gives a scheming vixen.
She was sure of it—
> Ning Rongrong had spoken up on purpose, just to seduce Ye Qiu!
---
Xiao Wu was convinced.
And Ye Qiu, who stood next to her, heard Ning Rongrong's snort and casually glanced her way.
---
He said in a calm, lazy tone:
"Ning Rongrong, you lied to me."
---
"Huh?"
Ning Rongrong froze.
She couldn't remember when she had ever lied to him.
Looking at Ye Qiu's dead-serious expression—
She gritted her teeth:
"Lies! It's YOU who lied to me! Don't try to twist the truth!"
---
Ye Qiu smirked teasingly.
"I didn't say anything false."
"Didn't you tell me you weren't a soul master? And now here you are…"
---
At his words—
Ning Rongrong's expression changed slightly.
It was true. She had said that.
But compared to how Ye Qiu tricked her—
> It wasn't even close!
She raised her head and snapped:
"None of your business."
"Let me warn you—I've started calculating interest. You'd better pay me back soon… or else—"
---
Before she could finish—
She caught Xiao Wu glaring at her with a resentful look.
The stare made her feel flustered.
She turned away and grumbled:
"What are you looking at? You're his woman—are you going to pay me back instead?"
---
"I don't have that much money."
Being called "Ye Qiu's woman" made Xiao Wu feel both shy and happy.
But ever since she broke through to Soul Ancestor, she hadn't received any soul master allowance.
She had been relying on Ye Qiu to support her.
---
Xiao Wu withdrew her hostile gaze, turned to Ye Qiu, and gave him a pleading look.
Ye Qiu looked at her and shook his head.
He smiled and said:
"Not paying. I earned it with skill—why should I return it?"
---
Xiao Wu obediently nodded, her eyes shining.
She turned back to Ning Rongrong and relayed calmly:
"Ye Qiu says he's not paying you back."
---
Zhu Zhuqing looked at Xiao Wu with a strange expression.
Her lips curled up slightly.
---
"I heard that."
Ning Rongrong's face darkened.
They were standing right next to each other—was repeating it really necessary?
Who wants that liar anyway?
She glared fiercely at Ye Qiu and snapped again:
---
"You really have no shame!"
Ye Qiu responded with a cold grin, showing his bright white teeth.
---
He was confident—
If the roles had been reversed, and Ning Rongrong had scammed him, she definitely wouldn't return it either.
So he felt no guilt at all.
---
Sunlight gleamed off his white teeth—
Making Ning Rongrong's delicate face flush red with anger.
---
Xiao Wu covered her lips and lightly poked Ye Qiu in the waist with annoyance.
---
At the front—
Dai Mubai and Tang San were walking ahead.
Though they were tempted to chime in on the heated drama behind them, they didn't stop.
---
Tang San couldn't help but ask:
"Senior Dai, what's the fourth trial?"
---
Dai Mubai replied:
"The fourth trial tests actual combat experience. The Dean said we don't want pampered brats."
---
When he mentioned it—
Dai Mubai looked a little troubled.
He used to be the one in charge of the fourth test.
But this time was different.
With two Soul Ancestors among them—he knew he couldn't handle either of them.
He sighed inwardly.
Best to reach the test site and let the teacher decide.
---
Before long—
Dai Mubai stopped in front of an open space.
---
"Alright. We're here."
---
They had arrived at a clearing of about 200 square meters.
In the center was a rocking chair, on which lay a middle-aged man around fifty, taking a nap.
---
Ye Qiu recognized him.
Tonight, he would be the poor soul who got brutally beaten by Tang Da Chui (Grandmaster Tang) without even using a martial soul—
The Immovable King Zhao Wuji.
Vice Principal of Shrek Academy. The current No. 2 in charge.
---
Dai Mubai craned his neck and softly called out:
"Teacher Zhao, I've brought them for the fourth trial."
"Hm?"
Upon hearing Dai Mubai's voice,
Zhao Wuji opened his sleepy eyes and looked with surprise at the five boys and girls standing nearby.
It was as if he had just encountered something unbelievable.
His rough voice buzzed in everyone's ears as he exclaimed:
"There are candidates making it to the fourth test this year? And five of them, no less?!"
---
One had to understand—
Shrek Academy hadn't recruited any new students in two years.
To suddenly have five reaching the fourth trial at once—
That was unprecedented.
---
"That's right, Teacher Zhao. And all five of them were exempted from the second and third rounds."
Dai Mubai responded with a grin.
But he didn't reveal the true strength of Ye Qiu and the others.
He wanted to witness Zhao Wuji's shocked expression for himself.
---
Zhao Wuji's eyes lit up.
Like a hunter spotting prey, he immediately stood up from his chair.
---
His figure wasn't tall, and his face was rather plain.
But his build was extremely solid.
Though he was shorter than twelve-year-old Tang San, he gave off an overwhelmingly powerful presence.
---
His broad shoulders were like city walls, and his jacket couldn't hide the steel-like muscles beneath.
Though he wore a friendly smile, his imposing body made it hard for others to relax around him.
---
"All five above level 25?"
"Good, very good. Looks like this year's batch of little monsters is not only numerous but also high quality."
---
Zhao Wuji smiled, his eyes sweeping across Ye Qiu and the others.
Then, with a friendly expression, he said cheerfully:
"I'm your final test. Pass my trial, and you'll officially become members of Shrek Academy."
"I'm Zhao Wuji. Since all of you skipped the second and third tests, I'll personally serve as your examiner. The next test is simple—five of you must hold off my attacks for the duration of one incense stick. As long as even one of you remains standing by the end, you all pass!"
---
Upon hearing this, Dai Mubai didn't argue about whether it was fair.
Instead, he breathed a sigh of relief.
The fourth test was originally his responsibility.
But with his injuries not fully healed, and with monsters like Ye Qiu and Xiao Wu on the team—
He was glad he didn't have to face them.
---
Though relieved, he was also a bit worried.
He quickly whispered to Zhao Wuji:
"Teacher Zhao, please go easy on them…"
---
Zhao Wuji glared at Dai Mubai.
"Hmph! Do I look like someone who doesn't know his limits?!"
---
"Uh…"
Dai Mubai was stunned.
In his mind, Zhao Wuji was basically all brawn and no brain.
---
"Alright, you all have one incense's time to talk and plan."
"Once the incense is lit, the test begins."
---
With a wave of his hand—
Zhao Wuji pulled out an incense stick from who-knows-where.
He casually pinched the tip between his fingers—
And lit it with friction.
In the blink of an eye, the incense was planted into the ground, standing perfectly still.
---
After this—
Zhao Wuji returned to his chair.
Before closing his eyes, he reminded Dai Mubai:
"Xiao Bai, go ahead and tell them my combat specialties—give them some prep time."
---
Then he went completely silent.
---
Ye Qiu didn't look concerned at all.
In his mind—
> If they didn't accept him, it would be Shrek's loss.
---
Tang San and the others didn't know Zhao Wuji's strength,
so they didn't feel much pressure about the test.
Only Dai Mubai looked serious.
He warned them:
"Don't underestimate him. Teacher Zhao is not easy to handle."
---
"Is this Teacher Zhao… also a Soul Emperor like that instructor at the gate?"
Tang San asked with a smile.
In his opinion, if it was just a Soul Emperor—
With Ye Qiu and Xiao Wu, they should easily last the duration of an incense.
---
Dai Mubai shook his head, about to speak when—
Xiao Wu proudly interrupted:
"Then what's the problem? Just leave it to me and Ye Qiu! Forget one incense—we might even beat him up!"
---
"Ah! Ye Qiu~!"
Before she could finish, Xiao Wu's body shivered.
She clutched Ye Qiu's mischievous hand, which had just smacked her rear.
Blushing, she turned to look at him with a mix of confusion and embarrassment.
---
She was met with a pair of exasperated eyes.
---
Ye Qiu hadn't expected this little bunny to be so brave—dragging him to go fight a Soul Saint.
---
"Ye Qiu~ Did I say something wrong?"
Xiao Wu took Ye Qiu's hand in hers and looked up at him innocently.
---
"Absolutely wrong!"
Dai Mubai cut in sternly.
His look toward Xiao Wu was that of disbelief, as if she were an idiot.
---
"Hey! You sick cat—what's with that look?! Wanna get slapped by Big Sis Xiao Wu?"
Xiao Wu waved her fist, face full of fake ferocity.
---
Dai Mubai ignored her and continued calmly:
"Teacher Zhao is far more than a Soul Emperor. He's a level 76 Power-Type Battle Soul Saint. He's also the vice principal of the academy—second in strength only to the dean."
---
At those words—
Tang San, Zhu Zhuqing, and the others instantly widened their eyes.
Even Xiao Wu was stunned.
---
Level 76 Soul Saint?!
---
Tang San recalled what his teacher had said:
> "A Soul Saint-level soul master can dominate even a battlefield of ten thousand."
This was not someone they could handle!
---
Shocked—
Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing gave Xiao Wu a strange look.
---
Xiao Wu's face turned red with embarrassment.
She quickly retreated behind Ye Qiu, avoiding his gaze.
Now she understood why Ye Qiu had smacked her just now.
She deserved it.
---
Ning Rongrong snickered in amusement.
Tang San glanced at Ye Qiu curiously—he clearly already knew Zhao Wuji's strength in advance.
---
Dai Mubai looked at the incense stick and calmly said:
"There's not much time. I'll quickly explain Teacher Zhao's combat style. Don't even think of handling him alone—coordination is your only shot."
---
Then he gave Xiao Wu a meaningful glance and added:
"Otherwise, forget one incense—you'd be lucky to survive even his first wave of attacks."
---
"Tch! Who are you looking down on? I can take one hit from him directly—no problem."
Xiao Wu pouted, trying to save some face and redeem her earlier blunder.
---
Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing exchanged glances.
Their expressions were unreadable, but their eyes toward Xiao Wu showed a hint of sympathy.
---
This time—
Ye Qiu didn't smack her again.
He just smiled.
---
After all, Xiao Wu was telling the truth.
Her fourth soul skill, Invincible Golden Body, when used by Ye Qiu—
> Made him a three-second real man—the unreasonable kind, immune to all damage under god-level!
---
Ye Qiu grinned.
Xiao Wu grinned too—and hugged him tighter.
---
Ye Qiu was genuinely curious—
Once they fused their powers, how far could they push Zhao Wuji?
They should be able to do better than Tang San, right?
Seeing that Ye Qiu didn't react, Ning Rongrong and the others stopped looking at Xiao Wu.
Their expressions turned serious.
---
Facing a level 76 Soul Saint was no joke.
Tang San understood this well.
In his hometown of Holy Soul Village, even a single Soul Saint could become a legend.
That said everything about a Soul Saint's status, power, and influence.
---
Dai Mubai rubbed his nose and gave a bitter smile:
> "Originally, Teacher Zhao was just supposed to supervise. Your opponent should've been me. As long as you lasted one incense stick against me, you would've passed.
But now... I'm definitely not qualified anymore."
---
He said it with a bit of frustration, but he didn't mind admitting the truth.
Once Xiao Wu and Ye Qiu released their martial souls, it would become obvious to everyone.
---
Tang San nodded slightly.
He had personally seen Xiao Wu beat Dai Mubai, nearly giving him the full Eight-Stage Throw combo.
---
Zhu Zhuqing gave Dai Mubai a cold glance.
Ning Rongrong, thinking Dai Mubai was just weak, looked at him with a hint of contempt in her eyes.
---
"Ahem..."
Noticing Xiao Wu's proud expression, Dai Mubai's face twitched.
He coughed twice and began introducing Zhao Wuji:
---
> "Teacher Zhao's nickname is Immovable King.
His martial soul is the Vigorous Vajra Bear. He excels in defense and strength.
Even though he's not good at speed, the gap between your soul power and his is so large that he still has a massive advantage."
---
To put it simply—
When the gap in soul power is vast, a high-level soul master becomes:
> "Undefeatable."
---
Ning Rongrong finally realized the situation and showed a surprised expression.
> She hadn't expected the legendary Immovable King Zhao Wuji,
who had once been hunted by Spirit Hall and vanished for over a decade,
to now be a teacher at this academy!
What a shock.
---
But Ye Qiu, as always, remained calm and composed.
With Tang San the cheat on one side—
Ye Qiu himself also wanted to test his own combat ability after fusing with Xiao Wu,
and see if his Dragon Beard Needles were truly that effective.
---
To fight a Soul Saint without fear of death—
> That kind of opportunity doesn't come often.
---
Once Dai Mubai finished his explanation, he cleared his throat again.
---
"Now, go ahead and introduce yourselves—name and martial soul.
Figure out how to best cooperate to defend against Teacher Zhao's test."
---
Tang San nodded and was the first to speak:
> "I'm Tang San.
Martial soul: Blue Silver Grass.
Level 30 control-type, two-ring Battle Soul Master."
---
Ning Rongrong hesitated for a moment.
She cast a proud glance at Ye Qiu, who hadn't spoken much yet, and said coolly:
> "Ning Rongrong.
Martial soul: Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda.
Level 26 support-type Grand Soul Master."
---
Zhu Zhuqing, cold and indifferent, declared:
> "Zhu Zhuqing.
Martial soul: Nether Shadow Cat.
Level 27 agility-type Grand Soul Master."
---
Ye Qiu, with his arm around Xiao Wu, yawned.
> "Ye Qiu.
Martial soul: Venom.
Level 43 power-type Battle Soul Sect."
---
"You're a Soul Sect?!"
Ning Rongrong looked at Ye Qiu in disbelief.
---
> "What? That a problem?"
Ye Qiu raised an eyebrow with a teasing smirk.
---
Seeing Ye Qiu respond, Xiao Wu stepped forward to cover half his body and chirped:
> "I'm Xiao Wu.
Martial soul: Soft-Boned Rabbit.
Level 46 power-type Battle Soul Sect."
---
"Forty-six?!"
Ning Rongrong was stunned.
Looking at both Ye Qiu and Xiao Wu, she stammered:
> "You... you're not joking, right?!"
---
Among everyone present, only Ning Rongrong had never seen Ye Qiu and Xiao Wu unleash their martial souls.
---
Dai Mubai gave an awkward laugh and explained:
> "Uh... actually, they're not joking."
---
Ning Rongrong stared blankly around her.
No one doubted it.
She could only accept the truth.
---
But her gaze never left Ye Qiu and Xiao Wu again.
> Soul Sects around her age?
That was monstrous beyond belief.
---
While Ning Rongrong was still stunned by Ye Qiu and Xiao Wu...
Tang San and the others' eyes turned toward her.
They had already seen Ye Qiu's soul rings—so they weren't surprised anymore.
But Ning Rongrong's martial soul did catch their attention.
---
Tang San exclaimed in shock:
> "I didn't expect you to be from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan!"
---
He hadn't forgotten what his teacher said about her martial soul:
> The strongest auxiliary-type martial soul in the entire continent!
Soul masters who possess it are the best partners for any combat-type soul master.
---
Being stared at by Tang San and the others—
Ning Rongrong was inwardly proud and delighted.
But she stuck out her tongue and humbly said:
> "Don't look at me like that. I'm no different from an average person.
Right now, I'm just a two-ring Grand Soul Master.
I can only enhance your speed and strength by 30%."
---
"Hiss—"
Tang San gasped, deeply impressed.
> "With your level, 30% is already very impressive."
---
Ning Rongrong smiled softly, blushing, and waved her hand—
As if to say: Don't make such a big deal out of it.
---
But her lively aqua eyes were locked onto Ye Qiu's calm face, which remained emotionless and unreadable.
She coldly snorted in her heart.
> That damned liar actually dares to ignore me?!
---
As for Dai Mubai, given his own status, he wasn't particularly shocked.
He smiled and said:
> "With this setup, you all make a pretty balanced team.
Almost every type is covered.
Now it's up to you to decide how to defend against Teacher Zhao's attack."
---
The group exchanged glances.
While Tang San fell into deep thought, Ye Qiu rolled his eyes.
---
> Once your soul master types are set,
your roles in a team fight are basically defined.
No need to overthink it.
---
Without hesitation, Ye Qiu simply spoke Tang San's intended plan out loud:
> "Ning Rongrong supports.
Xiao Wu and I will take the offense.
Tang San controls the enemy and assists us.
Zhu Zhuqing flanks to disrupt and harass."
---
Tang San paused, then nodded silently.
Surprised in his heart.
> Didn't expect Ye Qiu's thinking to align with mine exactly.
With limited time, this simple strategy was probably the best they could do.
Its effectiveness would have to be tested in battle.
---
Xiao Wu and Ye Qiu naturally listened to each other without question.
Whatever Ye Qiu said—Xiao Wu agreed to.
---
Ning Rongrong gave a cold snort, but reluctantly agreed.
---
Zhu Zhuqing stayed expressionless, nodding slightly in agreement with Ye Qiu's plan.
---
Everyone took their positions.
Ye Qiu and Xiao Wu stood at the front, holding hands.
Behind them were Tang San and Ning Rongrong, while Zhu Zhuqing stood on the side as flanker.
---
The formation was simple—nothing fancy.
---
Then Zhao Wuji's loud voice rang out:
> "Are you all done planning?"
---
Dai Mubai glanced back—the incense on the ground was nearly burned out.
He quickly stepped away and nodded at Zhao Wuji:
> "Teacher Zhao, we're ready to start."
---
"Good!"
Zhao Wuji stood up again.
As he moved, cracking sounds echoed from his joints, adding an oppressive weight to his presence.
---
He pulled out another incense stick and lit it with a twist of his rough fingers.
---
At the same time—
Xiao Wu and Ye Qiu simultaneously activated their martial souls.
---
Xiao Wu entered martial soul possession mode, her feet surrounded by yellow, yellow, purple, purple—four spinning soul rings.
Ye Qiu radiated black light,
his soul rings glowing yellow, yellow, purple, black—four in total.
---
"Soul... Soul Sect?!"
Just as he lit the incense, Zhao Wuji widened his eyes.
Rubbing them hard in disbelief:
> "A... ten-thousand-year soul ring?! What the hell is this?!"
---
He stared at Ye Qiu, unable to recover from the shock.
---
Ning Rongrong was also stunned.
Her aqua eyes trembled.
> A ten-thousand-year soul ring on a Soul Sect?
How could such a thing exist?
---
Before she could process it fully—
She saw Ye Qiu and Xiao Wu, still holding hands, preparing to fight.
---
Puzzled, she muttered:
> "What are they doing?"
---
Tang San gave a slight smile and answered:
> "Martial Soul Fusion Technique."