NOVEL NEXT Chapter 98: Chapter 98
"Xiao Wu is on stage!" The Shrek Seven Devils turned their attention to the fighting arena.
After spending a few days together and they had come to understand Xiao Wu's martial spirit. Though it wasn't overwhelmingly powerful but her self-created soft techniques and special moves like the "Rabbit Kicking the Eagle" made her a formidable opponent in close combat.
In the stands most of the cheers were for Xiao Wu. The cute little rabbit girl clearly captured the audience's hearts and in contrast, Qing Bao with his massive build and bull-like appearance received only occasional support. His appearance gave him no advantage over Xiao Wu's charm.
Qing Bao's martial soul the Iron-Horned Bull, was a decent beast-type spirit and combining both strength and defense but However its weakness was speed. It could be considered a less powerful version of the Vigorous vajra bear .
"This big guy looks pretty strong. Third brother, can your Xiao Wu handle it?" Ma Hongjun leaned toward Tang San and asked quietly.
Tang San smiled confidently "No problem. Just wait and see. Xiao Wu's spirit skills are indeed vulnerable to strength-type spirit masters but that's only when the opponent's spirit power is significantly higher than hers. Against someone at the same level, she's more than capable."
Before Tang San could finish speaking Xiao Wu had already made her move. Both she and Qing Bao were strong attack-type spirit masters but their fighting styles differed. While Qing Bao focused on brute strength and defense and Xiao Wu relied on speed and explosive power.
Unlike typical agile attack spirit masters, Xiao Wu's speed came from short bursts of power rather than sustained movement. Her leg strength was her greatest asset and it showed in her technique.
With a slight bend of her knees Xiao Wu dashed forward like a cannonball. Her long legs whipped out with precision and aiming a powerful kick at Qing Bao's neck.
Qing Bao had underestimated her and thinking she was just a little girl. He paid the price for his carelessness with The kick landed perfectly.
Xiao Wu didn't stop there Utilizing her soft skills, she hooked her right leg around Qing Bao's neck. A playful smile spread across her lips as she softly said "Goodbye!"
A yellow light shimmered around her and activating her first soul skill. The strength of her waist increased by 119% that allower her to channel immense power into a single motion.
With a swift twist she sent Qing Bao flying out of the fighting arena.
The waist is a crucial source of strength in the human body. Xiao Wu's enhanced waist strength made her kick twice as powerful. Even Tianlin would hesitate to take such an attack head-on. Qing Bao, with lower spirit power stood no chance.
"Xiao Wu wins!" the host announced and his voice echoing across the arena.
Tianlin watched from the stands silently impressed 'This is the combat experience of a hundred-thousand-year soul beast. It's not to be underestimated.'
Xiao Wu returned to the group and basking in their congratulations. Several more matches followed, including a battle between Tang San and Zhu Zhuqing, which Tang San won easily. Ma Hongjun and Dai Mubai also claimed swift victories.
At this point Ning Rongrong quietly approached Tianlin "Brother Jian, the talents of the Shrek Seven Devils are no less than mine. They don't seem to belong to any clan yet. Should we consider bringing them into our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan?"
Her words revealed a more mature thoughtful Ning Rongrong and unlike in the original timeline, she now considered the clan's future. The Shrek Seven Devils were bound to become Titled Douluo someday a rare and valuable asset for any clan.
Tianlin smiled at her suggestion "That's precisely why I'm here."
He stepped forward and addressed the group "Your talents and fighting skills are truly impressive. It's been a pleasure to watch you all today."
Ma Hongjun ever humble, shook his head "Compared to you, we're nothing. Your achievements in the Great Soul Arena are legendary. We can't even come close."
Tianlin turned to him "Your name is Ma Hongjun, right? You're too modest. I didn't expect your martial soul to be the legendary Fire Phoenix. However, your flame seems impure. A true Fire Phoenix should be able to unleash ultimate fire."
Though he feigned curiosity Tianlin already knew Ma Hongjun's backstory. The young spirit master's potential was second only to Tang San within the Shrek Seven Devils and once Ma Hongjun's martial soul fully evolved he would be eligible to inherit the position of a first-class god—the God of Fire.
Ma Hongjun's early struggles were understandable. The evil fire backlash was something he couldn't control. His visits to brothels were a desperate attempt to keep the evil fire at bay or otherwise, he risked either burning himself to death or degenerating into an evil spirit master.
In fact Tianlin empathized with him. If faced with the same situation he would likely make similar choices. The alternative—becoming an evil spirit master or a eunuch—was far worse.
Ma Hongjun nodded solemnly "Yes, my martial soul hasn't fully evolved. The dean said it's an Evil Fire Phoenix. If I don't resolve this issue, the evil fire will eventually consume me."
Tianlin sighed, feigning regret "Unless you find the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower, I'm afraid there's no other cure."
Tang San's eyes widened in shock "You know about the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower?"
Tianlin nodded "Yes, it's a rare herb that can purify fire attributes. Why? Do you know of it too?"
Tang San quickly explained "It's a pure yang tonic herb, perfect for fire-type spirit masters and it greatly boosts spirit power and purifies flames. It could indeed solve the evil fire problem!"
Flanders, ever protective of his disciple, grew excited "If that herb exists, it could save Hongjun! I've searched everywhere for a solution, but this… this could be it!"
Ma Hongjun's eyes sparkled with hope "Really? Teacher, we finally have a way to fix this!"
Flanders placed a hand on his student's shoulder "Even if it costs me everything, I'll find that herb for you."
At that moment, Ning Rongrong spoke up "Brother Jian, isn't there a Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower in the medicine garden of our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan?"
The room fell silent. Everyone turned to stare at her with disbelief etched on their faces.
Tianlin hesitated "We do have one, but only one. I've been saving it for someone who makes significant contributions to our clan."
Flanders stepped forward and his expression serious. "Tianlin, if you truly have the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower I, Flanders, am willing to give you anything in exchange. Soul bones, gold coins—name your price."
Tianlin shook his head "Dean Flanders, this isn't about money. Ask Tang San how long it takes to cultivate a Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower. It's not something that can be easily replaced."