NOVEL NEXT Chapter 22: 22 - Test - 1
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Thanks for Patreon: Ruben Gene Dangpilen, Anaral
Current chapter on patreon: 41 - Discipleship, training and rasengan - 2
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"Soul Saint level 76?" The pupils of Tang San and the others contracted almost simultaneously. Even Ning Rongrong, who often sees Title Douluo as a powerhouse, was shocked.
They were about to fight a Soul Saint. Ning Rongrong, knowing a lot about soul masters, understood just how powerful a Soul Saint could be. Even in front of an army of ten thousand people, a strong Soul Saint could move freely among them.
A Soul Saint already possesses the seventh soul ability, the true form of the Spirit. If there's a martial soul entity, that combat power is an entirely different concept.
Facing such a strong opponent, their chances of winning were extremely low, but if they just continued...
Ning Rongrong glanced at Ye Zhen beside her. Seeing his calm expression, she suddenly felt much more at ease. She didn't know why, but even though Ye Zhen was only a Soul Lord, she still had confidence in him.
Dai Mubai looked around at everyone's expressions, and when his gaze fell on Ye Zhen, he frowned.
Dai Mubai sighed and said, "Let me give you a brief introduction of what Mr. Zhao excels at. As for how to cooperate later, that will be up to you."
"Teacher Zhao's spirit is the Great Bear King Kong. It's a powerful beast spirit that combines both offense and defense. Even soul masters at the same level would struggle to break through his defense. On the Douluo Continent, he's known by the nickname Fudo Ming King, which shows how strong his defense is. The only weakness might be his speed, but..." As he spoke, Dai Mubai glanced at Ye Zhen. Speed—how many moves can he survive under Teacher Zhao?
"But given the enormous gap in spirit power between you and Teacher Zhao, that advantage naturally disappears. Maybe… he can hold out a bit longer, buy some time." In the end, Dai Mubai pointedly referred to Ye Zhen.
Seeing everyone looking at him, Ye Zhen smiled and said, "Don't look at me. Continue discussing."
In truth, Ye Zhen thought that lasting through a single incense stick's time was rather childish. Using his own Thunder God abilities, even if Zhao Wou-ki exhausted himself, he wouldn't be able to touch his clothes. He could even use a clone to toy with Zao Wou-ki while heading into Soto City for a cold drink. It would be almost time to return by then.
But Tang San, Rongrong, and the others had never faced such a high-level soul master before. This was a good opportunity to train them. Naturally, Ye Zhen had to stay just in case, to ensure they didn't get hurt like in the original story.
"What do you mean by 'continue discussing'? Aren't you taking the assessment?" Dai Mubai said quietly. If it weren't for Zhu Zhuqing staying, he wouldn't have wasted so much breath.
"Alright, enough. The incense is already half burned. It's not too late; everyone, introduce your martial souls and figure out how to cooperate to pass the assessment better." Tang San frowned, wanting to pass the assessment without disappointing his teacher.
Xiao Wu was the first to speak: "My name is Xiao Wu, Martial Soul: Soft Bone Rabbit. Level 29 Assault System Battle Soul Master."
"Tang San, Martial Soul: Blue Silver Grass. Level 29 Control System Battle Soul Master." Tang San followed, introducing himself second after Xiao Wu.
Zhu Zhuqing, with her usual cold expression, hesitated for a moment before saying in a chilly voice, "Zhu Zhuqing, Beast Martial Soul: Ghost Cat. Level 27 Sensitive Attack System Battle Soul Master."
"It's my turn. Actually, the four of us already know each other. You're the only new face." Ning Rongrong smiled, blinking her big eyes. "My name is Ning Rongrong, and my martial soul is the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda. Level 28 Auxiliary System Soul Master."
Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing's eyes widened slightly in surprise.
This martial soul was so famous across the Douluo Continent. Known as the number one auxiliary soul on the continent, they didn't expect to encounter it during Shrek Academy's entrance assessment.
"Zhen, it's up to you. Hurry and finish introducing yourself and come up with a strategy." Tang San urged.
"What's the rush..." Ye Zhen rolled his eyes. Xiao San seemed to take this assessment seriously. Wouldn't it be better to wait for the show to start? Should he jump right into the show or follow the procedure?
"Ye Zhen, Martial Soul: Sharingan. As for which direction I'm developing as a soul master, I'm not entirely sure. You could consider me part of the Assault System, or the Sensitive Attack System, or even… the Defense System. Hmm... actually, that could work too. Soul Power level 40, just missing the next ring." Ye Zhen grinned, scratching the back of his head.
Dai Mubai: ...
Zhu Zhuqing: ...
Even Tang San, who was familiar with Ye Zhen, widened his eyes. Assault System, Sensitive Attack System, and Defense System? Can someone really balance all of that? And... when did he reach level 40?
"You're really level 40? How is that possible when I'm only at level 36 at age 15? How can you be level 40 at age 12..." Dai Mubai was in shock.
Zhu Zhuqing also looked doubtful.
Twelve years old with level 40 spirit power? It was almost too much to believe. If that were true, what did that make these so-called geniuses?
Ye Zhen remained expressionless, not bothering to respond. The facts would prove everything. If they wanted to doubt, let them doubt.
Ning Rongrong, who adored Ye Zhen, felt unhappy. What did Dai Mubai mean? Was he saying her boyfriend was lying? Even though she didn't fully believe it herself, Dai Mubai couldn't say that.
"Just because you can't do it doesn't mean Zhen can't. Don't compare yourself to him." Ning Rongrong pouted angrily, puffing out her cheeks.
Dai Mubai glanced at Ning Rongrong speechlessly and stepped aside. "The incense is almost burned out. You'd better finalize your tactics quickly."
Tang San looked over at the incense stuck into the stone. It had indeed almost burned down to the end. "There's no time for further explanation. Xiao Wu will be the primary attacker. Zhen and Zhu Zhuqing will assist from both sides. I'll restrict Teacher Zhao's movements as much as possible, and Rongrong will support from the rear. Anything to add?"
"No," Xiao Wu and the others responded.
Ye Zhen frowned and said, "Wait, I have something to say." He looked at Xiao Wu and said, "Don't use your second soul skill on Teacher Zhao. The difference in spirit power is too vast. The technique will fail and backfire, got it?"
"Hmm!" Xiao Wu nodded seriously.
"Let's proceed according to the plan and prepare for battle," Tang San said, his expression suddenly becoming serious.
A level 76 Soul Saint was no small challenge for Tang San, and the pressure was immense.
"It seems you've finished discussing," Zao Wou-ki stood up from his chair, smiling lazily. He had a rough appearance, a bulky build, and was now shirtless.
"Teacher Zhao, we've discussed our approach. We're ready to begin." Tang San said solemnly from the center of the group.
At this moment, the five of them were positioned with Xiao Wu at the front, Ye Zhen and Zhu Zhuqing flanking her, Tang San in the center with Blue Silver Grass ready, and Ning Rongrong providing support from the rear. They barely had the form of a team.
"Since you're all ready, let's begin." As soon as the words were spoken, another incense stick appeared in Zao Wou-ki's hand before he lit it.
Tang San let out a soft chuckle, "Martial Souls, activate! Everyone, be careful and prepare for battle."
"Seven Treasures, reveal yourself…" Ning Rongrong was the first to activate her martial soul.
Her graceful figure spun in place, her blue skirt twirling. Brilliant rays of colored light immediately condensed in her right palm, and in the midst of the light, a seven-story crystalline pagoda emerged.
The precious glow reflected off her delicate face, making Ning Rongrong appear radiant and ethereal. At the same time, two yellow century-old spirit rings rose from beneath her feet, circling her silently.
"Seven Treasures, first: Strength. Second: Speed." With a flick of her finger, eight beams of colored light shot out from the Glazed Pagoda in her hand, flying toward Ye Zhen and the others.
"Huh?" Ning Rongrong looked at Ye Zhen curiously. She realized that the soul power consumed by him was several times more than that of Tang San and the others combined. This...
Under the effect of Ning Rongrong's first and second soul abilities, Ye Zhen and the others immediately felt a warm energy flowing through their bodies, making their movements more agile and their strength more potent.
The abilities of the first and second spirit rings of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda can increase the target's strength and speed by 30%. This ability will further increase as Ning Rongrong's spiritual power grows. If Ning Rongrong reaches level 30, the increase can reach 40%, and at level 40, it can reach 50%. Such auxiliary abilities are worthy of the title of the continent's top auxiliary spirit.
"Interesting, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda is a Martial Spirit? Not bad, old buddy Flander should be excited this time." As he said this, Zao Wou-ki burned the incense in his hand, threw it away, and settled down on a large rock beside him.
At this moment, three beams of spiritual power in different colors burst into the field simultaneously. Tang San, Xiao Wu, and Zhu Zhuqing activated their martial arts at the same time. Red, blue, and black spiritual power filled their bodies, rising simultaneously beneath their feet. Two yellow hundred-year spirit rings.
In contrast to Xiao Wu's soft-boned rabbit martial arts, Zhu Zhuqing's ghost cat martial arts appear in the form of a phantom, half-floating behind her. Her pure black hair is mixed with star-like speckles, and a faint crescent moon mark can be seen on her forehead. Her pupils are like black jewels, penetrating and energetic, and her agile posture exudes an elegant and mysterious aura.
Zao Wou-ki did not rush to attack. He nodded slightly, satisfied as he observed the performance of the group. These children have very good spiritual power but lack combat experience, so he hoped they wouldn't be a disappointment.
When he looked at Ye Zhen, Zao Wou-ki was surprised. Why hadn't this boy used his Martial Spirit? He was curious to see what kind of ten-thousand-year spirit ring he had, even if it was just a fake.
"Professor Zhao, do you have to pay to break the house floor? It will make Shrek Academy, which isn't rich, even worse," Ye Zhen said, seeing Zao Wou-ki looking at him and feeling like laughing at him.
"Good kid... I'll let you experience the consequences." Zao Wou-ki smiled and chuckled a few times. This little fellow is quite cheeky, just like he was when he was young. He liked him more and more.
Tang San and the others looked at each other silently, not hurrying to act. Now that the incense had been lit, Ye Zhen seemed to be stalling for time? Xiangdu burned for a short while, and this trick seemed useful.
Some of them were naturally happy. Ning Rongrong was suffering, as she had to maintain the amplification state at all times to avoid Zao Wou-ki's sudden moves, causing her spiritual power to be continuously consumed.
"Stop talking nonsense, I think you're itching for it, brat. It's useless to stall for time; even if I let you waste half of it." Zao Wou-ki clenched his fists, stretched his muscles, and looked at Ye Zhen leisurely. With a smile, he said, "You're the most arrogant. If you don't use your martial arts, I'll start beating you."
After speaking, Zao Wou-ki walked towards Ye Zhen step by step. At the same time, the unique aura and pressure of a high-level spirit master spread from Zao Wou-ki, enveloping Ye Zhen instantly. Under the pressure of this aura, combined with Zao Wou-ki's slow approach, a low-level spirit master would absolutely be unable to resist. Kneeling under the pressure would be the best outcome. Seriously, their bones would be injured.
Zao Wou-ki did this because he saw that this boy also needed a beating. He wanted to make this arrogant boy look bad.
Ye Zhen felt it as soon as Zao Wou-ki's momentum arrived; his body sank slightly.
But that was all.
This trick was effective against other low-level spirit masters, but for Ye Zhen, it was quite childish. With his strong physique, Ye Zhen endured directly without changing his expression.
Ye Zhen even smiled at Zao Wou-ki: "No matter what Professor Zhao said, if you don't use your martial arts, then if I use mine in advance, it seems it wouldn't be respectful to the elders."
The two exchanged glances but did nothing, leaving Tang San and the others confused. What are they doing? Get on with it...
This type of aura and pressure is intangible. Zao Wou-ki is just showing off to Ye Zhen, but Ye Zhen remains calm and cheerful. Nothing happened. In this situation, Tang San and the others naturally couldn't figure him out, so they were a bit puzzled.
"Good fellow..." Zao Wou-ki was shocked. This kid was able to resist the aura of a level 76 Soul Sage without changing his expression. It was unusual.
Zao Wou-ki's combat experience was extensive. He immediately thought about what special means Ye Zhen might have.
It could be a special martial spirit, a special ability, or abnormal physical strength. All these possibilities existed, whether opportunistic or not, this little fellow had many hidden abilities.
Since the pressure didn't work, Zao Wou-ki planned to win with sheer power. He wanted to see if Ye Zhen could remain arrogant in a direct confrontation.
Shrek Academy never lacked geniuses or monsters. But it lacked a leader among the monsters.
As far as Zao Wou-ki knew, Ye Zhen had a spiritual ability that disguised a spirit ring. It was also rumored that his speed was very fast, perhaps surpassing the Soul Emperor? In other words, there was a long-distance teleportation ability. As for physical strength, the Soul Emperor instructor who assessed him at the first level also said he was inferior, and it was clear his constitution was very abnormal.
And he also seemed to have a special method to resist the aura and pressure of a high-level spirit master.
In summary, this kid was extremely strong and difficult to deal with. Originally, Zao Wou-ki wanted to deal with Ye Zhen first but changed his mind and decided...
To deal with the other obstacles first. For example, if the girl from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's amplification had no effect, the combat power of these people would at least drop significantly.
Thinking this, Zao Wou-ki didn't want to wait any longer. The incense had already burned a quarter. He had to take the initiative to attack again, and the time for this incense might not be enough.
"Boom~"
Zao Wou-ki's right leg slammed into the ground, making a noise as a few tiles of Shrek Academy's playground broke again.
With the help of his right leg's momentum, Zao Wou-ki suddenly shot towards Ye Zhen in a straight line, as fast as lightning. Even though he wasn't good at speed, the level 76 spiritual power was there after all, faster than the Soul Emperor Ye Zhen had seen before.
"Hey, Professor Zhao, you're blatantly damaging public funds. I wonder if the director will deduct your salary if he finds out..." Ye Zhen looked at the charging Zao Wou-ki with a cautious expression.
After all, this was a level 76 Soul Sage, and Ye Zhen had no experience fighting such a strong Soul Master, so he was naturally cautious.
"Here..." Looking at Zao Wou-ki getting closer and closer, Ye Zhen narrowed his eyes. When Zao Wou-ki was close, he slid to the side and struck directly at Zao Wou-ki's left hand.
"Was it this simple?" Ye Zhen had doubts in his heart, turned his head, and looked at it, suddenly shocked.
"Damn, that old man is good."
At that moment, Zao Wou-ki passed by Ye Zhen, but at the same speed, he rushed towards Tang San and the others.
As Ye Zhen hadn't reacted in time, Zao Wou-ki's attack on him was just a feint. His real intention was to eliminate Tang San and the others first.
Maybe it's not bad to let Xiao San and the others get some practice? At this point, Ye Zhen slowed down and walked slowly towards Tang San and the others.
"Xiao Wu~" Looking at Zao Wou-ki running towards her, Tang San calmly greeted her, and a three-finger-wide blue silver grass emerged from Tang San's hands and immediately wrapped around Xiao Wu's waist.
The blue grass curled slightly, like a shot-putter, throwing Xiao Wu towards Zao Wou-ki, who was running towards him and the others.
If they collided, Xiao Wu, who was physically weak, would definitely be in trouble. But at that moment, there was no trace of panic in Xiao Wu's eyes because she trusted Tang San.
Sure enough, Zao Wou-ki ran in front of the crowd at high speed, and some blue silver grasses pierced the ground tiles with their forearms, flying into the sky and immediately wrapping around Zao Wou-ki.
The goal of these blue silver grasses was not to entangle Zao Wou-ki directly but to slow him down.
Now Zao Wou-ki's speed was too fast, and Tang San's blue silver grass from the first spirit ability couldn't entangle Zao Wou-ki in this state at all. It had to first limit the inertia brought by his high speed.
These blue silver grasses only slowed Zao Wou-ki down for a moment before being torn apart in the blink of an eye.
But Zao Wou-ki's speed was successfully reduced. At this moment, Tang San's soul abilities were no longer reserved. Next to Zao Wou-ki, countless blue silver grasses pierced the ground tiles, floating out and immediately wrapping around Zao Wou-ki, leaving only his neck and head exposed.
Xiao Wu arrived at that moment, and Tang San controlled everything perfectly.
"First spirit ability, Waist Bow."
In front of such a good opportunity, Xiao Wu naturally wouldn't let it slip. She placed her right hand on Zao Wou-ki's head and walked behind him.
Both legs wrapped around Zao Wou-ki's neck at the same time, her right calf hooked Zao Wou-ki's chin, and her left knee pressed against the back of his neck.
If she were alone, with Zao Wou-ki's physique, Xiao Wu definitely wouldn't be able to get rid of him.
But at this moment, Xiao Wu was not alone.
The number of times Tang San and Xiao Wu had cooperated in combat was not small, and they had a great understanding. At the moment Xiao Wu exerted her strength, the blue silver grass lifted her legs off the ground.
No matter how powerful a person is, they cannot hold their body with roots under their feet. Under Xiao Wu's lead, Zao Wou-ki spun one hundred and eighty degrees in the air and slammed his head towards the ground.
At this moment, Zao Wou-ki's body was covered with blue silver grass. Only when his head was exposed did Xiao Wu choose this somewhat strange way to throw him. She had used all her strength.
"Hehe, good cooperation. Turning over occasionally is quite fun." Looking at the ground getting closer, Zao Wou-ki was not panicked but smiled with an inexplicable expression.
"Not good." Tang San's pupils shrank from a distance, and he quickly pulled his hands back, causing the blue silver grass wrapped around Xiao Wu's waist to suddenly return to the air with Xiao Wu.
At the moment Xiao Wu was pulled back, the blue silver grass wrapped around Zao Wou-ki flew into the sky with a "bang" and scattered in all directions. As he neared the ground, Zao Wou-ki braced himself with both hands, performing a standard backflip, and landed firmly.
The series of attacks from Tang San and Xiao Wu was resolved in an instant, rendering their efforts futile and wasting a lot of soul and physical energy.
At Zao Wou-ki's feet, the beautiful seven-ring spirit ring had already risen at some point, and at the same time, two large yellow rice-colored bears appeared behind him, silently roaring at the sky. The point of light diffused from Zao Wou-ki and floated around him, making him look even more powerful.
Tang San and the others' expressions tightened. Zhu Zhuqing, who had been wandering around the battlefield, had not found an opportunity. At this moment, she also gritted her teeth slightly.
It seemed that Zao Wou-ki, who had activated his martial spirit, was starting to get serious. They turned their eyes to a third of the incense and felt a bit of urgency in their hearts. If this continued, they were likely to fail the assessment.
What is Zhen doing? Shouldn't he be the only one fighting against their strength? Why can't he even prevent Professor Zhao from breathing? Tang San anxiously searched for Ye Zhen's figure on the court and finally found him sitting cross-legged on a large rock, watching the play.
At this moment, Ye Zhen was holding half a watermelon with a spoon inside. Seeing Tang San looking at him, he gave Tang San a slight smile.
Tang San's cheeks twitched. We're working desperately here and you're just standing around eating????
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Thanks for Patreon: Ruben Gene Dangpilen, Anaral
Current chapter on patreon: 41 - Discipleship, training and rasengan - 2
Patreon: patreon.com/Jc_One_Day00
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