"What?!"
Hearing Tang San's words,
Ning Rongrong's pupils shrank uncontrollably.
Zhu Zhuqing slightly opened her mouth, eyes filled with astonishment:
> "They actually have a Martial Soul Fusion Technique?!"
Not far away, even Dai Mubai was visibly shaken.
---
He stared wide-eyed as Ye Qiu transformed into a black tidal surge, like a monstrous beast, instantly engulfing Xiao Wu.
The black wave surged and then receded like the tide.
---
Xiao Wu remained standing where she was, her delicate little face still glowing with a soft rosy flush.
There wasn't any of Ye Qiu's substance smeared on her—
But now she wore black gloves on both hands, and her clothes had transformed into a messy-looking black armor, like draped spider silk—
Yet it exuded overwhelming danger and aggression.
---
Xiao Wu giggled happily.
She looked at the tight, black form-fitting material clinging to her petite body,
gradually wrapping her completely.
---
> She truly enjoyed this sensation of being enveloped by Ye Qiu—
It filled her with joy.
---
Below her feet, Ye Qiu's and Xiao Wu's soul rings overlapped—
Four yellow, three purple, and one black.
---
"Ye Qiu, you're holding me so tight..."
Hearing Xiao Wu's inexplicable comment, Ye Qiu rolled his eyes inwardly.
> "Can you be serious for once?"
> "Mhm, I'm being very serious~"
Xiao Wu nodded repeatedly, her rosy pupils shifting toward a deep crimson hue.
---
Her figure also grew more slender and tall.
Her previously petite frame was now completely covered by Ye Qiu's venom, like liquid armor.
A scorpion-tail-like braid floated from the back of her head.
---
In the blink of an eye—
Even Xiao Wu's head was consumed, her eyes now replaced by pale-white panels,
and when she opened her mouth slightly, sharp fangs were faintly visible.
---
Their soul power fused, and the aura radiating from their body had already far surpassed the level of a Soul King.
---
> Martial Soul Fusion Technique – Qiu Wu, complete!
Even Tang San felt a little nervous at the sight.
---
But that wasn't the end of it.
Immediately after, the black soul ring lit up.
Metal began to form, coating the venomous body.
---
Black was no longer the main color.
It was replaced by silver-white armor.
---
What now stood in front of Tang San and the others was a cold, mechanical war machine.
The entire body was forged of steel.
Under the sunlight, it reflected a chilling glow.
Fists, knees, and joints all had protruding spikes.
---
Joints were connected by black leather-like material.
The long scorpion braid had turned into a whip embedded with sharp blades.
---
Xiao Wu now looked as if she had donned a mecha exoskeleton.
Highly defensive—
Yet still agile and lightweight.
---
Tang San's eyes lit with shock.
That metallic composition felt somehow familiar to him.
---
> "Wow, I've gotten so hard!"
Xiao Wu patted her armored chest—clang!
---
> "Well, I don't want you getting hurt."
Ye Qiu said gruffly.
If it was just him, none of this would be necessary.
But now that Xiao Wu was the host body, she would take the brunt of the damage.
---
Ye Qiu didn't want his little bunny to get injured—
Even if he could heal her, he wouldn't allow it in the first place.
---
> "Hehe~"
Understanding Ye Qiu's thoughts, Xiao Wu's laughter became even more clear and sweet.
---
> "Alright, this is a fight. Don't get distracted by nonsense."
Ye Qiu reminded her, then turned to glance behind at the stunned Ning Rongrong.
---
His gemstone-like eyes glinted with violet light.
> "Ning Rongrong, why are you standing there in a daze? Hurry up and give us your buffs!"
---
Ye Qiu's impatient voice snapped Ning Rongrong out of it.
Her face turned red, and she shouted angrily:
> "You jerk! What's there to be so smug about!"
---
Even though she was fuming, she still knew what was important.
Her hands moved quickly as she recited softly:
> "Seven Treasures shine like colored glaze!"
---
She held her hands up as if cradling something—
A clear, crisp voice like an oriole chirping.
Brilliant multicolored light burst forth.
---
Floating between her fair hands was a seven-colored pagoda, just over a foot tall.
Radiating glorious light—regal and precious.
---
Under the colorful glow, Ning Rongrong looked like a celestial being.
---
Two yellow soul rings rose beneath her feet and circled her slender figure.
Without any delay—
Both of her soul rings flashed simultaneously.
---
> "The Seven Treasures have names—
First: Strength!
Second: Speed!"
---
With her current level of split attention control, Ning Rongrong could assist up to three people.
And since Xiao Wu and Ye Qiu had already fused—
---
Six streams of colorful light burst forth—
Enveloping Zhu Zhuqing, Qiu Wu, and another person on the team.
---
In an instant—
Ye Qiu felt a surge of warm energy rush through his limbs and bones.
His body felt noticeably lighter.
---
> "Ye Qiu, she's making me feel sooo good..."
> "..."
Ye Qiu fell silent in the face of Xiao Wu's indecent comment.
---
> "Hehe~"
Xiao Wu blushed and laughed shyly.
---
> "I told you to be serious!"
Ye Qiu scolded her.
---
But with their thoughts already synchronized, there was no need for further words.
Beneath the venom coating, he activated his Purple Demon Eye!
---
At once, Zhao Wuji's every movement appeared slowed in Ye Qiu's perception.
---
> "Haha, amazing!"
After recovering from the shock,
Zhao Wuji looked at them with pleasant surprise, eyes filled with interest.
---
> "Not only do they have a Martial Soul Fusion Technique,
but also a member of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan?
This year's students are truly eye-opening!"
---
> "That old ghost Flender is going to be ecstatic."
As he spoke—
Zhao Wuji casually flicked the incense into the ground.
---
Just then—
Qiu Wu moved! (PS: short for Qiu Wu Fusion Form)
---
Whoosh!
Qiu Wu raised an arm, and the yellow soul ring lit up at her feet.
A thin, black serpent shot out like lightning.
---
It was Ye Qiu's second soul skill—
> Black Slithering Worm!
It parasitizes the target's body, hides within the meridians,
and feeds on the flow of their soul power.
---
> "Heh, a bit eager, aren't we?"
Zhao Wuji smiled casually and raised a hand to block.
---
Buzz!
> "Hm? What the—?"
Zhao Wuji was stunned.
The black serpent burrowed straight into his palm and vanished!
---
> "Take that, you big dumb bear!"
> "Shut up!"
Ye Qiu was a bit overwhelmed by Xiao Wu's smug attitude.
---
Xiao Wu's third soul skill—Teleportation—
had its range increased from five meters to ten meters in fusion form.
---
Whoosh!
As Qiu Wu's figure vanished—
Tang San finally reacted.
> "It's starting!"
---
Zhao Wuji had just planted the incense into the ground when—
A black-and-white silhouette appeared directly in front of him.
---
> "So fast!"
Even Zhao Wuji, a Soul Saint, couldn't help but be impressed by the teleportation.
---
Qiu Wu closed the distance in an instant.
With enhanced perception, they had already locked onto Zhao Wuji's weak point in soul power.
---
Clang!
Sound of metal clashing—
Qiu Wu's fist clenched tight as black venom formed a massive hammer,
then rapidly solidified into iron!
---
For something that didn't require precision,
Ye Qiu's fourth soul skill was incredibly effective.
---
He swung the rough, spiked iron hammer straight at Zhao Wuji's carotid artery!
---
Zhao Wuji's eyes widened—
He could hear the sonic boom in the air.
> This kind of attack—even a Soul Emperor wouldn't dare take it head-on.
---
Zhao Wuji responded quickly, just about to raise his arm when—
Tang San's black-blue Blue Silver Grass shot forward and wrapped around his body.
---
> "First Soul Skill – Blue Silver Bind!"
---
> "Good kid!"
Zhao Wuji's hand paused midair.
Seeing the blow about to land—
He didn't dare be careless.
He activated Martial Soul Possession at full force!
Pfft!
Tang San's Blue Silver Bind snapped apart against Zhao Wuji's expanding body.
---
Boom!
A muffled thud followed.
---
With his Martial Soul Possession activated, Zhao Wuji became massive and burly.
His entire body was covered in a thick layer of brown fur.
---
Now standing over 2.5 meters tall, his bulging muscles surged, and his brown-gold pupils radiated a domineering, beastly aura.
Seven soul rings circled him in rhythm.
---
The iron hammer from Qiu Wu landed heavily on Zhao Wuji's shoulder.
---
His bear-like body trembled, stepping back several paces as the ground beneath cracked from the impact.
He grimaced in pain.
> "Hss—!"
Zhao Wuji clutched his left shoulder, feeling the pain reach deep into the bone.
His entire arm began to go numb.
---
His eyes widened with hostility, lips curling into a cold smile.
> "Looks like I'll need to get serious too!"
---
But Qiu Wu didn't pause.
The iron hammer in her hands melted into liquid and retracted,
then she jumped on the spot—raising her leg high—
The battle axe hidden at her heel came down like a flash of cold light,
Slashing straight for Zhao Wuji's skull!
---
> "ROARRR—!"
A bear-like roar—far from human—shook everyone's ears.
> "First Soul Skill: Immovable King's Body!"
Zhao Wuji's eyes gleamed, fists clenched tightly.
His first yellow soul ring lit up instantly.
A burst of intense golden light erupted.
---
At the same moment—
Qiu Wu's figure vanished mid-air.
---
Ye Qiu was well aware:
Zhao Wuji's first soul skill could repel any attack within a 3-meter radius.
While it might be ineffective against true powerhouses—
He wasn't one yet.
---
Tang San's freshly extended Blue Silver Grass
was completely obliterated by Zhao Wuji's overwhelming soul power.
---
Its destruction made Tang San's face pale.
---
Whoosh!
While Qiu Wu and Tang San were acting, Zhu Zhuqing hadn't been idle either.
She had already circled around behind Zhao Wuji.
---
With her Martial Soul activated—
Cat ears twitched on her head, and a soft cat tail swayed from her lower back.
Her eyes shifted colors—left eye dark green, right eye clear blue.
---
Her sprint left faint afterimages behind her.
Her cat claw attacks were sharp and deadly—aimed at vital spots—
And her timing was perfect.
---
Just as Zhao Wuji shattered Tang San's Blue Silver Grass,
his golden glow faded—his inner power momentarily relaxed.
---
> First Soul Skill – Nether Thrust!
Zhu Zhuqing's first soul ring lit up.
Afterimages overlapped—
Her dual claws struck: one at his throat, the other at the base of his ear—
both extremely vulnerable points.
---
Unfortunately—
With Martial Soul Possession, Zhao Wuji's body was practically forged of steel.
Even when Zhu Zhuqing struck with full force—
It only left shallow claw marks.
---
Zhao Wuji shook his head, loosening his now-recovered arm.
He grinned at Qiu Wu:
> "Haha… Looks like you've got no real strength, little girl."
---
> "Then I'll show you Sister Xiao Wu's strength!"
Xiao Wu snorted arrogantly.
---
Just as she finished—
A heavily armored body landed squarely on Zhao Wuji's shoulders!
---
Her spiked heels suddenly pressed in—
Striking directly at the carotid arteries on both sides of his neck!
---
> "Xiao San! Zhu Zhuqing!"
Ye Qiu's voice rang out—
Tang San instantly understood.
His soul ring lit up again.
> First Soul Skill – Blue Silver Bind!
Thick, black-blue vines, as thick as arms, suddenly grew from beneath Zhao Wuji's feet.
They wrapped around one leg—throwing off his balance.
---
> "Second Soul Skill – Nether Hundred Claws!"
Zhu Zhuqing followed up without hesitation.
Her two yellow soul rings lit up simultaneously.
---
Her pupils turned vertical in both eyes—one blue, one green.
Without a sound, she launched upward and curled herself midair, wrapped in soul power.
---
She spun at high speed—
Claw shadows rained down.
---
In just a moment, she struck over a hundred times at the same point on Zhao Wuji's back.
Like a rapidly spinning sawblade, her claws tore into him.
---
> First Soul Skill – Waist Bow!
Qiu Wu clamped onto Zhao Wuji's head, twisted her torso with full force, and began spinning midair.
---
Alone, she wouldn't have been able to move Zhao Wuji's tank-like body—
But right now—
Zhu Zhuqing's flurry distracted him.
Tang San anchored his lower body.
---
And in that instant—
Zhao Wuji's whole body was yanked off the ground!
---
Whoosh!
Qiu Wu teleported again.
Her hands seized Zhao Wuji by the ankles—
With enhanced waist power from Waist Bow, strength doubled again!
---
> "Hmph! First Soul Skill – Immovable King's Body!"
Zhao Wuji sneered, his body glowing golden once more.
---
> "Not good!"
Tang San's eyes sharpened.
He quickly extended Blue Silver Grass to try and catch Zhu Zhuqing.
---
But it was too late.
She hadn't yet left Zhao Wuji's skill range—
She was blasted away, letting out a muffled grunt in the air.
---
A trickle of blood ran from the corner of her lips.
---
Her long legs dragged across the ground, carving two grooves in the soil.
---
Zhu Zhuqing's breath grew labored.
She glanced behind her at Dai Mubai, who'd tried to rush to catch her—
Her pale little face remained as calm and frosty as ever.
---
> "What the hell?!"
Zhao Wuji felt the wind whistling past his ears—
His vision spinning wildly—
That iron-clad figure hadn't been hurt by his soul skill at all?!
---
In fact—
> Its strength increased?!
---
This was, of course, due to Qiu Wu activating her fourth soul skill—
> Invincible Golden Body.
Three seconds of invincibility, and a further strength boost on top of Waist Bow!
---
At that point—
Zhao Wuji didn't have time to resist anymore.
He was spun violently, like an unstoppable hurricane wheel,
Qiu Wu and Zhao Wuji whirled through the air—
---
Until Zhao Wuji was upside down—
Crashing headfirst toward the ground!
---
Right before impact—
Qiu Wu's figure shimmered, teleporting again—
Reappearing beside Tang San.
---
BOOM—!
Zhao Wuji, in full Martial Soul Possession mode, slammed into the ground with a heavy crash.
---
His entire head was buried into the dirt.
---
Tang San looked at the towering Xiao Wu standing before him.
His eyes flickered.
---
> "Xiao Wu, did we go overboard?"
---
> "What are you thinking?"
Ye Qiu's sarcastic voice answered first.
Then came Xiao Wu's voice:
> "Didn't you see he's only used his first soul skill?"
---
Ye Qiu mentally rolled his eyes—
> "This little bunny dares to steal my lines…"
---
> "Hehe~ Ye Qiu, I know everything you're thinking—and what you're gonna say~"
Xiao Wu laughed inside.
> She loved this feeling.
---
Zhu Zhuqing, brushing past Dai Mubai, gracefully reappeared next to Qiu Wu.
---
Ye Qiu ignored Xiao Wu's little jealousy and asked:
> "Zhu Zhuqing, are you okay?"
---
She pursed her red lips, shook her head indifferently.
---
Then glanced toward the incense still burning in the ground—
Only a third of it had burned away.
---
She stated firmly:
> "I'm fine."
---
As her words fell—
Qiu Wu vanished from their sight again.
---
Zhao Wuji, groggy from the earlier assault, was starting to recover.
His limbs supported him on the ground.
He was just about to pull his head out from the dirt—
---
But then—
Zhao Wuji suddenly realized—
> Someone had grabbed his ankles again.
> "Finish them while they're down!"
Zhao Wuji, still upside down like a human radish, was once again grabbed by the ankles and swung around by Qiu Wu.
---
Xiao Wu's cheerful voice rang in everyone's ears:
> "Haha! Ye Qiu, you're too bad!"
> "You little brat! You have no martial ethics!"
Zhao Wuji roared in anger.
---
Ye Qiu just curled his lips dismissively.
> You're a grown man bullying kids, and now you're lecturing me about martial virtue?
---
Qiu Wu increased her strength.
---
BOOM—!
Zhao Wuji, arms spread, was slammed flat onto the ground, a massive thud shaking the area.
---
Even Dai Mubai could feel the ground tremble.
> "Nice!"
Ning Rongrong, that little witch, sparkled with excitement—
She suddenly found Ye Qiu not so annoying.
Maybe even a little to her taste.
---
Zhao Wuji was completely rattled—his internal organs jolted.
But Qiu Wu didn't stop.
Using Waist Bow, doubling her waist strength again, she hurled Zhao Wuji upward once more.
---
> First Soul Skill – Immovable King's Body!
Zhao Wuji's first soul ring lit up again—
But Qiu Wu's body didn't even budge.
---
Draw, twist, spin, slam!
She hurled him back down with crushing force.
---
Tang San and Zhu Zhuqing exchanged a glance.
No more hesitation—
They leapt back into the fray, aiming to exploit an opening in Zhao Wuji's defenses.
---
The spinning world made Zhao Wuji's face turn grim.
> I'm supposed to be their teacher. If I keep getting smashed like this, how can I maintain any authority in the future?
---
BOOM!
A violent quake shook the ground again.
Zhao Wuji was once more slammed into a giant pit.
---
> "Second Soul Skill – Parasitism!"
Thick Blue Silver Grass vines—as thick as legs—sprouted from Zhao Wuji's body, tightly binding him.
But it was useless.
The barbs only tore through his clothes—unable to pierce his skin.
---
> "Second Soul Skill – Nether Hundred Claws!"
A cold glint flashed in Zhu Zhuqing's eyes as she endured her inner pain.
Her razor-sharp cat claws slashed straight toward Zhao Wuji's eyes.
---
> "Tch! Looks like I've got to get serious too!"
Zhao Wuji scoffed at Tang San and Zhu Zhuqing's attacks.
Just as he was about to activate a soul skill—
---
Qiu Wu, spinning two and a half times in the air, suddenly dived straight down.
She extended her leg—turning it into a flying kick.
---
Her sharp heel spikes aimed directly at Zhao Wuji's crotch!
---
Xiao Wu giggled with a schadenfreude-laced grin.
> "You're so evil."
"I'm just following your suggestion."
The mental exchange between Ye Qiu and Xiao Wu passed in a flash.
---
> "…"
Seeing that low blow, Zhao Wuji's expression turned black.
He couldn't afford to delay anymore.
---
> "ROARRR—!"
A soul-shaking roar echoed across half the academy.
Zhao Wuji's Soul Saint-level soul power exploded outward.
---
Before any soul skill was activated—
Tang San's Blue Silver Grass was obliterated, his face going pale.
Luckily, he reacted in time to pull Zhu Zhuqing back.
---
A sudden gust swept out as Zhao Wuji's muscular body surged up—
> "Second Soul Skill – Vajra Palm! (Great Strength King Kong Palm)"
---
But then—
Zhao Wuji frowned.
> Something's off... Why is my soul power draining so fast?
That was the Black Little Worm's effect—sapping his energy slowly.
---
No time to think—
Zhao Wuji raised his massive palms.
His second soul ring lit up.
His bear paws turned golden, doubling in size—
And slammed toward Qiu Wu, who was still in mid-air.
---
> "Second Soul Skill – Parasitism!"
Blue Silver Grass suddenly erupted again from Zhao Wuji's body, stunning him briefly.
---
That moment was all Qiu Wu needed.
She flipped in the air, and her legs hardened into a battle axe—
She swung it down toward Zhao Wuji's head.
---
Clang!
Blood sprayed.
Zhao Wuji's raised head was hacked downward by the axe.
His head buzzed—burning hot.
---
Blood trailed down his cheeks, past his eyes and mouth, dripping from his chin.
---
> Zhao Wuji was bleeding!
Dai Mubai, stunned at the sight, gasped:
> "Teacher Zhao actually got injured!"
---
> "You...!"
Zhao Wuji jerked his head up.
His earthy-yellow pupils widened—clearly furious.
---
He let out a furious bellow.
His massive hands crashed down toward Qiu Wu—
> As if trying to squash her like a sandwich.
---
BOOM!
A storm of force erupted.
---
Qiu Wu teleported again, narrowly dodging the strike.
---
> "Xiao Bai, what are you grinning at? Want to spar with me next?!"
Zhao Wuji's fierce glare made Dai Mubai instantly stiffen.
---
He knew—
> Zhao Wuji was genuinely pissed now.
And Ye Qiu and the others... were in trouble.
---
As his words ended—
Zhao Wuji's third and fourth soul rings lit up together.
---
With a deep voice, he said:
> "Forcing me to use my fourth soul skill... you've earned your spot."
> "Third Soul Skill – Gravity Boost!"
---
Just as Qiu Wu regrouped with Tang San and Zhu Zhuqing—
Her body suddenly felt heavily weighted, like sinking into a swamp.
---
> "Fourth Soul Skill – Target Lock! (Position Tracking)"
Zhao Wuji's low growl continued.
His fourth soul ring detached from his feet and floated toward Qiu Wu—
> Wrapping around her as if it had eyes.
---
> "What does that mean?!"
Tang San's heart jumped.
---
Ye Qiu, calm as ever, urged Zhu Zhuqing and the others:
> "Quick! Get away from me!"
---
WHOOSH!
Before Ye Qiu's words had fully landed—
A shadow loomed over Qiu Wu.
Zhao Wuji appeared behind her in an instant.
---
His giant bear claw slammed down toward Qiu Wu's head.
---
> "No!"
Tang San and Zhu Zhuqing's eyes widened.
They tried to retreat, but the heavy gravity slowed them, making it too late.
---
WHOOSH!
Just as Zhao Wuji attacked—
His body suddenly froze in place!
---
> "What the—?!"
Black tentacle-like vines suddenly sprouted from Zhao Wuji—
Rapidly binding him tight.
---
He felt his soul power draining away, and instantly realized:
> "Good kid! So this was your trap all along!"
---
> "Wait... no!"
Just as he smirked confidently, Zhao Wuji's face turned to shock.
The black vines entangling him were turning into metal!
---
While Zhao Wuji was stunned—
Qiu Wu closed in.
Her iron hands opened—floating above them were tiny grains of sand.
---
As soul power poured in—
The grains elongated into thin, silver dragon whisker needles.
---
Ye Qiu showed no mercy—
He slapped the needles straight into the muscles of Zhao Wuji's upper arm.
---
> "ROAR—!"
Zhao Wuji tried to resist—
But then Xiao Wu's gem-like eyes suddenly gleamed with brilliant scarlet light.
---
> Second Soul Skill – Charm!
Causes the opponent to fall into a brief daze.
Because Ye Qiu and Xiao Wu's minds were united, there was no backlash.
---
Taking advantage of the moment—
Ye Qiu planted more dragon whisker needles into Zhao Wuji's other arm—
Then instantly teleported away.
---
In that single moment—
Zhao Wuji came to his senses, but he didn't even feel the change in his arms.
---
He even praised:
> "Nice! You've even got a charm-type soul skill!"
---
But the moment he finished—
He began to gather power.
His first soul ring lit up, and the metalized vines shattered.
---
He immediately changed targets, striking toward Tang San and Zhu Zhuqing.
---
BOOM!
Tang San, unable to dodge in time, wrapped himself in Blue Silver Grass.
He forcefully took the blow.
---
> "Wah!"
Tang San was blasted away, landing on one knee and spitting out blood.
---
Then—
Zhao Wuji's other bear claw was about to strike Zhu Zhuqing.
---
But suddenly—
His face twisted in pain.
He noticed bulges rising on both his arms.
---
A blinding pain surged through him.
Even with his tough nerves, Zhao Wuji winced, his whole body spasming.
---
BOOM!
Even though he was in agony—
He still gritted his teeth and slammed his palm into Zhu Zhuqing's shoulder.
---
Zhu Zhuqing cried out in pain, flying backward.
---
Qiu Wu appeared in time, catching her in mid-air and retreating swiftly.