Chapter 40: Tang San's Malice
After Zhu Zhuqing admitted that she had not yet become a disciple, the atmosphere suddenly turned silent. A strange tension seemed to be building up.
Sensing the awkwardness, Ning Rongrong quickly stepped in to ease the situation. "Uh… let's focus on passing the test first. My martial soul is the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, with two soul rings. I can enhance both speed and strength by 30%. The effect will last for the entire incense duration."
A 30% boost was an impressive figure. The reason why the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda was regarded as the strongest support type martial soul was because with every new soul ring, it not only granted an additional buff but also increased the overall amplification by 10%.
In other words, if Ning Rongrong reached level 30, she could add a third buff, and each enhancement would increase to 40%. At level 70, she would be capable of boosting seven attributes by 80%, an absolutely terrifying effect.
With such a support type soul master on the team, almost any fighter could instantly double their combat effectiveness. The stronger the warrior, the greater the effect of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.
Because of this, Ning Rongrong's presence immediately shifted the group's focus, making them temporarily forget about Zhu Zhuqing's situation.
Realizing that things weren't unfolding as he had expected, Dai Mubai couldn't help but feel a twisted sense of relief. At least I'm not the only one screwed over by the changes in fate, he thought. But quickly, he snapped back to reality. If Zhu Zhuqing hasn't become that man's disciple… then what about my future? Who do I rely on now?
Meanwhile, Tang San, suppressing the resentment he held toward Zhu Zhuqing, spoke calmly, "Ning Rongrong will handle the support. I'll be the main attacker while simultaneously restricting Teacher Zhao's movements as much as possible. Zhu Zhuqing, you'll use your speed to harass him from the sides."
His strategy was simple, almost rudimentary, but given their limited preparation time, it was the best they could do.
"Are you done planning?"
Zhao Wuji's voice interrupted their discussion, and they realized the incense stick had nearly burned out.
"We're ready, teacher," Dai Mubai nodded before stepping back to spectate.
Zhao Wuji stood up, clasping his hands together and cracking his knuckles. The sharp popping sounds sent a chill down their spines, making the invisible pressure around him even heavier.
He pulled out another stick of incense. But before he could light it, the others had already moved first.
"Seven Treasures Shine, Glazed Tile Manifest!"
Ning Rongrong gracefully twirled in place, releasing a radiant seven colored light from her body. As the brilliant glow gathered in her palm, a small yet majestic seven story pagoda emerged, shimmering with an aura of elegance and grandeur.
She smiled softly, trying to appear ethereal and refined, but her execution fell a little short. Due to her youth and lack of refinement, her attempt at cultivating a goddess like presence felt somewhat awkward.
At her feet, two yellow soul rings rose and spun around her, but for some reason… the entire scene felt a little underwhelming.
"Seven Treasures Unite First Treasure: Strength!"
Her first soul ring glowed as she pointed her finger, releasing two beams of multicolored light that enveloped Tang San and Zhu Zhuqing.
Instantly, a warm energy surged into their bodies, filling them with raw power. Even their soul force felt as though it had ignited, surging like boiling water.
Zhao Wuji's eyebrows lifted slightly. "Oh? So one of the candidates is from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan? Impressive, impressive… That old ghost Flender is going to be very happy about this."
As he spoke, he casually lit the incense stick and stuck it into the ground.
"Seven Treasures Unite Second Treasure: Speed!"
Ning Rongrong activated her second soul ring, sending another two beams of light toward Tang San and Zhu Zhuqing.
Immediately, they felt lighter than air, their bodies almost weightless. The boost was so overwhelming that both of them instinctively marveled at the legendary Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.
Speed and strength boosted by 30% simultaneously…
At that moment, both couldn't help but think of Ye Cheng. If his Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda was far superior to Ning Rongrong's…
Just how much power could it grant?
Given normal estimations, at the Title Douluo level, the enhancement should be around 100%.
But with ten thousand year soul rings involved, could the boost be even higher?
As these thoughts crossed their minds, Zhao Wuji finally moved.
However, he didn't charge forward.
Instead, he half crouched down and slammed both fists into the ground.
"Not good!"
Tang San immediately realized what was happening.
Boom!!!
With a deafening roar, the ground shook violently, sending a powerful shockwave of earth and stone surging toward the trio.
Zhu Zhuqing, reacting instantly, grabbed Ning Rongrong and leaped sideways, narrowly evading the attack.
Zhao Wuji, however, merely grinned. His expression held no disappointment he wasn't even trying to win yet.
After all…
This was just a test.
Tang San knew that staying on the defensive was a mistake. If they allowed Zhao Wuji to fully unleash his power, their chances of passing would drop to zero.
So, rather than defend
He would attack.
"First Soul Skill Binding!"
Tang San's soul ring lit up, activating his signature ability a technique that would remain effective even at the God King level.
From beneath Zhao Wuji's feet, thorn covered vines erupted, tightly coiling around his limbs and torso.
Venomous barbs pierced his skin, releasing a paralytic toxin.
Simultaneously, the vines pushed upward, trying to lift him off the ground.
After all, no matter how strong someone was
If their feet left the ground, their power would be severely weakened.
But…
Zhao Wuji merely sneered.
He simply flexed his muscles and unleashed a pulse of raw soul power.
BANG!
The vines instantly shattered, scattering into useless fragments.
Even though Tang San's martial soul had evolved into Blue Silver Emperor, its true strength lay in life force, not in control or attack.
In the face of a Soul Sage's overwhelming power, it was impossible to hold him down.
Tang San clenched his fists.
This battle was far from over.
But deep down…
He wasn't just fighting Zhao Wuji.
His hatred his resentment was directed at Zhu Zhuqing.
Even if this Zhu Zhuqing wasn't the same one from the future video…
Even if she had done nothing to him yet…
He had seen it.
And that was enough.
Tang San had never been the kind to forgive.
And he never would be.
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