Tang San stepped forward first. "Tang San, Martial Soul: Blue Silver Grass, Level 29, Control System War Soul Master."
Xiao Wu followed immediately. "Xiao Wu, Wuhun Yutu, Level 29, Powerful Attack Spirit Master."
Zhu Zhuqing's tone was cold and detached. "Zhu Zhuqing, Wuhun Nether Civet, Level 27, War Spirit Master of the Sensitive Attack System."
Finally, Ning Rongrong spoke, her voice delicate but confident. "Ning Rongrong, Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda, Level 26, Auxiliary Soul Master."
All eyes turned to her.
Dai Mubai's brows rose in surprise. "Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda? So you're a direct disciple of the Qibao Liuli Sect?"
No wonder he and the others reacted so strongly—the Qibao Liuli Sect's martial spirit was legendary, regarded as the top auxiliary martial spirit on the mainland, and Dai Mubai knew its reputation well.
Ning Rongrong stuck out her tiny tongue playfully. "Yes, don't be so shocked. I snuck out from home, just like you. Let's focus on how to get past the level in front of us. My soul skills boost both speed and strength by about thirty percent. Holding the incense stick won't be a problem at all."
Du Feng muttered under his breath, shaking his head. No wonder the Wuhun Hall wants to crush the Qibao Liuli Sect… this bunch of perverts is terrifying. Even without combat synergy, their boosts are absurd.
Dai Mubai studied the group, frowning slightly. "The combination is decent, but you've all got defensive-oriented soul masters. There's no real collision force."
Tang San, as the control-system soul master, assumed the role of strategist. "Ning Rongrong will assist the three of us. I'll focus on limiting Teacher Zhao. Xiao Wu handles the frontal assault. Zhu Zhuqing controls the flanks, looking for openings to strike decisively."
The others nodded, approving Tang San's plan. It was simple but effective for a group meeting for the first time—actual combat would reveal the nuances of cooperation and timing.
Zao Wou-ki's impatient voice cut through the air. "Have you finished discussing?"
The four nodded. "Yes, Teacher Zhao."
Du Feng and Dai Mubai stepped aside, giving the young monsters space. Both kept watching intently; a battle involving a Soul Saint was a rare opportunity to learn.
Zao Wou-ki rose from his chair. His bones cracked sharply as he stretched, and his aura expanded, radiating a subtle but undeniable pressure that made everyone instinctively tense.
He drew another incense stick from his cuff, lit it, and placed it firmly into the ground.
Du Feng whispered to Dai Mubai, "Why does he bring so much incense with him?"
Dai Mubai stayed silent, unwilling to risk Zao Wou-ki overhearing and punishing him. Du Feng, however, mentally scoffed at Dai Mubai's caution. So scared of Lao Zhao, and yet he thinks he's the White Tiger Wu's overlord…
Ning Rongrong didn't wait for the incense to burn down. She murmured, "Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda, activate."
A radiant, multicolored light condensed in her palms, forming a vibrant pagoda more than a foot tall. Yellow soul rings glowed as beams of energy shot out, enveloping Tang San, Xiao Wu, and Zhu Zhuqing.
Warmth surged through their limbs, blood flowed faster, and their soul power accelerated slightly—a clear demonstration of Ning Rongrong's auxiliary strength.
Zao Wou-ki's eyes widened in surprise. He hadn't expected a direct disciple of the Qibao Liuli Sect among Shrek Academy's recruits this year. Excited, he lit another incense stick and set it into the ground, squatting low as he slammed his fists into the earth—determined to disrupt Ning Rongrong's support.
Tang San immediately understood his intent. Channeling the first soul technique, he wrapped a coil of Blue Silver Grass around Ning Rongrong's waist, lifting her into the air and shielding her from Zao Wou-ki's seismic shockwaves. Du Feng's eyes gleamed. Clever. Using the first soul technique defensively—good thinking.
A khaki-yellow shockwave radiated from Zao Wou-ki, spreading in all directions. Xiao Wu mirrored Tang San's strategy, launching herself into the air, while Zhu Zhuqing deftly maneuvered to avoid the waves.
Tang San whispered to Xiao Wu, "Go." He pressed his hands together, and Xiao Wu leapt into action, stepping onto his palms. Tang San's thrust sent her rocketing toward Zao Wou-ki.
Zao Wou-ki simply stood with hands behind his back, letting her strike land. A faint smile appeared. "Little one, do you think you can hurt me?"
Xiao Wu twisted midair, scissor-kicking at his shoulders and neck. At the same time, Tang San's Blue Silver Grass entangled Zao Wou-ki, injecting neurotoxin from the Mandala Snake into his body.
Caught off guard, Zao Wou-ki found himself lifted into the air like a bound, floating bundle. Xiao Wu pressed her advantage, slamming her scissor-feet toward his neck.
"Had enough fun?" Zao Wou-ki's voice boomed. In a blink, he activated his martial soul's possession, bursting the Blue Silver Grass from his body. His figure swelled, muscles bulging, as he prepared to strike back with overwhelming force.