T/N: Sorry for not uploading yesterday, was out with family and forgot to upload.
"Nine Treasures, Glazed Tile Pagoda. First: Strength. Second: Speed. Third: Spirit!"
Ning Rongrong's soul rings glowed brilliantly. Streams of colorful light burst from her Nine-Colored Glazed Pagoda, flowing into Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, Ma Hongjun, and Dai Mubai.
Due to limited soul power and the fact that Xiao Wu's level was a whole tier higher than hers, cross-tier enhancement consumed an enormous amount of energy. So Ning Rongrong didn't just buff everyone with all available buffs.
She gave Xiao Wu both Strength and Speed, but only buffed Zhu Zhuqing with Speed, Ma Hongjun with Spirit Power, and Dai Mubai with Strength.
As for the summoned spirit beasts—the Radiant Lion Cub Xiao Bai and the Fire Phoenix Xiao Hong—they didn't need her support.
While Ning Rongrong was buffing her teammates, the Radiant Lion spirit Xiao Bai also radiated a white light, granting the innate soul skill Blessing to itself and the Fire Phoenix Xiao Hong.
Now a ten-thousand-year spirit beast, Xiao Bai didn't gain new innate soul skills, but the effects of its existing ones had greatly improved. The Blessing skill now boosted all attributes by 50%.
Don't think Ning Rongrong's role is obsolete just because Xiao Bai's buffs are stronger.
If Chu Chengzhou had unlimited soul power, then yes, pre-eight-ring Ning Rongrong would be nothing more than a pretty face.
But unfortunately, energy is conserved. All spirit summoning actions and soul skill usage consume Chu Chengzhou's soul power.
For a ten-thousand-year spirit to use an innate skill, the energy required rivals that of a typical five-ring auxiliary Soul King using a ten-thousand-year soul skill. And Chu Chengzhou is currently only a level-37 Soul Elder. After summoning three spirits for offense, and with Xiao Bai using two auxiliary innate skills, he'd already used up a third of his energy.
It's not that his soul power is weak—having a top-tier martial spirit gives him greater soul power quality and capacity than most of his peers.
The reason it feels insufficient is simply that his summoned spirits are of too high a year-class relative to his level.
He currently has a nearly 3,000-year first soul ring, and both second and third rings are ten-thousand-year rings. These spirits are powerful—but incredibly energy-hungry.
The shortcoming is obvious, but Chu Chengzhou doesn't plan to fix it—at least, not in the early stages.
Soul power level isn't everything, but it's the foundation of strength. When choosing between power quality and growth speed, he chose speed.
Focusing on power quality isn't necessarily wrong, but for him, fast leveling is the right move.
After all, only higher levels allow his cheats to upgrade.
"Third Soul Skill: Phoenix Wings Sky Soar!"
With his teammates buffing him, Ma Hongjun's third ring lit up, and a pair of black phoenix wings with blazing orange flames emerged from his back.
He flapped his wings and shot into the sky, heading straight for Zhao Wuji.
"Second Soul Skill: Lava Phoenix.""First Soul Skill: Lava Fire Line!"
His chubby cheeks puffed up. As his first and second soul rings lit up, a line of molten lava fire shot out, aimed straight at Zhao Wuji's face.
Ma Hongjun's former chicken martial spirit had evolved into the Lava Fire Phoenix, altering its elemental nature and boosting its soul skills.
For instance, his first soul skill, Lava Fire Line, used to be purely fire-based. Now it had both fire and earth properties, creating magma-based attacks.
Also, due to the improved quality of his martial spirit, the power of his skills had greatly increased.
"Hmph! First Soul Skill: Body of the Unmoving King!"
As the lava fire line approached, Zhao Wuji snorted coldly, golden light bursting from his body.
The lava hit—but did no damage. Instead, under the golden glow's effect, the fire line was reflected and shot back at Ma Hongjun.
"Damn!"
Cursing, Ma Hongjun flapped his wings just in time to dodge.
"Second Soul Skill: White Tiger Fierce Light Wave!"
Dai Mubai arrived next. A milky-white ball of light blasted toward Zhao Wuji.
Boom!The light exploded—but was once again blocked by Zhao Wuji's golden aura.
Taking advantage of the flash's visual disruption, Zhu Zhuqing darted behind Zhao Wuji. Her third ring lit up, and her claw blades fused into a foot-long black light blade, which she slashed at the back of his head.
"Second Soul Skill: Powerful Vajra Palm!"
Noticing Zhu Zhuqing's sneak attack, Zhao Wuji turned and countered with bear-like palms, directly intercepting her Nether Slash.
Boom!With their strength gap, Zhao Wuji's second-ring attack shattered Zhu Zhuqing's thousand-year skill. His bear paws didn't stop there—they continued toward her.
Just as he was about to strike, a green light shot in from behind and enveloped Zhu Zhuqing, forming a transparent green shield.
It was Chu Chengzhou, controlling the Sky Azure Tree spirit Xiao Qing to activate Guardian, an innate defensive skill.
Seeing the shield, Zhao Wuji's eyes lit up, and he stopped holding back—slamming down with both palms.
Boom!Xiao Qing's Guardian had decent defense—comparable to a skill of equal year-class. The impact didn't break the shield, but it launched Zhu Zhuqing across the field.
Zhao Wuji, after all, wasn't using full force. Even in the Soul Master Tournament, there wouldn't be seven-ring opponents—maybe not even six-ring Soul Emperors. How could a 25-year-old even be a Soul Emperor?
Right after knocking Zhu Zhuqing away, Zhao Wuji suddenly sensed danger.
Before he could react, a heavy blow landed on his lower back, launching him into the air.
It was Xiao Bai, the Radiant Lion spirit, dashing in with Blessing-enhanced power, landing a full-force strike on Zhao Wuji's waist.
Midair and off-balance, Zhao Wuji was then intercepted by Xiao Wu.
She leapt up, activated her first soul ring, and launched a knee strike directly into Zhao Wuji's lower back.
Xiao Wu knew her Eight-Stage Throw series wasn't useful against high-level opponents like Zhao Wuji—it looked flashy, but was just tickling—so she kept things simple and served as support.
Zhao Wuji's eyes bulged as the blow connected, sending him soaring a few meters higher.
"Clang!"
Just then, the Fire Phoenix Xiao Hong dove from the sky. Phoenix Rebirth activated, and flames surged as it opened its beak and spewed blazing phoenix fire.
"Whoosh!"
In an instant, Zhao Wuji was engulfed in a mini firestorm midair with nowhere to dodge.
Boom!A scorched, blackened figure fell to the field, kicking up dust.
A ten-thousand-year spirit beast is equal to a perfectly-built five-ring Soul King.
And this Fire Phoenix, with a strong bloodline, could rival a six-ring Soul Emperor.
With Xiao Bai's Blessing, it could absolutely contend with a decently built six-ring Soul Emperor.
Zhao Wuji had no defense skill active—only his soul power to guard him. Naturally, he got burned.
"Boss Chu, is Teacher Zhao okay?"
From the back, Ning Rongrong looked at the tattered and burned Zhao Wuji and asked worriedly.
"He's fine. He's a seven-ring Soul Sage. That hit was just a drizzle."
Chu Chengzhou waved casually. Despite Zhao Wuji's sorry state, Chu knew it wasn't enough to seriously injure him—maybe just some minor wounds.
After all, Zhao Wuji was a 76th-level Soul Sage—not easy to beat.
Just as he finished speaking, Zhao Wuji suddenly kipped up and cursed:"Alright! I underestimated you little brats! Round two—let's go!"
He glanced at his scorched clothes, pissed off and puzzled.
He remembered hearing from Flender that Chu Chengzhou's third soul ring was only 5,000+ years, so why the hell was this red-feathered bird so damn powerful?
A mere three-ring Soul Master with a 5,000-year ring should not be performing at Soul Emperor level.
Round two began.
Zhao Wuji, now alert and no longer holding back, effortlessly countered attacks from Xiao Wu's team—even with Xiao Bai and Xiao Hong's help.
He was focused on the Fire Phoenix—because it was the only real threat.
He baited it with a feint, trying to lure it down from the sky. He couldn't reach it otherwise—it kept raining fire from above, and he couldn't fly.
"Clang!"
Seeing the opening, Xiao Hong dove and spewed phoenix fire again.
"First Soul Skill: Body of the Unmoving King!"
Golden light flared—Zhao Wuji's defense was ready.
Engulfed in flames again, this time he wasn't as vulnerable.
Then, his third and fourth rings lit up simultaneously.
Suddenly, Xiao Hong felt like it was flying through mud—slowed drastically. If not for its strength, it would've crashed.
Just then, from the fire below, a purple light ring shot upward—trapping Xiao Hong midair.
The next second, a burly figure leaped high into the air like an oversized super flea. With a jumping power far beyond that of an ordinary soul master, he sprang straight to Little Red, who was rising into the air.
Third Soul Skill – Gravity Enhancement: Causes the opponent's body to suddenly become heavy, as if trapped in a swamp, restricting their movement.
Fourth Soul Skill – Target Tracking: The fourth soul ring can fly out and lock onto the opponent. Once the target is locked, he can use his leaping power to instantly close the distance.
"Red-feathered bird, get down!"
Zhao Wuji's second soul ring suddenly lit up. As he soared through the air, his hands transformed into bear paws. With a wicked grin, he slammed his palm down hard on Little Red's relatively small bird head.
Zhao Wuji couldn't bear to go all out against his own students—he was afraid he might hurt them by accident. But the Fire Phoenix spirit summon was just Chu Chengzhou's summoned beast, so he had no need to hold back.
Boom—!
Taking Zhao Wuji's ruthless slap head-on, Little Red immediately saw stars and plummeted straight down from mid-air.
"It's over. Little Red's been taken out by Teacher Zhao—we can't win now!"
Seeing their team's main offensive force taken down by Zhao Wuji, Ning Rongrong—protected by the Skyblue Tree spirit guardian—couldn't help but show a look of disappointment.
"What, Rongrong, you thought we could actually beat Teacher Zhao?"
Chu Chengzhou chuckled.
On the Douluo Continent, a fight wasn't just about numbers—quality mattered more.
Their opponent was a Seven-Ring Soul Saint, while they had only one Four-Ring Soul Sect and six Three-Ring Soul Elders. How could they possibly win? Unless someone was cheating.
And as luck would have it, their side did have someone with a cheat.
Feeling the soul power in his body had dropped to just under half, Chu Chengzhou narrowed his eyes and had Little White use its innate soul skill on him: Blessing—boosting all attributes, including spiritual power, by 50%.
Next, spiritual power surged forth. Chu Chengzhou stealthily launched an illusion technique at Zhao Wuji, who was currently basking in triumph and grinning with joy.
In terms of soul power level, he was no match for the Seven-Ring Zhao Wuji.
But in terms of spiritual power, it was a whole different story.
Zhao Wuji was a Power Attack-type Soul Saint, and his martial soul was the Vigorous Vajra Bear—a pure muscle brute. Spiritual power wasn't his specialty; it was passively boosted through soul power.
But Chu Chengzhou had been training spiritual cultivation techniques from a young age and had even consumed a rare spiritual-enhancing herb: Autumn-Watching Dew. In terms of spiritual strength alone, he was definitely no weaker than an average level-70 soul master.
And with Little White's Blessing boosting his spiritual power by 50%, Chu Chengzhou now surpassed Zhao Wuji in that department.
His invisible spiritual power descended. In this contest of spiritual strength, Zhao Wuji—despite being a level-76 Soul Saint—lost by a small margin. In an instant, his world spun, and his vision shifted.
When his sight stabilized, he found that the training ground and the students were gone. Instead, he was inside a magnificent palace.
Inside the grand hall stood a dozen or so young women dressed in sheer, tattered veils. On both sides stood musicians with instruments. Zhao Wuji himself was seated on a luxurious golden throne in the center.
The next second, beautiful music began to play, and the girls began to dance gracefully.
Zhao Wuji: ???
What the hell? Did I get hit by a mental-type soul skill?
As an experienced soul master, Zhao Wuji immediately realized he had been caught in an illusion.
His first priority: break free from the illusion.
But after a closer look, he found this spiritual illusion was extremely high-level. With his current strength, brute force couldn't break it, and spiritual power wasn't his forte. He couldn't dispel it.
Also... damn, those dancing girls were kind of... nice.
Curses! Wine dulls the body, and beauty cuts the bone. But Old Zhao has strong willpower—I won't fall for these sugar-coated skeletons!
Wait a minute, that dancer... such depth... such... grace... anyway, very eye-catching!
Even though he knew it was fake, Zhao Wuji couldn't help but be mesmerized.
After all, which fifty-year-old bachelor could resist such temptation?
While Chu Chengzhou was generously "blessing" Zhao Wuji, outside in the real world, the Light Lion summon, Little White, swiped Zhao Wuji to the ground with a tail swipe and pressed a paw against his neck.
Seeing Zhao Wuji completely unresponsive, Liu Erlong and Flender looked at each other, baffled.
"What just happened? Why did Old Zhao just drop the ball?"
Not just them—Xiao Wu and the others were equally confused.
After taking down the Fire Phoenix summon, shouldn't Teacher Zhao have kept going and continued to… ahem... guide them? Why had he turned into a lifeless salted fish?
"Dean Erlong, since Teacher Zhao is already lost in the illusion, does that mean the team training is over?"
Chu Chengzhou finally spoke.
"You brat, you used a spiritual illusion on Old Zhao?!"
Flender stared in disbelief.
"I'm not very skilled, but I dabble in the arts," Chu Chengzhou replied with a smile and a nod.
"Hiss~!"
Flender and Liu Erlong both gasped.
As senior soul masters, they knew exactly what it meant to control a Seven-Ring Soul Saint with a spiritual illusion.
Spiritual-type abilities were powerful but mysterious, and the key was that the user's spiritual power had to exceed the target's—otherwise, it could backfire.
Chu Chengzhou was just a little Three-Ring Soul Elder, yet he had successfully controlled Zhao Wuji, a Seven-Ring Soul Saint? Just how strong was his spiritual power?
"Ahem… this training session is over. Let Teacher Zhao go," Liu Erlong said after a moment of shock.
She thought she had already overestimated Chu Chengzhou, but now she realized she had still severely underestimated him.
If Chu Chengzhou could control Zhao Wuji with spiritual illusions, then in the upcoming Soul Master Tournament a year later—who could even stand a chance against him?
He'd be slaying while the others just supported!
At this moment, Liu Erlong already saw the glory of Blue Tyrant Academy's team winning the championship a year from now.
Chu Chengzhou nodded and released the illusion "benefit" he'd gifted Zhao Wuji.
"Big White... huh, it's gone?"
Zhao Wuji was just about to mention the long white legs, but then realized his consciousness had returned to reality.
The next second, a green light carrying a healing aura descended into his body.
In a flash, all the burns he'd suffered from Little Red's Phoenix Flame vanished without a trace.
Then, several more beams of green light fell on Xiao Wu and the others.
Even in training, injuries were inevitable. If conditions allowed, a healing-type soul master would usually be on standby.
Liu Erlong hadn't arranged one, because she knew Chu Chengzhou had a summon capable of using healing soul skills.
She just hadn't expected the one needing healing would be the Soul Saint-level Zhao Wuji!
"Flender, who hit me with a spiritual soul skill just now?"
Zhao Wuji looked around suspiciously but couldn't see any high-level spiritual-type soul masters.
"Over there," Flender said, pointing at Chu Chengzhou.
"You did this, kid?!"
Zhao Wuji's eyes widened as he stared at Chu Chengzhou in disbelief.
"Teacher Zhao, how'd you like that little benefit I arranged for you?"
Chu Chengzhou smiled.
Zhao Wuji's face immediately turned bright red.
Truth be told... those illusion girls in sheer clothing and seductive dances were... pretty damn great.
Zhao Wuji: No! I must reflect on this further... very deeply... and critically!
T/N: For up to 20 chapters ahead and fifteen chapters ahead on my other translation, become a p@tron at [email protected]/LordHipposApostle