"Boss, why haven't I seen sister-in-law around?" In the villa's hall, Ma Hongjun asked while eating fruit.
Oscar replied, "My sister has been training with Grandpa lately. She probably won't be coming back to the academy for a while."
Hearing Oscar's explanation, everyone nodded. They were all envious though, since not just anyone could receive guidance from a Titled Douluo.
Oscar glanced at the battle stage in the villa's yard and said to the others, "Since Rongrong and my sister haven't arrived yet, let me see the results of your training during this time."
This time, after hearing him, none of them feared Oscar's overwhelming strength. Instead, everyone's fighting spirit burned brightly. Over the past three months, they had not been idle and had each made significant progress.
Seeing their eagerness to fight, Oscar smiled slightly. "This time I won't take part. It will be a team battle between the five of you."
"Hongjun and Xiao San will be one team. Mubai, Zhuqing, and Xiao Wu will be the other. The winners will be rewarded with a soul bone."
At Oscar's first sentence, the five had already started sizing each other up. Dai Mubai with Zhu Zhuqing, Xiao Wu with Tang San—both pairs of lovers looked at each other, and their fighting intent showed no sign of weakening despite their relationships.
Oscar had always demanded strictly that no matter how close their bonds were, once they stepped onto the battle stage they must go all out to defeat the opponent.
But when Oscar spoke the second sentence, all five froze for a moment, then looked at him in disbelief.
"Boss, are you serious?" Ma Hongjun was the first to ask in shock.
Oscar nodded. "That's right. You are all partners I acknowledge, so I won't be stingy in supporting you. But resources are limited, so you must earn the best ones through strength."
Hearing this, even Dai Mubai, the prince of the empire, could not contain his excitement. Tang San, Zhu Zhuqing, and Xiao Wu felt the same.
They understood better than anyone the importance of a soul bone. Having one not only greatly increased their strength but also gave them a vital life-saving trump card.
And they knew Oscar never spoke empty words. If he said a soul bone would be the prize, then he truly had one to give.
At this moment, everyone's eyes shone with determination, except for Xiao Wu. A soul bone was recognized across the spirit master world as the most precious treasure. How could they not want it?
The appearance of a single soul bone could cause bloodshed in the outside world. Yet here, they only needed to fight with all their strength in a controlled battle. To obtain such a prize without facing life-and-death danger was nothing less than a blessing from the heavens.
This kindness and encouragement from Oscar would remain etched in their hearts forever.
But for now, what mattered was victory. Only the winners would receive the reward.
Ma Hongjun and Tang San exchanged a glance and silently stood together. Their eyes were sharp as they looked at Dai Mubai, Zhu Zhuqing, and Xiao Wu. Although they were close friends, at this moment they became rivals once again.
Dai Mubai, Zhu Zhuqing, and Xiao Wu were the same. Xiao Wu already guessed that Oscar was using this battle as a way to make it natural for Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing to give the soul bone to Tang San later without feeling conflicted. But she was no longer the selfish, headstrong little rabbit she once was.
Now that she was teamed with Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing, she would fight with all her strength, even if it meant Tang San might lose the soul bone.
This was her promise to her teammates, her unshakable trust in those who had her back.
Even if it risked Tang San losing this opportunity, Xiao Wu would not slack off. Treasures belonged to the capable.
If Tang San and Ma Hongjun lost this battle, it would only mean the soul bone was not fated for him.
She thought this way because the two sides were evenly matched. Ma Hongjun was indeed powerful, but Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing possessed a Martial Soul Fusion skill strong enough to rival him.
All she needed to do was give her all to stall Tang San and use her spirit abilities to support Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing. They had a real chance at victory.
Seeing their blazing fighting spirit, Oscar walked onto the second-floor balcony of the villa, holding a glass of strong liquor, while the five headed onto the battle stage.
The stage was circular with a diameter of a hundred meters, large enough to support their battle.
The five split into two groups and faced each other. Tang San suddenly looked at Oscar. "Senior, what are the rules for this battle?"
Oscar took a sip of liquor and said slowly, "You may use any means except killing. But in the end, only one side can remain on the stage."
Hearing this, Tang San's eyes flashed purple for an instant before calming as he looked at Dai Mubai's group.
Ma Hongjun spoke, "Mubai, let me have a good look at the power of your fusion skill with Zhuqing this time."
Dai Mubai grinned. "Alright."
Oscar set his cup down. "Both sides, release your martial souls."
At his words, the cry of a phoenix and the roar of a tiger shook the sky. Flames erupted over Ma Hongjun's body as he transformed into a majestic Fire Phoenix. A pair of burning wings spread behind him, heating the air. Two yellow and two purple spirit rings rose around him as he hovered ten meters above the ground.
"Ma Hongjun, martial soul: Evil Fire Phoenix, level 49 attack system Battle Spirit Master."
Three months ago, he was level 48. Now he was only a step away from level 50. Within a month he might break through.
With his spirit released, a strong phoenix aura pressed down on Dai Mubai's group.
If they were suppressed by his aura from the start, they would already be at a disadvantage.
Dai Mubai also entered spirit possession. White fur spread over his body, a black "王" character appeared on his forehead, and his golden hair flared wildly. Two yellow and two purple spirit rings rose around him.
"Dai Mubai, martial soul: White Tiger, level 45 attack system Battle Spirit Master."
His aura was equally domineering. Though his spirit power was four levels lower, his presence was only slightly weaker.
Beside him, Zhu Zhuqing completed her spirit possession. Her already striking figure became even more lithe and sharp. When her aura merged with Dai Mubai's, their combined presence even surpassed Ma Hongjun's, matching him blow for blow.
"Zhu Zhuqing, martial soul: Netherworld Civet, level 35 agility system Battle Spirit Elder."
The two had practiced their fusion skill for years and had also received guidance from Flender. They were not hindered by conflicts as in the original story. Instead, their bond fueled their growth, pushing their fusion skill toward perfection.
Their combined aura instantly became overwhelming.
Tang San and Xiao Wu exchanged a glance and also released their spirits.
Blue Silver Grass appeared in Tang San's hand, while Xiao Wu's body turned faintly ethereal as the Soft Bone Rabbit possessed her. Two yellow and one purple rings rose around them both.
"Tang San, martial soul: Blue Silver Grass, level 34 control system Battle Spirit Elder."
"Xiao Wu, martial soul: Soft Bone Rabbit, level 34 agility system Battle Spirit Elder."
All five had released their martial souls. Their presences clashed, none gaining the upper hand.
Oscar's voice rang out again. "Begin the battle."
At his words, Ma Hongjun flapped his wings and charged at Dai Mubai's group. At the same time, Tang San used his first ability, Entangle.
The instant Tang San acted, Zhu Zhuqing did not fuse with Dai Mubai but instead used her first ability, transforming into a shadow that sped toward Tang San. Xiao Wu also burst forward with powerful legs, flanking from the other side.
Though Tang San was only level 34, he was still dangerous. Their first plan was for Dai Mubai to stall Ma Hongjun while they eliminated Tang San.
Once Tang San was taken down, defeating Ma Hongjun would be much easier.
In midair, Ma Hongjun descended, activating his first ability to form a wall of fire along Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu's path.
At that moment, Dai Mubai unleashed his first ability, a blazing golden light wave.
"Hongjun, don't get distracted," his voice followed.
Ma Hongjun's second ring lit up, his Fire Phoenix augmentation exploding. Flames erupted from his claws as he blocked Dai Mubai's attack.
Looking down at him, Ma Hongjun sneered. "Mubai, how long do you think you can stop me alone?"
He dove down, fire surging around him.
"Phoenix Nine Styles—Phoenix Explosion."
Dai Mubai did not flinch. His first and third rings glowed as his White Tiger Barrier and White Tiger Vajra Transformation activated, pushing his strength to the limit.
A blazing red-gold aura gathered in his fists.
"Comet Burst."
This was his biggest gain in three months, a self-created skill derived from his fourth ability. Though incomplete, it proved his talent and power.
Their collision exploded violently. Ma Hongjun was blasted back, while Dai Mubai's feet carved trenches in the ground.
Even with his buffs, Dai Mubai was still forced ten meters back, while Ma Hongjun only five. His strength and attack power still had the edge.
Meanwhile, Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu had used their third rings. Xiao Wu teleported through the flames, while Zhu Zhuqing's slash tore an opening in the fire wall.
They broke through and rushed within ten meters of Tang San. But his Blue Silver Grass was already waiting.
Under his first ability, the vines writhed like snakes, surging at them.
Zhu Zhuqing's claws shredded the plants with sharp precision, speed undiminished.
Xiao Wu's eyes flashed pink as she used her second ability, Charm. She locked eyes with Tang San.
But Tang San knew her too well. His pupils turned purple as his Purple Demon Eye activated, resisting her Charm entirely.
His third ring lit up. The life energy of his third ability instantly restored the severed vines, wrapping around Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing.
His second ability, Parasite, triggered. Seeds hidden on their bodies sprouted.
Just as vines began wrapping around Xiao Wu, she used her third ability again. In an instant, she appeared behind Tang San, locking his waist with her legs and seizing his neck with her arms.
The Parasite vines erupted fully, binding both Tang San and Xiao Wu together. Tang San's control weakened as Zhu Zhuqing broke free with her claws and dashed at him.
Tang San struggled but quickly shifted. He broke Xiao Wu's hold with Controlling Crane, Capturing Dragon, then hurled her toward Zhu Zhuqing.
Zhu Zhuqing's third ability was already unleashed. Xiao Wu vanished with teleportation just before being hit, and the deadly slash bore down on Tang San instead.
He could not dodge at such close range. His right hand released Blue Silver Grass, and his left hand revealed the Clear Sky Hammer. Black light flared as his hammer skill struck.
Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang!
Five strikes shattered the incoming attack. But Zhu Zhuqing only smiled slyly, dashing away toward Dai Mubai.
Tang San, left without a target, halted his technique. At that moment, a scorpion braid whipped silently around his neck.
Tang San reacted instantly, drawing a dagger to cut it.
But at the last moment, he hesitated, because Xiao Wu had not withdrawn her braid.
She leapt onto him, locking his joints and using her Waist Bow.
His technique broke, the backlash and her Waist Bow combining. Tang San was sent flying like a cannonball, blood spraying from his mouth.
Seeing this, Xiao Wu cried out, "Xiao San!"
She ignored her spirit power consumption and teleported for the fourth time, rushing to catch him.
If she did not, the fall might cripple him. She knew her own ability's power too well.
Tang San could have cut her braid earlier, but he had spared her. She had used that moment of hesitation to land her strike.
Because of his mercy, he had been left open. Xiao Wu now regretted going all out on him.
From above, Oscar narrowed his eyes with a smile. "Interesting, those two. But Xiao Wu is still too naive."
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