Chapter 46: Zhao Wuji
When Dai Mubai saw Zhao Wuji's response, he quickly spoke up: "Teacher Zhao, this isn't quite right. The dean specifically assigned me to assess the new students."
Zhao Wuji glared at Dai Mubai. "What's wrong with it? The dean isn't here, and I'm the highest-ranking person in the academy. I'll decide how the assessment goes."
He then turned to face the five of them. "Five little monsters, I'm Zhao Wuji. My assessment is very simple: as long as you five can withstand my attacks for the time it takes to burn a stick of incense, even if just one of you lasts until the end, you will pass."
"But I'll state this upfront, don't think about taking shortcuts in front of me. With your firepower, trying to cheat is pointless. And one more thing, as individuals, you can't possibly withstand me, so carefully listen to Mubai's advice and analyze how to counter my attacks."
Seeing Zhao Wuji sit down and close his eyes to rest, Dai Mubai immediately gathered the five of them together, looking unusually serious.
After they huddled together, Dai Mubai spoke gravely. "I won't be able to help you this time. Originally, the last round was supposed to be my responsibility, but it looks like Teacher Zhao has decided to personally assess you. Now, you're in trouble."
Xiao Wu laughed. "I hope this Teacher Zhao isn't a Soul Emperor like the one we saw at the entrance."
Dai Mubai shook his head. "No, he's a Soul Sage, a 76th-level Power Attack Soul Sage. His martial soul is the Great Strength Diamond Bear, a very powerful beast martial soul. His body is flawless, and his attack power is incredibly strong. He is also our academy's vice-principal."
"Teacher Zhao's nickname is 'Unmoving King,' and don't think that the five of you, even with me, could last a full stick of incense. This will be tough for you."
Everyone's eyes widened upon hearing this, and even Yang Xiong's expression became serious. If they were slightly weaker, they might have been able to last through a stick of incense using various tactics, but a Soul Sage was an entirely different matter, especially one who could control gravity.
Ning Rongrong looked shocked. "He's actually Unmoving King Zhao Wuji? Over ten years ago, Zhao Wuji had a conflict with the Spirit Hall, and they sent sixteen bishops to attack him. He managed to escape, even though the bishops were all Soul Emperors above level 60, while Zhao Wuji was only a Soul Emperor at that time."
Hearing this, everyone's expression grew even more serious. A Soul Sage was indeed a top-level expert even in the entire Soul Master world, and certainly one of the top experts in Soto City.
Yang Xiong said, "Let's all discuss our strengths first and figure out how to deal with Zhao Wuji, how to last for a full stick of incense."
They gathered around and each shared their martial souls and abilities.
Tang San spoke first. "I'm Tang San, my martial soul is Blue Silver Grass, and I'm a 29th-level Control-type Battle Soul Master."
Xiao Wu immediately followed. "I'm Xiao Wu, my martial soul is a Rabbit, and I'm a 29th-level Power Attack-type Battle Soul Master."
Next was Ning Rongrong. "I'm Ning Rongrong, my martial soul is the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, and I'm a 28th-level Support-type Weapon Soul Master."
Zhu Zhuqing then spoke coldly. "I'm Zhu Zhuqing, my martial soul is the Ghostly Spirit Cat, and I'm a 27th-level Agility-type Battle Soul Master."
Finally, Yang Xiong spoke. "I'm Yang Xiong, my martial soul is my body, and I'm a 26th-level Power Attack-type Battle Soul Master."
After everyone had stated their martial souls and abilities, all eyes turned to Ning Rongrong and Yang Xiong, one with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul, and the other with the never-before-heard Body Martial Soul.
Tang San, evidently familiar with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, asked, "Are you from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?"
Ning Rongrong's expression was playful. "Don't mind my background. Xiao Xiong and I sneaked out of home."
Dai Mubai looked at the five of them. "You five are well-matched—two Power Attackers, one Agility Attacker, one Control, and one Support. You should discuss your delaying tactics."
Tang San spoke first. "Here's the plan: Ning Rongrong will provide support, Xiao Wu and Yang Xiong will handle the Power Attacks, Zhu Zhuqing will provide flanking support, and I'll try to control Teacher Zhao's attacks."
The three nodded in agreement.
Yang Xiong then spoke. "Wait a minute. As everyone knows, in a battlefield, the first target is always the Support. Shouldn't someone be assigned to protect Rongrong?"
Tang San and the others froze at this, clearly having overlooked the need to protect Ning Rongrong, the Support.
In truth, with Zhao Wuji's Soul Sage power, defeating several Great Soul Masters would be a piece of cake, and he likely wouldn't even need to use his martial soul.
Looking at the original Shrek Seven Monsters, it was clear their formation was offensively stronger than defensively, with not a single Defense-type Soul Master. If both sides were to fall into a stalemate, the two Supports would easily become the targets.
Yang Xiong continued, "I can function as a Power Attacker or a Defense Soul Master. You three should focus on attacking Zhao Wuji, and I'll protect Rongrong while assisting her. That way, we can delay for time."
Everyone was taken aback. They hadn't expected Yang Xiong to be able to serve both as a Power Attacker and a Defense Soul Master. Such Soul Masters were rare in the Soul Master world.
Soon, the five arranged themselves in formation. Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong took the rear, Tang San positioned himself in the middle, and Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing took the front.
When everyone summoned their martial souls and soul rings, especially when Ning Rongrong summoned the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, Zhao Wuji's expression shifted with surprise.
"Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda... Looks like I've underestimated you. When you're ready, start."
Zhao Wuji took out a stick of incense, ignited it with his Soul Power, and placed it on the ground.
Ning Rongrong began first, summoning the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, from which four beams of light shot out, quickly merging into the bodies of Yang Xiong and the others.
"Seven Treasures, one for strength, two for speed."
Yang Xiong and the others felt their bodies become significantly more agile and their strength increased by quite a bit, their overall power up by at least 30%.
Just as they were about to make their move, Zhao Wuji struck the ground with both hands, as if a force burst forth from the ground.
Everyone immediately understood Zhao Wuji's intention—he was trying to take out the Support first. He had likely used his gravity control ability, a rare long-range attack for a Power-type Soul Master.
But Yang Xiong was prepared. He pushed Ning Rongrong aside and threw a punch at the force emanating from the ground. The two forces collided, and Yang Xiong was sent flying several meters.
Zhao Wuji was a bit surprised. "Hmm, your strength is decent, but you're still too young."
More forces erupted from the ground, all aimed at Ning Rongrong.
Yang Xiong quickly grabbed Ning Rongrong and ran, trying to dodge Zhao Wuji's attacks. When they couldn't dodge, he threw punches to clash with the forces coming their way.
Tang San and the others also quickly moved into action. Countless Blue Silver Grasses shot up from the ground, while Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing engaged Zhao Wuji head-on.
(END CHAPTER)
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