"No way, there are still people who don't know that spirit tools can be used in combat?" Ning Rongrong, quick to speak her mind, immediately blurted out.
Ning Rongrong's words immediately pricked Xiao Wu's nerves, and she became a little agitated.
"Ahem... Tang San, this is something that came about a few years ago after the Sun Moon Empire appeared. You'll understand in a bit." Dai Mubai, seeing the tense atmosphere between them, immediately spoke vaguely.
With Dai Mubai saying that, Tang San could only give up. After comforting Xiao Wu, he suppressed his curiosity and took the lead in introducing himself: "Since we're going to cooperate, we should get to know each other. I'll go first.
My name is Tang San, my Spirit is Blue Silver Grass, a level twenty-nine control-type Battle Spirit Master."
After Tang San spoke, Xiao Wu followed closely: "Xiao Wu, my Beast Spirit is a rabbit, a level twenty-nine strong attack-type Battle Spirit Master."
Ning Rongrong showed a sweet smile on her face, saying with a hint of pride: "Ning Rongrong, my Tool Spirit is the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, a level twenty-nine auxiliary-type Tool Spirit Master."
"Level twenty-nine!" The others looked at Ning Rongrong in surprise. Auxiliary-type Spirit Masters are known for having the slowest cultivation speed among all types of Spirit Masters, yet Ning Rongrong actually had a cultivation speed not inferior to that of a Battle Spirit Master.
"Zhu Zhuqing, a level thirty-three agile attack-type Battle Spirit Master," Zhu Zhuqing said coolly at last.
"Impossible! How could you be level thirty-three? You just turned twelve!" As soon as Zhu Zhuqing spoke, Dai Mubai was instantly stunned, looking at Zhu Zhuqing in disbelief.
Zhu Zhuqing gave Dai Mubai a cold glance, saying nothing.
Seeing this, Dai Mubai's face instantly darkened, and a surge of anger rose in his heart.
"Wow, Zhuqing, you're amazing!" Ning Rongrong clearly understood the significance of this, pulling Zhu Zhuqing's arm and saying sweetly.
"Teacher was right, there are countless geniuses out there. I cannot be complacent," Tang San said to himself, looking at Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing in shock.
"Since we have the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda in our team, you'll provide support. I'll be in charge of controlling Teacher Zhao's attacks, and Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing will attack from both flanks," Tang San suggested after some thought, finally glancing at Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong.
He was no longer the strongest in the team, so he still needed to consult their opinions when arranging tactics.
"You don't have to worry about me; I'll protect myself," Ning Rongrong said with a grin, looking confident, clearly possessing quite a few powerful spirit tools.
He looked at Ning Rongrong doubtfully. Since she said so, as a teammate, he could only choose to believe her.
"Okay!" Zhu Zhuqing remained a woman of few words, saying plainly.
"Teacher, we can start," Dai Mubai nodded to Zhao Wuji after seeing the four finish their discussion, then quickly retreated to the side to watch the battle.
"Come on, you little brats, let me see what you're made of..."
The battle was fierce. Unlike the original story, this time Tang San and Xiao Wu were relegated to supporting roles.
With the enhancement of level three and four spirit tools, Zhu Zhuqing's strength was enough to contend with even a Spirit King.
From afar, Ning Rongrong also sniped from a distance. Under the combined firepower of the two, Zhao Wuji was caught off guard. Even after the incense burned out, he still hadn't broken through their invincible shields.
"Ptooey, ptooey, ptooey..."
From a deep pit, Zhao Wuji, disheveled, climbed out. He looked at Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong, who were almost out of spirit power and sucking on milk bottles, and at Tang San and Xiao Wu, who had long since collapsed beside them, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes.
"I hunt geese all day, but today I was pecked by one. Your spirit tools are truly formidable. As expected of those from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and the Zhu family, you certainly spare no expense."
"You passed!"
Outside Soto City, Zhu Zhuqing and the others left the Great Soul Arena under Dai Mubai's lead.
Along the way, the atmosphere among the group was somewhat subdued, and they split into several small teams.
Tang San and Xiao Wu walked together, affectionately, while Zhu Zhuqing walked alone ahead. Dai Mubai, with a solemn expression, watched Zhu Zhuqing's back, a hint of frustration flashing in his eyes.
Then, Ma Hongjun suggested they part ways, explaining that he needed to go to Flender's shop in the city, as the Dean would take him to resolve his Spirit's hidden problem.
His impatient demeanor made Dai Mubai chuckle inwardly, unable to resist teasing: "Fatty, take it easy."
"Boss Dai, are you coming?" Ma Hongjun winked at Dai Mubai.
"No, stop talking nonsense, just go," Dai Mubai glared at him irritably, his peripheral vision drifting towards Zhu Zhuqing.
He used to be much more unrestrained than Ma Hongjun, but times had changed. Zhu Zhuqing had actually sought him out, and her strength was so terrifying, which gave him hope.
She was already level thirty-three. By the time the next Soul Master Competition began, she might very well break through to the high-level Soul Sect realm, so this battle wasn't without a chance.
He felt he could still be saved.
He had deliberately said that for Zhu Zhuqing to hear, his peripheral vision assessing her reaction. However, she simply ignored him and walked straight towards the Academy.
This completely broke his composure, and he couldn't help but tear off his mask, revealing his true self.
At this moment, he, who was usually arrogant and dismissive, could no longer suppress the anger in his heart. "You, stop right there!"
However, Dai Mubai's anger only made Zhu Zhuqing more disgusted. She ignored him completely, not only not stopping but quickening her pace.
"You..."
Dai Mubai suddenly raised his right hand, intending to strike, a strong white light flickering in his palm. He had never been good-tempered, or rather, his temper was more volatile than anyone else's.
However, he suddenly remembered the powerful spirit tools Zhu Zhuqing had used when fighting Zhao Wuji. In the end, he held back, the white light on his palm vanishing in a flash. He let out a suppressed gasp and quickly chased after Zhu Zhuqing.
Tang San and Xiao Wu, who didn't understand what was happening, quickly followed. Ma Hongjun, likewise, curled his lips in disdain and went off to vent his frustrations alone.
When they arrived at the entrance of Shrek Academy, they saw Ning Rongrong and Oscar waiting there.
Ning Rongrong sat on a large stone at the Academy entrance, swinging her legs, looking thoughtful.
Oscar's expression, however, was somewhat grim. His handsome face was slightly furrowed, and he occasionally stole glances at Ning Rongrong, his eyes revealing a hint of resentment.
He had hung out with Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun for a long time and was also not exactly a proper person. With his charming face, he was exceptionally handsome, and coupled with his identity as a Spirit Master, he had always been successful in matters of the heart.
That morning, Dean Flender had also created an opportunity for them to be alone. As a self-proclaimed Casanova, he naturally wanted to seize the chance to win over Ning Rongrong, this sweet and well-behaved rich girl. Who knew that Ning Rongrong's outwardly obedient girl image was just an act? He simply couldn't outplay her.