Chapter 573: Competing in Clones?

Ah Yin laughed and said, "Xiao Wu, don't forget, Su Ming's eyes are primarily supported by his spiritual power. With his level of spiritual mastery, it's almost impossible for Elder Bai He to catch him off guard."

Bai Chenxiang, overhearing this, asked curiously, "Big Sister, could you tell me what level Su Ming's spiritual power is at? This is my first time hearing about different levels of spiritual power."

She looked at Ah Yin with wide, inquisitive eyes. Ah Yin, feeling a small burst of joy at being addressed as "Big Sister" for the first time in years, gave Xiao Wu a quick glance before explaining. "Generally, a soul master's spiritual strength aligns with their soul power level. However, for some soul masters, especially those specializing in charm or illusions, their spiritual power can exceed their soul power considerably."

"For example, your grandfather Bai He has the spiritual strength of a Soul Douluo. But Su Ming, due to unique circumstances, has spiritual power at the Titled Douluo's vast realm—essentially on par with an Ultimate Douluo's spiritual strength."

Bai Chenxiang nodded, absorbing the explanation. So, Su Ming's spiritual level was that advanced? That would mean her grandfather might lose. Growing up in the Speed Clan, she'd always considered herself talented for her age and abilities, but now she was beginning to realize just how vast the world truly was.

Su Ming internally mused: Kid, you're definitely talented—but your biggest mistake was going all-in on speed!

With the Speed Clan's likely alliance, Su Ming planned to suggest improvements. In truth, the single-attribute clans had ideal soul ring configurations—specializing in single-attribute enhancements just like him. However, unlike Su Ming, who possessed a range of abilities like Wood Style and Sharingan due to the system, the clans were limited to using soul skills granted by their soul rings, making them less adaptable—especially the Speed Clan.

In Su Ming's view, while having purely speed-enhancing soul rings suited the Speed Clan, they could develop additional skills beyond just speed. For example, with a foundation of five speed-enhancing soul rings, their last four rings could prioritize attack capabilities, keeping them nimble while offering defensive measures. With his empowered soul-guided guns, even if they sacrificed early defensive capabilities, the Speed Clan would become a versatile force without sacrificing their hallmark speed.

After half a stick of incense had burned, Bai He still couldn't so much as touch Su Ming's hair. Su Ming's strange movements and teleportation ability made him nearly impossible to catch.

Finally, Bai He had no choice but to unleash his full strength.

"Seventh soul skill: True Martial Spirit Form!"

Under the influence of his black soul ring, a radiant aura enveloped Bai He, lifting him midair. His arms transformed into wings, his legs merged into tail feathers, and in mere moments, his body shifted into a streamlined figure—a Sharp-tailed Swift about a meter long with a wingspan of a meter and a half.

Generally, a True Martial Spirit Form enlarged the soul master's body, but Bai He's compact form indicated compressed soul power, maximizing his speed.

Seeing this, Su Ming knew it was time to get serious—Bai He was going all out.

As anticipated, Bai He activated his eighth soul skill, summoning four identical clones alongside his original form. Unlike Dugubo's illusions, these clones possessed the same speed, attack, and defense as his real body, allowing him to switch seamlessly between them at any time.

Bai He's voice echoed from the sky, "What do you think, Su Ming? This is my eighth soul skill—there's no way out for you now!"

Bai He's five figures positioned themselves at the four corners and center of the square, dividing the area into four sections. No matter where Su Ming teleported, at least two of Bai He's bodies could chase him.

Su Ming grinned mischievously at Bai He in the center and said, "Elder Bai He, since we're showing off, let's see whose clones are better."

With that, Su Ming formed seals and created four Wood Clones.

"What!" Bai He was stunned, silently observing Su Ming's four clones.

Bai He could tell that while Su Ming's clones couldn't perform the main-clone swap as his could, they certainly held much of Su Ming's strength. Each clone shared the same strange, hypnotic eyes as the original—evidence of their power.

Outside the ring, Niu Gao and Yang Wudi stared in shock, speechless for a moment. Finally, Bai He in the ring broke into laughter. "Haha! I didn't expect your Wood Element Martial Spirit could also create clones. Very well, let's give it a try!"

Bai He's five figures all locked their focus on Su Ming's main body, ignoring the clones. He believed that catching the main body would secure him the victory.

Reading Bai He's intentions, Su Ming activated his Kamui Space, instantly transporting himself to safety. He then reappeared in the arena.

Bai He felt speechless. Great. Now I have no idea which one's the real Su Ming!

Outside the ring, Bai Chenxiang blinked in astonishment and asked Xiao Wu and Ah Yin, "Can you two tell which one is the real Su Ming?"

Xiao Wu watched intently as Su Ming and Bai He continued their chase around the arena, opting to stay silent for the moment.