Chapter 212: The Lineup is Set

As Zhu Zhu launched her attack, Tang Jiu dared not be careless. She immediately activated her Martial Soul, summoning the Blue Silver Grass on the ground to coil toward her.

But now that Zhu Zhu had her Martial Soul attached, her speed had increased significantly. She deftly slipped through the gaps between the Blue Silver Grass, steadily closing the distance to Tang Jiu.

At this point, she resembled not so much a control-type soul master as an assault-type one. No wonder Tang Jiu had the advantage over her.

Faced with the threat, Tang Jiu clenched her silver teeth. Her third soul ring lit up, and the Blue Silver Grass transformed into a large net, sweeping toward Zhu Zhu.

Seeing this move, Zhu Zhu sneered disdainfully. Her first soul ring lit up as well, and she spat out a web larger than herself.

When it came to webbing, she—a soul beast of spider origin—was confident she would never lose to a human.

The two nets collided in midair, entangling together, but in the end were blasted backward in Tang Jiu's direction. Clearly, Zhu Zhu's spiderweb had the advantage in size and force.

Tang Jiu's eyes turned cold. In past matches, she always had a stronger soul power than Zhu Zhu, so this kind of outcome had never happened. But now, with her soul power suppressed, the situation had turned against her.

She leapt back while activating her fifth soul skill, Blue Silver Overlord Spear. The surrounding Blue Silver Grass twisted together into a long spear that pierced through the spiderweb and shot toward Zhu Zhu behind it.

The watching soul masters were all in an uproar. They had only exchanged a few moves, yet Tang Jiu had already used her strongest technique. She clearly intended to go all out against Zhu Zhu.

Seeing her unleash this move, Zhu Zhu didn't dare slack off. She had been defeated by this technique several times before—but this time was different.

Her second and third soul rings lit up at the same time. Threads of spider silk shot out from her abdomen, aiming to bind Tang Jiu, while her eyes flashed red. Everything around her seemed to slow by half a beat.

These were her second and third soul skills: Spider Silk Bind and Gaze of Darkness.

Under the effects of both control skills, Tang Jiu's offensive momentum was significantly reduced. Still, her Blue Silver Overlord Spear pressed forward, shattering several threads of spider silk along the way.

Just as she was about to reach Zhu Zhu, the latter let out a cold laugh. Patterns of light appeared on the ground beneath her, interlocking until they formed a trapping array.

At the same time, her newly acquired sixth soul ring lit up. Countless spider threads erupted from the ground, engulfing Tang Jiu.

These threads were not only tough but seemingly endless. No matter how Tang Jiu struggled, she was quickly entangled, unable to break free.

This was Zhu Zhu's first time using her sixth soul skill, Spiderweb Killing Formation, and she was quite satisfied with the results.

Though the skill had a limited range, once an enemy entered it, it could be considered one of the most powerful control skills among soul masters of the same level—and it was an area-of-effect control as well, making its value clear.

Centered around her body, a white cylindrical zone about three meters in radius took shape. Tang Jiu was trapped within, unable to move.

She still struggled furiously, unwilling to accept such a crushing defeat, but the referee had already called the outcome.

"This match: Zhu Zhu wins, Tang Jiu loses. Zhu Zhu is now the reigning champion of the control-type soul master category. Are there any more challengers?"

Silence fell over the entire plaza. Control-type soul masters were already few in number, and Zhu Zhu and Tang Jiu were recognized among the top five strongest in the inner courtyard.

Now that even Tang Jiu had lost, who else could stand a chance?

Only then did Tang Jiu shoot a venomous glare at Zhu Zhu before leaving the field. Instead of heading to rest, she marched toward another battle ring.

Clearly, she intended to fight for the last unrestricted slot—one that didn't limit a contestant's soul master type.

Unlike the intense competition in the assault and control categories, the two agility-type champions remained completely unchallenged.

After another round of fierce battles, Tang Jiu astonishingly rose from the fray and successfully claimed that final position.

Seeing that everything was mostly settled, the lead examiner swept his gaze across the field and asked, "Anyone else wishing to issue a challenge?"

The arena remained silent.

"Very well. I hereby declare today's qualification challenge concluded. The seven representatives who will go to the Sun-Moon Empire to participate in the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament have been decided."

"They are: for the assault category—Fang Chang and Yu Nantian; for the agility category—Lu Wuchang and Xu Qing; for the control category—Zhu Zhu and Tang Jiu; and for the auxiliary category—Nangong Yue."

"In addition to these seven, Ning Wan'er and Xu Zhu will accompany them as alternates."

"Departure is tentatively scheduled for one month from now. Use this time to cultivate diligently and strive for further breakthroughs."

"And lastly—stay safe." As he spoke these words, the examiner glanced at Fang Chang with a somewhat helpless expression.

Who knew whether having this man along would be a blessing or a curse? If anyone on the team got on Fang Chang's bad side, not even the instructors would dare to intervene if he got serious.

Especially since he had just killed a member of the Sun-Moon Empire's royal family—and now, he was going to the empire to compete openly…

Something was almost certain to happen.

With the lineup finalized, the crowd dispersed. A few old instructors, seeing Fang Chang, fled in the opposite direction like mice avoiding a cat.

"This time, I really have to thank you," Zhu Zhu said softly. "If not for that immortal herb you gave me, I might not have been able to defeat Tang Jiu."

Seeing how carefree she was, Fang Chang couldn't help but warn her, "You're really that eager to compete? That kind of event draws a lot of powerful people. If your identity is exposed, you'll become a target instantly."

"Hmph, I've got ways to handle that." She confidently patted her slender waist, apparently hiding something there that could suppress her aura.

"Don't just talk about me. You're going too, aren't you? If something happens to you, don't expect me to help you."

She still stubbornly believed Fang Chang, like her, was a transformed soul beast who had taken human form. There was a faint concern in her eyes as she spoke.

"My situation isn't something you need to worry about," Fang Chang replied, spreading his hands indifferently. "Even if they do find out, it's not a big deal."

After all, this body was only an avatar. Even if it was destroyed, the worst that would happen was some spiritual backlash to his true body. It wouldn't be fatal.

"You really are a handful," Zhu Zhu grumbled playfully, then turned and walked toward the inner section of the academy.

Fang Chang watched her retreating figure for a while, then shifted his gaze to Tang Jiu, who stood in another direction.

The surname Tang, and a Martial Soul of Blue Silver Grass… Even if it was just coincidence, there had to be some deeper connection.