Chapter 20: The Assessment

Time passed slowly, and the duration of one incense stick burned away quickly.

Chen Xiaoming stood up again, flexing his wrists and stretching lazily.

Seeing Tang San and the others already prepared, he smiled faintly. With a flick of his hand, another stick of incense appeared, ignited, and was inserted into the ground.

"The assessment begins."

"Seven Treasures turn out with Glazed Light."

Ning Rongrong acted almost instantly. Her body spun gracefully in place, and dazzling seven-colored light radiated from within her. A small, foot-high, seven-colored pagoda appeared in her right palm.

"Seven Treasures have a name—First is Strength."

Her first soul ring rose, enveloping the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda. Three streams of light shot out simultaneously, covering Tang San, Xiao Wu, and Zhu Zhuqing.

"Oh, the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda? Not bad, not bad."

Chen Xiaoming's eyes lit up. This martial soul, known as the strongest auxiliary-type spirit in the Douluo Continent, made him curious to see its true effects.

"Seven Treasures have a name—Second is Speed."

Another three rays of light spread out as Ning Rongrong's second soul ring ascended, its radiance intensifying.

"Swish, swish, swish."

With their strength and speed enhanced, Tang San, Xiao Wu, and Zhu Zhuqing swiftly charged forward.

Tang San took the center, Xiao Wu flanked from the left, and Zhu Zhuqing supported from the right.

"First Soul Skill—Bind."

Tang San's first soul ring shimmered, and countless Blue Silver Grass vines surged up from the ground, binding Chen Xiaoming in an instant.

"Xiao Wu."

With a soft call, Tang San's seamless cooperation with Xiao Wu—built over six years—was on full display. A Blue Silver Grass vine extended beneath Xiao Wu's feet, with Tang San holding the other end taut.

Xiao Wu stepped lightly on the vine, her body curling midair. As Tang San used his Controlling Crane Capturing Dragon technique, Xiao Wu shot out like an arrow, her body extending gracefully as her legs aimed for both sides of Chen Xiaoming's neck.

"Hmm, so light."

Chen Xiaoming murmured softly. His casual tone made Xiao Wu think he was mocking her lack of strength, prompting a cold snort.

Her toes pressed against the arteries on Chen Xiaoming's neck, and with a twist of her waist, she spun midair.

Simultaneously, the Blue Silver Grass binding Chen Xiaoming tightened under Tang San's control.

However, Chen Xiaoming remained calm and unresisting. Wasn't this the treatment Zhao Wuji should have enjoyed?

With a gentle tap of his foot, soul power surged from his body, shattering the vines binding him.

His strength, enhanced by his bloodline, far surpassed that of Zhao Wuji.

"Not bad, little girl."

With a light chuckle, Chen Xiaoming caught Xiao Wu's ankle. Her skin was cool and soft—no, this wasn't the time to think about such things.

With a slight exertion of force, he flung Xiao Wu towards the oncoming Tang San.

"Go back to your beloved brother!"

As he mused inwardly, his gaze shifted to Zhu Zhuqing, who was closing in from the side.

"Hmm?"

Just as Xiao Wu was thrown, her Scorpion Braid whipped out like a snake, wrapping around Chen Xiaoming's neck.

Her body descended, hands supporting her on the ground. One long leg pressed against Chen Xiaoming's abdomen, forming a bow-like posture.

"Hehe."

Xiao Wu giggled, proud of ensnaring him, and activated her Waist Bow technique.

"No, Xiao Wu!"

Tang San's anxious shout came as a Blue Silver Grass vine wrapped around Xiao Wu's waist, pulling her back.

"First Soul Skill—Waist Bow."

Both the Scorpion Braid and her leg exerted force, attempting to hurl Chen Xiaoming away.

Ding ding ding ding—

A series of crisp sounds rang out from behind him as Zhu Zhuqing's attacks arrived simultaneously.

Whether planned in advance or an impromptu maneuver, Chen Xiaoming couldn't help but admit they posed a minor inconvenience.

He even had to think about whether he should teach these adorable girls a harsh lesson.

They had already gauged his strength, yet they still dared to attack. Was it blind confidence or sheer naivety?

"Retreat."

Tang San's soft command followed as the Waist Bow failed to budge Chen Xiaoming. Xiao Wu's expression shifted slightly.

Without hesitation, she retracted her braid, tapped Chen Xiaoming's abdomen with her toes, and retreated swiftly.

Forget it. Since we're all spirit beasts in human form, I won't rough them up.

Shaking his head, Chen Xiaoming realized he had underestimated himself.

Even without fully comprehending his bloodline's origin, the increase in his physical strength was terrifying.

Combined with his seventy-ninth rank soul power and seven hundred-thousand-year soul rings, Tang San's group—even with the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda's boost—stood no chance.

He could stand still and let them attack without sustaining any damage.

"Sigh, this feels like bullying the weak. Should I go easy on them?"

Chen Xiaoming sighed inwardly. Without him holding back, they had no hope of victory.

Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing regrouped, but none dared to act rashly.

The gap in strength was beyond their expectations, rendering their previous strategy ineffective.

Tang San's eyes flickered, realizing for the first time how terrifying a Soul Saint truly was. The difference in power was insurmountable, even with perfect teamwork.

He glanced at Dai Mubai, finally understanding his earlier promise to show mercy.

Dai Mubai could only offer a helpless shrug.

"Brother, it's not that I don't want to help. This guy is a monster. I promise, normal Soul Saints aren't like this!"

Tang San: "Aren't all Soul Saints this strong?"

Dai Mubai: "No, they aren't. This one is... abnormal."

Chen Xiaoming: "Do you think I can't understand your little eye signals? Mubai, looks like you'll need more special training."

"Uh..."

Dai Mubai averted his gaze, giving Tang San one final encouraging look—let's pretend nothing happened.

Tang San smiled bitterly at Chen Xiaoming, who returned his gaze with a light smile.

"Bring out your true strength—otherwise, you have no chance of winning."

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