Chapter 46: Zhao Wuji

Seeing Zhao Wuji's declaration, Dai Mubai quickly interjected, "Teacher Zhao, isn't this a bit inappropriate? The principal assigned me to handle the assessment for the new students."

Zhao Wuji shot Dai Mubai a glare. "What's inappropriate about it? The principal isn't here, so I'm in charge. My decision on how the assessment is conducted stands."

Zhao Wuji then turned to Yang Xiong and the other four students. "Five little prodigies, my name is Zhao Wuji. My test is simple: if all five of you can last the time it takes for one stick of incense to burn while fighting me—and even if only one of you lasts until the end—you'll pass the assessment."

"However, let me make one thing clear. Don't think about using tricks in front of me—your abilities are no match for me, so any attempt at trickery is meaningless. Also, individually, none of you stand a chance against me. So listen carefully to Xiao Bai's suggestions and strategize on how to deal with me."

With that, Zhao Wuji closed his eyes and sat there meditating. Dai Mubai quickly gathered the five students together, his expression unusually grave.

Once they were close, Dai Mubai spoke seriously, "I can't help you this time. The final test was supposed to be handled by me, but Teacher Zhao has decided to personally conduct the assessment. You're in trouble now."

Xiao Wu chuckled, "Surely this Teacher Zhao isn't another Soul Emperor like the teacher at the entrance?"

Dai Mubai shook his head. "No, he's a Soul Sage. Teacher Zhao is a level seventy-six power-type Battle Soul Sage. His spirit is the Mighty Golden Bear, an incredibly powerful beast spirit. He has no weaknesses, and his attack power is formidable. He's also our academy's vice-principal."

"His nickname is the Immovable Bright King. Even if all five of you team up with me, we might not last the time it takes for one stick of incense to burn. You're really in trouble now."

Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes widened, and even Yang Xiong's expression became serious. If their opponent were weaker, they might have stood a chance by relying on clever tactics to last the duration. But a Soul Sage was an entirely different matter, especially one who could manipulate gravity.

Ning Rongrong was astonished. "So he's the Immovable Bright King Zhao Wuji! Over ten years ago, Zhao Wuji clashed with the Spirit Hall. To deal with him, the Spirit Hall sent sixteen bishops to ambush him. Each bishop was a Soul Emperor above level sixty, yet Zhao Wuji managed to escape despite being only a Soul Emperor at the time."

This revelation made everyone even more somber. A Soul Sage was undoubtedly among the top-tier soul masters in the world, likely ranking among the strongest in Soto City.

Yang Xiong spoke up, "Let's discuss our abilities first and figure out how to deal with Zhao Wuji and survive the duration of one stick of incense."

The group huddled together, each introducing their spirits and abilities.

Tang San went first. "I'm Tang San. My spirit is Blue Silver Grass, and I'm a level twenty-nine control-type Battle Spirit Master."

Xiao Wu followed quickly, "I'm Xiao Wu. My spirit is Rabbit, and I'm a level twenty-nine power-type Battle Spirit Master."

Next was Ning Rongrong, "I'm Ning Rongrong. My spirit is the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda, and I'm a level twenty-eight auxiliary-type Spirit Master."

Zhu Zhuqing added coldly, "Zhu Zhuqing. My spirit is the Ghostly Shadow Cat, and I'm a level twenty-seven agility-type Battle Spirit Master."

Finally, Yang Xiong spoke, "Yang Xiong. My spirit is my body, and I'm a level twenty-six power-type Battle Spirit Master."

After everyone had introduced themselves, all eyes turned to Ning Rongrong and Yang Xiong—one possessing the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda spirit and the other a body spirit that no one had ever heard of.

Tang San clearly recognized the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. "You're from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect?"

Ning Rongrong smirked playfully. "Don't worry about my background. Little Bear and I ran away from home."

Dai Mubai observed the group. "Your lineup is actually quite balanced: two power attackers, one agility attacker, one controller, and one supporter. Work out a strategy to delay the fight."

Tang San took the lead. "Here's the plan: Ning Rongrong will provide support. Xiao Wu and Yang Xiong will handle the main attacks, Zhu Zhuqing will cover the flanks, and I'll focus on controlling Teacher Zhao's attacks."

Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and Yang Xiong nodded in agreement.

At this moment, Yang Xiong spoke up. "Hold on a second. On the battlefield, support roles are always targeted first. Shouldn't someone protect Ning Rongrong?"

Tang San and the others froze, realizing they had overlooked protecting Ning Rongrong, the support role.

In truth, with Zhao Wuji's strength as a Soul Sage, defeating several Great Soul Masters would be effortless, even without using his spirit.

Looking back at the original storyline of Shrek's Seven Monsters, their lineup was clearly stronger in offense than defense, lacking a single defensive-type soul master. In prolonged battles, their two support roles would be easy targets.

Yang Xiong continued, "I can serve as either a power attacker or a defensive-type soul master. You three focus on attacking Teacher Zhao, while I'll protect Ning Rongrong and ensure her support abilities. This way, we can better prolong the fight."

Everyone was surprised. It was rare to encounter a soul master who could switch between offensive and defensive roles.

Soon, the five arranged their formation: Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong stayed at the back, Tang San positioned himself in the middle, while Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing took the front.

When everyone summoned their spirits and soul rings, especially when Ning Rongrong summoned the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda, even Zhao Wuji was taken aback.

"The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda… Seems I underestimated you all. Are you ready? Let's begin."

Zhao Wuji took out an incense stick, ignited it with his soul power, and planted it firmly into the ground.

Ning Rongrong immediately began her support role. Four beams of light radiated from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda, swiftly integrating into Yang Xiong and the others.

"The treasures are renowned. One grants strength, second grants speed."

Yang Xiong and the others felt their bodies become lighter and stronger, with an overall boost of over thirty percent.

Just as everyone prepared to act, Zhao Wuji slammed both hands onto the ground, unleashing a burst of force.

Everyone instantly understood his intent. Clearly, he aimed to cripple the support first. Moreover, this move seemed to involve gravity manipulation—a rare long-range attack for pure strength-type soul masters.

However, Yang Xiong was prepared. He pushed Ning Rongrong aside and punched the force erupting from the ground. The two forces collided, sending Yang Xiong flying several meters backward.

Zhao Wuji raised an eyebrow. "Hmm, your strength is impressive, but you're still too young."

Moments later, multiple bursts of force erupted from the ground, all targeting Ning Rongrong.

Yang Xiong quickly pulled Ning Rongrong out of harm's way, dodging Zhao Wuji's attacks. When evasion was impossible, he used his fists to counter the erupting forces.

Meanwhile, Tang San, Xiao Wu, and Zhu Zhuqing sprang into action. Countless strands of Blue Silver Grass erupted from the ground, while Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing directly engaged Zhao Wuji to restrain him.

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