Chapter 42 - Shield-Breaker

"Zhuqing! Xiao Wu! "

As Han Feng blocked the freezing assault, Tang San barked a command. Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu instantly understood. Empowered by Ning Rongrong's buffs, two streaks—one black, one red—darted forward. Eight-Stage Drop and Nether Spike rained blow after blow on the Black Tortoise Spirit King's shell.

"Tch! What a ridiculously hard shell! "Xiao Wu clicked her tongue in frustration.

"Oh? Let me try! "Seeing their attacks fail, Dai Mubai laughed heartily. With a roar, White Tiger Barrier and White Tiger Vajra Transformation activated; his blond hair turned snow-white, and his power surged as he launched himself at the shell.

"Seven Treasures have a name—first: Strength! Second: Speed! "

Ning Rongrong's amplifications fell upon him, and Dai Mubai's strength skyrocketed to terrifying levels.

Even the Black Tortoise Spirit Master was startled, hurriedly retracting his limbs into his shell.

BOOM!

Dai Mubai's punch landed. He didn't crack the shell, but his arm was instantly frozen, the numbing chill making him hiss in pain. "What terrifying cold! "

"You dare! "The Black Tortoise Spirit King roared, furious—not because he was hurt, but because it was humiliating.

"Glacial Surge! "

He unleashed thirty percent of his spirit power. The entire inn became an icy maelstrom as massive blocks of black ice pelted down on everyone.

Tang San and the others were shocked—this defensive Spirit Master had such a powerful offensive move!?

"Leave it to me! "

Ma Hongjun, long prepared, unleashed his first and second spirit skills simultaneously. A blazing stream of flame erupted, holding back most of the onslaught. But it was clear he was losing ground: shards of black ice pierced through his flames, and his spirit power drained rapidly under the strain.

Shh! Shh! Shh!

More ice rained down—until a fiery glow flared before the team, intercepting the barrage.

"Oscar! Sausages! "

Han Feng shielded Oscar from the ice, shouting. Oscar hurriedly produced three sausages, which Han Feng devoured. His spirit power surged violently—only to be nearly spent in an instant.

"Not good! Fatty can't hold out! Han Feng! "Dai Mubai shouted, his tone heavy with worry.

"On it! "

Han Feng's second spirit ability ignited, conjuring six blazing shields in front of him. With the Sunfire Shield in hand, bolstered by Ning Rongrong's buffs, he activated his first ability—Life's Aegis. Step by step, he advanced through the icy tempest, protecting Ma Hongjun.

As the storm raged, Tang San realized Han Feng's intent. A wild grin flashed in his gentle eyes as his Blue Silver Grass erupted, forming a prison-like lattice that bound the Black Tortoise Spirit King.

Han Feng grinned back.

A bestial roar echoed as he neared, flames on his Sunfire Shield blazing higher. With only his six flame shields holding off the ice storm, he lifted the Sunfire Shield and growled:

"Charged Shield Bash! "

The Spirit King's own frigid gale fueled Han Feng's strike, combined with the three sausages and his remaining spirit power. The Sunfire Shield brimmed with destructive force.

CRASH! CRACK! BOOM!

The blow shattered the Spirit King's defenses. Bound by Tang San's vines, he couldn't retreat into his shell and could only watch in horror as the blazing shield slammed into his face, launching him across the room and into the stairs of the second floor.

Han Feng dropped to one knee, spent. His spirit power was almost completely drained, and his martial spirit faded.

Dai Mubai rushed forward, scooping Han Feng up and leaping away from their foe.

But the Black Tortoise Spirit King was far from finished.

"I'll see you all dead! " he roared, climbing to his feet. Murderous intent burned in his eyes as his black, ten-thousand-year-old spirit ring flared, its power suffocating.

SLAP!

"Making a racket in the middle of the night? Go home and sleep, you damned turtle! "

"Teacher Zhao!? "

Before the ten-thousand-year ring could fully shine, Zhao Wuji descended from the second floor and casually backhanded the Spirit King, sending him flying. He didn't even spare him a glance as he scolded his students.

Relief washed over Tang San and the others. Spirit King or not, Zhao Wuji was a Spirit Saint.

The Black Tortoise Spirit King scrambled up, glaring at Zhao Wuji with both fear and anger. "You're their teacher!? Haven't you taught them to respect the strong!? You owe me an explanation! "

Zhao Wuji picked his ear lazily and sneered. "Respect the strong? You couldn't even beat my students. Do you dare call yourself strong? "

"Exactly! You're just a hunchback with a turtle shell and beady little eyes. Other than talking big, what sets you apart from any ordinary turtle? "Han Feng chimed in, regaining enough strength to throw another jab.

"You—! "The Spirit King trembled with fury. If not for Zhao Wuji, Han Feng would already be dead.

Zhao Wuji smirked. People said a defensive Spirit Master must protect his teammates, but Han Feng didn't need that. His mouth alone drew all the enemy's aggro—on a battlefield, Han Feng was a walking lightning rod. Others would focus on survival; he'd soak up every grudge with his words.

Still, Zhao Wuji couldn't allow his students to be disrespected. He snorted, eyes narrowing. "You want an explanation? "

"That's right! "

"Fine, here's your explanation." Zhao Wuji grinned savagely. His palm blurred—BOOM! —shattering the Spirit King's armor. Blood spurted from his mouth as he crumpled, unconscious.

Zhao Wuji dusted off his hands, looking satisfied.

Han Feng chuckled, eyeing him mischievously. "Wow… must be nice, knocking people out without even using your spirit. I'm jealous."

Zhao Wuji froze, a flicker of unease crossing his face. Can this kid read minds?

Still… that slap felt good.

Almost disappointingly so—the Spirit King had gone down in one hit. Zhao Wuji himself had once withstood that same treatment for nearly two hours.