Bibi Dong looked coldly at Ning Fengzhi and Yu Yuanzhen. Though both were top sect leaders, she didn't back down. "Sect Master Ning, Clan Leader Yu, please show some self-respect. If you interfere again, your sects will be enemies of Spirit Hall."
Ning Fengzhi's face changed—these were serious words. Their sects were powerful, but none wanted direct war with Spirit Hall. Ning Fengzhi signaled to Sword Douluo and Poison Douluo to stand down.
After all, it was just acting—this was enough.
"Wait!" The Grandmaster strode forward, Elder's token in hand. "I am also an Elder of Spirit Hall—I have the right to know the truth. Your Majesty, on what grounds do you seize my student?"
The favored are always bold—Yu Xiaogang knew his honorary elder title meant little, but he counted on Bibi Dong's feelings for him.
Sure enough, Bibi Dong's tone softened slightly. "You want to know why? If she were just a student, I wouldn't act. But if she is a soul beast in human form, I have every reason to take her."
"What?" The Grandmaster cried, spinning to look at Xiao Wu. The Shrek Seven, except Tang San, were all shocked.
Though he was late by a few days, Tang San's Purple Demon Eye had reached the third level, so he'd already guessed Xiao Wu's identity.
For a soul beast to take human form, it had to have been cultivated over a hundred thousand years.
At this point, Xiao Wu stopped hiding. She gazed coldly at Bibi Dong.
"If I'm not mistaken, you're the one who got away back then," Bibi Dong said sharply.
A deep, hateful light burst from Xiao Wu's eyes. "Yes, you're right. I'm the one who got away."
Bibi Dong sneered. "Never thought you'd deliver yourself."
Back then, Xiao Wu's mother was hunted down by Bibi Dong, who only survived to save Xiao Wu.
She had always been on the run, but today, she was done running—even if it meant death.
Tang San protected Xiao Wu, his feelings genuine. Tianlin had no doubts about that.
The other Shrek members wanted to help, but a powerful soul force suddenly locked Ning Rongrong, Ma Hongjun, Meng Yiran, and Oscar in place.
It was Meng Shu. When he sensed Xiao Wu's aura, he knew this day would end badly, but he couldn't let the children act rashly.
Spirit Hall's targets were Xiao Wu and Tang San. As long as the others didn't intervene, they'd be safe.
Tianlin nodded at Meng Shu. He'd done right—Tang Hao would show up soon. No need for them to get involved.
But although Meng Shu could restrain the children, he couldn't stop Flender and Liu Erlong, both Soul Sages. The Golden Iron Triangle once again appeared—Martial Soul Fusion: Holy Dragon.
Bibi Dong looked at the Grandmaster with complex emotion, then gave the order, "Take them down. Kill anyone who resists."
As Pope, she couldn't let a hundred-thousand-year soul beast go for the Grandmaster's sake. At most, she'd try to spare him.
The Holy Dragon faced the Ghost and Chrysanthemum Douluo. Though strong, their levels weren't high enough—Grandmaster was only level 29. They were defeated in an instant.
Qin Ming clenched his fist, ready to act, but relaxed—he had no reason to help this time.
Last time, he'd helped Shrek because Spirit Hall attacked them without cause, but this was a soul master hunting a soul beast, which was accepted on the continent. He'd hunted beasts for himself and students—why couldn't Spirit Hall?
Besides, he was no longer a free soul master—his actions had to serve his sect.
He'd repaid Flender's kindness; now his life belonged to Tianlin.
Seeing Qin Ming's pain, Tianlin sighed. If Flender died here, Qin Ming would regret it forever. He hadn't wanted to get involved—but now, he had to.
"Third Soul Skill: Flow of Wind and Water!"
Tianlin suddenly used his third soul skill—not on Ghost and Chrysanthemum Douluo, but on the Golden Iron Triangle, forcibly breaking their fusion.
Without the Holy Dragon, Ghost Douluo casually sent them flying.
"Jun Tianlin, what are you doing—do you want to be Spirit Hall's lapdog?" Liu Erlong struggled up, cursing.
Yu Yuanzhen nearly had a heart attack—Liu Erlong was too reckless. Even if she hated Spirit Hall, she shouldn't say that here, where everyone could hear. That was an insult to all Spirit Hall soul masters.
Tianlin ignored her, focusing on the Grandmaster. "Soul Bone Skill: Mind Control."
For a level 29 soul master, controlling the Grandmaster was easy.
The Grandmaster, who had been shielding Tang San, suddenly knelt and said, "Your Majesty, I was reckless just now. I was only worried as a teacher. I am an honorary Elder and should act for Spirit Hall's interests. Please forgive my momentary lapse."
"Xiaogang, what are you saying?" Flender and Liu Erlong were shocked and angry.
Not just them—Bibi Dong and Tang San were equally puzzled. They knew how stubborn Yu Xiaogang was—he couldn't change so quickly unless someone had interfered.
Bibi Dong looked at Tianlin. She had sensed a mental wave—it must have been Tianlin using a special soul skill. But that was fine; now she could go easy on the Grandmaster. "Elder Yu was only protecting his student. Since he admits his mistake, I'll let it go. Step back."
"Yes!" Yu Xiaogang retreated obediently.
Tianlin glanced at Bibi Dong, then at Flender. Bibi Dong smiled and knocked Flender unconscious with a wave of powerful spirit force.
Tianlin smiled as well—working with a smart person was always easy. He truly wanted to save Flender; now, after today, Qin Ming would owe nothing more to Flender. However, with most of his soul power sealed, Tianlin couldn't control a Soul Sage with his Mind Control.
So he did the opposite—helping Bibi Dong save the Grandmaster, and Bibi Dong knocking out Flender, repaying the favor.