Tang Lan's one statement made everyone's eyes burn with determination!
This was—
A chance for Martial Soul Evolution!
There were ten disciples present, while only Tang Lan and Zhu Zhuqing stood on the opposing side.
Tang Lan was a monster—too difficult to take down.
But Zhu Zhuqing was just a Rank 31 Soul Elder at best!
If defeating either one meant winning the prize…
"Uncle Tang, are you giving out benefits?" Ning Rongrong cautiously asked. "I mean no offense, but there are ten of us. Maybe you should pick another teammate or two?"
Everyone nodded in agreement.
The difference in numbers was just too overwhelming—it almost felt shameful to claim such a grand prize.
Unexpectedly—
Chen Xin (Sword Douluo) panicked!
This was a Martial Soul Evolution opportunity!
Sure, ten people was a lot, but—
Since Tang Lan said it was possible, Chen Xin firmly believed him!
This opportunity had to be seized!
He immediately reminded them, "Rongrong, if this little girl had higher soul power, she could probably wipe out all of you by herself."
Ning Rongrong:"???"
Everyone else:(●—●)●)●)
Huh?!
When did Zhu Zhuqing become that strong?!
Even if Tang Lan helped her obtain some ridiculously powerful soul ring…
She was still just a Soul Elder!
There were several Soul Elders present—could she really defeat all of them?!
Impossible!
Absolutely impossible!
But—
This was Sword Douluo speaking.
His legendary reputation made it impossible for him to joke about something like this.
Everyone's minds nearly short-circuited.
Tang Lan finally stepped in and briefly explained the Shadow Demon Cat's power.
"…So, the Tiger-Eagle Left Arm Bone has already been given to Zhuqing."
"This battle isn't just about rewards—it's about showing you all that this decision was made for the sect's benefit, not for personal gain."
While speaking, Tang Lan kept an eye on Tang San.
This was meant for him.
And sure enough—
Tang San's face turned black on the spot!
That was HIS soul bone!
How could it be given away in advance?!
Sure, this was a rare opportunity—but what did that have to do with him?!
He just wanted that soul bone!
In contrast—
The only other competitor, Dai Mubai, looked completely relaxed.
He knew his chances of getting it were low anyway.
He stepped forward voluntarily and said, "An opportunity like this would be a waste if we let it slip by. The sect's benefit comes first—I have no objections."
Just like that—
A stark contrast was drawn.
Tang San's darkened face vs. Dai Mubai's open-minded attitude.
The newcomers like Shui Bing'er immediately labeled Tang San as "petty" and "narrow-minded."
—
🔹 [System Notification: The host has helped Tang Sect disciples see Tang San's true nature, making them distance themselves from him. Minor luck stolen from Tang San!]
🔹 [Reward: All soul bone ages +500 years!]
—
Oh?
He could farm this again?!
Tang Lan hid his smirk and continued acting.
"Opportunities are rare, but I won't go back on my word."
"So, I'll add another prize—whoever personally defeats me or Zhuqing will have all their future soul rings personally arranged by me!"
"I will ensure the absolute best configuration for them."
"But if you lose, then Zhuqing keeps the Tiger-Eagle Left Arm Bone."
"Who agrees? Who objects?"
Dai Mubai immediately responded, "Sect Master, this new reward is no less valuable than a ten-thousand-year soul bone. Who would object?"
Everyone turned to Tang San.
With the terms set so clearly, what could Tang San do?
Tell Zhu Zhuqing to dig the soul bone out of her body?
He wanted to.
But Tang Lan wouldn't allow it!
He had no choice.
Tang San forced a smile. "Brother, I'll leave the decision to you."
"Since that's the case, we have no objections either," Ning Rongrong grinned."Zhuqing, go easy on us later!"
Zhu Zhuqing remained silent.
She simply tightened her grip on Tang Lan's hand and let her gaze slowly sweep across the group.
Tang Lan had already done so much for her.
Even risking his relationship with his closest brother.
She had to fight beautifully—to prove she was worth it!
So—
She would show no mercy!
Ning Rongrong sensed her determination and quietly retreated to the back of the group.
Oscar took the chance to chant and create a Flying Mushroom Sausage, tossing it to Ning Rongrong.
"Support must be protected first."
—
"Oh? You're starting already?" Tang Lan chuckled. "Zhuqing, do your best."
As soon as his words fell—
Zhu Zhuqing leaped forward, lunging at the nearest opponent—Huang Yuan.
Huang Yuan reacted quickly, summoning his Lone Wolf Martial Soul.
But he didn't notice—
A shadowy feline figure had silently emerged from beneath Zhu Zhuqing's feet and dashed forward along the ground at high speed.
"First Soul Skill: Shadow Thrust!"
A thin line of blood spurted from Huang Yuan's shoulder, missing his neck by a hair's breadth.
Jiangzhu's Healing Halo activated, but—
The wound refused to heal.
A dark energy churned within, causing the injury to continuously tear open.
If that attack had struck a vital point…
He'd be dead.
Huang Yuan's face turned ugly.
He was…
Defeated?
Just like that?
The battle continued.
Jing Ling, the agility-type expert, intercepted Zhu Zhuqing.
Learning from Huang Yuan's mistake, he immediately activated his Martial Soul Possession—
His second soul ring lit up, dramatically boosting his stats.
At the same time—
A barrage of Blue Silver Grass shot from Tang San's hands using hidden weapon techniques, attacking from all directions.
"First Soul Skill: Ice Seal!"
A layer of frost instantly coated Zhu Zhuqing, trapping her completely.
The Blue Silver Grass coiled around her, further increasing the difficulty of breaking free.
Dai Mubai, Shui Yue'er, and Meng Yiran arrived next, surrounding Zhu Zhuqing.
She was completely contained.
Now—
Who would deliver the final blow?
The group exchanged silent glances, contemplating their next move.
Suddenly—
"SWISH—"
Zhu Zhuqing vanished before their eyes.
The ice trapping her remained completely intact.
"What?!"
"Where is she?!"
"She disappeared?!"
Everyone frantically searched around.
Meanwhile, Chen Xin sighed and shook his head.
"Rongrong… you let your guard down."
—
At that moment—
Ning Rongrong had just eaten her Flying Mushroom Sausage and was about to take flight.
But—
Zhu Zhuqing appeared from her shadow first.
Her sharp claws gently rested against Ning Rongrong's pale neck.
Leaning in, she whispered—
"You lost."
It was—
Zhu Zhuqing's Third Soul Skill—Shadow Step!
She could move through shadows, completely undetectable—
Even Tang Lan's Blue Silver Domain couldn't track her!
Despite being under the protection of an entire team, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda's support soul master had been eliminated before even activating her Martial Soul.
Jing Ling's eyebrow twitched violently.
He had just spent half the battle chasing Ning Rongrong and hadn't even touched her!
Yet Zhu Zhuqing…
Before anyone could react—
Zhu Zhuqing vanished into the shadows again and reappeared behind Jiangzhu, preparing to repeat the process.
"First Soul Skill: Ice Seal!"
She left only an empty ice shell behind.
She couldn't be controlled at all!
Shui Bing'er felt uneasy.
Her instant-cast crowd control skill—which had never failed before—
Had just met its counter.
But—
"Second Soul Skill: Ice Ring Armor!"
A crystalline blue armor formed around her and the remaining eight teammates.
—If we can't control you, then we won't even try!
"Everyone, pair up and stand back-to-back!" Shui Bing'er ordered.
The team immediately followed suit.
Now, Zhu Zhuqing had no way to launch a sneak attack.
But—
Was this really going to work?
(End of Chapter)