As Zhu Zhuqing also slowly woke up, she found herself lying in Dai Mubai's arms. Her expression immediately turned frosty as she demanded, "Put me down!"
Without a word, Dai Mubai complied, gently lowering her to the ground. He couldn't help but ponder, "How many seconds was that?"
His gaze shifted to Wang Feng in the distance.
Wang Feng responded with a grin, "Don't worry, Zhu Zhuqing, you'll be right as rain by tomorrow."
But Zhu Zhuqing wasn't finished. She looked at Zhao Wuji and stated coldly, "Let's continue."
Afterwards, she gracefully jumped to her feet, landing firmly in her place, her demeanor unyielding.
Dai Mubai blinked in confusion. "Wait, how many seconds was that?"
Wang Feng chimed in, "Come on, Tang San, Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, Let's keep going."
Zhao Wuji scratched his head, still somewhat puzzled at the speed they got healed.
Xiao Wu waved her hand, reassuring everyone, "I'm fine, everyone! In fact, I feel stronger than ever."
Tang San stared at Xiao Wu in disbelief, "Are you sure? You were seriously injured just a while ago!"
But Xiao Wu seemed undaunted.
"This healing power is so amazing, right?" Ning Rongrong chimed in from a distance, struggling to comprehend the events unfolding before her. The battle seemed lost and yet, the trio had suddenly recovered.
Zhu Zhuqing's gaze landed on Wang Feng, her eyes expressing a silent gratitude but immediately intensifying her icy glare at Zhao Wuji. Xiao Wu, too, fixed her eyes on Zhao Wuji and challenged him, "Mr. Zhao, we've seen your first soul ability. This time, we won't be so easily caught off guard. Plus, one third incense stick is already burnt. Shall we continue?"
Zhao Wuji reluctantly turned to Wang Feng, realizing that he might have underestimated this young man martial soul healing powers. Learning that Wang Feng possessed exceptional healing abilities and that it had an extraordinary effect on him was a revelation. He had initially dismissed Wang Feng but now had to acknowledge his significance on the battle.
"I underestimated you, brat!" Zao Wou-ki muttered while shaking his head.
"Alright, let's continue then. Fight until the last of incense stick burns."
It was clear that one stick of incense was insufficient to settle this confrontation.
However, Tang San interjected with a somber expression, "Hold on, teacher."
Zhao Wuji looked at him quizzically. "What is it, Tang San?"
Tang San hesitated before speaking, "I'd like to try again, teacher but this time, just by myself. If I can last a stick of incense alone, can we consider the test passed?"
Everyone, except Wang Feng, was taken aback by the proposal.
Xiao Wu, anxious and worried, exclaimed, "Tang San, you can't do this alone!"
But Tang San shook his head, his concern evident. "Xiao Wu, every time I see you hurt, it tears me apart. I can't bear to see it happen again. I need to protect you."
Wang Feng sighed inwardly, thinking that Tang San's overprotectiveness was beyond his comprehension. He believed that battles brought growth and profound experience but Tang San seemed solely focused on preventing harm to Xiao Wu.
Tang San continued, "I want to prove that I can handle this alone, so you don't have to endure the pain."
Zhao Wuji contemplated Tang San's request, then replied, "Very well, let's see what you can do. But remember, I won't go easy on you."
Tang San took a deep breath, fully aware of the challenge he was accepting. The others watched with a mix of worry and hope.
As they prepared for the continuation of the battle, Wang Feng couldn't help but think to himself, "Tang San's determination to protect Xiao Wu is truly exceptional. Maybe that's also the source of his strength and unwavering resolve."
Wang Feng observed the scene in silence, understanding Tang San's desire to demonstrate his full capabilities.
Zhao Wuji looked at Tang San with a mix of admiration and concern.
"Are you sure about this, Tang San? Your courage is commendable."
Tang San reassured Zhao Wuji with a confident smile.
"Don't worry, teacher Zhao. Even if I lose, you will all pass the exam. This battle is for me alone."
Ning Rongrong, showing newfound determination, walked over and added, "My father said that a team must act as one. If you lose, none of us will consider the exam passed."
Tang San was momentarily surprised by Ning Rongrong's words. It seemed that her arrogant exterior concealed a strong sense of camaraderie.
Zhao Wuji chimed in with a few chuckles, acknowledging Ning Rongrong's statement.
Zhu Zhuqing and Dai Mubai also remained silent, understanding that Tang San's decision was driven by his love for Xiao Wu.
Tang San and Zhao Wuji returned to the square for their rematch. Wang Feng also stepped aside, knowing that intervening wouldn't change the outcome as Tang San was very stubborn person.
Tang San's assault was relentless, unleashing a barrage of hidden weapons from every angle. Zhao Wuji activated five soul ring skill/abilities one after another but struggled to keep up with Tang San's agility and precision. Penetrating bone nails, Godly Zhuge crossbow, Controlling Cranes and Catching Dragons, Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track and Mysterious Jade Hand—Tang San wielded his profound knowledge of martial arts adeptly.
Dai Mubai and the others watched in awe as the battle unfolded, with Tang San's inventive tactics keeping them on the edge of their seats. Eventually, Tang San utilized his second martial soul, the Clear Sky Hammer, delivering a blow that left Zhao Wuji slightly disoriented.
In the end, Zhao Wuji sent Tang San flying with a retaliatory strike, bringing an abrupt halt to the intense battle. The square fell silent as everyone caught their breath that they didn't know were holding.
As the dust settled, a realization dawned, an incense stick worth of time had passed. Zhao Wuji rose to his feet, somewhat embarrassed and sporting a nosebleed.
Inwardly, he acknowledged that this battle hadn't gone in his favor. He'd been unable to unleash his full power due to the risk of hurting Tang San badly and possibly crippling or killing him. Meanwhile, Tang San had gone all out, deploying all of his techniques and tactics.
Both combatants wore signs of their intense struggle—Zhao Wuji with a battered face and Tang San with a pale complexion, blood lightly trickling from his mouth. Supported by Dai Mubai, Tang San regained his footing.
The exam had reached its conclusion and the results were already expected.
During the battle, onlookers were engaged in hushed discussions, their curiosity piqued.
Ning Rongrong, fascinated by Tang San's performance, inquired, "What kind of attack was that, Tang San? I've never seen anything like it before."
Xiao Wu responded proudly, "That's Tang San's hidden weapon technique. It's incredibly potent. So far, I've only seen one person able to evade his hidden weapons. The first time I witnessed it, it was like the Xiao San had turned his target into a sitting duck."
Dai Mubai, unable to follow the projectiles' trajectories, mused, "I couldn't even track those movements. They were too fast even for me. If it were me instead of teacher Zhao, I'd be in real trouble."
Then, Dai Mubai recalled something intriguing and asked, "Hold on, you mentioned someone could dodge Tang San's hidden weapons. Who was it? Another Soul Saint?"
The revelation left Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing equally intrigued.
Tang San explained, "Not a Soul Saint. It's brother Feng. He's the only one who's managed to evade all of my hidden weapons."
The response left everyone stunned, even Zhao Wuji. Given the complexity and speed of Tang San's hidden weapons, evading them was an impressive feat.
Wang Feng didn't comment on the discussion. Instead, he produced two beams of light that healed both Tang San and Zhao Wuji's injuries and Tang San also retrieved the Dragon Beard Needle from Zhao Wuji's boy to help alleviate his condition and pain.
Ning Rongrong, skeptical, shook her head, saying, "I don't believe it."
Tang San opted not to explain further. It was up to them whether they believed it or not. Six months ago, he'd faced Wang Feng and witnessed his incredible evasion skills.
Zhao Wuji, still suffering from the battle's aftermath, commented, "I don't believe it either," as he massaged his face.
Before anyone could react, Zhao Wuji challenged Wang Feng.
"Tang San, you all passed but this kid doesn't count. I was unsatisfied with our battle earlier. Let me have a go at him!"
The unexpected proposal caught everyone off guard and they exchanged surprised glances.
Dai Mubai, in a low voice, objected, "Teacher Zhao, this is unfair. Wang Feng is a healing system soul master and..."
Zhao Wuji interrupted, "Don't worry. I'll only spar with him, not harm him."
Ning Rongrong, also concerned about Wang Feng's safety, chimed in, "Teacher Zhao, we're a team. You can't single out Wang Feng like this, it's not fair."
Zhao Wuji teased Ning Rongrong with a grin, suggesting she had a crush on Wang Feng, which left her flustered and denying the claim.
Tang San and Xiao Wu also tried to intervene but Zhao Wuji dismissed their pleas.
Wang Feng sighed, realizing that this battle was inevitable due to Zhao Wuji's frustration. His comrades, too concerned for his well-being, implored Zhao Wuji to reconsider.
Eventually, Zhu Zhuqing stepped forward. "Teacher Zhao, if you must spar with someone, let it be me."
Zhao Wuji also brushed her off, claiming that she couldn't match him.
"Okay, I'll spar with you teacher Zhao."
As the tension mounted, Wang Feng surprisingly suddenly agreed to the match, leaving everyone stunned and eager to see the outcome.
...
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