Chapter 213.
As he strolled back to the academy, Wang Feng mulled over today's assassination attempt. Despite being a Level 72 Soul Saint, Shi Nian had been overly reliant on the illusionary domain he created, believing himself to be invulnerable to all kinds of attach, which actually was true if not for Red Lotus Karmic Fire that can directly attack someone's soul because of tracing their karma, leading to his downfall.
Essentially, he believed himself invulnerable within the illusion, projecting only a phantom-like form that couldn't be harmed by any kind of physical attacks. His martial soul controlled Wang Feng, fostering an unwavering confidence in his capability. This false sense of security led him to invite Wang Feng's attacks, convinced they would prove futile.
Moreover, in his estimation, Wang Feng, still a mere 45th level auxiliary soul master, posed no real threat to him.
However, the potency of the Red Lotus Karmic Fire shattered his illusions. Once tainted, even without a physical form, one's own mental control and karma would be sufficient for it to ignite the soul. Considering his age and character, the sins accumulated over the years likely provided ample fuel for the Red Lotus Karmic Fire, ensuring a swift demise.
Evading the Red Lotus Karmic Fire was possible, but if detected and dodged, Wang Feng would have to resort to alternative methods to dispatch Shi Nian. Nonetheless, when it came to eliminating Shi Nian, the Red Lotus Karmic Fire proved the most efficient and effective choice.
As for the dropped head soul bone, Wang Feng couldn't possibly utilize it, and its precise effects also remained unclear.
"The absorption of a soul bone requires careful consideration," Wang Feng pondered.
He still possessed a 60,000-year-old Blood Demon Beetle 'torso soul bone' that remained unabsorbed, causing him some consternation. Human bodies could only assimilate six soul bones at max, excluding external soul bone. Wang Feng's own skull soul bone, bestowed by the system, boasted a formidable potency, possibly having a minimum age of 100,000 years. Its soul abilities were exceedingly practical and the boost to the spiritual/mental power proved crucial in resisting the illusions of the Shi Nian.
Considering this, Wang Feng couldn't help but feel that the other five soul bones must not pale in comparison to the head soul bone he had.
Upon their return to the academy, onlookers gazed at Wang Feng, carrying the sleeping Ning Rongrong, with mild surprise.
"Xiao Feng, have you encountered some trouble?" Grandmaster inquired, discerning the situation effortlessly.
Given Wang Feng's usual demeanor, his intimate gesture toward Ning Rongrong, who remained asleep, was quite unusual.
"I encountered Shi Nian," Wang Feng sighed. "Xiao Wu's foresight proved accurate, and the timing couldn't have been worse."
Recalling the events from the original story, Wang Feng noted a discrepancy in his actions. In the book, Shi Nian sought out Xiao San during, whereas Tang San and Ma Hongjun departed together this time, not separately.
"Ning Rongrong was ensnared by the illusion he created. Although I managed to extricate her in time, my own psyche was affected. I'll assist her recovery later," Wang Feng explained.
Grandmaster glanced at Ning Rongrong and, after a moment of silence, heaved a sigh of relief.
"Thank goodness Rongrong was with Xiao Feng. If she had been with anyone else, we might have been in deep trouble," Grandmaster remarked solemnly, "What happened to Shi Nian, he couldn't possibly let you live, not after attacking Rongrong?"
"Died," Wang Feng shook his head, his tone heavy. "That man was too vicious, his heart twisted. He relished tormenting people –in illusions. I couldn't help but end him. What's more, how we went into his illusion was not noticed even by me. It was too eery and dangerous."
He continued, reflecting on the peculiar nature of the Red Lotus Karmic Fire, which left no trace and provided no clues of him killing Shi Nian. Killing Shi Nian discreetly was a feat in itself, given his stature as a Soul Sait, not to mention a very formidable one.
Grandmaster was taken aback.
How could Wang Feng possibly kill a Soul Saint of level 70?
Grandmaster's mind buzzed with questions. Why had Wang Feng done when Ning Rongrong was ensnared by the illusion? Despite Xiao Feng's prowess, silently dispatching a Soul Saint without causing any commotion was no small feat.
Though filled with curiosity, Grandmaster refrained from pressing further. Some mysteries were best left unsolved.
"Oh, and a soul bone also emerged after he died," Wang Feng added casually.
Wang Feng pondered for a moment before retrieving the gem-like head soul –bone from his Soul Guidance Device.
"Based on my estimation, this soul bone likely enhances mental power, given its connection to his illusion-based martial soul. Strengthening mental power would make it harder for enemies to break free from his illusions."
Grandmaster took the soul bone in his hand and examined it closely. After hearing Wang Feng's explanation, he mulled over the implications.
"Xiaofeng, why didn't you absorb it yourself?" Grandmaster inquired. "Your support abilities are also mind related... Your hypothesis regarding this skull seems plausible. It likely enhances mental/spiritual power and may possess illusionary effects. Seasoned soul masters like yourself shouldn't absorb soul bones indiscriminately. You should seek those that suit your abilities, particularly ones like this that bolster your spiritual prowess."
Wang Feng smiled knowingly. This soul bone, at most, was a ten-thousand-year-old soul bone. Even without his [Black Hoop Spiritual Skull], he wouldn't absorb it.
"I suggest giving it to Rongrong or Oscar," Wang Feng proposed after a moment's thought. "Rong Rong would likely benefit the most. Her Heart Separation Control technique demand strong mental power. Besides the soul bone's soul ability, the skull's impact on mental power should be very significant. It would enhance her cultivation, particularly in terms of perception and mental fortitude."
Grandmaster was momentarily surprised. Was Xiao Feng truly willing to give away such a valuable item to someone else?
Soul bones were exceedingly precious, often unattainable even with considerable wealth, requiring a stroke of luck for acquisition. At auctions, they sparked fierce competition among countless bidders, making them highly coveted treasures.
"You're not attached to this soul bone?" Grandmaster scrutinized Wang Feng suspiciously, glancing at Rongrong.
"No, absolutely not!" Wang Feng replied hastily.
Grandmaster smiled inwardly, noting the compatibility between the two. Rongrong, being an auxiliary, naturally required protection from someone of considerable strength. While Xiao Feng appeared to be auxiliary, his own prowess exceeded that of the Shrek Seven Devils combined.
However, Grandmaster found himself puzzled. Considering Xiao Feng's auxiliary abilities, it seemed logical to pair him with a powerful female soul warrior.
"Well, once Rongrong awakens, take the opportunity to give her the soul bone and let her attempt absorption," the master suggested. "I won't divulge this to others, so there's no need to overthink it. With the qualifiers ongoing, it's best not to be distracted."
Wang Feng nodded in agreement, resolving to follow through. Yet, observing Ning Rongrong's state, he feared she might remain in a coma for a day or two.
Furthermore, with the soul bone now in Ning Rongrong's possession, Wang Feng harbored no fear of drawing attention. After all, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Sect stood behind her as a formidable backing.
It took over a day for Ning Rongrong to fully recover from her sleep. When the master informed others that Rongrong might be on the verge of a breakthrough, her day of rest aroused little suspicion among her peers.
In the following days, Wang Feng devoted himself to training the Armored Black Thorn. With the upcoming challenges against several elemental academies in mind, he honed the Armored Black Thorns into a specialized form for practice.
In the eleventh round of the qualifiers, Shrek Academy, maintaining an unbroken winning streak, faced a formidable opponent: Blazing Academy.
Blazing Academy had suffered a single defeat against Purple Star Academy. However, in subsequent games, they demonstrated overwhelming strength, often utilizing the Flame Domain like combo skills to alter the battlefield and restrict their movements. Their attacks were swift and decisive, reflecting a newfound ferocity since their encounter with Jiu Yikai.
"For this match, we can discuss our strategy or even consider sending an additional player," Grandmaster addressed the Shrek Seven Devils.
Typically, the team comprised three of the Shrek Seven Devils, with Tang San, Dai Mubai, and Xiao Wu as the mainstays, while Zhu Zhuqing and Oscar served as substitutes alongside four other reserves.
"As long as our Captain is present, Blazing Academy stands no chance against us," Ma Hongjun declared confidently. "Their defeat is inevitable."
The other six understood his assertion, but the four reserves remained puzzled.
"What do you mean, little Fatty?" Jiang Zhu asked, intrigued. "Once Blazing Hell from Blazing Academy is unleashed, we'll easily be separated. Unlike Jiu Yikai, we don't have specialized soul bones to support us. Once trapped in the flame like doamin, defeat is certain for us."
"The Flame Domain's control potency is incredibly efficient, affecting even flight system soul masters. Once the battlefield is divided, the opposing team can gradually encircle and overpower us," Jiang Zhu elaborated.
"And the flames pose a significant threat to Tang San's Blue Silver Grass," she added, unaware that Tang San's Blue Silver Grass had already been upgraded and is now immune to fire and ice.
"You guys don't know this, huh?" Ma Hongjun chuckled. "Our captain's Red Lotus can absorb any flames! Any kind of fire, once the Red Lotus appears, will be sucked in. Even attacks formed from flame energy, like fire pillars, Fire sparks or Defying Flame Rings, will likely be absorbed.
"It's like a counter to Blazing Academy's tactics."
The revelation left Jiang Zhu and the four substitutes speechless.
"So….. Xiao Feng won't be playing in this game," Grandmaster concluded, shaking his head. "You'll need to organize the lineup yourselves."
Ma Hongjun was left speechless, while Wang Feng mused internally. Tang San's fire immunity was akin to Blazing Academy's tactics. However, he remained vulnerable to physical attacks infused with flame energy, like Huo Wushuang's Dragon Fire Fist. Nevertheless, it should suffice to defeat Blazing Academy.
However, Tang San needed to reconsider his approach because the field control soul ability of Flame Domain affected the entire group, not just him.
Their previous tactic, which involved using Oscar's mushrooms for flight and wrapping the team with Blue Silver Grass, wouldn't work against them. The hot air currents above the Flame Domain made it difficult to control flight, risking imbalance and potential falls into the flames. Additionally, it made them vulnerable targets for Blazing Academy long range attacks.
Wang Feng proposed an alternative plan to circumvent Falme Domain's effects, prompting Tang San to brighten with a newfound idea.
As the game commenced, Tang San swiftly led the team onto the stage, while the others watched intently.
Ning Rongrong stole a glance at Wang Feng, contemplating their recent encounter. Since awakening from the illusion, she often found herself revisiting those haunting scenes. A dream she had the previous night left her questioning whether Wang Feng's actions within the illusion were a product of her own fears and imagination.
...….
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