Xiao Wu initially intended for Er Ming to cripple the "key areas" of Ma Hongjun, Dai Mubai, and Oscar—the three vile perverts. However, while one case might be deemed coincidental, two or three would certainly raise suspicion.
Given that the Titan Giant Ape was known for its defense and brute strength, soul masters often regarded it as a classic example of "brawn over brains." Any peculiar actions might provoke unwanted scrutiny.
As for Tang San, although Xiao Wu disliked him, he was the one person Er Ming couldn't harm. After all, Tang San's father was Tang Hao. If Tang San were rendered incapable, Tang Hao would undoubtedly seek vengeance in the core territory. Such trouble was unnecessary for now—better to wait until their power grew stronger.
Er Ming, upon hearing Xiao Wu's instructions, cast a glance at the chubby, red-haired Ma Hongjun hiding behind Dai Mubai. He didn't know what this fat guy had done to earn Xiao Wu's ire, but if Xiao Wu ordered it, he would comply.
However, this command troubled Er Ming. Killing Ma Hongjun outright would have been much simpler, but targeting such a specific area required precise control—a skill he admittedly lacked. Such tasks were more suited to Da Ming. Expecting a creature of his size and nature to handle delicate matters was, frankly, unreasonable!
Er Ming's gaze shifted toward Zhao Wuji, the Soul Saint possessing the Great Strength Vajra Bear martial soul. A plan formed in his mind: he'd use this soul master to help absorb some of his strength.
Er Ming took a single step forward. Though he made no further moves, that step alone sent Zhao Wuji and the others into despair.
Clenching his teeth, Zhao Wuji turned to the group behind him and shouted, "I'll hold him off! Su Ming, find an opportunity to take the others and escape!"
Su Ming nodded gravely.
Having said that, Zhao Wuji unleashed all seven of his soul rings, their light blazing brilliantly as he charged at the Titan Giant Ape.
"Seventh Soul Skill: Martial Soul True Body!"
Activating his Martial Soul True Body granted Zhao Wuji thirty minutes of unrestricted access to his other six soul skills, with their power increased by 150%. His defense rose by 200%, but after usage, all his attributes would decrease by 50%, requiring a week to recover.
"First Soul Skill: Motionless Bright King Body!"
"Second Soul Skill: Great Vajra Palm!"
"Third Soul Skill: Gravity Augmentation!"
"Fifth Soul Skill: Gravity Compression!"
In his true form, Zhao Wuji activated four of his soul skills simultaneously. Against the Titan Giant Ape, he had no choice but to fight with everything he had; otherwise, there would be no chance at all.
Gravity Augmentation and Gravity Compression activated in full force, Zhao Wuji attempting to limit the ape's movements. Yet to Er Ming, these gravity effects were laughably insignificant—like a child playing games. After all, controlling gravity was Er Ming's forte!
The Titan Giant Ape regarded Zhao Wuji with an expression that could only be described as pitying.
Meanwhile, Su Ming had no intention of retreating with the others. He knew Xiao Wu's instructions likely ensured Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing's safety. That was enough for him; as for the others, he couldn't care less.
Thus, Su Ming sent a mental message to Er Ming while loudly announcing, "Er Ming, I'm Xiao Wu's human-world brother. I also know she's a hundred-thousand-year soul beast, but I mean her no harm. Soon, I'll pretend to attack you. When the time comes, take Xiao Wu and me away with you."
Er Ming, surprised by Su Ming's message, responded, "Human, I don't know why Xiao Wu would trust you enough to reveal her identity, but I don't trust you. I'll only take you because Xiao Wu said so!"
Su Ming wasn't surprised by this response. Back when Xiao Wu had chosen to sacrifice herself for Tang San, Da Ming and Er Ming had only spared Tang San because they had no choice but to rely on him for Xiao Wu's resurrection.
He didn't expect Er Ming to be friendly. A certain level of hostility was only natural.
Still, Su Ming wasn't interested in Xiao Wu's soul ring, nor did he find it suitable for himself. Instead, he thought, Why go after a soul ring when I can be close to a beauty like her? He had plenty of methods to acquire superior rings.
Putting on a show, Su Ming declared heroically, "Dai Mubai, Tang San, cover the others and retreat. I'm second only to Teacher Zhao in strength—I'll help him!"
With that, Su Ming leaped forward, casting Vine Entanglement, Wooden Spikes, and Wood Dragon to bind the Titan Giant Ape.
However, these soul skills were deliberately underpowered. Even the Wood Dragon lacked any added enhancements, its energy barely sufficient to manifest. Compared to the one he used against Zhao Wuji earlier, it was no contest—a mere act.
As expected, Su Ming's Vine Entanglement and Wood Dragon were effortlessly shattered by the Titan Giant Ape's soul power. Even the Wooden Spikes failed to inflict the slightest damage.
Su Ming remained unfazed. He hadn't expected such unenhanced techniques to harm Er Ming. Even if he used his full strength, he doubted it would work against a creature comparable to a Level 95 or 96 Title Douluo.
Dai Mubai, seeing Su Ming's bravery despite being a newcomer to the academy, turned to Tang San and said, "Tang San, protect the others while I assist Teacher Zhao!"
Having spent three years at Shrek Academy, Dai Mubai had developed feelings for Zhao Wuji. Besides, Zhu Zhuqing was watching—this was a golden opportunity to reshape her impression of him. He had to seize it, even if it was a gamble.
After all, running wouldn't solve anything. Zhao Wuji at full strength wouldn't last long against the Titan Giant Ape. Moreover, despite its massive size, the ape was remarkably fast. Escape seemed almost impossible for a few Soul Elders like them.
Without waiting for a reply, Dai Mubai activated White Tiger Vajra Transformation and White Tiger Protective Barrier, launching a White Tiger Light Wave at the Titan Giant Ape.
From behind, Ning Rongrong's voice rang out, adding to the charade, "You all go. I'll stay and help them!"
"Seven Treasures are famous: First is Strength, Second is Speed, Third is Soul!"
Shortly after, three streams of light surged into Zhao Wuji's body. With Ning Rongrong's Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda, Zhao Wuji now received a 40% boost to strength, speed, and soul power. Combined with his current Martial Soul Avatar state, his combat strength momentarily reached the peak of a Spirit Douluo.
However, this level of damage was negligible for a Ten-Thousand-Year Spirit Beast like the Titan Giant Ape, whose thick hide and tough body made it nearly impervious. Moreover, with Ning Rongrong's mere Rank-36 strength supporting a Rank-76 Soul Sage like Zhao Wuji, her soul power consumption was enormous and unsustainable for long.
Among the eight students, three decided to stay and help Teacher Zhao, but as for the others leaving? Of course, they wouldn't. Besides, they had no chance of escaping anyway. Along the way, they might even encounter stronger Thousand-Year Spirit Beasts.
After all, the Titan Giant Ape was an absolute overlord among spirit beasts. Its terrifying presence would undoubtedly drive others away in all directions. Tang San and the others wouldn't make it far, which was precisely within Su Ming's expectations.
Seeing Su Ming step forward to assist Zhao Wuji, Tang San's gaze flitted momentarily to Xiao Wu in front of him. Xiao Wu lacked ranged soul skills, so the best course of action was to stay put obediently. After all, she couldn't possibly use her Eight-Stage Drop or Enchantment against the Titan Giant Ape—it would be laughable.
Tang San, therefore, kept his attention fixed on Xiao Wu, his heart filled with urgency. He didn't want her to get hurt.
At the same time, he attacked the Titan Giant Ape with Blue Silver Bind and Parasite, hurling all his hidden weapons—except the Dragon Beard Needle—toward it.
In this moment of desperation, Tang San was once again confronted with his lack of power. His strength wasn't enough. If he survived this ordeal, he swore to complete the Zhuge Crossbow as soon as possible!
Even Ma Hongjun, though trembling with cold sweat and weak knees, saw that no one else was fleeing. He gritted his teeth and unleashed his strongest attacks: Phoenix Fire Line and Bathing Phoenix!
Zhao Wuji felt gratified that Su Ming and the others chose to stand by him against the Titan Giant Ape rather than flee. However, knowing the beast's overwhelming power, a bitter smile crept over his face. It seemed they would all perish together.
All their attacks landed on the Titan Giant Ape, but it merely pounded its chest with its massive hands and let out two deafening roars, as if mocking them for being too weak.
At this point, the Titan Giant Ape noticed the plump figure of Ma Hongjun lined up directly with Zhao Wuji after unleashing his soul skills. A thought flashed in its mind.
"Gravity Domain!"
The Titan Giant Ape activated its domain, enveloping everyone within it. Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, and Su Ming experienced the least gravity pressure, while the others were severely suppressed, unable to move.
Zhao Wuji found himself completely immobilized. His face turned pale as he realized the Titan Giant Ape's mastery of gravity control. They were done for. Death was inevitable.
The Titan Giant Ape then meticulously controlled its soul power to match the level of a newly advanced Title Douluo and launched a Titan Sky Cannon toward Zhao Wuji.
A colossal energy wave erupted from the Titan Giant Ape's mouth. Unable to move, Zhao Wuji could only cross his arms in front of him to protect his vital areas.
"Boom!"
The Titan Sky Cannon struck Zhao Wuji's massive frame. In his Martial Soul Avatar state, his body was much larger than usual. Unable to withstand the attack, Zhao Wuji's body was sent flying backward—straight toward Ma Hongjun, who could only watch in horror, frozen in place. Fear gripped him to the core.
The Titan Giant Ape had deliberately focused its Gravity Domain on Ma Hongjun and Zhao Wuji. If not for Sister Xiao Wu's desire to ruin Ma Hongjun, it wouldn't have even bothered with this tactic. It could have simply forced its way through and taken Sister Xiao Wu and Su Ming with it.
The Titan Giant Ape couldn't reduce its attack strength to the level of a Soul Elder but could lower it to that of a newly advanced Title Douluo. Hence, this scene played out—Zhao Wuji indirectly crushing Ma Hongjun. Truly, the Titan Giant Ape thought itself clever.
Su Ming: Oh, absolutely. You're a certified genius.
Tang San and Dai Mubai were the closest to Ma Hongjun. While Dai Mubai was completely paralyzed, Tang San attempted to pull Ma Hongjun toward him using his Blue Silver Grass. Unfortunately, the moment he released his Blue Silver Grass, it was immediately crushed under the Titan Giant Ape's Gravity Domain. Tang San was left helpless, forced to watch the tragedy unfold. It seemed Ma Hongjun would be gravely injured.
Bang!
Zhao Wuji's enormous bear-like body collided violently with Ma Hongjun, pinning him underneath.
"Ah! Ah! Ah!"
Pain wracked Ma Hongjun's entire body. Under the combined weight of Zhao Wuji and the Titan Giant Ape's gravity, he felt all his limbs snap. Worst of all, he clearly felt his third limb shatter—completely obliterated.
Despair washed over him. He would likely never have the chance to meet beautiful young ladies again. But perhaps it was a blessing that he fainted soon after, as death seemed inevitable.
The Titan Giant Ape, seeing its plan succeed, deactivated its Gravity Domain.
Zhao Wuji, feeling the oppressive weight lift from him, struggled to stand. His Martial Soul Avatar had been dispelled—his soul power was utterly drained.
Thankfully, during his flight, Zhao Wuji had managed to slightly adjust his position, avoiding crushing Ma Hongjun's head. The boy was still alive.
Upon closer inspection, Zhao Wuji confirmed that while Ma Hongjun's limbs were broken, they could heal with the help of a healing-type Soul Master. However, his third limb was completely destroyed, likely beyond repair.
Now was not the time to dwell on such matters, though. They were all probably going to die. Perhaps fainting was a blessing for Ma Hongjun after all.
[T/N:
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