Su Ming had been observing Ma Hongjun's situation from the sidelines and quickly deduced what Xiao Wu had instructed Er Ming to do. Otherwise, why would Er Ming use a gravity domain? This ability wasn't even mentioned in the original storyline, making its use seem superfluous.
Xiao Wu likely wanted Er Ming to incapacitate Ma Hongjun—either ruining him physically or completely disabling him. It was probably because she found Ma Hongjun's behavior despicable. If it weren't for the risk of arousing suspicion by targeting multiple people, Xiao Wu might have already taken care of Dai Mubai and Oscar in the same manner.
Su Ming's reasoning wasn't far off. If Dai Mubai were similarly incapacitated, he wouldn't be able to act against Zhuqing. However, if Xiao Wu actually took such action, it might provoke an irrational and enraged response from Dai Mubai.
Su Ming cast a sympathetic glance at Er Ming. It was truly a tough task for the simple-minded Titan Giant Ape, despite its immense strength. Still, Er Ming managed to come up with an effective method—using Zhao Wuji's colossal martial spirit form to suppress Ma Hongjun. This greatly increased the chances of disabling him.
That said, Ma Hongjun had brought this upon himself. His Phoenix Fire Wire had targeted a particularly vulnerable spot on Er Ming's lower abdomen. Such underhandedness was despicable, though in fairness, Ma Hongjun likely had no other choice given his inability to harm the Titan Giant Ape otherwise.
Nearby, Dai Mubai, Tang San, Oscar, and the others watched as Zhao Wuji disengaged his martial spirit true body. Their faces reflected despair. Despite the commotion, there was no sign of Dragon Duke or Snake Granny arriving to help. It seemed their gamble had failed. Tang San, in particular, felt a pang of regret. Having transmigrated to the Douluo Continent, he had hoped to establish the Tang Sect and spread its legacy far and wide. Now, even seeing his father again seemed impossible.
Ning Rongrong's face was pale. Assisting a Soul Sage at her current level had clearly taken its toll. Still, while she and Zhu Zhuqing appeared tense, neither was truly worried. They knew the Titan Giant Ape wouldn't harm them.
Su Ming decided it was time to intervene. If the Titan Giant Ape continued, Rongrong and Zhuqing might get caught in the crossfire. It was best to end things now.
He sent a telepathic message to the Titan Giant Ape:
"Er Ming, that's enough. Soon, you'll pretend to go easy on them so I can use my soul skills to take them away. Then, you can seize the opportunity to 'capture' Xiao Wu and me."
Although Er Ming wasn't entirely happy about Su Ming's instructions, it nodded reluctantly. Once they reached Star Dou Lake, it planned to question Su Ming about his relationship with Sister Xiao Wu.
Seeing Er Ming agree, Su Ming immediately activated all his soul skills and summoned his Wooden Dragon, channeling all his auxiliary abilities into it.
This Wooden Dragon was far superior to the earlier one. Even Er Ming noticed a distinct difference, though it couldn't pinpoint exactly what had changed.
Su Ming directed the Wooden Dragon toward Zhao Wuji and the others, shouting:
"Grab onto this Wooden Dragon! It'll take you away. I'll hold them off for a while!"
Zhao Wuji, though touched by Su Ming's gesture, didn't hesitate to accept his help. While Su Ming's talent and strength were unparalleled—possibly the only soul master on the continent to reach level 40 at the age of twelve—he was a commoner with no significant background. Compared to Tang San and Ning Rongrong, who had powerful connections, Su Ming's life wasn't as valuable in Zhao Wuji's eyes.
As long as the others were saved, Zhao Wuji's own life would also be preserved. Thus, he quickly grabbed the unconscious Ma Hongjun and shouted to the group:
"Hold onto this Wooden Dragon! Don't waste Su Ming's efforts!"
Dai Mubai and Oscar took one last look at Su Ming, silently vowing never to forget him. Oscar distributed his prepared Mushroom Sausages to everyone, saying:
"Take these. If the Wooden Dragon disappears, eat them immediately. They'll help us escape quickly."
Ning Rongrong, however, was furious. She shouted:
"Oscar! Zhao Wuji! Have you no conscience? Are you just going to leave Su Ming to face the Titan Giant Ape alone?"
Zhu Zhuqing's expression also turned frosty as she glared at them. While she understood that Su Ming must have his reasons and that this was deliberate, seeing the group leave so decisively still filled her with disappointment.
Dai Mubai retorted,
"What good would staying do? Even if we stayed, we wouldn't be able to help. Now is our best chance to escape. Don't let Su Ming's sacrifice go to waste!"
Ning Rongrong, though aware of Su Ming's plan and knowing that staying wouldn't help, didn't want Su Ming to think she was a coward. Resolute, she decided not to leave.
She poured all her auxiliary soul skill enhancements into Su Ming. Zhu Zhuqing, understanding her intentions—especially since she knew Rongrong harbored feelings for Su Ming—chose to support her.
Feeling the changes in himself, Su Ming was both touched and appreciative of Rongrong's actions. That night's efforts to stand up for her hadn't been in vain. However, he didn't want Ning Rongrong to stay behind.
He called out to Zhu Zhuqing:
"Zhuqing! You're more rational—take Rongrong and leave. Trust me, I'll be fine!"
Then, without a sound, Su Ming used a mental shock on Ning Rongrong. Carefully calibrated to avoid causing harm, it was just enough to render her unconscious.
Thanks to the relentless refinement of his mental strength, this simple technique was effortless for him.
[T/N:
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