Originally, Xiao Wu wanted Er Ming to cripple the private parts of Ma Hongjun, Dai Mubai, and Oscar, the three perverts. However, if only one person got injured, it might be dismissed as a coincidence, but if two or three people were affected, it could raise suspicion. After all, the Titan Giant Ape was known for its strength and defense, and spirit masters might find it odd for such a "simple-minded" creature to target specific areas.
As for Tang San, although Xiao Wu disliked him, he was the one person among the four who couldn't be harmed, especially not by Er Ming. Tang San's father was Tang Hao, and if Tang San were seriously injured, Tang Hao would undoubtedly seek revenge on Er Ming in the heart of the forest. Such unnecessary trouble should be avoided, at least until they were stronger in the future.
Er Ming listened to Xiao Wu's instructions and glanced at the red-haired, chubby Ma Hongjun hiding behind Dai Mubai. He didn't know what this fat guy had done to make Xiao Wu dislike him so much, but since Xiao Wu had given the order, he would follow through. However, he found it tricky to carry out her command. If it were just about killing the guy, that would be easy. But crippling him in a specific way? That required a level of precision he wasn't known for. Such delicate tasks were more suited for Da Ming.
Er Ming, with his large and clumsy limbs, felt that this task was difficult for him. Still, he had an idea. He would make the spirit master help him, at least to some extent.
As the Titan Giant Ape took a step forward, even without making any aggressive moves, just that one step caused Zhao Wuji and the others to feel an overwhelming sense of despair.
Gritting his teeth, Zhao Wuji called to the others, "I'll hold it off. Su Ming, find an opportunity to lead the others out of here!"
Su Ming nodded seriously, though inwardly he already had a different plan.
With a determined shout, Zhao Wuji activated his seven spirit rings, glowing brightly, and charged toward the Titan Giant Ape.
"Seventh Spirit Skill: Martial Spirit Avatar!"
In this form, Zhao Wuji could use all six of his spirit skills for thirty minutes without limit, increasing his power by 150% and his defense by 200%. However, once the effect ended, his attributes would drop by 50%, and it would take seven days to recover.
"First Spirit Skill: Immovable King Body!"
"Second Spirit Skill: Mighty King Palm!"
"Third Spirit Skill: Gravity Increase!"
"Fifth Spirit Skill: Gravity Compression!"
With his Martial Spirit Avatar activated, Zhao Wuji used four of his spirit skills simultaneously, trying to restrict the Titan Giant Ape. But it was laughable. His gravity control was child's play to the ape, who specialized in gravity manipulation. The Titan Giant Ape looked at him like he was a fool.
Su Ming, knowing the truth of the situation, had no intention of leading anyone to escape. He understood that under Xiao Wu's instruction, Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing wouldn't be harmed. That was enough for him. As for the others, he didn't care.
Su Ming transmitted his voice to Er Ming and loudly called out, "Er Ming, I'm Xiao Wu's brother from the human world, and I know she's a hundred-thousand-year spirit beast. I won't harm her. I'll pretend to attack you, but you need to take both Xiao Wu and me away."
Er Ming was surprised by Su Ming's message but responded, "Human, I don't know why Xiao Wu trusts you and revealed her true form to you, but I don't trust you. I'm only taking you because of Xiao Wu's orders."
Su Ming wasn't surprised. In the original story, if Xiao Wu hadn't sacrificed herself to Tang San, Da Ming and Er Ming would have killed him without hesitation. Su Ming didn't expect Er Ming to trust him yet.
Out loud, Su Ming declared, "Dai Mubai, Tang San, you two cover the others and retreat! I'll help Zhao Wuji!"
Su Ming charged forward, unleashing his spirit skills: Vine Bind, Wood Spikes, and Wood Dragon, all aimed at the Titan Giant Ape. But none of the attacks had any real power. Su Ming didn't enhance the skills with any additional spirit power; even the Wood Dragon was summoned with just enough energy to appear. It was all for show.
As expected, the Titan Giant Ape effortlessly broke through Su Ming's vines, shattered the Wood Dragon, and ignored the Wood Spikes. Su Ming hadn't expected any of his half-hearted attacks to work. Even if he'd used his full power, it would have been difficult to hurt a creature as powerful as the Titan Giant Ape.
Seeing Su Ming's bravery, Dai Mubai was inspired. He told Tang San, "You protect the others; I'm going to help Zhao Wuji!"
Dai Mubai, who had been at Shrek Academy for three years, felt a connection to Zhao Wuji. Plus, Zhu Zhuqing was watching, so this was a chance to prove himself. It was a gamble, but he had to try. Even if they ran, the Titan Giant Ape would catch up, as its speed was deceptively fast for its size.
After telling Tang San, Dai Mubai activated his White Tiger King's Shield and White Tiger Vajra Transformation, launching his White Tiger Light Wave at the Titan Giant Ape.
Ning Rongrong, wanting to keep up appearances, added her support: "Seven Treasures, One Says Strength, Two Says Speed, Three Says Soul!"
Three beams of light flew into Zhao Wuji, boosting his power by 40% in strength, speed, and spirit power. With his Martial Spirit Avatar active, Zhao Wuji's combat power now rivaled a peak-level Spirit Douluo.
However, against the hundred-thousand-year-old Titan Giant Ape, this was still insignificant. Ning Rongrong's support also drained her energy quickly; she wouldn't be able to sustain it for long.
Despite the three students staying to help Zhao Wuji, the others didn't leave. They knew they wouldn't survive on their own in the forest, where even thousand-year spirit beasts would be fleeing the Titan Giant Ape's presence.
As Su Ming fought alongside Zhao Wuji, Tang San kept his eye on Xiao Wu. She had no long-range skills, so her best option was to stay put. It wasn't as if she could use her Close Combat Eight-Stage Throw or Charm on the Titan Giant Ape—it would be ridiculous.
Meanwhile, Ma Hongjun, though trembling in fear, couldn't flee while everyone else stayed. So, he unleashed his Phoenix Fire Line and Phoenix on the Titan Giant Ape.
Zhao Wuji, touched by the students' loyalty, felt both grateful and bitter. They were all doomed.
Their combined attacks hit the Titan Giant Ape, who casually pounded its chest and roared, as if mocking their weakness. It then focused on Ma Hongjun, noticing that he was aligned perfectly behind Zhao Wuji.
"Gravity Domain!"
The Titan Giant Ape activated its Gravity Domain, instantly suppressing everyone except Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, and Su Ming. The others were completely immobilized.
Zhao Wuji, feeling the immense pressure, turned pale. He hadn't expected the Titan Giant Ape to also specialize in gravity control. They were doomed.
The Titan Giant Ape lowered its spirit power to the level of a newly ascended Titled Douluo and fired a Titan Sky Cannon at Zhao Wuji.
Unable to move, Zhao Wuji could only raise his arms to protect himself. The blast hit him full force, sending his enormous body flying toward Ma Hongjun, who could only watch in terror.
The Titan Giant Ape, knowing Xiao Wu wanted Ma Hongjun crippled, had crafted a plan. It couldn't control its attacks to be as weak as a Spirit Master's, but lowering its power to Titled Douluo level was enough to let Zhao Wuji do the job indirectly.
Su Ming: "Wow, you really are a genius, huh?"
Tang San tried to save Ma Hongjun with his Blue Silver Grass, but it was crushed by the gravity. There was nothing anyone could do.
With a loud crash, Zhao Wuji's massive body slammed into Ma Hongjun, crushing him.
"Ahh! Ahh! Ahh!" Ma Hongjun screamed in agony, his body broken under Zhao Wuji's weight. Worse, his third limb was completely shattered, leaving him in despair. He passed out, knowing he'd never enjoy the company of beautiful women again.
Satisfied, the Titan Giant Ape deactivated its Gravity Domain.
Zhao Wuji struggled to his feet, drained of spirit power, his Martial Spirit Avatar fading. Checking on Ma Hongjun, he found the boy's third limb utterly destroyed, beyond healing.
But there was no time to dwell on it—they were all going to die anyway. At least Ma Hongjun wouldn't suffer any more.