Xiao Wu was the first to react, instantly appearing in front of Ning Rongrong to shield her from the attack. Initially, she planned to use her Invincible Golden Body to intercept the strike, but Ning Rongrong's voice reached her mind.
"Xiao Wu, hold on. I want to test my mental strength. If it gets too dangerous, you can step in. Besides, the Wood Dragon is still here, so I'll be fine."
Understanding her intentions, Xiao Wu moved to stand protectively beside Rongrong.
"Fifth Spirit Skill, Crescent Slash!"
Not far from Ning Rongrong, Yaomei unleashed her ultimate attack, merging her two moon blades into a rotating circular blade, a deadly strike aimed directly at her. Taking a deep breath, Ning Rongrong steadied herself, feeling surprisingly calm, although slightly anxious as this was her first time using this skill publicly.
The next moment, she fully mobilized her mental strength, forming three robust mental shields in front of her. Since practicing the mental cultivation technique Su Ming had provided, her mental power had skyrocketed, reaching a level on par with a Soul Douluo. With Su Ming's mental boost, her mental strength now briefly rose to a mid-level Titled Douluo's, making her confident that her shield could withstand Yaomei's attack.
As Yaomei saw the tangible manifestation of Ning Rongrong's mental power, her pupils narrowed, yet she believed her power surpassed Ning Rongrong's defense. It would be a contest of strength versus defense.
Everyone held their breath, captivated by the scene, astounded by Ning Rongrong's display of mental prowess. Was this really a support-type spirit master? Was this even the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda spirit master they thought they knew?
Among the onlookers, Bibi Dong and Qian Renxue exchanged knowing glances with Su Ming, suspecting he was behind this development. If Ning Rongrong could manifest her mental strength, it implied that Su Ming likely could as well, likely at an even higher level. Qian Renxue felt a hint of caution; mental strength typically lacked form, but once tangible, it was an unexpected advantage that required vigilance.
"Su Ming, so Ning Rongrong has developed this ability—was it your doing?" Qian Renxue asked, smiling slyly.
"Yes, Qian Renxue. Frankly, I think Hu Liena and Xie Yue are at a disadvantage here. I have absolute confidence in Rongrong's mental skills."
"Hmph! We'll see about that!"
Their gazes returned to the battle. Not rushing their duel, both understood that their upcoming confrontation would be intense. The limited space wouldn't suffice, so they waited for the other side to finish.
In the arena, Yaomei's attack only managed to break through two layers of Ning Rongrong's mental shield, with the circular blade stopping at the third, unable to advance.
"Yaomei, you've lost," Ning Rongrong said playfully.
Feeling the transparent swords at his neck, Yaomei accepted defeat reluctantly, "I've lost."
Hu Liena and Xie Yue then released their fusion, collapsing in exhaustion, their spirit power depleted. Hu Liena glanced apologetically toward Qian Renxue and Bibi Dong, whispering, "I'm sorry… I've let you down."
The previous night, they had planned for Qian Renxue to face Su Ming one-on-one while she and Xie Yue's fusion would handle the others. Hu Liena initially felt confident, believing that their fusion, with its Titled Douluo-level power, would suffice against Xiao Wu and the others. Yet, things hadn't gone as planned. Dugu Yan's fifth spirit skill, Ye Lingling's spirit bone, and Ning Rongrong's mental manifestation all took her by surprise.
Qian Renxue then turned to Su Ming, "With that side finished, how about we have them step aside? I'd like a one-on-one match with you."
Her eyes radiated intense fighting spirit. Recently, she had mastered all twelve forms of the Sun Breathing technique. Upon completing the twelfth form, a shadow of a middle-aged man with a crimson forehead tattoo appeared in her mental sea, watching her silently. He murmured, "Watch closely—this is the true power of Sun Breathing: Thirteenth Form."
Before her eyes, this figure seamlessly performed all twelve forms in sequence. So, this was the Thirteenth Form? She hadn't expected it, but she noticed the perfect fluidity of the transitions between the forms. Each form could be executed in a continuous chain from one to twelve, maximizing damage.
Just like Xiao Wu's Eight-Stage Throw, this continuous chain meant that if the opponent couldn't break free initially, they would face unrelenting damage. The shadow repeated the sequence three times before fading, leaving her with the words: "Though I don't know why I've appeared here, since you've inherited Sun Breathing, you must shoulder its mission. I sense this world's power surpasses my own—Sun Breathing will have even greater potential in your hands."
"May you one day visit my world."
Then, the shadow vanished. Qian Renxue was left awestruck, wondering who this figure was and why he appeared in her mind. What mission was tied to Sun Breathing? She doubted she could travel to his world for now but felt certain the system was involved. Perhaps once her power grew, things would become clearer.
Back in the arena, Su Ming nodded. "Everyone, step aside. I'd like to see what this Wuhun Palace substitute can truly do!"
Notes-Read advanced chapters in patreon.com/Shadow_D_X, i have finished uploading the whole series in patreon, thanks for supporting me and special thanks to all the patrons for joining