As Li Chang'an spoke, even Zhao Wuji, who had been resting lazily on a chair, turned to look at him. The boy might already be a Spirit King at such a young age, but that statement seemed a bit over-the-top.
After all, the higher a spirit master's level, the more enormous the difference between ranks. Even a single-level gap could mean a world of difference—let alone a gap of nearly twenty levels.
Once a spirit master reached the rank of Spirit Sage, they entered the realm of high-level Spirit Masters. And Spirit Sages possessed something ordinary Spirit Masters didn't—the True Spirit Form.
With their True Spirit Form, Spirit Sages could face down entire armies!
Seeing everyone staring at him, Li Chang'an simply shrugged and said no more.
"A horse or mule, we'll know once it's put to the test."
Tang San and the others also held their tongues and continued listening to Dai Mubai's explanation.
"Teacher Zhao's Martial Spirit is the Vigorous Vajra Bear—a powerful beast-type Martial Spirit. His entire body is without a single weak point, and his defense is terrifyingly strong. Even Spirit Masters of the same level would struggle to break through his defenses and inflict any real damage."
"Though speed isn't his strong suit, the gap between your spirit power and his is far too wide. You're no faster than him either. What makes him so formidable is his offensive and defensive capabilities. At the academy, he's earned the nickname Immovable King. "
"Immovable King! He's the Immovable King?!" Ning Rongrong suddenly gasped, covering her mouth in surprise.
"The Immovable King disappeared from the continent years ago. I never imagined he'd become a teacher at Shrek Academy!"
"Back in the day, Zhao Wuji had a grudge with Spirit Hall. They tried to punish him, but he actually managed to break through a siege of sixteen bishops! That matter was eventually dropped and forgotten."
'Spirit Hall's bishops are all at least Spirit Emperor-level experts above Rank 60. Zhao Wuji must've barely been in his sixties back then. Now, he must be even stronger…'
—Li Chang'an silently thought, Hmph. By that logic, shouldn't he be the one dragging Zhao Wuji back to face judgment?
Dai Mubai nodded and added, "At the very least, I've never seen Teacher Zhao go all-out. So… you'd better pray for yourselves."
"Of Zhao Wuji's seven spirit rings, the first two are century-level, the third and fourth are millennial-level, and the last three are all ten-thousand-year spirit rings. Every single one of them enhances either attack or defense. That should give you some idea of how terrifying he is."
"Now, introduce yourselves to each other. Report your Martial Spirits and spirit abilities."
Everyone went around making introductions. When it was Ning Rongrong's turn, the group reacted with surprise—after all, who hadn't heard of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan?
Well… except for Li Chang'an. Not because he was trying to act cool, but because he already knew who she was. So when Ning Rongrong finished her introduction, she even sneaked a glance at Li Chang'an—half on purpose, half unconsciously.
Young, handsome, powerful—and unlike others, he didn't leer at her or treat her like some noble heiress. This was Ning Rongrong's first impression of Li Chang'an.
Tang San laid out a simple strategy: he would take command, Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing would handle offense, and Ning Rongrong would provide support.
At first, things went like last time. While Zhao Wuji hadn't released his Martial Spirit yet, the team could still suppress him. But the moment he got serious—it was utter domination!
A third of the match had already passed. Zhu Zhuqing was lurking in the back, looking for a chance to ambush. But Zhao Wuji had now fully released his Martial Spirit—and even activated a spirit skill!
"ROAR!" A thunderous roar erupted.
Zhao Wuji's eyes flashed with chilling light, and his fists clenched tightly. Among the seven spirit rings glowing on his body, the first yellow ring suddenly lit up.
A brilliant golden radiance exploded in an instant.
Zhu Zhuqing, in the middle of performing her Hell Hundred Claws, was immediately blasted away by the force. But right then, Li Chang'an, who had been waiting on the sidelines, suddenly moved!
"Whoosh!"
He shot forward like a human cannonball, launching himself with terrifying speed. Shadows were left trailing behind him as he reappeared mid-air in an instant.
Without a word, he caught Zhu Zhuqing in his arms mid-flight, turned slightly, and took the full brunt of the residual shockwave on his back.
"BANG!"
"Pfft!"
Li Chang'an's black robe tore open, and he spat out a mouthful of blood. But his face remained expressionless as he gently landed with Zhu Zhuqing in his arms, immediately letting her go with not even the slightest inappropriate touch.
Zhu Zhuqing wasn't really hurt—she was just rattled by the initial impact. All the real damage had been absorbed by Li Chang'an.
"Don't move. I'll treat your injuries," Li Chang'an said firmly, grasping her hand before she could protest.
"But… you're the one who's hurt!" Zhu Zhuqing frowned, clearly distressed. Why was this guy so foolish? Taking a hit for her like that...
"It's nothing. I said I'd be responsible for saving people." Li Chang'an replied "weakly."
The art of a playboy—capture every opportunity, but don't be deliberate or pushy. Take a hit for a woman, and no matter how cold she is, she'll feel guilty.
As he spoke, warmth began to flow from Li Chang'an's hand into Zhu Zhuqing's palm. She felt a gentle stream of energy move through her body, soothing and comforting her.
Yes, Li Chang'an couldn't actually heal injuries—but he sure knew how to make people feel good.
What he injected into Zhu Zhuqing wasn't a healing technique, just his own pure soul power. But this soul power came from deep within his soul core—extremely refined and beneficial for cultivation and nurturing.
Zhu Zhuqing had initially wanted to reject his help. After all, the gesture was overly intimate, and Li Chang'an himself was injured. But the moment that soothing warmth spread through her, she fell silent.
That tingling sensation was hard to describe. Her body responded instinctively—she wanted that feeling. She wanted more...
But Li Chang'an wasn't trying to take advantage of her. Just as the energy infusion reached a critical point, he suddenly stopped and sat down cross-legged to meditate. Beads of sweat rolled down his face, painting a picture of extreme exhaustion.
Zhu Zhuqing felt… disappointed when he stopped. But seeing his condition, her guilt grew even stronger.
He took the hit for me… and now he's healing me too. How can I think poorly of him…
By now, only Tang San was left standing on the battlefield.. Xiao Wu had surrendered the moment she saw Li Chang'an "injured." Ning Rongrong had been knocked aside by Zhao Wuji. That left Tang San alone.
"Concede. You're all excellent. You can enter Shrek. There's no need to keep fighting alone," Zhao Wuji said calmly.
Tang San shook his head respectfully. "Teacher Zhao, I'd like to give it another try."
This time… for dignity.
Zhao Wuji chuckled. "Alright, let's see just how arrogant you can get!"
Without the strength and speed boosts from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, Tang San immediately felt heavier. His arms trembled slightly as he adjusted to the new state.
His hands gradually turned white—pure like jade. Between his fingers, faint streams of energy swirled. His head hung low, concealing his fully purple eyes.
Zhao Wuji sensed a subtle shift in Tang San's aura. His spirit power hadn't increased, but the pressure from this "Spirit Sage"-like presence made Zhao Wuji feel a hint of danger.
Li Chang'an opened his eyes too—curious to see how far Tang Sect's hidden weapons could really go.
"Teacher Zhao, be careful."
Tang San suddenly raised his head. A flash of violet erupted from his eyes, startling Zhao Wuji and making his steps falter.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh…!
Ten streaks of cold light shot out from Tang San's fingers—aimed precisely at Zhao Wuji's eyes, shoulders, throat, heart, knees, groin, and abdomen. Not a single strike missed a vital point.
---
'What speed! What deadly precision!'
Li Chang'an admitted he could match this targeting with his spiritual power, but not with such fluid hand technique. Every shot was a lethal strike.
Unfortunately, Tang San didn't have his Hair Crystal this time—so no Dragon Beard Needle. This made his offense feel slightly lacking. There was no moment that made Zhao Wuji truly pause.
Once Zhao Wuji activated his fourth spirit skill, Tang San couldn't hold out any longer. But Zhao Wuji didn't go all-out. He ended the fight when the incense stick burned out. Even so, he wasn't feeling great.
Most of Tang San's hidden weapons were laced with poison. Zhao Wuji wasn't too concerned, but the cumulative effect still made him uncomfortable—and his mood wasn't great either.
Seeing Zhao Wuji's expression, Dai Mubai wanted to laugh but didn't dare. Instead, he shouted, "Oscar! Oscar! Come quick, we've got business!"
Amplified by soul power, his voice echoed through the entire academy.
"Where's the business? Where?!"
Oscar's distinctively soft voice came excitedly from the distance, and he soon arrived—having even abandoned his cart in his haste.
"Oscar, over here!" Dai Mubai waved him over.
Oscar rushed up, "Boss Dai, you called me?"
Dai Mubai nodded. "Quick, whip out some sausages. We've got injuries."
Oscar grinned. "Five copper soul coins each—don't forget to pay up. Your daddy's got some delicious sausages!"
As his bizarre incantation rang out, a glowing sausage materialized in his hand, steaming and fragrant.
Dai Mubai signaled Tang San with his eyes. "Eat it. Gross as this guy's chant may be, his sausages do work. That's his first spirit ring's ability—it speeds up recovery."
Tang San thanked him and began eating.
Then came Zhao Wuji's hoarse voice, "Oscar, give me a sausage and a smoked sausage."
His tongue was already swelling from the poisons he had forcibly suppressed with pure soul power.
Oscar blinked his peach blossom eyes. "Who are you? How do you know my name? What are you doing in Shrek Academy?"
"Brat! You want a beating? I'm Zhao Wuji!"
Zhao Wuji nearly coughed blood in fury. If he didn't need to fight again later, he really wouldn't eat this disgusting thing to recover.
Just then, Zhu Zhuqing asked coldly beside Li Chang'an, "His sausage seems to work. Want me to get you one?"
Li Chang'an smiled. "No need. Thanks. I've already recovered. Teacher Zhao, shall we begin?"
Zhao Wuji had just finished a bit of meditation himself. Hearing this, he frowned uncertainly. "If you're not ready, don't push yourself. We can wait till tomorrow."
"No need. I think I'm ready," Li Chang'an replied with a calm smile, already rehearsing the script in his mind.
'I can't go too hard—it won't fit the 'injured but brave' image. But I also can't look too weak, or I'll seem incompetent. Ideally, I should get injured again. That'll sell the moment.'
"Alright, let's go!" Zhao Wuji cracked his knuckles.
"Okay!"
Li Chang'an gave Xiao Wu a reassuring look, then walked to his position. He didn't spare Zhu Zhuqing a glance—because he didn't need to.
Zhu Zhuqing was definitely looking at him. Whether out of guilt or concern—her gaze was enough. Looking back would only make things awkward.
No one left the scene—not even Oscar. Everyone was curious about this next fight. Tang San's match had been impressive, sure. But that wasn't exactly a traditional spirit master's battle, was it?
And now…
It was Li Chang'an's turn.
___
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