Noticing the awkward silence, Mei quickly changed the subject:
"Won't this disrupt the original plan?"
"Not at all," Zhongli replied, his gaze still fixed on the arena. "According to Fellow Daoist Zhang's predictions, the Martial Souls were meant to be revealed eventually. Even if March 7th hadn't used hers, Young Master Lingyu and the others would have unveiled their Martial Soul abilities soon enough."
He continued, "Exposing the Martial Souls serves two purposes: demonstrating strength to the nation and laying the groundwork for popularizing the Divine Ring Master system."
"After this world's ascension to a Small Thousand World, it will inevitably undergo a spirit energy resurgence. The resulting upheaval will cause significant casualties. Given the rapid evolution of exotic beasts, neither modern weaponry nor Outcast techniques will suffice to counter the threat. Only the Divine Ring Master system can minimize losses while helping this world survive the calamity."
"Fellow Daoist Zhang intends to use this opportunity to prepare humanity for the coming crisis."
As he spoke, Zhongli couldn't help but feel moved by Zhang Zhiwei's grand vision.
Is this the magnanimity of a Taoist Heavenly Master?
Truly admirable and worthy of respect.
Recalling their philosophical debate the previous day, Zhongli was reminded of a saying he'd seen in the chat group: "In chaotic times, Buddhists retreat from the world, while the Taoist Patriarch shoulders his sword to save the masses."
Though he didn't know how the Buddhist sects would respond to the spirit energy resurgence, Zhongli had clearly sensed Zhang Zhiwei's commitment to the Taoist ideal of universal salvation.
"I see. If there's no issue, then March's accidental reveal isn't a problem," Mei said, nodding in relief.
In that case, March 7th's early exposure of her Martial Soul didn't matter—it would have happened sooner or later.
…
While Zhongli and the others discussed the implications of the Martial Souls' unveiling, the battle in the arena raged on.
Arena
March 7th stood with six black Spirit Rings hovering behind her, the Astral Express looming nearby, ready to unleash its signature technique.
Star, Hu Tao, and Kiana remained vigilant, their eyes locked onto March 7th, their bodies tense as they prepared to evade her attacks.
Then, in a flash of light, the trio summoned their own Martial Souls and Spirit Rings.
Hu Tao (awakened the previous night): Level 22 Divine Ring Master (all purple rings), Martial Soul: Soul-Ferrying Staff.
[Martial Soul: Soul-Ferrying Staff]
Guides departed souls to the afterlife, born from Hu Tao's grand vision of orderly reincarnation and the capriciousness of fate.
Effect: Attacks the soul directly, draining lifespan and inflicting severe spiritual damage.
Evaluation: Who needs the Black and White Impermanence? Grow stronger, and you'll be the true ferryman of souls.
Star: Level 56 Divine Ring Master (all black rings), Martial Soul: Wonder Trash Can.
[Martial Soul: Wonder Trash Can]
Draws random items from a trash can—contents unknown—born from Star's love for dumpster diving and the thrill of the unknown.
Effect: Randomly generates abilities, buffs, items, or power-ups. Results vary wildly.
Evaluation: Friend, this is a high-stakes gamble. Isn't it exciting?
Kiana: Level 48 Divine Ring Master (all black rings), Martial Soul: Fate's Cause·Inevitable Effect.
[Martial Soul: Fate's Cause·Inevitable Effect]
Twin pistols, weapons of causality, born from Kiana's destiny as the Herrscher of Finality and forged from the power of fate itself.
Effect: Fate's Anchor ensures bullets never miss—sometimes, the hit precedes the shot.
Evaluation: Miss 'Amoeba,' the Hunt Aeon Lan would love to chat with you.
…
Spectator Stands
The audience erupted into chatter.
"A… trash can Martial Soul? Yeah, that tracks for Star."
"Hah, the world's finally gone as unhinged as I hoped."
"About time they dropped the act! I knew this world wasn't so simple."
"Martial Souls… I want one too!"
"Same here! Forget the power—just look at those special effects! So cool!"
"Shocking revelation: Tang Jia San Shao and Da Wei are secretly connected—"
"Though Hu Tao's the only one with purple rings. Doesn't quite fit in."
"Lol, daily Hu Tao bullying, huh?"
"Kiana's looks OP too. Those gun Martial Souls are no joke."
…
March 7th's expression grew solemn as she observed the trio's Martial Souls.
So far, she only knew Star's abilities. The unpredictability of the other two's powers left no room for carelessness.
What if their Martial Souls counter mine? I can't afford to slip up.
Her momentary distraction didn't go unnoticed.
Opportunity.
Kiana's combat instincts flared. Without hesitation, she raised her pistols, her years of gunplay eliminating the need to aim.
Seizing the opening, she activated her strongest ability.
Her fourth black Spirit Ring glowed.
Fourth Spirit Ability: Charged Shot.
The name was plain, but the effect was devastating.
It concentrated all her energy into a single bullet, amplified by her Martial Soul's causality-defying nature.
This shot was a guaranteed hit—a true trump card.
(End of Chapter)