To the Great Star Dou Forest (2)

Standing outside, Ye Zhiqiu seethed with anger, his face darkening at Sheng Jun's provocations. However, he couldn't help but feel a sense of shock as he observed the eight figures walking out, each radiating a powerful aura with their Martial Souls ready. The sight of Ma Hongjun and Bai Chenxiang, with their Phoenix-like Martial Souls, particularly caught his attention. Despite his surprise, he comforted himself slightly by rationalizing that as long as he didn't inflict serious injuries, he wouldn't face the consequences.

Meanwhile, Sheng Jun spoke softly to Zhao Wuji, who had appeared beside him. "Teacher Zhao Wuji, I ask that you refrain from intervening unless absolutely necessary. They need to experience some pain, or they may become too reckless like today in the future" Sheng Jun's tone was calm yet firm. Acknowledging Sheng Jun's request, Zhao Wuji nodded solemnly. "Understood. However, if it becomes too dangerous for them, I will step in immediately" he affirmed.

With agreement from Zhao Wuji, Sheng Jun smiled silently, appreciating his support. As a token of gratitude, he offered to buy Zhao Wuji a drink later.

He had already instructed Tang San not to use any hidden weapons. Currently, their chances of winning stood at around 30%, which was relatively high given their opponents' poor spirit ring configuration: one white, two yellow, and two purple. However, if they were to provoke a Spirit King with a perfect spirit ring configuration, which includes one ten-thousand-year-old spirit ring, their chances of winning would plummet close to zero.

At that moment, the fight had already commenced. Tang San swiftly ensnared Ye Zhiqiu with his Entangle skill, while Ma Hongjun relentlessly bombarded him with attacks. However, they were taken aback when they felt a sudden chill emanating from Ye Zhiqiu, protecting him from Ma Hongjun's attack and causing Tang San's Blue Silver Grass to freeze and break apart.

Oscar, who had already distributed Big Recovery Sausages to everyone, positioned himself in front of Ning Rongrong, ready to protect her if needed.

Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing also joined the fray, their determination evident in their eyes. However, despite their concentrated efforts, they found it challenging to penetrate Ye Zhiqiu's formidable defenses. Only Zhu Zhuqing managed to create a small crack in his shell with her relentless attacks.

Tang San's expression darkened slightly as he assessed the situation. Without the ability to use his Hidden Weapons, their chances of victory seemed increasingly slim. Their only glimmer of hope lay in Dai Mubai charging up his White Tiger Intense Light Wave.

After conveying his plan to Dai Mubai, Xiao Wu, and Zhu Zhuqing, Tang San immediately attempted to entangle their opponent once again.

"Black Water Freezing!" Ye Zhiqiu shouted, releasing a blast of cold air toward Dai Mubai, sensing something amiss. However, before the icy blast could reach its intended target, Bai Chenxiang descended in front of Dai Mubai with remarkable agility. Leaning in close, she whispered a command, "Cold air, please turn back"

As Bai Chenxiang spoke, a subtle shift occurred in the atmosphere. The cold air abruptly changed direction, swirling back toward Ye Zhiqiu. He stood momentarily stunned by the unexpected turn of events. Unbeknownst to him, Bai Chenxiang possessed a special ability known as Frostwind Whisperer, granting her control over anything cold, including the very air itself.

Seizing the opportunity while Ye Zhiqiu was momentarily distracted, Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing intensified their assault on the crack Zhu Zhuqing had previously created.

As they relentlessly targeted the weakened spot, Ye Zhiqiu regained his senses, only to be shocked once again by the extent of the damage to his armor. He couldn't help but acknowledge the formidable armor-piercing ability possessed by the black-haired girl, while the girl with long brown hair styled into a scorpion braid appeared to grow more powerful with each successive kick.

However, Ye Zhiqiu's attention was abruptly diverted by the gathering of a large amount of soul power emanating from Dai Mubai.

"Now!" Tang San's voice rang out with authority as he utilized his Parasitism skill to immobilize Ye Zhiqiu in place. With precise timing, Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing delivered a final kick and slash, creating a gaping hole in Ye Zhiqiu's already compromised armor. Sensing the opportunity, they swiftly leaped out of harm's way.

As the opening in Ye Zhiqiu's defenses widened, Dai Mubai, who had already entered White Tiger Asura Transformation mode, unleashed his attack with a resounding roar. Channeling the power of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda through Ning Rongrong's boost, Dai Mubai's attack surged with newfound strength, its power enhanced by 30%.

With Dai Mubai's attacks already potent enough to defeat most Spirit Ancestors, his boosted attack now surged to a level that even ordinary Spirit Kings would struggle to withstand.

As the impending attack loomed closer, Ye Zhiqiu's expression shifted to one of grim determination, sensing no other choice. At that moment, he ceased to regard his opponents as mere children.

Activating his Fifth Spirit Skill: Black Tortoise Armor Break" Ye Zhiqiu shattered his protective turtle armor, unleashing a relentless barrage of fragments accompanied by a chilling blast of cold air. This skill was his trump card, but it demanded a heavy price: the depletion of all his soul power and the sacrifice of his defense in exchange for overwhelming offensive power.

As the clash of their attacks erupted, it resulted in a powerful explosion, sending shockwaves rippling outward.

Despite Dai Mubai successfully breaking through and landing his blow on Ye Zhiqiu, sending him flying backward while coughing up blood. The residual fragments and icy blasts unleashed by Ye Zhiqiu's skill continued hurtling toward them unabated.

Sensing the danger, Bai Chenxiang courageously positioned herself in front of the group, urging them to take cover behind her. Despite her efforts to manipulate and divert the cold air, the vast disparity in strength rendered her attempts futile. Her soul power rapidly depleted as she struggled against the onslaught. Not long after, the relentless barrage of fragments managed to pierce through her defenses, injuring everyone in the process.

As Bai Chenxiang's soul power dwindled, her efforts to repel the biting cold proved increasingly futile. Tang San rushed to erect a protective barrier around them, but it was no match for the freezing temperatures, crumbling under the relentless assault.

Meanwhile, Ma Hongjun also attempted to deploy his flames as a barrier against the onslaught of cold air and piercing fragments, as he stepped in front of Bai Chenxiang. However, despite his efforts, he soon found himself overwhelmed, his body covered in wounds and his strength rapidly fading.

Realizing they were running out of options, Ma Hongjun knew he had no choice but to resort to his Phoenix Nirvana.

As he activated his Phoenix Nirvana, Ma Hongjun turned his head towards Bai Chenxiang. With a silent understanding passing between them, Ma Hongjun's gaze met Bai Chenxiang's, both acknowledging the risks associated with their incomplete technique, due to Bai Chenxiang's Martial Soul limitations. Still, they understood they had no alternative in this dire situation.

With a determined resolve, they clasped each other's hands, bracing themselves as they closed their eyes…

...

As Sheng Jun approached the scene, he couldn't help but let out a sigh as he observed everyone's condition.

Dai Mubai, Oscar, and Tang San, who had shielded their 'friend' from harm, now lying unconscious due to their injuries and soul power depletion. However, Sheng Jun was surprised to find that their injuries were not as severe as he had initially expected.

As Sheng Jun glanced at the unconscious forms of Ma Hongjun and Bai Chenxiang lying at the forefront of the attack, a hint of understanding crossed his features. He realized that they had likely resorted to using that technique out of desperation to protect their friends. This revelation shed light on why the others were not as severely injured as he had initially expected.

He hadn't anticipated their resorting to such techniques despite Flender's warnings. Considering that the attack hadn't proven to be life-threatening, as Zhao Wuji hadn't intervened, and with his proficiency in healing skills, they wouldn't have to worry about sustaining lasting injuries. However, he also understood that in the heat of battle, they had likely forgotten about the potential consequences and simply acted to protect their friends to the best of their abilities.

Zhu Zhuqing, Ning Rongrong, and Xiao Wu, who were still awake, immediately noticed Sheng Jun's presence and pleaded with him to heal the others, their voices tinged with panic. After all, they had never seen Dai Mubai, Oscar, and Tang San in such a dire state before.

Sheng Jun naturally complied with their requests, as he channeled his healing skill to heal them. After completing the healing process, Dai Mubai, Oscar, Tang San, Ma Hongjun, and Bai Chenxiang remained unconscious, due to the depletion of their soul power.

Sheng Jun then instructed them to carefully transport others to their respective rooms for much-needed rest. As he turned his attention towards the remaining group.

As Sheng Jun approached them, the students from Blue Sunshine Academy immediately tensed up, instinctively shielding their teacher. Their wariness dissolved only after Sheng Jun assured them that he had come to heal Ye Zhiqiu. Reluctantly, they stepped aside, allowing Sheng Jun to attend to their teacher.

After finishing the healing process for Ye Zhiqiu, Sheng Jun expressed his gratitude, thanking him for his guidance. As a token of appreciation, he tossed a crystal ball towards Ye Zhiqiu before departing.

Catching the crystal, Ye Zhiqiu's forehead twitched slightly in annoyance. He pondered whether Sheng Jun's expression of gratitude was sincere or merely sarcastic. Nonetheless, he decided to set aside his doubts for the time being, focusing instead on the valuable soul crystal in his hand. With a satisfied smirk, he contemplated the high price it would fetch.

Leading his students away from the scene, Ye Zhiqiu left behind the group of monster opponents and their academy, hoping to never meet again.