Chapter 137: Su Ming’s Plan, Ning Rongrong Decides to Stay

Su Ming saw what happened to Ma Hongjun and quickly figured out what Xiao Wu had instructed Er Ming to do. Otherwise, why would Er Ming have used the gravity domain? This wasn't in the original story—it seemed unnecessary. Xiao Wu likely wanted Er Ming to cripple Ma Hongjun's private parts or completely incapacitate him because she couldn't stand his perverted behavior. If it weren't for the suspicion that would arise from crippling multiple people, she probably would have had Dai Mubai and Oscar crippled too.

Su Ming's guess was spot-on. If Dai Mubai's "second brother" were also crippled, he wouldn't be able to bother Zhu Zhuqing anymore. But doing so might provoke Dai Mubai into making some rash decisions out of shame and anger.

Su Ming cast a sympathetic glance at Er Ming. Tasking this brute with such precision was indeed difficult, but Er Ming managed to come up with a clever solution—using Zhao Wuji's massive Martial Spirit avatar to crush Ma Hongjun, which would likely get the job done.

As for Ma Hongjun, he deserved his fate. Just moments ago, he had launched his Phoenix Fire Line directly at Er Ming's lower abdomen. It was an underhanded move, but given Ma Hongjun's limited power against the Titan Giant Ape, he had no better options.

Meanwhile, Dai Mubai, Tang San, and Oscar looked utterly hopeless as they saw Zhao Wuji's Martial Spirit avatar fade. Despite all the noise, the Dragon Duke and Snake Lady had not appeared—meaning they'd lost their bet. Tang San felt a sense of regret; he had crossed into the Douluo Continent with the dream of building a new Tang Sect and carrying on its legacy. Now it seemed that dream would die with him, and he would never see his father again.

Ning Rongrong's face had turned pale. Supporting a Soul Saint at her current strength was difficult, but despite the tension on their faces, she and Zhu Zhuqing were not worried. They knew the Titan Giant Ape wouldn't harm them.

Su Ming felt it was time to end things before the situation got out of hand, and Rongrong or Zhuqing might get caught in the crossfire.

He transmitted a message to the Titan Giant Ape: "Er Ming, that's enough. In a moment, let me create a way for them to escape using my spirit skills. Then, you can pretend to grab me and Xiao Wu."

Er Ming was slightly annoyed by Su Ming, but he nodded in agreement, planning to question Su Ming and Xiao Wu once they reached the lake.

Su Ming, seeing that Er Ming agreed, activated all his spirit skills and summoned a fully empowered Wood Dragon, filling it with all his auxiliary skills.

This Wood Dragon was different from the previous one, and the Titan Giant Ape could feel the difference, though it couldn't quite pinpoint why.

Su Ming directed the Wood Dragon toward Zhao Wuji and the others, shouting, "Grab onto the Wood Dragon! It will carry you out of here, and I'll hold them off for a while!"

Zhao Wuji, though touched by Su Ming's bravery, decided to take the opportunity. Su Ming, despite his exceptional talent and strength—being the only 12-year-old to reach level 40—lacked the same importance as those with powerful backgrounds, like Tang San or Ning Rongrong. Zhao Wuji figured that saving those with higher value would save his own life. So, with no hesitation, he grabbed the unconscious Ma Hongjun and called to the others, "Grab the Wood Dragon! Don't waste Su Ming's sacrifice!" Then, he jumped onto the dragon.

Dai Mubai and Oscar exchanged a glance with Su Ming, silently promising themselves they would never forget his sacrifice. Oscar handed out his newly-made mushroom sausages to everyone, saying, "Take these. If the Wood Dragon disappears, eat them, and we'll escape quickly."

Ning Rongrong, however, was furious. "Oscar, Zhao Wuji! Don't you have any conscience? You're just going to leave Su Ming to face the Titan Giant Ape alone?"

Zhu Zhuqing, although knowing this was part of Su Ming's plan, was still disappointed by how quickly the others were abandoning him.

Dai Mubai retorted, "What can we do if we stay? We don't know why the Titan Giant Ape lifted its domain, but now's our chance to leave. Don't let Su Ming's sacrifice be in vain!"

Despite knowing Su Ming's plan, Ning Rongrong didn't want to seem like someone who would flee out of fear. She didn't want Su Ming to think of her as a coward, so she decided not to leave!

She knew that Su Ming was unaware of her connection to the diary, and while her decision was a bit irrational, she didn't want him to misunderstand her.

Ning Rongrong cast all her auxiliary spirit skills on Su Ming through her Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda.

Zhu Zhuqing, understanding Rongrong's feelings—especially her affection for Su Ming—didn't stop her.

Feeling the power from Ning Rongrong's buffs, Su Ming was touched. That night, when he had defended her, hadn't been in vain. However, he didn't want Ning Rongrong to stay and be in danger.

Su Ming called to Zhu Zhuqing, "Zhuqing, you're more level-headed. Take Rongrong and leave. Trust me, I'll be fine!"

Without a sound, Su Ming used his mental power to deliver a minor psychic attack on Ning Rongrong—not enough to hurt her, but just enough to knock her out.

After undergoing many rounds of mental refinement, Su Ming's spiritual power was quite formidable. A simple psychic strike was more than enough for this situation.