Chapter 24

**Chapter 24: Ring Sealing Technique**

Upon hearing Zao Wou-Ki's taunts, Tang San immediately stood up, demanding a duel.

As Xiao Wu's older brother, he wanted to avenge her and prove his worth, even if it meant facing Zao Wou-Ki directly.

"Little San, sit down!" Qi Ling said, placing a firm hand on Tang San's shoulders and guiding him back to Xiao Wu's side.

"Take care of Xiao Wu, I'll handle this guy."

"But, eldest brother," Tang San protested.

He had recently acquired a hidden weapon that could be effective against Zao Wou-Ki.

"Don't worry, Xiaosan.

You're injured too, so don't be reckless," Qi Ling reassured him.

"I'm your eldest brother, and I won't let anyone bully you."

With Qi Ling's insistence, Tang San reluctantly sat back down, watching his brother with a mixture of concern and hope.

"Go on, big brother!"

"Oh? Who's this kid? Haven't seen him before? New around here?" Zao Wou-Ki sneered at Qi Ling.

"But it doesn't matter, whether you're four or five, let's see what you can do together!"

"Mr. Zhao, there's one thing I'd like to ask," Qi Ling said as he approached Zao Wou-Ki. He met the examiner's gaze directly.

"I request that you light another incense stick and then fight me one-on-one, fairly, If I win, please let us all pass."

Zao Wou-Ki, upon hearing this, laughed heartily.

"Hahaha! Are you out of your mind? I'm a Soul Sage, and you want a fair one-on-one match? Even with just two spirit rings, I could defeat all of you! Don't underestimate me, Zhao Wou-Ki!"

"Thank you, Teacher!" Qi Ling replied with a smile.

"Since you're so fair, I would feel rude to refuse your offer. So, let's have you fight me with just four spirit rings,that way, it won't seem like I'm bullying you."

Qi Ling's request was based on his newly acquired Ring Sealing Technique.

Although it was only at a basic level, it allowed him to seal three of his opponent's spirit rings and their associated power.

Though this might seem less impactful, if upgraded, it could seal an opponent's spirit skills outright, which could significantly influence the outcome of a battle.

Zao Wou-Ki, realizing the implications, felt a pang of frustration.

To have his three ten-thousand-year spirit rings sealed not only meant losing his most potent abilities but also being reduced to the level of a Soul Sect with only four spirit rings. It was a humiliating situation that would undermine his earlier boasts.

Still, as a person of honor, Zao Wou-Ki was unwilling to retract his words.

Even if his spirit power was restricted, his combat experience, physical conditioning, and soul power control far surpassed that of the students. He was not intimidated.

"Fine," Zao Wou-Ki declared boldly.

"Since you're so eager, I'll use the Ring Sealing Technique on me.

It'll be a good lesson for you!"

"Great,then, Teacher Zhao, please reveal your spirit rings," Qi Ling requested.

Zao Wou-Ki showed his spirit rings: seven in total two yellow, two purple, and three black demonstrating his Soul Sage rank.

Qi Ling extended his hand and activated the Ring Sealing Technique.

Gradually, Zao Wou-Ki's three black ten-thousand-year spirit rings began to disappear.

Zao Wou-Ki felt an unsettling emptiness as the rings vanished.

He couldn't sense their presence, nor could he harness their power or use their abilities. The feeling was disorienting.

"Interesting," Zao Wou-Ki thought. "This kid might be a real challenge.

But even so, I won't back down!"

"Then, Mr. Zhao, please show me your skills!" Qi Ling said, summoning his own martial spirit. "Dragon Emperor: Possession!"

As Qi Ling transformed into the Dragon Emperor, Zao Wou-Ki realized where Qi Ling's confidence came from.

The aura Qi Ling emitted was far beyond what a great soul master could possess.

However, Zao Wou-Ki was not easily intimidated. With a roar, his body swelled and became bear-like, his muscles expanding as he activated his own spirit possession.

"Mighty King Kong Bear: Possession!"

Confronting such a formidable opponent, Qi Ling wasted no time.

He launched his attack with his first soul skill, a powerful dragon roar.

Even though Zao Wou-Ki had only four spirit rings, his innate strength was still formidable.

Any show of sympathy or leniency would be a disgrace to his title as the Unmoved King.

As the dragon roar hit Zao Wou-Ki, the Soul Sage found himself momentarily dizzy.

Despite his spirit power and physical state, he was affected by the attack, which had also been used previously by Xiao Wu.

Qi Ling took advantage of the opening.

He charged towards Zao Wou-Ki and delivered a powerful punch.

"Second Soul Skill: Tyrant Dragon Fist!"

The punch, delivered with all of Qi Ling's strength, was like a battering ram.

If Zao Wou-Ki were unprepared, it could cause serious injury, if not outright defeat him.

The combination of the dragon roar to daze and the Balong Fist to strike was a simple but effective tactic.

However, Zao Wou-Ki was not an easy opponent.

At the last moment, he used his soul skill.

"First Soul Skill: Unmoving King Ming's Body!"

His body hardened like steel, significantly boosting his defense.

A protective layer of spirit power surrounded him.

Although it was only a hundred-year-old soul skill, Zao Wou-Ki's adaptation of it made it exceptionally effective, perfectly complementing his martial soul.

Despite this, Qi Ling's punch remained formidable. The impact was heavy, like hitting a solid piece of iron.

Zao Wou-Ki's expression changed.

The force of Qi Ling's punch was overwhelming, far heavier than he had anticipated.

The clash between their soul powers was intense, testing both strength and defense.