Chapter 26

**Chapter 26: The Blood Devil Emperor's Prestige**

As Qi Ling charged at Zao Wou-Ki, the latter merely smiled disdainfully.

Despite Qi Ling's increased speed, Zao Wou-Ki was confident that without sufficient attack power, Qi Ling's speed would be meaningless against his defense.

The more Qi Ling focused on speed, the less power he could deliver, making it unlikely for him to pose a serious threat.

Zao Wou-Ki adopted a defensive stance, thinking, "I'll just stand here and let you attack.

With my defense, you'll wear yourself out."

This strategy proved effective initially.

Qi Ling's two attacks felt like mere scratches to Zao Wou-Ki, not even leaving a mark.

However, these seemingly minor attacks made Zao Wou-Ki's expression shift.

Confusion entered his voice as he asked, "What did you do to me?"

The onlookers, including Tang San, were puzzled.

From their perspective, Qi Ling's two attacks shouldn't have been surprising.

Only Qi Ling understood what had happened.

He smiled and said, "Sorry, Teacher Zhao, as you mentioned, I don't have much soul power left."

"So, I borrowed a bit from you!"

The Blood Devil Emperor's martial soul possessed a passive skill called «Emperor's Looting».

This skill allowed Qi Ling to siphon a portion of his opponent's soul power with each attack.

Though the amount Qi Ling had plundered was small, Zao Wou-Ki, being a Soul Sage, was acutely aware of the decrease in his soul power.

"Damn, your martial soul is truly sinister!" Zao Wou-Ki said, growing cautious.

"It seems unwise to drag this fight out.

I need to deal with you quickly!"

Realizing his soul power was being depleted, Zao Wou-Ki decided to act swiftly, charging at Qi Ling.

But Qi Ling had no intention of giving Zao Wou-Ki the chance to end the fight with a single blow.

Instead, he used his erratic movement to evade Zao Wou-Ki and avoid a direct confrontation.

"Hmph, do you think evasion will help you? Have you forgotten what happened earlier?" Zao Wou-Ki sneered. "Soul Skill: Gravity Enhancement, Position Tracking!"

Zao Wou-Ki activated his third and fourth spirit abilities. Gravity Enhancement increased Qi Ling's weight, slowing him down, while Position Tracking made it easier for Zao Wou-Ki to lock onto his opponent.

These skills were designed to counter agile spirit masters, and Zao Wou-Ki was confident they would work.

However, Qi Ling merely smiled and activated his second spirit ring.

"Second Soul Skill: Night Demon Howl!"

Qi Ling's figure became blurry, shifting between shadows and reality.

His speed nearly doubled, making him a blur to the naked eye.

Despite the increased gravity and Zao Wou-Ki's tracking abilities, Qi Ling seemed unaffected.

He moved too quickly for Zao Wou-Ki to track.

"Damn it, what tricks are you using?" Zao Wou-Ki exclaimed, frustrated by the ineffectiveness of his techniques.

The onlookers were equally baffled.

They had experienced the effects of Zao Wou-Ki's soul skills firsthand and were astonished that Qi Ling seemed immune.

Ning Rongrong, drawing on her extensive knowledge from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, speculated, "It looks like Qi Ling's second soul skill not only increases his speed but also makes him immune to slowing and tracking effects."

"That's right!" Qi Ling confirmed, reappearing.

"While using this soul skill, my speed is doubled, and any slowing or tracking skills targeting me will not work!"

"Mr. Zhao, it's unfortunate that your soul skills are ineffective against me."

Zao Wou-Ki's expression darkened.

The realization that Qi Ling's abilities were specifically designed to counter his own was infuriating.

"Hmph! Even if you have tricks, what good are they?" Zao Wou-Ki retorted.

"Your attacks can't break my defense, and if you're trying to deplete my soul power with your attacks, you might as well give up!"

"True, Mr. Zhao," Qi Ling acknowledged.

"Despite having only four soul rings, your soul power is still significantly higher than mine."

"If I rely on draining your soul power through attacks, it won't be faster than your recovery."

Zao Wou-Ki laughed triumphantly, but Qi Ling's next words cut through his pride.

"Instead, what I need to do is much simpler."

"I'll just speed up the absorption so quickly that you can't keep up!"

"First Soul Skill: Gorefiend Hundred Claws!"

Qi Ling's first spirit ring glowed, and his body transformed into a shadow, launching a flurry of claw attacks at Zao Wou-Ki.

The attacks filled the space above Zao Wou-Ki, blocking all possible escape routes.

Zao Wou-Ki, slow and not known for his agility, could only brace himself against the relentless barrage.

The attacks didn't cause much visible damage, but the continuous barrage was taking a toll.

When the assault ended, Zao Wou-Ki was panting heavily, drenched in sweat, indicating that the prolonged defense had drained his stamina.

"You... you damned brat!" Zao Wou-Ki gasped.

"What kind of evil spirit are you using?"

"I'm sorry, Teacher Zhao.

Please be careful,I'm going to keep attacking!" Qi Ling declared, rushing at Zao Wou-Ki like a ghost.

Zao Wou-Ki found himself unable to dodge or ease his defense.

He was forced to withstand Qi Ling's relentless assault.

Desperate, Zao Wou-Ki roared, unleashing a powerful and indiscriminate attack in all directions.

Since he couldn't evade or defend, he chose to fight back with everything he had.