Chapter 381: Huo Wu and Shui Bing'er’s Acting – Wasted Talent Not to be Film Queens

Naturally, Su Ming wasn't an average Soul King, so Huo Wu dared not underestimate him. She hoped Su Ming would go all out, letting her see the true gap between their strengths. Su Ming shook his head and replied, "Alright, then we'll see. But let's be clear—since you're asking me to give my all, don't get upset if you lose."

Huo Wu snorted, unwilling to respond. She wasn't someone to hold a grudge if things didn't go her way, and besides, the outcome wasn't set in stone.

At that moment, Shui Bing'er, sensing they had said enough, turned to Su Ming and asked, "So, Su Ming, what did you want to talk to me about? Is it alright if Huo Wu stays, too?"

She added that last part deliberately, giving Su Ming a chance to explain himself. She had a fair idea of why he sought her out. Tianshui Academy was scheduled to face Thunderclap Academy the day after tomorrow, while Blazing Fire was up against them tomorrow.

Su Ming was a little surprised by Shui Bing'er's suggestion. When did those two become so close? But it worked in his favor, so he took them to a nearby teahouse and said seriously, "If I'm not mistaken, Huo Wu, your opponent tomorrow is Thunderclap Academy, while Shui Bing'er, you're up the day after?"

The two glanced at each other and nodded. "That's right," they replied.

Shui Bing'er continued, "If you're asking me to give Tang San a hard time in the match, there's no need to mention it. I already promised Xiao Wu I would."

This surprised Su Ming. Did Xiao Wu pull Shui Bing'er aside just for this? He guessed Xiao Wu simply wanted Tang San to have a difficult time before they finally met in the finals. After all, Heaven Dou Academy's first team was exempt from the qualifiers and playoffs. If they wanted to face Tang San's team, it would only happen in the finals.

Moreover, the finals were a single-elimination format. If Thunderclap Academy slipped up and lost along the way, there would be no chance to compete against them.

Huo Wu, feigning curiosity, asked, "Su Ming, is this Tang San you mentioned the Thunderclap Academy control-type spirit master with the Blue Silver Grass martial spirit?"

Su Ming gave her a brief glance and replied, "Yes. But the reason I asked to speak with you today wasn't to get you to teach him a lesson. Rather, I wanted to warn you. Tang San harbors a secret—his Blue Silver Grass has mutated, gaining the ability to absorb others' spirit power and attributes, potentially affecting the talents of those he absorbs from."

"What! Is that true?" The two of them exclaimed, their acting so flawless that even Su Ming couldn't detect any hint of insincerity. If this world had an Oscar award, they'd both be film queens by now.

"I have no reason to lie. We met during the friendly match, and since you're both stunning older sisters, I figured I'd share what I observed over the past few days. As for Huo Wu, well, you're here as a bonus."

Su Ming candidly admitted his motive—he was merely informing them out of goodwill due to their beauty. If it had been guys, he wouldn't have bothered, given the lack of evidence. He'd probably end up doubted instead.

Huo Wu, slightly indignant, pointed at Su Ming and said, "What do you mean, I'm 'just a bonus'? Are you saying I'm not beautiful?"

Su Ming: …

"Uh, where's that logic coming from?" Su Ming sighed helplessly. "Of course, you're beautiful, but we didn't know each other before today. You only ended up here because of circumstance. I needed to speak with Shui Bing'er, and it happened that your match was scheduled against each other today. You sticking around was unexpected. Isn't that what 'bonus' means?"

Pausing for a moment, Su Ming then asked, "By the way, I am a bit curious—why did both of your teams forfeit today's match? From what I know, your academies are archrivals. I thought the water and fire would have to clash, but it seems you're actually on rather good terms?"

The two exchanged another look, then answered in unison, "We didn't know the other would forfeit either. If we had, we might not have done it." Their synchronized reply was almost comically well-timed.

Huo Wu added, "And as for 'good terms'—we're two of the Five Elemental Academies, so it's normal to interact. I've known Shui Bing'er for a few years now, so the rivalry isn't as bad as it seems. We get along pretty well, privately."

Alright, fair enough, Su Ming thought. It made sense; it wasn't as if their spirit attributes automatically meant they couldn't be friends.

Sensing the right moment, Shui Bing'er asked, "Su Ming, are you certain that Tang San's Blue Silver Grass absorption ability could impact our talents? And wouldn't people notice the effect of his absorption?"

Su Ming replied calmly, "I'm positive about Tang San's ability to absorb spirit power and attributes. As for whether it affects your talents—I'm guessing it would. After all, absorbing your attribute energy would likely weaken your innate abilities.

"Let me put it this way—I can reveal that one of my spirit abilities also absorbs spirit power, but only spirit power, not attributes. Plus, absorbing it doesn't directly boost my strength, unlike Tang San's case."

"Which, to me, is already close to what an evil spirit master would do. Tang San's cautious in how he uses it in matches, so his opponents haven't noticed anything yet. But his changes haven't escaped my eyes or my spiritual perception."

"In short, if you trust me, try to avoid letting Tang San's Blue Silver Grass touch you for too long. Ideally, avoid being controlled by it at all. If you don't believe me, there's not much else I can say; my warning is here for you to take."

The two women were silent for a moment, understanding that Su Ming's motives, while not entirely pure, were still genuinely considerate. They weren't naive—acts of kindness rarely came without reason. At seventeen or eighteen years old, they knew that much.

"Alright, I believe you! There's no harm in being cautious. Besides, my third spirit ability, Repulsion Light, can counter spirit abilities, so I'll keep an eye on Tang San's Blue Silver Grass," Shui Bing'er replied.

Huo Wu agreed, "Shui Bing'er is right. Being careful is always smart. My third spirit ability has a similar effect, and it covers a wide area, so Tang San's Blue Silver Grass won't get a chance to control any of my teammates."