Chapter 9

Under the soft glow of the morning sun, Qin Chen and Xiao Wu faced each other on the training ground. Their eyes met, brimming with determination and trust. Gui Mei observed them keenly, his Douluo-level presence imposing seriousness upon the training ground.

"Martial possession," Gui Mei announced.

"Qin Chen, Control Spirit Master, Spirit Rank 17, Martial Spirit: Butterfly Emperor."

"Xiao Wu, Attacking Spirit Master, Spirit Rank 13, Martial Spirit: Soft-Bone Rabbit."

"Begin," Gui Mei commanded, his voice echoing authority.

Without hesitation, Xiao Wu lunged forward, activating her first spirit ring.

"First Spirit Ring: 'Waist Bow.' This increases waist strength by 100%, boosting Xiao Wu's kicking power."

This enhancement significantly empowered Xiao Wu, coupled with her signature attacking pattern, the Eight Stage Drop, a devastating move for any opponent not prepared to defend.

Witnessing the impending attack, Qin Chen swiftly utilized his Butterfly Wings Cloak's invisibility ability, vanishing into thin air without leaving a trace.

Xiao Wu was shocked; she never expected her brother to possess invisibility. Gui Mei and the others, too, were taken aback.

Abruptly, a light pink gas emerged, coalescing into Qin Chen. 

"First Spirit Ring: 'Illusion Dimension.'"

A fog encircled Xiao Wu, rendering her defenseless. The gas infiltrated her consciousness, weaving around her before expanding.

Accidentally, the gas made contact with Yan, who stood nearby, entranced. The illusion took hold of him, causing him to collapse, ensnared within the same illusion as Xiao Wu.

Inside the illusion, both Xiao Wu and Yan found themselves in a surreal landscape. Strange, shifting colors painted the sky, and distorted reflections of themselves danced in the air. It was disorienting, and both were momentarily stunned.

Recognizing the urgency, Xiao Wu took charge, "We must work together to break out of this illusion."

Yan agreed, "Agreed. Let's find a way out."

While they strategized, Gui Mei observed the events closely. He hadn't anticipated Qin Chen's spirit skill to be this formidable. The Illusion Dimension was a rare and advanced skill, and seeing it used so adeptly by a young spirit master was impressive.

Qin Chen, outside the illusion, exercised precise control. He maintained the Illusion Dimension, giving Xiao Wu and Yan a chance to struggle against the illusion, testing their abilities.

Qin Chen seized the opportunity to test a new skill he hadn't used before: controlling the Illusion Dimension according to his will. He manipulated the fog's color, turning it green and intensifying the illusion's effect.

Amidst terrified screams from both Xiao Wu and Yan, Qin Chen showcased his mastery. The illusionary fog transformed into a vivid green, heightening the atmosphere's sinister undertone. Within the illusion, hallucinations intensified, feeding on their fears.

Xiao Wu and Yan found themselves in a dense, menacing forest. The trees loomed, their branches contorted into grotesque shapes. Shadows danced, whispering eerie secrets, and a heavy sense of dread permeated the air.

Determined, they focused their willpower, creating a barrier of light against the illusion's influence.

"We can't let fear control us," Xiao Wu asserted firmly. "We must find the source and break free."

Yan nodded, his resolve matching hers. With newfound determination, they ventured deeper, determined to unravel the illusion's secrets.

Outside the illusion, Qin Chen carefully monitored their progress. He admired their resilience; facing such a formidable illusion was no small feat, even for experienced spirit masters.

Inside the illusion, Xiao Wu and Yan faced various challenges—twisted versions of their fears and doubts. Yet, they stood strong, refusing to succumb to the illusion's tricks. With each obstacle they overcame, the illusion's hold weakened.

Guided by their determination, they reached the illusion's core—an ancient, mysterious tree emanating an ominous aura. Sensing the source, they exchanged a determined glance, ready for the final battle.

Time passed, and they broke the illusion's core, only to find themselves trapped in another illusion. Realization dawned on Qin Chen, and he let out a laugh.

"I admire your teamwork, but you must know I obtained this spirit ring from the Demon Fox. Once the illusion is cast, no one can escape until the Demon Fox is defeated."

Shock enveloped everyone in both the illusion and the real world, except for Xiao Wu. The idea of a six-year-old acquiring a Demon Fox as his first spirit ring astounded everyone.

Witnessing the scene, Gui Mei decided to end the battle.

"That's enough; Qin Chen wins," Gui Mei declared.