Chapter 158.

Chapter 158.

Wang Feng furrowed his brow slightly.

"Presumably, everyone has seen it. This is a unique woman. Her martial soul mutated during awakening, resulting in changes to her body. She possesses certain cat-like features. This type of mutation is considered rare on the mainland. I believe everyone grasps the details, so I won't elaborate further," the host explained with a subtle smile.

Many distinguished guests below appeared more agitated, their eyes fixated on the caged girl as if predators eyeing their prey.

'This must be the dark side of this soul master world, right?' Wang Feng sighed inwardly. In his previous life, he might have heard of such dealings, but witnessing it firsthand was a different experience. After all, a small village dweller like him wouldn't have had the opportunity to witness such things.

Unexpectedly, in this world, he witnessed it directly.

Such illicit transactions left a sour taste in Wang Feng's mouth. He observed Tang San and Xiao Wu. Tang San seemed composed, unlike Xiao Wu, who appeared visibly angered. Even though it was Tang San's first time witnessing such an auction, he was prepared and aware of the nature of this event.

'Every world has its dark side, a realm unknown to ordinary people,' Wang Feng mused, touched by this realization. Concealed under the black robe, he held no emotions.

As he continued to grow stronger, encounters with these dark aspects of society were inevitable. Wang Feng had already faced grim events, such as humans consuming soul beasts in the hunting forest. He had become acquainted with the darker and dirtier side of life, still remaining unfazed by these ripples.

In this instance, he chose to be an observer, silently witnessing a transaction fueled by people's most primal desires.

Ning Fengzhi began bidding to raise the price. Eventually, he secured the girl for a whopping 180,000 golden soul coins.

"Huh, uncle, I didn't expect you to have such inclinations. Didn't you just say these girls have no souls and aren't worth saving? Now, you're making it difficult for yourself..." Xiao Wu's expression changed abruptly as she looked at the middle-aged man.

Having voiced this, Xiao Wu felt hesitant to express her subsequent thoughts. Initially, she found the man's words comforting, akin to a warm spring breeze.

"Hahaha..."

Ning Fengzhi chuckled, "It seems that I've encountered someone who piques my interest after a long time."

Ning Fengzhi then offered the new slave he secured to Jiu Yikai for free but he immediately refused before leaving the auction ground.

Meanwhile, Tang San and Xiao Wu continued their conversation:

"Brother, this Jiu Yiaki is so mysterious."

"It's indeed very mysterious. I can't see through him at all, but it seems like he's not a bad person. At least, he didn't accept the catwoman, even though it was offered for free."

"Yes, Brother, do you think we should befriend him?"

Tang San pondered for a moment, "Let's observe him for a while. There's something unusual about him, and I want to know more before deciding anything."

As they discussed, Ning Fengzhi couldn't help but feel intrigued by the mysterious figure who had just left. The atmosphere was charged with uncertainty, and the events had left him on edge.

Meanwhile, Wang Feng, under the disguise of his black robe and white mask, continued to navigate the world with a secret mission in mind.

Ning Fengzhi turned, directing his gaze towards Tang San and Xiao Wu, and grinned as he inquired, "Do you two happen to be familiar with this individual?"

"Hee hee, spending so much money to rescue a girl, you seems to be a good persoh so I'll tell you!" Xiao Wu responded, her eyes expressing a hint of gratitude towards Ning Fengzhi.

Tang San nodded approvingly. The middle-aged man had fearlessly confronted Prince Xue Xing from Heaven Dou Imperial family during the recent bidding, indicating a compassionate nature at the very least.

Xiao Wu recounted the events involving the Avengers Team and Jiu Yikai, detailing what she had witnessed in the Silves Soul Fighting Arena that day.

"A single soul master against a whole team? Is he so powerful?" Ning Fengzhi's eyes gleamed after hearing the tale. "Fascinating, truly fascinating!"

The ability to effortlessly defeat almost a Soul King level agile attack type soul master in a mere ten seconds as a lone individual showcased exceptional strength—something even a high-level soul master might struggle to achieve.

"By the way, uncle, how can one's eyes be deceived?" Xiao Wu suddenly inquired.

Ning Fengzhi contemplated for a moment, then smiled and responded, "Many shrewd individuals attempt to decipher hearts through eyes. However, it's an easy avenue for deception."

"Allow me to illustrate. Take now, for instance, you perceive me as the savior of the cat girl." Ning Fengzhi continued, his tone growing slightly cold. 

"But what if I were to turn around and sell this cat girl to others at a higher price? You would remain oblivious."

Xiao Wu was taken aback by this revelation, while a peculiar gleam flickered in Tang San's eyes.

"In youth, emotions surface readily—anger, sorrow, joy—all are laid bare. But as one ages, pretense becomes a skill. Can you deceive me, or perhaps yourself?" Ning Fengzhi mused. "The same principle applies to me."

His tone reverted to its previous warmth as he smiled and added, "Hence, the saying that what eyes can see might be deceiving. Keep this in mind, young one."

Xiao Wu found herself caught in contemplation, and Tang San, casting a profound gaze at the figure in the black robe, sensed intuitively that this seemingly simple encounter held complexities beneath the surface.

After departing from the auction, Wang Feng sought out a secluded spot to revert to his original attire, ensuring no onlookers were present. He recollected that Ning Fengzhi would be with the Sword Douluo, and fortunately, his actions had gone unnoticed by Ning Fengzhi moments ago. If discovered, Wang Feng would have refrained from approaching him, aware that a Titled Douluo possessed the potential to unveil his disguise.

Following a bout of shopping in the bustling street, Wang Feng made his way back to Shrek Academy. Yet, upon reaching the college entrance, he encountered another assembly of individuals. Wang Feng approached and cast a few glances, identifying a man more muscular and formidable than Tai Long engaged in a skirmish with Tang San.

Evidently, Tang San and Xiao Wu had returned from the auction house.

"Could this be Tai Long's father, Tai Nuo?" Wang Feng mused, offering a few chuckles but not dwelling on the matter too deeply. It was likely that his grandfather would make an appearance as well. 'Typical xianxia route.'

Observing the soul master pursuing pure raw power and strength, Wang Feng found himself intrigued. This marked the first occasion he had encountered a soul master following such a distinct path, leaving him with a sense of curiosity.

This particular type of soul master, with one attribute significantly enhanced while the other five remain largely unchanged. The impact is undeniably substantial. In terms of power, it far exceeds soul masters of the same realm, and even surpassing levels to fight is well within their capabilities.

"Brother Feng, you're back too? Tai Long's father is so infuriating, he just made a move against brother San!" Xiao Wu rushed over upon spotting Wang Feng, expressing her displeasure. However, a hint of concern crept into her eyes as she added, "He's a Soul King of a rank exceeding 50... what if Tang San gets injured?"

"Don't worry, Xiaosan won't be easily harmed." Wang Feng reassured her with a smile. Despite Tang San's current level being thirty-seven, his proficiency in Tang Sect martial arts, combined with concealed weapons and Eight Spider Lances, made handling this pure strength type soul master a manageable task.

At that moment, in the midst of the unfolding events.

In a sudden outburst, Tai Nuo shouted and unleashed the fourth soul ability. The area around him, starting from his position, seemed as though it succumbed to the force of an immense energy, causing the ground to explode. Countless stone fragments scattered, and formidable air currents swirled violently in the vicinity of 100m. From a distance, Tai Nuo appeared to be at the epicenter of an earthquake, with the surroundings crumbling on all sides, prompting everyone to retreat.

Observing from below, Wang Feng witnessed Tang San being airborne, wielding the Eight Spider Lances and creating a vast net with blue silver grass, descending unharmed as if parachuting. Tang San swiftly followed up by extracting Godly Zhuge Crossbow, firing a barrage of arrows at Tai Nuo.

Tang San's self-made Godly Zhuge Crossbow proved its prowess, inflicting numerous small wounds on Tai Nuo, despite the latter being a Soul King with a rank exceeding fifty. Though the injuries were not severe, the effectiveness of Godly Zhuge Crossbow against a formidable opponent was evident.

"Puff, puff..." Sixteen crossbow arrows punctured Tai Nuo, creating several small blood holes. While the injuries were minor, Wang Feng couldn't help but shake his head in disbelief.

Despite Tai Nuo being a Soul King of over fifty ranks, the power of Godly Zhuge Crossbow still managed to cause damage. However, Tai Nuo primarily focused on power and strength, lacked any defense-oriented soul skills, making him vulnerable to attacks.

"That's outrageous...," Wang Feng muttered, observing the disparity. When Tai Nuo's son, Tai Long, expressed anger at Tang San's actions, Xiao Wu retorted sharply, "Clearly, your father resorted to his level to confront my brother, right? Accusing others of shamelessness is quite hypocritical. Besides, it's evident that your father is simply too weak. Feng'ge withstood Godly Zhuge Crossbow without even using soul power a year ago in the Star Dou Great Forest, relying solely on his physical body strength."

Upon hearing this, tai Long stared at Wang Feng in disbelief and coldly snorted, "Impossible. If my father couldn't withstand it, how could he. Your words are nonsense."

Wang Feng, wearing a smile, chose not to engage in an argument with the obstinate youngster. The crossbow arrows had fallen on the armor, rendering them ineffective. Without the armor, however, the body's resistance was not that formidable at that time. Nevertheless, even without the Black Thorns Armor, the arrows of Godly Zhuge Crossbow couldn't inflict any harm on him.

"Ignorant." Xiao Wu remarked disdainfully to Tai Long.

Observing Tai Nuo's injury, Tang San approached and used the poison on the Eight Spider Lances to swiftly create a few openings in Tai Nuo's body. In a matter of seconds, Tai Nuo's imposing figure collapsed to the ground. Tang San retracted the Eight Spider Lances, revealing a slightly pale face, though he displayed no visible change.

Wang Feng, noting Tang San's potential internal injuries, promptly activated Golden Lotus, directing the healing onto Tang San.

"Brother Feng," Tang San felt the comforting warmth and immediately recognized the source. With such a formidable healing ability, there was no doubt it belonged to Brother Feng, no other soul master could match it's effectiveness.

Witnessing his injured father, Tai Long rushed over, but Tang San intervened. Frowning, Tang San grabbed Tai Long and spoke solemnly, "Stay still, I'll help detoxify your father. Otherwise, his life won't be guaranteed."

In response, Tang San approached, extended an Eight Spider Lance, and punctured Tai Nuo's wound, subsequently drawing and absorbing the potent toxin.

"Brother Feng, lend me your healing assistance. Otherwise, he'll need a rest for at least two or three days, and getting out of bed will be a challenge," Tang San requested, contemplating the strength of the poison from his Eight Spider Lances. "Even if I absorb it, my body will also be left in an extremely weakened state."

"Understood," Wang Feng nodded in agreement, recognizing the Tai Nuo clan will be allies after the recent encounter.

The Golden Lotus soul ability descended gradually onto Tai Nuo. Almost perceptible to the naked eye, Tai Nuo, previously in a very bad state, swiftly regained consciousness, as his pallid complexion gained a hint of color.

Observing this, Tai Long was astonished. "Are you a healing type auxiliary soul master?" He couldn't believe it, recalling Wang Feng's battle with Soul Ancestor members of over forty levels earlier in the morning.

How could he be an auxiliary soul master of the healing system? And the healing seems remarkably potent? Was what Tai Long witnessed earlier an illusion, or perhaps another person altogether? Tai Long was left confused.

Wang Feng maintained a smile, choosing not to provide an explanation.

"I told you that you didn't see it!" Xiao Wu interjected mercilessly.

At that moment, Tai Nuo, who had gradually opened his eyes, glanced at Wang Feng, coughed a few times, then cast a deep look at Tang San. With support from Tai Long, he walked into the academy, likely to discuss and arrange compensation for the construction damages.

"Little San, are you playing the role of the peacemaker and making me the antagonist?" Wang Feng teased with a smile.

"I'm concerned they might hold a grudge," Tang San acknowledged, "Otherwise, if the son brings the father and the father gets beaten, what if the grandfather comes after?"

Hearing this, Wang Feng burst into laughter and reassured, "Little San, don't worry. His grandfather will surely show up."

"…." Tang San.

Tang San couldn't help but recall Feng Ge's penchant for pessimism. Contemplating the situation, he wondered if Tai Long's grandfather would indeed make an appearance at the academy.

….

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