Chapter 23

Chapter 23: I Want to Fight Ten

Upon hearing Qi Ling's words, the flicker of trust that had formed among the ten soul masters was swiftly extinguished.

They glanced at one another, suspicion evident in their eyes.

It seemed that each was now wary of the others, fearing betrayal and plotting to secure their own place in the academy.

Some even began to contemplate whether they should conserve their strength, knowing that the subsequent tests would likely become even more challenging.

The examiner observed the discord he had unintentionally caused with a mix of amusement and exasperation.

The students had effectively squandered their last chance of success through their own doubts.

Meanwhile, Qi Ling's keen understanding of human nature and his ability to manipulate it were impressive.

It was unnerving to think that someone so young could wield such psychological power.

The examiner resolved to report Qi Ling's behavior to the principal for further consideration.

As for Qi Ling, he had little interest in the students' internal conflicts.

For him, their unity or lack thereof made no difference.

In his view, a single move would be enough to defeat them all.

"Alright, enough talk,get ready!" Qi Ling announced.

"This time, I'm going to take on all ten of you!"

"Dragon Emperor: Possession!"

As Qi Ling activated his spirit possession, the formidable aura of the Dragon Emperor enveloped him.

The expressions of the ten students grew increasingly grim, and some even began to retreat, contemplating withdrawing from the challenge.

This reaction was understandable.

When Qi Ling was possessed by the Divine Dragon Emperor, he emanated an overwhelming pressure that could psychologically suppress those with lower soul power.

This pressure was not merely mental,once Qi Ling's strength reached a certain level, it would become a tangible force that could weaken his opponents substantially.

At this point, the difference in strength between Qi Ling and the ten students was so pronounced that standing against him seemed nearly impossible.

The students were effectively like fish waiting to be sliced.

"Don't be intimidated! Let's charge together and see how he handles it!" the leading boy urged, rushing forward.

His martial spirit was a tiger-like beast, which suited his aggressive nature.

Using his spirit ability, he transformed his hands into metallic tiger claws, preparing for a powerful attack.

The others, knowing this was their only chance, also activated their spirit abilities and moved in on Qi Ling.

Seeing the coordinated attack, Qi Ling contemplated how much to restrain himself.

Should he incapacitate them for a month or just a few weeks?

Eventually, he decided that if he was in a good mood, he might let them off more easily.

Qi Ling took a deep breath and unleashed his first soul skill, "Nine Heavens Dragon Roar."

The moment the powerful roar erupted, the scene shifted dramatically.

The ten soul masters were stunned into immobility, and some even lost their spirit possessions.

The immense gap in strength rendered them incapable of resisting, making them easy targets for Qi Ling.

"Teacher, can I pass the test now?" Qi Ling asked the examiner beside him.

"Or should I continue defeating them myself?"

The examiner's eyes twitched.

What difference did it make whether Qi Ling continued or not?

"Alright, go on in!" the examiner waved dismissively. "Honestly, what kind of monsters are they recruiting this year? My ears are still ringing!"

After leaving the examination room, Qi Ling headed towards the fourth level.

Dai Mubai had mentioned that the fourth level was an actual combat test, designed to assess students' combat abilities.

Though Dai Mubai had said he always served as the examiner for this stage, allowing students to pass as long as he held a stick of incense, Qi Ling knew that the true examiner for the fourth level was someone else.

This person was Zao Wou-Ki, the Vice-Principal of Shrek Academy and a formidable Soul Sage of the seventy-sixth rank, also known as "Fufu Mingwang." His reputation and strength were well-known across the continent.

Qi Ling was concerned about how Tang San and the others would fare against Zao Wou-Ki. The vice-principal was not known for his leniency, and his intimidating presence could spell trouble for the unprepared.

Despite his worries, Qi Ling quickened his pace, but he was still a step too late. As he approached the fourth examination room, he heard Tang San's distressed shout, "Xiao Wu!"

Panic surged through Qi Ling as he rushed in, only to find Xiao Wu unconscious and cradled in Tang San's arms, with blood at the corner of her mouth.

Nearby, Dai Mubai and Oscar had arrived, supporting the injured Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong.

"Xiao Wu!" Qi Ling hurried to her side and checked her injuries.

Fortunately, she was not severely hurt she had simply fainted from the strain.

"Hmph, that little girl actually has a mind-control soul skill. It's quite rare! But it's a pity her soul power is far too weak, causing her more harm than good," Zao Wou-Ki commented casually as he approached, shaking his head in disappointment.

"What's this? Little devils, you've only burned a third of the incense stick and can't hold on any longer? Pathetic, hahahaha!"

At this moment, Qi Ling received a notification:

[Ding dong! It is detected that the host is facing a challenge from Zao Wou-Ki.

Please choose from the following options!]

[Option 1: Escape from Zao Wou-Ki's challenge, admit defeat, and receive a reward of losing Shrek Academy's admission qualification, character favorability -10%, and a soul power level drop by 1.

Option 2:Accept Zao Wou-Ki's challenge, use all possible conditions to create advantageous factors, and defeat Zao Wou-Ki under specific rules. Reward: Primary Ring Sealing Technique]

Even without the rewards, Qi Ling would have chosen the second option without hesitation.

The main reason was Zao Wou-Ki's attack on Xiao Wu!

Though he might have less than a 10% chance of winning, Qi Ling was determined.

As long as he had breath in his body, he would fight, even if it meant breaking every bone in his body.

After all, how could he call himself Xiao Wu's brother if he backed down?

Moreover, the Primary Ring Sealing Technique caught Qi Ling's attention. He began to ponder its potential benefits.

[Congratulations, host! You have chosen option two: Accept Zao Wou-Ki's challenge, defeat him under certain rules, and receive the reward:

Primary Ring Sealing Technique!]

After receiving the reward, Qi Ling immediately began studying it.

As he learned about the Primary Ring Sealing Technique's capabilities, he gained confidence that he might not be without a chance against Zao Wou-Ki after all!