Chapter 187.

Meanwhile, Tang San's Eight Spider Lances evolved after absorbing the cultivation base of the Human Face Demon Spider. This evolution also affected the external soul bones of his, highlighting their value. Wang Feng's own Black Thorns Armor also underwent a similar evolution after absorbing the fourth soul ring, boasting increased power and more formidable Armored Black Thorns.

With the assistance of the [Black Hoop Spiritual Skull], Wang Feng's mental power capacity expanded, allowing him to control thousands of Armored Black Thorns at once on the battlefield. 

"My Armored Black Thorns is a formidable asset in combat, especially when combined with the Ice Flame Fury Lotus. With this combination, my group attack capability rivals that of Dugu Bo," Wang Feng mused. He considered the possibility of forming a massive blade, measuring two to three meters in length from the Armored Black Thorns, with their combined durability and sharpness.

When the day comes, even forming a forty-meter sword will not be impossible.

Before long, Tang San absorbed the Human Faced Demon Spider and approached Xiao Wu. The others respectfully gave them space to bond, either practicing or absorbing their own soul rings. Meanwhile, Grandmaster walked aside, feeling a sense of helplessness. He didn't approach Liu Erlong to offer his blessings during the recent events, as he struggled to overcome a personal hurdle.

"Grandmaster," a faint voice called out nearby, drawing Grandmaster's attention. It was Wang Feng, who had foregone wearing his mask this time.

"Xiao Feng..." Grandmaster began, surprised to see Wang Feng for the first time in six months. He noticed the changes in Wang Feng's appearance—his complexion had slightly darkened and his face had become more angular, resembling that of a young man.

"I want to thank you for everything you've done for Xiao San and the others along the way," Grandmaster sighed.

Wang Feng waved it off. "Master, do you intend to continue your current relationship with Teacher Erlong?"

Grandmaster fell silent, aware that Wang Feng had been silently observing the situation. 

"Do I seem very unmanly or even undecisive?" he asked with a bitter smile, shaking his head.

Wang Feng smiled and shook his head. "Grandmaster, I understand your concern about your relationship with teacher Erlong... Let me offer you an idea. Let me ask you this, do you still love teacher Erlong?"

Without hesitation, Grandmaster nodded.

"Then it's clear that you are in love with each other. Your hesitation stems from concerns about the physical aspect of your relationship with teacher Erlong, fearing societal judgment and gossip," Wang Feng reasoned. "In fact, you're afraid of others speaking ill... after all, you two are cousins."

Grandmaster nodded in silent contemplation.

"It's actually quite simple," Wang Feng continued, smiling. "There's a concept called Platonic love, where only spiritual affection exists between individuals of opposite sexes, without any physical intimacy. You and teacher Erlong can share the same living space, even sleep in the same bed, without engaging in any physical relationship."

"You can have a platonic spiritual love," he emphasized. "If anyone asks, you can confidently state that you've never been romantically involved before. This way, you can be together without worrying about gossip."

After delivering his suggestion, Wang Feng looked at the master expectantly.

Grandmaster seemed to be struck by a bolt of realization.

"Platonic spiritual love..." he murmured to himself, "I never considered it could be like this. Why didn't I think of it before?"

"Xiao Feng, thank you. I understand!" Grandmaster exclaimed before hurrying back.

Wang Feng chuckled inwardly. Grandmaster's old-fashioned nature prompted him to remember that while Flender had enlightened the original book's master, the current dean hadn't, leaving Wang Feng to take the initiative.

"But people are only human, made of flesh and blood. How can platonic spiritual love become a reality when sharing a bed?" Wang Feng shook his head. "Besides, at teacher Erlong's age, Master, you might find yourself in a compromising situation within a few nights... It's a win-win kind of scenario in my humble opinion, hehehe."

Glancing at Grandmaster, Wang Feng donned his mask and approached Ning Rongrong, who was concentrating in absorbing a soul ring.

"What's got her so happy?" Wang Feng inquired to himself, noting Ning Rongrong's delighted expression as she bathed in purple light. Her delicate features wore a dreamy smile, tinged with a hint of blush.

After a brief observation, Wang Feng turned his attention to Zhu Zhuqing, who remained focused on absorbing the Ghost Tiger's soul ring, her expression devoid of any emotion. 'The perfect girl…..'

With a nod of acknowledgment, Wang Feng moved on to observe Tang San, who was immersed in absorbing the Crypt Demon Spider's soul ring within the Ice and Fire Lake.

Satisfied with what he saw, Wang Feng settled in to wait quietly.

Before long, Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing successfully absorbed their respective soul rings and rejoined the group. The acquisition of their fourth soul rings brought about subtle changes in both of them. Ning Rongrong appeared slightly older, her demeanor carrying a newfound maturity. Meanwhile, Zhu Zhuqing, already possessing a mature aura, now exhibited a hint of youthful vitality on her face. Although her figure and youthful appearance set her apart from girls her age.

However, her overall temperament remained cold, likely influenced by the Ghost Tiger.

As dawn broke, everyone waited eagerly. Finally, Tang San also woke up, with Xiao Wu rushing out to embrace him as he emerged from the Ice and Fire Lake. The trio's soul abilities were also unveiled, with Ning Rongrong's fourth soul ability not only enhancing her teammates' defenses but also granting temporary immunity to negative effects.

Ning Rongrong's fourth soul ability, similar to paralysis and toxin immunity, was a temporary defense granted by the purple armor on the Black Linjia Beast. While its duration was short, its potency rivaled Oscar's pink sausage.

Zhu Zhuqing's fourth soul ability, Moon Elf's Clone, created four clones each having 90% power of her original strength, also increasing the speed of her and her clones by additional 20%. One of the broken ability, Wang Feng truly felt. Once she reached Titled Douluo level, at the same stage, hardly anyone can defeat her on one on one.

Tang San's Blue Silver Cage also shocked everyone with its crowd control capabilities. Though not as venomous as the third soul ability's Cobweb Restraint, it provided comprehensive control in taking initiative during attacks. Only soul masters exceeding level fifty could achieve such extensive group control and even react to the speed of the cage deployment.

"Little San's Blue Silver Cage may lack versatility and might seem week to Mubai's power attack type soul masters, but in a team battle, its impact is undeniable," Grandmaster praised. "While it may not significantly enhance his solo combat prowess, in a group setting, combined with Hongjun's Phoenix Soaring Sky Strike and Mubai's White Tiger Meteor Shower, it might just be an invincible combination move."

The group acknowledged the synergy between Ma Hongjun's Phoenix Soaring Sky Strike, Mubai's White Tiger Meteor Shower and Tang San's Blue Silver Cage, which required meticulous coordination to execute it effectively.

"Now that everyone except Xiao Wu has reached level 41 and acquired suitable soul rings in the sunset forest, it's time to return," Grandmaster declared. 

Flender suddenly felt a wave of relief wash over him. The significant improvement brought about by the five soul abilities of the Shrek Seven Devils was truly remarkable, leading to believe that winning the Continental Advanced Elite Soul Master Academy competition was within their grasp.

"Wait, Master, we haven't faced the Soul Emperor senior yet? Did we pass the special training?" Tang San's question interrupted the moment.

Grandmaster exchanged glances, unsure of how to respond.

"It might be a bit challenging to pass the special training if you aim to unveil his mask," Liu Erlong chimed in with a smile.

Grandmaster had recently made amends with her, promising to stand by her side in the future. Although it remained unclear how Grandmaster was swayed, Liu Erlong felt immensely pleased. After more than a decade of waiting, they finally achieved a positive outcome. As a result, her mood was now serene, devoid of the previous agitation and aggression. 

As she spoke, now her smiles radiated comfort and ease, putting everyone at ease.

Tang San pondered for a moment, realizing that even with the acquisition of their fourth soul abilities, attempting to remove the mask in their current state from the previous night would prove challenging.

Just as the group contemplated this, Zhu Zhuqing spoke up unexpectedly: "Not necessarily!"

Her sudden assertion left everyone stunned, turning their attention towards her in surprise.

"I believe I can lift his mask," Zhu Zhuqing declared after a brief pause. "However, it will require everyone's cooperation. To prevent him from eavesdropping on our conversation, we must first gather and ask the three teachers to create a shield using their soul power, blocking external perception. Then, the seven of us can discuss our plan freely."

Flender and Liu Erlong exchanged glances, intrigued by Zhu Zhuqing's proposal. They wondered what she had in mind.

Agreeing to Zhu Zhuqing's suggestion, the four teachers utilized their soul power to erect a protective barrier, shielding the seven individuals within it. As they convened, their discussion remained concealed from external listeners, including Wang Feng.

"What could Zhuqing possibly do to remove my mask?" Wang Feng wondered, feeling perplexed by Zhu Zhuqing's claim. Despite the group's acquisition of their fourth soul abilities, they knew he had been observing them covertly.

"As long as I enter my [Slow World] state, none of them can remove my mask," Wang Feng mused, shaking his head. Regardless of their method, it seemed nearly impossible to lift his masks.

Observing the group's hushed conversation, Flander, Liu Erlong, and Zhao Wuji remained vigilant, ensuring their discussion remained private.

As Zhu Zhuqing outlined her plan, the group exchanged puzzled glances, listening intently to her strategy. Despite initial skepticism, Tang San praised the ingenuity of her plan.

"That's a brilliant strategy! The Soul Emperor would never anticipate something like this!" Tang San exclaimed.

Impressed by Zhu Zhuqing's intelligence, Xiao Wu chimed in, "Zhuqing, you're incredibly clever! How did you come up with such a plan?"

Concerned about the practical execution of the plan, Ning Rongrong raised a question, "But who will act as the bait? As an auxiliary soul master, I'm not suited for that role."

Dai Mubai and Oscar Ma Hongjun expressed similar concerns, prompting Zhu Zhuqing to clarify, "The plan I've devised is tailored specifically for me, as I'm best suited for the role of a sensitive attacker. However, the details will depend on the circumstances."

Upon hearing this, the group regarded Zhu Zhuqing with a mixture of surprise and admiration. Tang San found her insight quite remarkable.

...…..

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