Su Bai took in everyone's reactions.
He smiled faintly, ignored Tang San, and spoke directly to Ning Rongrong and the others:
"There's actually not much to say. Teacher Zhao is a Soul Sage—if he gets serious, we don't stand a chance.
So at the start, he'll most likely stay on the defensive, let us exhaust ourselves, and observe how strong we really are."
His tone was extremely confident.
Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing both nodded in agreement. Against a Soul Sage, if the other side didn't hold back, they would have no chance at all.
"Introduce your abilities first," Su Bai continued.
Ning Rongrong spoke first:
"My name is Ning Rongrong, Level 26 support-type Grand Soul Master. Martial Soul: Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. My first soul skill boosts strength, and my second boosts speed."
Zhu Zhuqing followed:
"Zhu Zhuqing, Level 27 agility attack-type Grand Soul Master. Martial Soul: Netherworld Hellcat. First skill—Netherworld Thrust, increases speed for claw attacks. Second skill—Netherworld Hundred Claws, rapid strikes on a single point."
Her voice was cold and concise.
Finally, Xiao Wu said:
"My name is Xiao Wu, Level 29 assault-type Grand Soul Master. Martial Soul: Soft Bone Rabbit. First skill—Waist Bow, enhances flexibility and power. Second skill—Charm, which can confuse enemies."
After speaking, Xiao Wu glanced shyly at Su Bai.
Standing to the side, Tang San realized he had once again been completely ignored.
Su Bai had only asked the three girls to introduce themselves, not mentioning him at all.
The anger in his chest flared even stronger.
After listening, Su Bai nodded and gave his plan:
"Ning Rongrong, support me—stack all your buffs on me. Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing, move along the flanks. Look for chances to harass and strike.
Don't clash head-on. Teacher Zhao is slow, but his defense and attack are extremely high. If he hits you, you'll be seriously injured.
Wait for openings and wear him down. He's testing your strength—so focus on opportunistic attacks."
His instructions were clear and well-structured.
Tang San's body trembled—he felt humiliated.
Zhao Wuji, watching from the side, took in everything.
He saw Tang San's anger, but also Su Bai's natural leadership—and became even more interested in him.
"Enough. Begin," Zhao Wuji said.
His deep voice broke the tense atmosphere.
Su Bai stepped forward first, lightly tapping the ground.
Golden light spread from his body as his Martial Soul surged.
"Qilin Possession!"
A majestic golden Qilin phantom flashed behind him.
Yellow, purple, purple—three soul rings rose beneath his feet.
A powerful aura filled the training ground, accompanied by the Qilin's regal pressure.
This pressure suppressed all Martial Souls—especially beast types.
Zhao Wuji's expression grew more serious. He hadn't expected the Qilin Martial Soul to be this powerful.
Ning Rongrong moved next, standing slightly behind Su Bai.
"Seven Treasures Turn to Glazed Light—Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda!"
A dazzling, crystalline pagoda appeared in her hands.
Two yellow soul rings rose beneath her feet.
Xiao Wu leapt lightly to Su Bai's left.
"Soft Bone Rabbit!"
Pink light shimmered around her, rabbit ears appearing atop her head.
Two yellow rings appeared beneath her feet.
Zhu Zhuqing appeared on Su Bai's right like a shadow.
"Netherworld Hellcat!"
Dark energy flowed over her body as she crouched like a poised hunter.
Sharp claws extended from her fingers.
Two yellow rings rose.
Tang San stood at the rear. Though still resentful, he knew now wasn't the time.
"Martial Soul—Blue Silver Grass!"
Blue light spread as countless vines grew from the ground.
Two yellow rings rotated beneath his feet.
All five activated their Martial Souls.
Soul power surged, colors intertwining across the field.
Zhao Wuji stood firm as a dark yellow aura rose from his body.
Fur covered him, his body expanding.
"Vigorous Vajra Bear, possession!"
Two yellow, two purple, three black—seven soul rings appeared.
A terrifying pressure descended.
Su Bai remained calm—Zhao Wuji wasn't using full strength yet.
All he had to do was last the incense time before Zhao Wuji got serious.
He nodded slightly to Ning Rongrong.
She raised her hands, and golden light fell upon him.
"Seven Treasures—First: Strength! Second: Speed!"
Power surged through Su Bai's body.
Then the green light enhanced his speed.
With both buffs, his combat strength rose again.
The battle was about to erupt.
Zhao Wuji didn't attack immediately, simply standing there and suppressing them.
Su Bai didn't wait.
"Move!"
His second soul ring lit up.
"Second Soul Skill—Auspicious Qilin Protection!"
Golden light enveloped him.
Then—
He burst forward like a golden bolt, charging straight at Zhao Wuji.