"Hmm?"
Xu Yunhan glanced around, sensing a faint spiritual presence probing the area.
Zhu Zhuqing noticed his reaction and asked, "Yunhan, what are you looking for?"
Xu Yunhan shook his head. "Nothing."
He suspected it might be Tang Hao, secretly observing from the shadows. The spiritual power was formidable—had Xu Yunhan's own spiritual senses not been sharp enough, he wouldn't have detected it at all.
While it was possible that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan had sent protectors for Ning Rongrong, the spiritual pressure he felt was undoubtedly at the Titled Douluo level.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan had two Titled Douluo, but they likely wouldn't spare one just to guard Ning Rongrong.
If Tang Hao was indeed lurking nearby to protect Tang San, then eliminating Tang San would be far more difficult. Even if Xu Yunhan succeeded, Tang Hao would surely kill him in retaliation.
A mutual destruction scenario was not part of Xu Yunhan's plans.
"I need to adjust my strategy."
A new idea formed in his mind.
Previously, his approach had been direct—how to confront Tang San openly.
Now, he decided to take a more covert route.
He considered befriending Tang San or Xiao Wu. Once he gained their trust, it would be far easier to manipulate them or strike from the shadows when the time came.
Thanks to his passive spirit ability, "Charm," which was always active, as long as he maintained a friendly demeanor toward Tang San and Xiao Wu, their goodwill and trust in him would steadily grow.
Dai Mubai was an exception—his hatred for Xu Yunhan, fueled by Zhu Zhuqing's presence, outweighed any accumulated goodwill.
As a result, Dai Mubai harbored deep hostility toward Xu Yunhan and Zhu Zhuqing, extending that resentment to Xu Yunhan's followers, Oscar and Ma Hongjun.
Meanwhile, the battle between Tang San, Xiao Wu, and Zhao Wuji raged on.
"Now's my chance!"
"Second Spirit Ability: Charm!"
Seizing an opening, Xiao Wu activated her hypnotic spirit ability, attempting to disorient Zhao Wuji and create an opportunity to strike.
"A mere charm ability against me? Don't you know the Unmoving King fears no mental interference?"
Zhao Wuji smirked inwardly. The moment her ability took effect, he retaliated with a burst of spiritual energy.
"Ah!"
Xiao Wu screamed as the backlash struck her, sending her flying before she collapsed, unconscious.
Her spiritual power was far too weak compared to Zhao Wuji's, especially with the Unmoving King's resistance bolstering him.
"Xiao Wu!"
Tang San's heart clenched with fury.
He tried to rush to her aid, but Zhao Wuji blocked his path.
"Relax, she's just unconscious from the spiritual rebound. Heh, daring to use a charm ability on the Unmoving King—she brought this on herself." Zhao Wuji shrugged, unfazed.
"Move!" Tang San snarled, his gaze locked onto Xiao Wu.
"Xiao Wu's fine, just knocked out."
Xu Yunhan, "quick to react," caught Xiao Wu before she hit the ground and called out to Tang San. He then carried her aside, letting Zhu Zhuqing tend to her.
The gesture earned Xu Yunhan a flicker of goodwill from Tang San.
Thus, Xu Yunhan's "Good Friend Plan" began.
"Teacher Zhao, you shouldn't have hurt Xiao Wu!"
Tang San's voice was laced with cold anger.
"Heh." Zhao Wuji remained indifferent. "Battles come with injuries. What can you do now, alone and just a control-type soul master?"
"You forced my hand!" Tang San's eyes darkened.
Zhao Wuji's interest was piqued. "Oh? You've got more tricks? Show me. Don't disappoint."
The taunt only stoked Tang San's rage. "You won't be disappointed."
A yellow hundred-year spirit ring flashed as he activated "Parasite" while retreating rapidly.
"This again?"
Zhao Wuji sighed, shattering the Blue Silver Grass vines effortlessly before charging forward. "Watch yourself, kid."
A second yellow spirit ring appeared around him. "Second Spirit Ability: Titan's Palm!"
His hands gleamed gold as they surged with terrifying force, aimed straight at Tang San.
Tang San's expression tightened. Using the Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track from the Mysterious Heaven Skill, he dodged with uncanny agility while his Purple Demon Eyes tracked Zhao Wuji's movements.
"Huh? What kind of technique is that?"
Zhao Wuji was startled. It wasn't a spirit ability—there was no surge of soul power. "Not bad."
Spirit abilities were typically accompanied by obvious soul power fluctuations, making them easy to identify.
"Entanglement!"
Tang San used Blue Silver Grass to hinder Zhao Wuji's movements, biding his time to unleash his hidden weapons.
Without resorting to the Clear Sky Hammer, his Blue Silver Grass was ineffective against Zhao Wuji. Hidden weapons were his only option—especially if he wanted to avenge Xiao Wu.
Injuries were inevitable in battle, but when it came to Xiao Wu, Tang San couldn't let it slide.
"Let's see you dodge this."
Zhao Wuji's competitive spirit flared. He activated "Titan's Palm" again—but this time, it was a ranged attack.
A massive golden palm shot through the air, homing in on Tang San.
Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track was useless—the attack locked onto him.
Boom!
With no way to evade, Tang San wrapped himself in Blue Silver Grass.
The golden palm shattered the vines and struck him squarely, slamming him to the ground. Blood trickled from his lips.
"A tracking-type spirit ability!"
Tang San grimaced.
Tracking abilities ensured the attack followed its target within range, making evasion impossible.
Oscar covered his face. "Ah, Teacher Zhao's getting carried away."
Ma Hongjun shrugged. "Hope he doesn't overdo it. Dean Flender will have his head if this goes south."
Dai Mubai checked the incense—only a fifth remained. He silently willed Tang San to hold on.
He wanted to intervene, but Zhao Wuji wouldn't tolerate interference.
Earlier, Dai Mubai had intended to catch Xiao Wu, but that damned Xu Yunhan had beaten him to it.
Now, Xu Yunhan seemed to be extending olive branches to Tang San, Xiao Wu, and Ning Rongrong, leaving Dai Mubai both anxious and furious.
If Xu Yunhan succeeded, Dai Mubai would be left isolated.
Bastard!
Dai Mubai shot Xu Yunhan a glare.
Xu Yunhan noticed and responded with a polite smile, further fueling Dai Mubai's rage.
"Tang San, can you keep going?"
Zhao Wuji strolled toward him casually.
Tang San remained on the ground, unmoving.
Just as Zhao Wuji drew closer, Tang San suddenly activated "Parasite."
While Zhao Wuji tore through the vines, a hidden weapon shot toward him, clanging harmlessly against his body.
"Oh? What's this now?"
Zhao Wuji chuckled. "But breaking through my Unmoving King Body won't be so easy."
===
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 30 on my patreon, go check it out.
Give me all your power stones