Chapter 7: Cooperation

Zhao Wuji remained calm and composed, a hint of mockery in his eyes. Suddenly, his fifth soul ring, pitch-black as ink, shimmered, and gravitational pressure enveloped the surroundings. Everyone felt their bodies become incredibly heavy as if sinking into a quagmire. Even the agile Zhu Zhuqing was pressed down to the ground. Zhou Hao's prepared strike ended up slashing through emptiness.

Zhao Wuji chuckled and effortlessly freed himself from Tang San's Blue Silver Grass. "Little brats, it's still early. Let's continue playing," he remarked. Tang San carried the injured Xiao Wu out of the field. Zhou Hao observed Zhu Zhuqing, who had fallen to the ground and lost her strength, while it was evident that Ning Rongrong in the distance had already drained her soul power.

"Teacher Zhao, let me and Tang San continue. Let them rest," Zhou Hao said to Zhao Wuji after exchanging a glance with Tang San. Ignoring the irritated gaze from Dai Mubai, he picked up Zhu Zhuqing and walked towards Ning Rongrong's direction. The girl's body was light and soft, emitting a faint floral fragrance.

Zhu Zhuqing slowly regained consciousness and realised that she was in Zhou Hao's embrace. She felt a surge of embarrassment and anger, and her fingertips were about to strike at his throat. However, as she looked up, she saw Zhou Hao's gentle smile and his handsome and powerful face made her feel somewhat shy.

"You rest well. Leave the rest to me," Zhou Hao said as he placed Zhu Zhuqing next to Ning Rongrong and turned away. The fierce bear shadow emerged behind him, leaving behind a not-wide but solid back.

Zhu Zhuqing sat cross-legged, casting a cold glance at the irritated and restless Dai Mubai. Her snow-white and delicate neck blushed slightly as if she could still feel the strong heartbeat from Zhou Hao's chest. It was the time of blossoming emotions, but due to the nonsense rules of the royal family, she had to cross mountains and seas to find Dai Mubai, a playboy she had never met before. All she wanted was to live her life peacefully.

Zhou Hao and Tang San exchanged a glance, no longer having any reservations. It seemed that both of them could now unleash their full strength. Tang San activated his Mysterious Heaven Skill to its fullest extent, and his jade-coloured palm reached towards his waist, grasping a blade emitting a cold light. He charged towards Zhao Wuji. Zhou Hao laughed heartily and called upon the system in his mind, silently reciting "Sign-in."

[ Ding! Congratulations to the host for completing the Sign-in. Rewarding three levels of soul power and an upgrade in martial soul quality. ]

[ Reward distribution in progress… ]

With a surge of power, Zhou Hao's aura instantly soared. His soul power had reached the 35th Level, and the dark golden fur on his body seemed to have gained a metallic texture. A roar reminiscent of an ancient behemoth echoed, and the majestic figure of the Dark Gold Fearclaw Bear loomed over everything, evoking a sense of awe in Zhao Wuji's heart.

Zhou Hao's martial soul had evolved to the ultimate level of the Dark Gold Fearclaw Bear, no less formidable than the bear companion with a cultivation of 400,000 years by Di Tian's side.

Zhao Wuji shouted angrily, his sixth black soul ring shining with profound brilliance. He unleashed the Vigorous Vajra Roar. The immense and vigorous soul power merged into a powerful roar, causing a tremendous wave of terror that demolished a wooden house outside the arena. Tang San quickly used the Blue Silver Grass to hang himself from a tree, avoiding the impact.

However, Zhou Hao remained unaffected. Zhao Wuji intentionally held back his attack, as otherwise, it could have instantly killed Tang San. Tang San suppressed a mouthful of blood, grateful that his Mysterious Heaven Skill automatically protected him. Otherwise, he would have lost his fighting power.

There was only Zhou Hao left standing in front of Zhao Wuji. Zhao Wuji stared at him and said, "Your Martial Soul is impressive, but you're still just a kid, hahaha. Come on!"

Zhou Hao's third soul ring finally shone brightly, revealing the Dark Gold Judgment. This was Zhou Hao's trump card. A dark golden light swept across the entire area, enveloping it.

Within this range, Zhou Hao's soul power is increased by 100%, and both his defence and attack receive a significant boost. At the same time, any attacks from the opponent will be reduced by 10%, and his defence will also be reduced by 10%. This soul ring comes from a rare Dark Crystal Beast that was on the verge of breaking through the 10,000-year level. It was a unique soul beast possessing a powerful innate domain.

The Dark Gold FearClaw was unleashed at full power, leaving behind a terrifying shadow that stretched for five metres, cutting through space. While Zhao Wuji activated his "Motionless Bright King Body", Zhou Hao pressed forward relentlessly. There were constant sounds of objects travelling through the air behind him, indicating that it was Tang San's hidden weapons. Zhou Hao's body conveniently disrupted Zhao Wuji's line of sight.

Zhao Wuji was astonished in his heart. What kind of ability was this? It had achieved a domain-like effect with a 1,000-year Soul Ring, almost reaching the level of a true domain. For a moment, his movements became somewhat sluggish.

As expected, since Zhao Wuji couldn't go all out, he chose to defend himself. His body was enveloped in golden light, but Tang San's hidden weapons specialised in breaking through his protective aura. The moment when Zhou Hao arrived, two bone-piercing needles with flickering cold light quietly passed through, shattering Zhao Wuji's protective golden light. With Zhou Hao's claw coming down, it was bound to draw blood.

In desperation, Zhao Wuji's body suddenly swelled rapidly, and his seventh soul ring finally shimmered. Spirit Avatar Vigorous Vajra Bear. His height quickly expanded, turning him into a towering five-metre giant bear. The brown fur on his body radiated golden light. He lowered his head and looked down at the two small figures, lifting his front paw to withstand Zhou Hao's full-force strike. However, deep scars were still left behind.

In the principal's office not far away, a middle-aged man with a hooked nose and black-framed crystal glasses was drinking tea. Sensing the commotion from the assessment, he couldn't help but be surprised. "That old Zhao, hahaha, it seems this year's little monster is quite formidable. His Martial Soul True Body can no longer be hidden."

Tang San's Dragon Beard Needle was already poised and ready. This would be his final strike, as his physical condition no longer allowed him to continue fighting.

Zhao Wuji reluctantly retracted his Martial Soul True Body, rubbing the scars on his left arm with a displeased expression.

He couldn't erupt in anger but spoke in a deep voice, "Alright, little monsters, you've passed."

As the dignified Motionless Bright King, being made a mess of by a few juniors was truly embarrassing.

Dai Mubai beside him was shocked beyond belief. With his 37th-level soul power and working together with Ma Hongjun and Oscar, he had never forced Zhao Wuji to use his Martial Soul True Body. The strength of Zhou Hao and Tang San was truly abnormal.

Zhu Zhuqing looked over, her eyes filled with even greater determination. Ning Rongrong seemed to be haharbouringther thoughts, and it was unclear what she was thinking. As for Xiao Wu, she proudly called out to Tang San, "Brother, you're amazing."

Zhao Wuji's face darkened. "Oscar, bring me two sausages." His clothes were tattered and his body was marked with traces of Blue Silver Grass. Although it hadn't penetrated his skin, it was still bothersome. The most uncomfortable was the scar left by Zhou Hao on his left arm, emitting a chilling aura.

Oscar skipped over and handed him two warm sausages. Zhao Wuji quickly ate them, and his complexion improved. He turned to Dai Mubai and instructed, "You're responsible for settling them. I'll leave first."

"Would you like to taste my sausages? This time, it's free. I guarantee that you'll feel rejuvenated after eating them," Oscar continued to promote his product. The three girls didn't even look at him, but Zhou Hao took two and took a bite. Instantly, warm energy spread throughout his body.

He picked up a sausage and walked towards Zhu Zhuqing, ignoring the murderous gaze from Dai Mubai. He squatted down next to Zhu Zhuqing and said, "You got injured earlier and expended a lot of energy. Have a few bites."

Zhu Zhuqing glanced at him coldly and said, "No need, thanks." Then she turned and walked away. Her icy demeanour made Zhou Hao hesitate to chase after her.

"I went a bit too far today. Sigh, how should I pursue a girl?" Zhou Hao had been single in his previous life until he graduated from college. He only knew that he needed thick skin, courage, attentiveness, and the ability to make girls feel safe. He felt like he had done all of that.

Ning Rongrong beside him couldn't help but chuckle, while Xiao Wu had long been dragging Tang San to explore the village.

"You have thick skin. I've never seen anyone pursue a girl like you," Ning Rongrong teased with a playful smile, her clear eyes filled with mockery.

Zhou Hao scratched his head, his face turning slightly red. "Then, can you teach me?"

Before Ning Rongrong could respond, Dai Mubai approached them. "Zhou Hao, I want to talk to you," he said in a low and uncertain tone, his expression heavy with concern.

...…