In the sky, the triumphant phoenix cries of the Seven-Headed Fire Phoenix gradually subsided.
Before the Seven-Headed Fire Phoenix had even fallen, the intense heat had begun to scorch the ground. Fortunately, Ma Hongjun had reined in his soul power before truly descending, thus preventing any actual offensive effect.
However, the moment he spun and landed on the sandy beach, a surge of heat was still generated.
Having fused with Qing Nü Fang, her body temperature was too low, so Tang Sui, who felt it first, could only react with: "....."
She silently took a few steps back and stood behind the Shrek Seven Devils.
"Hahahaha! I knew it, I would definitely succeed!"
A sound of unrestrained laughter rang out, and from within the obscuring flames of the giant phoenix, a tall and upright figure slowly emerged.
The flames gradually diminished.
Ma Hongjun also appeared within everyone's sight.
At this moment, Ma Hongjun had shed his previously plump physique and become tall and well-proportioned.
His short red hair was styled in a mohawk, and shimmering fiery red feathers adhered to his collar and waist. Orange-red flames rose all over him, as if a god of fire had descended. He approached with steady, powerful strides, exuding an undeniable aura of a superior being.
Yet, this was not the aura of imperial authority, but rather the terrifying presence of a king of birds, one that towered above all else.
Bai Chenxiang, also a flying soul master, felt her legs go weak as she watched the approaching figure. Her entire body trembled uncontrollably, overcome with a sense of reverence.
This was because her Sharp-tailed Swallow martial soul was also a bird, but its bloodline rank was vastly inferior to that of the phoenix, the king of birds. This was bloodline suppression.
"Hiss—The fatty can't be called fatty anymore." Oscar touched the scar on his cheekbone and eyed the suddenly handsome Ma Hongjun with caution.
However, his vigilance was shattered in the next second.
Sensing something from the gazes of his companions and Oscar's words, Ma Hongjun lowered his head. His eyes were still filled with fiery red light. He tentatively patted the muscles on his chest, his eyes brightening even further. When he spoke, he was still the familiar mood-maker of the group.
"Holy crap! Is this a martial soul's second awakening?! Hahahaha! From now on, no one can call me fatty anymore, they have to call me young master!"
Ma Hongjun placed his hands on his hips and laughed heartily.
Everyone: "......"
Good, he was still their familiar self.
After laughing, Ma Hongjun, his eyes shining, looked at Tang Sui and, with arms outstretched, rushed towards her, "Sui Sui, you are simply my god—!"
Bai Chenxiang's gaze gradually sharpened with hostility. The moment Tang Sui's eye twitched, a purple shadow flashed, and she appeared in front of Tang Sui, launching a kick.
Ma Hongjun: "!"
He quickly slammed on the brakes, executing a difficult maneuver to bend backward, dodging Bai Chenxiang's kick. He sprang up as if his tail had been set ablaze, leaping to the side. He looked at the scowling Bai Chenxiang and chuckled sheepishly, "Xiang Xiang, I was just too excited, I didn't mean anything else!"
Bai Chenxiang snorted, "Of course, I know. But Sui Sui is a girl, you can't just hug her so boisterously. Be careful, Third Brother and Sister Xiao Wu might beat you!"
Just as Ma Hongjun was about to retort, he turned his head and saw the glares from Xiao Wu and Tang San that could cut through steel.
Xiao Wu, in particular, wore a bright smile and was cracking her knuckles.
Ma Hongjun: "......"
"I'm sorry, I won't dare next time!"
He quickly pleaded for mercy.
Only then did the killing intent in Xiao Wu and Tang San's eyes fade.
Tang Sui smiled and stepped forward to mediate, "Congratulations, fatty. You've obtained a nearly ninety-thousand-year soul ring this time. Next time, you might even break through ninety thousand years and approach a hundred-thousand-year soul ring!"
"A nearly ninety-thousand-year soul ring!" Ning Rongrong gasped, covering her mouth.
Tang San also looked at Ma Hongjun in surprise, then at Tang Sui, "This... Sui Sui, do you have no limit on the age of the soul rings you bestow upon others?"
Tang Sui shook her head, "No. But I haven't seen anyone who has simultaneously impacted the level of a hundred-and-fifty-thousand-year soul ring yet. Of course, for Brother and me, it might be an exception."
Dai Mubai mused, "So, if our soul power reaches a bottleneck again next time, we won't have to spend time searching for suitable soul beasts, but can directly have Sui Sui bestow soul rings upon us?"
"Of course, you can. The number of people I can bestow soul rings upon simultaneously is currently three. As long as the power distributed does not exceed two hundred thousand years, the consumption won't be much. However, I haven't seen such excellent talents yet." Tang Sui looked meaningfully at Tang San.
Tang San sheepishly rubbed his nose, "My soul power is still a while away from level 80. Moreover, my soul skills are currently restricted, and my soul power has also been somewhat hindered, causing its growth to be very slow."
Tang Sui applauded with little sincerity, "Brother, you must continue to maintain it."
Tang San: "......"
The night passed uneventfully.
From that day on, Ma Hongjun also joined the sea-crossing team, enduring beatings alongside Tang San and the others.
Although after obtaining his seventh soul ring, the purity of Ma Hongjun's phoenix flames reached a level that even Bai found troublesome, it was merely troublesome, not insurmountable.
To Bai's surprise, Tang Sui also joined the sea-crossing team, though not entirely.
She would only apply the enhancement buffs from her support soul skills to everyone before they prepared to enter the sea each day. After that, she would leisurely watch them being thrashed by Bai, occasionally visiting Seahorse City to slack off. At night, she would return to her cultivation.
Regarding how to complete Qing Nü Fang, Tang Sui had a plan after a brief exchange with the other party, but she wouldn't act on it immediately, as she intended to piggyback on Tang San and the others' third trial.
With the deadline for the second trial drawing to a close, three days prior, the Shrek Seven Devils underwent their final training in the sea.
For the next three days, Tang San specifically notified Bai to rest. On the morning of the final day of the second trial, they began their attempt.
Excluding Bai Chenxiang, who was exempt from the assessment, and Tang Sui, who was coasting as an emotionless buff-generating machine, the current soul power levels of the Shrek Seven Devils had all seen significant increases.
Dai Mubai, level seventy-four.
Oscar, level seventy-two.
Tang San, level seventy-eight.
Ma Hongjun, level seventy-two.
Xiao Wu, level seventy-three.
Ning Rongrong, level seventy-two.
Zhu Zhuqing, level seventy-three.
As the first ray of dawn broke, Tang Sui and Bai Chenxiang stood at the finish line, gazing towards the starting point over two hundred meters away.
The finale of the second trial had begun.
Tang Sui took out a complete set of a vacation parasol and lounge chair from her soul tool, setting them up and preparing drinks and snacks while waiting.
In response, Bai Chenxiang: "......"
She silently turned away, feeling out of place with Tang Sui, who seemed to be on vacation.
—Author's Notes—
Today, Mo Li spoke with the perpetually tired-looking太太 next door with great worry, saying it seemed like everyone in her family except her had gotten sick.
Tired Eyes: Don't worry, with this Omicron variant, there will be one person left at home to cook.
Mo Li: Understood, I hope the food I can cook is edible.