The Great Master nodded. "Exactly. Because the air concussion stun effect of Hongjun's Phoenix Sky-Splitting Strike requires close range and doesn't lock onto the target, in my theory I call it a reactive restriction. Tang San's Spiderweb Restraint, on the other hand, is what I call a proactive restriction. Reactive restriction skills need to be paired with proactive ones. Spiderweb Restraint traps the opponent's movement and activates the poison within, lowering their defenses. At that point, Fatty follows up with his reactive restriction, unleashing the Phoenix Sky-Splitting Strike. Only then can a single decisive blow be achieved. The coordination can take many forms, and the specifics still need to be studied carefully. The key point is that not a single drop of Soul Power should be wasted. Every ounce of strength must be put to its fullest use."
At this, a look of admiration surfaced in the Great Master's eyes. "These children's talents are simply too good. Any one of them taken individually could be called a genius. Dai Mubai's resilience, Oscar and Ning Rongrong's dual support, Hongjun's explosive burst power, Zhuqing's speed, Xiao Wu's close-combat techniques, and Tang San's cool head — combined together, they're nearly perfect. Right now they may still be troubled by having dual support and one fewer attacker. But as each of their Martial Souls reveals its true power and their support effects grow even stronger, this little group will only become more terrifying."
Flandre looked at the Great Master with a half-smile. "How come you only mentioned Tang San's brain and not his strength?"
The Great Master smiled faintly. "I'm not as concerned with face as you are. Tang San's strength is decent right now, but that's because the Soul Rings he obtained are of exceptional quality, and he happens to possess an external Soul Bone. Fundamentally speaking, Blue Silver Grass is still Blue Silver Grass. As everyone's strength grows and their Soul Skills multiply, Blue Silver Grass's weaknesses will gradually become apparent. That's why I say his more important role in the team is his command ability. That is the most critical quality for a team's soul."
Flandre lowered his voice. "When are you planning to have him start cultivating that second Martial Soul?"
The Great Master replied with a serious expression, "At the very least, not until he reaches rank eighty in Soul Power. The Twin Martial Soul is a rare gift, and I absolutely refuse to let Tang San's talent go to waste. At the same time, I still haven't figured out a way to counteract the negative effects on his body from the excessive attribute enhancement that comes with having too many Martial Souls. Until I've worked that out, I will never let him take that risk. If his body couldn't withstand the overwhelming attribute boost and he were to... explode, I would regret it for the rest of my life. If I can't find a solution, I'd rather he simply remain a Blue Silver Grass Soul Master. I think even his father would agree with that suggestion. For Tang San's sake, after this Soul Master Tournament ends, I may have to make a trip to the Papal Hall."
Flandre was visibly startled. "You're going to see her? Aren't you afraid of Erlong losing her temper?"
The Great Master let out a bitter laugh. "You'll have to help me when the time comes. For Tang San, I have to go see her."
Flandre's brows knitted together, his expression grave as he looked at the Great Master. "Xiaogang, you need to think this through carefully. You know as well as I do, she's nothing like Erlong. There's a chance that once you go, you might not come back."
The Great Master shook his head. "That won't happen. I still have that much confidence. All right, enough about this. Everything can wait until the Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament is over. You absolutely must keep this secret for me. Especially — Erlong must not find out."
Flandre nodded. "Don't worry. I know what's at stake."
Perhaps owing to the Pink Queen's resentment, the speed at which Oscar absorbed the Soul Ring was far slower than Ma Hongjun's the previous night. It took a full hour before the entire absorption process was complete.
Whether it was the influence of the Pink Queen's dazzling appearance or not, after absorbing his Soul Ring, Oscar somehow looked even more handsome. When Ma Hongjun climbed to his feet after his own cultivation session, he couldn't help but mutter, "As expected of a pretty-boy face."
Oscar paid no attention to the Fatty's jabs. "That's just jealousy. I'll pretend I didn't hear it. Besides, looking this handsome like your big brother — you don't have a chance in this lifetime."
The others gathered around, and Dai Mubai asked with barely contained eagerness, "Little Ao, what's your fourth Soul Ring skill?"
In the world of Soul Masters, asking about another's Soul Skills was generally considered a major taboo — most Soul Masters would never willingly reveal their skills to others. But the bonds between the Shrek Seven Devils had long since gone far beyond mere friendship.
Oscar's eyes gleamed with the same excitement the Fatty had shown that morning. "My fourth Soul Skill is called Excitement Boost. It raises all of the consumer's attributes by ten percent for five minutes."
Dai Mubai looked somewhat disappointed. "Only ten percent? And just five minutes? That Soul Skill of yours..."
Oscar snorted. "Boss Dai, listen carefully — it's all attributes increased by ten percent. In other words, after taking it, overall strength instantly jumps by ten percent. It's not as simple as you think. And it should be able to stack with any other support skills. During those five minutes, your strength becomes one hundred and ten percent, and it also nullifies all negative status effects."
The Great Master's voice came from behind the Shrek Seven Devils. "That's right. His fourth Soul Skill is absolutely not as simple as it looks on the surface."