Chapter 424. Artifact Spirit True Body, Dark Gold Clear Sky Hammer (Part 2)

The Great Master looked at Tang San. "Difficulty doesn't mean impossibility. You all can start training now — I need to think carefully about tomorrow's tactics. Xiao San, come with me. I need to have a private word."

"Yes, Teacher."

Tang San's Soul Power had recovered somewhat by now, and he followed the Great Master out of the room.

The others didn't know what Tang San and the Great Master had discussed, but they all understood one thing: in tomorrow's battle, Tang San would undoubtedly be the key of keys.

Yet they also knew that as the strongest and most versatile member of the Shrek Seven Devils, he would surely already be the focus of the opponent's strategies. Could he still unleash his true power against a team that had three Soul Kings?

The Great Master led Tang San to another room.

"Xiao San, in tomorrow's match, the Seven-in-One Fusion Technique can no longer be used. Tell me your thoughts," the Great Master said calmly.

Tang San nodded. "I understand what you mean. The Seven-in-One Fusion Technique was already exposed today, so it will definitely be countered tomorrow. With that Xie Yue and Hu Liena's Martial Soul Fusion Technique, they could certainly block our fusion technique's power temporarily, and the other five just need to disrupt our formation — we'd be guaranteed to lose. There are two ways we could win. One is for me to use the Artifact Spirit True Body again regardless of the toll on my soul, but that could also be countered by the opponent — the odds would be roughly fifty-fifty. The other is to break that Martial Soul Fusion Technique of theirs and take those two out of the fight, then combine the power of all seven to eliminate the remaining five."

"Oh?" The Great Master looked at Tang San with some surprise. "You have a way to break their Martial Soul Fusion Technique? You must understand — a Martial Soul Fusion Technique is not the same as a regular fusion technique. Once completed, it's virtually flawless. And its power is enormous. Just as you said, when the Martial Soul Fusion Technique is active, the actual combat strength of the two users merged together can reach roughly the level of a level seventy cultivator."

A look of unwavering resolve surfaced in Tang San's eyes, his fists tightening. "Leave them to me. As long as Mu Bai and the others buy me enough time, I believe I can do it."

For a full two hours, Tang San and the Great Master remained sequestered in the room, discussing matters in private. What they talked about was known only to the two of them.

The Papal Hall. The Grand Council Chamber.

Papal Empress Bibi Dong sat in the seat of honor, with Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo seated on either side of her. Standing before them were the seven representatives competing on behalf of Spirit Hall's academy.

Xie Yue, Yan, and Hu Liena stood at the front.

"Did you all understand what I just said?" Bibi Dong asked calmly.

"We did, Your Holiness." Despite being Spirit Hall's Golden Generation, Xie Yue and the others answered with the utmost respect.

Bibi Dong said coldly, "Tang San used the Artifact Spirit True Body today, so he certainly won't be able to use it again tomorrow. He possesses a Twin Martial Soul — if he forces the technique a second time, even if he doesn't die, he'll never be a threat to us again. So you don't need to worry about that aspect. All you need to do is watch for their Seven-in-One Fusion Technique and dismantle it using the tactics I just outlined. In a fight based on pure strength, they're absolutely no match for you."

"Understood."

Ghost Douluo's spectral, low voice came from beside the Empress. "You should know what this match means. It's not just a chance for you to make a name for yourselves — it also determines the ownership of three Soul Bones. Spirit Hall is the host of this tournament. If you actually lose, there's no way to take those three Soul Bones back. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan has people watching, along with so many elite Soul Master academies. This is a reward for you, but it's also pressure. If you lose, I'll throw every one of you into the Lost Trace Grand Canyon for three years of survival training."

The moment they heard the words "Lost Trace Grand Canyon," all seven of Xie Yue's team shivered in almost perfect unison, their gazes hardening with renewed determination. That godforsaken place — probably only ghosts could survive there. Three years, and they'd truly become ghosts themselves.

"Alright, go rest," Bibi Dong said with a wave of her hand. Xie Yue's seven hastily exited the council chamber through a side door.

Bibi Dong tapped the table in front of her in a measured rhythm, a contemplative gleam in her eyes.

Chrysanthemum Douluo, Yue Guan, spoke up. "Your Holiness, are you worried? They had the upper hand today, but in truth, the scales of victory still tilt in our direction."

Bibi Dong sighed softly. "What I'm worried about isn't the Shrek Seven Devils. Those seven children may be extraordinarily talented, but they're still young — their potential hasn't been fully developed yet. Apart from Tang San, none of them pose a real future threat. What worries me is the Great Master. I've known him for many years. His intelligence and cunning are unlike anything I've ever encountered. Although his Martial Soul mutated and prevented him from cultivating to higher levels, that man's brilliance is truly extraordinary. Whatever I can think of, he can certainly think of as well. You saw that Seven-in-One Fusion Technique combining non-matching elemental attributes today. At the very least, I can say honestly that I could never have arranged something that meticulous. I'm concerned that he'll come up with some other special arrangement tomorrow, introducing even more variables."

A cold glint flashed through Ghost Douluo's phantom-like form. "Why not let me go kill him? Even with the Poison Douluo at Shrek Academy, I'm eighty percent confident I could deliver a fatal strike."