"Hee hee, you're too late." The Sea Demoness's body had already launched from the other side of the Sacred Pillar platform, the black light on her black flute flashing. Seven beams of black light shot out from the flute's tone holes, lashing toward Ning Rongrong's body. What lit up along with them was the third Soul Ring on the black flute.
However, the moment the Sea Demoness launched her attack, she sensed something was wrong. Her mind-reading ability was omnipresent, and she was long accustomed to constantly using it in battle to gauge her opponent's movements. Unless her opponent's spiritual power was equal to or greater than hers, the success rate of her mind-reading was extremely high. But Ning Rongrong, whose thoughts she could still sense just moments ago, was now completely unreadable. It seemed as if Ning Rongrong's body was enveloped by a special energy, protecting her spiritual world.
What was going on?
Undoubtedly, this was none other than Tang San's handiwork. The next instant, a clear phoenix cry rang out from Ning Rongrong's mouth. Blazing flames erupted from within her body, transforming into a dazzling fire phoenix that slammed directly into the Sea Demoness's attack.
Indeed, the Sea Demoness was a Titled Douluo, and Ning Rongrong was not even at Level 80, using a skill that only possessed eighty percent of its original power. But the Sea Demoness's disadvantage lay in her over-reliance on her mind-reading and her underestimation of Ning Rongrong. Moreover, she didn't actually want to hurt Ning Rongrong. Therefore, although she used her third Soul Skill, it was extremely gentle, intending only to capture Ning Rongrong and neutralize her support ability. In her view, a support-type Soul Master stood no chance against her. Yet, what appeared before her was that scorching phoenix fire.
Who said Ning Rongrong could only provide support when helping her companions fight? In the Shrek Seven Devils, Oscar's role was no less important than Ning Rongrong's. His Clone Mirror Sausage made anything possible. Otherwise, when challenging a Titled Douluo, who besides Tang San would dare say they could protect Ning Rongrong alone?
The reason Tang San had enveloped Ning Rongrong's body with his spiritual power was that she had hidden behind the Sea Demoness's Sacred Pillar and consumed a Clone Mirror Sausage made with Ma Hongjun's blood. Her Martial Soul had temporarily transformed into a phoenix. Now, she directly unleashed her Phoenix True Body, vaporizing the seven beams of black energy the Sea Demoness had fired almost effortlessly, while simultaneously slamming into the stunned Sea Demoness herself.
The Phoenix Piercing Cloud Strike activated. Although Ning Rongrong couldn't unleash the same explosive power as Ma Hongjun, she could still use the skill. The moment their bodies made contact, she directly used Ma Hongjun's strongest single-target attack skill. Despite the skill being weakened by eighty percent, using it while in her Phoenix True Body form still granted it astonishing power. Especially with both parties so close, the Sea Demoness had no opportunity to dodge.
At the same time, Zhu Zhuqing, who had been screaming moments before, had already transformed into a black shadow that arrived silently. In mid-air, her body had completely transformed into an agile black cat, her Nether-fied body resembling a wisp of smoke, skimming almost directly over the sea surface.
With a grunt, the Sea Demoness could only use her black flute to block in front of her, but in her haste, she had no way to unleash any skill to protect herself. The collision from the Phoenix True Body, combined with the direct bombardment of the Phoenix Piercing Cloud Strike, instantly turned her previously smiling and pretty face fiery red. Her body spun rapidly three times in the air before she managed to dodge Ning Rongrong's follow-up attack. Simultaneously, the black flute projected countless afterimages, emitting a mournful whistling sound to block Ning Rongrong's assault.
And it was right then that Zhu Zhuqing arrived. Her body transformed into a shadow once more, but this time it wasn't a dispersed shadow, but connected afterimages—her fifth Soul Skill, Nether Shadow Link. Each afterimage's attack power would be ten percent less than the previous one. Individually, the nine afterimages were nothing special, but connected together, they formed an extremely terrifying skill. It fully showcased the horrifying attack power of an agility-attack type Soul Master. Once her main body's attack hit, the subsequent afterimage strikes would be unavoidable. While unleashing this attack, Zhu Zhuqing had already consumed an Excitement Pink Sausage.
The Sea Demoness's mind was in chaos. Always the one calculating others, she was now being outmaneuvered by her opponents. She was utterly unwilling, but what good was her unwillingness? Scorching fire energy spread through her body, intense pain radiating throughout. As someone naturally countered by the Fire Phoenix, after being hit by the Phoenix Piercing Cloud Strike, she would be unable to use any skill for three seconds. And three seconds was enough for Zhu Zhuqing to launch more than three attacks.
Even a Titled Douluo, without using their Martial Soul True Body, would face a predictable outcome after enduring three attacks from someone of Zhu Zhuqing's caliber. At best, severe injury. The Sea Demoness hadn't even unleashed her full strength, wanting to toy with her opponents, only to be toyed with herself. Any chance of victory had been completely lost.
The greatest advantage is often the greatest flaw. The Sea Demoness's bewitching ability was extremely strong, aided by mind-reading, making her undoubtedly a nightmare for opponents. But equally, she was overconfident in this very ability, to the point that when she could bewitch an opponent, she would never waste extra Soul Power attacking. By seizing this point, Tang San had managed to create the current situation. To win in one decisive stroke. You specialize in bewitching? Fine, I'll turn the tables and bewitch you, even denying you the chance to use your skills.
Ning Rongrong had caught her opponent off guard, and what followed from Zhu Zhuqing's attacks were devastating blows. Unable to use any skills, even if the Sea Demoness endured them, she would suffer severe injuries.
"I concede!" the Sea Demoness shrieked. On her Sacred Pillar, a brilliant golden light enveloped her body. The next instant, Zhu Zhuqing's attack struck empty air. The Sea Demoness herself had already appeared at the base of the Sacred Pillar, her pale face still carrying a hint of fear.
Without hesitation, two waves of demonic runes shot out, landing simultaneously on Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing. She was clearly very intelligent. Since she knew she couldn't win, why suffer severe injury? She conceded immediately, using the Sacred Pillar's power to evade Zhu Zhuqing's attack.
Although this wasn't the Shrek Seven Devils' first time witnessing the power of the Sea God's Seven Sacred Pillars, it was the first time they saw a pillar's ability during a direct clash with a Sea Douluo. No need to ask—if these Sea Douluo could utilize the pillars' power, they would stand no chance.
The red seven-pointed star on Ning Rongrong's forehead blazed brightly, the phoenix flames on her body rapidly receded, and she landed steadily on the Sacred Pillar platform. The four trials she participated in had finally all been passed, completing the Sea God's Fifth Trial. Although the Sea Horse Douluo she assisted Xiao Ao in defeating in the first trial had already been defeated by Tang San, she had given her all in the subsequent three battles. Especially in the battle against the Sea Spear Douluo and the one just concluded, she had played a huge role.
"Through strength and wisdom, domain and Soul Skills, you assisted your companions in passing the trial. Top-tier Seven Trials, Fifth Trial passed. Reward: All Soul Rings' age increased by one thousand years, Soul Power increased by one level."
Ning Rongrong's original seven Soul Rings appeared simultaneously, their light fluctuating. Her current Soul Ring configuration was extremely balanced—four purple and three black—and her Soul Power, boosted by this trial's reward, had risen to Level 78. With the increase in her Soul Skill cultivation, her augmentation duration had extended further, and her own attributes had risen accordingly.
Unlike Ning Rongrong, after receiving that demonic rune, Zhu Zhuqing's body hovered in mid-air. The illusory black curtain of light before her shattered and didn't directly merge into her body. Instead, countless black motes of light emerged from around her body, fusing with the newly shattered black motes. At the center of her brow, a black five-pointed star released rings of substantial halo, devouring these black points of light.
Phantom images began to manifest behind Zhu Zhuqing, starting from her first trial's crossing, the Sea God's Light, followed by the breakthroughs, the blockade of the Ring Sea, and the processes of the third, fourth, and just-completed fifth trials flashing by. A majestic voice rang out. This time, it wasn't just her who could hear it; everyone present clearly heard that resonant voice.
"Fifth Trial: Challenge a Titled Douluo. Complete. Black-tier Five Trials complete. Through exceptional perseverance and relentless effort, you have overcome numerous difficulties, completing all trials. Special Reward: Black-tier privileges on Seagod Island, Soul Power increased by two levels, one God-granted Soul Ring."
Black radiance surged, condensing into a brilliant black light before Zhu Zhuqing. The brand on her forehead gradually faded. When the black light solidified completely, a God-granted Soul Ring—the same kind that had once appeared in Sea God Douluo Bo Saixi's hands—manifested before Zhu Zhuqing.
Zhu Zhuqing looked at the God-granted Soul Ring before her in astonishment, overjoyed, and said with some disbelief, "Senior Bo Saixi said that Black-tier trials would only reward one God-granted Soul Ring. This is..."
The Sea Demoness's slightly reproachful voice sounded, "Count yourself lucky. The final reward for the Black-tier trials, in addition to the one level of Soul Power from your fifth trial, includes an extra level as an overall bonus. Additionally, it awards an auxiliary skill. When your Soul Power exactly reaches the critical point needing a Soul Ring to advance, the awarded skill will transform into a God-granted Soul Ring. That's why you have a second God-granted Soul Ring. With it, effortlessly gaining a Soul Skill perfectly suited to you, at the highest intensity you can bear—it's truly fortunate. Why didn't I have such good luck back then?"
Before her fifth trial, Zhu Zhuqing's Soul Power was exactly at Level 78. Increasing by two levels brought her precisely to the bottleneck of Level 80. It was precisely because of this that she received this second God-granted Soul Ring as a reward.
Nearby, Ning Rongrong, equally thrilled with her own reward, laughed, "It really is good luck. Zhu Zhuqing, hurry ashore to absorb it. That way, you'll reach the Titled Douluo level a step before your Mubai. Haha, Boss Dai is going to be depressed this time. Sea Demoness, I'm sorry about earlier. I didn't hurt you too badly, did I?"
The Sea Demoness snorted, "I was too embarrassed to attack you properly, and you were so heartless. But, I can't blame you entirely. It's all that smelly man's fault. Smelly man, weren't you going to challenge me? Come on. I'll let you know what I'm capable of. As for her, she doesn't need to go ashore. She can absorb it right here. With the Sacred Pillar's power guarding her, it's the safest."
As she spoke, the Sea Demoness gently pressed the Sacred Pillar. A golden light descended, enveloping Zhu Zhuqing's body. Bathed in that sacred radiance, Zhu Zhuqing hesitated, looking toward the shore. Seeing Tang San nod at her, she sat cross-legged and began the absorption of her eighth Soul Ring.
Ma Hongjun nudged Dai Mubai beside him and chuckled, "Boss Dai, Zhu Zhuqing is becoming a Titled Douluo before you. Any thoughts?"
Dai Mubai snorted, "That's my wife. Of course I'm happy her strength is increasing. The final rewards appearing for the Black-tier Five Trials, we'll have them too for our Six Trials. Once I pass the next trial, I'll also receive a God-granted Soul Ring and advance to the Titled Douluo realm."
Ma Hongjun said, "I'm Level 78 too now. Looks like as long as the total rewards from completing the Black-tier Six Trials are no less than the Five Trials, I'll be a Titled Douluo just like you. Haha. Boss Dai, I'm catching up to you."
While they were talking, Tang San had already lifted Xiao Wu and floated up, landing on the Sea Demoness's Sacred Pillar platform. The "smelly man" the Sea Demoness had cursed at was obviously him.
The Sea Demoness glared fiercely at Tang San, "You're going to continue the challenge, aren't you? Then come. I won't go easy on you."
"Oh? You know?" Tang San looked at her with some surprise.
The Sea Demoness snorted, "The seven Sacred Pillar Guardian Douluo of the Sea God are of one mind. Naturally, we have ways to communicate. The person chosen by the Sea God resorting to trickery. Just you wait. You'll suffer later."
Tang San said, "How about this: you direct your attacks only at me, and I'll listen to one piece of your music. If you can't defeat me in one piece, then let me pass."
The Sea Demoness was stunned for a moment, "You want to listen to my Sea-Calming Divine Melody? Not attack me while I'm weakened?"
Tang San smiled faintly, "So what if I listen to a piece? I've never encountered a Titled Douluo who uses sound waves as an attack method. Consider it broadening my horizons. Besides, you're already injured. I still have an advantage."
The Sea Demoness glanced at Xiao Wu beside Tang San and dropped her cute act, laughing coldly, "Fine! Since you want to listen, I'll grant your wish."
Still on the platform, Ning Rongrong couldn't help but whisper, "Third Brother, you still have challenges ahead. Should you..."
Tang San smiled and shook his head at her, "It's fine. I truly want to experience Senior Sea Demoness's flute playing. Rongrong, you head ashore first."
Hearing him say this, Ning Rongrong naturally had full confidence in her Third Brother. She nodded, consumed a Flying Mushroom Sausage, transparent wings appeared behind her, and she flew back toward the shore. Tang San helped Xiao Wu sit down not far from Zhu Zhuqing. Then he walked to the edge of the Sacred Pillar platform and made a welcoming gesture to the Sea Demoness.
The Sea Demoness gave him a fierce glare, gracefully descended into the water, her long legs transforming into a fish tail once more. She then cut through the waves, swimming dozens of meters into the sea within the sea before stopping.
Her expression turned grave. The Sea Demoness naturally knew this young man was far stronger than the other Shrek Seven Devils. Although he might have used some tricks in the previous five Sacred Pillar trials, he had also relied on his true strength to defeat the Sea Horse, Sea Illusion, and Sea Star Douluo in succession. The Sea Demoness knew she wasn't stronger than the Sea Illusion Douluo. Now, injured as she was, how could she not go all out?
The black demonic flute was held horizontally before her chest. The black seventh Soul Ring flashed brilliantly. Her seventh Soul Skill, Martial Soul True Body, was also extremely peculiar. The light released from the black flute simultaneously enveloped the flute and the Sea Demoness's own body. Immediately after, black light surged, shooting skyward. The Sea Demoness's body began to enlarge geometrically, and the black flute in her hand grew along with it. However, as her body expanded, she took on a slightly more transparent, illusory quality.
The Sea Demoness's body expanded on the sea surface until it reached over ten meters tall before stopping. Her enormous fish tail gently stirred the waves as she lay across the sea surface. Enlarged, she appeared even more captivating, every subtle expression gentle and beautiful.