Chapter 98: Target Ma Hongjun

"Xiao Wu is up!" The Shrek Seven Monsters all turned their attention to the battle arena. Over the past few days, they had grown familiar with each other's strengths. While Xiao Wu's martial soul wasn't particularly powerful, when combined with her self-created soft techniques and unique abilities like the Rabbit Kick and Eagle Strike, her close-combat prowess was undeniably formidable. The audience's cheers were sparse, but most of them were rooting for Xiao Wu. Only occasionally did a few people shout Qing Bao's name. After all, compared to Xiao Wu's adorable rabbit-like appearance, Qing Bao's rough, ox-like visage was no match in terms of appeal. Qing Bao's martial soul, the Iron-Horned Ox, was a decent beast-type martial soul, excelling in strength and defense but lacking in speed. It could be considered a weaker version of the Vigorous Vajra Bear. "This big guy looks pretty strong. Third Brother, do you think Xiao Wu can handle him?" Ma Hongjun, sitting next to Tang San, asked in a low voice. Tang San smiled calmly. "No problem. Just watch. Xiao Wu's soul skills do have a weakness against power-type soul masters, but only if the opponent's soul power far surpasses hers. At the same level, there's no threat." Before he could finish speaking, Xiao Wu had already taken action. Both were power-type soul masters, but unlike Qing Bao, who focused on offense and defense, Xiao Wu's specialty was a combination of strength and speed. Unlike agility-type soul masters, Xiao Wu's speed relied on explosive bursts rather than sustained movement, all thanks to her powerful legwork. Bending her legs slightly, Xiao Wu lunged forward like a cannonball, her body soaring toward Qing Bao. With a light spring of her long legs, she aimed a kick at Qing Bao's neck. Qing Bao, initially dismissive of this petite girl, was caught off guard by Xiao Wu's sudden attack. After landing her first strike, Xiao Wu's soft techniques came into full play. Her right leg hooked accurately around Qing Bao's neck, and with a smile, she whispered, "Goodbye!" A yellow light flashed around Xiao Wu as she activated her first soul skill, Waist Bow, instantly increasing her waist strength by 119%. With one kick, Qing Bao's body was sent flying uncontrollably out of the arena. The waist has always been one of the body's primary sources of strength. With such a dramatic increase in power, even someone like Tian Lin wouldn't want to take that kick head-on. For Qing Bao, whose soul power was even lower than Xiao Wu's, it was simply impossible to withstand. "Xiao Wu wins!" the announcer declared. "This is the combat experience of a 100,000-year soul beast. Truly extraordinary," Tian Lin thought silently. Xiao Wu quickly returned to her team, receiving congratulations from the others. Several more battles followed: Tang San easily defeated Zhu Zhuqing, and both Ma Hongjun and Dai Mubai made quick work of their opponents. At this moment, Ning Rongrong quietly approached Tian Lin. "Sword Brother, the Shrek Seven Monsters' talents are no less impressive than ours. It seems like none of them belong to any sect yet. Shouldn't we consider recruiting them?" Compared to her portrayal in the original story, Ning Rongrong now shows much more maturity. As the young mistress of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, she often thought about the sect's interests. With the Shrek Seven Monsters' potential, they were all destined to become Titled Douluo. No sect would refuse such talents. Tian Lin smiled. "The reason I came here was precisely for a few of them." He then stepped forward and said, "Your talents and combat abilities are indeed outstanding. Today has been an eye-opener for me." "Compared to you, we're nothing," Ma Hongjun said, shaking his head. He was well aware of Tian Lin's accomplishments in the battle arena and dared not show any arrogance. "Your name is Ma Hongjun, right? You're too modest. I didn't expect your martial soul to be the legendary Fire Phoenix. However, your flames seem impure. A true Fire Phoenix should be able to produce the ultimate flames," Tian Lin said, feigning ignorance. His first target was Ma Hongjun. Among the Shrek Seven Monsters, Ma Hongjun's potential was second only to Tang San. If his martial soul fully evolved, he would be qualified to inherit the position of the God of Fire, a first-level god. Unfortunately, in the original story, his lack of diligence in cultivation meant he only inherited a second-level god position. In his earlier years, Ma Hongjun was often seen frequenting brothels, but this was due to the backlash from his Evil Fire. Letting the Evil Fire consume him would either burn him alive or turn him into an evil soul master. The only other option was to suppress his desires entirely, a choice few could make. Tian Lin empathized with Ma Hongjun. If he were in the same situation, he probably would've made similar choices. Later, when the Evil Fire issue was resolved, Ma Hongjun remained loyal to Bai Chenxiang, proving himself far more honorable than Tian Lin, who considered himself a bit of a playboy in comparison. "Yes. The dean says my martial soul is an incomplete mutation, turning into an Evil Fire Phoenix. If the Evil Fire problem isn't resolved, I'll eventually die from its backlash," Ma Hongjun said solemnly. Despite his powerful martial soul, he often wished it were weaker, sparing him from the looming threat of death. "Unless you find a Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower, I'm afraid..." Tian Lin trailed off, feigning regret. "What? You know about the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower?" Tang San was stunned. He hadn't expected anyone else in this world to know about such a rare immortal herb. "What's a Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower? Can this cure Hongjun's Evil Fire?" Flender asked excitedly. Ma Hongjun was his prized disciple, and he had spent years searching for a solution to his problem, even consulting his close friend Grandmaster, but to no avail. Tang San nodded. "If it's the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower, it might indeed resolve Fatty's Evil Fire problem. It's a fire-attribute immortal herb that greatly boosts soul power and purifies flames." "Really? That's fantastic! Dean, we've finally found hope," Ma Hongjun said, overjoyed. He had been tormented by the Evil Fire for too long and dreamed of finding a solution. Flender nodded. "Hongjun, don't worry. Even if it costs me everything I have, I'll find the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower for you." At this moment, Ning Rongrong interjected, "Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower... Sword Brother, isn't there one in the medicinal garden of our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan?" "What?" Everyone's eyes turned toward Ning Rongrong. After tirelessly searching, they discovered the solution was right in front of them. "Rongrong, we do have one, but there's only a single plant. I intended to reserve it for someone who makes a significant contribution to the clan," Tian Lin said, looking conflicted. "Young Master Tian Lin, Rongrong, if your clan indeed has a Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower, I, Flender, am willing to offer anything in exchange—soul bones, gold soul coins, whatever you want," Flender said earnestly. Although he was usually stingy, he was willing to spare no expense for his disciple's future. Tian Lin shook his head. "Dean Flender, this isn't about money. You can ask Tang San how many years it takes for a single Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower to mature."