Martial Soul Fusion Skill

"Qian Yun..." Hu Liena grabbed his arm, her gaze full of worry.

Qian Yun smiled. "It's no big deal to give it a try. Don't worry."

"Fine, then." Hu Liena gave Zhu Zhuqing another once-over, then pouted and folded her arms.

"Hello." Zhu Zhuqing walked up to Qian Yun. Facing his Golden Eyes, she suddenly felt inexplicably nervous.

Qian Yun nodded. Only now that she was standing close did he realize just how amazing Zhu Zhuqing's figure was. Every part of her was beautiful. Her long legs and slender waist weren't as striking as Xiao Wu's, but they suited her figure better. Her impressive curves didn't disrupt her overall harmony in the slightest; if anything, they made her even more alluring.

"Let's begin." Qian Yun activated Martial Soul Possession, and a Crown formed above his head. The instant it appeared, light flickered in Zhu Zhuqing's eyes. Then, as if against her will, both eyes changed color: her left turned deep green, and her right, clear blue. A cute, rounded black cat ear appeared on top of her head. Her gaze was no longer so calm; instead, it was filled with reverence. She reached out and threw herself into Qian Yun's arms.

Qian Yun was surprised. He hadn't expected Zhu Zhuqing to be so enthusiastic, and his heart stirred.

"Hey! That's too much." Hu Liena gritted her teeth in frustration. Zhu Zhuqing hadn't said that a Martial Soul Fusion Skill required the two of them to embrace.

Zhu Zhuqing didn't care in the slightest, because she could no longer hear anything around her. Her mind was utterly still, and the only thing in her eyes was Qian Yun's gleaming Crown.

A gale rose, scattering the leaves. The two locked in an embrace were swallowed by a burst of blinding light. Hu Liena's frown eased, and her eyes widened. At last, she understood that Zhu Zhuqing hadn't been making baseless claims—she really could connect with Qian Yun.

"Did it work?" Hu Liena's heart tightened. If Zhu Zhuqing really could perform a Martial Soul Fusion Skill with Qian Yun, their strength would undoubtedly skyrocket. So she could no longer worry about anything else; she sincerely hoped it would work.

The gale continued to howl. After a flash of light, the surroundings finally dimmed. No—that wasn't right. The sky hadn't darkened. The light itself had been devoured!

To Hu Liena's horror, everything around her seemed to slow down. The murmuring stream, the drifting leaves—even her own breathing felt heavy. And from where she stood, she couldn't see the sun at all.

The light vanished, and silence settled over the area. A beastlike foot touched down softly. Hu Liena looked up and saw a proud humanoid figure, wearing a golden Crown and Starry Armor.

It had no face or expression. Beneath its brilliant Crown, only a pair of ghostly, flame-filled eyes drifted in the darkness. Armor forged from stars covered its slender, well-built form. Short claws glinted at its fingertips, and with every movement, the world seemed to lose its color.

Hu Liena's eyes trembled, and she dropped to the ground. Looking up at it somehow made her feel a little better. She didn't know what the thing before her was. Before she could even think, her body had already begun to tremble uncontrollably.

There was no doubt about it: it was incredibly powerful, far beyond anything Hu Liena could handle at present. She reached a conclusion: the pressure from Qian Yun and Zhu Zhuqing's Martial Soul Fusion Skill felt even more intense than standing face-to-face with a Titled Douluo. This sensation went beyond the difference in Soul Power—it was the pressure an advanced life-form exerted on an ordinary one!

This was Qian Yun and Zhu Zhuqing's Martial Soul Fusion Skill—the Nether King.

"Qian Yun" seemed reborn as he examined his hands and feet, confusion rising in his heart. Why? Why was he the one in control of a Martial Soul Fusion Skill formed from a tool Martial Soul and a beast Martial Soul?

Feeling the power surging through his body, he had to admit that it was formidable. Qian Yun figured that even against an average Soul Emperor, he would be confident enough to take them on.

But...

Perhaps it was because of Zhu Zhuqing's side of the fusion. Qian Yun looked down at his now much more slender figure and fell into thought. This Martial Soul Fusion Skill was certainly powerful, but it felt strange—like he'd stuffed his soul into Zhu Zhuqing's body.

And this Spirit Skill... Zhuqing, were you serious?

In any case, Qian Yun didn't feel comfortable showing it off in front of Hu Liena. But since he was the one in control, he could end it.

He willed it, and light flooded back in. Qian Yun and Zhu Zhuqing appeared in each other's arms.

With the Nether King state dispelled, everything around them returned to normal.

Hu Liena breathed a sigh of relief. She hadn't dared take so much as a deep breath just moments ago. She stood up and looked at Zhu Zhuqing, who was still wrapped around Qian Yun's neck, lost in a daze. "Hey, aren't you going to let go?"

"Mm..." Zhu Zhuqing opened her bleary eyes. Qian Yun's lips were reflected in them, right before her.

"Ah!" Coming to her senses, Zhu Zhuqing sprang out of Qian Yun's arms as if she'd been shocked. Her fair face turned bright red. She tried her best to stay calm, but her flustered eyes gave her away.

Hu Liena took in her expression, growing even more jealous. But now that Qian Yun and Zhu Zhuqing's Martial Soul Fusion Skill had succeeded, her thoughts began to stir.

She stepped forward and took Zhu Zhuqing's hands, smiling. "Hehe, you're Zhuqing, right? I'm Hu Liena. You can call me Nana."

Hu Liena's sudden warmth left Zhu Zhuqing at a loss. She pulled her hands back and tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, then gave a polite nod. "Mm."

"Just now..."

Hu Liena didn't lose heart. "Hey, don't worry about that for now. You've followed us all this way, so you haven't eaten yet, right? Why don't you have something with us?"

"No, I..." Zhu Zhuqing had meant to refuse, but her stomach chose that moment to growl.

Hu Liena smiled sympathetically, took Zhuqing's hand, and led her to sit on a thin mat. She continued to welcome her warmly. "Oh, don't be polite. For Qian Yun's sake, you can think of us as friends, too."

Zhu Zhuqing glanced at Qian Yun and finally stopped resisting. She nodded softly.

"Great!" Hu Liena was delighted. As she turned, she didn't forget to call out to Qian Yun, who was lost in thought. "Qian Yun, don't just stand there. Come have something to eat, too."

"Oh." Qian Yun nodded, his gaze unconsciously settling on Zhu Zhuqing's back. Perhaps because of their Martial Soul Fusion Skill, he felt a sort of connection with her now, as if their hearts were linked.

It was the feeling that he could more or less understand what was on her mind. Like a spider's thread drifting down onto his face with the morning dew, it was there, but he couldn't quite grasp it. The feeling wasn't strong, but it was real.

The pot of fish soup had been ruined by the gale and was no longer edible. Hu Liena took some dry rations from her bracelet and smiled apologetically. "Sorry, Zhuqing. This is all I have, so I can't offer you much."

Zhu Zhuqing shook her head. Though she was reserved, she understood basic manners. She accepted the food with both hands. "It's fine. This is plenty. I'm not that fussy."

Zhu Zhuqing's easygoing manner made Hu Liena think much more highly of her. Her jealousy vanished, and she picked up a piece of food to take a bite.

One shouldn't speak while eating or rest. Zhu Zhuqing's aristocratic upbringing showed in her excellent table manners. Even though she was hungry, she chewed slowly, taking small bites.

As Hu Liena ate, she considered what to say. "By the way, Zhuqing, you said your Martial Soul was the Hell Spirit Cat. Does that mean you're...?"

Zhu Zhuqing knew what she meant and nodded frankly. "Yes, I am a member of the Star Luo Empire's imperial family."

There was no pride in her pretty face as she mentioned her family. Instead, it was clouded with sorrow.

"Then why are you staying in a small place like Shrek Academy, so far from home?" Hu Liena asked, puzzled.

Zhu Zhuqing didn't answer. She took a bite of her food, then shook her head.

Hu Liena spoke gently. "That's all right, Zhuqing. You don't have to say anything if you don't want to."

Zhuqing paused, then gave a rare smile. "Thank you."

Zhuqing's smile was like a snow lotus blooming on an icy mountain—beautiful and moving. Qian Yun and Hu Liena were both stunned.

"Wow, Zhuqing, you're so beautiful when you smile! Don't you think so, Qian Yun?" Hu Liena praised her sincerely.

Qian Yun gave a slight nod.

Zhu Zhuqing glanced at Qian Yun, her eyes glistening. Like Qian Yun, she had felt a similar connection with him after their Martial Soul Fusion Skill.

After handing Zhu Zhuqing another piece of food, Hu Liena said, "Zhuqing, to be honest, Qian Yun and I are both from Pope Hall, and the Pope is our teacher. If you're having trouble, we might be able to help."

Surprise showed in Zhu Zhuqing's eyes. She hadn't expected the people she'd rashly approached to have such distinguished backgrounds. If Pope Hall helped her, perhaps she really could...

No, that wasn't right. Even if I gave up everything, they still wouldn't let me go!

"Thank you, but I have my own difficulties."

Hu Liena was at a loss for words.

The hope in Zhu Zhuqing's heart vanished as quickly as it had appeared. She turned her gaze to Qian Yun again. The Zhu Family and the Dai Family of the Star Luo Empire had intermarried for generations, and the Hell White Tiger was unique to their clans. As for performing a Martial Soul Fusion Skill with an outsider?

Frankly, no one had ever succeeded at it, not from ancient times to the present. Before this, she'd believed the same thing. If she wanted to defeat her older sister and win a chance to survive, she could only seek out Dai Mubai and hope the two of them could join forces.

But after crossing countless obstacles and enduring every hardship to finally find Dai Mubai, all she got in return was his own surrender to depravity. At that moment, the last of her hopes died.

And just as she was lamenting how unfair fate was, Qian Yun had appeared before her. For that slim chance—for the possibility of staying alive—she had hurriedly and presumptuously followed him, asking him to try a Martial Soul Fusion Skill with her.

Yes, she'd won her gamble. But what came after? She hadn't thought about it.

Seeing her downcast expression, Hu Liena felt for her and realized this was her chance. "Zhuqing, we've heard a little about your family's situation, too. I'll be direct: I'd like to invite you to join Spirit Hall. We can guarantee your safety and provide you with all the cultivation resources you need."

Zhu Zhuqing pressed her lips together and shook her head, unmoved. Hu Liena's face fell. "Why? Zhuqing, do you doubt my promise?"

Zhu Zhuqing shook her head. "No, Nana. I appreciate the offer."

She looked at Qian Yun, a hint of expectation in her voice. "Qian Yun, will you take part in the Elite Advanced Soul Master Academy Competition?"

Prompted by Hu Liena, Qian Yun nodded. "Yes. I'll probably compete as a substitute for Martial Soul Academy."

Zhu Zhuqing finally lost her composure. She clenched her fists and asked in a trembling voice, "Then can I ask you to help me when the time comes? I... I really want to live."

Qian Yun met her gaze. "Of course."

"Really? That's wonderful." Zhu Zhuqing quickly turned her head and wiped the moisture from the corner of her eye. The gloom that had long shrouded her heart finally lifted. She'd faced the malice of the world alone since childhood and endured more than most people could imagine. Now, at last, she had something to show for it.

Hu Liena felt for her. Her own heart had once been shrouded in gloom, and she knew all too well how painful that helplessness could be. Fortunately, she'd persevered. If she could do it, then Zhu Zhuqing could, too.

Zhu Zhuqing soon stood up, tears still clinging to the corners of her eyes. Her gaze lingered on Qian Yun's face, and her expression had finally lost some of its wariness.

"Maybe these words sound empty, but I sincerely thank you both for being willing to help me."

Zhu Zhuqing was ready to leave, so Qian Yun and Hu Liena stood as well, preparing to say goodbye.

Hu Liena resisted the urge to keep her there and waved. "Don't say that, Zhuqing. I can tell you're a strong girl. I may not be able to fully understand your pain, but I sincerely hope you'll succeed."

Qian Yun's words were brief but powerful. "I'll wait for you at the competition in two years."

Zhu Zhuqing nodded softly and said nothing more. When she'd arrived, she'd been alone, facing fate on her own. But now, she no longer felt quite so helpless.

Some time later, with Zhu Zhuqing gone, the matter of Shrek Academy finally came to an end.

Hu Liena gave the direction of Shrek Academy one last longing look and sighed. "I really didn't expect a rundown, obscure academy to have so many beautiful girls. It almost makes me want to join them."

Then she suddenly remembered something and changed her tune, her voice tinged with disdain. "Those boys, though—each one's worse than the last. Especially that Tang San. We beat him just once, and he looked ready to eat us alive. Such a sore loser. Hmph!"

Hu Liena turned to Qian Yun. "Ah, Zhuqing was the best. She has such a great figure."

Qian Yun shook his head with a laugh. "She's already gone. Why are you still thinking about her?"

"Thinking about her? I'm way beyond that. If you hadn't stopped me, I'd have tied her up and taken her away!" Hu Liena flashed over to Qian Yun and grabbed his shoulders. "Qian Yun, please wake up! That was a Martial Soul Fusion Skill—a Martial Soul Fusion Skill, I tell you!"