Soul Ring Dispute, Meng Shu's Fury, Grandpa, Don't Ruin My Chances!

Zhao Wuji and the Shrek Seven Monsters gathered in the campsite, their exhausted eyes brimming with excitement.

"It's finally over! Xiao Ao, hurry up and absorb it!

"Let's get back to the city. My Evil Fire's almost impossible to suppress!"

Ma Hongjun slapped Oscar hard on the shoulder, unable to hide the smile on his face.

After Tang San explained the Phoenix-tail Crested Serpent's attributes, everyone was even more delighted.

Oscar hadn't expected that after several fruitless days, such a rare Soul Beast suited to him would practically deliver itself to their doorstep today!

He couldn't help wiggling his eyebrows at Dai Mubai.

"Boss Dai, looks like you were wrong. My sausages are pretty appealing after all!"

Zhao Wuji also let out a sigh of relief.

They had entered the Star Dou Forest, yet hadn't encountered a single Soul Beast over the past few days.

The bizarre situation had made his skin crawl.

The only possibility he could think of was that something even more terrifying had marked this area as its territory, frightening the low-level Soul Beasts away.

But this was only the outer region of the Star Dou Forest!

Suspicion, hesitation... all sorts of emotions mixed together. Even Zhao Wuji, a Soul Sage, had been tormented badly.

The unknown was the most terrifying thing of all.

Now, everything was fine.

He tossed a dagger to Oscar.

"Hurry, Xiao Ao. I'll stand guard for you. Absorb its Soul Ring."

Oscar was so excited that his hands trembled slightly. Just as the dagger touched the Phoenix-tail Crested Serpent's scales—

"Stop!"

An aged yet vigorous shout interrupted him.

Zhao Wuji immediately became alert and shielded the others behind him.

An old man was rapidly approaching with Chao Tianxiang and Meng Yiran.

Once Zhao Wuji saw who it was, he cursed inwardly.

Damn it. Dragon Duke Meng Shu! Why are they here?!

"Hahaha, Brother Zhao, it's been a while!"

Chao Tianxiang greeted him with a smile as she hurried over with her granddaughter.

"Sister Chao? What brings you here?"

Zhao Wuji had already guessed that they had come for the Phoenix-tail Crested Serpent as well, but he still feigned ignorance.

He could already sense from the other's Soul Power aura that Dragon Duke was far stronger than himself.

He might even have become a Soul Douluo!

He was alone at the moment, with eight burdens in tow. In an environment like the Star Dou Forest, it would be impossible to retreat unscathed from the Unrivaled Dragon Snake couple.

The Unrivaled Dragon Snake couple possessed a Martial Soul Fusion Skill that could even exchange a few moves with a Title Douluo.

At that moment, Zhao Wuji was already considering backing down.

They could always find another Soul Beast. If anything happened to the Shrek Seven Monsters, then even if Oscar absorbed the Phoenix-tail Crested Serpent's Soul Ring, it wouldn't be worth it.

However, Zhao Wuji's bear-like eyes circled Meng Yiran twice, and an idea suddenly occurred to him.

This little girl seems somewhat interested in Qian Ni.

If Qian Ni uses his looks to his advantage, maybe we can avoid a fight—and Xiao Ao's Soul Ring won't get away either.

As he weighed his options, Chao Tianxiang spoke with a cheerful smile.

"Brother Zhao, you may not know this, but my old man chased this Phoenix-tail Crested Serpent all the way here from much farther away."

Oscar immediately grew anxious upon hearing that and was about to argue, but Chao Tianxiang waved her hand.

"Don't be hasty, young man. You're the child who needs a third Soul Ring, aren't you?

"Truly impressive. The younger generation is to be feared!"

During their exchange two days ago, she had already learned the general details of the Shrek Seven Monsters.

After all, one didn't slap a smiling face.

At the time, there had been no conflict of interest between the two sides. Meng Yiran had even taken the initiative to strike up a conversation and introduce herself. Out of respect for the Unrivaled Dragon Snake, Zhao Wuji couldn't be discourteous either.

"However, everything has an order of arrival. This Phoenix-tail Crested Serpent is our prey.

"Yiran's Martial Soul is the Serpent Cane. Please give it up and fulfill this old woman's wish for her granddaughter."

Though she was asking for it, Chao Tianxiang hadn't gone too far.

"My old man has returned as well, so how about this?

"After Yiran absorbs the Soul Ring, our two sides can travel together. We'll help you find another thousand-year Soul Beast for your Soul Ring. How does that sound?

"Yiran is close to your age. You can get to know one another, and you'll have companions in the Star Dou Forest."

That attitude was already enough to show her sincerity.

Even Zhao Wuji couldn't think of a suitable reason to refuse at first.

But he knew perfectly well that if not for Qian Ni's face, they would never be acting this way.

In terms of strength, the Unrivaled Dragon Snake were united as one and could certainly defeat Zhao Wuji.

In terms of reason, the wounds covering the Phoenix-tail Crested Serpent's body already proved who it belonged to.

Powerful Soul Masters had always looked down on others. Why would they treat the weak so pleasantly?

Even Zhao Wuji himself had a notorious reputation outside. If he said he'd kill an entire family, he wouldn't spare even an earthworm.

Not to mention Meng Shu, a Soul Douluo with one more Soul Ring than Zhao Wuji.

"Xiao Ao, what's your opinion?"

Zhao Wuji asked quietly.

Oscar had no idea what to do either. The other side had an eightieth-level Soul Douluo and a sixtieth-level Soul Emperor.

He was only a Soul Master who had just reached level thirty. What standing did someone at his level have to speak?

But Oscar wasn't an idiot. Since Zhao Wuji had asked him, there had to be room to turn things around!

"Teacher Zhao, I'll listen to you!"

Zhao Wuji revealed an approving expression.

If a Soul Master didn't even dare fight for his own Soul Ring, then he was no different from trash!

The rest depended on him, the teacher!

He would let Oscar know that he, Zhao Wuji, hadn't eaten sausages for nothing these past few years!

"Brother Meng, Sister Chao, about this... how about we discuss it some more?"

Zhao Wuji took a step forward and spoke slowly.

Dragon Duke Meng Shu frowned upon hearing this. Just as he was about to lose his temper, Chao Tianxiang grabbed him.

He turned back in confusion, only to see Chao Tianxiang giving him a meaningful look.

Meng Shu followed her gaze and saw that his granddaughter no longer cared about the Phoenix-tail Crested Serpent at all.

Her eyes were fixed on a silver-haired youth sitting on a palanquin across from them, his eyes lowered as though he were meditating.

Meng Shu had to admit that the boy was indeed handsome, but his young-master demeanor, along with the two terrifying and ferocious beasts beside him, made Meng Shu dislike him somewhat.

How could Yiran's taste be so shallow?!

This brat is younger than Yiran, yet his teammates ran into trouble and he didn't even react. There's clearly something wrong with his character.

No, I need to warn Yiran to be careful! She can't let this brat deceive her!

A face can't put food on the table!

So far, Meng Shu had yet to see any merit in Qian Ni beyond his appearance.

As he pondered this, Zhao Wuji continued.

"Oscar is fourteen this year. His Martial Soul is sausage, and he possesses Innate Full Soul Power.

"Though this Phoenix-tail Crested Serpent has outstanding speed, its offensive ability is lacking. I imagine it isn't Miss Meng's best choice.

"If your side is willing to give up this Soul Ring, I'm also willing to help Miss Meng find a Soul Beast better suited to her.

"Oscar will remember this favor as well. What do you think?

"The little monsters at our academy are all quite gifted. Everyone can get closer."

As Zhao Wuji spoke, he waved his hand as though he intended to display the splendor of Shrek's students.

He discreetly glanced around, then frowned and suddenly called out.

"Qian Ni? Qian Ni! This brat is still cultivating? At a time like this, come over and greet our guests!"

He abruptly shifted the topic to Qian Ni.

This was his plan! The handsome-man gambit! Qian Ni only needed to offer a little visual temptation to secure a Soul Ring for Xiao Ao!

His shout startled Meng Yiran, who had been secretly watching intently. Her cheeks flushed as she lowered her head.

Seeing his granddaughter's reaction, then seeing Qian Ni remain completely unresponsive as though he were deaf, Meng Shu felt his head was about to explode from anger!

Ignoring his wife's attempts to stop and signal him, he unleashed his Soul Power. The Dragon Cane Martial Soul appeared in his hand, and eight Soul Rings emerged one after another.

Yellow, yellow, purple, purple, purple! Black, black, black.

The three colors intermingled. Though his fifth Soul Ring was only a thousand-year ring and appeared somewhat lacking, his Soul Douluo cultivation made up for it!

"I don't think that's necessary!

"Everything has an order of arrival. If the Immovable Bright King refuses to let go, then feel free to exchange a few moves with this old man!"

The Soul Douluo's aura fully erupted, and terrifying pressure descended upon the nine people from Shrek!

The Seven Monsters immediately felt the Soul Power in their bodies stagnate, and even breathing became difficult!

Neither side had expected Meng Shu's temper to be so explosive. There was no room for discussion—he was about to fight immediately.

Zhao Wuji hadn't even truly put his handsome-man gambit into action yet!

"Grandpa?"

Meng Yiran was immediately at a loss when she saw how things had turned out.

"Why don't we find another Soul Beast? I don't really like the Phoenix-tail Crested Serpent that much anyway..."

What did Soul Rings matter compared to love? Grandpa, don't ruin my chances!

"Yiran!" Meng Shu's beard bristled with rage.

"Your Martial Soul is the Serpent Cane. Snake-type Soul Beasts suit you best! Though the Phoenix-tail Crested Serpent lacks offensive power, it is extremely fast. It can only benefit you!

"The third Soul Ring is when you lay the foundation for your Martial Soul. Listen to Grandpa!"

Meng Yiran pursed her lips slightly and muttered.

"Grandpa said the same thing before."

She secretly glanced at Qian Ni again, then perfectly imitated Meng Shu's tone.

"The first Soul Ring is the most important. It's when you build your foundation! You can't be careless!

"The second Soul Ring is the most important. It's when you awaken your potential! You must choose carefully!"

Meng Yiran sighed softly and continued.

"Why not just say every Soul Ring is the most important? There are so many Soul Beasts. If we keep looking, we'll always find one that suits me better."

"Yiran!" Meng Shu's face instantly reddened as his blood rushed to his head.

The Shrek group couldn't help laughing.

Just then, a crisp cracking sound rang out.

Crack—

Meng Yiran looked across in panic, then froze.

A pair of azure-blue eyes opened and stared directly at the three of them through the crowd.

"You're so noisy!"

Qian Ni was genuinely a little angry.