A week of competition has passed, and the Soul Master Tournament has completed six rounds. In these six days, four teams have achieved a perfect record: Shrek Academy, Qilin Team, Thunder Academy, and Godwind Academy.
This situation did not surprise anyone, as it was entirely within everyone's expectations; the final five qualifying spots would inevitably be decided among these teams.
On this day, an unexpected situation occurred: the opponents of both Shrek Team and Qilin Team chose to forfeit, giving both teams a rare break.
"Let's go, Xiao San. I heard you've been practicing that Heart Separation Control technique lately and have gained quite a bit of insight. You can teach me when we get back!" As they left the Great Soul Arena, Qi Ling put her arm around Tang San's shoulder and said to him.
Tang San said with considerable surprise, "Huh? Is there really something in this world that you don't know, Big Brother? That's quite unexpected. Besides, I always thought you already knew this method of Heart Separation Control."
"Hey, I'm not a god, I can't know everything. You're giving me too much credit," Qi Ling laughed.
The reason Qi Ling chose to return with Tang San at this time was naturally because he knew that Shi Nian of the Canghui Academy was going to make a move against Tang San today.
Qi Ling was so certain not only because of the plot, but more importantly because he sensed a bad atmosphere emanating from Tang San, indicating that he was destined for a difficult day.
Even if his abilities were to restrain Shi Nian, Shi Nian was still a Soul Saint, possessing a Soul Bone and other unknown abilities. Qi Ling was truly worried about leaving Tang San to face him alone.
Just after the two left, a pair of gloomy eyes watched them, and he muttered to himself, "Hehehe, I didn't expect these two to walk together. This saves me a lot of trouble! Heaven is truly helping me!"
This person was naturally Shi Nian, a teacher at the Canghui Academy. After Qi Ling and Tang San left, he also quietly left the competition venue.
Qi Ling and Tang San walked through the city, chatting casually as they headed towards the Shrek Academy. While talking with Tang San, Qi Ling also kept a close eye on their surroundings.
Soon, Qi Ling noticed something strange. Although it wasn't close from the Great Soul Arena to the Shrek Academy, they should have arrived long ago given how long they had been traveling. However, they still hadn't seen a trace of Shrek.
Moreover, the vast street was deserted, with not a single pedestrian in sight. Despite the bright sunshine of midday, it felt eerily Lingling.
After confirming that Shi Nian had already made his move, Qi Ling stopped and said to Xiao San, " Xiao San, be careful to protect yourself from now on!"
Before Tang San could even ask questions, Qi Ling stepped forward and shouted, " Shi Nian! I see you! Stop hiding and get out here right now!"
Tang San was startled, but sure enough, Shi Nian's voice came from behind a tree. "Hehehe, what a keen sense! How did you know I was here? My illusion should be flawless!"
"Huh? No, I didn't see you there at all! Didn't you just pop out of nowhere?" Qi Ling laughed. "And you said your illusion was flawless? Bah! How can anyone be so shameless? I saw through your illusion a long time ago!"
Shi Nian bulged on his forehead as he said viciously, "You little brat, even on your deathbed you're still so sharp-tongued. Looks like I'll have to let you enjoy yourself in my illusion for a while!"
As a Soul Saint of level 72, and with such a special Martial Soul, even though Qi Ling and Tang San were already known as the two peerless prodigies, he still didn't take them seriously.
The reason is simple: his Soul Power of level 72 allows him to easily defeat the two even in the most primitive way of fighting.
Of course, this was just wishful thinking on his part. In Qi Ling's eyes at this moment, Shi Nian was really miserable because he couldn't figure out how Shi Nian could win.
Putting aside the fact that his Martial Soul was completely countered, if he really gave up his Martial Soul and engaged in hand-to-hand combat with the two of them, it would truly be a victory handed to Qi Ling. Qi Ling felt that he could win even with just one hand.
As for other methods such as Soul Power pressure or Soul Tool, he was completely suppressed by Qi Ling. Therefore, from the moment he harbored murderous intent towards the two of them, he was already doomed.
Still lost in his own invincible dream, Shi Nian immediately began to activate his Martial Soul, intending to trap the two in an illusion, thereby causing them to break down both physically and mentally.
Soon, Tang San was trapped in the illusion of the Shi Nian, and the cruel content of the illusion caused Tang San great pain.
Seeing Tang San's pained expression, Shi Nian couldn't help but burst into laughter. "Hahaha, kid, let me tell you, what I love most is seeing others suffer in the illusions I create!"
"You two are both rare geniuses, and I'll soon see you die in despair and agony within my illusion. It excites me to the point of trembling! Hahaha..."
But at this moment, Shi Nian's smile suddenly disappeared, because although Tang San was in great pain, Qi Ling was still standing there perfectly fine, with no pain on her face, but rather a faint smile.
Shi Nian saw Qi Ling's appearance, he was immediately shocked. No one can remain calm in their own illusion. Had he not fallen for it?
This is impossible! Qi Ling is clearly in an illusion right now, otherwise she shouldn't be like this! Shi Nian couldn't help but wonder, what exactly is Qi Ling's illusion like?
Filled with deep curiosity, Shi Nian maintaining his Seventh Soul Ring, a black Soul Ring lit up on his body. Immediately afterwards, his entire consciousness entered Qi Ling's illusion.
Having entered Qi Ling's illusion, Shi Nian was immediately startled. This was an endless wasteland, with nothing in the entire world but barren red earth.
"What's going on? I don't remember my illusions creating something like this!" Shi Nian was astonished, because this illusion was completely unlike anything he had ever seen before.
"Hey! Teacher Shi Nian, you're so slow! I've been waiting for you here for ages!" Just as Shi Nian was surprised, Qi Ling's voice suddenly came from behind him.
Shi Nian quickly snapped back to reality, but a bad premonition was already in his heart! Qi Ling suddenly appeared behind him, but he hadn't noticed at all. This was clearly something only the master of the illusion could do!
"That's right, dear Teacher Shi Nian, welcome to the illusion. However, this is not your illusion, but mine!" Qi Ling said with a smile, as if she could see through Shi Nian's thoughts.