"So, have you decided what you want to compete with me in?" Qi Ling said with a smile. "I'm happy to oblige, whatever it is!"
Seeing Qi Ling's smug expression, Meng Yiran could not help choking with frustration, yet there was nothing she could do.
Compete with him in strength? His Soul Power was higher than hers; there was even less chance of him losing to her in strength!
Compete with him in speed? She was a Tool Soul Master, and speed was another of her weaknesses. Wouldn't that just be asking for a beating?
Compete with him in wits? But ever since she was little, her grandfather seemed to have said that she acted without thinking, just like a rash young lad.
In the end, Meng Yiran discovered that there was actually nothing in which she could challenge Qi Ling. It seemed she was certain to lose no matter what they competed in.
Even Ning Rongrong, standing nearby, could not bear to watch any longer. "Miss, why don't you compete with Qi Ling in needlework? He definitely won't know how!"
Meng Yiran raised her head and said aggrievedly, "I... how could I possibly know how to do any of that!"
Qi Ling immediately breathed a sigh of relief. If Meng Yiran really had chosen needlework, he would indeed have had no choice but to admit defeat.
Seeing that her granddaughter could not beat Qi Ling at anything, Chao Tianxiang could not help secretly growing anxious. Her eyes shifted, and another scheme came to mind.
"Brother Zhao, this student of yours truly is a dragon among men, blessed with exceptional talent!" Chao Tianxiang said, her face wreathed in smiles. "It seems my granddaughter is no match for you after all. We'll just have to let you have this Soul Ring."
Seeing Chao Tianxiang concede, Zhao Wuji could not help feeling delighted. "You flatter us. I should be thanking you for your generosity, Senior, and for not holding anything against us juniors!"
"Then, since you've already conceded, Senior, this Phoenix-tail Crested Serpent, we'll..."
But Chao Tianxiang waved a hand, interrupting Zhao Wuji. "Ah, Brother Zhao, don't be in such a hurry. There are plenty of intricacies to this Phoenix-tail Crested Serpent. Naturally, your student ought to understand them before absorbing it!"
Chao Tianxiang immediately began introducing the Phoenix-tail Crested Serpent's characteristics, including what traits appeared at different ages, what abilities it possessed, and what Soul Skills its Soul Ring could grant.
It had to be said that Chao Tianxiang, known as Snake Granny, had indeed studied snakes thoroughly. Since this also concerned Oscar's Soul Ring, everyone was soon engrossed.
Only Qi Ling frowned, sensing something amiss. He quietly whispered to Tang San beside him, "Xiao San, this old hag is stalling! I'm afraid Dragon Duke is nearby and heading this way."
Tang San jolted at Qi Ling's words. Chao Tianxiang had no reason to be so kind; her true purpose could only be what his big brother had said.
"Big brother, what should we do, then? Should we warn Teacher Zhao?" Tang San asked cautiously.
"No need. Her attention is entirely on Teacher Zhao. If we speak up, we'll only rustle the grass and startle the snake!" Qi Ling said with a smile. "Xiao San, don't be surprised by anything I do next. Just act as the situation demands!"
Before Tang San could react, Qi Ling had already slipped forward, his target none other than Meng Yiran at the side!
Chao Tianxiang had firmly believed that Zhao Wuji was the only threat among them. After all, a slippery old hand like Zhao Wuji was capable of anything.
But she had never imagined that, when it came to wickedness, Qi Ling would yield to no one either. His belly was full of schemes, and he would have none of those scruples.
Thus, when Qi Ling seized Meng Yiran with lightning-fast footwork and returned to his side with her as a hostage, Chao Tianxiang was still staring blankly, unable to process what had happened.
"Teacher Zhao, she's stalling. Dragon Duke probably isn't far from us," Qi Ling said, pinning Meng Yiran's hands behind her back with one hand and placing the other on her neck. "If we don't leave now, it'll be too late!"
Zhao Wuji immediately understood upon hearing Qi Ling's words! He should have thought of this long ago himself, but because it concerned Oscar, he had let his guard down for a moment.
"Everyone, retreat immediately!" Zhao Wuji ordered at once. Then he grabbed the Phoenix-tail Crested Serpent and swiftly led everyone away.
Qi Ling brought up the rear with Meng Yiran as his hostage. "Please stay where you are, Senior! For Yiran's sake, you and Senior Dragon Duke had better not pursue us!"
"You've already seen my strength, so please don't count on getting lucky! After all, you've only witnessed my strength. You don't yet know what kind of person I am!"
Watching Qi Ling and the others escape from her sight, Chao Tianxiang fiercely stamped her Serpent Cane against the ground, yet she was also utterly astonished by Qi Ling.
With outstanding strength, a mind as meticulous as a strand of silk, courage and resourcefulness, and thunderbolt methods, ruthless and decisive in his actions, this youth was bound to achieve something that would shake heaven and earth!
They fled for a full hour before stopping in a secluded spot. Everyone rested, while Zhao Wuji stood guard beside Oscar, preparing to let him absorb the Soul Ring.
After being held hostage by Qi Ling the whole way, Meng Yiran finally had a chance to catch her breath. She immediately protested, "Let go! You despicable scoundrel, just where are you putting your hands!"
For convenience, Qi Ling had kept an arm around Meng Yiran's waist throughout their flight. At the same time, to keep her from escaping, some intimacy in his movements had been unavoidable.
Now that they were temporarily safe, Qi Ling immediately set Meng Yiran down. "Sorry about that. We had no choice but to resort to this, so you'll have to put up with it."
Meng Yiran said irritably, "Hmph! Now that you're safe, you should be able to let me leave, right?"
[Ding! The host has been detected facing a request from Meng Yiran. Please choose from the following options.] Option one: Release Meng Yiran. Reward: "Flower-Protecting Envoy" title. Chance of being caught by the Peerless Dragon Snake: 50%. Chance of a party wipe: 20%. Option two: Continue holding Meng Yiran until out of danger. Reward: Divine artifact: Immortal-Binding Rope (damaged state, repair progress 20%).
Well, now Qi Ling did not even need to think about it. If releasing her meant they might still be caught by the Peerless Dragon Snake, why would he go looking for that kind of excitement?
Besides, this Immortal-Binding Rope had greatly piqued Qi Ling's interest. Although it was listed as damaged, this was the first piece of divine-artifact-grade equipment he had obtained!
As far as Qi Ling currently knew, equipment in this world was divided into nine grades, with their strength corresponding to the nine ranks of Soul Masters! Above those nine grades was the divine artifact grade!
In other words, if this Immortal-Binding Rope were intact, it would be a divine artifact capable of exerting tremendous power even against a Titled Douluo!
By either sentiment or reason, Qi Ling had no reason not to choose it.
[Ding! Congratulations to the host for choosing option two: Continue holding Meng Yiran. Reward obtained: Divine artifact: Immortal-Binding Rope (damaged state).]
"Sorry, girl, but you can't leave yet," Qi Ling said. "At the very least, we can't let you go before we've safely left the forest."
"You-you're shameless!" Meng Yiran said. "Then what about my Soul Ring? I need to hunt for a Soul Ring of a suitable age too!"
"Mm, you don't need to worry too much about that. It's only a Thousand-Year Soul Ring. I'll take care of it for you!" Qi Ling said.
"You?" Meng Yiran looked Qi Ling up and down. "Even my grandfather only found this Phoenix-tail Crested Serpent after a great deal of effort. Can you really do it?"
"Hey, girl, don't you know a man can never say he can't?" Qi Ling said. "Don't worry. My eye is much better than your grandfather's."