Ning Fengzhi's expression was grave, but he shook his head. "No — it shouldn't be. In my memory, no one on the continent has ever completed a true Seven-in-One Martial Soul Fusion Technique."
"Still," he continued, "even if it isn't a genuine fusion technique, it's clearly a kind of combined skill. Even when not a true martial-soul fusion, the power of such a coordinated technique would far exceed the simple sum of the individuals' strengths. This Continental Advanced Spirit-Master Academy Tournament keeps opening my eyes — the youngsters today are truly stronger than in our day."
As the continent's foremost support spirit master, Ning Fengzhi knew martial souls intimately; he had even studied gem-type martial souls. The Nine-Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda was essentially an advanced form of a gem-type martial soul that had evolved into a support direction.
He still could not be certain why a formation so similar to a Seven-in-One fusion had appeared, but he suspected a likely explanation: those seven Blue Sunshine students' martial souls had developed an unusual degree of compatibility, and after obtaining their soul rings they had a specific set of skills that could be forced to link together into a team technique.
Even so, Ning Fengzhi did not yet panic. Given Li Chang'an's strength, if he truly chose to unleash his full power, this would probably be little more than a showpiece.
Fortunately, it did not appear to be a genuine Seven-in-One fusion — otherwise things would be truly dangerous.
Sharp-eyed observers noticed something else: all seven of Blue Sunshine's fighters followed a control-type development. Seven control-type spirit masters in a single team — this had never occurred before in the history of the Continental Advanced Spirit-Master Academy Elite Tournament.
The rainbow column's light spread instantly until it filled the arena. Gem spectral light burst forth; the display was dazzling but seemed to lack direct offensive force. Still, the audience was entranced — many ordinary spectators stared in a daze, overwhelmed by the spectacle.
Crimson Rose's seven members remained motionless — because Li Chang'an had ordered them to. However, they too changed slightly: except for Li Chang'an, the other six shut their eyes. Their formation shifted as well: like a mirror of their opponents, the six surrounded Li Chang'an in a circle, with him standing at the center.
As the prismatic light rolled outward, a faint smile appeared at the corner of Li Chang'an's mouth.
'So this is a kind of illusion, huh? Let's see how it stacks up against the ones my system produces.'
His eyes flared; rainbow light shimmered in his palm. He was preparing an illusion skill.
From the scintillating radiance came a voice:
"Fools of Crimson Rose — consider yourselves honored. You are the first to taste our Seven Asura Illusion. You will perish within your own pain. Farewell!"
The prismatic column swelled and immediately swallowed the circular arena. The dazzling light now dominated the scene; the seven members of Crimson Rose were completely enveloped — swallowed by the brilliance.
The crowd fell silent. Even the commentators in the VIP box were struck speechless. Who could have expected this before the match began? Battles on the other four stages came to a halt as well; the rainbow pillar was simply too spectacular. Teachers and senior observers watched with mouths agape.
Was this still an academy match? Even the spirit-ranking matches of the Spirit Hall rarely displayed anything so grand.
"Seven-in-One Martial Soul Fusion Technique" — that term crossed more than one mind. But unlike some observers, they lacked a Nine-Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda sect master at their elbow to explain the specifics.
The tide seemed to turn; the rainbow column became a symbol of Blue Sunshine's sudden rise. Although the outcome remained unknown, the enormous soul-power fluctuation had already changed how many perceived the contest.
Spectators reacted more plainly: such a magnificent display was the most resplendent since the preliminaries began. While many still rooted for Crimson Rose, audiences always admired strength — and many quietly whispered Blue Sunshine's name.
What is a Seven-in-One Martial Soul Fusion Technique? It's a tremendous skill formed by seven martial souls that reach perfect compatibility. Such power is legendary — one reason Ning Fengzhi insisted he'd never seen it.
If it were truly a seven-person fusion skill, what magnitude of amplification would that imply? Even Ning Fengzhi's full activation of the Nine-Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda might pale in comparison. It could become a killer even for many titled Douluo.
If such a divine technique truly existed, what would the point of the whole tournament be? No ordinary academy team — not even veteran spirit masters — would stand a realistic chance unless the opposing side fielded multiple titled Douluo. In short, it would be a godlike technique.
If that were the case, even Li Chang'an might have to pull back and rely on his system to parry.
Not only the nearby observers — Miao Ling, Liu Erlong, and Ning Rongrong who was not on stage — felt the urge to charge forward and rescue them. Even Flender and Zhao Wuji from Shrek Academy felt the impulse. Fortunately, Li Chang'an detected the situation in time and sent a transmitted command to them to remain patient; that calmed their rash instincts.
From the outside, nobody could see into the center of the arena: only the blinding rainbow pillar was visible.
Voices assailed Li Chang'an from within the brilliance:
"You're naive to think you can resist our Seven Asura Illusion by closing your eyes! We have waited so long for this day. Suffer the filth of your own heart!"
"The torment will break you — until madness. This is the price for your insult. Don't worry — we'll be merciful. We'll spare your lives."
Li Chang'an's palm now glowed with rainbow hues; his illusion skill had been charged long ago. He gave a light, almost pitying sigh and said calmly, "You should be the naive ones. Do you think such a shallow illusion can trap us? Compared with Shi Nian's seventh technique, Nightmare, your so-called Seven-in-One fusion is far inferior."
Indeed: though impressive and grand, their combined illusion was superficial when measured against the real thing that had once hunted him. Compared to his own system's illusions, their technique was even farther behind.
The rainbow light trembled violently; the illusions invading the Crimson Rose members' minds blurred. Li Chang'an's words had struck them a real blow.
"Where… where is Teacher Shi Nian?"
someone from Blue Sunshine — their captain — cried out in panic.
Li Chang'an's tone remained cool. "You're his students, aren't you? Looking for him? You won't meet him — not today. Don't worry. I'll spare your lives; you'll die without seeing him."
At his words, the rainbow hands of light surged…
"—This is Teacher Shi Nian's illusion… no — it's stronger than Teacher Shi Nian's. Who are you?"
Suddenly the dazzling light vanished. The seven members of Blue Sunshine collapsed to the ground, writhing and bleeding from all seven orifices — a terrifying sight.
On Crimson Rose's side, only Li Chang'an remained standing. The other six were seated cross-legged, drained — clearly expending effort, but their collapse was authentic: because Li Chang'an's status and connections meant they did not need to feign injury. Exhaustion alone sufficed.