Douluo: My power increases in Two levels

"Oscar, stab this into its brow—it'll become your third spirit ring! Hurry! That commotion earlier was anything but quiet! "

The Phoenix-Tailed Cockscomb Snake was barely clinging to life. Zhao Wuji quickly pulled out a dagger and handed it to Oscar.

Dai Mubai felt a twinge of embarrassment.

"Got it! "Oscar, thrilled, took the dagger and approached the snake, spirit power gathering at the blade's tip, ready to strike—

Snap!

Out of nowhere, a venomous serpent shot forth from the shadows, fangs bared, lunging at Oscar!

Zhao Wuji snorted coldly, and seven spirit rings—yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black—blazed to life. The oppressive aura of a Spirit Sage swept through the clearing as he swatted the snake aside with a single palm strike. His tiger-like eyes widened.

"Who's there!? Come out! "

Han Feng, already on alert, muttered to himself, So, they finally showed up? I thought we'd been quick enough…

A rasping laugh followed. From the forest emerged a stooped figure, entirely unfazed by Zhao Wuji's overwhelming pressure.

"Greetings, honored Spirit Sage," the figure croaked as six spirit rings lit up behind her, holding off Zhao Wuji's aura.

Seeing she was only a Spirit Emperor, Ma Hongjun scoffed under his breath.

"Tch, just a measly Spirit Emperor. What's she so smug about? Our teacher, Zhao, is a Spirit Sage! "

But to his shock, Zhao Wuji smiled amiably, flicked Ma Hongjun on the forehead to silence him, and greeted the newcomer with surprising respect:

"So it's Senior Granny Snake, Chao Tianxiang of the famed Dragon-and-Snake Duo. Zhao Wuji, the Unmovable King, pays his respects! "

The name left Oscar and Ma Hongjun dumbfounded. Oscar leaned toward Tang San, whispering,

"Dragon-and-Snake Duo? Why's Teacher Zhao acting so cautious? "

Tang San's usually warm gaze was now sharp.

"Granny Snake, Chao Tianxiang isn't the real threat. Her husband, Dragon Duke Meng Shu, is a renowned Contra. They're inseparable. If Granny Snake is here, Dragon Duke must be nearby. Even Teacher Zhao has to tread carefully."

"A Contra!? " Oscar and Ma Hongjun blanched. Until now, Zhao Wuji and Flender had been the strongest people they'd ever met.

Zhao Wuji, still smiling, addressed Granny Snake.

"And what brings you here in such force, Senior? "

Chao Tianxiang replied pleasantly, "I'm here to secure my granddaughter's third spirit ring."

She turned and called out, "Yiran, come forward! "

A graceful figure emerged from the underbrush, glaring coldly at Han Feng and the others—in Meng Yiran's eyes, these people were would-be thieves trying to steal her prey.

Yet Oscar and Ma Hongjun were too busy gawking to notice her hostility.

"You two, have some self-control! "Han Feng sighed, rolling his eyes and smacking both of them on the head.

Zhao Wuji probed Meng Yiran's spirit fluctuations. A genuine Level 30 Spirit Elder—his heart tightened slightly.

Granny Snake continued with a genial smile,

"I've been chasing this Phoenix-Tailed Cockscomb Snake for some time. It slipped away due to my carelessness. If you doubt me, check its underbelly—you'll find my serpent's fang mark there."

Zhao Wuji discreetly glanced at the serpent on the ground. Indeed, a fang mark marred its belly. His brow furrowed.

Dai Mubai, setting aside his earlier awkwardness, muttered gravely to Han Feng,

"This is getting troublesome…"

Han Feng remained silent; this wasn't his moment to speak.

"My apologies," Zhao Wuji finally said, "but I also have a disciple who's reached Level 30 and needs this ring. We were the ones to bring the beast down. Could you perhaps grant us some leeway, Senior? "

Inwardly, Zhao Wuji grumbled, If only I had Han Feng's silver tongue—a few words and she'd be gone… or we'd already be fighting.

Granny Snake only smiled knowingly.

"In that case, let my granddaughter and one of your students duel for it. A fair match will decide who claims the ring."

Her gaze fell on Dai Mubai, the most formidable among the group.

But Zhao Wuji chuckled slyly.

"I'm afraid that won't work. This lad's already a Level 37 Spirit Elder. That wouldn't be fair. And the disciple who needs the ring is a food-type auxiliary spirit master—hardly a match for your granddaughter."

He pushed Oscar forward.

"What!?"

Granny Snake's eyes swept over the youths, shock flickering across her face. A food-type auxiliary master at Spirit Elder level? And so young?

"Child," she asked softly, "have you pledged yourself to any sect? "

Zhao Wuji, bristling at her attempt to recruit Oscar, pulled him back with a cool laugh.

"There's no need to trouble yourself, Senior. My students cannot join any sect until they graduate."

Chao Tianxiang coughed lightly, realizing her misstep.

"Then what do you propose, Zhao Wuji? If we delay any longer, the beast will die, and no one will get the ring."

Zhao Wuji pondered briefly, then his gaze fell on Han Feng. A sly grin tugged at his lips.

"Why not this? Han Feng here is also a Level 30 Spirit Elder, yet to claim his third ring. A match between him and your granddaughter would be perfectly fair."

Granny Snake studied Han Feng, eyes narrowing. Another prodigy?

"Agreed! Yiran, you may fight him," she said.

Meng Yiran's eyes lit with anticipation. She'd been itching for a fight.

Behind Zhao Wuji, Dai Mubai and the others exchanged knowing, almost pitying glances.

"Fair match? "Han Feng's spirit power and techniques were anything but ordinary.

Oscar even allowed himself a relieved smile. A dragon versus a hatchling—how could we lose?

"Teacher Zhao, using child labor like this breaks every ethical code! "Han Feng protested under his breath.

"Quit whining! The snake won't last long. End this quickly, or go find your own spirit beast," Zhao Wuji snapped, booting Han Feng forward.

"Han Feng, you better win in ten moves, or I'll look down on you forever! "Even Xiao Wu, usually critical of him, unexpectedly cheered him on.

Ning Rongrong chimed in, "Han Feng, you've got this! "

Han Feng rolled his eyes, turning to Meng Yiran.

"Let's get this over with."

"Hmph! Beat you in five moves, and the ring is mine! " Meng Yiran shot back, eyes blazing.

Han Feng grinned lazily.

"Break my defense within ten, and I'll surrender right here."

"Arrogant! " Meng Yiran spat.