Douluo's Spiritual Pearl and Divine Sword

As the Phoenix-Tailed Crest Serpent approached quickly and it finally appeared in front of Jun Tianlin and the others.

Jun Tianlin stepped forward and arranged the seven formation stones in his hand at special positions and he activated the formation embedded within the stones by injecting his soul power. The Phoenix-Tailed Cockscomb Snake, unaware of the formation's mystery, foolishly entered the trap.

Suddenly, a strange scene unfolded. The snake's movement turned bizarre. Although a clear path lay ahead, it suddenly veered off as if it had encountered a wall. At one point, it crashed headfirst into a large rock and leaving itself dazed.

"What... What's going on?" Oscar exclaimed in surprise

"Is this a formation?" Zhao Wuji pondered aloud. He recalled his colleague, Lu Qibin, a Control-type Soul Emperor whose Star Chess martial soul included a formation-based soul skill similar to this. But Jun Tianlin was clearly a strong attack-type soul master. How could he know such a technique?

Jun Tianlin chuckled. His experiment had worked. Though it was his first time trying it, the simplified version of the Tianxuan Maze formation had succeeded. Unfortunately, its limited range could only trap a few targets at once.

The Tianxuan Maze was a legendary formation crafted by Qingshi, one of the Seven Sages of Shushan. Once activated, anyone who stepped inside would fall into a deadly illusion with little hope of survival.

Jun Tianlin's version, weakened a hundredfold, was far from lethal. However, it could effectively trap enemies for a time.

"This is an illusion" Tang San analyzed "The Phoenix-Tailed Crest Serpent must be seeing something very different from what we see. Even with my Purple Demon Eye, I can't see through this maze. Brother Jun, your plan is clever — you're making the snake trap itself in your maze. Impressive!"

Jun Tianlin smiled "Not quite that simple. Though the maze could do the job, it would take too long. I have another trick."

He took out two yellow talismans and approached the trapped snake. The illusion prevented the snake from noticing him. Calmly, Jun Tianlin slapped the talismans onto its body "Forbidden Spell Talisman: Seal. Binding Talisman: Bind!"

The two talismans worked in tandem. The first sealed the snake's soul power, and the second immobilized its body. With its movements restricted and soul power blocked and the snake became an easy target.

"The art of talismans!" Tang San gasped 'Brother Jun's Sect possesses such an ancient skill? Incredible! In my past life, I heard legends about Taoist sects using talismans, but I've never seen it in action before.'

"Wow!" Ma Hongjun was awestruck "Boss, is this a Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan technique? That's amazing! You immobilized the snake with just two talismans. Boss, can you teach me?"

Jun Tianlin chuckled "Of course, but mastering talisman arts requires dedication. It demands as much effort as soul power cultivation."

Ma Hongjun scratched his head "In that case… never mind. I'll stick to soul power training. Maybe after I become a Titled Douluo, I'll have time for this."

Jun Tianlin shook his head andThough Ma Hongjun was talented but he still lacked discipline. He would need proper guidance to unlock his true potential.

"Alright, Oscar" Jun Tianlin called out "The Phoenix-Tailed Crest Serpent is yours. Finish it."

Oscar stepped forward and ready to deliver the final blow. Just then, a hoarse voice echoed through the forest "Stop!"

Two figures emerged from the woods — an elderly woman and a young girl.

The older woman and likely in her sixties or seventies, carried a three-meter-long snake-headed staff. Her white hair was neatly combed and her radiant appearance hinted at a high cultivation level. Her spirit rings — two yellow, three purple, and one black — circled her.

Beside her stood a beautiful young girl and about sixteen years old, dressed in a purple outfit that accentuated her graceful figure. She also carried a snake staff and though shorter, and had two yellow spirit rings.

Zhao Wuji's eyes narrowed "Chao Tianxiang" he muttered

The old woman was none other than Chao Tianxiang, known as the Snake Lady, a Spirit Emperor. Her companion the young girl, was her granddaughter, Meng Yiran. This duo was known across the continent.

Chao Tianxiang's face darkened when she saw the Phoenix-Tailed Crest Serpent immobilized. She quickly recognized Zhao Wuji and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's students.

'Hmph. Six spirit rings' Zhao Wuji sneered. His own martial soul activated, and seven rings — two yellow, two purple, and three black — appeared. The perfect spirit ring configuration.

Seeing this, Chao Tianxiang's heart sank. She hadn't expected to encounter a Spirit Saint here. Without her husband, Meng Shu, she couldn't hope to win. But she couldn't give up the snake either. The Peerless Dragon and Snake pair was a famous duo and she hoped that reputation might sway Zhao Wuji.

"Greetings, Spirit Saint" Chao Tianxiang said respectfully. "I am Chao Tianxiang. That Phoenix-Tailed Crest Serpent is very important to my granddaughter."

Zhao Wuji's eyes softened slightly. Though he wasn't intimidated by her title, he knew better than to completely dismiss her. After all, her husband, Meng Shu, was a powerful Spirit Douluo capable of fusing their martial souls.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Madam Chao" Zhao Wuji said "I am Zhao Wuji, also known as Motionless bright king."

Chao Tianxiang's expression shifted again. Motionless bright king or the name Immovable King, was well-known. Zhao Wuji had a reputation for his unyielding nature. She realized that convincing him to give up the snake might be difficult.

"Motionless bright king" Chao Tianxiang repeated with a forced smile "it's an honor, indeed. I had heard of your exploits, but meeting you in person is truly remarkable."

Despite her polite words anxiety gripped her heart. Zhao Wuji was known for his rebellious nature, having even dared to defy the Spirit Hall. Without her husband present and the odds of retrieving the snake seemed slim.

For now, she could only hope that her words carried enough weight to make Zhao Wuji reconsider.