After leaving the Pope's Palace, the match between Heaven Dou and Shrek was set for the afternoon. Both teams returned to prepare.
Tianlin noticed Ning Rongrong looked conflicted as they left, likely because she didn't want to face him.
Back at their residence, the Grandmaster gathered the Shrek Seven in his room.
"This afternoon, you'll face your strongest opponents. To be honest, Heaven Dou is even stronger than Spirit Hall, because of Sword Prince. In all my years, I've never seen such a genius."
"If not for Tang San and Bibi Dong—both twin martial soul holders—he would surely be an unshakable summit after the Twin Peaks era." (Twin Peak ear= Tang Chen and Qian Daoliu)
"So, should we just forfeit?"
Dai Mubai asked. He didn't mind—Heaven Dou had even beaten Star Luo, and he couldn't beat Dai Weisi, so he saw little hope.
The Grandmaster shook his head. "No, there's still a way: the Seven-in-One Fusion Skill. The key is Tang San and you, Rongrong."
Everyone looked at the two. Tang San's face was unreadable. The reason was simple: of the Shrek Seven, his Clear Sky Hammer was the most powerful, so it was natural to use it as the carrier for the fusion skill.
But Ning Rongrong looked troubled. Just recently, for victory, the Grandmaster had taught her the fusion theory she'd always wanted. With her unique talent, she could ensure the completion of the Seven-in-One Fusion.
But having just learned it, her first opponent was her beloved—how could she accept that?
"Rongrong, I know Sword Prince is your lover, but remember, now you're opponents. It's just a match—even if we beat him with the fusion skill, it won't affect him. If he blames you for it, I'd say he's not worthy of you," the Grandmaster advised.
He was right—if Tianlin blamed Ning Rongrong for fighting seriously, he'd be disappointed in himself.
"I understand, Grandmaster," Ning Rongrong said hesitantly.
Everyone could see she hadn't fully decided, but no one blamed her. Using the fusion skill against your beloved would trouble any girl.
She needed to resolve this herself.
...
Meanwhile, Tianlin found Ning Fengzhi and told him a few things.
Soon, it was afternoon. Under everyone's watch, the two teams who had fought through the tournament stood before the Pope's Palace.
"Brother Jun, I won't go easy on you today—be ready," Tang San said confidently.
Seeing his attitude, and recalling Ning Rongrong's conflicted look in the morning, Tianlin knew his guess was correct—they'd use the Seven-in-One Fusion Skill.
Tianlin smiled calmly. "I'll await your challenge. But you should be ready—I won't hold back."
The tension between the two grew.
"Sword Brother, be careful, later I—" Ning Rongrong tried to say.
But Tianlin interrupted, "Rongrong, you don't need to say anything. Remember, right now, we're opponents. Giving away information would be a betrayal to your teammates."
"All you need to do is give your all and help them beat me. That's worthy of the next sect leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."
Hearing this, even the Grandmaster, who disliked Tianlin, nodded. This Sword Prince might be rude to him, but at least in battle, he was honorable.
Sword Douluo looked at his disciple with pride. Yes, win or lose, a swordsman must fight honorably.
Tianlin's words were worth ten of others'. Encouraged, the confusion faded from Ning Rongrong's eyes, replaced by determination.
"Both sides ready? Begin!" the referee called.
The Heaven Dou team immediately entered a martial soul state, ready for battle.
Yu Tianheng did not compete, saving his secret for the Spirit Hall match.
Thus, Tianlin and Guran, both Soul Kings, stood at the front, the other five in a classic formation.
But Shrek surprised everyone—they didn't use their usual formation but formed a circle.
Inside the circle were only Ning Rongrong and Meng Yiran.
Zhu Zhuqing also sat out, as the fusion skill required the highest soul power possible, and Meng Yiran surpassed Zhu Zhuqing, close to the Soul Ancestor level.
The other five's soul power surged toward the center.
"What's this?" Even Bibi Dong was surprised. Even she didn't know what Shrek was doing.
Ning Fengzhi, however, watched while secretly transmitting messages—to Heaven Dou's teacher, Qin Ming.
Tang San, Dai Mubai, Xiao Wu, Ma Hongjun, and Oscar stepped in unison to a special rhythm, soul power forming a unique pattern.
In the center, Ning Rongrong and Meng Yiran held hands, eyes closed. Ning Rongrong was surrounded by nine-colored light, Meng Yiran by faint purple. The lights intertwined, spiraling into the sky.
"Change formation!"
Tang San shouted.
Shrek's formation changed to a straight line—Tang San at the front, Ning Rongrong and Meng Yiran at the end.
Meng Yiran sent her gathered energy to Ning Rongrong, who activated her special talent, Ring Fusion.
The energy was passed on, layer by layer, until it all gathered in Tang San.