After comforting Ma Hongjun, Ning Fengzhi turned his gaze to Oscar. Oscar was a prodigy among support-type Soul Masters, on par with Ning Rongrong in terms of talent.
"Oscar, I have never seen a food-type Soul Master as outstanding as you. I sincerely welcome you and the two great Dragon Serpent Douluo to join my Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan."
Oscar scratched his head awkwardly. "Sect Master Ning, you flatter me. Honestly, I know I'm not that remarkable. This place is already full of the strongest support-type Soul Masters. Adding me doesn't mean much. My amplification abilities can't compare to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda."
"Amplification? Who told you to focus on amplification?" Ning Fengzhi's smile froze, and he frowned. "Xiao Tian told me that none of your first three spirit abilities are related to amplification. Is that correct?"
"Yes, the first three aren't. But for the fourth one, the Grandmaster told me he plans to help me find a soul ring that can amplify all attributes. It would be very helpful for us Shrek Seven Monsters," Oscar replied.
"Good, oh, how good is Yu Xiaogang!" Ning Fengzhi suddenly grew furious after hearing this. "To use the Soul Master Tournament to make a name for himself, he truly spares no effort!"
Everyone was puzzled by his reaction. They had never seen Ning Fengzhi so angry.
"Fengzhi, what's wrong? Isn't all-attribute amplification a good thing?" Gu Rong asked.
"It's good, but it depends on the type of Soul Master it suits. Oscar is a food-type Soul Master. Do you all know where food-type Soul Masters shine the most?" Ning Fengzhi looked at the crowd and continued, "On the battlefield, in the army—not in small-scale battles like the Soul Arena."
"A high-level food-type Soul Master can support thousands or even tens of thousands of people with supplies. Oscar's first three soul rings were chosen perfectly—they allow for mass production, consume little soul power, are easy to preserve, and provide recovery, detoxification, and flight benefits. He's practically a mobile supply depot for an army, with enormous strategic value."
"But if he chooses the amplification path, the situation will be completely different. I've studied the amplification abilities of food-type Soul Masters and found many flaws. First, the amplification is very weak—less than one-fifth of what the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda can provide. Second, the soul power consumption is enormous, making mass production impossible. Third, the food cannot be preserved—it must be consumed within minutes of being made. Fourth, many of these foods have side effects."
Ning Fengzhi listed four disadvantages in a row. Tian Lin thought back and realized that this was indeed the case.
In the original story, the fourth and fifth soul rings Oscar obtained based on the Grandmaster's suggestions were practically useless. The fourth spirit ring, Excitation Sausages, had two main drawbacks: a mere 10% amplification effect and an extremely short shelf life—it had to be consumed within one minute, and the effect lasted only five minutes. With the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda around, who needed that 10% amplification?
As for the fifth spirit ability, Dark Green Sausage, it was even worse. It temporarily increased soul power by 30% for three minutes, but the side effects were severe: three days of weakness and damage to vitality, and it could only be used once a month. Again, with Ning Rongrong around, who could amplify over 80% at level 70, why would anyone rely on such a flawed ability?
In truth, food-type Soul Masters were the least suited for small-scale battles, such as the seven-on-seven fights in the Soul Arena. Their support abilities required too many steps: the Soul Master had to chant the incantation to create food, and then distribute it to teammates, who would then consume it for the effects. With so many steps, any smart opponent would seize the opportunity to attack.
Moreover, what if Oscar's sausages were stolen during a fight? That would be akin to aiding the enemy. In the original story, aside from Shrek Academy, no other seven-person teams included food-type support.
If not for Oscar's efforts and the sixth soul ring granting him the game-changing Mirror Sausage, allowing him to become a combat-oriented support Soul Master, he might have faded into obscurity.
His seventh, eighth, and ninth spirit rings were all divine-bestowed. Aside from his Martial Soul Avatar, their effects were all related to healing and recovery, with no amplification abilities. Even the Sea God shared Ning Fengzhi's perspective on Oscar's future.
Ning Fengzhi placed his hand on Oscar's shoulder and earnestly advised him, "Oscar, trust me. Now that you've joined my clan, I will never lead you astray. Although your sausages and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda are both support-type, your role is entirely different from Rongrong's. To our clan, you hold a uniquely important position. I will plan your future carefully. Don't fixate on the present. A victory in the Soul Master Tournament means very little in the grand scheme of your life."
"I…" Oscar hesitated. He could hear Ning Fengzhi's sincerity, but if he didn't follow the Grandmaster's advice, he would be completely useless in the Soul Master Tournament. If Shrek lost because of him, he would bear the guilt for the rest of his life.
Sensing his thoughts, Tian Lin reminded him, "Oscar, there's no need to overthink this. Even if you follow the Grandmaster's path, Shrek won't win the championship. Don't forget—standing in your way are two mountains: the Spirit Hall and the Emperor Team. And don't forget, I'm here too!"
As he spoke, Tian Lin unleashed his Martial Soul. Five soul rings—yellow, purple, purple, black, black—stunned everyone except Ning Fengzhi and the Title Douluo, who already knew.
"Boss… Boss, you're already a Soul King? Am I seeing this right?" Gu Ran asked in shock. Less than a month ago, when he and Tian Lin parted ways, Tian Lin had only been a Soul Ancestor one level higher than him.
"Level 55, Assault-Type Soul King," Tian Lin replied.
Not only had he reached the initial Soul King level of 51, but he was already at the mid-level. Gu Ran's shock was mixed with admiration. Truly, the boss played by his own rules—what Golden Generation of Spirit Hall? Tian Lin had likely surpassed them already.
"Brother Sword, you're amazing!" Ning Rongrong gazed at Tian Lin with admiration and adoration.
Tian Lin patted her head affectionately, then looked at Oscar. "So, Oscar, do you still think your little amplification ability will make a difference to me?"
What else could Oscar say? He smiled wryly. "Of course not. Not even the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda can boost them to match your level. You're truly a monster. But this is good. I won't have to sacrifice my future."
In other words, Oscar had agreed not to follow the Grandmaster's path.
Ning Fengzhi was relieved. "Oscar, don't underestimate yourself. Once you reach level 40, rest assured, I will help you find a soul ring that not only suits your future but also allows you to contribute to this tournament. No member of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan will ever be a burden!"
"Thank you, Uncle Ning!" Oscar felt a deep sense of gratitude. Compared to the Grandmaster, who would sacrifice his future, Ning Fengzhi had earned his trust completely.
Ning Fengzhi nodded and turned to Tian Lin. "Alright, Xiao Tian, take out the prepared item."
"Uncle Ning, I've had it with me all along," Tian Lin replied with a slight smile, pulling out a luxurious box from his treasure pouch.
Seeing the box, Ning Rongrong and Ma Hongjun could barely contain their excitement. They had returned specifically for what was inside.