Chapter 80 The Three-Way Conference
The Three-Way Conference
After retracting the Phantom Prison, the surrounding space returned to its previous state, and everyone came back to their senses.
"Amazing. It's only right that I lose to you."
Xiao Shengyun took a deep breath and said, "In the past, I've always relied on copying other people's abilities and attributes, and then using other clever tactics to defeat them."
"After listening to you, I realized that I was just a frog at the bottom of a well."
Zhou Mingrui put down his teacup and looked at Xiao Shengyun. "Your ability is really strong. I can even confirm that this is one of the strongest abilities I've ever seen. Unfortunately, you've only touched the surface of it and didn't even explore your true potential."
"It's like having a mountain of gold and silver, but only using it to buy food for survival."
Yan Wuyue, who was sitting next to him, had a look of realization on her face, and then fell into deep thought.
"Do you understand now?" Zhou Mingrui asked Xiao Shengyun.
"I generally understand what you mean now. All that's left is to put it into practice." Xiao Shengyun nodded.
"You can try it now." Zhou Mingrui gestured.
Xiao Shengyun was not an idiot. He knew the hidden meaning behind Zhou Mingrui's words. He began to put on a live performance.
After about 10 minutes of channeling, which nobody could confirm was fake or not, the same phantom energy gushed out, forming the same Phantom Prison that had enveloped the living room previously.
Many attempts later, a faint shadow finally appeared in front of Zhou Mingrui.
As he got more familiar with the manipulation of energy, the outline of shadow became increasingly clear, and finally, it turned into an exact replica of Xiao Shengyun.
"No, this is just a surface-level shadow, both of them could easily tell that it's fake." Zhou Mingrui shook his head.
Xiao Shengyun immediately closed his eyes, and a moment later, his aura was also released from the shadow.
"If I don't closely observe, I really won't be able to quickly tell if it's real or fake," Yan Wuyue said after looking at the shadow.
"Yes, you need to do some self-training to further improve some details. It's already pretty impressive to be able to do this much as a beginner," Zhou Mingrui complimented Xiao Shengyun.
"Thank you." Xiao Shengyun dispersed his shadow and thanked him.
"It's nothing, no need to thank me," Zhou Mingrui laughed. "I'm more curious about your summoned spirit. What kind of spirit lets you copy other people's attributes and abilities?"
"If it's okay, can you let us see your summoned spirit? After all, we're going to fight alongside one another soon, and I don't want to be completely clueless about your abilities."
Xiao Shengyun's expression changed slightly, and a strange glint flashed past his eyes for a split second.
"Of course."
As soon as he finished speaking, a black shadow left Xiao Shengyun's body and condensed into a group of people on the sofa next to him.
"My summoning spirit is called 'Shadow'. It can copy the attributes and skills of any life I touch," Xiao Shengyun introduced.
"If I recall correctly, your shadow should be able to store multiple copied skills, right?" Yan Wuyue asked.
"Yup, as my level increases, more and more skill storage grids will be opened," Xiao Shengyun continued to explain.
"If you don't replace the skill, will it continue to exist?" Zhou Mingrui pressed.
"That's right." Xiao Shengyun nodded.
"Your summoned spirit is so powerful?" Zhao Anqi exclaimed. "Doesn't that mean you're invincible?"
"I don't think so." Yan Wuyue shook her head. "If I'm not wrong," she continued, "although the skills you copy will always exist, they can only retain the attributes at the moment of duplication, right?"
Xiao Shengyun smiled bitterly and said, "You're right, that's the case."
Eyeing this scheming fellow, Zhou Mingrui said a little surly, "I'm only cooperating with you because of the upcoming competition. Otherwise, do you think I'd be so nice to deal with?"
As he spoke, Zhou Mingrui's aura began to grow stronger, gushing towards Xiao Shengyun.
"You can try slacking off during the team competition. You can even deliberately mess with us, but I can guarantee that if you really try that, I'll make sure to show you what true fear is."
Zhou Mingrui's eyes burned with phantom flames. Xiao Shengyun's summoned spirit, the black shadow, seemed to have sensed something and immediately retreated back into his body.
All Xiao Shengyun sensed from his summoned spirit was intense fear.
This was the first time that he had felt such strong emotions from his summoned spirit.
Yan Wuyue held down Zhou Mingrui's shoulder and interrupted, "Xiao Shengyun, I know you want to perform well and get into a good Research Institute. Whether it's for yourself or for others, you should think carefully before you act."
"You've been on your guard ever since you came in, and worst of all, you've been trying to play tricks on us."
"I can also confidently say that with our abilities, we can choose any of the four major Research Institutes. Even if we mess up the team competition, there won't be an issue."
"As for you, think about it yourself."
"Zhou Mingrui, send him off! He's not welcome here."
Zhou Mingrui was taken aback. He gave Yan Wuyue a puzzled look, as if to ask, "How could you make me send off a guest?"
Yan Wuyue raised her eyebrows and gestured with her chin, as if to say, "I can't be the one doing this, so you should do it."
Zhou Mingrui had no choice but to stand up. "Here, please."
Xiao Shengyun was silent for a few seconds, then drew in a deep breath and said, "I understand. I won't hold you guys back in the team competition. I was too selfish before. I'm sorry about that."
With that, he stood up and bowed to Zhou Mingrui and Yan Wuyue before walking out the door.
"He's been playing tricks from the start. This guy can really act." Glaring at Xiao Shengyun's departing figure, Zhou Mingrui scoffed and complained.
"Isn't this your first time meeting him?" Zhao Anqi was confused.
Zhou Mingrui told them about his encounter with Xiao Shengyun in the woods. The two were finally enlightened.
"So, he didn't tell us about his other ability, which is to alter his appearance?" Yan Wuyue frowned.
"Hmph, that's why I got angry and exposed this guy for putting on a show since he arrived. I couldn't stand him," Zhou Mingrui snorted.
"Wow, if he's really like that, his whole existence seems to be a performance. What an impressive talent!" Zhao Anqi exclaimed.
"Compared to this guy, my relatives are way too lame!"
"I can't believe that I used to think that my relatives were super disgusting for being fake. Now, I just find them so pure and kind in comparison to Xiao Shengyun."
Yan Wuyue laughed at Zhao Anqi's exaggerated yelling, "You're still young, so you've seen too little. When you step into society, you'll realize that there are many situations in this world that you can't imagine."
Zhao Anqi chuckled, "Zhou Mingrui, I suddenly feel like my conditions were a little too simple just now. Why don't we discuss it again? For example, we can add an additional week?"
"No!" Zhou Mingrui and Yan Wuyue rejected simultaneously.