Xiaotian smiled, understanding Dormitory 7's unwritten rule well enough. Work-study students were often bullied by aristocratic students all year round, and the dorm leader was always the strongest, the one who set the tone.
Casually setting his iron sword and bag aside, Xiaotian said calmly, "No problem. How do we compete? Do we activate our martial spirits?"
Wang Sheng was a bit taken aback. Was this new student a little too reckless? He frowned and replied, "No need to activate your martial spirit. You've just awakened. Let's settle this with boxing and kicks."
Xiaotian nodded. "Alright, let's start."
Two and a half minutes later, Wang Sheng was pinned to the ground under Xiaotian's grip.
"How's my boxing? Not bad, right?"
Thanks to years of sword training, Xiaotian's physical fitness was excellent. It was easy to handle Wang Sheng—a soul master without a soul ring—even without using soul power. His control was effortless.
"I give up!" Wang Sheng said, panting and unwilling to continue.
The others stared at Xiaotian in surprise, some asking, "Xiaotian, is your martial spirit a beast? How else could your physical strength be so strong?"
Xiaotian shook his head. "No, my martial soul is a sword, with innate level five soul power. I've trained since childhood, so my fitness isn't like ordinary people's."
He helped Wang Sheng up, dusting him off and smiling apologetically, "Sorry, I was a bit heavy-handed. It's my first time fighting someone—I haven't learned to control my strength yet."
Wang Sheng smiled bitterly. "It's fine. From now on, you're the boss of Dormitory 7. That's the rule!"
He was convinced of Xiaotian's strength.
Xiaotian laughed in agreement but was suddenly interrupted by the system's voice in his mind.
[Ding! Warning! The God of Killing, Lord of Douluo Star Plane, Tang Hao, has been detected within a one-kilometer radius. Flee immediately—the strength gap is too great; your life is in danger!]
[Ding! Warning! God King Tang San is approaching. Avoid causing his wrath, or you will die!]
[Ding! Warning! Shura Sword Sheath Xiao Wu spotted coming this way. Do not act recklessly or hurt Xiao Wu, or you will face the wrath of the Tang God King!]
[Alas, poor host, you've just awakened your martial soul and already run into so many big shots. Your life seems over. This system should prepare to flee!]
Xiaotian was baffled. Why was the system acting crazy again after three months? When did Tang Hao become Lord of the Douluo Plane? Tang San and Xiao Wu were still children—how had they risen to godlike status?
As Xiaotian pondered, a slim boy with dark hair in plain clothes entered through the door.
"Hello, I'm Tang San, a work-study student starting today," he said politely to everyone in Dormitory 7.
It was their first meeting, so Tang San wanted to make a good impression. His mood was high; he'd just gained a new theoretical master as his teacher.
Wang Sheng stepped forward. "Your name's Tang San, right? Dormitory 7 has a rule: if you want in, you must fight the dorm leader."
Tang San showed mild surprise. "That's unusual. So, who's the dorm leader? Come on."
To Tang San, these kids were just little brats. With six years cultivating the Tang Sect's unique skills, he was confident—none of them could beat him.
This confidence was born from Tang Sect pride.
Xiaotian glanced at Tang San with a smile. "I'm Xiaotian, the new dorm leader. We're both freshmen. How about this—I'll use my martial spirit?"
Tang San raised an eyebrow. "You're confident? I have full innate soul power."
Wang Sheng gasped. "What! Full innate soul power? What's your martial soul?"
Among work-study students, none had full innate power. The highest before was Xiaotian's level five. Now there was someone with level ten—must be an extraordinary martial soul!
Wang Sheng felt their group was rising!
Tang San answered calmly, "Blue Silver Grass."
The dorm fell silent.
Then laughter erupted.
"Hahaha! You've got to be kidding. Everyone knows Blue Silver Grass can't have innate soul power beyond level one!"
Tang San seemed prepared for this reaction. Unfazed, he said calmly, "No martial soul is useless, only useless spirit masters. Even if mine is just Blue Silver Grass, so what? With effort, I can still grow strong."
This was advice from his new teacher.
Xiaotian struggled to hide his smile, thinking how many had been hurt by Yu Xiaogang's words. After ten thousand years, only a few had proved it true—Ji Juechen, for one; Tang Ya barely counted.
"Xiaotian, martial soul: sword, innate level five. Show me some moves!" Wang Sheng called.
Without hesitation, Xiaotian summoned Sword Fifteen in his right hand.
"Fifteen, show them what you've got!"
Sword Fifteen trembled intelligently, alive with spirit.
Tang San noticed Xiaotian's martial spirit was unusual, more spiritual than his Clear Sky Hammer. Curious, he made a note to ask his master later.
Tang San revealed his martial soul, Blue Silver Grass, which faded quickly—no soul rings meant little use, and his real strength lay in his Tang Sect's unique techniques.
Ghostly!
Tang San unleashed a Tang Sect skill, advancing toward Xiaotian with an odd, unnerving pace.
Though ready, Xiaotian's pupils narrowed. Luckily, the dormitory's walls blocked Tang San's route.
Xiaotian's mind raced.
"Fifteen!"
"Swordsmanship!"
Suddenly, Xiaotian drew forth powerful sword intent. Sword Fifteen created multiple sword shadows in the air, striking straight at Tang San!
Tang San was shocked. Such mastery of sword intent was rare and awe-inspiring.
He didn't dare get close. Instead, he activated his Black Jade Hand—his hands turning dark jade as he prepared to block the sword shadows with his bare hands, aiming to "catch the sword"!
But Xiaotian wouldn't miss this chance. Taking a step forward, before Tang San could react, Sword Fifteen flashed coldly across his neck, poised to strike!
P.S. This chapter reveals Xiaotian's rising power and skill as he firmly establishes himself as Dormitory 7's leader. His smart use of sword intent and his unusual, spirited Sword Fifteen catch the attention of peers like Tang San, while the system's bizarre alerts and escalating dangers add tension. Meanwhile, Tang San's confidence and unique Blue Silver Grass spirit set the stage for an intense rivalry.
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