Xiao Wu suddenly felt a strange itch in her ears and a flutter in her heart. A blush crept up her delicate cheeks. She instinctively took a half step back and said, reluctantly, "I admit defeat. Let me go."
Tang San watched Xiao Tian and Xiao Wu acting so "close" and felt his heart twitch inexplicably.
Wang Sheng and the others were dumbfounded. Xiaotian's sword spirit was truly unusual—it could be soft or hard, long or short, thick or thin?
But what surprised them most was that Xiao Wu had actually lost!
That Tang San lost was understandable—his martial soul was weak, so he could only rely on physical skills against Xiaotian's sword. They said an inch longer is an inch stronger; no wonder Tang San couldn't match Xiaotian.
But Xiao Wu was a beast spirit! They didn't understand how Xiaotian seemed to barely use his full power against her. He hadn't employed the sword shadows or fierce sword intent as he did against Tang San.
It looked like Xiaotian had Xiao Wu under control.
Seeing Xiao Wu admit defeat, Xiaotian sheathed his martial spirit calmly.
Ignoring Xiao Wu's resentful stare, he picked a bed, placed his luggage, and set the iron sword carefully on the bedside table.
[Ding! The host shocked the masters again! Not only did he defeat God King Tang San, but also his wife Xiao Wu. Critical hit reward triggered: Ring-shaped Storage Soul Guide (thousand cubic space for living things), Space Shuttle Jade Pendant, and All Words Secret (Douluo Version)!]
[Space Shuttle Jade Pendant: A one-time item allowing instant transport to a previously visited location.]
[All Words Secret (Douluo Version): Upon use, instantly multiplies soul power, speed, mental power, and other attributes by ten times.]
Wow!
Though the system was a little crazy, the gifts were exactly what Xiaotian needed.
The Storage Soul Guide was immensely convenient.
The Space Shuttle Jade Pendant was a lifesaver. Despite the system's warnings that it might run away after Xiaotian's death, it sensibly gave him such a survival tool!
Yet, the third reward baffled Xiaotian.
"Damn it, system! You actually got the 'Jie' secret and made a Douluo version? That means this world can withstand all sorts of causes and effects, right?"
Xiaotian was thrilled, even if just briefly. The "Jie" secret was hard to trigger and would likely rely on chance, but it was a powerful trump card.
System: ???
Hmm? Did the host just call himself my father? That can't be right!
At that moment, an academy staff member approached the door. "Is Tang San here? The master asked me to bring his bedding."
Tang San glanced at the exquisite bedding, warmth spreading in his chest. Masking his feelings, he calmly said, "I am."
After the staff set the bedding on Tang San's bed, they said the master would visit him after dinner, then left.
Everyone's eyes fell on Tang San and the plush bedding—except Xiaotian.
He only glanced calmly at Tang San and Xiao Wu, then walked slowly toward the door. For convenience, he'd brought only clothes and credentials—no bedding or pillows.
"Xiaotian, are you ready to go out?" Xiao Wu asked, snapping him back.
Her attention had been on Tang San's bedding, lost in thought, but Xiaotian's departure brought her back.
"Going out to buy bedding. What else?" Xiaotian replied coolly. "You can't just sleep without it, can you?"
Wang Sheng and others enthusiastically offered, "Sister Xiaowu, if you don't have bedding, you can share ours!"
Xiao Wu eyed their thin, slightly dirty mattresses with disgust—not in the same league as Tang San's—and revealed her distaste.
Tang San noticed Xiao Wu's gaze and guessed something, causing his heart to race. Could it be...?
"Xiaotian, that's perfect. I need a mattress too. I'll go with you."
Surprisingly, Xiao Wu said this.
Xiaotian was slightly taken aback. He had little interest in this little loli right now. Besides, as a 100,000-year-old soul beast, she was probably targeted by Tang Hao outside the academy. Staying low was the best path for his development.
But Xiao Wu clearly wasn't following that plot at all—maybe she was just salty after losing to him.
Xiaotian shrugged lazily. "Okay."
Xiao Wu followed angrily. "What? Speak properly."
"Oh, and pay for my bedding later—I'll repay you once I finish work and earn money."
Her voice softened and cheeks reddened, clearly embarrassed.
She had eyed Tang San's bedding earlier. Her idea was to push the two beds together and make a "38th parallel" down the middle to share.
Then, reminded of Tang San's silly behavior, the thought passed.
But looking at Xiaotian, she felt better—at least he gave a reliable vibe. Tang San, though well-mannered, seemed to hide depths or darkness behind calm eyes, as Xiao Wu sensed.
She wasn't sure if it was real or imagined. Being new to human society, she didn't yet have to overthink things like she did in the Star Dou Great Forest. She decided to trust her instincts—for now, a new quilt was no big cost.
But Xiaotian's tone bugged her. It was so different from how he'd acted during their sparring match.
What Xiao Wu didn't know was that Xiaotian wanted to keep his distance for now. Too close a bond might bring Tang Hao's wrath upon him.
Even with the system's life-saving tools, Xiaotian wanted several peaceful years ahead.
Besides, "Women only slow down the speed at which you draw your sword." He was just six—better to focus on sword skills. He finally had a sword and a system; it was time to make the most of both.
P.S. This chapter highlights Xiaotian's growing power and survival tools, the playful yet tense relationships forming with Tang San and Xiao Wu, and his cautious resolve to stay focused on cultivation over distractions. It balances youthful banter with deeper hints of looming dangers and secret strengths.
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