What Xiaotian didn't realize was that his recent thoughts had strengthened his resolve to follow the path of sword cultivation. His sword intent was gradually deepening, a benefit brought by his improved comprehension.
Struck slightly by Xiao Wu's words, Xiaotian responded calmly, "Alright, let's head to the city — a perfect chance to visit Nottingham."
Xiao Wu hummed softly and followed closely behind, ignoring Tang San trailing behind them.
Tang San's mouth twitched slightly as he glanced at Xiaotian's back with a hint of depth in his eyes, while making his bed.
He found Xiaotian's behavior puzzling. Tang San felt like Xiaotian had seen through his cards, and he wondered if Xiaotian was truly a genius.
Xiaotian's ability to use soul skills before obtaining a soul ring surprised Tang San. The sword-control skill he displayed early on had amazed him, and later in the fight with Xiao Wu, the footwork Xiaotian exhibited was unmistakably lightness skill.
Qinggong?
Tang San's heart skipped, and he recalled the powerful sword intent Xiaotian radiated. Inwardly, he wondered—could Xiaotian be like himself, a traveler from another dimension?
More so, it seemed likely Xiaotian had been a disciple of a sword sect in his previous life, explaining why he had mastered sword intent at the mere age of six.
Tang San himself had been an outer sect assassin for the Tang Sect in his prior life, occasionally encountering sword cultivators—most lacked sword intent, and those who possessed it were renowned legends.
But today was only their first meeting, so no snap judgments.
There were several points Tang San needed to verify:
Was Xiaotian reincarnated into this world like him, with memories of his past life? (Though Tang San believed he was reincarnated, in truth, he was possessed by another soul.)
If so, did Xiaotian come from the same previous world as him?
Could Xiaotian become an ally? If not, according to Tang Sect rules, any threat must be eliminated swiftly!
Meanwhile, Xiaotian spoke calmly to Xiao Wu, testing her attitude: "Xiao Wu, you already have full innate soul power. When you get your first soul ring in a few days, why not go to the Wuhun branch hall in Notting City? You can receive the soul master subsidy—a gold soul coin that will last us a long time."
Xiaotian remained grateful to the Spirit Hall. Not only did they help commoners awaken their powers for free, but they also provided generous monthly allowances.
Thinking of Bibi Dong's obsession with Yu Xiaogang, Xiaotian was speechless—it seemed almost insane, but ultimately none of his business.
Xiao Wu, originally in high spirits, suddenly stopped smiling and her expression turned cold.
"It's impossible for me to go to the Spirit Hall and accept subsidies. The Spirit Hall is no good. Why do you have such a high opinion of it, Xiaotian?"
Xiaotian felt the chill from Xiao Wu's words but remained unfazed.
"Because the Spirit Hall helped me—a commoner with no background—awaken my spirit for free and gave me subsidies. That alone merits gratitude. People should be grateful; otherwise, wouldn't I be ungrateful? It doesn't affect my swordsmanship at all.
I don't know why you dislike the Spirit Hall, but it's not my concern—we've only known each other less than a day."
Xiao Wu was taken aback. She didn't expect Xiaotian's words. Indeed, the Spirit Hall truly helped commoners like him and deserved gratitude. She shouldn't let her emotions cloud her judgment.
She wanted to say more but thought better of it. After all, they'd barely met.
But Xiaotian's words reminded her of when she was a child hiding in the bushes, watching her mother receive spirit rings and spirit bones from Bibi Dong. Tears welled in her eyes uncontrollably.
"Hey, hey, are you okay, Xiao Wu? I was just speaking casually—no need to cry."
Xiaotian was surprised by her tears.
Wiping them away proudly, Xiao Wu said, "Who said I was crying? And once I buy bedding, I'll practice hard. When I get my first spirit ring, I'll come spar with you. You better call me Sister Xiao Wu then!"
Xiao Wu's fighting spirit, ignited by Xiaotian's probing words, surprised him.
He recalled Xiao Wu had once vowed to focus on cultivation and seek revenge on Bibi Dong, but at both Notting and Shrek Academies, she was mostly concerned with dating.
Now she seemed ready to focus on her own growth instead of Tang San. That was better for her—if she remained distracted, she'd likely end up sacrificing precious spirit rings and bones.
But Xiaotian also remembered that Xiao Wu's mother had not been killed by Bibi Dong but severely injured by a powerful soul beast while searching for her husband in a dangerous place.
If Bibi Dong had killed her mother while Xiao Wu watched nearby, would Bibi Dong not have sensed the transformed soft-bone rabbit? Bibi Dong wielded twin martial souls and was no stranger to spirit absorption—she could have captured Xiao Wu easily but didn't. This was worth pondering.
Suddenly, the system's voice interrupted.
[Ding! Warning! The God of Killing Tang Hao, Lord of Douluo Star Plane, is within 500 meters of the host. Exercise caution! I told the host not to provoke Tang San or Xiao Wu; it's fine now. You beat the younger ones, but now the elders have arrived!]
[This master suggests using the jade pendant to secretly transfer now and develop discreetly!]
Xiaotian was speechless. Tang Hao didn't fixate on his own son but instead watched him—or rather, Xiao Wu?
He looked at Xiao Wu, full of fighting spirit, and a pang of sympathy touched him. Why had she chosen Notting City when other smaller towns were available? Most importantly, the Star Dou Great Forest lay across two empires. Notting College was far from Tiandou Empire, let alone the Star Dou Forest.
Curious, Xiaotian wondered how Xiao Wu had traveled such a distance, when many remote small towns were much closer.
But his attention shifted back to the system's warning about Tang Hao.
P.S. This chapter deepens the mysterious connections between Xiaotian, Tang San, and the enigmatic Tang Hao, highlighting internal doubts, hidden pasts, and tensions. Xiao Wu's conflicted feelings and Xiaotian's cautious gratitude toward the Spirit Hall expose complex backgrounds, while the system's urgent warnings underscore looming threats as the story escalates.
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