Xiaotian did not rush forward but considered carefully. Silkworm soul beasts generally had low attack power. For example, the Tianmeng Ice Silkworm, despite its spiritual and ice attributes, had relatively weak combat effectiveness and mainly served as prey for other soul beasts.
This was even truer for the Jade Silkworm, which had strong vitality, was not aggressive, and possessed a large amount of soul power—making it a suitable candidate for his first soul ring.
However, the current Jade Silkworm was clearly only a thousand-year-old soul beast. So why did the system warn that this was a fifty-thousand-year-old Jade Silkworm King?
Considering the system's previous quirks, Xiaotian realized it was likely logged in far in advance—thousands or even tens of thousands of years—to his timeline.
He wasn't naïve. Given the system's warnings about Tang San, Xiao Wu, Tang Hao, and their lofty titles, his guess seemed correct.
Of course, more verification was needed; perhaps visiting Holy Soul Village and Shrek Academy would yield answers. But if his guess was right, the system would trigger warnings accordingly.
Xiaotian understood the system's nature: unexpected actions could trigger critical hit rewards—as seen when he shocked the system by defeating Tang San and Xiao Wu.
Xiaotian eyed the green Jade Silkworm with curiosity. Could this small beast truly grow into the legendary Jade Silkworm King?
Moreover, this was just a small Soul Hunting Forest near Notting City; he doubted any ten-thousand-year-old soul beasts resided here.
Still, it wasn't impossible. After all, the Tianmeng Ice Silkworm lay dormant for a million years before advancing far beyond the current specimen. Every soul beast had its own path and opportunities.
But what did that matter? It was unfortunate for this Jade Silkworm to meet him—it was his chance and a prize he couldn't afford to lose.
With his current physical condition, he felt confident he could endure absorbing the thousand-year soul ring.
Silkworm soul beasts had weak attack power, and their soul rings rarely suppressed soul masters too much.
If this had been any other thousand-year-old soul beast, Xiaotian would have left.
"Swordsmanship!"
Endless sword intent burst from his body as he swung Sword Fifteen fiercely at the Jade Silkworm. The blade's vibration sang a crisp note, with several sword shadows darting toward the green beast with lightning speed.
"Swipe!"
The sound of wind cutting and the splattering of jade silkworm blood ended the battle instantly.
Being a thousand-year-old soul beast, Xiaotian dared not be careless. He applied full strength, aiming for a decisive fatal blow.
Panting, Xiaotian felt a sharp headache and momentary dizziness.
"Fifteen, add a few more strikes!"
Though the Jade Silkworm seemed dead, Xiaotian remained cautious.
Suddenly, the system's voice exploded in his mind, shocked and energetic:
"Damn, the host is awesome! As expected, I was right about you. Under my guidance, the host killed a 50,000-year-old Jade Silkworm King as a soul warrior! The system is deeply shocked. The host has potential to become a sword god!"
Xiaotian blushed. These words sounded eerily familiar. Did his son Wang Teng have emperor's qualities? But in the end, Wang Teng died from poisonous milk.
Xiaotian wished to forget the thought—it might harm his luck.
[Ding! You shocked the system again, triggering a critical hit reward: Bottle Soul Guide (growth) and Soldier Secret (Douluo Version).]
[Bottle Soul Guide (growth): Provides soul power based on the host's level, improving in quality as the host grows stronger. Can hold up to the host's full soul power.]
[Soldier Secret (Douluo Version): Grants control over all weapons. As the host's skill and level increase, he can control any external object—and even manipulate opponents as weapons!]
What the hell! The system was incredible!
Truly incredible! Surely, this made him the system's "father"!
The soul bottle solved his glaring lack of soul power—and it was growable! When he reached the Titled Douluo realm, the soul power from this bottle would be massive!
This meant doubling his effective soul power—the enemy would face two Xiaotians!
As for the Soldier Secret, it allowed him to control any weapon or object. As his mastery grew, manipulating Sword Fifteen would become easier.
This was just the start.
Seeing the Soldier Secret reminded Xiaotian of Tang San's hidden weapons. What was Tang San's expression if his own weapons were used against him?
Further, as his proficiency grew, could he control Tang San's Blue Silver Grass? After all, it was also an external object!
When Tang San sent his Blue Silver Grass to attack him, it had acted uncontrollably. Reflecting on that, Xiaotian found it amusing.
Taking Sword Fifteen in hand, Xiaotian surveyed his surroundings cautiously and approached the fallen Jade Silkworm.
"Fifteen, guard me as I absorb the spirit ring. Kill anything unusual. If you can't, take me away swiftly on your sword!"
Bang, bang, bang!
Sword Fifteen's sharp clangs trembled, signaling understanding.
Speaking no more, Xiaotian dragged the dead silkworm into thick grass. He drew the spirit ring from its body and began absorbing it.
Meanwhile, in the Soul Hunting Forest, Tang San and Yu Xiaogang faced an attack by a Mandragora Snake. Unfortunately, Yu Xiaogang fainted.
Hidden in shadows, Tang Hao sighed, ready to intervene and injure the snake. But Tang San's eyes suddenly changed—they glowed black jade as he brandished a dagger, charging forward with nimble steps.
Tang Hao immediately stopped, his deep eyes watching.
He'd known about Tang San's abnormality for some time. That coldness toward Tang San's first soul spirit, Blue Silver Grass, faded when he saw Tang San's second spirit, Clear Sky Hammer.
This proved Tang San was indeed his biological son and owner of twin martial spirits—enough reassurance.
P.S. This chapter marks Xiaotian's breakthrough in sword spirit mastery and critical rewards enhancing his power. It also reveals complex family ties and rising dangers as Tang San begins to show his unique strength and Tang Hao's watchful presence imposes looming consequences.
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