As for how Tang San crafted his hidden weapons, or the skills he learned practicing swordsmanship in the village's back mountain as a child, Xiaotian didn't care. The stronger Tang San became, the happier he was. When Tang San grew up, he thought, it would be time for Tang San to take revenge on the Spirit Hall.
Tang Hao also thought of Xiao Wu from Notting College. He hadn't expected his secret protection of Tang San would bring such a surprise—a hundred-thousand-year transformed soul beast living in the same dormitory as Tang San. This was basically a free gift of a hundred-thousand-year spirit ring and spirit bone.
At first, he considered capturing Xiao Wu and keeping her captive. But then he gave up; Tang San's strength was still weak, and he couldn't withstand the pressure of such a long-aged spirit ring. Unless, like A Yin, the soul beast voluntarily sacrificed itself out of affection, Xiao Wu wouldn't submit.
Remembering Yin's voluntary sacrifice, a faint curl appeared at Tang Hao's mouth. If Yin could do it, Mistress Xiao Wu could too. He believed in his son.
Tang Hao's attitude shifted as fast as pages turning. He had been cold to Tang San in the beginning, but now he planned to keep Xiao Wu near Notting College for six years to protect her.
After six years, if Xiao Wu planned to separate from Tang San, Tang Hao would find a chance to act.
Tang Hao wasn't saddened by Yin's sacrifice; after all, he had secretly controlled most of the process. Still, he felt his conduct harmed the Haotian Sect and his father—Bibi Dong's obsession with Yu Xiaogang and forcing his appearance by threatening his home was unforgivable and killed his father's spirit.
Thinking of Xiaotian, who defeated his son, surprised him greatly. From his conversation with Xiao Wu, Tang Hao learned that Xiaotian had used swords since childhood, his martial soul an iron sword, and that faint sword intent he radiated was something Tang Hao had only felt with Jian Dao Chen Xin.
Though Xiaotian's martial spirit was somewhat inferior, Tang Hao believed Xiaotian was a castrated version of young Chen Xin—a brilliant kendo prodigy.
Moreover, Xiaotian had come to Notting College without an invitation from the Spirit Hall, making it possible he would become Tang San's partner in the fight against the Spirit Hall.
Xiaotian internally exclaimed, "Holy shit! Are you crazy?!"
Meanwhile, Xiaotian absorbed the soul ring for a full half day, and by nightfall, he was done.
Panting deeply and wiping sweat from his brow, he felt the difference between a thousand-year soul ring and a hundred-year one. Even a comparatively weak Jade Silkworm's spirit ring imposed huge pressure.
Clang, clang, clang—Sword Fifteen joyfully softened, swaying playfully.
Xiaotian decided to name his first soul skill "Qingmu Condenses the Soul," which perfectly fulfilled his need for greater soul power.
After activating it, his soul power increased by 200% for half an hour, with a passive effect improving absorption and conversion efficiency thanks to the green wood silkworm's nature.
He was surprised how similar this was to Tang San's Xuan Tian Gong effect.
Overall, Xiaotian was very satisfied with his new, top-tier soul skill.
Late in the evening, realizing he hadn't rested in a full day and night, Xiaotian was in no hurry. He took some dry food from the soul guide and prepared to rest on the spot.
What Xiaotian didn't know was that, inspired by him, Wang Sheng and friends spread word: two full innate soul-powered soul masters had obtained their first soul rings in their dormitory, warning nobles to behave.
Xiao Chenyu, hearing about the new part-time students, planned to cause trouble but hesitated upon hearing the news.
Though confident in his strength despite full innate power, Xiao Chenyu's first spirit ring was obtained shortly after enrollment—a fact that raised his suspicions.
He dispatched men to inquire with capable teachers but found no signs they had left.
He suspected the two might have backgrounds, pretending as part-time students to avoid attention.
With no other choice, Xiao Chenyu sought out a familiar teacher to learn more.
He frowned. His father once warned him that while he could offend anyone in the academy, he must never provoke those with backgrounds, especially Yu Xiaogang, who wielded immense influence.
Though he doubted Yu Xiaogang's actual capability, dismissing him as a prolonged level 29 theoretical master, his father's serious warning stopped him from rash action.
He resolved to wait and see.
If the two returned with a ten-year spirit ring, no big deal. But if it was a hundred-year ring… that would be different.
Xiao Chenyu was unaware that though he was noble-born, his first spirit ring was mere ten years!
Meanwhile, Xiao Wu grew anxious. She planned to ask Xiaotian where he had been all afternoon, but he hadn't returned all day.
"Wang Sheng! You know the academy and city better. Let's find out where Xiaotian might be," she declared, shifting back to confident Sister Xiao Wu.
Wang Sheng and his friends shared her concern. After Tang San disappeared, they learned he went with Yu Xiaogang to hunt spirit rings.
But Xiaotian's innate power was only level five, maybe seven after three months. It seemed impossible for him to hunt soul beasts alone without a master's help—where did his courage come from? They worried.
That afternoon, Xiaotian casually entered the dorm. Wang Sheng and others looked as if they'd seen a ghost, falling silent.
Xiaotian sensed the strange atmosphere and awkwardness. Tentatively, he raised his hand and waved.
"Hey? Why so quiet?"
"Xiaotian! Where did you go after disappearing all day? Don't you think it's easy for us to find you?"
Xiao Wu angrily confronted him, her eyes red with worry and frustration.
P.S. This chapter reveals the tensions sparked by Xiaotian's mysterious absence and rapid power growth, fueling noble suspicions and igniting concern among friends. Xiao Wu's emotional reaction deepens their bond, while growing rumors may alter academy power dynamics soon.
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