This time, Tang San truly dared not move. His body felt stiff as he muttered, "How is this possible? How could you escape my gaze?"
Suddenly, all of Xiaotian's illusions vanished. Xiaotian smirked disdainfully, "What eyes? Your eyes that suddenly turned purple? Haven't you heard the saying 'speed is everything'? Your eyes simply can't keep up with my speed. Want to continue?"
As Xiaotian spoke, Sword Fifteen moved closer to Tang San. For his own sake, Tang San reluctantly said, "I give up!"
At that moment, as Xiaotian expected, the sand sculpture system's voice echoed in his mind:
[Fuck! Host is awesome! You defeated God King Tang again, even using the entanglement skill made by his own mother—shocking me once more.]
[But host, a reminder: the God of Killing Tang Hao almost took action just now. If you dare use your sword again, watch out!]
Xiaotian was aware but only replied, "Tongzi, you know the saying fishermen have—the bigger the wind and waves, the more expensive the fish! I'm just after the high risk, high reward. So, what's my prize?"
[Ding! Congratulations! You triggered a critical hit reward: "Three Absolute Sword Qis," a god-given soul ring!]
Xiaotian smiled knowingly. High risk, high reward—that was exactly his style. Maybe every time he bullied Tang San, he'd earn such a reward.
He then looked at the pale Tang San with shining eyes. Tang San felt a chill run down his spine, sensing an ominous premonition.
But despite losing today, Tang San hadn't gained nothing. Xiaotian's new soul skill, which produced those phantoms, intrigued him greatly. He resolved to ask Xiaotian about it when possible.
Tang San forced a smile and said, "Xiaotian, you're amazing. I accept defeat wholeheartedly. That sword intent just now—it struck a sudden breakthrough. I deserved to lose."
Did Tang San think Xiaotian missed the hidden meaning? That his sword power had just broken through? Otherwise, Tang San would have won.
Tang San was teasing, and Xiaotian smiled back.
"Yeah, if it wasn't for the sudden breakthrough, I might have lost! Tang San, I realize every fight with you helps me improve. Over the next six years, I'll look for you to spar—hope you don't mind."
After all, "You've got full innate soul power; I only have level five. You won't refuse a classmate's request, right?"
Tang San's mouth twitched. Now he understood his chill—he was a terrible talker!
He could only smile, "Of course, of course. I couldn't ask for more."
Since that was settled, he accepted it. He didn't believe he'd keep losing and figured this would build a good relationship. It also gave him a chance to probe Xiaotian, to see if he really was from another plane like himself.
Tang San doubted Xiaotian could truly create soul skills so easily; his own teacher had taught him that the world only had simple soul power training, no such skill arts.
"Xiaotian, would you consider being my outer disciple? You have great understanding. Though your innate soul power is low, you've comprehended sword intent deeply.
You may not know, but I'm the wisest of the famed Golden Triangle on the continent. Traveling, I've met many sword users—including Jian Dao Chen Xin of the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect.
Compared to him, your sword power is weak. If you accept me as your teacher, I can teach you from my experience."
Xiaotian stared at Yu Xiaogang's narcissistic, conceited grin.
"You're the only one who understands swords?"
Yu Xiaogang was overjoyed. Though Tang San's loss surprised him, he was certain Xiaotian's martial soul had independent consciousness like his own Luo Sanpao!
A civilian soul master with average talent but extraordinary comprehension was a perfect research subject.
Xiaotian wasn't as confrontational as before. Understanding the system's reward rules, he thought it unwise to make an enemy of Yu Xiaogang.
Why? Because they were going to meet every day for six years at Notting College, and Xiaotian could use Tang San to his advantage.
Xiaotian said tactfully, "Master, you are a famous theorist of the continent and the Golden Triangle's wisest corner. I've heard your Trinity Fusion Technique. Tang San, born with full soul power, is not a loss for you to accept.
But if the world knew you accepted me, a mere level five innate civilian soul master, you'd be looked down upon.
So, I'm sorry—I must decline your request.
However, I'm not shy—over these six years, may I occasionally seek your sword advice?"
Xiaotian praised Yu Xiaogang highly, emphasizing his fame and skill—and Yu Xiaogang cared deeply about his reputation.
Yu Xiaogang's face twitched. He stayed at Notting College not only to avoid Liu Erlong but to find talent.
Good news: He had found one—the twin-martial-soul, full innate Tang San. He could accept him to prove his theory's correctness and validate himself.
Bad news: Tang San had the powerful Haotian Douluo behind him, so Yu Xiaogang must respect Tang San's wishes.
"Well, I won't force you. Come to my office with Tang San when you have the chance."
Yu Xiaogang had no choice but to relent, taking Tang San away.
"Xiaotian, you're so strong! So... what's your soul power level now?"
Only then did Xiao Wu step forward, cautious due to Xiaotian's overwhelming sword intent.
She was curious about his strength, knowing such sword intent required strong soul power support.
P.S. This chapter deepens rivalry and alliance building, exploring teacher-disciple dynamics and pride. Yu Xiaogang's narcissism contrasts with Xiaotian's tact, while Tang San's complex feelings and Xiao Wu's curiosity enrich interpersonal tensions on their shared journey.
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