At that moment, an impossible thought flashed through Xiao Wu's mind: had Xiaotian gone to obtain his first soul ring during the day and a half he was missing?
Xiaotian teased playfully, "Guess!"
Then he glanced sharply at Xiao Chenyu in the distance, eyes flashing a warning. If Xiao Chenyu dared bring more trouble to watch again, Xiaotian swore he'd beat him so badly even his father wouldn't recognize him!
Xiao Wu stomped her feet, angered but growing more curious about the mysterious Xiaotian. What kind of person was he?
Xiaotian returned to the dorm to shower, then found a remote, open spot on campus to practice again. Yet instead of hastily mastering the Three Absolute Sword Qis gifted by the system, he recalled Tang San's unique Tang Sect skills—like Ghost Shadow Mirage.
The first, Ghost Shadow, was easy to imitate thanks to his increased comprehension, but Xiaotian felt it lacked meaning—merely form without essence.
He soon gave up trying to replicate it, realizing Tang San's skills were derived from the mysterious Xuan Tian Gong, which he had no knowledge of.
He shrugged it off—he was only curious. Besides, Tang San wasn't cheating; Xiaotian himself had advantages. Most system-provided footwork and sword moves were stronger anyway.
So he turned back to training the Three Absolute Sword Qi.
Knowing how to release sword energy, Xiaotian quickly learned to use the Three Absolute Sword Qi and even comprehended the Seven Absolute Sword Qi!
But employing the Seven Deadly Sword Qi consumed most of his soul power.
He sighed inwardly: no wonder it was the Lin Family Fort's unique skill—it packed a punch.
When stronger, the Seven Sword Qi would become even more powerful—an advantage of creating his own soul skills.
Though soul ring skills vary in power depending on user strength, they're ultimately limited by ring age—no one, no matter how strong, can beat an older soul ring.
Thus, late-stage contests rarely saw soul rings hundreds or thousands of years old used, unless they amplified soul skills.
Xiaotian reflected: the Lin Family Fort's Seven Deadly Sword Qi came from an immortal cultivation world, so it was surely more advanced than Tang San's martial arts world skills.
Tang San's unique Tang Sect skills simply couldn't match the Seven Sword Qi or Immortal Wind and Cloud Body Techniques.
He'd tried those system skills out of curiosity—but now felt foolish, like picking sesame seeds and losing watermelons.
Just then, Xiao Wu found Xiaotian and stormed over in anger. "Xiaotian, if I beat you, how about you tell me your soul power level?"
Xiaotian found her refusal to give up puzzling.
His eyes rolled. "If you lose, how about joining me to the Wuhun Branch Hall in Notting City to claim the soul master subsidy? You can't always eat my money. Your part-time pay probably barely covers food."
Xiao Wu froze, silenced.
Then, determined, she said, "Okay. If you beat me, I'll collect that subsidy from the Spirit Hall every month."
Xiaotian was speechless. "No way! Why don't you follow the rules? Do you really need to know my level?"
"Don't you hate the Spirit Hall? Then forget it. If you take subsidies and turn against them, I'll think you're ungrateful. We've only known each other days, but you seem lively, cheerful, and strong."
Xiaotian's words touched Xiao Wu's heart.
She took a deep breath and promised, "If I get the subsidy, and I ever get a chance to kill that person, I'll spare her out of this promise."
Xiao Wu's decision was remarkable.
If she truly grew strong enough to defeat Bibi Dong someday, she'd honor this vow.
Xiaotian was surprised by her resolve.
Of course, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't currently defeat Bibi Dong herself.
It was good though—now Xiao Wu had motivation and room to maneuver.
When the time came, Xiaotian planned to ask Bibi Dong to release Arou's soul and set things straight.
(Note: According to God Realm Extra lore, Xiao Wu's mother wasn't killed by Bibi Dong but seriously injured by a powerful soul beast while searching for her husband.)
"Ah, Xiaotian, stop spanking me! I was wrong!" Xiao Wu cried, tears near her eyes.
She clearly lost their battle; Xiaotian not only demanded she claim the subsidy but insisted on spanking her too!
And he really showed no mercy, repeatedly smacking her bottom!
Only then did she recall Xiaotian's warning two days ago—not to complain if she got spanked when she lost.
Forgetting this, the punishment backfired on her.
She covered her sore bottom, teary-eyed. "Xiaotian! Be gentler! It's red!"
Xiaotian grinned cruelly. "You said that before—let me take a look and give you some medicine."
Xiao Wu grit her teeth. "You're not a sword cultivator—you're a cheap cultivator!"
Xiaotian feigned ignorance. Those words meant nothing to him.
Being humble now was a nice change of pace. Life would be dull without variety, right?
[Ding! Host, you shocked me again! You treated the wife of God King Tang like that—she seems to have developed some affection for you! Hehe, I like you!]
[Critical hit reward triggered: Cornucopia and Soul Skills Without Showing Soul Rings obtained!]
[Cornucopia: Generates random Copper, Silver, and Gold Soul Coins daily.]
What the hell!
This time, what shocked Xiaotian wasn't the two new rewards but that he could get rewards for defeating Xiao Wu!
Or maybe for making Xiao Wu like him?
Xiao Wu noticed Xiaotian's eyes lit up and his smile deepened. She suddenly felt her bottom hurt again.
"Xiao Wu, want another round?"
"No! Don't come near me!"
Xiao Wu felt on the verge of tears but had none—she was such a slut.
P.S. This chapter showcases the playful combative dynamics between Xiaotian and Xiao Wu, deepening their bond through teasing and rivalry. Meanwhile, Xiaotian's unexpected system rewards hint at growing power and influence amid a lighthearted atmosphere, balancing camaraderie with competitive spirit.
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