Xiao Tian's attention was immediately drawn to the second reward: Shrinking the Earth into an Inch.
Is this system for real?
Once I truly master this technique, is there anywhere on Douluo Continent I can't get to?
As long as I have enough soul power, even a Titled Douluo won't catch me, right?
System! You really are my dad!
Yes, this was the first time Xiao Tian openly admitted that the system was like a father to him!
Compared to system rewards, screaming out loud doesn't cost a thing anyway. After all, screaming in his university dorm in his past life was nothing new.
Because his comprehension improved, Xiao Tian was able to learn Shrinking the Earth into an Inch while traveling back from Holy Soul Village to Notting City.
Although the soul power consumption was still quite heavy for him, shorter distances meant less soul power used.
By the time Xiao Tian returned to Notting College, evening had fallen.
He glanced at Xiao Wu, who was pretending to sleep, and smiled slightly. He wasn't sure whether the things he said a few days ago had hit her harder than he'd thought.
The next morning, when Tang San left to practice the Purple Demon Pupil, Xiao Wu suddenly sprang up from bed and, without a word, pulled Xiao Tian to a more private spot.
"Xiao Tian, when did you realize that I'm a hundred-thousand-year-old soul beast in human form?" Her bloodshot eyes and exhausted look showed she hadn't slept well.
In truth, she had been meaning to confess her true identity to Xiao Tian for years, wanting to explain why she hated the Spirit Hall—but she hadn't been able to cross that hurdle.
Seeing Xiao Wu's openness, Xiao Tian smiled calmly. "I told you—I discovered who you really are the very first time I saw you. Do you believe me? Also, I gave you time. Why didn't you run away?"
"I believe you! I believe whatever you say," Xiao Wu replied, eyes shining. "I thought it over a long time. It's because I believe in you that I didn't leave Notting College. I want an answer. Even if it costs me my life, I won't regret it."
She closed her eyes and lifted her head slightly, almost as if she was ready to be slaughtered.
Xiao Tian: What the hell!?
Is this really Xiao Wu, one of the biggest lovebirds on Douluo?
Honestly, her response far exceeded his expectations. Did she really trust him that much?
Damn me!
Xiao Tian felt a pang of guilt seeing such a vulnerable, pitiable side of Xiao Wu.
Could it be… Xiao Wu had fallen for him without even realizing it?
Could this be one of life's famous three great illusions?
Subconsciously, Xiao Tian reached out, gently touched her cheek, and smiled, "You're really stupid. If I wanted your spirit ring, why would I give you time to escape? But… it's good you didn't."
Xiao Wu opened her eyes, confused. Didn't Xiao Tian's words contradict themselves?
Xiao Tian saw the confusion but said nothing.
If he told her now, she'd know that Tang Hao had already discovered her identity. If she even thought about leaving Notting City, Tang Hao would surely notice.
Luckily, Tang Hao wasn't always watching Notting College. Otherwise, Xiao Tian wouldn't have let her speak so openly. Once Tang Hao realized Xiao Tian knew her secret, she'd be forced to flee.
Xiao Tian wiped her tears away and chuckled bitterly, "I told you all these years to focus on cultivation, but you're still dreamy. What, if you guessed wrong, I wouldn't be worthy of your trust? You've already been imprisoned by me with your soul power drained—do you realize that?"
Instead of remorse, Xiao Wu burst into laughter.
"But I made the right choice, didn't I?"
Xiao Tian: Yeah, yeah, you're right.
It's good to be in love, especially to be loved unconditionally — when a woman believes in you and devotes everything to you.
Then, Xiao Wu snapped back to focus: "Xiao Tian, so you knew I was a hundred-thousand-year-old transformed soul beast. So you guessed why I hate the Spirit Hall, right?"
No wonder Xiao Tian spoke so directly. It seemed he already suspected the truth.
Xiao Tian was a little surprised—had Xiao Wu suddenly grown wise? Maybe she was finally thinking properly? Although she was wrong, haha.
Still, Xiao Tian went with her meaning, "Yes, I guess someone from the Spirit Hall absorbed the spirit rings of your relatives or friends."
Xiao Wu then recounted the whole story, and Xiao Tian listened carefully.
After a moment's silence, he said, "Actually, things aren't completely hopeless. Your mother was a hundred-thousand-year-old soul beast. As long as her soul still exists, I think resurrection is possible."
"What?! Are you serious?!" Xiao Wu grabbed Xiao Tian's hand excitedly.
"Actually, one thing puzzles me a lot," she continued. "You said you saw Bibi Dong absorb my mother's spirit ring and spirit bone, but you'd only been transformed for a few years then. Bibi Dong is a Titled Douluo—how could she not have noticed you hiding nearby?
"And Bibi Dong was even kind enough to bury your mother's body. Doesn't that seem odd? Something's fishy. I want to meet Bibi Dong and get to the bottom of this."
Suddenly, Xiao Wu felt her mind clear as if awakening. Maybe Xiao Tian was right—Bibi Dong must have known she was there from the start, so why didn't she act?
Bibi Dong, the owner of twin martial spirits, should have had a vacant spirit ring at that time.
"Alright, I won't drag this out. Anyway, to see Bibi Dong and your mother in the future, you better train hard. Look at you—you have the foundation of a hundred thousand years of practice, but with all the energy spent on your transformation, your progress isn't as fast as mine."
Xiao Wu's formerly gloomy mood was completely shattered by Xiao Tian's words.
"Xiao Tian! You bastard! You're so straightforward! Can't you just comfort me?"
She was furious and kicked him in the waist with her right whip-like leg.
"Oh no, not there—that's crucial for my future happiness."
Xiao Tian jumped back just in time, easily dodging the kick.
Ah Yin, listening through Xiao Tian's soul guide ring, heard their lively conversation clearly. How could she not be shocked?
Could it be, as Xiao Tian said, that Hao had been in Notting City not only to secretly protect Tang San but also to keep an eye on Xiao Wu?
Then, was it possible that Xiao Wu was forced to sacrifice herself to Tang Hao because it was all part of his plan?
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