[Ding! The host has once again astonished this master. With the help of the God of Food and the Nine-Colored Goddess, he defeated the God King Tang San, who wielded the 'Eight Wings of the Sea God.' Additionally, the God of Speed Zhu Zhuqing sought your advice and grew fond of you, while you earned the jealousy of the God of War Dai Mubai, triggering a critical hit reward!]
[Rewards obtained: "Huangdi Neijing" (Douluo Edition), Xuanyuan Ring!]
Xiao Tian sat cross-legged, restoring his soul power while inspecting his system rewards. Just these two alone made him feel he had profited greatly!
The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine was a medical manuscript from his previous life. Was the system's gift of this secret text intentional or accidental?
After all, the classic was connected to Xuanyuan.
Could it be the system was planning for him to be treated later by Dugu Bo when they met? No, Xiao Tian dismissed this thought—surely the system didn't realize this place wasn't ten thousand years in the future.
Why overthink it? It was a benefit either way!
Xiao Tian skimmed through the Huangdi Neijing mentally, noting its parts:
First, a unique method of breath regulation to better guide soul power flow in the body.
Second, the theory of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements.
Third, profound philosophy and spiritual cultivation techniques to train the mind.
Fourth, health preservation methods.
Fifth, the functions of various acupuncture points.
Sixth, numerous herbal formulas.
The breadth covered in the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine was overwhelming. Even with his improved comprehension, mastering it all would take a long time.
Yet what excited Xiao Tian even more was the Xuanyuan ring!
Unlike the classic, this ring required no cultivation time—just put it on and use it.
Currently, it granted basic abilities: freely changing the color and aura of his soul ring, storing soul power and soul protection, and resisting mental attacks.
As for other powers, the system left those for him to discover later.
With Flanders and Yu Xiaogang's help, Tang San was taken directly to Shao Xin's office.
Though Shrek was dilapidated, its suburban location meant half the village's usable area was theirs. Building some offices and lounges with wood wasn't a problem.
"Shao Xin, please help treat him. Tang San overexerted himself during the student sparring," Flanders said with a smile.
Shao Xin glanced at the extremely pale Tang San and grumbled, "Flanders, don't you think this is a medical office? I'm a cook! You sent Ma Hongjun here earlier and now another? What exactly are you training for? Could you be more safety-conscious?"
Shao Xin was a Soul Saint food-type soul master, not inferior to Flanders at all.
Initially, he was paid poorly at Shrek and hadn't intended to stay. If Flanders hadn't mentioned an exceptional food-type candidate, he wouldn't have come.
During his time at the academy, Oscar showed no interest in cultivation and often rejected Flanders' requests to check his soul power.
So Shao Xin held little hope.
Now he stayed only because he didn't want to keep moving. Food-type soul masters had minimal simulation environment demands. They built soul power just by cooking; progress depended on innate strength.
Flanders sensed Shao Xin's dissatisfaction and reassured him, "Shao Xin, Shrek is different this year. Many talented soul masters have arrived. Since they're still kids, they don't control their strength well, so hard hits are inevitable.
We hope to send them to this year's Advanced Soul Master Elite Competition. If you have time, come see the freshmen training. Their strength will surprise you.
Take Tang San, for example. At twelve, he's already a three-ring soul master with full innate soul power. Didn't expect that, did you?"
Hearing this, Shao Xin's interest peaked. Tang San was truly gifted.
He was no longer swayed by Flanders' goofy antics.
Curious about who shaped Tang San's strength, he decided, "Alright, I'm free these days. I might as well get some fresh air and help this kid with treatment."
With a forced smile, Tang San said, "Thank you very much, Teacher Shao Xin."
At that moment, Tang San felt a trace of bitterness toward Xiao Tian. Was it necessary for him to be so ruthless?
Simultaneously, he doubted his own power. His Blue Silver Grass lacked control over Xiao Tian. Was it really true—the control system resisted the attack system naturally? Or did it depend on the situation?
His Blue Silver Grass was simply too fragile. Despite three spirit rings increasing its toughness multiple times, its low base hardness rendered the boost ineffective!
Tang San subconsciously glanced at his left hand. If he switched to practicing Clear Sky Hammer, could he stand against Xiao Tian?
With his current skills, the first spirit ring of Clear Sky Hammer offered at least 2,500 years' age, and later rings would improve his physique, adding a 7,000-8,000 year spirit ring.
With such powerful spirit rings, his strength could soon hit level 40!
He could even surpass Xiao Tian to some extent!
The thought tempted him, but rationality warned: this path was like drinking poison to quench thirst—not advisable.
Yu Xiaogang noticed Tang San's hesitation and frowned. It seemed Tang San had lost some confidence after being bested. This was bad.
Once Shao Xin treated him, Yu Xiaogang needed to give a proper plan for the future.
A small leak sinks a great ship; don't focus only on short-term gains.
In Yu Xiaogang's view, though Tang San wasn't as strong as Xiao Tian now, his potential far surpassed him in the long run.
"First soul skill, Sweet Candy Beans!"
"Fifth soul skill, Healing Jelly Beans!"
Shao Xin's first skill was like Oscar's recovery sausage—continuously restoring soul power and physical strength—while the fifth could rapidly heal a soul master's wounds in a short time.
P.S. This chapter deepens Tang San's internal struggle with his weaknesses, highlighted by the profound knowledge and powerful artifacts awarded to Xiao Tian. The introduction of the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine and the Xuanyuan Ring offers promising long-term growth potential, while Tang San's wavering confidence hints at future challenges and growth. Meanwhile, Shao Xin's pragmatic and supportive role adds depth to the nurturing environment at Shrek Academy.
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