But reason told Tang San he couldn't act.
That man's strength was unfathomable, and he still didn't know Xiao Wu's true feelings.
Tang San clenched his fists, the muscles in his arms trembling.
Xiao Wu was someone he had protected since childhood—he had always believed she was the most important person in his life. That closeness had long surpassed mere sibling affection.
But now, everything is changing.
He watched Xiao Wu standing beside Su Bai, the distance between them so close.
The faint blush on her face stung his eyes.
He tried to calm himself, telling himself Xiao Wu was just innocent—just curious about that man.
But he realized he couldn't calm down at all.
A sense of helplessness crept into his heart.
From beginning to end, perhaps he and Xiao Wu had only ever been like siblings.
He had no right to stop her from interacting with anyone.
That realization filled Tang San with frustration and pain.
At that moment, Li Yusong walked over.
He looked at Su Bai, then at Tang San, whose emotions were clearly complicated, his thoughts churning.
This young man… was not simple.
"Alright, those who passed the first round, follow me to the fourth test," Li Yusong said, breaking the silence.
Tang San took a deep breath, suppressing his anger. This wasn't the time to act. He had to stay calm—he needed to understand what Su Bai was really after.
He followed Li Yusong forward, but his gaze never left Xiao Wu and Su Bai.
He couldn't lose to Xiao Wu.
Li Yusong led Su Bai, Tang San, Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing across the square in front of the academy.
The crowd had mostly dispersed, leaving only a few unwilling parents lingering.
They passed several buildings and arrived at a wide training ground.
It was a simple open field. At one side sat a burly, steady-looking middle-aged man, cross-legged.
Li Yusong stepped forward respectfully.
"Teacher Zhao."
The man slowly opened his eyes, as if he had just been resting.
His gaze swept over Li Yusong, then landed on Su Bai and the others.
"Old Li, how many good seedlings did you bring this time?"
His voice was deep and powerful.
Li Yusong nodded, excitement appearing on his face.
"Teacher Zhao, we've got a real monster this time. Yellow, Purple, Purple soul rings—Level 35 at twelve years old."
Zhao Wuji's body stiffened slightly, his expression no longer relaxed. He carefully examined Su Bai.
Yellow, Purple, Purple.
A thousand-year second ring!
Then Li Yusong briefly recounted how Su Bai defeated Dai Mubai.
After listening, Zhao Wuji smiled. He walked over and patted Dai Mubai's shoulder.
Dai Mubai, still somewhat dejected, looked up.
"Mubai, losing isn't a bad thing. It helps you see your shortcomings. Work harder and win it back later," Zhao Wuji said, half teasing, half encouraging.
Dai Mubai replied in a low voice, "Understood, Teacher Zhao."
Zhao Wuji's gaze returned to Su Bai. He looked around, then addressed the group:
"Originally, your fourth test was to last one incense stick's time under Mubai.
But since someone defeated him, your test now is to last one incense stick's time against me."
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone except Su Bai felt immense pressure.
No matter how strong Dai Mubai was, he was only Level 37.
But Zhao Wuji was a teacher—Li Yusong, who handled admissions, was already a Soul Emperor. This Teacher Zhao was surely a Soul Sage.
Tang San's expression turned serious. He hadn't expected the final test to be against such a powerful opponent.
Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing all looked toward Su Bai.
Su Bai remained confident—after all, even if he couldn't win, he could still stall.
Seeing their tense expressions, Dai Mubai lowered his voice and quickly explained:
"Teacher Zhao is Zhao Wuji, Martial Soul—Vigorous Vajra Bear, Level 76 Soul Sage. His defense is terrifying, and his attack is strong too. His only weakness is speed. Be careful."
After saying that, he stepped aside.
Though he had lost, Dai Mubai hadn't completely lost his composure. He hoped Su Bai could lead the group to pass the test.
After all, Zhu Zhuqing was still among them.
Su Bai nodded after hearing the explanation.
"I know of Zhao Wuji—'Immovable King' Zhao Wuji. A notorious figure from years ago."
Hearing this, everyone grew even more nervous.
Zhao Wuji himself looked slightly surprised that this kid knew of him.
At that moment, Tang San stepped forward, his expression serious.
He believed the group needed a leader.
As a Level 29 control-type Soul Master, he felt he was the natural choice.
"Listen, everyone. Teacher Zhao is extremely strong—we must cooperate well.
My Martial Soul, Blue Silver Grass, specializes in control.
I can act as the team's commander. Follow my lead."
Tang San spoke steadily, trying to establish authority.
But after he finished, no one responded immediately.
Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, and Xiao Wu didn't even look at him.
Their gazes were all fixed on Su Bai, as if waiting for him to speak.
Xiao Wu's gaze was especially focused—she didn't even glance at Tang San, just looked at Su Bai expectantly.
Tang San's heart sank.
Xiao Wu… she was completely ignoring him.
A strong sense of defeat washed over him.
Six years of companionship—was it really less than this man she had just met?
Tang San, coming from a low-martial world in his previous life, naturally didn't understand:
Since ancient times, childhood bonds often lose to a sudden arrival.
"Xiao Wu… you!" Tang San said, his voice urgent.
Xiao Wu turned her head, confused.
"Third Brother, what's wrong?"
She didn't sense his dissatisfaction at all. In her mind, since Su Bai was an Auspicious Beast, it was only natural to listen to him.
Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing didn't look at Tang San, but they both noticed the flash of anger on his face.
At the same time, they realized that Xiao Wu's interest in Su Bai far exceeded her regard for Tang San, her so-called "Third Brother."
Standing nearby, Dai Mubai also noticed Zhu Zhuqing's gaze.
He saw her staring intently at Su Bai without moving.
A trace of imbalance rose in his heart.
Zhu Zhuqing had always been cold toward him.
Yet now, she showed such focus toward a man she had just met.
Jealousy and anger surged within Dai Mubai.