Shrek Academy, Dean's office.
Flender leaned back in his wide office chair, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the desk. His sharp gaze, hidden behind crystal lenses, peered through the window and locked precisely onto two figures walking toward the dormitory area along the tree-lined path: Tang San and Xiao Wu.
"A twelve-year-old level 32 Soul Elder with a Man Faced Demon Spider martial soul... and another girl, also level 32, with a Soft Bone Rabbit martial soul and astonishing combat instincts..."
Flender muttered to himself, a gleam like that of discovering a gold soul coin appearing at the corner of his mouth. "To think such seedlings could emerge from a small place like Nuoding City? What a stroke of luck!"
As a Soul Douluo, his perception was incredibly keen. He had been secretly observing them ever since Tang San and Xiao Wu arrived to register.
"Leaving such geniuses in ordinary classes would be a waste! They must be recruited into the Seed Team!" Flender made his decision in an instant.
Although Shrek Academy's enrollment had improved in recent years, top-tier geniuses remained scarce, leading to mediocre results in the All-Continent Tournament. The appearance of Tang San and Xiao Wu gave him more confidence in achieving a breakthrough in the tournament two years—no, six years—from now.
Thinking of this, Flender no longer hesitated. He straightened his robes and said to the assistant teacher waiting outside the door, "Go, call the two new work-study students, Tang Chi and Xiao Wu, to my office. Tell them the Dean has something to discuss."
A moment later, there was a knock at the office door.
"Come in."
Tang San and Xiao Wu walked in one after the other. Tang San's expression was calm, with a trace of imperceptible vigilance deep in his eyes, while Xiao Wu curiously surveyed the spacious yet somewhat "frugal" office, her gaze finally landing on the bespectacled, shrewd-looking middle-aged man behind the desk.
"Dean Flender, did you call for us?" Tang San bowed slightly, his manners impeccable, his voice calm.
"Mm, sit." Flender pointed to the chairs opposite him, a smile he deemed amiable appearing on his face (though to Tang San, it looked a bit like a weasel eyeing a fat chicken). "Tang Chi, Xiao Wu, welcome to Shrek Academy. I am the Dean, Flender."
The two sat down as instructed. Xiao Wu blinked her large eyes: "Dean Flender, what did you want to see us about?"
Flender adjusted his glasses and smiled: "No need to be nervous. I called you here because I noticed your talent. A twelve-year-old Soul Elder is top-tier, even at Shrek Academy."
Tang San's heart stirred; he thought to himself that the Dean was indeed well-informed. He replied calmly: "The Dean is too kind; we just have a bit of talent."
"Eh, too modest." Flender waved his hand, leaning forward slightly, his tone becoming formal. "I'll be blunt.
Shrek Academy selects the most promising students every year to form a Seed Team, which undergoes the most rigorous training. The ultimate goal is the All-Continent High-Level Soul Master Elite Tournament in two and six years. I believe both of you are qualified to join."
His gaze swept over the two, focusing on Tang San: "The Seed Team will enjoy the academy's best resources, including the Mimicry Cultivation Environment, one-on-one guidance from senior mentors, and... a certain quota of auxiliary cultivation pills. Of course, the responsibilities are also heavy, requiring effort far beyond the ordinary. How about it, are you interested?"
As soon as Xiao Wu heard "top-tier resources" and "pills," her eyes lit up. She blurted out: "Interested! Of course I'm interested! Dean Flender, if we join the Seed Team, does that mean we get delicious carrots... ah, no, I mean better cultivation resources?"
The corner of Flender's mouth twitched imperceptibly, but he maintained his smile: "Of course, regarding resources, the academy will never treat any genius student unfairly."
In the past, given Flender's stinginess, it would have been impossible for him to provide much resource support to students.
But now, ever since Yu Yunyao had researched a large number of auxiliary cultivation prescriptions and officially began selling various pills that could assist cultivation or increase soul power without side effects, any academy that didn't provide these good things to its seed team would be at a disadvantage. If you didn't use them but others did, how could you possibly compete during the tournament?
However, these resources were limited. If one wanted more, there was a price. For students with family backing, the cost of these resources was usually covered at least halfway by their families. For those without, they had to sign agreements to remain at the academy after graduation, or treat it as a loan to be paid off slowly after graduation.
Tang San did not answer immediately. He pondered for a moment, looked up at Flender, his gaze sharp: "Dean, thank you for your regard. But I would like to know, does joining the Seed Team require us to pay any additional price? For example, signing some kind of contract that forces us to serve the academy for many years after graduation?"
He knew well that there was no such thing as a free lunch, especially when facing a Dean who looked so "shrewd" as Flender. He carried a blood feud and his future was full of variables; he could not be easily bound by a contract.
A flash of appreciation crossed Flender's eyes. This kid was meticulous, not like a twelve-year-old child. He laughed: "Rest assured, Shrek Academy is a formal institution regulated by the Federal Martial Soul Hall Education Department; we don't engage in those mandatory indentured contracts.
Seed team members enjoy normal resources; in return, they only need to represent the academy in competitions during their studies and uphold the academy's honor. As for their path after graduation, the academy respects individual choices. Of course, if students voluntarily choose to stay and teach or serve after graduation, the academy naturally welcomes it and offers extra benefits." It was just that if they wanted more, it would be different.
Hearing this answer, Tang San felt slightly relieved. He glanced at the eager Xiao Wu beside him, then thought of the instructions in his father Tuoba Xi's letter, as well as the constant threat posed by Huyan Lian.
Shrek Academy might indeed be a place where he could temporarily settle down and quickly improve his strength. And the resources of the Seed Team were exactly what he urgently needed.
"Since the Dean is so sincere, we are willing to join." Tang San finally nodded. At the same time, he changed the subject, took a sealed letter from his robes, and handed it over with both hands: "Also, before I left, my father gave me a letter and entrusted me to deliver it to you personally."
"Oh? And your father is?" Flender took the letter with some surprise. When he saw the unique Tuoba Family wax seal on the bottom right of the envelope, his complexion changed slightly. He quickly tore open the letter and scanned it.
The more he read, the tighter his brows furrowed. In the letter, Tuoba Xi used concise language to explain Tang San's true identity (his illegitimate son), as well as his Twin Martial Souls (mentioning only the Man Faced Demon Spider, omitting the Crimson Gold Dragon) and his astonishing talent of Innate Full Soul Power.
It also pointed out Tang San's current predicament—being hunted by his legal wife, Huyan Lian—and hoped that Flender could, for the sake of their past friendship, provide shelter for Tang San so he could grow up safely at Shrek Academy.
"Huyan Lian... that crazy woman!" Flender put down the letter and rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on. He did owe Tuoba Xi a favor, large or small, from his youth, but he also knew the power of the Huyan Family and how difficult Huyan Lian was. Taking in Tang San was equivalent to being directly dragged into the internal strife of the Tuoba Family, and might even offend the Huyan Family!
He looked up, staring deeply at the boy before him, who had an ordinary face but eyes that were exceptionally steady and calm. Innate Full Soul Power! No wonder that old guy Tuoba Xi valued him so much, even going so far as to push such a big problem onto him. This talent was indeed worth the risk!
Risk and opportunity coexist... Flender weighed the situation rapidly in his mind.
Protecting Tang San would certainly offend Huyan Lian, but if he could nurture him into a talent, Shrek Academy might gain a strong ally in the future, or even establish a closer relationship with Tuoba Xi through Tang San.
Moreover, to turn away such a genius out of fear of risk would not fit his philosophy of "collecting monsters."
After a long while, Flender took a deep breath, a look of determination flashing in his eyes. He looked at Tang San, his tone becoming serious and solemn: "Tang San, I have read your father's letter. I am aware of your situation."
Hearing his real name, "Tang San," the boy trembled slightly. Xiao Wu also opened her eyes wide in surprise, though she didn't seem overly shocked, clearly already knowing his real name.
Flender continued: "The matter of Huyan Lian is indeed troublesome. But on the grounds of my Shrek Academy, it is not her Huyan Family's place to do as they please! Although I, Flender, am only an academy dean, since I have promised your father to keep you safe, I will certainly do it!"
He stood up, walked to the window, turned his back to the two, and said in a deep voice: "From today on, you, Tang San, are a core member of the Shrek Academy Seed Team! The academy will provide you with the best cultivation environment and protection. As for your identity and the secret of your martial soul, no third person will know besides me. Within the academy, you are still 'Tang Chi'."
He turned around, his gaze like a torch fixed on Tang San: "But I have one condition. You must become strong as quickly as possible! Show your worth! My Shrek Academy does not raise trash. Your revenge must ultimately be taken by yourself. What the academy can do is shelter you from the wind and rain while your wings are not yet fully grown."
Hearing this, Tang San's heart was filled with mixed emotions. There was gratitude for Flender's promise, the weight of his own situation, and an extreme desire for power. He stood up, bowed deeply to Flender, his voice firm: "I will keep the Dean's kindness and protection in my heart! I will not fail the Dean's expectations; I will cultivate diligently and gain the power for revenge as soon as possible!"
Xiao Wu also jumped up, patting her chest: "Don't worry, Dean! I will also work hard to cultivate and help Brother... help Tang San beat the bad guys!"
Looking at the young boy and girl before him, Flender nodded inwardly. Although the road ahead was treacherous, this unyielding spirit was exactly the quality necessary to become a powerhouse.
"Good! Remember your words today." Flender's face broke into a smile again. "Go, this afternoon I will personally arrange for you to enter the Seed Team's special training class. You will be notified of the specific training plan and resources when the time comes."
"Thank you, Dean!"
Tang San and Xiao Wu bowed again and exited the Dean's office.
Watching the two figures depart, Flender sat back in his chair, exhaled a long breath, and muttered to himself: "Tuoba Xi, oh Tuoba Xi, you really know how to dump a difficult problem on me... But, Innate Full Soul Power... this investment is worth a gamble!"
Shrek Academy, exclusive mimicry training ground in the backyard.
Dean Flender pushed up the crystal glasses on the bridge of his nose, his small eyes flashing with a calculating yet barely concealed excitement.
Standing before him were seven young boys and girls, not yet fully grown but possessing impressive auras. They were the seed team of Shrek Academy that he had poured his heart and soul into assembling—Dai Mubai, Li Qingshan, Lu Ziqi, Oscar, Ma Hongjun, and the newly joined Tang San and Xiao Wu.
"Ahem!" Flender cleared his throat, struggling to maintain the air of a stern dean. "From today on, you seven are the hope for our Shrek Academy to charge into the next—no, the next two—All-Continent High-Level Soul Master Elite Tournaments! The academy will provide you with the best resources and the strictest training! The goal is, at the very least, to squeeze into the top eight!"
The top eight! Hearing this goal, everyone except the newcomers Tang San and Xiao Wu felt their fighting spirit ignite. They knew well that the top eight of the All-Continent Elite Tournament were almost entirely monopolized by the Heaven Star, Spirit, and Federation Soul Master teams, as well as the deep-rooted Five Elements Academy.
Shrek Academy had a short history and a shallow foundation; squeezing into the top eight would be a glorious achievement worthy of being recorded in the academy's history! Since the tournament began, Shrek Academy had only participated four times, and each time they had basically finished outside the top ten, only managing to squeeze into the top ten once.
That one time, Shrek Academy achieved a respectable ninth place. It was ten years ago, and that year, Shrek Academy had produced an outstanding genius, Qin Ming, with the Blazing Wolf Martial Soul. At the age of 24, he had broken through to become a Soul King, which allowed him to lead the Shrek Team to that ninth-place finish.
However, in the following tournament—the previous one—Shrek Academy had not recruited students with sufficient talent and had fallen directly outside the top twenty.
Flender's gaze lingered for a few extra seconds on Tang San and Xiao Wu. These two new little ones truly had astonishing talent. A thirty-second-level Soul Elder at twelve years old was a top-tier genius anywhere.
"Alright, get to know each other; from now on, you are partners who will fight side by side." After Flender finished speaking, he tucked his hands into his sleeves and walked to the side. He appeared to be supervising, but in his heart, he was already calculating how to squeeze more resources out of these "precious gems"... ah, no, how to secure more resources for them.
The team members began to introduce themselves. As the captain, the oldest, and the one with the highest cultivation level (a forty-first-level Soul Ancestor at fifteen), Dai Mubai naturally carried a hint of arrogance. He was tall with golden hair draped over his shoulders, and his evil, heterochromatic eyes swept over the group. When he saw Xiao Wu, they clearly brightened.
Xiao Wu was naturally dainty and cute, lively and agile, making her stand out among the group of boys. Dai Mubai was a habitual flirt, so he habitually hooked the corner of his mouth into a smile he thought was dashing and spoke in a frivolous tone: "The new little sister Xiao Wu? You look so fresh and lovely. If you have any trouble in the academy in the future, just report my name, Dai Mubai!"
Hearing this, Xiao Wu's willow-leaf eyebrows immediately stood up. She hated these kinds of frivolous guys the most and retorted without any politeness: "Who is your sister? Stop trying to get close! Just worry about yourself!"
Dai Mubai had always been the one whose word was law in the academy; when had he ever been shown such disrespect by a girl? Especially in front of his underlings. His complexion darkened, and his tone turned colder: "Little brat, you've got quite the temper. Do you know who I am?"
"I don't care who you are!" Xiao Wu stood with her hands on her hips, not showing any weakness.
Seeing the atmosphere turn rigid, Tang San frowned slightly, stepped forward, and blocked Xiao Wu behind him, looking at Dai Mubai calmly: "Captain Dai, Xiao Wu is young and speaks bluntly; she means no harm. We are all teammates and will have to get along in the future, so why damage the harmony over a small disagreement?"
Tang San's intention was to smooth things over; he was a newcomer and didn't want to cause trouble. But his calm, detached attitude seemed like a silent provocation to Dai Mubai—a newcomer dared to stand in his way?
Dai Mubai sneered, his gaze sweeping past Tang San and landing on Xiao Wu with a malicious appraisal. He deliberately lowered his voice, yet it was loud enough for everyone around to hear: "Heh, quite protective, aren't you? Kid, is this chick your sweetheart? You've got good taste, though she's a bit spicy. But... this young master happens to like spicy."
These words carried a clear insulting meaning. Xiao Wu's pretty face turned red with anger, and she was about to lash out. Tang San's eyes also turned cold in an instant. The memory of his mother being insulted and the shadow of being hunted down surged into his heart; the other party's frivolous and insulting words were like sparks falling into a barrel of oil.
"Apologize." Tang San's voice was icy, and a chilling aura began to emanate from his body.
Dai Mubai didn't expect Tang San to dare speak to him like that. He was stunned for a moment, then flew into a rage out of shame: "Apologize? What kind of thing are you to deserve an apology from this young master? A newcomer who just arrived, and you think you're something special? It seems if I don't give you a lesson, you won't know who calls the shots in this Shrek Academy!"
Before he finished speaking, a strong white light suddenly erupted from Dai Mubai's body. A low tiger roar sounded, his body expanded by a circle, white fur covered his skin, a "King" character pattern appeared on his forehead, and two yellow and two purple Soul Rings swirled up! A powerful Soul Ancestor pressure crushed directly toward Tang San!
"White Tiger, Body Possession!"
Dai Mubai had actually attacked!
"Big Brother Dai!" Oscar and Ma Hongjun exclaimed, wanting to persuade him but not daring to. Li Qingshan and Lu Ziqi also frowned, feeling that Dai Mubai had gone too far, but hindered by his long-standing authority, they didn't immediately intervene.
Xiao Wu was shocked and furious, about to activate her Martial Soul to help, but was pulled back by Tang San.
"Brother!" Xiao Wu urged.
"I'll handle it." Tang San stared at Dai Mubai, the coldness in his eyes intensifying. The other party's repeated provocations, especially the insult to Xiao Wu, had touched his bottom line. He understood that in a place like this, backing down would only make the other party more aggressive! Only strength could earn respect!
"Man Faced Demon Spider, Body Possession!"
Tang San let out a low shout. A dark, gloomy light flashed, and a hideous phantom of a Man Faced Demon Spider appeared behind him, with two yellow and one purple Soul Ring rising! Although his Soul Power level was nearly ten levels lower, that chilling, violent spider aura stood toe-to-toe with Dai Mubai's White Tiger pressure, not losing in the slightest!
"Hmph! A thirty-second-level daring to be arrogant? First Soul Skill, White Tiger Body Protection Barrier!" Dai Mubai sneered in disdain. His first Soul Ring lit up, white light condensed around his body, his defense increased greatly, and at the same time, he lunged at Tang San like a tiger leaping out of a cage! He intended to end the fight quickly and use absolute strength to crush this ignorant newcomer!
"Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track Steps!" Tang San shifted his feet, his figure becoming as elusive as a ghost, narrowly dodging Dai Mubai's pounce. At the same time, his hands swept across his waist, and several cold lights shot silently toward Dai Mubai's vital joints! It was the Tang Sect hidden weapon—Bone-Piercing Nail!
"Hmm? Hidden weapon?" Dai Mubai had rich combat experience and sensed the danger, but Tang San's hidden weapon technique was too tricky and strange, and the speed was extremely fast; he was unable to dodge in time!
"Third Soul Skill, White Tiger Vajra Transformation!" His body expanded again, muscles knotting, and his strength, defense, and attack power surged instantly! Dai Mubai ignored the hidden weapons, his tiger claws whistling as they tore through the air, attacking Tang San crazily.
The gap in levels was real. Dai Mubai was, after all, a Soul Ancestor, and his Martial Soul quality was extraordinary. Under the blessing of the White Tiger Vajra Transformation, his offensive was like a storm.
Although Tang San managed to hold on by relying on his exquisite footwork and hidden weapon techniques, ordinary Bone Piercing Needles, Willow Leaf Blades, and other hidden weapons only made clinking sounds when they hit the solidified White Tiger Body Protection Barrier around Dai Mubai, bouncing off without being able to break his defense.
Tang San was hit repeatedly, several bloodstains were carved into his body by the tiger claws, and blood spilled from the corner of his mouth; the situation was precarious.
Dai Mubai still had the intention of teaching him a lesson rather than killing him. Seeing that Tang San was already showing signs of defeat, his offensive slowed slightly, and he shouted coldly: "Kid, admit defeat now, apologize to me, and this will be over!"
However, the moment his momentum slackened, a flash of ruthlessness crossed Tang San's eyes! This was the timing he had been waiting for! He flipped his wrist, and a black, strangely shaped crossbow appeared in his hand—it was the Godly Zhuge Crossbow! He pulled the trigger without hesitation!
The moment the sound of the mechanism rang out, an inconspicuous jade pendant on Dai Mubai's chest suddenly erupted with a strong white light, and a thick light shield instantly expanded automatically, enveloping his entire body!
Bang bang bang bang—!
Sixteen poison-tipped crossbow bolts slammed into the light shield, making a teeth-grinding sound! The triggered Level 5 Defensive Soul Tool on Dai Mubai successfully blocked the lethal sneak attack, but judging by the violent fluctuations and flickering of the light shield, it was clearly quite powerful.
Dai Mubai was stunned at first, then shocked and furious. He never expected Tang San to be so ruthless, using such a killing weapon while he was holding back! "You're courting death!" He was completely enraged.
Facing the furious Dai Mubai, Tang San's expression was grim. He pushed his Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track Steps to the limit, dodging with difficulty amidst the barrage, while simultaneously activating his first soul skill: "First Soul Skill, Tough Spider Web!" A giant, glowing spider web sprayed toward Dai Mubai, attempting to hinder his movement.
"Break!" Dai Mubai punched out, the White Tiger Blazing Light Wave erupted, tearing the spider web to shreds. The level gap was too large; Tang San's soul skills had limited effect on him.
"Second Soul Skill, Silk Differentiation!" Tang San gritted his teeth. The shattered spider web suddenly turned into countless thin but tough spider silks, winding toward Dai Mubai's legs like living creatures.
"Annoying!" A white light shook on Dai Mubai's body, and his Soul Ancestor-level soul power erupted, easily shattering the spider silks. His speed didn't diminish, and he instantly closed in on Tang San, his white-light-covered fist smashing heavily into Tang San's crossed arms!
"Bang!"
Tang San flew backward like a kite with a broken string, slamming heavily into a large tree. A sweetness rose in his throat, and he spat out a mouthful of blood. A sharp pain came from the bones of his arms, as if they were about to shatter.
"Brother!" Xiao Wu was frantic, wanting to rush up to help, but was intercepted by the combined efforts of Ma Hongjun and Oscar.
"Xiao Wu, don't be impulsive! The Dean is right there!" Oscar advised. Although he also felt Dai Mubai was going too far, he was equally displeased by Tang San's underhanded tactics.
Ma Hongjun chuckled and said, "Sister Xiao Wu, don't get involved in a man's fight. Boss Dai knows his limits."
"Let me go!" Xiao Wu struggled desperately, her heart burning with anxiety as she watched Tang San being beaten until he coughed up blood.
Flender watched from a distance, his brows locked in a tight frown, hesitating over whether to intervene. On one hand, he felt Dai Mubai was indeed going too far, but Tang San's underhanded tactics clearly showed he wasn't a saint either.
On the other hand, he felt it was good for a newcomer to suffer some setbacks to temper his arrogance, and he also wanted to see where Tang San's limits lay.
On the training ground, Tang San was in a precarious situation. Dai Mubai's attacks were becoming increasingly heavy, every punch and kick imbued with the power to shatter stone.
Tang San's Mysterious Heaven Skill internal energy was being consumed rapidly, and the bones in many parts of his body were on the verge of cracking. The intense pain and humiliation burned through his nerves like toxic fire.
The helpless look in his mother Tang Miao's eyes as she lay in a pool of blood... Huyan Lian's arrogant and spiteful face... Tuoba Xi's helpless words of being "unable to act otherwise"... and now, the contemptuous and murderous attacks from Dai Mubai... these scenes intertwined, completely detonating the hatred and violence that had been suppressed in his heart for so long!
Why... why does everyone have to force me! Why does everyone have to bully us! Tang San roared madly in his heart, his consciousness blurring from the injuries and rage. Just as Dai Mubai's powerful White Tiger Blazing Light Wave was about to slam into his chest, at the very moment everyone thought he would be severely wounded—
"ROAR—!"
A dragon roar, as if coming from the primordial era and filled with endless majesty and power, erupted from the depths of Tang San's throat! It was not the screech of a Man Faced Demon Spider, but a true dragon roar!
Hum—!
An indescribable, scorching, domineering, and noble power, like a dormant volcano, suddenly awakened from the depths of Tang San's heart.
The sleeve on his right arm instantly exploded, and the entire arm expanded and deformed at a speed visible to the naked eye. The surface of his skin was covered in a layer of fine, hard crimson gold dragon scales, and his five fingers transformed into ferocious dragon claws, emitting a terrifying aura capable of tearing everything apart!
What was even more shocking was that outside his two yellow and one purple soul rings, a blurry, illusory soul ring that seemed to be condensed from pure golden light appeared out of thin air! Although it was flickering, it radiated a dragon might that caused palpitations!
"What?!" Dai Mubai's pupils shrank; from those crimson gold dragon claws, he felt a fatal threat! This was absolutely not the power of a Man Faced Demon Spider!
However, before he could react, Tang San, having completed his partial dragon transformation, had eyes that were already blood-red, filled with desires for violence and destruction!
Tang San let out a long-suppressed roar, his right arm suddenly expanding and deforming, covered in crimson gold dragon scales and turning into a ferocious dragon claw, as an aura of ancient, primordial majesty swept outward!
"Fourth Soul Skill, White Tiger Meteor Shower!" Alarm bells rang in Dai Mubai's heart, and he didn't hesitate to unleash his strongest area-of-effect attack! Countless dazzling white light orbs rained down on Tang San like meteors!
However, after the dragon transformation, Tang San's speed and power had undergone a qualitative change! He brandished his dragon claws, shattering the incoming light orbs one after another, his figure moving like lightning as he charged straight at Dai Mubai through the meteor shower!
"BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!"
The two instantly clashed in a fierce battle! Tiger claws and dragon fists collided madly, shockwaves of soul power exploded repeatedly, the training ground floor cracked, and dust filled the air!
Dai Mubai pushed his White Tiger Body Protection Barrier and White Tiger Vajra Transformation to the limit, his fist techniques fierce and peerless; Tang San relied on the toughness of his dragon-transformed body and erratic footwork, his claw strikes sharp and ruthless! In just a few breaths, both sides had traded five or six lethal blows!
With every collision, Dai Mubai felt his qi and blood surging; the power coming from those dragon claws was actually suppressing his White Tiger power! Even more terrifying was that the dragon claws contained an artistic conception of crushing everything, making his protective barrier teeter on the verge of collapse!
"CRACK!"
Finally, after another straightforward, head-on collision, Dai Mubai's White Tiger Body Protection Barrier shattered upon impact! He let out a miserable groan as his sternum cracked, and he was sent flying like a kite with a broken string, slamming heavily into the wall, vomiting blood, and falling into a coma.
Silence.
A deathly silence.
Everyone was stunned by this reversal and Tang San's bizarre dragon-transformed form.
Tang San gasped violently, his dragon claws slowly recovering as a strong sense of weakness washed over him. He looked at the unconscious Dai Mubai, his eyes filled with a mix of satisfaction and coldness.
Silence.
A deathly silence.
Everyone stared in a daze at Tang San, who stood in the center of the field with his right arm transformed into a dragon claw, his body radiating a terrifying dragon might, like a descending demon god!
Xiao Wu covered her mouth, her beautiful eyes filled with disbelief. Oscar and Ma Hongjun were pale with fright.
Li Qingshan and Lu Ziqi were also filled with horror. Even Flender, who had been calm and composed in the distance, stood up abruptly, his eyes behind his glasses wide open!
"Twin... Twin Martial Souls?! And this... what kind of power is this?!" A raging storm surged in Flender's heart! He never expected that the person Tuoba Xi sent wasn't just a trouble, but a world-shaking monster!
Tang San gasped heavily, his crimson gold dragon claws slowly returning to their original state, and the illusory golden soul ring vanished. A sense of extreme weakness took hold; that momentary burst of power had almost drained all of his soul power and spiritual power.
He looked at the unconscious Dai Mubai, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes, but it was mostly a cold sense of satisfaction after venting his rage.
He stood unsteadily, his gaze sweeping over the shocked crowd before finally landing on Xiao Wu's worried face, and he managed a forced smile: "Xiao Wu... I'm fine."
After saying this, his vision went black, and he fell backward from exhaustion. Xiao Wu cried out in alarm and rushed forward to catch him.
Flender appeared on the field in an instant, first checking Dai Mubai's injuries with a grave expression. He was badly hurt, but his life was not in danger.
He took a deep look at the unconscious Tang San and said in a low voice to Li Yusong and Lu Qibin, who had rushed over: "Old Li, Old Lu, quickly take Mubai for treatment! Oscar, Ma Hongjun, you two help Tang San back to rest! No one is allowed to spread word of today's events! Anyone who violates this will be expelled!"
His voice carried an unprecedented severity. Everyone felt a chill and quickly agreed.
Flender watched the back view of Tang San being supported away by Xiao Wu and Oscar, his mood complex to the extreme. He was pleasantly surprised to have discovered a peerless genius, worried about the trouble that followed this genius, and even more shocked by that never-before-seen crimson gold dragon power... Shrek Academy, he feared, would never be peaceful again because of this kid's arrival.
And the grudge between Dai Mubai and Tang San had now been firmly established. Within the future seed team, a crack that would be difficult to mend had already appeared.
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Translated by: randomtranslator.com
Proofread by: GodKun-Chan