His Own Path

His Own Path

As everyone watched the arena, the situation unfolded exactly as Shi Yi had said. Deprived of support, Heaven Dou quickly fell into a disadvantage. Though they held the advantage in levels, Shrek had the replenishment of two support Soul Masters. Coupled with the immense pressure Tang San and Zhu Zhuqing brought, Tang San's overwhelming firepower and Zhu Zhuqing's elusive speed left the Heaven Dou team helpless.

No one on Heaven Dou could catch sight of Zhu Zhuqing. When they tried to take down Tang San, they were suppressed by his exquisite footwork and the hidden weapons he kept firing. Tang San even still had the Mushroom Sausage Oscar had given him, which he had yet to use. Without support or healing, the injuries on the Heaven Dou members steadily increased. Dugu Yan tried to turn the tide with her wide-area poison, only for Tang San to break it using the method from the original story.

As one side waned while the other grew stronger, the Heaven Dou members fell one after another. In the end, only the two Black Tortoise Soul Masters remained capable of fighting. Seeing that Shrek still had every member intact, the two could only helplessly surrender. Defense System Soul Masters were often like this—they could endure until the very end through their defenses, yet lacked the ability to change the course of battle.

The white-dove female Soul Master and Host, Doudou, had long since gone blank. She finally snapped out of it as if waking from a dream and hurriedly announced, "The team battle Soul Fight goes to the Shrek Seven Devils."

There were no cheers. Instead, curses erupted from the stands. The audience had never imagined that Shrek, competing in a team Soul Fight for the first time, would defeat Heaven Dou despite their considerable Soul Power gap. The frenzied gamblers had lost everything.

Oscar handed out his Recovery Sausages to everyone. After accepting them, the group exchanged looks, each wearing a different expression.

Tang San's gaze lingered on Zhu Zhuqing until Xiao Wu tugged on his sleeve, prompting him to look away. Dai Mubai also watched Zhu Zhuqing with a complicated expression. He knew perfectly well where the key to victory in this team battle had been, and Zhu Zhuqing had flawlessly done what an Agility Attack System Soul Master was supposed to do.

Ning Rongrong looked excitedly at Zhu Zhuqing beside her, her pretty face filled with immense satisfaction and accomplishment.

Ma Hongjun was in high spirits as well. He was already wondering what kind of girl he would pick to spend the night with. After such a victory, his teacher would surely give him a night off. He had held himself back for months of training. Although his Evil Fire had not flared up, how could someone who had grown accustomed to that life possibly give up such exquisite pleasures?

Meanwhile, as the Soul Fight ended, Ye Lingling slowly woke from her faint. When she learned they had lost, a flash of self-reproach crossed her face before she began treating the Heaven Dou members.

As the Heaven Dou members woke one after another, their faces were so grim they seemed ready to drip water.

Yufeng and Osler stared at Zhu Zhuqing's figure, their expressions full of conflict, while Dugu Yan glared fixedly at Tang San, who had broken her poison.

The Shi Brothers and Ye Lingling remained silent, lost in their own thoughts.

Yu Tianheng sighed inwardly. As captain of the Heaven Dou Team, he had borne almost all of the Shrek Seven Devils' firepower, yet he had still fought until the final moment. In truth, he understood that Heaven Dou had already lost the instant Ye Lingling lost her ability to act.

"Let's go," Yu Tianheng said softly to the Heaven Dou members.

The group of seven then slowly headed toward the Soul Master entrance with somewhat unsteady steps. Defeat made their backs look rather miserable.

"Let's go welcome those little monsters," Flender said with a smile.

At his words, all the Shrek teachers smiled and nodded. Shi Yi followed along as they slowly left the VIP room.

Soon, Shi Yi and the Shrek teachers met up with the Shrek group.

Yu Xiaogang looked at Tang San. At that moment, Shi Yi saw satisfaction in Yu Xiaogang's eyes.

Shi Yi said nothing and quietly waited for Yu Xiaogang to speak. Yu Xiaogang swept his gaze over everyone and said, "Very good. You won. You not only defeated your opponents, but also defeated yourselves. Today's team battle Soul Fight was your first team Soul Fight this month. Consider it the examination for your second stage of training. You have all passed my test with outstanding results."

After speaking, Yu Xiaogang turned his gaze toward Shi Yi. Shi Yi looked at Zhu Zhuqing and smiled lightly. "I hope that one day, your speed will be able to control your own fate."

A trace of discomfort flashed through Zhu Zhuqing's eyes as she looked at Shi Yi, but she immediately nodded earnestly. "I'll do my best."

Dai Mubai's expression turned extremely ugly. His evil eyes were filled with panic as he looked at Zhu Zhuqing, and a cold sweat appeared on his forehead. Zhu Zhuqing's performance had let him see hope, but Shi Yi's words seemed to suggest that this hope belonged to Zhu Zhuqing alone. Though he did not want to admit it, the isolated, island-like feeling rising in his heart clearly told him that he was panicking.

At that moment, Dai Mubai understood that he had to do something. If he did nothing, Zhu Zhuqing would only drift farther and farther away from him. In the end, perhaps he would be left to face everything alone.

"What about me?" Ning Rongrong asked, glaring at Shi Yi. Naturally, she wanted him to encourage her too—or, more bluntly, she wanted him to praise her.

Shi Yi smiled when he saw her expression. Of course, he understood what this young lady was thinking. He nodded slightly. "Mm, not bad. Keep it up in training."

A smile appeared on Ning Rongrong's pretty face. "Then can we go shopping later?"

Shi Yi nodded. "Of course."

Hearing their exchange, Ma Hongjun chuckled and looked at Flender. "Teacher, do you think I can take a night off too?"

Flender sighed inwardly. Ma Hongjun was now the most behind among the Shrek group. If he kept cultivating with this attitude, he would certainly suffer for it in the future. Though he was not Ma Hongjun's father, Ma Hongjun had followed him as his teacher for so many years that Flender had long treated him as his own child. Seeing Ma Hongjun's eager expression, he could not bring himself to disappoint his disciple at such an appropriate time.

Flender looked at Ma Hongjun and said softly, "Tonight only."

Ma Hongjun immediately nodded, clearly understanding the implication.

Yu Xiaogang then slowly said, "When we return this time, you will have half a month of vacation. You may do whatever you want. After that, we will consider the third stage of training. Every one of you must participate in the third stage, including Shi Yi."

The Shrek group looked at Yu Xiaogang in surprise. His words made them extremely curious. What kind of training would even Shi Yi have to take part in?

Shi Yi merely smiled faintly, though his heart was not calm. He knew what training Yu Xiaogang meant, but having grown up in a peaceful era, he still hesitated—he was even afraid—to do such things. It would be an entirely unprecedented experience for him.

"Senior Disciple Brother, can I study with you for a while during these next half a month?" Tang San asked.

Yu Xiaogang, as his teacher, said nothing. He merely shifted his gaze toward Shi Yi.

Shi Yi smiled at Tang San. "Of course, Xiao San. I understand what you're thinking, but I should make one thing clear first. You probably won't be able to achieve the same results as Zhuqing."

Hearing Shi Yi speak of her Third Brother that way, Xiao Wu glared at him and was about to say something when Tang San asked in confusion, "Why, Senior Disciple Brother?"

"Xiao San, everyone has their own path to walk. Those wondrous Self-Created Soul Skills, techniques, footwork, martial methods, weapons, and eye techniques—you have already reached a very good level in all of them. But there is one thing in which you fall short of Zhuqing. Even I find it hard to compare to her in this regard: focus. Time is limited. Zhuqing can devote everything she has to speed, but you cannot," Shi Yi said softly.

Afterward, Shi Yi patted Tang San on the shoulder. "As your Senior Disciple Brother, I understand you very well. Though I do not know where these wondrous Self-Created Soul Skills of yours came from, I understand that they are far too mature. They are not things one person could create, much less something a seven- or eight-year-old child could create. Even if someone could complete such things at that age, it would never have been you. You do not possess that kind of creativity. You have merely reached a path already walked by those before you. What matters more for you now is focusing on carving out your own path. You can use another person's techniques, but the path itself can only be walked by you."

Tang San stiffened all over, his eyes filled with shock as he looked at Shi Yi. At that moment, he felt as though he were standing naked before Shi Yi.

"Senior Disciple Brother, then what should I do?" Tang San asked, staring deeply at Shi Yi.

Shi Yi smiled faintly. "Only you know what suits you best and what path you should take."

A trace of confusion appeared in Tang San's eyes. Become a hidden weapon master? Wasn't he already one? In fact, his past-life self had already achieved it.

Just then, a voice interrupted Tang San's thoughts. "Dean Flender, Vice Dean Zhao Wuji, how are you? Your disciple Qin Ming pays his respects."

Flender adjusted the square-framed glasses on the bridge of his nose and looked into the distance. "I thought you brat had forgotten us long ago."

Zhao Wuji hurried over and helped Qin Ming up from the ground. He looked him over and laughed heartily. "Good boy, you're getting more and more formidable. It won't be long before you catch up to us old fellows."

Qin Ming stood respectfully with his hands at his sides. "No matter when, both Deans will always be Qin Ming's teachers, and Qin Ming will forever be a disciple of Shrek Academy."

Flender nodded in satisfaction and looked at Shi Yi. "All right, kid, stop lecturing for now..."

"Come, Qin Ming, let me introduce you. This is Master, and you should have met these seven little monsters before. This is Shi Yi. He is now Shrek's Specially Appointed Theory Teacher."

Qin Ming looked at Shi Yi in surprise. He knew that anyone who could become a teacher at Shrek could not be simple, but this was the first time he had seen a teacher younger than himself. Still, Qin Ming did not dwell on it and first bowed to Yu Xiaogang.

Yu Xiaogang shifted aside and did not accept his bow. "No need for such courtesy."

Seeing Qin Ming's puzzled expression, Shi Yi smiled lightly. "Senior Qin, Heaven Dou's captain is Master's nephew. There is no need to be so formal."

"What?"

Shi Yi's words instantly ignited the crowd. The Shrek group had never imagined that the opponent they had just beaten up was their teacher's nephew.

Yu Xiaogang's face darkened as he glared at Shi Yi. Shi Yi said indifferently, "Why are you glaring at me? Aren't you going to see your dear nephew later anyway?"

Having had his thoughts exposed by Shi Yi, Yu Xiaogang coughed, nodded at Qin Ming, and slowly left.

Qin Ming watched Yu Xiaogang leave. When he turned back to Shi Yi, the confusion on his face had not faded. "Why does Teacher Shi call me Senior?"

Shi Yi smiled. "I wouldn't dare. I was originally a student of Shrek as well. Dean Flender and the teachers thought highly of me and had me teach some theory."

Qin Ming revealed a look of surprise. Zhao Wuji said, "Qin Ming, this kid is no simple matter. Even our theoretical knowledge cannot compare to his."

"Teacher Zhao flatters me," Shi Yi said with a light smile.

After a brief introduction and exchange of pleasantries, Flender led the teachers and Qin Ming away.

Once the teachers had left, Ma Hongjun could no longer restrain his desires and departed alone. Seeing the somewhat strange atmosphere among the group, Oscar also greeted Shi Yi before returning to the hotel.

Shi Yi wanted to head back as well, but Tang San stopped him. "Senior Disciple Brother..."

"Mm?" Shi Yi looked at Tang San in confusion.

Seeing Tang San's thoughtful expression, as though he did not know what to say, Shi Yi smiled lightly. "Xiao San, everyone is always walking their own path. What you should consider is how you ought to respond if you encounter an opponent like Zhuqing. Or perhaps you should learn from the strengths of others to walk farther yourself."

"Isn't studying with you learning from another person's strengths?" Tang San asked in confusion.

Shi Yi shook his head slightly and sighed. "Only after understanding what you want can you know how to learn. If you want speed like Zhuqing's, there is theoretically no problem with that. But a person only has twelve double-hours in a day, and your martial soul can never compare to Zhuqing's in terms of speed. That means the cost for you to improve your speed is higher than it is for Zhuqing. Your Self-Created Soul Skills need time to practice every day too, don't they?"

Tang San nodded somewhat awkwardly, not knowing what to say.

"Fine, if you don't want to teach him, then don't. Why make so many excuses? We don't care to learn from you anyway. Xiao San, let's go!" Xiao Wu could not hold herself back any longer. She grabbed Tang San and started to leave.

Tang San gave Shi Yi an apologetic look before Xiao Wu pulled him away.

Shi Yi smiled and nodded. In a sense, Xiao Wu was right. He was not particularly willing to teach Tang San. It was a thankless and exhausting task. He had helped Zhu Zhuqing so he could ease his conscience, and he had helped Ning Rongrong for certain resources.

As for helping Tang San? If Tang San had been willing to share the Tang Sect Secret Arts with him back then, Shi Yi really would have been willing to become the Tang Sect's eldest Senior Disciple Brother. Unfortunately, times had changed.

Once Shi Yi's basic attributes had improved greatly, he had lost interest in the Tang Sect Secret Arts. After seeing the speed Zhu Zhuqing unleashed today, that was even more so. Without the Eight Spider Lance Soul Bone and Immortal Herbs, Tang San lacked the extraordinary basic attributes needed to support him. The Tang Sect Secret Arts were not nearly as powerful as people imagined.

In Shi Yi's view, the most useful ones were the Mysterious Heaven Skill and Purple Demon Eyes.

If Shi Yi were to arrange Tang San's cultivation, it would actually be simple. Tang San had merely been dazzled by the so-called Tang Sect Secret Arts. The Tang Sect Secret Arts all existed to compensate for the shortcomings of hidden weapons. Inner strength could increase the explosive force of hidden weapons, techniques could create more angles from which to strike an opponent, eyesight could accurately lock onto targets, and footwork could grant hidden weapon masters more opportunities to launch their weapons.

Since Tang San had chosen Blue Silver Grass as a hidden weapon and also possessed the Clear Sky Hammer as his second martial soul, what he should do was continuously increase his Soul Power, train his strength, and then use Disorder Splitting Wind to control that strength.

With strength and precise control, hidden weapons could completely be developed into open weapons, overcoming those weaknesses. If he could unleash tremendous force to fire something so quickly that his opponent could not react, would that not be the simplest form of a human-shaped firearm?

At higher levels, he could use his Mental Power to lock onto opponents, even manipulate hidden weapons with Mental Power to track them. Would he still need all those flashy techniques?

But as a Tang Sect disciple, Tang San was destined to be constrained by hidden weapons and the Tang Sect Secret Arts. Turning hidden weapons into open weapons? Would that not mean digging up the very foundation Tang San had always clung to? How could the laws of one's ancestors be altered?