Unburdened

Afterward, Xiao Tianyang learned more about the rise of the Body Martial Soul School and could not help sighing with emotion.

How should he put it?

They had simply been born at the wrong time.

Training a Body Martial Soul was already extremely difficult. It required following a specific method, and once something went wrong, one would be injured—often with wounds that could not be healed.

By Miao Zhenshan's generation, however, their exploration of Body Martial Soul cultivation had gradually put them on the right track.

Yet just at that time, they had run into Spirit Hall at the height of its power, putting them in an awkward position.

Without intervening, promising talents would either be taken away or crippled by their own training.

Faced with such circumstances, Miao Zhenshan could do nothing about it. It was truly rather miserable.

But after so many years, Miao Zhenshan seemed to have grown used to it all. His mood only darkened for a moment before recovering. "So you do not need to do anything for me. You only need to agree to join our school."

"That won't be a problem."

Xiao Tianyang nodded at once. It was a benefit handed to him for free, and there was no reason not to take it.

Besides, Miao Zhenshan was a Titled Douluo. In his current condition, he probably would not need Xiao Tianyang for a long time.

But Xiao Tianyang then asked, "What about certification from Spirit Hall?"

"What do you need that for?"

Miao Zhenshan frowned slightly.

"Not only can I receive a monthly allowance, but there will definitely be other benefits later on!"

Xiao Tianyang answered directly. He now had to cover Bubu's meals and occasionally guard against Tang San and Xiao Wu coming over to mooch food. Good ingredients naturally cost money.

And since he could not go hunting right now, he had lost his source of income.

Spirit Hall's money might not be much, but it was at least enough to get him through this period.

Miao Zhenshan frowned, then finally nodded. "I can arrange an identity for you, but you will not need to go to Spirit Hall for certification."

"A fake identity?"

Xiao Tianyang asked quietly.

"Of course not. If it were fake, how would you collect your allowance?"

Miao Zhenshan waved a hand. "Do not worry about this for now. I will handle it for you."

Having someone behind him really did make things easier.

Honestly, sending Xiao Tianyang to Spirit Hall for certification would have been rather troublesome, because his first Soul Ring was simply too shocking.

But now that Miao Zhenshan had taken this task onto himself, things became much easier.

Xiao Tianyang asked tentatively, "Then, Teacher Miao, if there is nothing else, I will be leaving first."

"Go."

Miao Zhenshan waved him off, his face thoughtful as though he were pondering something.

From the looks of it, he no longer had any intention of keeping Xiao Tianyang around.

Xiao Tianyang was more than happy to have some free time. He opened the door and walked straight out, feeling much lighter.

The instant the door closed, Miao Zhenshan frowned slightly. "It seems I need to bring those little ones out to train with him. They cannot keep studying behind closed doors. Otherwise, with his rate of growth, they may not be able to keep up with him in the future."

Xiao Tianyang, on the other hand, had no idea that someone had already set their sights on him. He was overjoyed, humming songs and stepping lightly as he headed home.

To hell with being a top student, and to hell with studying hard. With the Ancient Divine Eyes, why should I work so desperately? One look is all it takes to tell what kind of monster it is, isn't it?

He had completed his mission, found himself a powerful backer, and would no longer need to worry about studying in the future. Naturally, Xiao Tianyang was in an exceptionally good mood.

Perhaps because he was happy, or perhaps because his hands were itching to cook, Xiao Tianyang bought a batch of ingredients on the way. Today, he planned to make himself a lavish feast as a reward.

With his worries gone, Xiao Tianyang did not change his lifestyle.

He still followed the same three-part routine of studying, training, and cultivation. But since he no longer needed to rush his studies, the pressure on him was not so great.

And Miao Zhenshan seemed to have forgotten about him. From that day onward, he never came looking for Xiao Tianyang again.

So, on the third day, after asking the academy for leave and receiving approval, Xiao Tianyang casually bought a mask and put it on.

"Everything is ready. Now we will see whether you have the luck to find a suitable Soul Ring!"

Xiao Tianyang looked at Bubu, who sat solemnly beside him, and smiled.

Soul Hunting Forest.

This time, no one led the way. It was just one person and one dog traveling together.

But in a sense, Bubu's scouting ability was quite good.

At the very least, it could prevent Xiao Tianyang from accidentally entering the territory of dangerous Soul Beasts.

"It was so lively at the entrance just now, like vendors selling equipment outside a game dungeon."

Thinking back to the scene, Xiao Tianyang could not help smiling.

The last time he came in, Miao Zhenshan had dragged him along at too great a speed. He had also been in a hurry to explain himself, so he had not noticed the bustling scene at the entrance to the Soul Hunting Forest.

But this time, he had seen it clearly.

There were Soul Masters looking for teams, employment, or protection.

There were also groups of Soul Masters below level thirty whose work was to help Lone Wolves hunt Soul Rings.

Xiao Tianyang had even received an invitation when he entered the Soul Hunting Forest, though he had declined it.

Bark!

After walking for a while, Xiao Tianyang heard Bubu, who was scouting ahead, and quickly moved forward.

Hiding behind a tree, he saw a tiger-like Soul Beast in the distance. It stood two meters tall, with yellow fur marked by black thunderbolt stripes and specks of starlight.

At that moment, the Soul Beast was baring its crimson fangs as it enjoyed its lunch.

The Vertical Pupils on Xiao Tianyang's forehead opened and closed. A subtle golden gleam flashed past, and in an instant, all information about the Soul Beast entered his eyes.

Soul Beast: Starlight Thunder Tiger

Years: 1,365

"It does not seem that strong. I should be able to beat it."

After weighing the strength of both sides, Xiao Tianyang lowered his head and looked at Bubu. "Keep watch around us. If another Soul Beast approaches while I am fighting, remember to warn me."

Bark!

At this moment, Bubu showed none of his usual foolishness. He turned and disappeared into the distant grass, beginning to patrol the area.

Xiao Tianyang, meanwhile, did not choose to launch a sneak attack. Instead, he stepped out openly and faced the Starlight Thunder Tiger.

His purpose in coming here was, first, to earn Lottery Points; second, to complete his mission; and third, to gain combat experience.

So there was no need to ambush Soul Beasts as he had the first time, because that would rob this trip of its value.

Besides, Xiao Tianyang did not need a Soul Ring right now. At only level fifteen, he merely needed to defeat the Soul Beast before him.

Roar!

Sure enough, the moment Xiao Tianyang appeared, the Starlight Thunder Tiger let out an angry roar. It was both a warning and a test.

"There is no need to try such tricks on me. Come defeat me, or be defeated by me!"

Xiao Tianyang made a provocative gesture and raised his middle finger.

Although the Starlight Thunder Tiger could not understand what the Human Before It was saying or the meaning of that gesture, it understood one thing: it had been provoked!

Electric light crackled around its body, and its limbs bent slightly. The next moment, the Starlight Thunder Tiger shot toward Xiao Tianyang like an arrow released from a bow, opening its jaws to go for his throat!