Chapter 6

On the hilltop, Tang San looked a little dusty and disheveled. Though he had no obvious injuries, it was clear from his expression that Xiao Tianyang had given him quite a beating. It would probably leave a shadow in his heart.

"Brother Tianyang, I lost. You really are stronger than me."

Tang San's tone carried a hint of dejection.

Xiao Tianyang walked over and patted him on the shoulder, saying sternly, "Is this all it takes to bring you down? Who was it that said he wanted to grow stronger with me?"

"Have some confidence. Show me that Aura you had before!"

Tang San looked up at Xiao Tianyang, momentarily stunned. That was right—so what if he lost?

He was a genius of the Tang Sect. He had once climbed up from the dust; surely, he could break free from this mundane world as well!

Besides, what was shameful about losing to a friend?

He should be even more determined, even more diligent!

Having figured out these key points, the knot in Tang San's heart completely unraveled. He could not help but look at Xiao Tianyang gratefully.

Tang San said with a serious expression, "Brother Tianyang, I'll work hard to catch up to you. I definitely won't let you leave me behind!"

Xiao Tianyang raised an eyebrow and reminded him, "Heh heh, you'd better not make that your goal, or you'll have a hard time in the future."

Tang San could not help looking embarrassed. "Brother Tianyang, can't you be a little more modest?"

"Hahaha, I'm just messing with you."

Xiao Tianyang smiled, then said, "Come on, I'll put some medicine on you!"

Tang San did not mind and sat down, taking off his shirt so Xiao Tianyang could apply the ointment.

Although Xiao Tianyang had gone easy on him earlier, the Nine Yang Divine Skill excelled in explosive power. Even simple moves could unleash considerable force. On top of that, it was his first time fighting someone, so minor external injuries were unavoidable.

After applying the medicine, Tang San put his shirt back on before asking hesitantly, "Brother Tianyang, you didn't use your full strength earlier, did you?"

"About seventy percent," Xiao Tianyang replied casually.

Having never fought a true expert, Xiao Tianyang did not know where his limits lay, so it was hard for him to make an accurate judgment.

But Tang San felt differently when he heard that, thinking to himself, He beat me down with just seventy percent of his strength. If he hadn't held back, then wouldn't that mean...

At that moment, Tang San was not discouraged at all. Instead, he felt even more motivated!

Watching from the side, Xiao Tianyang secretly nodded. Little San's personality is like Blue Silver Grass. The harsher the environment, the more his resilience shows. He's the type who only grows braver with every setback. Looks like there'll be plenty of fun ahead.

Just as Xiao Tianyang was preparing a series of "surprises" for Tang San, a voice came from beside him. "Brother Tianyang, what are you thinking about?"

"Nothing."

Xiao Tianyang shook his head. "By the way, Little San, in four days, Martial Soul Hall will send someone to help us undergo Spirit Awakening. Do you have any plans?"

Hearing the question, Tang San was stunned for a moment before lowering his head. "I don't know why, but I feel like Father is somewhat resistant to this matter..."

"But you'll still go, right?" Xiao Tianyang asked.

Tang San answered, "I want to try."

Xiao Tianyang was initially taken aback, then smiled. "Alright. No matter what decision you make, I'll support you!"

He had paused not because of Tang San's answer, but because of the information he had received in his mind.

The host has triggered the Main Quest: [Spirit Awakening]. Content: Arrive at the Sacred Soul Village Martial Soul Hall Branch and awaken your martial soul with Full Spirit Power!

Mission Reward: Lucky Draw ×1, Random Spirit ×1!

Sure enough, it was roughly what he had guessed. The main course of Douluo Continent had not changed because of his appearance. Based on his analysis, Side Quests were generated by the system after he came into contact with certain important figures.

As for Main Quests, they should follow the major plot progression of Douluo Continent. Xiao Tianyang did not know whether there would be deviations along the way.

After all, this was merely a conclusion he had reasoned out from a few clues. Whether it was true or not would depend on how things developed later.

Over the next few days, that conversation did not affect Xiao Tianyang and Tang San's training schedule. They still rose early every day and trained hard.

However, near the end of each session, they added another activity—having a fight!

But this was not something Xiao Tianyang had suggested. It was Tang San's own request.

Although Tang San was pinned to the ground and beaten every time, with the experience from the first time, Xiao Tianyang no longer injured him.

As the two sparred in this friendly manner, their friendship rapidly deepened. At the same time, the day Xiao Tianyang had long been awaiting finally arrived.

Early in the morning, Xiao Tianyang and Tang San did not meet up on the hilltop as usual. Instead, led by Village Chief Old Jack and accompanied by seven other children, they arrived at the Sacred Soul Village Martial Soul Hall Branch.

Though this was merely a remote mountain village, Martial Soul Hall was the grandest building in the village.

It was not extravagantly magnificent, but it was built from piled white jade stone and carried a faint sense of solemnity.

"Tianyang, if your martial soul isn't good, don't be disappointed. Stay here with Grandpa and live out your life safely and peacefully. That would be quite nice too."

Village Chief Old Jack reached out and rubbed Xiao Tianyang's head, offering comfort in advance.

Xiao Tianyang looked awkward, thinking to himself, I'm afraid I'll disappoint you when the time comes...

For the past ten-odd days, Xiao Tianyang had been freeloading meals at Village Chief Old Jack's house. Old Jack also knew about his relationship with Tang San and was greatly pleased by it.

Xiao Tianyang also knew that Village Chief Old Jack was afraid he would not be able to bear the blow of the Spirit Awakening result, which was why he was comforting him beforehand.

But given his situation, it shouldn't have come to this, should it?

After waiting at the entrance for quite a while, Village Chief Old Jack finally reminded them, "Remember, follow me inside later. Don't be afraid when you see the Battle Spirit Master, but don't talk too much either, or you might annoy him. Understand?"

Several children answered in unison. Only Xiao Tianyang remained silent, seeming somewhat out of place.

Seeing this, Village Chief Old Jack said no more. He shook his head and led the children into Spirit Hall.

At the center of the hall stood a figure. Seemingly hearing their footsteps, the man turned to look at them.

After Village Chief Old Jack's introduction, Xiao Tianyang finally confirmed the man's identity: Su Yuntao!

"My time is limited. Let's begin."

Su Yuntao waved his hand, cutting off Village Chief Old Jack before he could ramble on. Looking at the children before him, he said in a slightly gentler tone, "Children, line up from left to right."

As he spoke, Su Yuntao took six pitch-black round stones from his robes. With a flick of his hand, he scattered them across the floor, where they formed a hexagon.

He then took out a crystal ball and raised his hand to point at the hexagonal pattern. "From left to right, enter one at a time."

After the first child stepped inside, Su Yuntao shouted in a low voice, "Lone Wolf!"

One white and one yellow soul ring rose around him, leaving the surrounding children both fascinated and frightened.

At the same time, Su Yuntao's body grew slightly taller, his muscles swelling as he became visibly more powerful.

Xiao Tianyang watched with great interest. This was the first time he had seen what another martial spirit looked like.