The Deepening Conflict, Tang San's Predicament

"Absolutely true."

Faced with Dragon Duke's question, Lin Qingmo's expression was so calm that no one could find fault with him.

"I just came from over there, so I can be sure."

In fact, he had stumbled upon it by chance when he and his Master were looking for the Fourth Spirit Ring, and he had simply memorized it.

He gestured as he spoke, "The nest is in a crevice in the middle of the cliff, quite well hidden, but it definitely exists."

This isn't made up.

"...

The Dragon Duke stared into his eyes.

The boy's eyes were clear, without any flickering or guilty conscience.

That confident demeanor either indicates a master liar or that the person is telling the truth.

Dragon Duke quickly calculated in his mind.

The Man Faced Demon Spider's Spirit Ring are also quite good.

But it's really not suitable for Yiran's Martial Soul.

The Phoenix-tail Crested Serpent is different; its speed and flight ability are a perfect match for Yiran's Serpent Cane.

If this kid isn't lying...

"Good!"

Suddenly, the Dragon Duke said, "I'll trust you this once."

He turned to look at Zhao Wuji, his tone softening considerably.

"Zhao Wuji, let's let this matter go today, considering this kid provided the information."

He glanced at Tang San as he spoke and snorted.

"But you students really need to be disciplined. They're so young and already so immature; they'll suffer a lot in the future."

Tang San's face darkened, and he wanted to retort, but Zhao Wuji glared at him and shut him up.

"Yes, yes, senior is right."

Zhao Wuji quickly smiled apologetically, "I'll definitely give them a good talking-to when we get back."

"Snort!"

Dragon Duke waved his hand and said nothing more.

Meng Yiran walked up to Lin Qingmo, looking at him with bright eyes.

"Thanks."

Her voice was soft, with a gentle quality unique to young girls.

"See you next time... see you next time."

After saying that, her face flushed slightly, and she turned and ran back to her grandparents.

Snake Matriarch Chao Tianxiang nodded to Lin Qingmo as a greeting.

The three of them didn't linger and quickly left in the direction Lin Qingmo pointed out, their figures soon disappearing into the depths of the dense forest.

Only when he could no longer see it did Zhao Wuji let out a long breath.

That breath he exhaled was so forceful, it looked like he was about to vomit his lungs out.

"Horse..."

He wiped the cold sweat from his forehead; his back was soaked with sweat.

"That scared the hell out of me!"

If they really fought, all of them combined wouldn't be enough to defeat the Dragon Duke and Snake Granny.

Martial Soul Fusion Skill is something that can directly confront Titled Douluo. What is Zhao Wuji compared to that?

He patted Lin Qingmo's shoulder heavily.

"Qingmo, thank you so much this time!"

Zhao Wuji grinned. "Otherwise, if this isn't over today, I'll definitely be skinned alive."

He was genuinely grateful.

Lin Qingmo waved his hand. "It's nothing, Teacher Zhao."

It was just a piece of information that was irrelevant to him.

Moreover, his purpose was not to help Zhao Wuji, but to further deepen the conflict between Tang San and Oscar.

"This is no small matter!"

Zhao Wuji said earnestly, "When we get back to the Academy, I'll definitely have Flender give you some rewards."

As the two were talking, Tang San's expression grew increasingly grim.

He gritted his teeth and forced out the words, "I did nothing wrong, why should he meddle?"

The sound wasn't loud, but everyone present heard it.

Zhao Wuji's smile vanished instantly.

He turned his head and stared at Tang San, his eyes full of impatience.

"Tang San, are you still not done?"

Zhao Wuji, who had long disliked Tang San, became very aggressive in his tone.

"Didn't you see what happened just now? The Dragon Duke and Snake Granny were standing there. If they really investigated, do you think you could handle it? Do you think I could stop them?"

Tang San, neck stiff, retorted, "I'm in the right—"

"Reason?"

Lin Qingmo interrupted him.

He turned around and looked at Tang San calmly.

There was no emotion in his eyes, but they still gave Tang San a chill.

"Tang San, what do you think is reason?"

Lin Qingmo asked directly, "Was it Dragon Duke and his group who injured that Man Faced Demon Spider first? Did they chase it for three days?"

Tang San opened his mouth.

"Yes... but--"

"No buts."

Lin Qingmo's tone was indifferent.

"In the world of Soul Master, it's a dog-eat-dog world; whoever has the biggest fist calls the shots."

"If I hadn't provided the information just now, you would either be fighting with the Dragon Duke and getting slapped to death, or you would have to pay him compensation of equal value."

He paused, then added, "And I've heard that the Dragon Duke and Snake Granny's Martial Soul Fusion Skill can even rival ordinary Titled Douluo. What are you planning to use to fight them? Your useless, Hidden Weapon?"

Tang San's body stiffened abruptly, and a look of surprise and doubt flashed in his eyes as he looked at Lin Qingmo.

How would he know about Hidden Weapon?

"A-Qing is right!"

Ning Rongrong had been holding back for a long time. She put her hands on her hips, her little face puffed up with anger.

"Tang San, how can you be so ungrateful? You're the one who benefited. A-Qing gave away information about a precious Soul Beast for free, and instead of being grateful, you're making sarcastic remarks."

Zhu Zhuqing also spoke coldly, "Indeed, if it weren't for A-Qing, this matter wouldn't have ended well today."

"Exactly, we still have a long way to go, who has time to waste here with you?"

Xiao Wu pouted, looking disgusted.

After saying that, she pulled Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing along and walked towards the outer perimeter without looking back.

Dai Mubai sneered as he passed by Tang San.

"Tsk, some people, they get the benefits and then complain."

He lowered his voice, but it was enough for Tang San to hear.

"Does he really think he's the main character?"

The sarcasm was quite obvious.

Ma Hongjun and Oscar followed.

Ma Hongjun deliberately bumped Tang San's shoulder; although he didn't use much force, the meaning was clear.

Oscar's gaze toward Tang San grew even colder.

This has happened twice.

That bastard ruined two of his opportunities!

The first time was when the absorption of the Spirit Ring was interrupted.

The second time is now— Lin Qingmo clearly had information about the Phoenix-tail Crested Serpent, which could have been used by him, but in order to clean up Tang San's mess, he had to give it to Meng Yiran for nothing!

He was seething with hatred.

"You..."

Tang San stood there, his face alternating between pale and flushed.

He wanted to say that he had done nothing wrong, and that Lin Qingmo meddling in other people's business.

But when the words reached his lips, he couldn't utter a single one.

Because what Lin Qingmo said was true.

He couldn't defeat the Dragon Duke.

Even if you use all your Hidden Weapon, they're just a joke in the face of Soul Douluo- level absolute power.

In the end, he could only shut his mouth and swallow back all the pent-up frustration and anger.

Those hands, hanging at her sides, were clenched so tightly that her knuckles turned white.

Lin Qingmo...

Once again.

This made him lose face in front of everyone once again.

Once again, they "give" him their handouts in that condescending manner!

Did he remember this grudge?

Zhao Wuji shook his head inwardly as he looked at Tang San's obvious expression.

This kid has good talent, but his personality is too gloomy; he'll probably get into big trouble in the future.

"Alright!"

He raised his voice, breaking the awkward silence.

"Now that we've got the Spirit Ring and everyone's here, let's get out of here! I don't want to stay in this godforsaken place for another second!"

He was genuinely scared.

Today I first encountered the Titan Giant Ape, then the Dragon Duke and Snake Granny —it was all too exciting.

If we stay any longer, who knows what other monsters and demons might appear?

"Teacher Zhao..."

Oscar raised his hand hesitantly.

"What about me? I haven't even found my Third Spirit Ring yet..."

He looked at Zhao Wuji pitifully, like an abandoned puppy.

Zhao Wuji rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on.

"Let's keep looking as we walk out."

He sighed, "Anyway, given the current situation, we can't go any further. Safety first. As for your Spirit Ring... well, we'll have to wait and see."

He was telling the truth.

It's too risky to lead this bunch of little devils around in the Star Dou Great Forest.

Especially Tang San, that troublemaker, who knows when he'll cause trouble again.

"..."

Oscar's eyes dimmed.

He lowered his head and didn't say anything more.

But his hands, hanging at his sides, quietly clenched into fists.

They're all Tang San.

It's all because of him.

Noticing the resentment in Oscar's eyes as he looked at Tang San, Lin Qingmo smiled faintly.

Tsk tsk, this is exactly the effect he wanted.