The Intelligence-Reducing Halo is Too Overbearing

"I was there when Fu Qin awakened his martial soul, so I know his talent well. You needn't trouble yourself. Besides, since you are guiding my cultivation, Fu Qin will follow me from now on. I will naturally nurture him according to your methods, and he won't be any worse off than if he were under your tutelage."

Tang San's words were both sincere and intentional.

He truly looked down on Yu Xiaogang's teaching style, believing that Yu Xiaogang was merely an armchair theorist incapable of producing a true powerhouse.

Furthermore, he did not want Fu Qin to take Yu Xiaogang as a master, as that would make Fu Qin his junior brother, a prospect he found humiliating.

As a former God King, how could he possibly share the same master as a little brat like Fu Qin?

Hearing Tang San speak up for him, Fu Qin was overjoyed.

This was exactly the outcome he wanted: avoiding apprenticeship to Yu Xiaogang while simultaneously boosting Tang San's favorability. It was perfect.

"That's right, Master," Fu Qin chimed in. "San is very impressive. I'll just follow San to cultivate from now on. Thank you for your kind intentions."

Seeing their firm stance, Yu Xiaogang felt a sense of loss.

He had originally thought he had encountered another genius with Twin Martial Souls, only to find the boy unwilling to become his disciple.

Moreover, Tang San's words had embarrassed him; after all, Tang San was his disciple, yet he had questioned his judgment in public.

"Very well..."

Yu Xiaogang sighed, a trace of regret in his eyes.

"Since you are unwilling, I will not force you."

"However, Fu Qin, remember: if you encounter any problems in your cultivation in the future, or if you change your mind, you can come to me at any time. As long as it is something I know, I will tell you without reservation."

"Thank you, Master!"

Fu Qin said obediently.

[Yu Xiaogang favorability: +2, thoughts: What a pity, such a genius. I hope he changes his mind in the future.]

Yu Xiaogang gave Tang San a few more instructions to cultivate diligently before turning to leave.

Watching Yu Xiaogang's retreating back, Tang San let out a cold snort.

"An armchair theorist, and he wants to teach Fu Qin."

Fu Qin sidled up to Tang San, wearing an expression of admiration.

"San, you're so awesome! Even the Master listens to you!"

[Tang San favorability: +3, thoughts: You're sensible. Follow me well in the future, and I won't treat you poorly.]

Xiao Wu opened a crack in the door, watching their interaction with a flicker of amusement in her eyes.

She felt this life was truly interesting; Tang San's style of conduct was far more overbearing than in his previous life.

Now, with the addition of a cute little boy like Fu Qin, it seemed life at Nuoding Academy would not be boring.

"Alright, it's getting late. Everyone should get some rest."

Xiao Wu's voice drifted out from Dorm Seven, breaking the silence outside.

"Understood, Boss!"

Fu Qin replied immediately.

Tang San nodded as well and returned to his room.

The night deepened, and everyone else in Dorm Seven had fallen asleep, save for Fu Qin.

He closed his eyes and began to circulate his Mysterious Heaven Skill.

Although nothing major had happened today, his gains were significant.

Not only had he boosted Xiao Wu's favorability and successfully infiltrated the enemy's inner circle, but he had also made Tang San value him more and successfully rejected Yu Xiaogang's invitation to become his disciple.

[Current Status: Fu Qin Spirit Power Level 10 (Stable), Mysterious Heaven Skill 1st Layer Peak, Purple Demon Eye 1st Layer Peak, Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track 1st Layer Peak]

[Core Buff Effects: God-Level Luck (Continuously active, no danger), Intelligence-Reducing Halo (Range expanded to 10 meters), Fate Arises and Fades (Xiao Wu's favorability continuously increasing)]

Fu Qin could feel that as his strength improved, the effects of the three buffs were slowly strengthening as well.

He believed that with the help of these buffs, his Douluo path would surely be smooth sailing.

When the time came, Tang San, Dai Mubai, Oscar, and Ma Hongjun—those reborn big brothers—would lead the charge, while he would stay in the rear and take good care of the sister-in-law.

(#^.^#)

My goodness, this life is just too delightful.

On the other side, Tang San was not asleep either.

He lay with his eyes open, staring at the ceiling, calculating his future plans.

He needed to increase his strength as quickly as possible, obtain his first spirit ring, and then take Xiao Wu and Fu Qin to Shrek Academy.

He wanted to show Xiao Wu his power so she would fall in love with him all over again.

He also needed to make Fu Qin his most capable assistant, laying the foundation for his future revenge and return to the God Realm.

It was just that...

When he thought of Xiao Wu having Fu Qin sleep in the middle, he still felt a bit unsettled.

He secretly made up his mind that he must break this awkward situation as soon as possible and bring Xiao Wu back to his side.

A month passed in the blink of an eye.

During this time, the reborn Xiao Wu and Tang San relied on their memories from their past lives to quickly become the big brother and big sister of the entire Nuoding Academy.

He also chose a century-level soul beast for his first soul ring during this period; it was not rare, but it was extremely suitable for him: the Iron-Veined Stone Scorpion.

The sky was just beginning to brighten.

Tang San, Fu Qin, and Yu Xiaogang had already shouldered their packs and set off on the road to the Soul Hunting Forest.

Xiao Wu stood at the academy gate, waving goodbye, her pink skirt fluttering in the wind.

"Brother San, Fu Qin, you must be careful! Remember to come back soon!"

Her gaze lingered on the two of them, finally resting on Tang San with a trace of imperceptible expectation.

"Don't worry, Boss! We'll be back soon!"

Fu Qin waved with a smile. The Fate Arises and Fades buff caused his favorability toward Xiao Wu to continue rising, and his smile at this moment was sincere and pleasing.

Tang San nodded, his tone firm.

He then leaned close to Xiao Wu's ear and whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear.

"We will be careful. You must also be cautious when condensing your own soul ring."

Hearing Tang San's words, a blush appeared on Xiao Wu's cheeks.

"Mm, Brother San, you be careful too."

Not far away, Yu Xiaogang saw that Tang San was still standing there motionless and immediately spoke up.

"Little San, hurry up and keep up. We must reach the Soul Hunting Forest before noon!"

Hearing Yu Xiaogang's words, Tang San felt a bit impatient.

If it weren't for Yu Xiaogang insisting on coming along, he would have already set off alone with Fu Qin.

[Tang San's thoughts: Yu Xiaogang is just a burden. If it weren't for him in my past life, I wouldn't have almost fallen into the hands of the Datura Snake. With Fu Qin following in this life, it's the perfect chance to let him witness my strength and make him completely submit to me.]

The three of them traveled all the way and finally arrived at the Soul Hunting Forest at noon.

The trees in the Soul Hunting Forest could not be said to blot out the sun, but they were definitely comparable to poplar trees that had grown for seventy or eighty years on Blue Star.

The air was filled with a rich scent of vegetation and a faint smell of blood; this was a paradise for soul beasts and a necessary place for soul masters to obtain soul rings.

"After entering the forest, you must listen to my commands in everything."

Yu Xiaogang looked smug, putting on an air of confidence.

Perhaps wanting to show off his insignificant wisdom in front of Fu Qin and Tang San, Yu Xiaogang looked at Tang San with a hint of excitement.

"Tang San, your Blue Silver Grass martial soul is suitable for a control-type soul ring. I have already chosen a target for you: the Solitary Bamboo soul ring. It can enhance the toughness of the Blue Silver Grass and is the best top-tier soul ring for you!"