"This is Ten-Year Solitary Bamboo. It's naturally tough. Its attack power isn't strong, but it has decent defenses."
"It's quite suitable for you."
Grandmaster walked forward with Tang San. Looking at the Ten-Year Solitary Bamboo, he smiled warmly and spoke.
"Should I absorb it?"
A glint of cold light flashed in Tang San's eyes. He didn't even call him teacher anymore; he simply asked outright.
"Don't choose yet. If we can't find a suitable one, you can choose it last."
Grandmaster said.
"Yes, teacher."
The cold light in Tang San's eyes grew stronger. He had already taught himself a great deal about Martial Souls at the academy.
He knew that once a Spirit Master absorbed a Spirit Ring, it couldn't be changed. And when a Spirit Scholar advanced to Spirit Master, they could absorb a Hundred-Year Spirit Ring.
What's more, while watching Qin Qi fight earlier, he had realized something.
The difference between a Ten-Year Spirit Ring and a Hundred-Year Spirit Ring was enormous; their power was worlds apart.
His Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul was already weaker than other Martial Souls. If he chose a Ten-Year Spirit Ring now, his future would be over!
If he couldn't find a suitable one, he would rather not absorb a Spirit Ring at all than absorb this Ten-Year Solitary Bamboo!
For a long while after that, Tang San searched the outskirts with Yu Xiaogang, but they didn't come across a single Hundred-Year Soul Beast.
"Teacher, should we take a look in the inner area?"
Before coming, Tang San had asked Qin Qi about Soul Hunting Forest. He knew that Hundred-Year Soul Beasts rarely appeared in the outer area.
To find a Hundred-Year Soul Beast, they had to go into the inner area.
"The inner area... It's a little dangerous for you. We should keep looking in the outer area."
After hearing Tang San's suggestion, Yu Xiaogang's expression froze for a moment. Then he pretended to be concerned and replied.
"Teacher, I'm not afraid of danger!"
Tang San said.
"No! Xiao San, let me tell you something: when you've got plenty of souls and bones, go all out; when you've got few souls and bones, turn tail and run!"
"When fighting an enemy, you must first assess your own strength. Don't recklessly challenge someone stronger than you."
Yu Xiaogang earnestly lectured Tang San.
"You're still young, and you have a bright future ahead of you. I can't let you take such a risk."
Yu Xiaogang looked at Tang San, concern showing in his eyes, and spoke.
"Thank you, teacher."
Tang San said the words, but in his heart, he had already sentenced Yu Xiaogang to death.
He knew Yu Xiaogang didn't want to enter the inner area not because he was worried about him, but because Grandmaster didn't have the strength to do so.
At level twenty-nine, with a Luo Sanpao Martial Soul, Grandmaster might not even be able to handle a Hundred-Year Soul Beast.
From the very beginning, Grandmaster had never intended to find him a Hundred-Year Soul Beast.
Looks like I'll have to rely on myself after all.
Tang San touched the Hidden Weapons he had concealed and resolved to find a Hundred-Year Spirit Ring.
And is there any point in keeping this teacher around?
Tang San looked at Grandmaster. In name, they were master and disciple, but in truth, they were using each other.
Grandmaster used Tang San's talent to gain the reputation he wanted, while Tang San used Grandmaster to obtain knowledge and resources.
But now Tang San felt Grandmaster couldn't help him with anything. So was there any reason to let him keep taking advantage of him?
That night, while they were resting, they were attacked by a Datura Snake.
Grandmaster turned tail and ran. Tang San fought back with all his might and eventually killed the Datura Snake, while Grandmaster was accidentally poisoned.
Tang San merely glanced at him, then ignored him. He sat down and began absorbing the Spirit Ring.
If he dies, he'll have been killed by a Soul Beast. It has nothing to do with me.
Tang Buddha couldn't bear to kill people. As someone who respected his teachers and honored the way, he certainly wouldn't do anything that went against his sect.
Stealing secret manuals had only been a last resort! And now, refusing to save someone was only a last resort too!
The next morning, at Notting Academy.
"Xiao San, why didn't you come back to the dormitory to sleep last night?"
Looking at Tang San sitting beside him, Qin Qi figured he must have gone to hunt for a Martial Soul.
"It was nothing. I just went out for a stroll."
Tang San smiled as he replied.
"You sneaky old fox, really keeping your head down!"
Looking at Tang San, Qin Qi immediately understood. That kid had definitely obtained a Spirit Ring!
And it was a Hundred-Year Spirit Ring, too. Maybe it was the Datura Snake's Spirit Ring. Otherwise, he wouldn't be so happy.
I spent several days wandering around the outskirts and found nothing, but you go in once and a Hundred-Year Soul Beast comes right to you.
It'd be really hard to explain if your dad, Tang Hao, hadn't pulled some strings.
Qin Qi grumbled inwardly.
The first culture class ended, and it was time for a break.
"Hey, hey, everyone, come over here! Sister Xiao Wu has an announcement!"
Xiao Wu stood on top of a desk and loudly called over the first-years and students from the other grades.
"Sister Xiao Wu, you're not out of money again, are you? We're short on funds this month. We really can't lend you any."
Looking at Xiao Wu standing on the desk, Wang Sheng grimaced as he spoke.
"What are you talking about? Do I look like that kind of person? I'm not asking to borrow money. I have some big news!"
"Sister Xiao Wu has become a Spirit Master too! And I have a Hundred-Year Spirit Ring!"
As Xiao Wu spoke, she summoned her Soft Bone Rabbit Martial Soul, and a yellow Spirit Ring appeared around her!
"Hehehe, come worship me, Sister Xiao Wu!"
Xiao Wu lifted her chin and spoke proudly.
"Sister Xiao Wu, you're awesome!"
"Another Hundred-Year Spirit Ring!"
"Our Work-Study Students have produced two geniuses this year!"
"From now on, we don't have to worry about the Formal Students bullying us anymore. No, we should say it's our turn to bully them!"
Looking at the Hundred-Year Spirit Ring behind Xiao Wu, Wang Sheng and the others were both thrilled and envious.
They couldn't help imagining what it would be like if they had a Hundred-Year Spirit Ring of their own.
"How convenient. I wish a Spirit Ring would just grow on me too."
Looking at Xiao Wu, Qin Qi was genuinely a little envious. She didn't have to hunt Soul Beasts; a Spirit Ring just grew on her.
Oh, my Spirit Rings give me the traits of Soul Beasts. Never mind, then.
"A Hundred-Year Spirit Ring!"
Tang San looked at Xiao Wu's Hundred-Year Spirit Ring and furrowed his brow. The little bit of joy in his heart vanished in an instant.
He had thought he was a one-of-a-kind genius, but Qin Qi and Xiao Wu had appeared one after another.
Both their Martial Souls were stronger than his Trash Martial Soul, Blue Silver Grass. They would surely go farther than him in the future!
The little bit of pride in Tang San's heart shattered in an instant.
Whew, it's fine. I have Twin Martial Souls. I still have my second Martial Soul!
And I have Tang Sect Hidden Weapons and the Mysterious Heaven Skill. I'll definitely surpass them in the future!
Tang San comforted himself inwardly.
After Xiao Wu had shown off enough from atop the desk, she jumped down and went over to Qin Qi.
"Qin Qi, where do I go to collect the Spirit Master subsidy?"
Xiao Wu looked at Qin Qi with bright, limpid eyes. She had just spotted a little skirt she liked.
She didn't have enough money to buy it, but once she collected her Spirit Master subsidy, she would go buy it right away.
"You just need to get certified by Spirit Hall. After class this morning, I'll take you there."
Qin Qi said.
"Then thank you."
Xiao Wu said with a smile.
"Take me with you. I have a Spirit Ring now too."
Tang San finally spoke up. He raised his hand and summoned his Martial Soul and Spirit Ring.