"How is that possible?!"
Tang San cried out after hearing him.
Seeing Tang San's shocked expression, Yu Xiaogang wore an I knew it look and said with a faint smile, "I was just as shocked when I first learned of it."
"Teacher, how exactly did he do it?" Tang San asked gravely.
Yu Xiaogang said, "Because he was lucky enough to create a Self-Created Soul Skill!"
"A Self-Created Soul Skill?" Tang San frowned.
"That's right. A Self-Created Soul Skill is a special kind of Soul Skill. Rather than forming naturally after a Soul Ring is absorbed, it is created by a Soul Master to suit their own circumstances."
After hearing this, Tang San thought, So a Self-Created Soul Skill is much like my Tang Sect Secret Arts?
He went on, "Then do you know anything about Qi Dao's Self-Created Soul Skill, Teacher?"
Yu Xiaogang shook his head. "He has used it only twice in the past several years. I wasn't there the first time, but I saw him use it the second time."
"His Self-Created Soul Skill is some kind of instantaneous enhancement. It lets him unleash several times his usual Strength in an instant, but it puts an enormous strain on his body."
"So, as I see it, that skill has a serious drawback. If he can't finish his opponent in a single move, he'll be the one who loses."
"I see." Tang San nodded. He hadn't expected Qi Dao to have such a trump card.
But the news also left Tang San deeply frustrated.
In his match against Qi Dao, he hadn't even forced him to reveal that trump card.
Yu Xiaogang continued, "Xiao San, now you understand. There's no shame in losing to Qi Dao."
"After all, his Soul Power is several levels above yours. He's skilled with a sword, and he has that trump card besides."
"Even though I don't particularly like him, I have to admit that few Soul Masters below Level Twenty could rival him."
"Xiao San, tell me everything that happened in your fight with Qi Dao. I'll help you analyze it."
"All right!" Tang San immediately recounted his entire challenge against Qi Dao.
After listening, Yu Xiaogang first praised Tang San for taking the initiative to challenge Qi Dao.
"You stood up for your companion. That's an admirable quality, and I'm glad to see it."
"Back in the day, I too had two dear friends I would have trusted with my life."
"That kind of friendship may be something Qi Dao will never understand."
"Others may respect him for his Strength, but they'll never truly regard him as a friend."
Tang San nodded in agreement.
Yu Xiaogang continued, "Xiao San, you handled yourself well against Qi Dao. The moment you realized how strong he was, you used your Soul Skill."
Tang San sighed. "Unfortunately, my Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul is still just a Trash Martial Soul. He cut my Blue Silver Grass into several pieces with one stroke."
Yu Xiaogang's face grew stern. "Xiao San, have you forgotten what I told you?"
"There are no useless Martial Souls, only useless Soul Masters!"
"So what if he's stronger than you now?"
"You have Innate Full Soul Power. Your cultivation speed is bound to far surpass his."
"He can cut through Blue Silver Grass at level eleven, but what about at level twenty-one?"
"And level thirty-one, Level 41..."
"One day, when you become a Titled Douluo, he may have only just reached Soul Emperor. Do you think his sword will still be able to cut through your Blue Silver Grass then?"
Tang San's eyes immediately lit up.
"Teacher, you're right."
"So what if Blue Silver Grass is weak?"
"As long as my level is higher than his, his sword won't be able to cut through my Blue Silver Grass."
Yu Xiaogang nodded in satisfaction.
"You're a pupil worth teaching!"
"And that's not all. Imagine when your level has risen above his—so far above that his sword can no longer cut through your Blue Silver Grass."
"Meanwhile, your Blue Silver Grass can gain offensive power from Soul Rings with poison attributes."
"When that day comes, could he still be your match?"
"What's more, you also have your Second Martial Soul!"
"So..."
"You don't need to worry about being no match for Qi Dao now. In another ten years, you'll defeat him with ease."
Hearing this swept away Tang San's gloom.
"Teacher, you truly deserve to be called Grandmaster!"
"Those people out there have eyes but fail to see. They don't know what you're really capable of."
Yu Xiaogang enjoyed Tang San's praise. "Xiao San, you must understand that the truth is often in the hands of the few."
"Let them say what they like. Pay them no mind!"
Qi Dao's dormitory.
To Qi Dao, Xiao Wu's and Tang San's challenges were no more than minor episodes. They did nothing to disrupt his daily cultivation.
As usual, he sat cross-legged on his bed and visualized the Peerless Sword.
In his mind, the Peerless Sword he visualized was so solid it seemed real.
The patterns on its blade, resembling several cracks, gleamed especially brightly.
Visualizing it no longer brought the stabbing pain he had felt years ago. Instead, a warm sensation washed over him, and his Spiritual Power steadily grew as he practiced.
Then there was the idea he had formed years earlier.
Every day, he set aside some time to examine the paths along which his Soul Power circulated through his body.
After several years, he had ruled out many useless paths.
Eliminating them had increased his cultivation speed by at least twenty percent.
Twenty percent might not sound like much, but it was enough to raise Qi Dao's cultivation speed to a new level, on par with a Genius who had been born with level-seven Soul Power.
Soul Masters born with level-seven Soul Power almost invariably became pillars of the major sects once they matured. Reaching Soul Saint was no difficult feat for them.
This was the limit of what Qi Dao could currently achieve.
Further refining the routes was possible.
But it would be harder. He would have to replace established meridian pathways with simpler ones.
For now, Qi Dao had no plans to continue refining them.
His Strength and knowledge were not sufficient to take the work any further.
The night passed.
After spending the whole night visualizing and cultivating, Qi Dao felt sharp and refreshed.
He disliked trouble. After his brief encounters with Xiao Wu and Tang San the day before, all he wanted was to reach Level Twenty as soon as possible and leave this place of strife behind.
The first semester of sixth grade passed in the blink of an eye.
In the dormitory, a faint Soul Power Fluctuation suddenly radiated from Qi Dao.
He slowly opened his eyes, excitement showing on his face.
At last, I've reached Level Twenty!
Qi Dao stood and looked around the room, a trace of emotion entering his eyes.
Now that I've reached it, it's time to leave!
Before you continue