Breaking Through Rank Twenty, on the Eve of Departure

"How is that possible?!"

After hearing this, Tang San cried out in shock.

Seeing Tang San's stunned expression, Yu Xiaogang wore an expression that said he had expected this, then smiled faintly. "Back then, your teacher was just as shocked as you."

"Teacher, how exactly did he do it?" Tang San asked solemnly.

Yu Xiaogang said, "It was because he fortunately created 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. It does not naturally form after absorbing a soul ring, but is instead a special soul skill created by a soul master based on their own circumstances."

After hearing this, Tang San thought to himself, So a self-created soul skill is more or less like my Tang Sect Secret Arts?

He continued, "Then, Teacher, do you know anything about Qi Dao's self-created soul skill?"

Yu Xiaogang shook his head. "Over the past several years, he has only used it twice. I was not present for one of those times, but I did see him use it on the other occasion."

"His self-created soul skill is some kind of instant burst-type enhancement soul skill. It can unleash several times his own strength in an instant, but it also places an enormous burden on his body."

"So, in your teacher's view, this self-created soul skill of his has a serious drawback. If he cannot defeat his opponent in a single move, then he will be the one who loses."

"I see." Tang San nodded. He had not expected Qi Dao to have such a trump card.

However, this information also made Tang San feel even worse.

Because in his match against Qi Dao, he had not even forced him to reveal his trump card.

At this moment, Yu Xiaogang continued, "Little San, now you understand, don't you? Losing to Qi Dao is nothing shameful."

"After all, his soul power is several ranks higher than yours. He is also highly skilled in swordsmanship and possesses such a trump card."

"Even though your teacher does not like him very much, I have to admit that among soul masters below Rank Twenty, he should have very few equals."

"Little San, tell your teacher everything that happened during your fight with Qi Dao. Let me analyze it for you."

"All right!" Tang San immediately recounted the entire process of challenging Qi Dao.

After listening, Yu Xiaogang first affirmed Tang San's decision to step forward and challenge Qi Dao.

"Being willing to stand up for your companions is a fine quality. Your teacher is very pleased with you."

"Back then, your teacher also had two close friends worthy of entrusting my life to."

"Perhaps this kind of friendship is something Qi Dao will never understand."

"Others may fear and respect him because of his strength, but they will never sincerely regard him as a friend."

Tang San nodded in agreement.

Yu Xiaogang then continued, "Little San, you performed very well during your fight with Qi Dao. After realizing how strong he was, you immediately unleashed your soul skill."

Tang San sighed. "Unfortunately, my Blue Silver Grass martial soul is still only a useless martial soul. With one slash, he cut my Blue Silver Grass into several pieces."

Yu Xiaogang's expression turned slightly stern as he rebuked him, "Little San, have you forgotten what I told you?"

"There are no useless martial souls, only useless soul masters!"

"So what if he is stronger than you now?"

"You possess innately full soul power. Your cultivation speed is destined to far surpass his."

"Blue Silver Grass at Rank Eleven can be cut apart by him, but what about Blue Silver Grass at Rank Twenty-One?"

"And Rank Thirty-One, Rank Forty-One..."

"One day, when you become a Titled Douluo, he may only have barely reached the rank of Soul Emperor. Do you think that by then, his sword will still be able to cut through your Blue Silver Grass?"

Hearing this, Tang San's eyes immediately lit up.

"Teacher, you are right."

"So what if Blue Silver Grass is weak?"

"As long as my rank is higher than his, his sword will not be able to cut through my Blue Silver Grass."

Yu Xiaogang nodded in satisfaction.

"Teachings are not wasted on you!"

"Not only that, think about it. Once your rank surpasses his in the future—high enough that his sword cannot cut through your Blue Silver Grass—"

"Your Blue Silver Grass can also absorb poison-attribute soul rings to increase its offensive power."

"At that point, could he still be your match?"

"Not to mention, you have a second martial soul!"

"So..."

"You do not need to be anxious just because you are not Qi Dao's match right now. In another ten years, you will be able to defeat him with ease."

After hearing this, Tang San's frustration was swept away.

"Teacher, you truly deserve to be called a master!"

"Those people outside are blind and cannot see your true ability."

Yu Xiaogang greatly enjoyed Tang San's flattery and said evenly, "Little San, you must understand that the truth is often held only by a select few."

"They can say whatever they want. There's no need to pay them any mind!"

Qi Dao's dormitory.

Xiao Wu and Tang San's challenge was merely a minor interlude to Qi Dao, having no effect whatsoever on his daily cultivation.

As usual, he sat cross-legged on his bed, visualizing the Peerless Sword.

Within his mind, the Peerless Sword he visualized had become exceptionally solid, almost like a real object.

The markings on its blade, resembling cracks, shone especially brightly.

While visualizing it, Qi Dao no longer felt the piercing pain he had experienced in the past. In its place was a warm sensation, while his spiritual power steadily improved through visualization.

There was also the idea he had conceived years ago.

Every day, he set aside some time to examine the paths through which soul power circulated within his body.

After several years, he had already eliminated many useless routes.

After removing those useless routes, his cultivation speed had increased by at least twenty percent.

Don't underestimate twenty percent. That increase alone had elevated Qi Dao's cultivation speed to another level, enough to rival a genius with innate seventh-rank soul power.

Once an innate seventh-rank Soul Master matured, they would almost certainly become the backbone of a major sect. Breaking through to Soul Sage would not be difficult.

This was also the limit of what Qi Dao could currently achieve.

It was not impossible to optimize the routes further.

However, it would be far more difficult, requiring him to replace the existing meridian circulation routes with simpler ones.

For the time being, Qi Dao had no plans to continue optimizing them.

His strength and knowledge were insufficient to support him any further.

A night passed.

Qi Dao spent the entire night cultivating through visualization, and he was in excellent spirits.

He was someone who disliked trouble, so after his brief encounter with Xiao Wu and Tang San yesterday, all he wanted was to break through to level twenty as soon as possible and leave this troublesome place.

The first semester of sixth grade passed in the blink of an eye.

Inside the dormitory, a faint ripple of soul power suddenly spread from Qi Dao's body.

He slowly opened his eyes, excitement appearing on his face.

He had finally broken through to level twenty!

Qi Dao rose to his feet and looked around the room, his eyes carrying a trace of sentiment.

He had broken through, which meant it was time for him to leave!