Tang 3's powerful fourth Soul Skill

Yang Xiu and the others returned to find Tang San still sitting cross-legged, absorbing his Soul Ring. Before long, however, he finished.

"Third Brother, how do you feel?" Xiao Wu bounded over and asked, blinking her large eyes at Tang San.

"I went up two levels, but this Soul Skill is incredibly powerful," Tang San said happily.

Soul-Devouring Prison Array: Defensive mode: Using the Five Elements Array as its foundation, it forms a prison. Enemies within the array continuously have their soul power and spiritual power drained and are forcibly weakened, with a chance of being stunned and rendered unable to resist. The absorbed soul power and spiritual power can also be used to strengthen others or reinforce the array itself. Even without soul power sustaining it, the array can perpetuate itself endlessly.

Offensive mode: Soul-Devouring Maw: The Soul-Devouring Prison Array transforms into an energy attack that strikes the enemy's soul directly and can inflict permanent damage. Those with weak spiritual power will be reduced to a vegetative state.

"Hiss..."

Everyone sucked in a sharp breath when they heard Tang San describe his skill.

Yang Xiu had never expected Tang San's skill to turn out like this.

"Xiao San, I think you understand how formidable this skill is. Use it cautiously. Of course, I trust your judgment."

Tang San smiled sheepishly and scratched his head before answering solemnly.

"Brother Yang Xiu, I will."

Yang Xiu said nothing more about it.

"All right, it's time to head back. We'll return the way we came. Xiao San, lead the way."

Rather than answering, Tang San led everyone forward.

They were more relaxed on the return journey. Having experienced it once, they no longer feared the unknown. Time flew by, and before long, Yang Xiu and the others returned to Shrek.

Although they had not faced life or death this time, they had still fought many battles. For them, it had been a worthwhile trip and a small trial. People had to experience things before they could change. Only by doing something could they discover their shortcomings.

"School really is better. Even the sunshine feels brighter," the usually steady Hong Wu suddenly declared with a flourish. Xiao Wu bounced out next. How could she possibly miss out on something like this?

"Exactly! There are endless carrots to eat at school!"

Then she added fiercely, "It's all your fault, Xiao San! You forgot to bring carrots this time. I haven't eaten any for days!"

Tang San said, "...I..." Meanwhile, he wondered whether carrots really tasted that good.

Yang Xiu smiled. This rabbit's love of carrots had become an obsession. Finally, he said, "All right, you should all get back to class."

Yang Xiu planned to rest today and return to the sect tomorrow.

Soon, the group entered Shrek Academy, where Ning Rongrong was berating Flender. Yang Xiu wondered why this matter still had not blown over. Hadn't it happened on the second day? They had already left by then.

It turned out that everything was because of Bai Kai. A few days earlier, he had assigned her training, but she had gone to Suotuo City instead, feasted, and then returned. Bai Kai had no interest in managing her. She could do whatever she pleased; if she refused to listen, so be it. He had come here entirely for his daughter. Had he not needed to train them, he would have wanted to go out with Yang Xiu and the others. Over the next few days, Ning Rongrong ate, played until dark, and then returned. The Little Demoness's talents had flared up again. Today, Flender had passed by and asked about the training. Bai Kai gave him a rough account, and Ning Rongrong was hauled out for a scolding.

With Ning Fengzhi's authorization, Flender naturally intended to straighten her out when he heard about this. The same conversation played out, but when he finally told her to leave, the young mistress dragged Bai Kai into it.

"Flender, don't you dare! You and he are both nothing more than puny Soul Saints! See him? I've been out eating these past few days. Did he dare stop me? Know your place, and don't offend people you shouldn't!" Ning Rongrong shouted at Flender, pointing at Bai Kai.

"Hmph, he's nothing but trash too. All he dares do is tattle. Flender, learn from him and mind your own business, or I'll make you bite off more than you can chew!"

"But..."

"I'll remember what he did!" Ning Rongrong was still prattling on. Bai Kai's expression grew darker and darker. I simply couldn't be bothered with you. Do you really think you're somebody? He dared to deny even Spirit Hall face. Besides, now that he had joined the Flame Emperor Sect, he had backing of his own. Yet today, a little girl had spoken to him like this. Just as he was about to step forward, he saw his daughter running over and stayed where he was.

Bai Ling charged over using her soul power and slapped Ning Rongrong across the face. Before the stunned Ning Rongrong could react, she seized her by the throat and lifted her off the ground, staring at her with murderous eyes. Ever since that disaster, her father had been her only remaining family. She would not let anyone insult him.

"Who are you calling trash? You, a mere Soul Grandmaster? What do you have besides a father to rely on?"

"And your father is only a Soul Saint too. Is he trash as well?"

"You're the same age as Zi Yang, and you have piles of resources from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, yet your strength is only comparable to his when he relies on his own hard work. Who do you have the face to criticize? If Zi Yang had your resources, he'd be stronger than you. You conceited thing!"

With that, Bai Ling threw her to the ground and returned to her group.

Bai Ling's icy words not only pierced Ning Rongrong's heart but also frightened her out of her wits. Soon, she was sobbing uncontrollably. When Flender had first said she was the weakest, she had still been able to talk back. But when Bai Ling criticized her, she did not dare. She was afraid of being hit.

Ever since she was little, everyone in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had treasured her, afraid she would break if held in their hands or melt if held in their mouths. Yet today, someone here had struck her.

How could she possibly accept that? Soon, fury engulfed her reason.

"You actually dared hit me? No one has ever dared treat me like this in my entire life! Just you wait. I'm going back to tell Sword Grandpa and Bone Grandpa. I'll have them kill you!" Ning Rongrong climbed to her feet, crying, and headed out of Shrek.

The sudden turn of events changed Flender's expression too. He could not afford to offend either side. Finally, he gritted his teeth and left Ning Rongrong alone. Knowing Yang Xiu was the leader of this group, he approached him and spoke helplessly.

"Sir, what do you think? Things have come to this. How should we handle it?"

Flender was not the only one caught off guard. Yang Xiu had not expected Bai Ling to be so impulsive either. Still, Bai Kai was a member of his Flame Emperor Sect, whatever else might be said. Letting someone insult him like that was out of the question.

"She was hit, and that's that. It's just a squabble between children. She really is a little spoiled. If Ning Fengzhi truly wants to go to war over this, I don't mind."

Bai Kai came over with Bai Ling.

"Sect Master, I've caused trouble for the sect. But don't worry. I'll take responsibility myself."

Yang Xiu almost laughed. How could anyone have such a naive idea? "You'll take responsibility? Can you withstand the fury of two Titled Douluos?"

"All right, it's fine. They aren't unreasonable people. Even if a fight really breaks out, that's the sect's business. Even when members of the Flame Emperor Sect make mistakes, only our own people may punish them," Yang Xiu declared with commanding confidence.

Bai Kai and his daughter were deeply moved. Even their loyalty rose considerably, though it still had not reached 95.

"Thank you, Sect Master."

"All right. Spend more time cultivating when you have nothing else to do, and think before you act next time," Yang Xiu added at last.

"Sect Master, I understand," Bai Ling said, thoroughly embarrassed.

Flender spoke up then. "Since you've already made your decision, sir, I won't say anything more. I simply don't want Shrek dragged into this. Please resolve the matter peacefully between your sect and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."

Yang Xiu said, "Dean Flender, don't worry. Even if it comes to blows in the end, Shrek won't be dragged into it."

"But has a member of the former Iron Triangle become this timid? You seem decent enough, so let me tell you something. Xiao San is his disciple. I think you know that. He might come here before long, and he can cultivate now, too. Not bad news, is it?"

Flender grew somewhat excited upon hearing this. "Is everything you said true, sir?"

"Of course. We originally planned to leave tomorrow, but now, because of this matter between me and Ning Rongrong, we may have to trouble you for a few more days."

Flender immediately assumed the air of a merchant. "That's a minor matter. Stay as long as you like. But you know how little Shrek has to its name. We also have so many teachers whose salaries need paying. Perhaps you could..." After finishing, he looked expectantly at Yang Xiu.

Knowing his personality, Yang Xiu burst out laughing. "For that, just go to Wuji. You know his position."

Flender grinned when he heard this. "Then I won't disturb you any further, sir. Oh, right, Zhao Wuji wanted to see me about something today. I'll go find him now."

With that, he ran straight off.

Yang Xiu muttered, "...Well... was he this fond of money in the original story?"

Unable to figure it out, Yang Xiu stopped dwelling on it. Soon, everyone went off to attend to their own affairs, and Yang Xiu took Zhu Zhuqing back to cultivate.