The night was deep and still.
Snores gradually rose inside Dorm Seven.
But within Tang Tian's Sea of Consciousness.
A storm of towering waves was playing out.
[Little Iron Hammer (rolling around furiously)] [I'm furious! Furious!] [That rotten grass head that only knows how to cling to people got an iron ring, that silly little brother got new clothes, and even that rabbit spirit from who knows where got a carrot hair clip!] [What about me? What about this young lady?!] [Other than being dragged out every day to slave away forging iron, what have I gotten?] [Tang Tian is a big idiot! A big meanie! A biased jerk!] [I'm not talking to you anymore! This time I really mean it!]
Looking at the resentment flooding the System Panel.
And Little Iron Hammer's furious projection.
Tang Tian lay in bed.
A barely perceptible, mischievous smile curled his lips.
He rolled over, pretending to mutter to the empty air:
"Ah, even though I have Soul Power now, going around bare-handed just doesn't feel like being a proper Soul Master."
"Should I go to the Blacksmith Shop and forge a handy dagger for self-defense?"
At this point, he deliberately paused.
His voice dropped slightly:
"If I'm going to forge one, I certainly can't use mortal iron."
"I heard some precious metal recently made its way into Nuoding City..."
"Deep sea sunken silver? Black iron essence mother..."
"If I could get my hands on some, what an incredible weapon I could forge."
The moment his words fell.
The irritable figure in his Sea of Consciousness instantly froze.
[Little Iron Hammer (ears pricked up · drooling)] [Deep sea sunken silver? Black iron essence mother? Slurp...] [Hmph! Don't think you can buy me off with tasty food! I... I didn't hear anything!]
Though she claimed she hadn't heard anything.
Tang Tian could clearly see.
The projection of Little Iron Hammer, who had originally had her back to him.
Was now quietly turning around.
Her big eyes blinked as she stared at the outside world.
"I want to eat that" was written all over her face.
Heh, her mouth says no, but her body tells the truth.
Tang Tian chuckled inwardly.
This was just like coaxing a foodie. As long as the bait smelled good enough, there was no prickly little tsundere he couldn't soothe.
That personality really is easy to read.
Early the next morning.
Sunlight streamed through the window onto the bed.
Tang Tian opened his eyes right on time.
Only today felt especially quiet.
There was no lively touch from Little Blue.
Nor was there Little Iron Hammer's irritable wake-up service.
"Tsk, I'm actually not used to this."
Tang Tian stretched and smiled self-deprecatingly:
"Do I have the makings of an M? Am I uncomfortable because nobody's scolding me?"
"Brother, get up. We still have to cultivate."
Tang San's helpless voice came from beside him.
This diligent king of overachievers had already finished washing up.
He was staring at Tang Tian's bed with a look of exasperation.
Xiao Wu was like a pink octopus.
Wrapped tightly around Tang Tian, sound asleep.
A glistening trace of drool still hung at the corner of her mouth.
She mumbled, "Smells so good... carrots..."
Tang San sighed.
He stepped forward and mercilessly peeled Xiao Wu off his older brother.
"Wake up! The sun's already shining on your backside!"
After a bout of washing up that sent chickens flying and dogs jumping.
The three were ready to go to the dining hall for breakfast.
However, they had barely left the dormitory building.
When a familiar figure blocked their path.
It was Yu Xiaogang.
He seemed to have been lying in wait here for a long time.
His hands were clasped behind his back, and he looked somewhat anxious.
The instant he saw Tang San.
A trace of life finally appeared on Yu Xiaogang's stiff face, and a gleam flashed through his eyes.
But when his gaze swept over Tang Tian and Xiao Wu beside him.
His brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.
These two unpredictable factors were far too much of a hindrance.
Especially Tang Tian!
Whenever he saw him, Yu Xiaogang always felt an unease, as though he had been seen through.
But he could only steel himself.
And ignore the other two outright.
He stared intently at Tang San:
"Little San, come with me for a moment."
"You have innate full Soul Power, and you've already reached the level-ten bottleneck."
"You must go to the Soul Hunting Forest to obtain your first Soul Ring as soon as possible."
Yu Xiaogang spoke urgently.
There was even a hint of unquestionable pressure in his tone:
"A Soul Master's cultivation is like rowing against the current. Fall behind one step, and you'll fall behind at every step."
"If you wait any longer to absorb it, you'll already be far behind everyone else at the starting line!"
In truth, this was merely Yu Xiaogang's pretext.
After returning last night, he had tossed and turned.
He had realized that glib words alone were useless.
He had to demonstrate genuine skill and win Tang San over completely through practical action!
And choosing this first Soul Ring!
Was the perfect battlefield for him, Yu Xiaogang, to turn his fortunes around!
Yu Xiaogang cast out the theoretical bait he had prepared long ago:
"Little San, I've already planned the perfect route for you."
"Ordinary people think plant Martial Souls can only absorb plant Soul Beasts. That's the view of mediocrities!"
"One of my Ten Core Competencies of Martial Soul states that plant Martial Souls can also absorb animal Soul Rings!"
A fanatical light shone in Yu Xiaogang's eyes:
"This is a revolutionary theory in the Soul Master World!"
"As long as you and I work together, we can prove it correct!"
"I've already thought it through. The best match for your Blue Silver Grass."
"Would either be lone bamboo, which possesses exceptional toughness."
"Or a snake-type Soul Beast that can add potent venom and control abilities, such as a Mandala Snake!"
"This will allow you to leap from being a Soul Master with an ordinary Martial Soul to a powerful control-type Soul Master!"
Watching Yu Xiaogang's impassioned display.
Tang Tian stood to one side without speaking.
Only a flicker of amusement passed through his eyes.
Hearing Yu Xiaogang's highly persuasive words, "Fall behind one step, and you'll fall behind at every step."
Tang San felt a slight stirring in his heart.
As a Tang Sect disciple who pursued perfection.
He had an innate desire to grow stronger.
But rather than agreeing immediately, he habitually turned his head and looked at Tang Tian beside him.
In this family, his older brother's words were the highest law.
"Big Brother, what do you think?"
Tang Tian remained calm.
He had not been swept up by Yu Xiaogang's fervor.
He merely said evenly:
"Little San, there's no rush. Sharpening your axe won't delay cutting firewood."
"Your body is still growing. Although your Soul Power has reached a bottleneck, you can still keep tempering your physique during this time."
"Spend some more time consolidating with me. If you strengthen your foundation before absorbing a Soul Ring, the results will be better."
"Mm, I'll listen to you, Brother."
Tang San nodded without hesitation.
If his older brother said to consolidate, there had to be a reason for it.
The urgency he had felt moments ago instantly vanished like smoke and clouds.
But the sight sent Yu Xiaogang's blood pressure soaring.
"Nonsense! Utter nonsense!"
Yu Xiaogang's face turned livid.
In his eyes, Tang Tian was clearly jealous!
Jealous that his younger brother was more talented than he was.
Jealous that his younger brother could receive the "Grandmaster's" guidance.
That was why he was deliberately throwing a wrench into things, trying to slow Tang San's cultivation!
But faced with two children.
Especially Tang San, whose devotion to his older brother was maxed out!
He couldn't say it outright, or it would only backfire.
Yu Xiaogang took a deep breath.
He forcibly suppressed the anger in his heart.
And assumed the heartbroken air of an elder:
"Tang Tian, do you know what you're doing?"
"You're ruining Little San's future!"
"I've studied Martial Soul Theory for decades. Don't I know more than a child like you who's only just awakened?"
"This ignorant confidence of yours will make you regret it sooner or later!"
Before you continue