Yu Xiaogang paused, sighed, and continued, "Firstly, it involves devouring external life force and forcibly infusing and repairing it. The best targets are powerful life forms of the same origin, such as high-age Soul Beast with abundant life force. Little San's Eight Spider Lances possess the characteristic of devouring. However, this is not about hunting and obtaining the ring, but rather... using some special method to continuously and predatoryly absorb its life essence, transforming it for one's own use to fill the gaps in the Martial Soul."
"Secondly..." Yu Xiaogang's voice was almost inaudible, "... searching for... those with the same origin Martial Soul, especially those with the Clear Sky Hammer Martial Soul, whose origins are the same. If we use the Eight Spider Lances to forcibly devour the life force and Martial Soul Origin of another Soul Master with the Clear Sky Hammer Martial Soul... it might achieve a 'grafting' effect. Of course, the one whose martial soul is absorbed will at best lose their Martial Soul and become a cripple, and at worst... their life will be in danger."
The air in the room seemed to freeze instantly.
Tang San gasped, his face turning deathly pale, his eyes filled with horror and resistance. "No! Teacher, this... this is too cruel! How is this any different from Evil Soul Master? I'd rather my Martial Soul never recover than use this method!"
A terrifying glint flashed in Tang Hao's eyes as he stared intently at Yu Xiaogang, his voice icy cold. "This method violates the laws of nature and harms our own kind. I, Tang Hao, would rather die a thousand deaths than commit such an unjust act!"
Yu Xiaogang seemed stung by their reactions. He abruptly raised his head, his eyes bloodshot. "I know! Of course I know this violates human ethics! But now... now Little San's Martial Soul... this is the only possible direction I can think of!"
"This matter... do not mention it again." Tang Hao 'Tang Hao voice deepened, carrying an undeniable resolve. "My son, even if he becomes a cripple, will never stoop to the level of a despised heretic."
Tang Hao looked at Yu Xiaogang, whose expression was changing and who was clearly also under great shock, and said in a deep voice, " Grandmaster, I understand your intentions. This method... will be put aside for now. Perhaps there is another way, but we haven't found it yet. I need time, and Little San needs time too."
Tang Hao paused, then continued, "After tonight, we will leave Heaven Dou City immediately. The Spirit Hall's spies are everywhere; we cannot stay here any longer. I will take Little San, and... that child Meng Yiran, to a completely secluded place. First, we will try to stabilize Little San's injuries so he can continue cultivating his Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul. At the same time... we will find another way to repair his Clear Sky Hammer Martial Soul."
" Meng Yiran?" Yu Xiaogang was taken aback.
"That child is loyal and devoted to San'er. San'er has suffered such a great calamity, and she is also heartbroken. Taking her along might... provide some support." Tang Hao explained simply, clearly a decision he had made after careful consideration. Having suffered such a severe blow, Tang San truly needed a confidant by his side to comfort him.
Yu Xiaogang opened his mouth, but ultimately let out a long sigh.
Tang Hao said no more, patted Tang San on the shoulder who was still immersed in the huge shock, and nodded to Yu Xiaogang one last time. "Take care, Grandmaster. Thank you for taking care of Little San for me all these years."
After saying that, Tang Hao pulled Tang San up, and the two of them covered themselves with black cloths again. Just like when they came, they silently blended into the darkness outside the door without leaving a trace.
Yu Xiaogang stood alone in the empty, dimly lit room, looking at the door that had been closed again, a complex expression gradually appearing on his face, a mixture of despair, obsession, and resentment.
Meanwhile, Tang Hao and his son, like ghosts in the night, avoided the occasional patrol lights within the academy and quietly arrived at a pre-arranged corner outside the girls' dormitory area.
Having received Tang Hao's secret message long ago and having waited anxiously for a long time, Meng Yiran was looking around anxiously.
When she saw those two familiar figures appear, especially when she saw Tang San standing safely despite his pale face, tears of joy instantly welled up in the girl's eyes. She rushed over without hesitation and grabbed Tang San's arm tightly.
" Tang San! You're alright! That's great! You're really alright!" She stammered, looking him up and down as if afraid it was an illusion.
Feeling Meng Yiran's undisguised concern and warmth, a surge of warmth welled up in his heart, and he forced a smile, "Yiran, I'm fine. But... the Clear Sky Hammer can't be used for the time being."
Upon hearing this, Meng Yiran Yiran's joy faltered for a moment, but was quickly replaced by a deeper resolve. "It's good that everyone is alright! As for the Martial Soul, we'll figure out a way together later! There's always a way out!"
Seeing this, Tang Hao's cold, hard lips twitched slightly. He said in a low voice, "Let's go. We must leave immediately."
Led by Tang Hao, the three of them, like wisps of smoke, quietly climbed over the walls of the Shrek Academy under the cover of the increasingly thick night, and completely disappeared into the darkness leading out of the city and into the unknown distance.
Half a month later, in a small town on the outskirts of the Star Dou Great Forest.
Two dusty carriages pulled up in front of the town's largest inn. Nine figures filed out, their eyes sparkling with excitement and anticipation despite their arduous journey.
The vast, dark green outline of the Star Dou Great Forest lies not far below the horizon, its primal and mysterious aura carried on the wind, invigorating the spirit.
After a hearty meal of steaming hot Soul Beast and wheat cakes at the inn, washing away the dust of their journey, the group rested early to recharge for their official entry into the forest the next day.
The next morning, as dawn broke.
The nine people have assembled at the town's exit and are in top condition.
Tang Feng's gaze swept over everyone. "Once we enter the forest, follow my instructions. Our first objective is to reach the area where Thousand-Year Soul Beast are active, to obtain the Third Soul Ring for Chenxiang, and to find the Fourth Soul Ring for Rongrong and Tai Long. After that, we'll head to the Ten-Thousand-Year Soul Beast area to find suitable Soul Beast for Brother Jian and Zhu Zhuqing. Remember, safety first, no recklessness, and no straying from the group."
"Understood!" everyone responded in unison.
Upon reaching the edge of the forest, Tang Feng began arranging the marching formation. " Tai Long, you lead the way. Brother Jian Little Ao, you follow closely behind Tai Long, responsible for early warning and support. Jian Ge, you're in charge of the left flank. Zhu Zhuqing, you're in charge of right flank surveillance. Sister Yan, protect Sister Lingling and Rongrong; the three of you will be in the center. Chenxiang, you'll patrol the perimeter of the formation, using your flying ability for high-altitude reconnaissance, but you must not leave within 200 meters of the formation and maintain constant communication."
The formation was quickly arranged, and the team began to advance into the forest. The training exercise progressed rapidly amidst tense, orderly, and efficient teamwork.
Three days later, Bai Chenxiang was the first to achieve a breakthrough.
They successfully hunted down a " Streaming Light Swallow Falcon " known for its speed and swift, phantom-like movements, dating back approximately two thousand years.
Bai Chenxiang's absorption of the Soul Ring went quite smoothly, Sharp-Tailed Swift Martial Soul has an extremely high compatibility with speed-type Soul Ring.
After successfully absorbing the power, her Soul Power increased to level 32. Her Third Soul Skill, " Swallow Shadow Streaming Light," not only greatly increased her straight-line flight speed but also allowed her to make rapid turns and variations over short distances, significantly enhancing her aerial maneuverability and taking her reconnaissance capabilities to a new level.
The little girl's face flushed with excitement, and she flew around the crowd several times.
Two days later, Ning Rongrong's opportunity arrived. The group discovered a rare " Crystal Armor Rhinoceros Turtle," which was approximately six thousand years old.
This type of Soul Beast has extremely abnormal defensive capabilities, moves slowly, and is not very aggressive, but the stability and protective characteristics contained in its Soul Ring make it an excellent choice for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda's defensive amplification Soul Skill.
Tang Jian, Tai Long, and the other two took turns acting as "punching bags" to distract him, while Dugu Yan's deadly poison slowly eroded the gaps in his defenses. Finally, Zhu Zhuqing attacked the relatively weak point in his head with lightning speed, successfully subduing him.
After successfully absorbing the Soul Ring, and with the added effects of the Aromatic Silk Beauty, Ning Rongrong Ning Rongrong's Soul Power soared to level 45.
The Fourth Soul Skill, " Seven Treasures Have Names, Fourth: Defense," has a defense boost of up to 50% and comes with a certain damage reduction effect, giving the team a qualitative leap in survivability.
Oscar stood by his side anxiously the entire time, showing meticulous care, which brought smiles to everyone's faces.
Two days later, Tai Long also received his Fourth Soul Ring. His target was a 6,500-year-old " Mountain-Shaking Giant Ape," a pure strength-type Soul Beast with thick skin and immense strength.