Chapter: 131-140

Chapter 131: Now They're Sneaking Around Without Me?

Seeing Ning Rongrong in such a state, the group naturally lost the mood to say anything further, feeling a bit awkward to bring anything up.

Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing approached Ning Rongrong directly. Despite the dust on her body, they softly reassured her:

"Alright, we don't blame you. You've already been cooking for us; why would we say anything bad about you?"

Zhu Zhuqing nodded in agreement and added:

"Actually, I just finished my training as well. Why don't we go wash up together? We can grab breakfast outside afterward."

Hearing Zhu Zhuqing's suggestion, Ning Rongrong hesitated and glanced wistfully toward the kitchen. After some thought, she nodded in agreement.

After all, the charred turkey lying on the ground was evidence enough.

Ning Rongrong wasn't someone who couldn't distinguish right from wrong, so she accepted Zhu Zhuqing's invitation. Before leaving, however, she turned to Yunfeng and apologized.

After all, this was Yunfeng's house, and she'd ended up destroying the kitchen. She couldn't help but feel a little guilty.

Yunfeng, however, waved it off casually. "It's no big deal," he said, since fixing it was an effortless task for him.

Ayin, who could sense Yunfeng's thoughts, didn't even know what to say.

Of course, it's 'no big deal' for you. I'm the one doing all the work!

However, Ayin kept her thoughts to herself.

After the three girls left, Yunfeng took a look at the kitchen and, with Ayin's help, restored it to its original state. Then, deciding to make the most of his time, he retrieved some ingredients from his storage soul guide and began cooking.

Truth be told, Yunfeng wasn't fond of eating out. Ever since he had started honing his cooking skills based on some advice, his culinary abilities had reached a near-mythical level. Without exaggeration, there was likely no one on this continent who could match him in the kitchen.

Given that Yunfeng's soul power and physical growth were closely tied to his diet, he was meticulous about not compromising in this area.

In no time, Yunfeng had prepared a delicious breakfast.

After bathing, the three girls emerged from the bathroom, their bodies emitting a gentle warmth, with wet hair draped over their shoulders. They were drying their hair with towels as they walked out.

The moment they entered the hall, an enticing aroma wafted into their noses. Following the scent, they saw Yunfeng already seated at the dining table, eating by himself.

Seeing this, Xiao Wu immediately realized that Yunfeng had cooked. Without a second thought, she tossed aside her towel and dragged Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing toward the table.

She knew all too well about Yunfeng's "battlefield prowess." No matter how much food was on the table, Yunfeng would finish it all if given the chance. So, it was critical to act quickly.

Zhu Zhuqing hesitated briefly, feeling a bit shy, but after a full morning of training, her hunger won out, and she didn't dwell on it.

As for Ning Rongrong, she didn't hesitate at all. She plopped down at the table without a second thought.

Watching Xiao Wu's antics, Yunfeng couldn't help but chuckle.

"Relax, I made plenty for all of you. Xiao Wu, there's no need to worry; I won't eat everything myself."

Hearing this, Xiao Wu's smile faltered slightly, a trace of embarrassment flashing across her face. Without responding, she quickly began to eat. She knew how rare it was for Yunfeng to cook a meal. Though he wouldn't skimp on himself, it was challenging to get him to cook for others. So she cherished these moments whenever they happened.

Since their return from the Star Dou Forest, everyone had taken a few days to rest. However, Zhu Zhuqing and Yunfeng were exceptions.

Whenever Yunfeng wanted to slack off, Zhu Zhuqing would give him an intense, longing gaze that he found impossible to resist. In the end, he had no choice but to follow her into the woods for more training.

Naturally, this didn't escape the notice of the other members of Shrek Academy. After all, the academy grounds weren't that large.

Ma Hongjun, Oscar, and Tang San often saw them entering the woods together and couldn't help but admire Yunfeng. Every time they went in, they stayed for an extended period, and when they emerged, both looked exhausted and out of breath. It wasn't hard to imagine what might have transpired.

Ma Hongjun was particularly impressed by Yunfeng's "forest training" sessions.

This guy's a genius, he thought. Talk about playing at a high level.

Yunfeng wanted to explain, but seeing Zhu Zhuqing's expression, he realized that any explanation would only make things worse. So he simply let it be.

As for Zhu Zhuqing, there was no way she would voluntarily clarify things with others.

Because of this, Dai Mubai, unaware of the truth, felt increasingly bitter as he watched Zhu Zhuqing. He didn't even know what to say anymore.

Now she's sneaking around behind my back?

He wanted to confront her, but then he remembered his current circumstances. What could he even do? Fight? He'd lose. Argue? He'd still end up getting beaten.

Life was too difficult for him. It had been ages since he'd been with a woman, and he was deeply frustrated, especially given how stunning Zhu Zhuqing was. Once, he'd even considered following them into the woods. But after hearing the sounds from within, his self-esteem had taken a hit, and he retreated.

Who could be that intense? he thought, dumbfounded. They're shaking the whole forest!

The next morning, Yu Xiaogang, after checking on Tang San's condition, asked him to showcase his external spirit bone. The two then returned to Shrek Academy together.

By the time they arrived, the sun was already up. Yu Xiaogang spent a long time discussing spirit bones with Tang San, though it was just an overview. Tang San would still need time to fully digest the information.

"Xiao San, let's get some breakfast. Starting today, I'll reorganize your training schedule," Yu Xiaogang said.

Tang San looked up at him.

"Teacher, are you leaving?"

To Tang San, Yu Xiaogang arranging a training plan felt like a precursor to his departure, filling him with a sense of loss.

If Yunfeng were here, seeing Tang San's expression, he would definitely think Tang San was lovesick.

Yu Xiaogang, noticing his disciple's reaction, felt deeply satisfied. Smiling faintly, he reassured him:

"Don't worry, I'm not leaving. I'm staying because I'm concerned about potential issues with your external spirit bone. Since it's already integrated into your body, specifically your brain, any problems could be fatal. So I'll be here to guide you."

"Teacher, you're not leaving? That's great!" Tang San exclaimed, his mood lifting instantly.

Yu Xiaogang's face showed a trace of longing as he continued speaking.

Chapter 132: Nonsense!

"Xiao San, do you know? I really want to see what you'll look like twenty years from now. My decision to stay isn't just for you, but also for your companions at the academy. Every one of you could be described as a genius. If you don't have the proper methods for cultivation, wouldn't that be a waste?"

"Although Flender has a fair amount of experience in cultivation, he doesn't pay enough attention to many details. I hope that in the future, you all can become a strong group. To achieve that, we need to start now with the best guidance in cultivation methods."

For Tang San, the reason for Yu Xiaogang staying wasn't important. What mattered was that he had decided to stay, and that was enough.

The two of them headed to the academy's dining hall. Perhaps because the food was so unappetizing, even though breakfast had been prepared, the hall was completely empty.

Tang San quickly served two bowls of porridge, one for himself and one for Yu Xiaogang.

Shrek Academy was not well-off financially, so breakfast wasn't anything extravagant.

Today's breakfast was simple: steamed buns, pickles, porridge, and one egg per person.

Looking at the breakfast Tang San placed before him, Yu Xiaogang frowned.

"Is this what Flender feeds you?"

Yu Xiaogang's stiff expression darkened.

Tang San thought for a moment and said, puzzled, "This is already pretty good. The steamed buns are filling—better than what I had as a child."

"Speaking of my childhood, I owe so much to Grandpa Jack and Yun Feng for taking care of our family. Otherwise, I might have starved to death!"

"Nonsense!"

Yu Xiaogang couldn't stomach this food. He put the steamed bun down, his anger rising. His temper had always been unyielding.

"You kids are at the critical stage of physical development. The body is the foundation of martial spirit. Without a strong body, how can you endure the intense cultivation? This kind of breakfast might be enough for someone like Flender or me, but it's far from adequate for you kids."

As Yu Xiaogang vented his frustration, Flender's lazy voice came from outside.

"Xiaogang, it's easy for you to stand there and criticize. Do you have any idea how much these kids eat in a day? Sure, you can buy gourmet food in Soto City, but given the academy's financial situation, how could I afford to feed them delicacies? If you're willing to sponsor us, I won't object."

With that, Flender walked in.

Seeing him, Yu Xiaogang's expression softened slightly, but there was no way he would eat the buns and porridge in front of him. Since he'd decided to stay, how could he eat such food?

Despite his thoughts, he maintained a dignified tone: "I don't care about the academy's difficulties. Now that I've decided to stay and teach here, I won't let the kids suffer. Flender, leave this matter to me. From now on, I'll decide what the kids eat for every meal."

Flender smirked.

"So, Xiaogang, you've decided to stay?"

Yu Xiaogang nodded.

"Whether it's for Tang San or the other little monsters you've recruited, I've decided to stay for a while. Over the past couple of days, I've reviewed your current teaching methods and found many areas in need of improvement. Didn't you say that as long as I was willing to stay, you'd give me full authority? Is that still valid?"

Flender knew Yu Xiaogang all too well. Seeing his determination, Flender understood that his old friend was ready to make some big changes. While he appeared indifferent, he was secretly thrilled.

Yu Xiaogang's theoretical knowledge was unmatched.

Fearing that Yu Xiaogang might change his mind, Flender immediately agreed. "No problem. Just let me know in advance what you're planning. You can assign the academy's teachers as you see fit. However, if it involves spending money, you need to inform me first—the academy's finances are worse than you think."

Yu Xiaogang frowned slightly. "I know you're all proud and aloof, but can't you find a way to increase income?"

Yu Xiaogang's suggestion was well-meaning, but for a group of lazybones, working a regular job was out of the question.

Flender chuckled. "Even someone as rigid as you knows how to be flexible?"

Yu Xiaogang glanced thoughtfully at Tang San beside him.

"For these kids, what's the harm in being flexible?"

Flender laughed heartily. "Fine, as long as it doesn't violate my principles, you can be as flexible as you like."

After breakfast, the bell rang, summoning all the students to the academy's training grounds.

Today, the scene was livelier than usual. Not only were the two deans, Flender and Zhao Wuji, present, but the Grandmaster and several other teachers had also gathered.

In addition to the two deans, the academy originally had three teachers. These were the ones responsible for the first three rounds of the entrance exam.

Tang San had only met one of them before: the elder with the staff martial spirit who had frightened away many applicants.

"Alright, everyone is here. I have a few announcements to make," Flender said.

He stepped in front of the seven students, his stern gaze sweeping over them.

"First, I'll introduce the new students to the academy's teachers."

Flender pointed to the elder with the staff martial spirit. "This is Teacher Li Yusong. His martial spirit is the Dragon Patterned Staff, and he is a sixty-third level Spirit Emperor."

Next, he indicated an even older man who seemed to be in his seventies. "This is Teacher Lu Qibin. His martial spirit is the Star Luo Chessboard, and he is a sixty-sixth level Spirit Emperor."

Finally, he pointed to a younger teacher, about the same age as Flender. "This is Teacher Shao Xin. His martial spirit is Sugar Beans, and he is a seventy-first level Spirit Saint specializing in food-type martial spirits. Teacher Shao is one of the top five food-type spirit masters I know."

If the first two teachers weren't shocking enough, the appearance of a seventy-first level food-type Spirit Saint left Zhu Zhuqing, Xiao Wu, and Tang San stunned.

Yun Feng already knew the background, and Ning Rongrong didn't care—no matter how strong they were, they couldn't compare to her Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.

But undeniably, Teacher Shao was an incredible talent.

The short-statured Teacher Shao was about the same height as twelve-year-old Xiao Wu, perhaps even shorter. With small eyes and a large nose, he had an unremarkable appearance. Yet, who would have thought he was such a powerful food-type spirit master?

A seventy-first level food-type Spirit Saint would be considered a revered figure in any Spirit Master clan or even the Spirit Hall.

After Flender's introduction, the three teachers nodded toward the students.

Teacher Li was expressionless, Teacher Lu smiled warmly, but Teacher Shao's expression was peculiar. His gaze lingered on Oscar with an almost obsessive look.

Chapter 133: Aren't You Afraid of Hurting His Feelings?

Finally, Flender walked over to Yu Xiaogang, draped an arm around his shoulder, and said:

"This last person, I need to give a proper introduction. He is the man who, through his own research, developed the theory of the Ten Core Competencies of Martial Spirits. Known as the strongest theorist in martial spirit studies and the most intelligent soul master, he is also Tang San's teacher—Mr. Yu Xiaogang."

"Of course, he's also my old brother. We've known each other for decades. Perhaps you're not familiar with his name, but I believe you must have heard of his title. From now on, you can call him 'Master.'"

Upon hearing the word "Master," everyone couldn't help but feel a bit awkward.

After all, before Yu Xiaogang appeared, "Master" was generally a term used for someone who had achieved extraordinary accomplishments in a particular field.

But ever since Yu Xiaogang had emerged, the title seemed to have turned into something of a joke.

No one could understand how Yu Xiaogang had accepted such a title.

The students at Shrek Academy were no longer the ignorant souls they once were. After experiencing so much, they had grown more aware and observant of everything around them.

They were also somewhat familiar with Yu Xiaogang's reputation. So when Flender introduced him in such glowing terms, they found it rather strange.

Ning Rongrong was the first to break the silence, laughing openly without any intention of sparing face.

"Excuse me, but a Master in what field, exactly?"

Flender immediately looked embarrassed, and even Yu Xiaogang's lips twitched slightly, unsure how to respond.

Yu Xiaogang glanced at Flender, signaling him to speak.

Flender understood the stakes—if his old friend couldn't win over this group of little monsters, future teaching would surely be difficult. Clearing his throat and coughing a few times, he began to explain:

"Didn't I just say? The reason why he's called Master is because he proposed the theory of the Ten Core Competencies of Martial Spirits, which has been recognized across the entire continent. Do you have any questions about that?"

Flender spoke with unprecedented pride, as though sharing in the glory of his old friend.

But instead of silencing the laughter, it only caused Zhu Zhuqing, who had been trying to hold back, to chuckle as well.

What kind of explanation was this?

Though Zhu Zhuqing's life hadn't been easy in recent years, as a member of the Zhu family from the Star Luo Empire, she was naturally familiar with certain theories regarding martial spirits.

To her knowledge, Yu Xiaogang's theories weren't groundbreaking contributions to the soul master world but rather records—mere observations of the current limits of spirit ring absorption. They were far from absolute truths.

For instance, many ordinary soul masters whose martial spirits weren't strong enough failed to absorb spirit rings even below the stated limits and ended up dying from the backlash.

Thus, reaching the limits of absorption wasn't something to aspire to; it was more a cautious guideline.

And then there was his infamous theory that "there are no useless martial spirits, only useless soul masters," which seemed even more far-fetched.

Xiao Wu, who had long held back her doubts, finally took the chance to whisper to Tang San:

"Xiao San, promise me you won't get mad when I say this."

Tang San, overjoyed that Xiao Wu was talking to him, unconsciously touched the cloth covering his forehead, hiding his second pair of eyes. "I won't get mad. Go ahead and say it."

Encouraged, Xiao Wu spoke softly, "Master said there are no useless martial spirits, only useless soul masters, right? But as far as I know, Master's martial spirit isn't very powerful. So why is his spirit power level even lower than ours?"

"Doesn't that contradict his own theory?"

Everyone present was a soul master, so naturally, they heard Xiao Wu's words.

Flender was momentarily speechless, even starting to doubt himself as he cast a suspicious glance at Yu Xiaogang.

Yu Xiaogang's face darkened in anger, but leaving wasn't an option.

After all, this academy was the place where he had pinned all his hopes and dreams of proving his theories. Taking a deep breath, he forced a smile and said:

"I understand that many of you have some misconceptions about me, but that's fine. I will prove myself through my strength and knowledge!"

Yu Xiaogang spoke with great confidence, especially since he believed Tang San, his star pupil, would vindicate his teachings. He wasn't worried—he was certain that with time, these students would not only accept him but even admire him.

However, Yun Feng was watching all this with a hint of helplessness.

On the side, Zhao Wuji suddenly recalled the unpleasant scene from the previous day. Looking at Yun Feng and Tang San, he curved his lips into a sly smile.

"Master, if I recall correctly, Yun Feng and Tang San grew up together and even joined the same academy. Why did you choose to mentor Tang San instead of Yun Feng?"

"Could it be because Tang San was innately full of spirit power, while Yun Feng only had spirit power at level one? Perhaps Tang San was just easier to train?"

Zhao Wuji's tone was dripping with sarcasm, striking right at Yu Xiaogang's pride.

Yu Xiaogang's face turned ashen with anger.

Indeed, he regretted not choosing Yun Feng back then—or perhaps not taking both of them as disciples. How much better off would he be now?

But there was no point dwelling on it. Zhao Wuji's comment had already struck a nerve.

Flender hadn't expected Zhao Wuji to take things this far. Angry but trying to stay calm, he snapped:

"Zhao Wuji, what's wrong with you? I went through so much trouble to invite Master here, and now you're saying things that hurt his feelings. Apologize immediately!"

Zhao Wuji looked at Flender, bitterness filling his heart.

Hurt his feelings? And what about mine? Did you care about that when you said those words to me?

Glancing at Yu Xiaogang and then at Flender, Zhao Wuji eventually muttered a perfunctory apology before walking off the training ground.

Watching Zhao Wuji leave, Flender felt both relieved and disheartened.

Between Yu Xiaogang and Zhao Wuji, he clearly sided with the former. But Zhao Wuji's remarks left the students with a strange feeling.

This so-called "Master" seemed to lack judgment, having failed to recognize Yun Feng's talent and instead chosen Tang San. No one knew what to make of it.

Chapter 134: Seems Like They're Saying, "Didn't Expect You to Be This Kind of Person!"

Can he really guide us properly?

Nevertheless, Flender was still Flender. He quickly calmed his emotions and declared loudly:

"Starting today, Master will take full charge of your training, and we will all assist him. Today is just an introduction, so you get a day off. Classes will resume tomorrow. During the recent trip to the Star Dou Forest, two of you have reached the rank of Spirit Elder."

"For Ning Rongrong, Ma Hongjun, and Zhu Zhuqing, who have not yet reached level 30, you need to put in more effort to catch up with the others. Master, do you have anything to add?"

The last question was directed at Yu Xiaogang.

After all, Flender still had to give him some respect and fully cooperate with him.

Yu Xiaogang nodded in satisfaction at this moment. His stiff face remained unchanged as he looked at the eight students before him and said plainly:

"The academy has only eight students. In my eyes, you are one entity. I've reviewed your profiles and will develop targeted teaching methods for each of you. Beyond cooperation, I don't want to hear any dissenting voices."

"No matter who it is, I will treat you all equally. Since you are students of the Monster Academy, you must outshine ordinary spirit masters. In the future, I want everyone to associate you with the word 'monsters.' Starting now, the eight of you will no longer be divided into junior and senior groups. Instead, you will undergo unified training."

After finishing his speech, Yu Xiaogang swept his gaze over the group.

"Alright, you may leave now. Gather here tomorrow morning. Also, I don't want to see anyone absent during breakfast; otherwise, you'll face special training."

Seeing that Yu Xiaogang intended to leave after speaking, Zhu Zhuqing frowned. If Yu Xiaogang's teaching methods proved ineffective, why should she follow them? She immediately voiced her concern:

"If your training methods fail to enhance my combat abilities, can I refuse to follow them? I've recently acquired a more effective training regimen."

As soon as she said this, Yu Xiaogang frowned deeply.

Someone dared to question his ability to train students?

In his opinion, even someone as talented as Yunfeng would become much stronger after training under him. Thus, he responded decisively:

"You can try it out. If you find my methods ineffective, then we can compare your methods to mine when the time comes!"

Zhu Zhuqing glanced at Yunfeng, who nodded slightly. She then calmly but firmly replied with one word:

"Alright."

Yu Xiaogang smiled upon hearing Zhu Zhuqing's agreement. In his mind, what kind of training system could a young girl possibly have? Could it really surpass his?

With that matter settled, Ma Hongjun and the others saw this day off as a blessing. However, Yu Xiaogang's arrival also left them feeling a mix of curiosity and unease.

As the teachers gradually left, Ma Hongjun stood beside Tang San with a grin and whispered:

"Tang San, your teacher seems even more impressive than Dean Flender!"

Ma Hongjun and Tang San didn't have much conflict between them, so he spoke his mind freely.

Tang San smiled faintly and defended his teacher:

"My teacher is meticulous in everything he does. As long as you follow his instructions strictly, there won't be any problems."

Hearing this, Ma Hongjun thought about what had just been said and, noticing Tang San's unwavering confidence, decided to change the topic:

"Anyone planning to head into the city? We finally have a day off—I'm going to take a stroll around Soto City."

Dai Mubai was tempted, but remembering his current condition, he declined Ma Hongjun's offer.

In truth, Ma Hongjun wasn't desperate. After his physical issues arose, he had refrained from indulging himself. It wasn't that he couldn't anymore—he simply had fewer worldly desires. His intention to visit the city now was more out of habit than need; he didn't want to completely abandon the pleasures of being a man.

Oscar hesitated after hearing Ma Hongjun's suggestion. Glancing at Ning Rongrong, who wasn't paying him any attention, he felt a pang of bitterness. Finally, he said:

"I'll go with you. I haven't had a chance to relax these past few days."

Yunfeng thought about it. He needed to purchase some tools, so he chimed in:

"I'll go too; I have some things to buy."

The girls present turned to Yunfeng with surprised expressions, their eyes clearly saying, "Didn't expect you to be this kind of person!"

Even Ma Hongjun gave Yunfeng a shocked look and blurted out:

"Huh? You already have three beauties, and you still want to visit that kind of place?"

Yunfeng, seeing their reactions, didn't know how to respond.

"Do you all really think I'm that kind of person?"

"I'm going to buy some crafting materials—I have legitimate work to do!"

Tang San laughed and added:

"Exactly. Yunfeng, I'll go with you too."

Ma Hongjun looked at the two of them and grinned:

"Tang San, don't tell me you've finally opened your eyes to the world?"

Tang San was momentarily confused.

"What do you mean? I'm planning to visit a blacksmith to see if I can hire a couple of them to make some items. Otherwise, how long will it take me alone to outfit everyone here?"

The girls finally relaxed, their expressions returning to normal. Ning Rongrong even chuckled:

"I knew Yunfeng wouldn't be as depraved as some people."

Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing exchanged glances before saying to Yunfeng:

"We'll go with you."

Yunfeng shook his head with a smile and replied:

"No need. You've been through a lot lately; just rest at the academy. Tang San and I will be back soon."

The girls didn't insist and nodded in agreement.

Ma Hongjun, however, grumbled:

"What do you mean by depraved? I'm just doing what any man would do!"

As the three walked away, Ning Rongrong leaned close to Xiao Wu and whispered:

"Aren't you worried Yunfeng might give in to temptation and follow Ma Hongjun to that kind of place? If it were me, I'd definitely tag along."

Xiao Wu smiled softly and replied:

"Men need their own space. Besides, I don't believe Yunfeng would be led astray by Fatty."

Ning Rongrong could only admire the trust in their relationship

Chapter 135: Trying to Steal Again!!

After all, she still hadn't sorted out her own feelings.

As for what kind of attitude she had toward Yun Feng, Ning Rongrong wasn't entirely sure. However, when she looked at Yun Feng's face, she instinctively shifted her gaze.

Of course, liking someone isn't just about their appearance; it's also about what lies within.

Soto City.

As soon as they entered the city, Ma Hongjun quickly separated from Yun Feng and Tang San to "resolve his physiological needs."

Even if it was just for three seconds, that was still an addiction he couldn't quit!

On the way, he repeatedly tried to tempt Yun Feng and Tang San to join him, but both showed firm resolve and ignored him.

At the same age of twelve, the difference in their mental strength was already apparent.

Tang San had Xiao Wu in his heart and didn't want to spread any undesirable rumors. As for Yun Feng, he simply found it repulsive.

Moreover, he didn't share things with others—especially not that.

Soto City was as bustling as ever. It was morning, and every shop was already open for business.

The crowded, lively streets stood in stark contrast to the peaceful Shrek Academy.

Tang San glanced at Yun Feng with a mix of curiosity and puzzlement, then directly asked,

"Yun Feng, I've been wanting to ask—where did your weapon come from?"

Yun Feng looked at Tang San and couldn't help but sigh. He was surprised Tang San had managed to hold back until now.

But then, a voice shattered Yun Feng's assumptions.

"He wasn't holding back because he didn't want to know or because he could endure. He's been secretly observing your movements, sometimes even following you. And it all started after the entrance exam."

Yun Feng was momentarily speechless. So Tang San had indeed been relying on his old habits—stealing techniques.

Yun Feng didn't even know what to say.

In truth, Yun Feng was already skilled in the art of crafting soul tools. At least for this time period, his abilities were advanced. All he needed to do now was refine his techniques and improve his precision.

However, this wasn't something he intended to teach Tang San.

Given Tang San's intelligence, Yun Feng believed he'd figure things out eventually.

So when Tang San asked, Yun Feng merely smiled and said,

"That's a secret, Xiao San!"

Tang San froze, disbelief flickering in his eyes. He opened his mouth to say something, but then paused as if he'd thought of something else.

He nodded quietly, but inside, he felt quite pleased. All his earlier efforts of following Yun Feng and failing to find answers were because Yun Feng hadn't been actively working on anything at the time.

Now that they were in a place like this, it was clear Yun Feng had something planned. Tang San figured that all he had to do was wait and complete what he hadn't accomplished before.

Would Yun Feng notice? So what? We're friends, right?

Sharing isn't such a big deal!

With this thought, Tang San's curiosity vanished. Sooner or later, he'd find out.

Yun Feng noticed all of Tang San's expressions but said nothing.

After all, without a proper system and basic knowledge of soul tools, it was nearly impossible for someone to learn how to craft them. It was like giving someone instructions for making gunpowder and expecting them to figure out how to build a missile.

With his disdain for Tang San growing just a little, Yun Feng stopped overthinking.

His goal this time was simple: to find a suitable blacksmith shop and buy the necessary materials for forging.

While their goals were different, both Yun Feng and Tang San were headed in the same direction—the blacksmith shop.

After asking for directions from a few passersby, they finally arrived at their destination.

Soto City's Largest Blacksmith Shop

The name was simple: The Blacksmith Shop. It lacked any decorative embellishments.

Before they even entered, the rhythmic sound of hammering echoed from within—clear and consistent—evidence of many blacksmiths hard at work.

From the outside, this blacksmith shop was far larger than the one Tang San had worked at in Notting City. It was five to six times the size of Shi San's shop.

Inside the spacious front hall, finished products were neatly categorized into three areas: daily-use items, weapons, and armor.

Daily-use items took up about half the shop's space, with the remainder dedicated to weapons and armor.

A long black curtain divided the front hall from the workshop. Every three meters along the curtain, a large white iron character stood out in bold contrast, exuding an imposing aura.

In the lobby, six or seven attendants busily welcomed customers, managed orders, and handed over finished products. Behind the counter sat a burly middle-aged man, responsible for collecting payments.

Yun Feng strode toward the counter, but one of the attendants quickly intercepted him.

"Young sir, what do you need?"

Yun Feng glanced at the attendant and said simply,

"I'm here to buy a forging hammer and some materials."

Tang San quietly noted the names of the materials Yun Feng listed while remaining outwardly calm. Then he said,

"I'd like to discuss some business with you."

The attendant sized up Tang San. His simple clothing and ordinary appearance gave him the look of a commoner.

"What do you want to forge? Just tell me."

Tang San, slightly disdainful, replied,

"You're probably not in charge here. This is a long-term business. If possible, I'd like to establish ongoing cooperation."

As he spoke, Tang San pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket.

"Can you understand this?"

It was a design diagram for a hidden weapon component. Tang San always sketched his designs before crafting, carefully measuring and calculating to ensure precision.

The attendant took one look at the complex diagrams and froze. Forget understanding it—he didn't even recognize what the components were supposed to be.

After selling Yun Feng his items, the attendant said to Tang San,

"Please wait here. I'll consult with the shopkeeper to see if we can do this."

Yun Feng, disinterested in watching Tang San waste time, took his purchases and turned to leave.

Tang San seemed like he wanted to say something, but in the end, he remained silent.

Chapter 136: Carriage, Encounters, Regret

After leaving the blacksmith shop, Yun Feng began wandering around Soto City.

After some thought, he decided to buy some ingredients. Just as he was about to leave the city, he suddenly noticed an incredibly luxurious carriage passing through the city gates.

At a glance, Yun Feng recognized it as the exclusive carriage of the Heaven Dou Imperial Family.

Outside the city gates, people who appeared to be high-ranking officials of Soto City were there to greet it.

Yun Feng instantly realized that the people inside the carriage were likely members of the imperial family.

However, Yun Feng merely observed for a moment before moving on.

That brief glance, however, caught the attention of the two elderly men inside the carriage.

After whispering a few words to the man seated at the center of the carriage, the man nodded.

"Go check it out. Ensure nothing unexpected happens. This time, we're here to acquire a spirit ring."

"And to carry out the Snow Night Emperor's orders."

The two elderly men nodded, and one of them instantly disappeared from the carriage.

At the same time, Yun Feng received a warning from Ah Yin in his mind.

"Someone is observing you. Their strength is unknown, but they are undoubtedly a formidable figure!"

Yun Feng frowned, initially suspecting Tang Hao. However, Ah Yin, seemingly aware of Yun Feng's thoughts, shook her head.

"It's not Tang Hao. The aura of the person watching you is different from his."

After pondering for a while, Yun Feng seemed to realize something.

Instinctively, he turned to glance at the distant carriage.

He had a vague idea of who it might be.

However, Yun Feng had no intention of getting involved with the other party. Even though they could provide the next step for his plan, the risk was simply too great.

With this thought in mind, Yun Feng quickened his pace and left directly.

The presence following Yun Feng lingered for some time before finally retreating.

Before leaving, the figure glanced at Yun Feng's back and muttered thoughtfully:

"Such sharp instincts!"

They didn't pay much more attention, simply attributing it to natural talent.

After the presence disappeared, Yun Feng, still cautious due to Ah Yin's warning, couldn't help but sigh:

"Every step is truly calculated and cautious. Even the slightest anomaly draws attention. No wonder they've managed to stay hidden for so long."

"But is it really worth it, just for recognition?"

Yun Feng didn't quite understand and didn't want to dwell on it. He respected their choices, though.

After all, in his view, their intentions weren't wrong. It was just that their lack of expressiveness led to their downfall.

In truth, some misunderstandings could be resolved with a simple conversation.

There was no need to waste their talents like this.

It was truly a pity.

Curious, Ah Yin asked Yun Feng:

"Do you know the people in that carriage?"

Yun Feng smiled and replied,

"Sort of. I know them, but at the same time, I don't."

Most people wouldn't understand such a response, but recalling Yun Feng's previous words, Ah Yin immediately grasped the meaning.

"The people in the carriage are someone you knew in your past life?"

Yun Feng nodded but chose not to elaborate further.

After all, discussing such matters wasn't wise.

Even with Ah Yin's warnings, who knew if there was someone even more powerful hiding in the shadows, eavesdropping?

Yun Feng understood the principle of "walls have ears."

The next morning, Yun Feng brought Zhu Zhuqing to a small grove for training. However, the session was short, as Yu Xiaogang was waiting for them.

After their brief training, the weather was clear. The rising orange sun painted the distant sky in golden hues. After a quick rest, Yun Feng and Zhu Zhuqing had mostly recovered their stamina.

Returning home, Yun Feng called out to Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu to get up for breakfast.

He had no intention of cooking himself, as he was a bit tired—not physically, but mentally. Waking up early was always a bit of a struggle.

Zhu Zhuqing didn't mind much, and while Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong wanted Yun Feng to cook, they didn't push the matter.

The four of them headed to the cafeteria together.

Before entering, Tang San was already greeted by a delicious aroma, rich with the scent of meat and faint hints of other ingredients.

Walking in, the group was stunned by what they saw. Though they were among the earliest risers in the academy, two figures were already busy inside.

One of them was attentively managing the pots over the fire, controlling the heat and preparing various dishes.

Wearing a white chef's hat, beads of sweat trickled down his stiff face.

It was none other than Yu Xiaogang, making breakfast.

Tang San was by his side, eating as he helped out.

Yun Feng greeted them casually.

"Master, Tang San, you're up early!"

Yu Xiaogang and Tang San looked up and smiled upon seeing Yun Feng and the others.

"You're here."

Yun Feng nodded politely and offered,

"Need any help?"

The girls' eyes lit up at the suggestion, and even Tang San swallowed in anticipation, having tasted Yun Feng's cooking before.

But Yu Xiaogang's response crushed their hopes entirely.

"No need, I'm almost done!"

Seeing this, Yun Feng didn't insist.

The girls, however, felt an overwhelming sense of disappointment, and even Tang San was a bit disheartened.

Why?!

With Yun Feng seated, they didn't press the matter. Soon, Yu Xiaogang served them breakfast: a large bowl of rich meat soup, two steamed buns, and two eggs per person.

"One portion each. Let me know if it's not enough!"

"Eat up. At your age, you need sufficient nutrition. A strong body is the foundation for cultivation. Without it, how can you endure immense spirit power?"

Taking the breakfast Yu Xiaogang handed over, the group glanced at it without complaint.

While it couldn't compare to Yun Feng's cooking, it was still edible and far better than Ning Rongrong's attempts.

The hearty meat soup had clearly been simmering for a long time. The tender meat was soft and flavorful, with a faint herbal aroma.

Tang San, unreserved, dug in. The rich flavors and tender meat were incredibly satisfying. Paired with steamed buns and eggs, it was the best breakfast he'd had since arriving at Shrek Academy.

Warmth spread through his body, leaving him feeling refreshed and content.

Chapter 137: Glutton~

Seeing Tang San's expression, Yu Xiaogang felt quite satisfied. Even apart from his theories, his culinary skills alone were at a level others couldn't hope to reach!

Didn't his disciple look so pleased?

Before they could finish the meal, a voice came from outside.

"What smells so good? What's going on in the cafeteria today?"

The voice belonged to Ma Hongjun, Dai Mubai, and Oscar as they entered the cafeteria.

Normally, they weren't used to such good food. They knew the academy had financial constraints, so getting good meals was rare.

Dai Mubai had some money, but he wasn't about to donate it to the school. After all, even when he had donated in the past, the food didn't improve. He had long since seen through this bottomless pit and given up hope.

Thus, when they saw the "feast" laid out, they were understandably shocked.

Noticing the clothes Yu Xiaogang was wearing, the trio immediately understood—this was prepared by Yu Xiaogang.

Their earlier misunderstandings about him faded a bit, and they greeted him respectfully:

"Master, good day."

Yu Xiaogang nodded at them, though the warmth in his smile reserved for Tang San was absent. In fact, besides Tang San, few had ever seen Yu Xiaogang smile.

Oscar, still drowsy after being dragged here by Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun, sniffed the air. The rich aroma of meat quickly woke him up.

Yu Xiaogang handed each of them a bowl of soup, a steamed bun, and a boiled egg—half of what Tang San had received. However, since they arrived later, they had no idea how much Tang San had been served, so they didn't think much of it.

Ning Rongrong and the others, however, noticed the disparity. Though they weren't big eaters, the favoritism left them uncomfortable.

Tang San, on the other hand, noticed this and felt a warm sense of satisfaction in his heart. The special treatment from his teacher made him feel cared for.

But Yun Feng wasn't one to let Yu Xiaogang off the hook. He went straight to the kitchen and brought out all the dishes Yu Xiaogang had prepared for himself. As he carried them out, he declared:

"Master, I have a big appetite. You don't mind, do you?"

Without waiting for Yu Xiaogang's response, Yun Feng began devouring the food.

Are you kidding? That small portion Yu Xiaogang prepared wasn't nearly enough for him. His growth depended on eating, drinking, and sleeping, so a little food wasn't going to cut it.

"You—"

Yu Xiaogang started to speak but paused, seemingly reconsidering. He forced a smile and said,

"If you can eat that much, then go ahead. If it's not enough, let me know, and I'll make more for you."

Hearing this, Yun Feng looked up from his meal and grinned.

"Then I'll trouble you, Master. I'll need two more large barrels of this!"

He pointed to the massive serving container he had just emptied, which was about half his height.

Yu Xiaogang's smile froze on his face, barely holding his composure.

"Eating this much—can you really—"

Before Yu Xiaogang could finish, Tang San interrupted.

"Teacher, Yun Feng can eat that much, and that's not even his limit."

Yu Xiaogang's eyes flickered with suspicion but said nothing further. However, a thought formed in his mind: could Yun Feng's strength be linked to his large appetite?

It wasn't a baseless assumption. After all, no one could imagine that Yun Feng had a cheat-like ability.

Yu Xiaogang made a mental note to conduct experiments later. This could be a heaven-defying discovery, and he didn't want to miss such an opportunity.

If Yun Feng knew what Yu Xiaogang was thinking, he would have laughed out loud.

Eating to grow stronger? For Yun Feng, yes. For Yu Xiaogang? It would just make him fat!

About half an hour later, Yun Feng finished the additional barrels of food Yu Xiaogang had prepared, finally satisfied. He felt the food transform into streams of energy coursing through his body, filling his muscles with strength.

However, the sound of the class bell interrupted him. It was time for them to gather.

—

The sun bathed the earth in warmth, bringing vitality and a refreshing sense of renewal. Under the bright rays, life began anew.

Yu Xiaogang stood in the center of the training grounds, his hands clasped behind him, as he looked at the eight students lined up by age.

He was the only instructor present today. Flender had declared that all academy teachers would assist him in his lessons starting today.

Yu Xiaogang's cold gaze swept over the students, his demeanor commanding and stern.

"Tomorrow, I expect you all to arrive at the cafeteria earlier for breakfast. Food needs time to digest, and you cannot perform intense exercises immediately after eating. At dawn, breakfast will be ready. If you don't come within half an hour, don't bother eating."

His sharp gaze moved from student to student. Though he could tell some weren't taking his words seriously, he didn't repeat himself.

"I've familiarized myself with your martial spirits and abilities. Starting today, I'll intensify your training. Dai Mubai, step forward."

Dai Mubai stepped up. His evil eyes gleamed, and though his past personal life had been indulgent, he was a serious and obedient student during lessons.

Yu Xiaogang observed the tall, muscular Dai Mubai and issued an order:

"Your task is to defeat each of your classmates in turn without causing serious injury."

Dai Mubai froze, staring at Yu Xiaogang in disbelief. Was he serious?

Realizing the ambiguity in his words, Yu Xiaogang clarified:

"Except for Yun Feng."

Even so, Dai Mubai's expression remained uneasy. After all, Tang San was among those he had to face. He hadn't forgotten how Tang San had once rendered him powerless.

His face stiffened. "You have thirty-seven spirit power; the highest among them is thirty-one. Is there a problem?"

Dai Mubai glanced at the group, his eyes immediately landing on Tang San. He didn't care about the others, but Tang San's mastery of hidden weapons terrified him.

"Tang San, step forward," Yu Xiaogang commanded.

Tang San immediately stepped forward and stood beside Dai Mubai.

Yu Xiaogang addressed Tang San:

"You may not use your third spirit ability or any hidden weapons. Begin."

"Wait a moment," Dai Mubai interjected.

"Master, that's not fair. If Tang San can't fight at full strength, what's the point? His level is already lower than mine. If his abilities are restricted, I'd have too much of an advantage. Even though Tang San is strong, I have confidence in myself."

Chapter 138: Be Careful!

Clearly, Dai Mubai wanted to regain his confidence.

If he defeated Tang San this time and Tang San didn't even use his third soul skill, would that even count as a real match?

Yu Xiaogang, hearing this, felt a hint of disdain in his heart but still replied calmly:

"If he uses his third soul skill, you will have no chance. Control-type soul masters are the strongest in single combat unless they encounter a martial soul that counters them. Since you insist, let Tang San use his third soul skill. As teammates, you also need to understand each other."

Everyone instinctively stepped back, including Yu Xiaogang.

Soul masters above level thirty already possess considerable power, yet they still lack full control over their soul force, making it easy to accidentally injure others.

As a level twenty-nine soul master himself, Yu Xiaogang naturally didn't want to get caught up in the aftermath.

Setting aside the embarrassment, he couldn't afford to get hurt!

For his safety, Yu Xiaogang remained cautious.

Dai Mubai's evil eyes gradually turned red. Although his opponent was six levels lower than him, he didn't dare to be careless. The students of Shrek Academy were all monsters, but the only ones he truly feared were Yun Feng and Tang San.

And Tang San was especially ruthless.

He had cut off Dai Mubai's excitement and retreat.

This time, since Tang San couldn't use hidden weapons, Dai Mubai wanted to reclaim his pride.

He also wanted to show Tang San that he wasn't so easy to bully!

"Be careful. I won't hold back."

Tang San simply nodded without speaking.

He could clearly feel Dai Mubai's muscles tightening, ready to pounce like a fierce tiger descending a mountain.

A pale light burst out from Dai Mubai's body. Both arms stretched wide, his chest puffed out, and his bones cracked audibly as his muscles swelled, stretching his clothes.

Even the air around him seemed to grow wild and turbulent.

Dai Mubai's martial soul, the White Tiger, had completed its possession.

Blue light surged out from Tang San's body. The Blue Silver Grass, now thinner after being transformed by the Man-Faced Demon Spider's soul ring, spread quietly under his feet.

Raising his right hand toward Dai Mubai, Tang San said solemnly:

"Dai Mubai, if you can break my third soul skill, you win."

Dai Mubai's spirit lifted but quickly turned to anger.

Not only him, but the other students watching also focused intently on Tang San. They all wanted to see how strong Tang San's third soul skill was after enduring such intense pain.

Dai Mubai's evil eyes merged into one, and without hesitation, his third soul ring burst forth in dazzling purple light—White Tiger Vajra Transformation activated.

His already muscular body swelled further. The exaggerated muscles tore through his upper garments, revealing a terrifying muscular outline. Black stripes appeared on his skin, and his tiger claws grew larger, with sharp silver blades extending outward. His entire body glowed gold, as if gilded.

His blood-red eyes exuded a bloodthirsty aura, and his presence was as domineering as a king of beasts.

Previously, Dai Mubai had relied on this skill to break Tang San's second soul skill, Parasite.

Facing Tang San again, he used his strongest skill, intending to tear apart the Blue Silver Grass with his sharp claws.

"Be careful."

The Blue Silver Grass under Tang San's feet moved instantly. Numerous vines surged forward—some soared, some slithered along the ground, and others flanked from the sides, attacking Dai Mubai from all directions.

Dai Mubai, a power-type soul master, lacked agility. Seeing the Blue Silver Grass approaching, he didn't dodge but instead let his golden light intensify before charging forward.

After only three steps, his robust body was halted. The Blue Silver Grass's first soul skill, Binding, activated, wrapping tightly around him.

Dai Mubai instinctively tried to break free using brute strength, just like before.

But the moment he exerted force, he realized something was wrong.

Enhanced by the third soul ring, the Blue Silver Grass had grown much tougher despite being thinner. Even with his full strength, Dai Mubai couldn't tear it apart. Instead, it dug into his muscles.

The Ghost Vine's spikes began to emerge. If not for Dai Mubai's hardened skin under the White Tiger Vajra Transformation, the poison from the fusion of the Ghost Vine and Pit Demon Spider would have invaded his body.

However, Dai Mubai wasn't so easy to defeat. Realizing brute force wouldn't work, he moved his bound hands.

The sharp blades on his tiger claws vibrated rapidly against the Blue Silver Grass, gradually cutting into it. If he freed his hands and unleashed his full strength, even the enhanced Blue Silver Grass wouldn't hold him.

But Tang San never expected to restrain Dai Mubai completely with just the Blue Silver Grass. After all, Dai Mubai had thirty-seven soul power levels.

Tang San's goal was only to buy time to unleash his third soul skill.

A control-type soul master's essence lies in controlling the opponent from start to finish.

As Dai Mubai began cutting through the vines, a blue-green light sphere formed in Tang San's hand. Dai Mubai noticed it and, despite being bound, rolled sideways to evade.

He needed time. With enough time to break free, his thirty-seven levels of soul power combined with White Tiger Vajra Transformation's amplifications would allow him to counter Tang San's third soul skill.

To everyone's surprise, the blue-green light expanded instantly. A five-meter-wide web descended from the sky. Despite Dai Mubai's efforts to roll away, he couldn't escape its range. The net spread too quickly, and Tang San's throwing technique made it even faster.

With a hum, the massive spider web enveloped Dai Mubai. He felt his body tighten as the web bound him tightly.

Dai Mubai's tiger claws sliced through the Blue Silver Grass, but when he tried to cut the web, he felt intense paralysis and burning. Not even White Tiger Vajra Transformation could dispel it.

The web's strong adhesion wrapped him up like a cocoon, and its threads repelled his claws, leaving no marks.

Chapter 140: Xiao San, You Lost.

The astonishing speed that Ma Hongjun just displayed wasn't something he could achieve on his own.

Thinking back to Ma Hongjun's earlier words, Dai Mubai immediately realized the truth—it was Oscar's mushroom sausage.

With the mushroom sausage, Ma Hongjun could move quickly for a short time, and Dai Mubai knew he wouldn't be able to catch him.

However, this ability had a time limit, so Dai Mubai wasn't worried.

Smirking coldly, Dai Mubai twisted his body, dodging the Phoenix Fire Line Ma Hongjun spat from behind. Like a predator pouncing on its prey, he charged toward Oscar in the distance.

He planned to eliminate the support first. After one minute, the battle would be over.

Unfortunately, his plan didn't work out.

Oscar was well-prepared. The moment he saw Dai Mubai change targets, he immediately consumed a mushroom sausage and quickly dodged while pulling Dai Mubai farther away.

Although Dai Mubai's White Tiger Light Wave could attack from a distance, its range was limited to 20 meters. Extending it farther would consume a large amount of soul power.

Having already spent considerable soul power in his fight with Tang San, especially after activating the White Tiger Vajra Transformation, Dai Mubai couldn't afford to waste more energy.

Meanwhile, Oscar and Ma Hongjun, from a safe distance, continued consuming recovery sausages. Oscar rapidly produced more sausages while Ma Hongjun kept firing Phoenix Fire Lines.

With the recovery sausages replenishing his energy, Ma Hongjun didn't need to worry about exhausting his soul power anytime soon.

Enhanced by the Phoenix Baptism, Ma Hongjun's Phoenix Fire Line was exceptionally powerful. The purple flames scorched the ground, leaving deep cracks in their wake.

What frustrated Dai Mubai even more was that the chubby Ma Hongjun hovered in the air, continuously spewing flames and sweeping the battlefield. Dai Mubai, lacking agility, was forced into a miserable position.

His White Tiger Barrier couldn't block Ma Hongjun's flames completely.

Unable to dodge at times, he had to resort to countering with White Tiger Light Wave.

However, with Ma Hongjun supported by Oscar's recovery sausages and Dai Mubai already drained from earlier battles, the gap between them widened.

When Ma Hongjun consumed a second mushroom sausage and maintained his speed, Dai Mubai began to struggle to keep up.

Had Dai Mubai been at his peak, he could have fought a battle of attrition using his abundant soul power. Oscar's recovery sausages only replenished small amounts of energy, and producing mushroom sausages consumed Oscar's energy too. With enough time, Dai Mubai believed he could outlast them.

But with his earlier expenditure, and Oscar now producing recovery sausages almost instantly after reaching level 30, Dai Mubai's situation worsened.

With Ma Hongjun's endurance prolonged by the recovery sausages, his Phoenix Fire Line eventually overpowered Dai Mubai's White Tiger Light Wave when he ate his third mushroom sausage.

Dai Mubai's soul power could no longer sustain the battle.

Meanwhile, Tang San and Xiao Wu were locked in their own intense fight.

As Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun fought, Tang San's Blue Silver Grass had already surrounded him, ready to restrain Xiao Wu if she entered its range.

Tang San knew Xiao Wu well, but Xiao Wu knew him just as well.

Back when they were at Nuoding Academy, they had sparred countless times.

Even though Tang San's martial soul had improved significantly after gaining his third soul ring, Xiao Wu had observed his earlier battle with Dai Mubai and figured out the extent of his enhancements.

"Xiao San, do you really have to be this cautious?"

Xiao Wu's voice sounded a little aggrieved and pitiful.

Tang San instinctively looked up at her. He immediately realized his mistake but was already too late. He met Xiao Wu's pink eyes.

Xiao Wu's second soul skill—Charm—activated.

Tang San's mind went blank. Fortunately, he shut his eyes quickly, preventing the skill from taking full effect.

However, after reaching level 30, Xiao Wu's Charm had also grown stronger. Tang San's mind was momentarily dazed.

Cursing himself for being careless, Tang San realized that he had let his guard down after not sparring with Xiao Wu since joining Shrek Academy.

Had he activated his Purple Demon Eye earlier, he wouldn't have been caught off guard.

The Purple Demon Eye was the perfect counter to Xiao Wu's Charm.

Even Xiao Wu hadn't expected her skill to work. Seeing Tang San close his eyes and the glow of the Blue Silver Grass fade, she seized the opportunity.

Lightly stepping off the ground, she silently lunged toward Tang San.

Strictly speaking, Xiao Wu was an agility-type soul master.

Unlike Zhu Zhuqing, who struck quickly and retreated like an assassin, Xiao Wu's attacks required close combat.

Though Tang San's mind went blank momentarily, his subconscious instincts kicked in. He raised his right hand, releasing a burst of blue-green light.

The light rapidly expanded into a five-meter-wide spider web, sealing off all possible angles of approach in front of Tang San.

Xiao Wu's momentum seemed unstoppable.

Even Dai Mubai had failed to break free from this web. With Xiao Wu's soul power, getting caught meant immediate paralysis and losing the match.

However, Xiao Wu, like Ma Hongjun with his mushroom sausage, showed no signs of panic when facing the web.

Just as Yu Xiaogang had said, every soul skill had its counter.

As the web closed in, Xiao Wu's third soul ring suddenly glowed.

Her third soul skill made its debut.

Purple light enveloped Xiao Wu's body, and in the next moment, she vanished completely.

Tang San broke free from the effects of Charm just in time.

Thanks to his Purple Demon Eye and strong mental fortitude, coupled with his Xuan Tian Technique's resistance to charm, he had only been dazed briefly.

As he recovered, he saw Xiao Wu's body disappear within the purple light.

The web fell to the ground, capturing nothing but air.

When Xiao Wu reappeared in the purple glow, she was already behind the web—no, directly in front of Tang San.

Her long legs kicked toward Tang San's face as she laughed playfully.

"Xiao San, you lost."