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From the very beginning of absorbing the soul ring, Tang San felt immense pain. The bone-deep sensation of tearing made him extremely uncomfortable.
However, respecting his teacher and trusting Yu Xiaogang's theory, Tang San relied on the orthodox Xuantian Technique as his foundation. With his soul power skillfully maneuvering like "using four ounces to deflect a thousand pounds," he managed to smoothly absorb this fateful soul ring.
Yu Xiaogang watched Tang San's agonized expression with satisfaction, a faint smirk curling at the corner of his lips. But he quickly covered his mouth, wondering if Tang Hao might be lurking somewhere nearby, watching them.
Even if Tang Hao found out that Tang San had absorbed the Mandrake Snake's soul ring, Yu Xiaogang wasn't afraid.
He had long understood Tang Hao's intentions. Tang Hao merely wanted him to turn Tang San into a powerful weapon. Therefore, the Essence Cultivation School's slow and steady approach was unsuitable—only the gradually declining Combat Enhancement School aligned with Tang Hao's preferences.
Moreover, based on his understanding of Tang Hao, Yu Xiaogang knew Tang Hao didn't care much about the Green Vine martial soul. The core of the Hao Tian Sect's inheritance would always revolve around the lofty Hao Tian Hammer.
This soul ring absorption process took quite a while. By now, the sky had grown dark.
"It's almost nightfall. It looks like we'll have to camp in the Spirit Hunting Forest for the night," Yu Xiaogang thought to himself.
The soul ring enveloping Tang San's martial soul gradually dimmed, indicating that Tang San was nearing the completion of the absorption.
Yu Xiaogang coldly observed the scene, inwardly remarking, 'As expected of a twin martial soul genius. I thought it would take longer to complete the absorption.'
At this moment, Tang San opened his slightly purple-tinged eyes and said with delight,
"Teacher, just as you predicted, my first soul skill is 'Entangle,' and it has inherited the Mandrake Snake's poison."
Yu Xiaogang nodded sagely, pretending to be profound as he replied,
"The lower the level of the soul beast, the easier it is to predict the soul skill it grants, as they only possess a few skills. Moreover, martial souls naturally choose abilities that resonate with their nature.
For plant-type martial souls with stretching characteristics, the first soul skill from hunting is usually 'Entangle.'
Try using it—I'd like to see how your martial soul performs after gaining a soul ring."
Tang San obediently activated his first soul skill. A vine in his hand suddenly extended over ten meters, wrapping tightly around a distant tree.
Yu Xiaogang nodded approvingly. "Not bad, not bad. As expected of a Green Vine martial soul with full innate soul power. Even ordinary Green Vine soul masters whose first soul skill comes from a 400-year soul beast can only manage a range of five or six meters at most.
Your martial soul has great potential—it's highly suited for the Control System."
Yu Xiaogang then proceeded to educate Tang San about the classifications of soul masters:
Control System, Power Attack System, Agility Attack System, Auxiliary System, Healing System, and Food System.
Each type of martial soul had its strengths and weaknesses, but Control System soul masters often served as the core and brains of a team. They could restrict the enemy's actions, creating opportunities for their teammates to shine.
As a novice soul master, Tang San listened intently, eagerly absorbing knowledge about this world.
Suddenly, a series of hurried footsteps echoed in the distance. Tang San's gaze sharpened as he stood up and coldly called out,
"Who's there!"
Yu Xiaogang also became alert. After years of navigating the soul master world, he knew that human soul masters were far more terrifying than soul beasts.
The newcomer was none other than Ye Wen, stepping out of the shadows, followed by five curious youngsters.
"Calm down, young man, and Dr. Yu—you should recognize me, right?"
Yu Xiaogang's eyes widened. He naturally knew who the visitor was.
This was the figure he had spent his entire life chasing—the legendary Ye Wen, already immortalized in history.
Though Ye Wen was only one rank away from breaking through to Soul Emperor, Yu Xiaogang didn't believe for a second that Ye Wen was merely a former four-ring Soul Elder.
After all, behind the Tianxing Academy stood a 98th-level Tianxing Douluo—far more terrifying than even his own father.
Hastily pulling Tang San along, Yu Xiaogang respectfully bowed and said,
"Greetings, Master Ye Wen."
Though Tang San found Yu Xiaogang's sudden display of respect strange, it was clear that the visitor was someone of great importance. Being perceptive, Tang San followed suit and bowed as well.
However, he couldn't help but scrutinize Ye Wen closely, disregarding the rudeness of staring directly at someone.
Seeing Tang San's behavior, Ye Wen immediately recognized his attempt to feign innocence under the guise of being a child.
'A truly cunning individual,' Ye Wen thought.
"Dr. Yu, mind if I borrow some fire to cook dinner?"
Yu Xiaogang dared not refuse. He quickly cleared a space for Ye Wen and even personally arranged wooden stools for the five youngsters.
With Ye Wen's strength, he could easily return to the Tianxing Residence. However, it was rare to bring the children out for a forest stroll and enjoy the fun of camping. Besides, he had already informed others that they would be out longer today, so staying out late wasn't an issue.
Taking out the ingredients prepared in his martial soul storage space, Ye Wen began cooking dinner for the five youngsters. Casually, he asked,
"What's wrong, young man? You've been staring at me—is there something on my face?"
"Nothing, I just think Uncle looks very handsome," Tang San replied somewhat awkwardly.
After all, he had spent many years in solitary cultivation, leaving him somewhat socially awkward.
Since they were borrowing the space to cook, it was only polite to share some food with the hosts. Ye Wen handed portions to Yu Xiaogang and Tang San before starting a casual conversation.
As the young master of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, Yu Xiaogang had his pride and wasn't one to flatter Ye Wen. However, he was more than willing to discuss academic matters with him.
Eventually, Yu Xiaogang steered the conversation toward the five youngsters.
"Master Ye Wen, what is your relationship with these five?"
"Hehe, three are my children, and the other two are newly accepted disciples-in-name. I'm simply helping them acquire soul rings along the way."
Yu Xiaogang showed no reaction to Ye Wen's children.
However, he couldn't help but feel envious of the so-called disciples-in-name, Oscar and Ma Hongjun. Everyone on the continent knew that becoming one of Ye Wen's disciples-in-name meant being a prodigy destined for greatness, with a minimum future achievement of reaching the Soul Sage level.
Seeing Yu Xiaogang's demeanor, Tang San grew curious and asked him about it.
Though reluctant to engage with Tang San, Yu Xiaogang still explained, as he was technically still Tang San's teacher in public.
Upon learning about the Tianxing Academy, Tang San was astonished.
In his eyes, the title of the continent's number one academy was akin to the prestigious Guozijian (Imperial Academy) of his past life. Becoming its principal was equivalent to being the head of the Imperial Academy—a position not held by ordinary individuals. Tang San couldn't help but feel a deep sense of reverence for Ye Wen.
Taking advantage of his youthful boldness, Tang San asked Ye Wen directly,
"Principal Ye Wen, may I inquire if I could study at the Tianxing Academy in the future?"
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