Douluo Dalu

Volume 2: The First Spirit Ring

Tang Jia San Shao (唐家三少)

 Chapter 8

Spirit Tool, Twenty-four Moonlit Bridges

Part 1

“Teacher, the longer the cultivation time the more powerful the spirit
beast’s strength and the greater the effect of the spirit ring. In what respects
does this formidability show?”

Tang San asked.

On Grandmaster’s stiff face appeared a touch of his signature unsightly
smiling expression, “This line of questioning is very good. The main
difference of spirit rings produced by spirit beasts of different levels to
Spirit Masters is what attribute it adds as well as the capacity to master its
ability. For example, if using the quantitative angle of view, with your blue-
silver grass spirit with the control-system Tool Spirit Master route, and you
obtain a compatible attribute ten-year spirit ring, then your blue-silver
grass’s control nature can increase by ten. But if it was a hundred-year spirit
ring, then your blue-silver grass’s control nature would increase by a
hundred. And so on. Consequently, whenever possible, Spirit Masters will
pursue enhancing their spirit even more.”

Tang San uncertainly said: “Then wouldn’t people possessing greater

power be able to obtain a better spirit ring? Those nobles can completely
rely on their clan’s strength to go hunt even more powerful spirit rings for
them.”
In Grandmaster’s eyes, fleetingly, a commending light was revealed,
“To think of this proves you have carefully reflected, but the facts are not
that simple. One might say, the requirements for adding a spirit ring are
extremely severe.”

“First of all, one must personally strike the killing blow on the spirit
beast to be able to receive the spirit beast’s spirit ring. Spirit rings can only
exist for an extremely brief time, if not added to oneself within two hours it
will lose effect.”

“Next, spirit beasts are kinds of extremely proud creatures, not just any
spirit beast will let themselves be taken prisoner. If an opponent inflicts a
severe injury, wanting to capture them, then the spirit beast can choose to
explode their spirit power and commit suicide. This hinders the
circumstances you spoke of, even if inviting people to hunt and kill spirit
beasts, if not killed by him, then it is still very difficult to obtain a spirit
ring.”

“Of course, all this is not absolute. How can humanity’s wisdom be
compared to spirit beasts. The best method to hunt and kill spirit beasts is
precisely to organize groups to go to the spirit beasts’ location, the one who
strikes the last blow will then be able to obtain the spirit ring. Therefore,
what you said about nobles and some people possessing power, in the
hunting and killing spirit beasts situation, do indeed have a certain
advantage.”

“But, these kinds of people easily obtaining spirit rings does not mean
that they will become more powerful compared to an ordinary Spirit
Master. They also cannot confirm whether the attribute of the spirit beast
they come across is the most suitable for them. The spirit beast’s level is
admittedly important, but whether the attribute is compatible is also equally
crucial. Even better spirit rings, unless your spirit itself is compatible, it will
also be unable to evolve good effects, and on the contrary will affect
oneself. Every Spirit Master at different stages has restrictions on the spirit
rings they can absorb.”
 “To take an example, you right now are only a 10th rank Spirit Scholar
and with your current spirit power, at most you can absorb a hundred-year
spirit beast’s spirit ring. If you try in vain to absorb a thousand-year spirit
ring, this can only have one result: the body is unable to endure and is
destroyed by the spirit ring’s power. When absorbing the spirit ring, any
outside force is unable to help and you can only rely on yourself. Consider
this, these people requiring others to help hunt and kill their spirit beast,
how capable is their own actual strength, perhaps absorbing something
suitable for them while the grade of the spirit ring is still within control
limits will bring about a destructive force. Tang San, you must remember,
this world is impartial: when wanting to obtain something, certainly one
must put forth the corresponding effort. Being opportunistic is what a
mediocre person does. We who study spirit theory, do so only for the sake
of making this effort a bit easier for Spirit Masters. Under circumstances
when possessing equal strength to become still more formidable. Do you
understand?”

Tang San earnestly nodded.

In the first place he was not a person in the habit of being opportunistic,
relying on his own strength with one step making one footprint in the
direction of the objective, this effort was the most solid.

Grandmaster was not in any hurry to bring Tang San to leave the city
walls, instead he was going in the direction of the inner city walls.

“Teacher, aren’t we going outside the city walls?”

Grandmaster said: “For going to hunt spirit beasts we must still prepare
some things and also, we cannot go on foot. A four hundred-li journey
while not too long, but making the best of time is always best.”

Following the sunlight gradually rising from the east, within Nuoding
City more pedestrians gradually appeared. Today was one of a not large
number of days where Tang San did not draw on the eastern purple qi to
cultivate the Purple Demon Eye.

What Grandmaster spoke of as getting ready certainly was not

complicated, he bought two leather bags specially used for holding drinking
water. Each bag was capable of holding as much as five liters of fresh
water. He also bought some cured meat, flatbread and fruit. All in all
getting two large bundles.

If speaking of these Tang San could still comprehend, but Grandmaster

still bought a kind of thing that he was unable to understand and these
things were also bought in the greatest quantity.

A whole twenty jin of white radish. Tang San’s current assignment was
to carry them. A twenty-jin weight from his point of view still did not count
for anything. Of course, if it was a four hundred-li-journey on foot, then it
was an issue.

Fortunately, after Grandmaster procured all these things and was ready,
immediately at the inner city wall he hired a carriage, giving the carter five
silver spirit coins.

Douluo Continent’s currency exchange was like this: one gold spirit
coin was equivalent to ten silver spirit coins, equivalent to a hundred copper
spirit coins. One gold spirit coin was already enough for a family of three’s
regular expenses for several months. It was also equivalent to three years
worth of Tang San’s income from the Nuoding Academy work.

A Spirit Master was said to be this continent’s most privileged vocation

and income was a significant reason. Even if one only advanced from a
Spirit Scholar to Spirit Master, every month they could still enjoy a one
gold spirit coin stipend. This was sufficient for an ordinary person to live.
Of course, only basic life, desiring luxuries was impossible.

And as a Spirit Master cultivated and reached even higher levels, in

particular exceeding Spirit Grandmaster and entering the Spirit Elder realm,
provided they registered at the Spirit Hall, they could be conferred the rank
of nobility directly by the nation, becoming a lesser noble baron. The higher
the actual strength, the higher the noble title. Regarding income, naturally
the boat also rose with the water.
 Part 2

For Tang San this was the first time traveling in a carriage and even
though somewhat bumpy, the new sensation still made him abundantly
interested, frequently pushing aside the window curtain to look outside.
Seeing a stream of people bustling with activity, as well as various sorts of
shops, regarding the outside world, in his heart he couldn’t help but
somewhat yearn for it. In this life, his fate would not be as simple as in his
previous. Not knowing in what way he would later enter society.

“Little San, this is for you.”

Grandmaster’s cool voice suddenly roused Tang San from his train of
thought, just as he gazed at Grandmaster, he discovered something
unknown, Grandmaster held a belt in his hand. A belt with a very beautiful
appearance.

The whole belt was black and on the surface were dark stripes, that
unless carefully inspected could not be distinguished and on the entire belt,
evenly distributed were set twenty-four pieces of milky white jade. Each
piece of jade was the size of an adult person’s thumbnail and round. With
gentle color and luster, looking like rare fine jade.

“Thank you Teacher.”

Tang San did not stand on ceremony, holding out his hand to receive it,
what is called a ‘senior’s gift must not be refused’. Before when he was at
the Tang Sect, Tang inner sect elders receiving disciples would all later give
a gift. Grandmaster giving him this belt should also have a similar meaning.

Grandmaster said: “This belt has been with me for very many years, also
been neglected for very many years. I hope in the future it can blossom into
its proper glory in your hands.”

Regarding the belt, from the start Tang San felt it was not ordinary, as if
the belt had numerous faint streams of qi circulating and these streams of qi
were together with this belt itself acting as a bridge, with the jade serving as
stores.

“Thirty years ago, when I obtained it I did not know what it was called.
But through my many years of research I came to see it could be considered
a first-class spirit tool, functioning as storage. You only need to infuse it
with spirit power and each piece of jade is capable of providing one cubic
meter of storage space. Like that you can conveniently deposit goods.”

Spirit tools, to Tang San, was a brand new term. Although he still did
not know exactly what the meaning of a spirit tool was, Grandmaster’s
explanation already gave his mind deep astonishment.

Twenty-four jade stones that also precisely had twenty-four cubic meters
of storage space, to him, that was a place for depositing twenty-four kinds
of hidden weapons. The expression in Tang San’s eyes became blazing and
within his heart the thirst to promote the Mysterious Heaven skill reached
an extreme degree. He was dying to right now possess enough inner
strength to cultivate all kinds of hidden weapons uses. Having this belt, he
need not again worry about hidden weapon storage issues.

As Tang San had not asked, Grandmaster already went ahead and
explained: “Spirit tools, as the name implies, are implements that rely on
spirit power to be used. Very few spirit tools are passed down from ancient
times, for the most part without offensive function. Spirit Masters
themselves do not need weapons. Spirit tools can all be described as
historical relics, as to how they came about and how they were made, was
lost long ago. This belt was obtained by me and several friends one time on
an adventure. It was assigned to me as a reward. To me, its function is
nothing too great, later you should be able to find it useful. Right, give it a
name.”

Looking at those twenty-four pieces of gentle jade, Tang San practically

without hesitation thought of a famous verse from his last life, “Twenty-
four Moonlit Bridges. Right, I’ll call it Twenty-four Moonlit Bridges.”

Grandmaster was slightly dazed, his rigid face without expression,

nodding said: “A very good name, if a bit long-winded.”

Tang San secretly sighed. Perhaps this could be considered a recalling of

his last life a bit.

Grandmaster said: “Its function is very simple, infuse your spirit power
within those jade stones, then you can sense its existing space. If you can
react fast enough, things within it will appear as if out of thin air. But to
control its specific property well, you still must practice much more. This is
also your future homework.”
Tang San did not need Grandmaster’s words to understand the
importance of training with taking things from the Twenty-four Moonlit
Bridges and hurriedly nodded in reply.
Originally Tang San had still been uncertain, Grandmaster had bought
this many things, after entering the Spirit-Hunting Forest how could they be
taken when hunting spirit beasts. Right now with Twenty-four Moonlit
Bridges these all were no longer an issue. Idle throughout the journey, he
started under Grandmaster’s direction to practice his control of accessing
goods with the Twenty-four Moonlit Bridges. And the goods used for
practice, were those white radishes......
A four hundred-li-journey, whether long or not, it was not considered
short. Not until noon the second day did they arrive at their destination, the
Spirit-Hunting Forest.
Just when Tang San stepped down from the carriage, he discovered that
the Spirit-Hunting Forest was completely unlike his imagination.
Forests, according to Tang San’s impression, ought to be filled with a
big natural smell, trees secluded and tranquil, air fresh, no sign of human
habitation. But this Spirit-Hunting Forest before him, at least at the forest’s
edge, felt like it was a Nuoding market.
At the forest’s edge, large houses were constructed, or rather shops. The
sound of every kind of ware being cried out, a strip of a simple man-made,
paved path freely among them, in the surrounding racket Tang San could
not help but frown.

“Have warrant, recruiting to hunt strength-type spirit beasts, still short

two people!”
“Hunting agility-type spirit beasts, warrant for seven people! Ten gold
spirit coins!”
Similar hawking cries rose one after another, the forest of shops for the
most part were peddling weapons, defensive tools and all kinds of food
supplies.
Grandmaster brought Tang San to enter this place considered as a small
town market, “Do you know why I finished buying all the things at
Nuoding City?”
Tang San shook his head.

Grandmaster pointed to the prices marked in the stores, “Because

arriving here, prices will all at least double. Are you not wondering, how a
forest’s edge can be this bustling? It’s actually very simple. Where there are
spirit beasts, there is profit. Particularly these special national spirit beast-
capturing forests are even more this way. Spirit Masters are a wealthy group
and there are too many people wanting to make a profit off Spirit Masters.”

“Grandmaster, what do those people shouting about recruiting groups

mean?”
 Part 3

Grandmaster said: “Spirit beasts are not so easily killed. Rather

inherently formidable spirit beasts, even if not cultivating for more than a
few years, still have very powerful firepower. What is called grouping up
for hunting spirit beasts is just multiple people mutually cooperating.
Hunting their respectively required spirit beast and obtaining the spirit ring.
Having the aid of other people, they can deal the required last attack on the
spirit beast themselves. On the Continent it is the most common and safest
method of hunting spirit beasts. Only, is grouping up that easy?”

Speaking of this, Grandmaster looked at these soliciting Spirit Masters,

his eyes exuding a trace of disdain.
“A genuinely outstanding spirit-hunting group, will be composed of at
least five roles: food-system Tool Spirit Masters will be responsible for
supplies, healing-system Tool Spirit Masters responsible for condition and
spirit power restoration. Agility-system Battle Spirit Masters responsible for
scouting, strength-system Battle Spirit Masters responsible for blocking,
attack-system Battle Spirit Masters responsible for annihilating the enemy.
With these five roles make up the group, it can be regarded as a complete
group. Furthermore, the coordination between each also can’t take shape in
a day or two. Alone it imperceptibly influences the process and it requires
at least several years to become coordinated. Even more importance must
be attached to group members, they must have mutual trust. Absolute trust.
Otherwise, when encountering danger, they are very easily defeated in a
moment.”
Tang San, astonished, asked: “Why will they be defeated? Because of
insufficient strength?”
 Grandmaster shook his head, coldly saying: “In the future, perhaps you
will also chance to join a group in this way. When choosing a group, you
can’t even consider other members’ actual strength, but the one thing you
must keep in mind, in the group which you choose, that you can present
your back before any other person.”

Tang San still did not understand very well Grandmaster’s meaning, but
Grandmaster also did not explain again for a long time, bringing him
towards the depths of the market.

Although the marketplace was a disturbing chaos, just as they moved

away from the market, when they saw this huge forest, Tang San still could
not help but be somewhat shocked.

At the forest periphery trees tall and large showing their age, encircled
by an immense steel fence and facing the forest, appeared a great number of
piercing tips. The fence’s height exceeded ten meters, looking extremely
robust.
This still was not counting, outside the fence, a line of a hundred
soldiers patrolling there. These troops wore meticulous suits of full body
armor, hands grasping long spears, disciplined in a neat formation, a
hundred steel warriors standing together, giving people a kind of deadly
feeling.

Grandmaster said in a low voice: “Not anyone can enter Spirit-Hunting

Forest for capturing. Only Spirit Masters who have obtained a warrant
issued by the Spirit Hall, can enter the Spirit-Hunting Forest to hunt spirit
beasts. Although there are also those who have secretly entered, those
people find it very difficult to have a good ending. These soldiers are only
guarding the periphery, in Spirit-Hunting Forest, there are still Spirit Hall
enforcer groups, at all times inspecting warrants. Those people don’t pay
attention to sentiments.”
Tang San said: “Teacher, in the end is this Spirit-Hunting Forest
considered the Spirit Hall’s or the country’s?”

Grandmaster’s expression turned cold, gesturing Tang San to keep

silent, “Outside you must not again ask similar questions. Concerning the
relationship between the Spirit Hall and the nation, I will tell you again
later. Obtaining a warrant is certainly not difficult: the first requirement is
the Spirit Hall’s approval, determining that you have indeed reached peak-
stage power, requiring a spirit ring to advance. The next requirement is
having the guarantee of at least three nobles.”
While speaking, in Grandmaster’s hand already appeared a token tile,
the dark token tile was made from some unknown material; on the surface a
pattern was formed by three kinds of figures fitted together, in the middle
was a sharp sword pointing down, to the left and right of the sword
separately were a hammer and the head of a monster Tang San had never
seen before.
Grandmaster saw Tang San’s eyes full of curiosity and put the sign in
his hand, “Remember this symbol, this is the Spirit Hall’s characteristic
mark. Within the Spirit Hall there are six kinds of signs. Distinguishing
each kind of token tile is very simple, just look on the figures. On the
lowest grade token tiles are only a sword, it symbolizes the Spirit Hall’s
holy hall chief consul’s spirit and higher grade token tiles have on the side
of the long sword a hammer. Symbolizing a Spirit Hall formidable elder.”
Tang San’s inference ability still was not bad, “Teacher, these two
people in those Spirit Hall positions should be extremely significant, right.
But before I heard beast spirits are more formidable compared to tool
spirits, these two Spirit Master figures should both be tool spirits, right?”

Grandmaster tousled Tang San’s head and with a cool smile said:
“People saying beast spirits compared to tool spirits are more formidable,
concerning spirit understanding are obviously insufficient. Any spirit’s
strength hinges on two things. One is how much spirit power is added at the
awakening, the other is just acquired with the process of cultivation method.
Perhaps, before 30th rank, beast spirits because they can add to themselves
are yet compared to Tool Spirit Masters a bit more formidable. But after
arriving at higher ranks, between the two there certainly is no difference.
Strong or not only depends on a person’s cultivation.”
 “My warrant is the Spirit Hall’s third-grade warrant. With it, one
essentially may enter the majority of the Heaven Dou nation’s Spirit-
Hunting Forests. The examining standard is the Spirit-Hunting Forest’s
legendary beast. And also unlike the previous two token tiles it doesn’t have
to be returned to the Spirit Hall after completing the spirit beast hunt, mine
can be held for a lifetime. On this token tile appears a Blue Lightning
Tyrant Dragon, among beast spirits, it’s considered a top-level existence.
Although its owner is not part of the Spirit Hall, the representative clan
receives in no small measure the Spirit Hall’s respect.”
For some reason, when Grandmaster spoke of the Blue Lightning Tyrant
Dragon, in his eyes appeared a trace of some difficult to judge loneliness.
Tang San said: “Then after these three kinds even higher rank token
tiles, respectively, have more kinds of spirit symbols?”

Grandmaster nodded, saying: “Precisely like that. These six kinds of

spirit marks, respectively represent six formidable Spirit Masters and also
represent six formidable clans. Among these three are in our Heaven Dou
Empire, the other three are in the Star Luo Empire.”

Part 4

While speaking, Grandmaster had already brought Tang San to the

Spirit-Hunting Forest entrance.

The captain responsible for inspecting warrants gave the token tile’s
three signs one glance. On his face immediately appeared a respectful look
and he hurriedly ordered the soldiers to move aside and open up the way,
inviting Grandmaster to bring Tang San inside. Without even asking why
Tang San, this small child, also must enter the Spirit-Hunting Forest.
Crossing the steel fence to enter within the forest all the clamor seemed
to have already disappeared and the atmosphere finally became as fresh as
in Tang San’s imagination, giving one’s mind a feeling of being free from
worry.
After entering the forest, Grandmaster was without any impatience to
advance, and rather quietly observed their surroundings.
Tang San seemed to suddenly recall something, “Teacher, just now those
six people you talked about receiving the Spirit Hall’s respect, being carved
on a token, what is their title? Spirit Saint? Douluo? Is it Titled Douluo?”
Grandmaster gave Tang San a keen look, “It’s Titled Douluo. And also
the six most formidable Titled Douluo.”

“Most formidable?”
In Tang San’s eyes was a trace of excitement.

Grandmaster sighed, “Equal rank, but different spirit rings and different
spirits, so the actual power is completely different. These six Titled Douluo
undoubtedly are the most powerful of powerful. Even though there are
other Spirit Masters that have cultivated over the 90th rank and entered the
realm of Titled Douluo, those are still unable to shake their position. But
right now those are still too far away from you. Okay, we will prepare to
enter the forest, starting from now, you must not deviate more than one step
from my side.”
“Yes, Teacher.”

The originally dispirited expression in Grandmaster’s eyes abruptly

cleared, both hands held close to the chest, again quickly separated below,
“Come out, Luo San Pao.”
 With a puffing sound, a faint purple thread of spirit power separated
from Grandmaster’s palms. Tang San only felt Grandmaster release a burst
of fluctuating spirit power from his whole body and before him already
appeared a creature.

Unmistakably, this creature, it would seem, had an appearance much

like a dog, but its bulk was more like a hog. More than one meter and a half
in height, its waist measurement should be something similar.
Its entire body had pale purple fur, two small drooping ears, a pair of
big, deep blue blinking eyes with a very gentle expression. As the fat body
swayed once, the fatty buttocks immediately swayed side to side. Four
stocky little legs made it easy to imagine just how slow it moved.
On top of its head was a bulging, spherical, unknown something. As it
appeared, running over towards Grandmaster and using that head to rub
against Grandmaster’s leg.
Under Grandmaster’s feet two rings of light rose up, moving back and
forth over him. Both rings of light appeared yellow, obviously hundred-year
spirit rings.
“Little San, did you not want to know what my spirit was? This is my
spirit, you can call it Luo San Pao, or just call him San Pao.”
Luo San Pao, as if understanding Grandmaster’s words, looked at Tang
San with its pair of big eyes, the expression in its eyes unexpectedly had a
somewhat affectionate look.
“Grandmaster, this is your spirit?”
Tang San shocked said: “But don’t animal spirits manifest attached to
the body? Why does it......”
Before speaking about what kind of creature Luo San Pao was,
Grandmaster’s spirit obviously went beyond the limits on the spirit beast
category.
Luo San Pao obviously somewhat dissatisfied, made two luoluo calls
towards Tang San.
In Grandmaster’s expression appeared a trace of bitterness, “Because
my spirit is a variant spirit. Remember what you and I spoke about spirit
variation, San Pao is just that. Only, its variation clearly is in a bad
direction. When it only just awakened, my spirit power level was only a
half rank. Otherwise, how could things be as they are? Even if I again made
the effort, breaking through 30th rank spirit power is impossible in this
lifetime, so in the end I can only study spirits in theory.”

Before, when Tang San heard those rumors about Grandmaster, he knew
that Grandmaster was a persistent person. Regarding spirits he was as
persistent as he himself was regarding hidden weapons. This was also why
Tang San had never regretted acknowledging Grandmaster as his master.
Perhaps, this was talent appreciating each other.
“I’m sorry, Grandmaster, for raising your old painful memories.”

Grandmaster laughed at himself and shook his head, “It’s nothing, I

became inured long ago. Come, I’ll introduce you to San Pao. The reason
for its name is because it calls out a luoluo sound and its attack can only be
launched three times. Therefore, it’s called San Pao.”
“San Pao, first open up a path ahead.”
“Luoluo.”

Fat Luo San Pao looked pleased with itself and walked forward.
Although the body was a bit fat, when seeing it move it could also be called
nimble. Moving from one side to the other while sniffing at something.
All over Grandmaster’s body spirit power light was glimmering.
Bringing Tang San to follow Luo San Pao, they moved along deeper into
the forest.
“San Pao’s sense of smell is very acute, capable of discovering tracks of
spirit beasts and how strong they are. Although it has become small and
weak because of variation, regarding spirit power the consumption is also
very small. Therefore, I can release it outside for a long time. This is for
you. You must make the last attack that kills the spirit beast yourself.”

Grandmaster fumbled out from his breast a magnificent short sword and
handed it to Tang San.
The short sword’s entire sheath was a transparent blue and on it were
inlayed seven pieces of blue jade. The sword handle had a chunk of milky
white jade and the sword’s length was one chi and two cun. Even through
the sheath, holding it in his hand he still could feel traces of cold qi.

Walking not far away, Luo San Pao abruptly came to a stop, the pair of
big eyes looking in one direction, mouth emitting two luoluo calls.
An animal looking a bit like a cat appeared in the direction of its gaze,
lying in a tree, guardedly watching Grandmaster and Tang San.
Grandmaster coldly smiled, saying: “It’s a ten-year Multi-colored Cat.
San Pao, don’t disturb it. Continue ahead.”
Grandmaster never forgot to instruct Tang San. While continuing
walking, he said: “That Multi-colored Cat just now belongs to the cat
family of spirit beasts. Its offensive nature is very powerful, but provided
you do not first attack it, it also will not easily start an attack. If a Spirit
Master has a cat family beast spirit, using it for one’s first spirit ring is not a
bad choice. You must not think of that Multi-colored Cat as that small; if it
was a more than a thousand-year Multi-colored Cat, let alone us, even more
than ten times our number would not be able to kill it.”
 Part 5

Tang San called to mind an important question, “Grandmaster, how do

you distinguish the actual strength of a spirit beast? Or the number of
years?”
Grandmaster said: “Distinguishing a spirit beast’s actual strength
certainly is not difficult. You look, that Solitary Bamboo ahead. That also is
a type of spirit beast—a plant-system spirit beast. It’s useful to you, Solitary
Bamboo is tough and although its attack nature is not powerful, its defense
is not bad. This is a ten-year Solitary Bamboo. Because its height does not
exceed ten meters. Over ten meters should be considered over a hundred
years. Consequently, generally speaking, spirit beasts are distinguished
mainly by observing bulk and the color of the spirit power used when they
attack. Spirit power color is identical to actual strength. Precisely speaking,
ten-year spirit beasts use white spirit power, hundred-years use yellow, and
so on. Although when confronting an unknown spirit beast, you best not go
look at its spirit power, in a short time you will be unable to endure and
then will be up against devastating danger.”
“Grandmaster, will we be hunting that Solitary Bamboo?”

The Solitary Bamboo certainly did not seem to attract attention, only
because all around it were large trees and not more bamboo, it easily could
be conspicuous. Its body softly swaying, the top of the bamboo moving
rhythmically with the wind.
Grandmaster said: “For the moment we will not. If we are without a
more suitable choice and only lastly if forced to. Choosing spirit rings must
be done carefully: each spirit ring cannot be replaced. Spirit Scholars
promoting to Spirit Master can absorb hundred-year beast spirit rings. To be
even more precise, they can use a less than 423-year beast spirit ring. I’ve
carefully studied very many Spirit Masters undergoing growth and failure.
423 years should be the limit of what one can endure for the first spirit ring.
Therefore, I hope that your first spirit ring will be as close to that limit as
possible.”
Grandmaster regarding spirit research was always that precise. Tang San
felt, having this teacher exist, absolutely was a kind of happiness.
“Similarly for hundred-year spirit rings, although the color of the spirit
rings emerging from a hundred-year spirit beast and nine hundred-year
spirit beast are the same, the gap between the amplification of the added
attributes is enormous. Seeking a spirit ring as high as possible under the
prerequisite safety limit, is required for every outstanding Spirit Master.”
Continuing moving forward, Grandmaster was giving Tang San a lively
field class, relying on spirit Luo San Pao’s acute sense of smell, to one by
one draw out spirit beasts concealed in dark places. Perhaps because for the
most part these spirit beasts were ten-year grade, their desire to attack was
not strong. Grandmaster gave Tang San introductions to these spirit beasts’
names, specific properties and method of distinguishing cultivation age.
Looking up at the color of the sky, Grandmaster said: “It looks like
today we must spend the night in Spirit-Hunting Forest. We will first look
for a place to camp.”
Having searched for half the day, although not a few spirit beasts
conforming to the requirements had appeared, Grandmaster had not been
anxious to get involved and very patiently continued looking.
The place Grandmaster chose to camp at was a depression, surrounded
by complex terrain and encircled by numerous towering trees.
Grandmaster took out a big glass bottle from a loop-shaped spirit tool on
his wrist and passed it to Tang San, “Sprinkle it around, remember, you
must sprinkle it evenly.”
“Okay.”
Tang San took the bottle. The bottle held some powdered-type drug,
stinging the nose somewhat, Tang San’s nose wrinkled, already making it
out, this was similar to his old world’s realgar-type drug. The Tang Sect was
famous for hidden weapons and poison, and although he was an outer sect
disciple, regarding distinguishing poisonous substances he had considerable
skill. Earlier in the middle of the process of looking for spirit beasts, within
the Spirit-Hunting Forest he had found not a few poisonous plants he could
distinguish, putting them within the Twenty-four Moonlit Bridges.
Grandmaster’s knowledge could not be doubted on the spirit side, but
regarding distinguishing these spirit powerless poisonous plants, he by far
could not compare to Tang San with two lifetimes of experience.
Particularly, among these poisonous plants were very many that required
each other to be able to exude actual poison.
Having scattered the powder, Tang San handed back the bottle to
Grandmaster.
“Do you know why I let you sprinkle these around the periphery?”

Grandmaster’s facial expression was very serious, right now he was a

teacher testing his student.
Since he could distinguish what the powder was, how could Tang San
not be expected to know Grandmaster’s purpose, and without hesitation he
said: “It should have two effects, one is to conceal our scent and the other is
to repel snakes, insects, rats, ants and such types of creatures.”

Grandmaster nodded contentedly, “Correct, precisely like that. This is

called snake-repelling powder, essential to adventurers. Remember, in
forests, especially within forests with spirit beasts, you must as much as
possible not use fire. Even though the vast majority of wild animals and
spirit beasts all will fear firelight, there are also several especially
formidable spirit beasts that like fire. In case that you meet them, unless
your own cultivation has become sufficiently formidable, you will
undoubtedly die.”
The color of the sky gradually dimmed, certainly within the forest it was
not peaceful and quiet, insects and birds called out, roars of wild animals
rose and fell one after another.
Without lighting a fire, around them was completely pitch black, Tang
San and Grandmaster ate a simple evening meal, both master and
apprentice rested leaning against a big tree.
Grandmaster was definitely a qualified teacher and he paid a lot of
attention to Tang San. Even though right now they already should rest,
Grandmaster was still again quizzing Tang San’s understanding of spirit
beasts from the daytime, in order to give him a deeper impression.

Tang San’s memory was considered not bad, in addition this was the
first time he had come into contact with creatures like spirit beasts, the
novel feeling deepened his memory and when his answers occasionally had
faults they were one by one corrected by Grandmaster.
“Little San, do you know why I say that for Spirit Masters the youth is
the most important time?”
Grandmaster’s deep and hoarse voice brought a somewhat sentimental
feeling.
Tang San shook his head, waiting for Grandmaster’s explanation.
 Chapter 9

Blue-Silver Grass’s First Spirit Ring

Part 1

“A Spirit Master’s cultivation, before twenty years of age is an

extremely important process; one can say that achievements up to twenty
years of age decides future success. 30th rank is the Fire and Ice Dual
Heaven threshold. If crossing this threshold before twenty years old, then
future prospects are limitless. If unable to cross over in twenty years, then,
also forever unable to leap beyond. Youth has the advantage, youth can
have the potential. Therefore, you right now cannot delay one minute.
Teacher can still help with your first and second spirit ring, but when you
require the third spirit ring, Teacher will probably be unable to do enough.
At that time you have to rely on yourself. Spirit strength cultivation has no
shortcuts, you can only rely on meditation to make spirit power increase.
Although you have the innate full spirit power advantage, you even more so
cannot slack off, otherwise, you do not deserve to become my disciple.”

“Luoluo.”
At that time, variant spirit Luo San Pao’s call abruptly rose.

Spirits were one with their host, so Grandmaster at once started, his
body shooting up, looking in that direction.

At this moment, the color of the sky was already completely black,
faintly within, ten or more moss-green points of light were approaching in
their direction.

“They’re Hell Wolves1.”

Grandmaster’s voice was somewhat muffled. But without a bit of alarm,

“Little San, don’t move from here.”

Luo San Pao’s mouth unceasingly made luoluo calls, seemingly

threatening those existences that gradually drew closer; Grandmaster
certainly could not see them, in the eyes of Tang San by his side flashed a
layer of purple, the things in the darkness becoming clear to his eyes.
All in all six wolf-type spirit beasts, the height of their bodies all at one
meter six or so. The whole body appeared iron grey and that moss-green
radiance were precisely from their eyes. At this moment, they were slowly
closing in straight on Luo San Pao.

Luo San Pao’s smell seemed to make them somewhat restless and while
approaching, they kept a half circle formation.

Grandmaster snorted frostily, “One pack of 10th-ranked little wolves

dare come harass me. San Pao.”

Luo San Pao made a low howl, an inhaling noise just like the scream of
a hurricane and that originally fat belly expanded with amazing speed,
looking like it was a big, gradually enlarging ball.

Grandmaster raised his hand and waved it, and from his body a yellow
ring of light flew out, encircling Luo San Pao’s body as he solemnly
shouted, “Break wind like striking thunder, rumble the heavens and split the
earth Luo San Pao!”

Luo San Pao’s pair of clear blue eyes suddenly shone, the yellow ring of
light centered on its body suddenly seemed to become a screen of light. The
rounded body abruptly shot up, astonishingly climbing upward to a height
of five meters, the figure overhead turned around and a deafening sound
like the rumble of thunder erupted in a moment.
 Grandmaster’s hands had at some unknown moment already produced
two gauze masks, first handing one to Tang San and subsequently put the
other on his face.

Tang San subconsciously brought up the gauze mask, eyes unblinkingly

fixed on Luo San Pao’s actions. Following that one thunderous sound, he
only saw a yellow light cover suddenly release, as powerful as a
thunderbolt, the six ten-year Hell Wolves were all completely covered
within.

The six Hell Wolves’ bodies, under Luo San Pao’s attack were flung up
like broken burlap sacks, immediately plunging down more than ten meters
away, with two Hell Wolves’ waists smashing against tree trunks, howling
pitifully, but unable to rise.

The several other wolves on the ground rolled about briefly. Tang San
relied on the Purple Demon Eye to clearly see, from those Hell Wolves’
mouths fresh blood was flowing, he could see how powerful the shockwave
had been. Following a short period of wuu wuu sounds, other than the two
Hell Wolves on the ground unable to rise, the several others had quickly run
away.

Grandmaster at this time still did not neglect to instruct Tang San,
“Wolves and dogs’ bodies are very alike in structure, called ‘copper head,
iron bones, bean curd waist’, the waist is their bodies’ weakest vital part.”
While speaking, Grandmaster stepped forward with big steps, at some
point he had drawn a short knife, cutting the necks of the two unmoving
Hell Wolves and spreading more realgar on the bodies, covering the smell
of blood.

“Look, spirit rings are about to appear.”

At Grandmaster’s warning, Tang San started taking note. Following the

death of the two ten-year Hell Wolves, from the body gradually rose a ring
of faint white light, the rings rippling like mist in the emptiness overhead,
as if they could drift away at any time.
 “This is a spirit ring, these were killed by me, so if my spirit power had
just achieved the advancement requirements, right now I could absorb these
spirit rings to attain the advancement objective. The specific method is to
use my spirit power to draw the spirit ring to my body and immediately
after that begin meditation, absorbing the energy of the spirit ring.”

Faint purple light rose from Grandmaster’s hand, beckoning towards

one of the spirit rings that emerged from the Hell Wolves, that spirit ring
already floated over, circling about Grandmaster’s body. But it did not
permeate.

“My current spirit power is not sufficiently advanced, therefore, the

spirit ring can’t be absorbed by me. Within two hours, it will disperse on its
own. Little San, hand me two white radishes.”

“Oh.”

Tang San fumbled at his waist, drawing out two white radishes from the
Twenty-four Moonlit Bridges and handing them to Grandmaster.

Grandmaster offhandedly tossed them towards Luo San Pao, who,

following a burst of excited luoluo sounds, gulped down the two radishes
with lightning speed.

“Variant spirits’ characteristics already cannot be understood like

ordinary spirit theory. San Pao can rely on eating food to reduce my spirit
power consumption. But for its only three attacks, every time one attack is
used it must immediately replenish.”
“Does San Pao only eat white radish?”

Tang San asked.

Grandmaster gave him a pained look, saying: “You saw, San Pao attacks
by farting, if not for bringing up gauze masks, perhaps right now you
already could not endure the smell. Spirit beasts similarly cannot stand it,
therefore those Hell Wolves fled quickly. White radish, with regard to
hastening flatulence there are few foods that can compare. With two to
replenish, in approximately half the time, San Pao can recover what is spent
in one attack.”

Part 2

This also worked? Tang San wanted to laugh a bit, but seeing in
Grandmaster’s eyes a trace of bitterness, he did not dare let laughter escape.
He could imagine how possessing this kind of spirit that attacked by farting,
among Spirit Masters, was a very embarrassing matter. With Grandmaster’s
proud temperament, how could his heart feel comfortable?
“Luoluo, luoluo, luoluo.....”

As in a moment hurried calls abruptly rose, the bitterness in

Grandmaster’s eyes was immediately replaced by a cold light and he pulled
at Tang San’s hand.

Their surroundings suddenly grew quiet and a slight rustling sound

clearly reached Tang San’s ears, vaguely. The air seemingly became
somewhat foul, the stink was not at all strong, even with a touch of
sweetness and tea fragrance.

Tang San’s nose wiggled, subconsciously blurting out, “There’s poison.”

Grandmaster’s right hand waved, this time, the two rings of light on his
body completely moved over to encase Luo San Pao, vigilantly looking in
the direction of the rustling sound, “Tonight is unexpectedly this unquiet.”
 The rustling sound came to an end. Tang San pushed his Mysterious
Heaven skill, working his Purple Demon Eye to the limit, looking in that
direction. Indistinctly, he seemingly saw a dark green triangular snake head
held up in a shrub, a pair of little, ruby-like eyes looking straight in their
direction. Perhaps fearing the effect of the realgar powder, it did not
continue to approach.

“Grandmaster, there.”

Tang San raised a finger in the direction of the snake head’s location.
Right now was already too late for Grandmaster to think about why Tang
San could see a place his eyes still could not reach. With lightning speed he
drew out a flare from the wrist spirit tool and tossed it in that direction.

The flare already ignited in the wind, rolling and illuminating the area,
and this time Grandmaster also saw the snake head. Mouth inhaling a
mouthful of cool air.

“It’s a Datura Snake2, why would this kind of ferocious fellow appear
on the outskirts of Spirit-Hunting Forest. Hope it’s a ten-year.”

Siisi, siisi, as if infuriated by the flare, the snake head slowly rose,
issuing siisi sounds towards Luo San Pao. But the realgar powder deterrent
still was in effect and it did not advance.

Grandmaster said in a low voice: “The Datura Snake’s venom is

extremely potent, it has not only a paralyzing effect, but also causes
powerful damage to the body’s nerves. It’s one of the most terrible among
poison-attribute spirit beasts. Its body is extremely tough, difficult to hurt
with common sabers, its mouth and eyes are the only weak points. But
Datura Snakes are very good at consistently protecting these two places, its
speed is also incomparably fast. Most frightening is its aggressive character.
Encountering humans it will practically always launch an attack. Realgar
powder may not be able to restrain it for long, it’s waiting for an
opportunity.”

Tang San did not feel any fear because of Grandmaster’s introduction, in
his former life at the Ba-Shu Tang Sect, Ba-Shu had a large variety of
snakes, of course without this type of Datura Snake, but Tang San was not
short of experience when coming into contact with snakes. From the tip of
this snake’s head it could be seen that it was extremely venomous and by
the neck’s robust surface it appeared its weakness certainly was not the
seventh cun3. There was no way of knowing how this kind of snake with
spirit power would attack.

Grandmaster pulled Tang San behind him, “Little San, right now I will
instruct you in a principle. Rings many bones many, power surges; rings
few bones few, take to your heels and escape. Here rings refer to spirit
rings, bones refer to spirit bones. Regarding spirit bones I can explain to
you later.4 So to say, when your spirit rings and spirit bones clearly outstrip
your opponents, then you should rely on your spirit ability and spirit power
to launch a full-out attack, thoroughly routing the opponent. And when your
spirit rings and spirit bones clearly are fewer than the adversary, then you
must not hesitate, immediately escape. Self-respect is never equal to life in
importance. If this Datura Snake is a ten-year spirit beast, then we can still
risk our lives in a fight once. If it’s a hundred-year, immediately run away.”

“Break wind like striking thunder, rumble the heavens and split the earth
Luo San Pao!”
Finishing explaining this, Grandmaster immediately gave orders to Luo
San Pao, launching the attack.
Yellow rings of light again glittered, Luo San Pao’s body shot upwards
in its insane inhalation, although he ate the white radishes, since that one
attack on the Hell Wolves its body still had not recovered what was
depleted, so right now there was still only strength for two attacks.
During the thunderclap-like roar, Luo San Pao’s super thunder shock
wave surged out. Even though the Datura Snake’s speed was very fast, Luo
San Pao’s attack was ranged, if it wanted to escape it was unable to.
Only seeing an immense snake body fly off from the ground, flung far
into the distance.
“Quickly run.”
 Grandmaster only gave that flying Datura Snake a glance without any
opinion. The Datura Snake’s cultivation age was related to the size of its
body. Before the evolution to a thousand-year spirit beast, for each year of
cultivation, the body’s length would increase by one centimeter. And this
salamander5, judging by its flying body, was definitely beyond three meters,
even already approaching four meters; so to speak, its cultivation had
already exceeded four hundred years. Grandmaster could not think that
relying on his 29th-rank Spirit Master strength could confront this kind of
spirit beast, let alone when his own spirit also certainly was not regarded as
formidable.

Guagua6, mournful sounds were heard. Tang San was pulled to one side
by Grandmaster to escape, turning his head to one side to look, being within
that shock wave of Luo San Pao had surprisingly been unable to injure the
Datura Snake in the slightest, as its body just about to hit the ground, it
immediately bent in a flash, darting back. Every time its whip-like body
came into contact with the ground, it could immediately shoot up like a
spring, its speed incomparably fast, continuously approaching in his and
Grandmaster’s direction.
Luo San Pao’s running speed was not a bit slow, following closely
behind Grandmaster and Tang San, in the pair of big eyes was already an
extremely panicked look.
“Break wind like mist, mesmerize to deep sleep Luo San Pao!”

Grandmaster again let out a big shout and Luo San Pao overhead circled
once. With a puu sound, a mass of yellow gas spouted from its fat buttocks,
spreading out in midair.

Of Grandmaster’s two spirit rings, the two different kinds of effects they
could add to Luo San Pao’s abilities were Thunder Shock and Mesmerize.
Right now they had already been fully employed.
 Part 3

The Datura Snake very quickly leapt over the yellow mist, but it was not
at all mesmerized. It being outstandingly talented in poison, its poison
resistance by far outdid similar spirit beasts, right now it had only been
slightly slowed.

Luo San Pao’s ‘Triple Cannon’7 all expended, its body had distinctly
shrunk by a lot and to right now feed it radishes to replenish again would be
too late.

The two spirit rings again returned to Grandmaster’s body. All over his
body spirit power light was visible, speed elevated to the limit, one hand
pulling Tang San, leaping ahead at full speed like a shooting star. Hoping to
be able to get clear of the pursuing Datura Snake.

Grandmaster was very clear on the Datura Snake’s characteristics: this

kind of savage and cruel spirit beast had one weakness, which was patience.
If unable to shortly chase down its target prey, it could very easily give up.

But the Datura Snake they encountered today was particularly

persistent. Whether infuriated because of Luo San Pao’s wind and the
realgar powder, with unflagging persistence it chased after Grandmaster and
Tang San, its speed matchless. Soon coming closer and closer.
“San Pao, block it for a moment.”

At Grandmaster’s command, Luo San Pao’s chubby body stood facing

the oncoming Datura Snake. Attempting to use its body to obstruct the
snake’s advance.
 But this Datura Snake was not only incomparably fast, its reaction was
also extremely sharp—its body in a flash coiling open and striking Luo San
Pao, simultaneously biting it.
“Luoluo——”

Luo San Pao gave a blood-curdling shriek, its body falling to the
ground. Grandmaster gave a wave with both hands and Luo San Pao’s body
immediately melted into purple light, again merging into him.

Grandmaster in his heart right now was already somewhat grieved, his
past life continuously reverberating in his mind. He wanted to ask Heaven,
why should he have such bad luck in this life? Why? Why this outcome?
Even so far as to involve Tang San, this child.

As Grandmaster was already close to despair, even to the extent that he

felt the chill of the Datura Snake’s venom fangs, suddenly, he discovered
his pulling Tang San changed. Turning his head to look, he saw Tang San’s
left hand feeling at Twenty-four Moonlit Bridges on his waist, immediately
throwing something behind without turning his head.

One sturdy white radish swiftly flew out and with a puu sound,
unexpectedly struck the Datura Snake’s body just right, causing it to
abruptly slow down when it originally was already well within reach to
launch an attack; again pulling open the distance somewhat.

Distinguishing location by sound was nothing more than a superficial

Tang Sect ability, Tang San naturally knew it, but the next action caused
Grandmaster’s heart to fill with shock. Only seeing Tang San’s left hand
continuously flicking between his waist and afterward throwing behind,
continuously shooting out one white radish after another. Although the
strength was insufficient to hurt the Datura Snake, when the Datura Snake
was about to overtake them the sum could obstruct its body.
Such accurate skill.

Grandmaster realized, every time Tang San threw out a white radish, the
left hand’s thumb always curved inside, palm facing down and the
additional four fingers together stretching out; the motion was concise and
effective. And on Tang San’s little face, although also a little alarmed, there
was seemingly no fear.

If it was in Tang San’s former life, every person of Jianghu8 could have
recalled the name of such a skill, as certainly the Tang Sect hidden
weapons’ elementary grade skill, Arrow Hand Throw9. Utilizing inertia of a
lashing arm to send out hidden weapons. This kind of skill was most direct,
although it can’t be said to be elegant, right now it was extremely effective.
Although twenty jin of white radishes was not a little, Tang San’s Arrow
Hand Throw throwing rate was not slow and in a little while the stock in
Twenty-four Moonlit Bridges was already exhausted.
Right now they had already reached the crucial moment of life or death,
like this Tang San very clearly and perfectly understood; it seemed like the
strength, speed and overwhelming poison of this excellent spirit beast
encounter would have dire consequences. Right now was already not the
time to hide his true strength.

He let go of Grandmaster’s hand, his body overhead in a wink, left hand

rising, a black tip already noiselessly emitting power. The Sleeve Dart he
had worked hard to forge was finally used.

Tang San’s eyes by then had become completely purple, relying on the
Purple Demon Eye’s effect, he was able to clearly see the Datura Snake’s
every motion.

The Datura Snake’s reaction was even faster than Tang San had
imagined, that one Sleeve Dart shot in the direction of the Datura Snake’s
left eye, but he saw that leaping body twist once in midair with lightning
speed, the snake head dropped, unexpectedly avoiding danger. But the
Sleeve Dart’s speed truly was too fast and still shot at its body.

With a clear dang10 sound, on the salamander’s hard serpent scales a

succession of sparks spattered up. Acute pain making it once again emit a
queer guagua cry.
 Tang San in his heart secretly cried out in disappointment, since Sleeve
Darts relied on using the mechanism to send out, speed and strength were
both no problem. But that is not sufficiently ingenious. It could only bluntly
attack the opponent. This was also a common fault of mechanism-type
hidden weapons. However, the Datura Snake’s defence made him become
taken aback, one must know that although his Sleeve Dart only had three
darts, they were all forged of iron mother, the mechanism’s shooting force
was also extremely powerful. Still, he could not truly injure the eye of this
spirit beast.
The Datura Snake was thoroughly enraged and the scales on its body
began to shine, the deep green scales were covered in a layer of faint yellow
light, its speed suddenly increasing, in practically only a split second it had
already pounced in front of Tang San.

When Tang San unexpectedly let go, Grandmaster already moved more
than ten meters by inertia. This all happened in a split second, right now
again wanting to rescue Tang San was already too late.

In that crucial moment, Tang San’s heart instead became extremely

calm. The Mysterious Heaven skill working on his whole body, this kind of
genuine Daoist internal skill right now caused him to enter a state where his
heart was like still water. Watching the Datura Snake’s widely stretched and
open mouth, without being the slightest bit flustered. His right hand turning
over, the short sword Grandmaster gave him already turning in the palm of
his hand.

Part 4
 The Datura Snake regardless of speed still had power, but neither could
match the current Tang San. Watching the snake head rushing up, Tang San
used Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track and his body in a flash already moved
sideways three chi11 away. Tang San knew that to him there would only be
one chance, if he could not succeed, then the Datura Snake would
absolutely not be taken in again.
Deciding quickly in the crucial moment, Tang San moved both hands
above practically completely filled by his Mysterious Heaven skill effect, in
his palm blue light glimmered, the left hand drawing in then sending out,
his body under the effect of Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track once again
changed position.

The Datura Snake only felt an attractive force from the side of its head
and the snake’s head turned uncontrollably. Right now, because of pouncing
at Tang San, the snake mouth was stretched wide, just about to close.

A vast blue radiance seemingly appeared as if out of nowhere, quietly

waiting there, in the split second as the Datura Snake’s head turned over, in
the instant before its mouth closed, puu——

The nearly four-meter-long snake body stiffened in practically a split

second, that one chi two cun sword was already completely driven into the
snake’s mouth. After a moment, the Datura Snake’s body violently stirred
and at once on the ground sand flew about and stones hurtled through the
air, where its hard body swept across, regardless of shrubs or small trees, all
were tested as if enduring a tornado, branches and leaves broken.
Stabbing with full strength behind that sword, Tang San using Ghost
Shadow Perplexing Track had already retreated at full speed, just far
enough to avoid the Datura Snake’s lashing tail. What is called ‘a centipede
dies but never falls down’12, regarding the snake’s characteristics Tang San
in no way would think the Datura Snake would die immediately.
“Little San.”
Grandmaster calling out in a haste suddenly roused Tang San. He knew,
all he just did, he already could not avoid appearing before Grandmaster.
His soul was not part of this world and all this clearly could not be known
by any person. What was to be done?
Kill Grandmaster to silence him? Tang San believed that relying on the
attack power and specific characteristics of the Sleeve Dart, his chance of
success was at least seventy percent, as Luo San Pao right now already had
no attack strength. But how could he go through with that? Grandmaster
was his Teacher, although they had only known each other for several days,
already he had already gained Tang San’s heartfelt respect. Nothing to be
done, he could only lie.
Underfoot intentionally staggering, Tang San immediately rolled back
on the ground.
Grandmaster stretched out his arms and grabbed him, he was after all a
29th-ranked Spirit Grandmaster and although his spirit was somewhat poor,
he still had spirit power. He supported Tang San with one hand, “Little San,
what..?”

“Teacher, I was scared to death. How that snake chased us.”

Grandmaster looked at the Datura Snake in the process of terrible
destruction, rebuking said: “Just now, why did you suddenly let go, do you
not know how dangerous that was?”
Actually, Grandmaster did not see as much as Tang San imagined. After
all, this was in the middle of the night, Grandmaster also did not have his
Purple Demon Eye-type of eye ability. In the darkness, Grandmaster only
faintly saw Tang San’s body fall back behind and that blue short sword’s
glimmering radiance. As for the ringing of the Sleeve Dart hitting the
salamander’s body, Grandmaster took no notice of at all.
“I also do not know how to explain, with sweaty hand, it suddenly
slipped. Teacher, just now in the confusion I wielded the short sword you
gave me, seemingly it dealt a piercing blow to that snake.”
Pulling up Tang San’s hand, in his palm there was indeed cold sweat,
Grandmaster also guessed that Tang San hit the Datura Snake with a
piercing blow and very likely with a piercing blow to a vital spot,
otherwise, how could this kind of violent and vicious—seeking revenge for
a single look—spirit beast not suddenly pursue and attack?

“Don’t assume it’s over, wait and see. Snake-type spirit beasts’ vitality
is extremely tenacious, it does not die so easily.”
Tang San gulped for breath, this was not intentionally assuming an air
and he already somewhat lost strength.
Confronting such a formidable spirit beast as a hundred-year Datura
Snake, just now in a split second he already used his full strength. If that
one Controlling Crane Capturing Dragon had not pulled over the
salamander’s head, then the ending would have become completely
different.
As a result of this time’s alarming danger, Tang San already secretly
resolved, after going back, he must think of a way to increase his
armaments. Before completing the Mysterious Heaven skill, various kinds
of mechanism-type hidden devices were clearly the best choice that was
also Tang San’s most outstanding talent.
The master and apprentice like that stood up and very cautiously
observed. The Datura Snake’s hysterically frenzied struggle gradually
subsided, body unceasingly twisting, smashing every single plant on the
ground, revealing the soil beneath.

The short sword Grandmaster gave Tang San, although one chi two cun
was not long, it was already sufficient to skewer the Datura Snake’s brain.
That was a fatal wound.
Watching the Datura Snake’s struggle grow weaker and weaker,
Grandmaster gradually let out his breath and following this, the expression
on his face gradually began to change, the panicked look gradually became
wild with joy, “Excellent, this truly is excellent. Little San, you’re getting
your spirit ring.”
“Teacher, what are you saying? You can’t be talking about this snake,
right?”
Tang San, shocked, looked at Grandmaster.

Grandmaster nodded seriously, “Precisely, it’s this. Datura Snake’s

cultivate until it reaches a thousand years, every year it lives, its body will
grow one centimeter, this Datura Snake’s body already nears four meters
which also means he has nearly four hundred years of cultivation. As it
happens, approaching the limit for absorbing the first spirit ring when going
from Spirit Scholar to Spirit Master. With your innate full spirit power
absorbing its spirit ring will be no problem.”
“But, Teacher. My spirit is a plant, this Datura Snake is an animal-type
spirit beast. Can I use its spirit ring? Will it not cause a conflict?”
Tang San said uncertainly.

Part 5

By now Grandmaster had already relaxed, in his eyes was an extremely

confident radiance, “One of the ten core spirit world concepts of my
research, is the spirit mimicry principle. Plant spirits do not necessarily
have to absorb a plant-type beast spirit ring, and beast spirits are not
necessarily unable to absorb plant spirit rings. Under a variety of
preconditions, these both can mutually absorb. Because it is excessively
small and weak, whatever spirit ring property is added will not cause
rejection and only passively assimilate. Therefore, absorbing this Datura
Snake’s spirit ring is no problem. At the same time, still remember what
type of spirit ring we wanted to look for?”

Tang San’s eyes brightened, “Adding a durability effect, best was having
poison. Certainly, the Datura Snake possess these two attributes.”
Grandmaster gave his disciple a keen look, saying: “Whether common
Spirit Masters or not, they still are Spirit Hall fellows; regarding my ten
great core concepts they were all laughing through the nose and nobody
believed. Previously, also no Spirit Master consented to absorbing different
kinds of spirit rings to strengthen themselves. Little San, are you willing to
give it a try? Even though for the theory up to here I have absolute certainty,
this has never been tried by people. Actual practice is the sole criterion for
judging truth13, the ten great core spirit concepts I put forward can only be
theory and not truth, precisely because no people are willing to put them
into practice.”
In Grandmaster’s eyes, Tang San saw fanaticism. Because of spirit
variation, Grandmaster all his life was unable to become a formidable Spirit
Master, but he was still this persistent, throwing his life’s energy into spirit
research.

Regarding this kind of person, the respect growing from Tang San’s
heart, respect for Grandmaster’s person, also meant respecting the results of
his research, “Teacher, please let me help you put this into practice. I
believe your research will not be wrong.”
The Datura Snake’s body already gradually grew motionless, a vital part
of the head had been penetrated by a sharp sword; even if its vitality was
indomitable, it would still be difficult to escape death.

A bit of faint yellow light started to coalesce on the Datura Snake’s

body, different from when Tang San before saw the ten-year Hell Wolves’
spirit rings, the spirit ring which emerged from the Datura Snake was
extremely distinct, the radiance also glittered more compared to the Hell
Wolves’ spirit rings. Even without coming into contact with it, he still could
clearly feel contained within it an enormous energy.
 Hearing Tang San’s words, Grandmaster’s eyes filled with gratitude,
“Little San, begin.”
Tang San nodded, lifting his right hand, resisting the feeling of
weakness from the lost strength, with his remaining spirit power slowly
condensing in his palm, following the faint blue light mist, the blue-silver
grass grew from his palm, emitting a faint smell of life and swaying softly
along with the undulations of spirit power.

‘Come, my first spirit ring, you decide whether I am able to practice the
Tang Sect’s secret lore and also decide whether I can inherit Teacher’s
hope.’
Under the attraction of that faint blue radiance, the hundred-year Datura
Snake spirit ring slowly flew towards Tang San.

Grandmaster’s both eyes stared fixedly at the floating spirit ring and in a
low voice declared: “Cross your legs and sit up straight, focus your mind on
the spirit.”
Tang San complied with the words and sat down cross-legged,
concentrating on his right hand’s spirit. Right then, following the approach
of the hundred-year Datura Snake spirit ring, he felt a kind of
unprecedented and powerful pressure, even his very skeleton under this
kind of pressure emitted small noises.
Very quickly, the ring of yellow light reached the top of Tang San’s head
and without giving him any chance to react, that yellow halo abruptly
contracted, becoming only bracelet-sized, incomparably condensing into a
solid gold ring that immediately dropped to encircle the blue-silver grass
spirit on the palm of his right hand.

Tang San felt as if his right hand was invaded by magma, a roasting hot
energy frenziedly rushing in, in a flash the violent hot current had rushed
inside his body, and instantly within, the organs felt like they were burning.
His body couldn’t help fall into a burst of violent shaking.
“Regardless of how the spirit ring’s energy lashes at your body, keep in
mind you must absolutely maintain consciousness, only then in the future
can you even better utilize the spirit ring’s energy.”
These were the last words Tang San heard Grandmaster speak, after a
second, closing both eyes, his consciousness already completely immersed
within that boiling hot ocean.
The Mysterious Heaven skill’s internal strength seemingly also ignited
from that suddenly arising energy, the hot current in a flash spreading
throughout every part of his whole body, Tang San felt like only spreading
his mouth would make it spout fire.
Truly potent energy.
Inside, the surging spirit ring power in an instant severely tested Tang
San’s body, but made him somewhat surprised: such burning hot energy,
without destroying the blue-silver grass spirit.
Within his consciousness abruptly revealed, Tang San as if seeing
himself immersed within a sea of flame and in the center of this flame, a
solitary blade of blue-silver grass gently swayed with the flame, regardless
of how hot that flame burned, it was still unable to destroy it.

Tang San rejoiced in his heart; this seemingly was the visual state of
internal strength. In his previous life because he was already too old when
he cultivated the Mysterious Heaven Treasure Record, he never experienced
this kind of state and did not expect it to actually appear when absorbing the
first spirit ring.
Under the dry heat of the flame, a change began to occur in the blue-
silver grass. The originally tenuous grass stalk became longer, became
wider, the pale blue color also gradually began to deepen. The deep blue
grass stalk within the ocean of flame started to extend, spiritedly moving
about swaying, as if it was countless snakes leaping within the flame.
The pale blue grass blade began to become a deep blue, on the surface it
also had a few black lines, lines exactly like on the body of the Datura
Snake before.
 Hong14——, all the hot current surged out, Tang San felt as if that
blazing breath dissolved into his body.
 Chapter 10

The First Spirit Ring’s Ability

Part 1

And in a moment, he seemed to hear a clear and melodious crack,

immediately following, that hot current frenziedly dispersed, then again
merged. Merging into a milky white stream. That originally winding little
streamlet in a flash became a brook, congcong15 flowing, trailing, the
blazing agony already disappearing, only leaving a comfortable warmth.
Success. Wild joy once again arrived; Tang San was familiar with this
kind of breaking feeling, it was clearly the feeling of the Mysterious
Heaven skill’s first bottleneck splitting open, internal strength merging
together with the spirit ring’s power, becoming an even more formidable
energy, within this extremely brief time, at full speed going around within
his body’s energy passages revolving several circuits, slowly flowing into
his dantian16.
Just as Tang San suspected, arriving within this world, his Mysterious
Heaven skill had virtually formed a bizarre relationship with a Spirit
Master’s spirit power. The Mysterious Heaven skill’s every tier
corresponded to a Spirit Master title. Obtaining this first spirit ring, he
finally broke through the first tier of the Mysterious Heaven skill
bottleneck.
 Of course, his current power in no way was as simple as only the
Mysterious Heaven skill entering the second tier, he still possessed the spirit
strength unrelated to the Tang Sect, as well as the ability produced by the
first spirit ring.

Absorbing the spirit ring brought about a kind of unfolding clear feeling
that was impossible to describe in words, like floating to and fro high in the
clouds not subject to gravity, also like entering the pinnacle of extreme
bliss. All over his whole body, thirty-six thousand pores without exception
stretched open, greedily respiring wonderful air, the fundamental change
already made amazing changes occur in Tang San’s body.
Tang San as much as possible calmed his excited heart, the Mysterious
Heaven skill under the aid of the spirit ring breaking through informed his
future developing direction, he knew, regardless of how, his life in this
world, he was probably unable to separate from the spirit again. Spirit
power was exactly the Mysterious Heaven skill’s internal strength, internal
strength also was exactly spirit power. His destiny would be to walk a Spirit
Master’s path. Of course, he would be classified as a Tang Sect Spirit
Master.

Just when Tang San slowly opened both eyes, the sky was already light,
the new day brought vigorous vitality, seemingly calling to his body.

Tang San lowered his head to look at himself, he discovered his body,
because of obtaining the spirit ring, also seemed to have changed
somewhat. His originally thin and small stature seemingly grew a bit taller,
his shoulders also somewhat broader, on his skin even more a layer of jade-
like luster.

Between gestures, brimming with strength he had a lithe feeling of

comfort. Not needing painstaking experiments, he knew that not only his
inner strength broke through the bottleneck, all parts of his body’s functions
had also substantially elevated under the influence of obtaining the
hundred-year Datura Snake’s spirit ring.
“Teacher.”
 Regaining consciousness, Tang San first of all thought of Grandmaster,
he was eager to tell Grandmaster that his spirit beast mimicry principle was
a success. The whole merging process, although also enduring not a little
agony, was without any feelings of conflict.

Just when his gaze found Grandmaster, he couldn’t help but be greatly
taken aback.

Grandmaster lay fallen on the ground, body seemingly already rigid,

motionless. Around him and Grandmaster, realgar powder surrounded them
in a circle, the situation the same as their previous campsite.

“Teacher, what happened?”

Tang San in his heart was greatly worried, hurriedly standing up,
coming over to Grandmaster’s side, helping his body up.

Seeing Grandmaster’s face, Tang San unconsciously blurted out,

“Poison.”

Grandmaster’s originally rigid face was surrounded by a sinister air, the

whole body already breathing hard, body rigid, already lost feeling.

“How would Teacher be poisoned?”

Raising the question, Tang San suddenly felt Grandmaster’s body was
somewhat abnormal and hurriedly drew back his right arm’s jacket sleeve.

He saw Grandmaster’s right arm was swollen to triple the size compared
to normal, skin stretched tight and turning bright purple, fortunately a cloth
band was tied tightly on his upper arm, clearly Grandmaster produced his
own emergency treatment measures after being poisoned. Even though this
way, under the circumstances the majority of the poison would not spread,
but he was still unconscious, one could see how potent this poison was.

In his mind a flash of light and Tang San suddenly understood the cause
for Grandmaster’s poisoning. Before when he and Grandmaster were
escaping being killed by the Datura Snake, Grandmaster’s spirit Luo San
Pao was bitten by the Datura Snake, exactly bitten on Luo San Pao’s right
foreleg; that time was recalled by Grandmaster very quickly. Beast spirits
are one with their host, even though Grandmaster’s beast spirit was a
variation it was still like that. Spirit being poisoned is equivalent to the host
also being poisoned? But Grandmaster wholeheartedly assisted him in
absorbing the spirit ring, regardless of his own safety, waiting until after he
entered the cultivation state until his spirit power was unable to restrain the
poison, so the poison spread.

Comparatively speaking, in this regard tool spirits had the advantage:

tool spirits contaminated by poison would not influence the host’s body.

“Fortunately Grandmaster stopped the poison from spreading, otherwise

I also would have no means.”

After Tang San felt for the strength of the pulse in Grandmaster’s left
hand, he secretly let out a breath. The poison had not yet attacked the heart,
there was still time to save him.

Coming from the Tang Sect, regarding how to deal with poisoned
wounds Tang San was very clear. Right now, he was unable to not use
flame, whether or not it could attract spirit beasts; but very quickly
gathering some dry twigs and leaves from the surrounding, using a torch to
ignite the pile, afterwards immediately tearing off Grandmaster’s right
sleeve, using the short sword Grandmaster gave him to dig a hole in the
ground, afterward pouring out fresh water and cleaning the sword blade.

The campfire gradually flourished, after Tang San repeatedly roasted the
short sword over the fire, hauling Grandmaster’s body to the side of the
little hole, letting his right hand hang down inside.

Taking a deep breath, Tang San turned over the wrist, in three successive
cuts, separately delimiting Grandmaster’s pulse point, crook of the arm and
armpit.

Immediately, three streams of blackish purple blood bringing a strong

smell with a faint fragrance of tea spurted out, like three brooks flowing
into the previously dug little hole.
 Part 2

Tang San’s one hand pressed on Grandmaster’s chest, urging the just
now promoted Mysterious Heaven skill’s internal strength, his left hand on
successive points sealed the four energy channels in Grandmaster’s chest,
preventing the poisonous vapor from spreading. Simultaneously his right
hand began to knead Grandmaster’s chest, relying on internal strength to
push the motion of qi and blood in Grandmaster’s body. Slowly pressing the
poison to one place.

The Mysterious Heaven skill could be regarded as the Tang Sect’s

highest inner strength core method, in itself it had a very powerful effect for
removing poison and it certainly was not just a violent internal strength.
Extremely exquisite, a trace of a thread penetrated inside Grandmaster’s
body, making sure to not leave behind any seed of future trouble.

Undoing Grandmaster’s jacket, Tang San carefully observed the dark qi

around Grandmaster’s body. Under the effect of the Mysterious Heaven
skill, the dark qi gradually converged flowing in the direction of
Grandmaster’s right arm, right now Tang San still had not undone the cloth
on Grandmaster’s arm.

Poisoned blood flowing out, Grandmaster’s swollen arm gradually

shrank back, skin color gradually also becoming normal, Grandmaster’s
face revealing an expression of suffering, mouth also began to emit groans.
 As the flow of fresh blackish purple blood gradually exhausted, fresh
red blood began to emerge, Grandmaster’s arm also already became
somewhat pale. Tang San picked open that cloth on Grandmaster’s arm,
relying on internal strength at full speed to completely push out the last
poison in one go, afterwards quickly sealing the blood circulation in
Grandmaster’s arm and tearing off several strips from his own clothes and
wrapping the cuts.

Previously, he could not impatiently undo the cloth on Grandmaster’s

arm because he feared Grandmaster’s blood flow would be too much—after
all, his poisoning had not been brief.

Poison dispelled, Tang San’s face was already covered in sweat. Even
though the Mysterious Heaven skill entered the second tier, it still wasn’t
considered powerful and using internal strength like this to assist in
expelling poison was most draining of internal strength and energy, and
because of absorbing the spirit ring and enduring the energy he also felt
somewhat emptied of strength.
Tang San used clean water to clean up Grandmaster’s arm, afterwards
using soil to bury that little hole filled with poisoned blood. This could be
considered as wholly completing the work.

Following this, Grandmaster remained unconscious for a full three days

and in that time he had a constant fever. Tang San every day could only
pour into him a little fresh water and in order to allow Grandmaster’s body
to replenish some nourishment, he even cut down a tree to make a small
bowl, using the brought dry meat with fresh water to cook some broth.
Since this was the Spirit-Hunting Forest, Tang San dared not move a step
away from Grandmaster.

Fortunately, their luck could be considered not bad. Although the

occasional spirit beast passed by, for the most part those were ten-year spirit
beasts and their aggressive natures were also not very strong and certainly
did not bring any trouble to Tang San.

“How am I like this?”

 Just when Grandmaster regained consciousness, it was already noon on
the fourth day.

His powerless body could not exert any trace of strength, Grandmaster
only found before him a blur, the sky spinning, earth turning feeling made
him unable to find directions, even raising his hands was strenuous.

“Teacher, you're conscious.”

Tang San, amazed, moved closer to Grandmaster’s side, a precise

practiced internal strength transmitted into Grandmaster’s body.

Under the aid of the Mysterious Heaven skill, Grandmaster’s vitality

roused a bit, eyes also finally gradually focusing.
“Little San, I’m still alive?”

Grandmaster, astonished, looked at Tang San next to him.

Tang San nodded, saying: “Teacher, you’re living very well. Only this
time must perhaps rest for a long while.”

Grandmaster turned his head with difficulty, looking at his right arm,
“You saved me.”

Tang San scratched his head, saying, “When I was little Dad taught me
simple methods to deal with poisoned wounds, so when I saw you
unconscious, I could only give it a try. Trying once after all had some
chance, ‘doctoring a dead horse as if it was still alive’17.”
“Cheeky, you calling Teacher a horse?”

Grandmaster put on a slight smiling expression, of course, with his

originally rigid face added to the current paleness, this smiling expression
of his was even more unsightly than crying.
Living, always was a glorious matter, even if he was ambitious and
proud all his life contributing to spirit research, Grandmaster was also no
exception.
 Tang San laughed, saying: “Teacher, you rest first, I will give you some
hot broth. You wake up, then again rest several hours and you can eat some
dry rations. We at an early hour should leave Spirit-Hunting Forest, the
environment here is too lacking and the air is also comparatively moist,
harmful to your wounds’ recovery.”
Grandmaster seemed to suddenly think of something, “Little San, did
you succeed?”

To Grandmaster, his research theories were even more important than

life.

Tang San said with a small smile: “Teacher, please be at ease. I

succeeded. Look.”
While speaking, Tang San raised his right hand, faint white light floated
right now on the surface of his skin, immediately following, a deep blue-
colored blue-silver grass thronged out from the center of the palm. A
distinct ring of yellow light ascended from underfoot, centering on the body
as it floated up and down. Precisely the outstanding characteristic of a first-
ring Spirit Master.
Previously blue-silver grass’s width did not reach a half finger, but the
current blue-silver grass’s width already became three fingers. The grass
blade compared to before was also several times thicker, bearing an odd
veined pattern. Counting ten blue-silver grass blades at lightning speed
spread out all around, grass blade tips lifting, just like ten extra Datura
Snakes hunting everywhere.
The blue-silver grass did not at all have the Datura Snake’s stench, but
only had the faint tea fragrance, that intoxicating fragrance brimming with
danger.
In Grandmaster’s eyes flickered an extremely moved radiance and with
difficulty resisting the excitement, he said: “How is the toughness?”
Seeing is believing, so Tang San answered Grandmaster with action.
Among the ten blue-silver grass blades breaking away from his palm one
suddenly flew up, twining around a small tree as thick as an arm, the other
end returning to Tang San’s hand. His right hand pulled back strongly and
the small tree trunk immediately curved down, causing the blue-silver grass
to stretch perfectly straight, but did not have the slightest indication of
splitting.
“Good, this truly is great. It seems my judgement was completely
correct, after blue-silver grass infused the Datura Snake spirit ring, it gained
toughness, if my conjecture is not mistaken, and it should still have attached
a Datura Snake’s toxicity. Only, what is its current ability?”

Part 3

A spirit after obtaining a spirit ring, all abilities must undergo a process
of variation to evolve. Different spirits with similar spirit rings evolve
completely different abilities and vice versa, even if the spirit ring is only
different in age, the abilities will still have great differences.

Therefore, even though Grandmaster regarding spirit research was

already considerably thorough, he was still unable to confirm what the
resulting effect of Tang San obtaining this first spirit ring would be.

Tang San said: “Grandmaster, these several days I used some weak ten-
year spirit beasts to experiment. What you said is not incorrect, blue-silver
grass indeed inherited some of the Datura Snake’s poisonous nature, but
without the deadly attack nature hyper toxicity, rather the paralyzing effect
of the Datura Snake’s poisonous nature. But it must come into direct contact
to have effect. The poisonous nature can’t be considered very strong, but it
very clearly has a restricting function. And the blue-silver grass’s ability is
binding. Depending on spirit power control, binding the enemy to a stop,
can render it unable to move.”

While speaking, Tang San relying on spirit power controlled his released
blue-silver grass to put the ability to use.
Seeing the more than ten deep blue blades of grass simultaneously rise
up from the underbrush and in a flash twine around a thick tree trunk. The
grass blades were striking out from a hovering stance, covering the area
within ten square meters. Being within this range, one would fundamentally
be without any ability to dodge.
Instantly, the more than ten blue-silver grass blades had already twined
tightly around the big tree.

Grandmaster’s eye revealed a slight glitter of deep thought, “As

expected, a control-system Spirit Master’s characteristic. If you could have
a powerful attack in concert with you, your spirit effect can be developed
even more clearly. What is called a control-system Spirit Master, is just
controlling the opponent’s actions, this binding ability’s effect is like that.
In itself also adding the paralysis effect, only when the opponent is a two-
spirit ring existence surpassing you, otherwise it would be unable to
struggle free of this binding ability. Little San, we succeeded.”
Speaking of spirits, Grandmaster at first was not like a severely injured
person, both eyes radiating vigor, his tone indescribably excited.
The greatest characteristic of this blue-silver grass’s ability was its
unexpected nature. In Tang San’s tests, within a range of fifty meters he
could control the blue-silver grass to attack from any place. I couldn’t be
guarded against. Particularly within a forest with numerous plants, where
blue-silver grass had even more cover.

Tang San also cooked a pot of broth, furthermore chopping boiled meat
and feeding some to Grandmaster.
 With something in his belly, Grandmaster’s recovery rate rose, but they
had no choice but to prepare to leave Spirit-Hunting Forest because of the
food and drinking water they brought after this many days, there was
already practically nothing left.

This was still so under circumstances where Tang San had been sparing
as possible.
Grandmaster still had not recovered the strength to move about,
therefore, he was carried on Tang San’s back out of Spirit-Hunting Forest.
Because the difference between these two people’s statures was too big, all
the while Grandmaster’s both legs dragged on the ground. Relying on his
surpassing strength and internal strength, Tang San under Grandmaster’s
directions, step by step carried Grandmaster out of Spirit-Hunting Forest,
riding a carriage to return to Nuoding Primary Spirit Master Academy.

Throughout, regardless of when Tang San cared for Grandmaster or in

the process of carrying him out of the forest, Grandmaster from start to
finish did not speak a word of thanks, but the gaze he looked at Tang San
with already no longer only seemed to see a substitute disciple for fulfilling
his own vain hope, more like a feeling that should appear in Tang Hao’s
eyes.
Teacher for a day, father for a lifetime. These eight simple words were
branded even more deeply in Grandmaster’s heart.
Undergoing several days of recuperation with Tang San’s meticulous
care, by the time they returned to the academy, Grandmaster could already
with difficulty walk supported on Tang San’s arm. However, in Tang San’s
estimation, Grandmaster this time receiving a poisoned wound caused his
constitution great injury, in order to completely recover, he still must not
walk for at least a month’s time.
Grandmaster was only an honored visitor at Nuoding Primary Spirit
Master Academy, with connections to the chairman true, but without a
relative. In the near future, Tang San naturally must be in charge of caring
for his teacher, this bit he long ago already knew well. Even on the road
every day he made assorted plans on how he should care for Grandmaster.
 At just this moment in the morning students started class and within the
Nuoding Academy everything seemed very peaceful. Tang San supporting
Grandmaster returned directly to his room letting him rest on the bed.

“Finally returned, Teacher you please also properly rest. For this time
you must properly recuperate, be sure not to overwork, if you have some
business, you immediately instruct me to go.”

Grandmaster quietly nodded and said: “I didn’t expect even until now to
be able to barely escape from mortal danger. My body recovering doesn’t
matter, but your cultivation cannot be interrupted. Meanwhile, you still
must go settle one matter. Little San, take from the bookshelf on your left in
the third row the second book from the left and come give it to me.”
“Okay.”

Tang San according to Grandmaster’s instructions took out a thick book

and what surprised him, was the title on this book.
Grandmaster without taking the book from his hands said: “In this book
is recorded some of my research on cultivating spirit power. Although spirit
power is cultivated by meditation to circulate spirit power itself, among this
are very many techniques. What kind of movement route is generally easy
to promote strength, what kind of spirits under what kind of circumstances
are best suited to cultivation, all details are recorded here. At this time I am
unable to personally direct you, but you definitely cannot relax.”

“Yes.”
Tang San respectfully replied. Although he still had not opened the book
to read, in his heart was an indescribable shock.

Undergoing this time’s spirit ring breakthrough, he regarding spirits

could be considered to have an overall comprehension and according to his
understanding, what was called spirit power was actually a kind of internal
strength, only the vast majority of people’s cultivation methods are all
simply operating them without pattern.
 Part 4

Tang San possessed the Mysterious Heaven skill’s cultivation method,

in the future the cultivation rate would certainly be even better than the
majority of Spirit Masters. But hearing what Grandmaster said, he who
studied cultivation methods, should be similar to cultivating internal
strength’s circulation route. Able to research this one step, how much effort
did Grandmaster have to expend? One must know, the Mysterious Heaven
skill would be the result of countless generations of Tang Sect ancestors
shedding their heart’s blood for experience. Grandmaster was only one
person.

“In addition, you go right now to Nuoding City’s Spirit Hall. On the
way ask anyone for its location, it’s near the city center. You go there to
conduct the Spirit Master authentication: it tests your spirit power condition
and in addition it also counts as an official Spirit Hall registration, so
afterwards you can receive a stipend every month. You need not continue
being a working student.”
Tang San carefully put the book Grandmaster gave him within the
Twenty-four Moonlit Bridges. He did not know what the Twenty-four
Moonlit Bridges was made of, but it possessed extremely tough and pliable
elasticity. Contracting to its smallest length, Tang San with this kind of
child’s stature could bind it around the waist, but if extended, even if it was
a burly fellow with four chi18 around the waist could still wear it, and all
along the belt’s width would be constant.
Right now, Tang San wore the Nuoding Primary Spirit Master Academy
uniform, on his waist he also wore the belt Grandmaster gave him, the
whole person’s Jing-Qi-Shen19 strength was already completely different
from when he arrived at the academy, just what is called how ‘clothes make
the man’. Although he could not say he was handsome, looking neat and
tidy still gave people a somewhat fresh and cool feeling.
“Teacher, then you rest first a moment, I’ll leave. At noon I will come
back and bring you food.”
Leaving Grandmaster’s room, Tang San just heard the bell ringing the
end of class, Nuoding Primary Spirit Master Academy class periods were
not at all long, and until noon classes there were still half a double-hour
break for meals.
As it happened to be the end of class, Tang San decided to first return to
the dormitory and greet his roommates, telling them he had returned and
would go out again.

But just when he returned to the dormitory, he was surprised to discover

that within the dormitory was completely empty, without a shadow of a
person. His bedding was still the same as when he left, put together with
Xiao Wu’s bedding, the middle separated by cloth bundles.
Not one had returned after class? Tang San couldn’t help but feel
suspicious in his heart. Turning around and leaving the dormitory, stepping
out on the sports ground.
Right in front of the school building students walked out in twos and
threes coming toward the dormitory. Just when Tang San prepared to first
go to the Spirit Hall to undergo Spirit Master authentication as Grandmaster
instructed, faintly he heard among those compared to him marked as upper
students as if saying the two words ‘working student’.20
Hurriedly focusing, by way of internal strength, he distinguished the
source and listened attentively to the content of their conversation.
“Those working students really are overrating themselves, to actually
challenge the sixth year’s Boss Xiao21. I estimate at class tomorrow it will
be difficult to see a shadow of a working student.”
“Still can’t tell, the working students dared challenge our academy’s
Little Overlord also with a bit depending on, they say, a new first year
working student, a little girl who is very fierce. Having all the working
students call her Xiao Wu-jie. This time’s matter seems exactly like her
taking the initiative to provoke. This time their stake is also absolutely
sufficient, if Boss Xiao wins, afterward he will possess all the working
students as his dogs and if the working students win here, then afterward
that Xiao Wu-jie is our whole academy’s Xiao Wu-jie.”

“These working students are definitely courting death, in what respect

can a little first year girl be capable of being fierce. Boss Xiao is one of few
among our academy six-year students who have reached Spirit Master
realm. It looks as if Boss Xiao later will have a pack of servants.”
Hearing the words of the higher grade students, Tang San’s heart
immediately tightened. Although he had not known Xiao Wu long,
regarding Xiao Wu’s nature he still had a certain understanding. The temper
of this little girl with a fair and tender facade was in no way as gentle and
soft as her appearance, on the contrary rather rude and unreasonable. In
addition with what Wang Sheng previously told him about working students
being bullied, he could confirm that these two older students’ words were
certainly genuine.
Tang San also was one of the working students, he naturally could not
watch his roommates be bullied.
“Two seniors, may one ask where Boss Xiao and those working students
are?”
Tang San greeted the two students.
The two students were clearly dumbfounded a moment and the left side
senior student said: “What? Little junior you also want to go stick a foot in?
Boss Xiao has enough manpower, by your appearance you should be
second or third year, I advise you to stay out, to accidentally be injured
could be bad.”
 From Tang San’s neat clothes and what looked like a high quality belt
on his waist, the two students obviously could not guess his working
student status.
“Senior, I only want to go have a look at a distance.”
Tang San naturally could not make it clear that he was part of the
working students.
“They should duel in the woods on the mountain behind the academy.”

Obtaining accurate information, Tang San took off, running towards the
rear side of the academy.
What was called the mountain behind the academy was certainly not
within Nuoding Academy, just outside the academy’s rear gate was a small
hill, apart from the academy. Tang San saw nobody around, so he
immediately launched Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track and ran full out
towards the hill.
The woods were very quiet, but not at all tranquil, on the contrary rather
abundantly an atmosphere of swords drawn and bows bent22.
Apart from Tang San all the working students stood behind Xiao Wu,
and facing them were all told more than twenty higher grade students
formed up in ranks.
Led by one person wearing a Nuoding Primary Spirit Master Academy
uniform, large stature, tall and straight, although his face remained childish,
he already had a bit of an adult appearance. It looked like his body was at
least half again as large when compared to Xiao Wu, his features also
counted as handsome and spirited. Only the contemptuous and disdainful
expression on his face sabotaged the harmony.
“Little girl, right now there is still time for you to repent. Of course, I do
not mind having a pet rabbit. Your spirit is a rabbit, isn’t that right?”
 Part 5

Xiao Wu’s expression did not lose a bit to the opposite side and was
similarly disdainful, only her disdain harmoniously arranged her soft and
fair face to somehow have a cute appearance, pointing at the opposite side
saying: “Boss Xiao, you scared? Scared of afterwards being my little
brother.”
“Haha.”
Boss Xiao feigned an big elegant laugh, “How could I be scared? I say,
that Wang Sheng, have all you working students lost your minds, to actually
find this kind of little girl to stir up a fight with me. Really funny. Little girl,
you still haven’t asked who I, Boss Xiao, am. In this Nuoding City, if I walk
from east to west there is nobody who dares hinder me, not to even mention
this academy.”
Xiao Wu was clearly already rather impatient, “Less nonsense, let’s
start. You say how we fight.”
Boss Xiao’s eyes narrowed, revealing a somewhat evil expression, “Rest
assured, I won’t bully you. Don’t you have ten people here, then we also
will only use ten people. Sending out in turns, those sent out only need to
win, then can continue fighting the next opponent. Up until all the people
on one side are defeated.”
Able to become the boss among students, this boss Xiao could not be a
rash person, on the contrary, he was very clever. Although on the surface
Xiao Wu looked like she could be no threat. But this boss Xiao also did not
fight Wang Sheng for only one or two days, and of Wang Sheng’s
temperament he still had a clear understanding, if this little girl before him
did not have some ability, how could Wang Sheng so easily recognize her as
the working students representative.
But how powerful could this little girl be? On his side were all higher
grade students, and each one’s actual strength was not weak. The working
students’ side only had one Wang Sheng that still could be considered
having some ability, in addition to this little girl at most they had only two
people that’s all. Letting the younger brothers under his leadership
completely grind them to death, he would not even need to come out
himself, and this fight was already won. Seemingly a fair method for
duelling, was it truly fair?
Wang Sheng naturally also realized boss Xiao’s plan, but before he
could open his mouth, Xiao Wu already readily spoke: “Fine, we’ll settle it
like this. Come, whoever is first of you, come out.”
By now, it was already too late for Wang Sheng to prevent Xiao Wu’s
agreement.
The followers of boss Xiao pursed their lips, and a large higher grade
student immediately walked out.
Wang Sheng gritted his teeth, “Xiao Wu-jie, let me go first.”
He was naturally familiar with this higher grade student on the other
side. This fellow was in the same class as him and Wang Sheng had fought
him many times, every time the outcome was miserable. This student’s
spirit was a staff. But not just a simple staff.

Xiao Wu, appearing very like a big sister-type leader, nodded, agreeing
to Wang Sheng’s request.
Wang Sheng drew a deep breath, stepping up between the two sides,
“Liu Long23, come.”
 On Liu Long’s hand brilliant yellow light rose and a two-meter-tall long
staff24 winked into his grasp, “A defeated opponent. Wang Sheng, after I
beat you today you won’t stand up for days, or my name isn’t Liu.”
Wang Sheng still did not answer, but Xiao Wu behind him already
smiling said: “Then if you lose, it’s fine to call you ‘Withered Willow’25.”
Liu Long’s facial expression became cold and without uttering a sound,
he very quickly moved forward a step, the long staff in his hands
immediately thrusting up, descending straight to smash into Wang Sheng.

Wang Sheng’s body shone equally bright with spirit power light and
with a tiger’s roar, without dodging, raising both arms crossed, blocked the
other party’s long staff.
With a muffled peng sound, Wang Sheng grunted, immediately
retreating two steps. Both arms flooding with spirit power turned over, both
hands grabbing for the opponent’s long staff. Even with spirit power
protection, in this first contact the opponent’s long staff already left bloody
marks on his arms. Bruising was hard to avoid.
Liu Long’s mouth twitched, “You still have a short memory. This is my
spirit.”
Light shimmering, the part of the long staff Wang Sheng held abruptly
disappeared, immediately afterward the long staff’s previous point that had
just crossing Wang Sheng’s arms, all of a sudden thrust at Wang Sheng’s
stomach. His body tumbled backwards.
Wang Sheng’s fighting determination need not be doubted, his strength
was also significantly higher than his opponent, but unfortunately he was at
a disadvantage of still being unable to obtain a spirit ring. Unable to
undergo spirit adding, although under the aid of spirit power strength was
increased, agility was insufficient. Encountering this kind of long staff
spirit-using adversary, even if the other party used a one cun long one, it
was still a powerful characteristic, when fighting he completely lacked the
power to strike back.
 His body shot up, a tiger’s roar yet again rising, but very quickly his
body was already once again whipped back by the long staff.
However, Wang Sheng could also be considered to have rough skin and
thick meat. Normally taking many beatings, his ability to resist and fight
back must also be more powerful compared to ordinary students. Although
in a completely disadvantageous position, the opponent wanting to make
him lose fighting ability also was not a simple matter. Before Xiao Wu and
Tang San arrived at Nuoding Academy, the working students were relying
on him alone to protect them. Without a little ability, he would long ago be
bullied to death by others.
“Wang Sheng is still too impulsive. With a frontal confrontation, he
cannot approach the body and only by approaching the body can he defeat
the opponent.”
When Xiao Wu’s brows were creasing greatly, a low voice suddenly
rose by her ear. Inclining her head to look, her beautiful big eyes couldn’t
help but reveal a pleasantly surprised light, “Tang San, you’re back.”
Reaching Xiao Wu’s side was exactly Tang San, comeing to the
mountain behind the academy, he saw this scene in the woods on the side
and instantly without a sound he quietly reached Xiao Wu’s side. As his
stature was not tall, nobody on Boss Xiao’s side had even taken notice of
his appearance.
Tang San looked at Xiao Wu, thinking to say something, but refrained.
Xiao Wu caught his expression of wanting to say something but
stopping, “What? Want to say I’m impulsive too?”
Tang San shook his head, saying: “We working students cannot always
be bullied by people and this way of fighting with student bosses should
also be regarded as ‘one effort always settled’, you acted correctly. Only,
you should have waited until I returned before raising a challenge to them.
This way the certainty is also a bit more sure.”
 Chapter 11

Xiao Wu, So You Really Are a Rabbit

Part 1

Xiao Wu glared at Tang San, recalling the last time she was mercilessly
hit with stones, she was filled with anger, “‘Wait’ what ‘wait’, who knew
when you would return. Everyone was bullying us. What that son of a bitch
Boss Xiao said about letting me be his pet rabbit, if I could still put up with
that, my name wouldn’t be Xiao Wu.”

Tang San frowned, in his heart pondering, that how big a child had that
kind of dirty idea, it seems, he really must teach them a lesson, to let them
know working students are not good at being taken advantage of.

Thinking like this, his fingers dragged across his waist, gaze changing to
the direction of the battleground.

By now, a large area of Wang Sheng’s body was already purple. With
unceasing tiger roars, his spirit power was already becoming weaker and
weaker, his opponent without being hit by him once, seemed like a cat
playing with a mouse.
Wang Sheng’s attack pattern still was too single-minded, the spirit
power he took advantage of nearly exhausted. He launched a last offensive,
approaching two steps, once again facing Liu Long pouncing, this time he
already made a firm resolution, even if he was brutally beaten by the other
party again, to give the opponent something to remember.
Liu Long and Wang Sheng coming into contact also wasn’t only once or
twice, he naturally could not fail to see his goal. Watching Wang Sheng
pounce, his facial expression also became imposing, brandishing the long
staff in his hands, in succession three staff blows smashed at Wang Sheng’s
head and both shoulders. As long as Wang Sheng, this arrow at the end of
its flight26 was beaten back, he could not again launch a decent attack.

But at this time, surprisingly, Liu Long felt like both his hands holding
the staff were seemingly stung by a mosquito and the attack he sent
suddenly dulled.

His attack was originally considered good, but right now when dulled it
immediately revealed a flaw. The first hit naturally struck Wang Sheng’s
head, but Wang Shen stubbornly resisted and pounced onward, causing his
last two hits to fall into thin air.

With a Battle Spirit Master possessing a beast spirit close to the body,
with regard to Tool Spirit Masters using long weapons, this was absolutely
a devastating attack. Even if Liu Long’s strength was higher compared to
Wang Sheng’s, the result would still have been the same.
Peng, Wang Sheng’s tiger claw clapped Liu Long on the head and his
entire person flew up from the slap. Immediately following, his body turned
upside down and his right leg was caught at once and swung like a tiger tail
whip heavily onto his back, he ruthlessly smashed to the ground.
Liu Long could not have a resistance as good as Wang Sheng, his spirit
power was all in the long staff. Its defensive power was not at all
remarkable and after Wang Sheng’s two attacks he had collapsed. Just as
Liu Long heavily struck the ground, he was knocked unconscious.

Wang Shen excitedly roared up at the sky, seemingly letting out those
several years of resentment.

Boss Xiao was at first calmly and nonchalantly watching Liu Long
make fun of Wang Sheng, but such circumstances suddenly taking a turn for
the worse immediately caused him a great shock.

One must know, Liu Long among his subordinates was ranked third in
strength. If he did not already possess the first spirit ring, he also could not
guarantee he could win against Liu Long.

Xiao Wu bantering said: “‘Withered Willow’ sure enough is a ‘Withered

Willow’, really can’t endure one hit. Boss Xiao, what do you say?”

Boss Xiao waved a hand, letting other subordinates urgently drag Liu
Long off for treatment, they were only Primary Spirit Master Academy
students, relying on that bit of spirit power still would not take a life.

“The first one counts as our loss. Ling Feng27, you’re up.”

The second dispatched by Boss Xiao was a thin and small higher grade
student, small nose and small eyes, figure so slender nobody could see he
was twelve years old. On the contrary, more like he was in the same age
group as Xiao Wu and Tang San.

“Call back Wang Sheng. I’m up.”

Tang San said in a low voice by Xiao Wu’s ear.

In Xiao Wu’s view also the matchup wasn’t favorable, he naturally

noticed this second opponent to enter the arena was an agility-type Spirit
Scholar, just in time to restrain Wang Sheng. Wang Sheng’s previous spirit
power had also depleted greatly, he would without a doubt lose.

“Wang Sheng, you return. Leave this to Little San. You can take a rest.”

Wang Sheng right now still had not completely recovered from the
previous excitement over defeating Liu Long, then he hearing Xiao Wu’s
voice and discovered Tang San had already returned at some unknown time.
He knew his circumstances, although he defeated Liu Long, he truly did not
have the strength for another fight. He also knew, if not for Tang San
stealthily shooting out three small pebbles and restricting Liu Long’s attack,
how could not have been able obtain the first victory.
 “You’re a working student?”

Ling Feng looked at Tang San, his eyes revealing a hesitant expression.
Tang San only nodded in reply, “Please begin.”

Although Ling Feng’s stature was thin and small, he would be a bit
taller compared to the first year Tang San’s height. This was a quick fight
related to which of the two sides could become the students’ boss, he also
no longer thought much of it, after again giving a look at Tang San’s belt,
leapt up, nimbly vaulting overhead, both arms extended, unexpectedly
gliding two meters, pouncing towards the top of Tang San’s head.

Beast spirit, Tang San saw in a glance what the opponent’s spirit was.
These several days Grandmaster instructed him could not be a waste. This
Ling Feng was an agility-type Battle Spirit Master. His beast spirit should
be a flying animal. From his neither strong nor fierce exterior attack pattern,
it should not be a raptor. Then, it should be a swallow or crow-type animal.

Watching the other side pouncing at him, Tang San remained

motionless, seemingly treating the other party as if he fundamentally did
not exist.

Ling Feng’s speed was very quick; among sixth year students, by speed
acclaimed as the best. He was Boss Xiao’s sworn follower and his figure
was also extremely dexterous. Watching the soon reaching Tang San in
front, suddenly, his body unexpectedly flipped again, both arms flapping
beneath, force changing direction, arriving behind Tang San, meanwhile
brandishing both arms, arms chopping towards the two sides of Tang San’s
neck.

Until Ling Feng turned over on top of his head, Tang San did not move
at all, confronting the opponent’s unknown ability, to not change his
response ten thousand times, was the best choice.
 Part 2

If it was before obtaining the first spirit ring, perhaps Tang San still
could not have been this arrogant, but since obtaining the first spirit ring,
his agility, strength, reaction, all natural abilities had leapt up. Tang Sect
disciples’ keenest abilities are senses and all kinds of reaction, agility was
also an advantage; when comparing agility, who could he fear?

Ling Feng’s figure transforming in midair must have been an abrupt

nature. Seeing Tang San, only a first or second year student, in his heart he
also was somewhat belittling, planning a subduing attack to immediately
force Xiao Wu to fight.

But just as both his palms were close to joining together, about to close
on Tang San’s neck, Tang San moved.

A Phoenix Nod28, just enough to move away from Ling Feng’s hands.
Following the upper body bending forward, Tang San’s right leg as if
snapping swung up fiercely behind him, in the whole process, he basically
did not turn his head to look.

Quiet as a sleeping child, moving like a fleeing hare, Tang San by this
bit deduced the perfect moment and in a flash erupted in speed that among
both sides watching the battle only a few could see clearly.

Tang San’s heel closely connected with Ling Feng’s chin, Ling Feng
performed a third midair flip and afterward still continuously kept spinning.

With a peng sound, he heavily tumbled several meters, stepping in Liu

Long’s footsteps, immediately fainting. His jaw was already dislocated by
Tang San’s kick. This was still under circumstances where Tang San did not
use internal strength, otherwise that one kick could have at least shattered
his chin.

A satisfactory reverse flying snap kick, a type of fundamental wushu leg

technique, fitting Tang San’s sharp feelings, in a moment rapidly
dispatching the opponent effectively.

The higher grade students on Boss Xiao’s side practically

simultaneously stared wide-eyed, they were fundamentally incapable of
believing that what happened before their eyes was real.

To think Ling Feng, who among their group in actual strength was
second only to Boss Xiao, and confronting him looking like only a first or
second year student, could be knocked out by one kick to the extent that
even his most expert attack did not have time to reach at all.

Boss Xiao muttered: “Fuck29, must the Heavens change, how are the
current plebs this ferocious?”

Since hearing the sound of Ling Feng hitting the ground, Tang San
slowly withdrew the right leg raised high behind him, coolly saying: “One
down.”

Boss Xiao was shocked, Xiao Wu on the working students’ side was in
her heart equally astounded. She had fought many times with Tang San and
right now again seeing him fight, she clearly realized Tang San had
advanced not a little, and also she also realized, Tang San entering a
fighting state seemed to be different from him at peaceful times. At
ordinary times Tang San looked like only a mild little child, but in a fight,
his fighting became extremely swift and fierce.

Wang Sheng without paying attention to the pain all over his body,
watching Ling Feng fly off from one kick by Tang San, raised a big laugh
of at the opponents’ misfortune, “How’s that, Boss Xiao, convinced or not,
our Tang San didn’t even use spirit power. I see you still got to admit
defeat. Leave out suffering the pain.”
 Boos Xiao walked out with a somber face. After two consecutive
defeats, he already reached a time with no choice but to enter the arena. He
asked himself who on this side apart from him could also compare to Ling
Feng’s power. If he could not immediately retrieve the low morale, there
would be no need to fight the remaining duels. By using a swift and fierce
method to alone defeat this kid before him, and again defeating Xiao Wu,
he could save face.

Boss Xiao looked coldly at Tang San, by now the contemptuous and
disdainful expression on his face had already disappeared, replaced by
dignity.

“Xiao Chen-Yu30, sixth year student, Spirit: Wolf. 11th-ranked first-ring

Battle Spirit Master.”

Announcing his spirit and rank was a kind of show of respect to the
opponent.

While speaking, Xiao Chen-Yu’s entire body emitted blackish green

light, within the blackish green glimmer, his body’s muscles began to swell,
both eyes gradually becoming a pale green color, both arms slowly lifting,
claws forward, talons becoming sharper. A white spirit ring rose up from
underfoot, precisely the appearance of spirit body enhancement.
Xiao Chen-Yu as student boss, right now displayed his cleverness. How
many in Nuoding Academy could not know what his spirit was, but the
Tang San who confronted him was different, to his point of view, Tang
San’s spirit right now was still a mystery. First announcing his own spirit,
was exactly for the purpose of letting him know what spirit this Tang San he
was about to fight had. In this way, he would also be able to plan somewhat.
Tang San had heard Grandmaster speak of this announcing spirit
custom, only when one would not spare the opponent a glance, not fearing
that the other party would forever become a mortal enemy, when
confronting the other side announcing the spirit, like all must announce
their spirits, expressing mutual respect, learning skill by exchanging
pointers.
 “Tang San, first year working student, Spirit: Blue-Silver Grass.11th-
ranked first-ring Tool Spirit Master.”

When Tang San announced his spirit was blue-silver grass, behind Xiao
Chen-Yu the higher grade students practically simultaneously roared with
laughter, of the nervous expression on their faces there was immediately
nothing left. Even to the extent of not hearing Tang San announcing his
rank.
Blue-silver grass was a useless spirit, this was long ago already
completely universally acknowledged on the Continent. Even if Tang San’s
own strength was not weak, the disparity of spirits still caused them to
fundamentally not need to worry much as before that Boss Xiao could lose.

“You just now said, how high was your rank?”

Xiao Chen-Yu could not be as negligent as those followers of his
because the clamor behind made him unable to quite hear Tang San
announcing his rank.

“11th rank, first-ring Tool Spirit Master.”

While speaking, faint white light rose from Tang San’s body, lifting his
right hand, faint blue-silver grass grew from the center of his palm.
Following a wave of his right hand, blue-silver grass drifted away
underfoot. A bright yellow spirit ring rose up around Tang San from
underfoot, floating regularly up and down around his body.
The appearance of the yellow spirit ring, as if it was a heavy slap at
those higher grade students’ mouths, immediately froze the laughter, some
even gaping wide, looking at Tang San like he was a freak.
“Hundred-year spirit ring.”

Gasped Xiao Chen-Yu.

 Part 3

White represented a ten-year spirit ring, yellow represented a hundred-

year spirit ring. The spirit ring differing by one level, under conditions
where both sides had the same rank in spirit power, this effect could be
decisive.

‘This—how could this be.’ The spirit ring appearing over Tang San’s
body could be said to overturn these students understanding of the
opponent’s spirit. First year stood for only six- and seven-year-olds’ grade,
a first year’s cultivation reaching Spirit Master realm, this had never
happened in the entire history of Nuoding Primary Spirit Master Academy.
Let alone his spirit also being a known useless spirit, blue-silver grass.

“Boss, waste him, he only has a blue-silver grass. How fierce can a
spirit ring make him anyway?”

A higher grade student couldn’t help but say.

“Idiot, shut up!”

Xiao Chen-Yu roared, interrupting his subordinate’s words.

Only a blue-silver grass? Xiao Chen-Yu thought in his heart that it
absolutely was not that simple. Blue-silver grass was beyond a doubt a
useless spirit, but a blue-silver grass that had reached the Spirit Master
realm was a bit different. And also on his body was a hundred-year spirit
ring. This he would be fundamentally unable to obtain on his own and since
he had people able to assist him in obtaining a hundred-year spirit ring and
furthermore help him cultivate to the Spirit Master realm, then how big of
an influence could be behind this first year kid before him?

Xiao Chen-Yu’s father was Nuoding City’s castellan31, otherwise he too

could not be this arrogant at the academy, including teachers very few could
go against him. Since childhood seeing his father’s various acts of
officialdom, he was also more or less tainted by some of the air of politics,
therefore he first of all thought of Tang San’s background. His father had a
thousand times instructed him, ten thousand times warned him, that in this
world, some great clans absolutely must not be offended. Even compared to
the imperial household they were still more terrible. The imperial household
should still have some scruples regarding reputation, but those great clans
fundamentally did not need it. Provoking them brought down calamity.
“You really are a working student?”

Xiao Chen-Yu couldn’t help but ask.

Tang San coolly nodded, after bringing out the spirit ring, the feeling
like having his whole body filled with strength made his blood boil, right
now he also wanted to find an opponent to properly measure his strength
against. Checking what level his strength had actually reached after the
fundamental change.

“Get on with it.”

Right now already reaching ‘an arrow fitted to the bowstring cannot
avoid being discharged’32 level, Xiao Chen-Yu in his heart kept in mind,
even if he won over this first year working student before him, he
absolutely could not injure him.

If speaking of Ling Feng’s pounce as nimble, then Xiao Chen-Yu’s

pounce was explosively strong. Since he possessed the first spirit ring, his
power was fundamentally uncomparable to Wang Sheng’s capabilities, even
though Wang Sheng’s spirit was the king of animals, with his spirit of a
lower rank he was still by far inferior to Xiao Chen-Yu.

Confronting Xiao Chen-Yu’s pounce, Tang San was as leisurely and

carefree as when he did not respond to Ling Feng; possessing a spirit ring
and not possesing one are two absolute concepts. Xiao Chen-Yu firmly
threw himself forward, the spirit power leaking out from his body already
enveloped a three-square-meter range around Tang San’s body, and this was
a charge with absolute strength, fundamentally without any technique. Just
looking to use force against force.

‘Force meeting force? Then come on.’ Although power was not at all a
Tang Sect disciple’s expertise, just now Tang San thought to have a look at
what level his Mysterious Heaven skill had actually reached. Instantly
gathering the skill in both palms, slowly pushing out his chest he met Xiao
Chen-Yu’s wolf claws.

The subordinates of Xiao Chen-Yu by now all already wore triumphant

smiles on their faces. What hundred-year spirit ring, this idiot used his
hands to meet Xiao Chen-Yu’s wolf claws, that simply was courting death.
They had personally seen Xiao Chen-Yu after spirit body enhancement
relying on the strength of the pair of claws to grab and crush chunks of
stone.
Xiao Chen-Yu’s hands were much bigger compared to Tang San. He in
his heart actually hesitated: should he use the strength of his claws or not?
He believed that relying on the power of his claws he certainly could smash
Tang San’s palms to pieces, this would also be considered ending the
competition. But doing so, would the people behind him......?
Charging so fast, Xiao Chen-Yu without waiting to think clearly, both
his claws and Tang San’s palms slammed together.

With a muffled peng sound, as blackish green and white colored light
shone brightly, a circle of air burst out and stirred the air current by the feet
of the surrounding crowd of spectators.

Tang San stood there absolutely still with feet not perpendicular nor
parallel33, Xiao Chen-Yu’s upper body in a flash after the shock fell
backwards. Practically subconsciously, Xiao Chen-Yu’s wolf claws already
struck at Tang San’s hands. Losing to the other side in spirit power caused
him such shock and fury simultaneously that he already forgot his
apprehension.
But something occurred that caused Xiao Chen-Yu even more shock.
Just when his wolf claws grabbed at Tang San’s hands, he clearly felt
that Tang San’s both hands were as hard as iron: no matter how he used his
strength, he was unable to shift them an iota. Immediately following, Tang
San’s hands separated, forcibly taking them out from within his wolf claws,
turning his hands to knead at Xiao Chen-Yu’s wrists, not letting him retreat
from the shock like that. Both hands pulling back the former bully’s figure,
his right shoulder directly ramming against Xiao Chen-Yu’s lower
abdomen.

Xiao Chen-Yu’s big body flew up from that direct strike, tumbling away
more than three meters.

Xiao Chen-Yu’s underlings were only a moment ago preparing to cheer,

seeing their boss tumble away, this time the expressions in their eyes
looking at Tang San was thoroughly changed. Was this kid still human?

The lustrous jade slowly receding from both hands, trying out if his
Mysterious Heaven skill’s internal strength would be greater than the
opponent’s 11th-ranked spirit power, Tang San coolly said: “I’m still busy
and have no time to play with you, so I will end it like this. Blue-silver
grass, bind.”

Xiao Chen-Yu had just a moment ago shot up from the ground—Tang
San’s single strike without going full out and in addition to his spirit body
enhancement, his defensive power was without mistake considerable, and
so received no injury—just in time to hear Tang San’s words.

More than ten thick blue-silver grass blades completely without warning
suddenly surged up from under his feet, spiralling up, without waiting for
Xiao Chen-Yu to react, already firmly binding both his legs.

“What is this?”
Xiao Chen-Yu turned pale with fright. Struggling with all his strength,
but since being upgraded that blue-silver grass was extremely tough,
regardless of how he used his strength he could not struggle free.

Part 4

Tang San advanced step by step towards Xiao Chen-Yu, “Don’t try it.
You can’t struggle free. My first spirit ring was a Datura Snake, therefore,
my blue-silver grass has the Datura Snake’s toughness. Of course, it also
has a bit of the Datura Snake’s venom. If you feel you still have more
fighting strength, I don’t mind letting you sample the taste of the Datura
Snake’s venom. Oh, I should mention, I don’t have an antidote.”
There were also more than ten blue-silver grass blades rising behind
Tang San, the blades of grass suspended behind his back were like ten
Datura Snakes selecting people to bite.

A feeling of fear began to appear all over those higher grade students,
some of Xiao Chen-Yu’s underlings were quickly retreating uncontrollably.
Even if they had not encountered a Datura Snake, they had absolutely
heard of it. Who would be willing to come into contact with this kind of
horrible snake venom?

“Don’t use snake venom. I admit defeat.”

Even though Xiao Chen-Yu was the boss among students, he was after
all only twelve years old and as such could have childish fears, for a time
already he was completely confused.
Actually, although Tang San’s blue-silver grass was poisonous, it was
after all only the first spirit ring. What was absorbed was also not even a
more formidable Datura Snake, therefore the attached poisonous nature
only had a paralyzing effect, nothing more. Certainly not a fatal hyper
toxicity. But how could Xiao Chen-Yu dare use his own body to test that?
The blue-silver grass quietly vanished from Xiao Chen-Yu’s legs and on
Tang San’s face was revealed the small gentle smile familiar to the working
students, “Since you already admitted defeat, then follow what you and
Xiao Wu previously agreed on.”

Xiao Chen-Yu dully looked at Tang San, “Then I should recognize you
as boss or recognize her?”
What he still did not believe was that Xiao Wu’s strength was able to
exceed Tang San’s. A six-year-old Spirit Master, this already surpassed his
imagination.

Tang San said with a slight smile: “Of course Xiao Wu is your boss. I
can’t win against her. Otherwise, room seven’s room senior would be me,
not her.”
“Ah?”
Xiao Chen-Yu’s mouth opened in an ‘O’ shape, his heart saying, ‘you
are already this fierce and she compared to you is still more terrible, you
really are working students, really only six years old?'
Xiao Wu unhurriedly walked up by Tang San’s side, clapping his
shoulder, adopting a big sister-like leader appearance, “Little San’s display
was not bad, you’ve worked hard.”
Tang San laughed, saying: “Teacher still left me some matters to attend,
the remaining business you sort out yourself. Afterwards you can be the
academy’s Supreme Sister34.”
Xiao Wu smiling thumped Tang San’s shoulder at once, “Fine, you go,
I’ll handle the rest.”
Finished speaking, her gaze shifted to Xiao Chen-Yu, “What? You’re
still not convinced? Fine. I’ll introduce myself once. I’m Xiao Wu, first
year working student, Spirit: Rabbit, 12th rank first-ring Battle Spirit
Master.”
Let alone Xiao Chen-Yu, including the still not lingering Tang San was
shocked, he also right now just realized Xiao Wu was unexpectedly equally
a Spirit Master, and also compared to him one rank higher. But her age was
about the same as his, meaning, she also had full spirit power?
A red light rose from Xiao Wu's body. Shrouded under the faint red
light, her eyes began to turn red, ears slowly grew, standing up from the
side of her head covered in soft white fur. Stature seemingly becoming a bit
taller, a soft breath of spirit power seemingly undulated centring on her
body. From underfoot rose a spirit ring unexpectedly with an appearance
like Tang San's, it too was a yellow hundred-year spirit ring.
Xiao Chen-Yu exerted himself to clap his forehead at once, “Xiao Wu-
jie, I serve. Hereafter you are our Nuoding Primary Spirit Master
Academy’s Supreme Sister. Everyone come, meet Xiao Wu-jie.”

A blue-silver grass 11th-ranked Tool Spirit Master was that fierce, this
was a 12th-ranked first-ring Battle Spirit Master, and also had a hundred-
year spirit ring as well. Xiao Chen-Yu did not need to fight to know that he
was not by any means Xiao Wu’s match.
Xiao Wu somewhat smugly looked at the higher grade students before
her bowing in salute, darting a glance at the dazed Tang San there, “Didn’t
you have some matters? Why haven’t you left? You’re permitted to have
innate full spirit power, but not I?”
Tang San started from his thoughts, looking carefully at Xiao Wu,
raising his hand to stroke her long soft ears, nodding, “Xiao Wu, so you
really are a rabbit.”
“You......”
 The rabbit ears were the most sensitive, transforming to become the
spirit, the effect similarly appeared all over Xiao Wu’s body. The little girl’s
beautiful face suddenly had two large daubs of blushing cheeks, raising her
hand wanting to hit him, Tang San had already escaped like the wind.
Not speaking of what reparations to make on Xiao Wu’s side, after Tang
San escaped the academy, his mind couldn’t help but be carefree for a spell.
Other than Teacher’s poison injury making him worry, everything else
compared to what he imagined was glorious. The Mysterious Heaven skill’s
cultivation problem was at long last resolved and he also had this blue-
silver grass binding ability, his actual strength had made great progress.
Tang San believed he only must continuously make great efforts with
cultivation and his Mysterious Heaven skill would advance by leaps and
bounds. In at most ten years, he only must be able to enter the Mysterious
Heaven skill’s fifth realm and so be considered somewhat accomplished;
when arriving at that time, in the Mysterious Heaven Treasure Record were
recorded the majority of hidden weapon-use abilities.

Teacher did not say if this world had many spirit clan sects, could he not
establish his own Tang Sect afresh in this world?
On Douluo Continent, regardless of whether it was Heaven Dou Empire
or Star Luo Empire, in any city Spirit Hall could be that city’s symbolic
structure. Tang San only randomly asked a passerby and successfully found
the location of the Spirit Hall.

Just now helping the working students respond to the struggle had
already delayed him for some time and he still must return to bring Teacher
his midday meal, therefore Tang San used his fastest pace to run to the
Spirit Hall, not wanting to be delayed.
“Halt. Little friend, this is the Spirit Hall, you can’t randomly rush.”

Tang San barely arrived at the Spirit Hall, when he was stopped by the
entrance guard.
Nuoding City’s Spirit Hall’s location was an immense dome structure.
Just the width of the front must exceed a hundred meters, height reaching
up to twenty meters, divided into three floors.

The entire building was brown and the emblem on the front gate only
had one longsword. From Grandmaster’s explanation, Tang San knew that
an emblem with only one design meant that Nuoding City’s Spirit Hall was
the lowest rank Spirit Hall.
 Chapter 12

Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer Method35

Part 1

The two entrance gate guards appeared to be twenty years old or so, the
spirit power fluctuating on their bodies was not at all distinct, feeling as if
neither had reached even Spirit Master level. It looked like Nuoding City
indeed was remote, from the Spirit Hall’s level it could be seen that this city
was of no importance in the Tian Dou Empire.

“Uncle, greetings, I am a Nuoding Primary Spirit Master Academy first

year student, Teacher told me to come here to measure my spirit grade.”

Tang San indicated the school uniform he wore, speaking to the gate
guard.

With a look at the Nuoding Academy insignia Tang San wore, the two
guards both subconsciously revealed an envious light in their eyes. The
guard who spoke first said: “It turns out to be like this, then go inside.
Reaching the first floor reception hall look for Spirit Grandmaster Ma Xiu-
Nuo36, he can help you.”

“Thank you.”

Tang San replied and hurriedly walked inside the Spirit Hall.
 The two guards’ envious gazes followed him as he entered the Spirit
Hall, one of them said: “Originally if I could of gained admittance to
Nuoding Academy, maybe right now I could have become a Spirit Master.
Hey, Nuoding Academy should have its own means to test spirit power,
only coming here to us when advancing, why did this child come running to
our Spirit Hall?”

“Who knows? No matter, that however old child, perhaps it’s his teacher
letting him come with some message, and couldn’t speak clearly.”

The twenty-meter-high dome had a certain kind of atmosphere, just as

Tang San walked into the Spirit Hall, he was immediately influenced by this
kind of vast grandeur. The dome of the entire hall was completely covered
with murals. In each and every little square was painted a variety of spirit
depictions. On the bottom glittered brilliant gold, giving people a feeling of
both gold and jade in glorious splendor and unadorned simplicity.

The Spirit Hall had huge crystal windows all around, the sunlight
passing through the crystal windows refracting onto the murals, golden light
glittering giving people even more of a dazzling and stunning feeling.
Reception hall, where was the reception hall? Influenced by the
atmosphere of the hall, Tang San began searching for the destination of this
trip.

Not many people were within the Spirit Hall and around were only some
servants cleaning. Since Tang San did not know how to find the reception
hall, when he was preparing to approach some people to ask, he saw an
acquaintance. Precisely that Spirit Grandmaster who assisted him in spirit
awakening, lone wolf spirit possessing Su Yuntao.

Tang San quickly stepped up to him. Right now together with Su Yuntao
was a female Spirit Master, her stature tall and slender but well developed,
facial features also counting among beauties. Two people talking and
laughing, not taking the least bit notice of this tiny Tang San approaching.

“Grandmaster Su Yuntao.”
 Tang San called out.

Su Yuntao at this discovered his arrival, the female Spirit Master at his
side making a surprised sound, saying: “How come our Spirit Hall still has
such a small child? What noble’s son has come to our Spirit Hall to undergo
spirit awakening?”

Su Yuntao’s eyes also could not identify Tang San, after all there were
truly too many children undergoing their spirit awakening, and also Tang
San’s current style of dress was no longer in such dire straits as before.

“You are?”

Seeing Su Yuntao’s uncertain expression, Tang San hurriedly explained:

“Grandmaster Su Yuntao, I’m Tang San, the last time you in Holy Spirit
Village awakened that blue-silver grass spirit, innate full spirit power Tang
San.”

“So it turns out to be you, why are you running here?”

People with innate full spirit power were after all easy to remember and
Su Yuntao immediately recalled Tang San.

Tang San said: “Teacher let me come to the Spirit Hall to undergo
advancement appraisal and in addition test spirit power rank.”

Su Yuntao was shocked, “You already obtained the first spirit ring? How
fast. This uniform is Nuoding Academy’s, worthy of being Nuoding City’s
best academy, the teachers truly take responsibility.”
Su Yuntao’s companion was seemingly somewhat dissatisfied over
being neglected, “Yuntao, aren’t you going to introduce me?”
Su Yuntao noticed his companion appeared somewhat annoyed and
hastily fawning said: “Sisi37, this is the child I mentioned to you with innate
full spirit power, it’s too bad his spirit is blue-silver grass. Otherwise the
future prospects could be boundless, ah! He currently already obtained a
spirit ring, so is also considered a member of Spirit Masters. I will trouble
you to wait here for me a moment, I will go see he reaches grandmaster Ma
Xiu-Nuo at the reception hall.”

Just when Sisi heard Su Yuntao speak of Tang San’s innate full spirit
power, her eyes clearly lit up for a moment, but as she heard Tang San who
had this innate full spirit power unexpectedly had a blue-silver grass spirit,
the pleasant surprise on her face became a touch disdainful, nodding she
said: “You go, I’ll wait here for you.”

“Thank you.”
The impression Su Yuntao gave Tang San was still not wrong and
should be considered in the Spirit Hall a conscientious attendant.

Su Yuntao brought Tang San along the side climbing a flight of stairs to
the Spirit Hall second floor, reaching the second floor landing. Here Tang
San could see it was enclosed by rooms and from here one could also
directly see the first floor hall. With no need to ask, this should be the Spirit
Hall’s office area.

Su Yuntao was obviously impatient to go accompany Sisi, bringing Tang

San with lightning speed to reach the door of a room and without knocking,
pushed the door and entered.

“Who is this, ah, how bold.”

A somewhat hoarse voice resounded from within the room. This was a
well-lit office and behind a spacious desk sat an elderly man, in a neat and
tidy Spirit Master dress, along with the standard three-swords symbol,
showing he was a Spirit Grandmaster level Battle Spirit Master.

“So it’s Yuntao, why are you kids so rash. For Spirit Master’s cultivation
one must concentrate one’s attention, with a steady disposition. Otherwise,
you will come to resemble me, somehow unable to advance past the 30th
rank threshold.”

Su Yuntao somewhat grumbling said: “Grandmaster Ma Xiu-Nuo, don’t

be long-winded. This child has come to undergo advancement appraisal, I’ll
trouble you with it.”
 Su Yuntao’s relationship with this old Spirit Master was clearly very
good, as the old grandmaster chuckled. Just as his gaze dropped to Tang
San he couldn’t help but be somewhat astonished, “Yuntao, are you certain
this child has come to undergo advancement appraisal and not spirit
awakening?”

Part 2

Su Yuntao said with a wry smile: “Of course I’m certain, this child’s
spirit was awakened by me. He is that child I mentioned to you with innate
full spirit power, whose spirit was blue-silver grass. He already obtained a
spirit ring, therefore I’ll trouble you. Sisi is still waiting for me, so I’ll leave
first.”

Finished speaking, patting Tang San’s shoulder, he hastily walked out.

Looking at Su Yuntao’s departing back, the old Spirit Master Ma Xiu-

Nuo couldn’t help but shake his head, “Another youngster with his head
turned by love. It’s a pity, Sisi doesn’t suit him at all. That girl’s heart is too
big, how can you shackle her.”

Tang San stood before Ma Xiu-Nuo’s desk, hearing Ma Xiu-Nuo mutter

to himself in his heart slightly impatient, “Hello, grandmaster Ma Xiu-
Nuo.”
Ma Xiu-Nuo smiled slightly looking at Tang San, saying: “Child, no
need to call me grandmaster, I cannot be counted as some grandmaster, you
just call me Grandpa Ma Xiu-Nuo. This year I’m eighty one years old,
going by age calling me equal to your grandfather should be no problem.”

The old man’s kind and affable voice immediately increased Tang San’s
good impression of him and hastily again called, “Hello, Grandpa Ma Xiu-
Nuo.”

Ma Xiu-Nuo smiled slightly, saying

“Come, I’ll bring you to undergo the advancement appraisal. You are a
very polite child. It’s a pity, spirit being blue-silver grass.”

While speaking, Ma Xiu-Nuo led his apparent pseudo grandson pulling

Tang San by the hand to leave the office, walking along the second floor
landing towards the inner side of the Spirit Hall.

Just as they reached the end of the landing, three lofty vaulted doors
appeared before Tang San.

Ma Xiu-Nuo said with a slight smile: “Here is the actual spirit testing
room for undergoing advancement appraisal. Come child.”

Speaking, he pushed open the leftmost door, bringing Tang San to walk
inside.

Entering this room, Tang San had a kind of particular feeling; in his
body the Mysterious Heaven skill’s internal strength was moving slightly as
if following a kind of peculiar rhythm.

This room was very wide and also very tall, as much as two hundred
square meters and an immense window provided ample lighting.

Tang San immediately found the cause affecting his internal strength: on
all four walls, all around were inset uncountable fist-sized black rocks,
looking like the material should be the same as what Su Yuntao originally
used for spirit awakening.

On the floor was depicted an enormous token tile’s symbol, a longsword

pointing down, pointing right at the gate entrance.
 This symbol was like the one mounted outside the Spirit Hall.

Grandmaster Ma Xiu-Nuo saw Tang San taking notice of the pattern on

the floor, and said with a slight smile: “We here are the lowest ranked Spirit
Hall, also known as a Branch Spirit Hall. On the Continent, even if it is the
smallest city, they all have Spirit Halls on the same sale as ours. Above
branch halls are Child Spirit Halls and again a level higher is the Lord Spirit
Hall. Reaching the level of Lord Spirit Halls, they are all are placed in great
cities. In the two Imperial capitals, there are fourth-ranked Saint Spirit
Halls. The fifth level is Papal Hall, there is our Spirit Hall’s most sublime
place. Above Papal Hall, there is only the legendary Douluo Consecration
Hall. Only a Spirit Master reaching Douluo rank can have qualifications to
enter there and it is also the final destination of Spirit Masters possessing a
Spirit Hall-registered rank above Douluo. It is the place all Spirit Masters
long for.”

The six kinds of levels of Spirit Halls which Ma Xiu-Nuo spoke of

happened to correspond to the six kinds of signs Grandmaster spoke of,
Tang San in his heart already understood this.

“Thank you for telling me about these Grandpa Ma Xiu-Nuo, can we

begin?”

Ma Xiu-Nuo smiled and said: “The youngsters today, ah, temperament

is all impatient like that. Very well. Then we will begin now. Give your
spirit free play, release your spirit ring.”

Tang San walked over to stand in the center of the symbol, raising his
right hand, with complete concentration and calm breath, the Mysterious
Heaven skill’s internal strength combined with the blue-silver grass to
produce a warm current slowly rising from the center of his palm.

Thick and sturdy blades of blue-silver grass swarmed out, within a blink
of an eye already hanging down on the floor, the bright hundred-year
Datura Snake spirit ring rising from under Tang San’s feet, centerd on his
body, moving up and down.
Ma Xiu-Nuo at first wore a mild smile, when he saw the blue spirit grass
surging out from Tang San’s hand, his expression already became stunned,
“This—, this is blue-silver grass?”
In Tang San’s eyes glimmered a faint blue light, this was the
characteristic effect of using a blue-silver grass spirit, “Is there a problem?
Grandpa Ma Xiu-Nuo.”
Ma Xiu-Nuo rubbed his eyes, certainly he had not seen wrong, right
now, his attention shifted to the yellow spirit ring on Tang San’s body,
“Hundred-year spirit ring, it’s actually a hundred-year spirit ring. No
wonder, this great change could occur even in blue-silver grass. Child, I still
do not know what your name is.”
“I’m called Tang San.”
Ma Xiu-Nuo exhaled a long breath, calming the agitation in his heart, “I
can confirm, you have a pretty good tutor at Nuoding Academy. However,
Nuoding Academy’s tutors ability to help you accomplish hunting a
hundred-year spirit beast is already very difficult. It’s too bad blue-silver
grass growth potential is too poor, speaking otherwise, perhaps you truly
could become a mighty Spirit Master, after all your spirit has just now only
been awakened for several months’ time.”

Ma Xiu-Nuo picked up a yellow crystal ball from a table to the side and
walked over in front of Tang San, “Infuse your spirit power within, let me
have a look at what level you have reached. According to theory, you
should be eleventh......”
Ma Xiu-Nuo’s ‘rank’ word had still not been spoken, as the crystal ball
he placed in Tang San’s hand already shone progressively brighter with a
yellow misty radiance. The radiance could not be considered very powerful,
but it was extremely clear.

“This-This is...... 13th-ranked spirit power.”

Ma Xiu-Nuo looked at Tang San a little bit as if seeing a little monster,
“Could it be because the spirit ring itself is powerful, incidentally
increasing spirit power, but it still should not skip two ranks, ah? Child,
could you tell me, your spirit ring was hunted from what spirit beast?”

Part 3

Tang San without holding back, said: “It was a Datura Snake.”

Ma Xiu-Nuo was greatly shocked, “No wonder, no wonder,

unexpectedly it’s among lower-level spirit beasts’ most troublesome Datura
Snake. Even a hundred-year Datura Snake, so that’s why it has this kind of
effect. No, not right, ah, your spirit is from the plant system, how can it use
an animal system spirit ring? Child, you can’t lie.”
That Boss Xiao before was after all only a child, regarding spirits his
understanding still could not be thorough, but this Ma Xiu-Nuo who had
worked as an attendant at the Spirit Hall for several tens of years, regarding
spirit ring rules he was quite familiar, at once becoming aware of the crux.
Tang San shook his head, saying: “Grandpa Ma Xiu-Nuo, I’m not lying
at all. Why can’t plant system spirits use animal system spirit rings? Under
certain conditions, this can be carried out. My Teacher calls it the spirit
mimicry principle.”

Ma Xiu-Nuo’s expression changed greatly, “May I ask, who is your

teacher?”

Tang San said: “Everyone calls him Grandmaster.”

 “Grandmaster? Is it that Grandmaster who once published the spirit ten
great core competencies and afterwards was expelled from the Spirit Hall?
He’s unexpectedly in Nuoding City?”
Hearing Ma Xiu-Nuo’s words, Tang San only now learned that
Grandmaster unexpectedly had come from the Spirit Hall, for a moment did
not know how he should reply.
Ma Xiu-Nuo’s expression suddenly became serious, “Tang San, would
you be willing to join the Spirit Hall?”

Tang San was dumbfounded for a moment, “Grandpa Ma Xiu-Nuo, am I

not already registered in the Spirit Hall?”

Ma Xiu-Nuo shook his head, saying: “No, this is different. Registering

at the Spirit Hall is a matter the overwhelming majority of Spirit Masters
will do. Thus obtaining the national stipend. But joining the Spirit Hall,
means becoming the Spirit Hall’s exclusive Spirit Master. Spirit Master
cultivation is also carried out by directly entering a Spirit Hall special
institution.”

Tang San shook his head, saying: “That probably is impossible, I have
already started studying at Nuoding Primary Spirit Master Academy.”
Ma Xiu-Nuo sighed, saying: “Indeed it is a step late, considering our
Spirit Hall without justification can’t force people away from the academy.
Forget about it. This is all to blame on that kid Su Yuntao, he originally
should have taken you directly to the Spirit Hall. Perhaps Grandmaster also
would not consent to you joining the Spirit Hall, after all......”

Tang San smiled slightly and said: “Do not speak like this, if I had to
come to the Spirit Hall, maybe I could not obtain such a good spirit ring.
What do you say, Grandpa Ma Xiu-Nuo.”

Ma Xiu-Nuo was dumbfounded for a moment, then smiling said: “What

you say is true. Well, your advancement review survey is concluded.
Starting from now, you are a Heaven Dou Empire honored Spirit Master. Be
well received in the ranks of Spirit Masters. Hereafter, every month you can
rely on the badge issued you in a moment to draw a stipend at the Spirit
Hall, a Spirit Master’s stipend is one gold spirit coin every month. When
you reach Spirit Grandmaster level, the stipend will become ten gold spirit
coins. Regarding the matter with an animal spirit ring used on a plant spirit,
I will as quickly as possible report to a higher authority.”

“Thank you.”
When Tang San left the Spirit Hall, within his Twenty-four Moonlit
Bridges he already had a Spirit Hall specially forged badge. The badge was
round, on the back was carved his name and on the front was carved two
intertwined brambles, symbolizing the Spirit Master level. Even Tang San
who was descended from a blacksmith couldn’t see at all what metal had
been used to forge the badge.
After the Spirit Hall, Tang San quickly ran in the direction of Nuoding
Academy, following Ma Xiu-Nuo’s directions and this time taking a
shortcut, he could cut down on the time by at least half.
When he in a moment would reach the academy, suddenly, Tang San
heard a familiar sound. His pace subconsciously coming to a stop.
Dingdang, dingdang, dingdang......

A hammer symbol, a large, somewhat rough building, from inside a

rhythmic beating was heard, this was precisely a smithy.
From looking at the outside, the extent of this smithy was much bigger
than Tang San’s home, having not a few visitors coming and going.
The smithy, Tang San could not help but recall his father’s words: Tang
Hao once said to him, to later let him find work at a smithy to pay for his
livelihood.
Only, right now having to do working student’s work, did he still have
time to come here to work?

From growing up in a smithy, concerning the occupation of a

blacksmith, Tang San could be considered as having some attachment,
keenly looking at the smithy, then running off towards the academy.
For Grandmaster’s body to quickly recover, Tang San used the money
Grandmaster gave him to buy some food from the dining hall and bring it
back, accompanying Grandmaster and eating together. Grandmaster right
now could already walk and told him he need not look after him. Sending
him for these days first to regular classes. Moreover, to take a look at that
book Grandmaster gave him.

Leaving Grandmaster’s room, Tang San returned to the working

students’ dormitory. This time room seven wasn’t again deserted, the
working students were basically all there, speaking about something with
dancing eyebrows and radiant faces.
“Little San, you’re back.”

Xiao Wu was sitting leaning back in bed. Of course, her back was
leaning on Tang San and her currently common quilt.
“Xiao Wu, bring me to the place we should sweep. I’ll keep my
promise, starting from today, give the sweeping assignment to me.”
Abiding by promises was the foundation of manners. This bit Tang San
all along did very well.

Xiao Wu darted a look at him, saying: “Still sweeping something, ah,

how cheap of you, hereafter we all need not sweep.”

Tang San was taken aback, and said: “Why?”

Xiao Wu a little smugly said: “Do you think I, this Xiao Wu-jie, does
something for no reason? That fellow Xiao Chen-Yu is arranging for people
to do our working students’ work. Afterward we need not do it, but still as
before take the pay. You count for a lot of strength, this time you come
cheap.”

Although Tang San stood by his promises, he also absolutely was not an
inflexible person, chuckling, he said: “This turned out pretty well. Hereafter
you are the entire Nuoding Academy’s Xiao Wu-jie.”
 Xiao Wu sat upright, hugging her knees, little face flushed pink and
curiously looking at Tang San, saying: “What was the result like of your
going for the Spirit Hall appraisal?”

Tang San said: “Done. I’m right now already a Spirit Master.”

Part 4

The other working students around revealed an envious light in their

eyes. Of course, it was only envy, nothing more. The scene today of Tang
San’s strength when defeating Xiao Chen-Yu was deeply branded in their
minds, especially Wang Sheng, who admired him endlessly. Reaching the
conclusion that even after obtaining a spirit ring he still might not be able to
win.
Xiao Wu full of curiosity asked: “What good is becoming a Spirit
Master? It can’t be just getting some empty title.”
Tang San chuckled, saying: “There are still some benefits, at least in the
future I can eat some good things. Spirit Masters get a one-gold spirit coin
stipend every month.”
“One gold spirit coin? That much?”

Xiao Wu by now also understood the importance of money, even though

Xiao Chen-Yu already said in the future the working students’ food
expenses were all on him, having money in her hand was always better than
other people’s.
While speaking, Xiao Wu leapt up off the bed, excitedly running out.
“Xiao Wu, where on earth are you going?”

“I’m going to register at the Spirit Hall, one gold coin can buy so many
delicious things, ah.”
“Then there’s no need to hurry like this.”
“How can I not hurry, have you forgotten today is the end of the month?
Going now, including next month, maybe I can get two gold spirit coins.”

“But, you could at least put on shoes before going.”

“Eh......”
Xiao Wu eventually still left energetically for the Spirit Hall, Tang San
was secretly laughing in his heart, perhaps that Grandpa Ma Xiu-Nuo
would return from shock. After all, Xiao Wu would be a genuine animal-
spirit Battle Spirit Master. Comparing innate qualifications, this must be
much better than his bogus full spirit power.
Not needing to do working student work again, Tang San‘s mind
immediately returned to thoughts of that clear and melodious beating sound.
Village elder Jack once said, later on the Intermediate Spirit Master
Academy would have a not small fee, he should also trade for very many
things for home and so having many little ways to earn money would
naturally be good. And also, this was father’s requirement. Still more
importantly, only at a smithy would he have the chance to increase his
armaments. As a result of forging the Sleeve Dart with his own hands, Tang
San discovered, when a hidden weapon was completely made by himself
personally, the sense of familiarity regarding the hidden weapons would
become even more powerful.

“Tang San, I apologize for the matter that day, you won’t still take
offence right?”
 Just in the middle of Tang San’s pondering, Wang Sheng came up to his
side, speaking with a sincere expression.
Seeing Wang Sheng with a simple and honest smile, Tang San shook his
head, saying with a slight smile: “Offence to what, I’ve long since
forgotten. Wang Sheng-dage38, I must go out a while, I’ll probably come
back in the evening.”
Wang Sheng nodded and said: “You go. Right, congratulations on
becoming Spirit Master.”
Tang San said with a slight smile: “It won’t be long, and you’ll also
make a breakthrough.”
Once again leaving Nuoding Academy, Tang San felt a little tired. After
returning with Grandmaster today, still without a proper rest, he also fought
a bit with Xiao Chen-Yu’s group. Even though his Mysterious Heaven skill
already entered the second tier, a tired feeling still appeared.
However, going to the smithy was still an important matter, at worst he
would just start work from tomorrow again. What scared Tang San the most
right now, was everyone not accepting him as a little blacksmith.
Arriving at the smithy, Tang San walked inside straight away. Entering,
the heat blew in his face; any smithy was like that, of course, but at Tang
San’s home the shabby smithy’s temperature was much lower than here.
Upon entering there was a wide hall, on the right side of the hall hung a
variety of well-forged iron tools, here were not only farming implements,
but furthermore all kinds of armor and weapons. After all, in this world
Spirit Masters were only a small minority. And the price of the weapons
naturally had to be much higher than farming tools.

Seeing these weapons, Tang San couldn’t help but recall the work he did
in his previous life. At that time, Tang Sect-manufactured mechanism-type
hidden weapons could be said to be the Tang Sect’s pillar of income. The
sect had a lot of rules, even though they traded mechanism-type hidden
weapons to the outside, they also only sold non-poisonous and some
ordinary goods. Genuinely secret lore was impossible to take out. Even
though it was like that, Tang Sect-produced hidden weapons were still in
short supply in Jianghu.
If he in this world also started a hidden weapon-manufacturing
operation, what kind of income could it bring?
“Little friend, whatever you have come here for, for buying things call
over your family’s adults. Quickly get out, this place is dangerous.”
Right in the middle of Tang San’s deep thoughts, a loud and clear voice
interrupted his pondering.
Looking up at a bare-chested burly fellow looking straight at him,
swarthy skin over bulging lumps of muscle, looking extremely solid, in his
hand holding a large-sized forging hammer, his forehead completely
covered by sweat.

“Uncle, greetings. I thought to come inquire whether or not if this place

needs apprentices.”
Tang San’s young, clear and melodious voice, even though the smithy
was extremely noisy with beating steel and iron, still was clearly heard by
everyone.
The majority of smiths stopped work with hands raised, looking at Tang
San revealing a somewhat good-intentioned smile. Blacksmiths could be
considered the humblest vocation, all were people with impoverished
backgrounds, relying on physical strength and craftsmanship to eat,
although they appeared rough, the majority were extremely good and
honest.
The big fellow who spoke before measured Tang San up and down a
few times, and said: “Little friend, don’t go in for it. Quickly leave. This
place isn’t safe. Is your style of dress like a blacksmith’s appearance?
Moreover, our place also doesn’t take in apprentices this small. You would
probably be unable to raise the forging hammer. Haha.”
Tang San realized that he still wore his neat and tidy school uniform,
yeah, how could he be regarded as a blacksmith wearing this.

“Excuse me, uncle, I’ll be back in a moment.”

Finished speaking, he turned and ran outside.
The smithy was very close to Nuoding Academy, when Tang San once
again returned, he had already changed into his original clothes, with big
patches covering small patches all over, this style of dress, even if eating
hundreds of meals there was no need for make-up.

Entering, Tang San did not look for someone else, again looking for that
previous uncle, “Uncle, do you think like this I can be regarded as an
apprentice?”
The big fellow looked at Tang San all over wearing a hundred stitches
and was immediately stunned a moment, “Little friend, you aren’t making
fun of me, right.”
Tang San honestly said: “Of course not. Uncle, it’s like this. I’m a
Nuoding Academy working student, every day I have spare time in the
afternoon, my father was a village blacksmith. From young I studied
forging with Father and thought to come to you here to earn my meals.”

Part 5

Hearing Tang San’s words, the big fellow’s expression immediately

softened. They all came from poor families, so in their hearts they
immediately felt great sympathy; moreover, this child still attended
Nuoding Academy. The big fellow simply said: “Very well. If you want to
come, then come. There are some odd jobs to do for us, you can always
carry tea and hand out water. However, wages won’t be too high, but food
can be guaranteed. How’s that?”
“That’s alright, no problem.”

Tang San rejoiced and hurriedly replied.

The blacksmiths all smiled good-naturedly towards Tang San, the big
fellow glared at the bunch, saying: “What are you looking at, don’t you
need to work. Hurry up, tonight I’ll invite everyone to drink ale.”
Hearing the big fellow’s words, the blacksmiths’ enthusiasm
immediately greatly increased, each and every one swung their hammers
and continued their work.
The big fellow lifted the forging hammer in his hand, forging pig iron
before him to one side, saying to Tang San: “I’m called Shi San39, Shi of
rock40, you can call me Uncle San. This smithy is my inheritance.
Hereafter, you come to work for me here, I’ll guarantee every day’s midday
meal and supper and give you ten copper spirit coins, that’s also a silver
spirit coin. If you’re efficient, I’ll give you a bit more. Oh, that’s right,
what’s your name?”

“Uncle San, I’m called Tang San.”

“Tang San? Haha, good, both our names have a ‘San’, seems this truly is
predestined. What village did you come from?”
Tang San said: “I’m from Holy Spirit Village.”
Shi San said: “You just now said you studied forging with your father
from childhood. You are this small, what could your father have taught
you?”
Tang San said: “Of course forging. Uncle San, you must not see me as
small, but I have the strength, forging pig iron is no problem.”
Shi San laughed loudly, “Brothers, our new little assistant says he also
can forge. You believe it?”
The blacksmiths immediately roared with laughter. Tang San looked like
a six- or seven-year-old, this was even after obtaining the first spirit ring
when his stature grew somewhat. From looking at his outward appearance,
who could believe he could forge?
Being looked down on by people always felt bad, Tang San said: “Uncle
San, I really can forge, if you don’t believe it, you let me have a go.”
Shi San stopped his work at hand, leaning the forging hammer on the
ground, “Like this then, if you can pick up my hammer, I’ll believe you.”

As he spoke, he passed the hammer handle to Tang San. Because the

hammer head was in contact with the ground, he did not fear Tang San
would be unable to hold it up and be smashed.
“Uncle San, you are ridding this piece of pig iron of impurities. I’ll help
you accomplish it well.”
Tang San took the forging hammer handle from Shi San.

With Shi San’s inborn extraordinary strength, this forging hammer he

used was clearly bigger compared to other peoples’. Compared to Tang
San’s height it was taller by half a chi41 or so. Right now, he again had
become the focus of the entire smithy, the blacksmiths watching him all
appeared to have laughing expressions. But they very quickly stopped
smiling, because Tang San already lifted that forging hammer and was also
smoothly raising it before him.
Compared to ordinary forging hammers its weight was thirty percent
more, Tang San judged as the forging hammer parted from the ground.
Although somewhat heavy, considering him before he obtained a spirit ring,
he still could use it with an effort, let alone right now.
Seeing Tang San slowly lift the forging hammer, Shi San was also
staring wide-eyed, gasping in admiration, “Good strength, worthy of the son
of a blacksmith.”
Tang San with brilliant eyes stared fixedly at the pig iron in the furnace,
breathed out loudly, and fiercely swung Shi San’s forging hammer.
“Hei.”

Soles firmly gripping the ground, lower legs abruptly generating force,
strength passing up, Tang San’s body half turning and the huge forging
hammer swung completely around obliquely, heavily striking on that chunk
of pig iron.
The great clanging sound already made the blacksmiths’ smiling
expressions become stunned. Immediately following, in pace with the iron
hammer’s rebound, Tang San quickly made a turn, the iron hammer in his
hands once again swung, again making a loud sound, the iron hammer
compared to before falling even more heavily on the red hot pig iron.
“Uncle San, I’ll trouble you to help me draw the bellows. The
temperature is not enough.”

Tang San said quickly, his third blow again already swinging up. This
time, the forging hammer’s power was even more violent, bringing a wuwu
wind sound.
Shi San was still an old blacksmith and naturally understood the
consequence of insufficient temperature, so he hurriedly squatted to one
side, pulling up the bellows.

The following scene made a lifelong impression on the blacksmiths

present. That heavy forging hammer seemed to be alive in Tang San’s
hands, it drew one circle after another in the air, imbued with rhythm,
beating sounds just like a violent storm acting within the smithy.
Nobody paid attention to Tang San’s hands that already became shining
white like jade. Accompanying the clanging sounds, that chunk of pig iron
continuously pulsated under the forging hammer.
 Shi San on one side was drawing the bellows with full strength, on one
side closely staring at Tang San swinging the hammer, his expression was
already beyond shocked.
The other smiths all knew Shi San’s hammer was very heavy and
naturally knew the difficulty of continuously beating. Especially for Tang
San this kind of heavy hammer, it was even more difficult in the extreme.
Clang. The last beat completed, Tang San brought the forging hammer
to its former place after turning two revolutions, diffusing the hammer’s
momentum. The big hammer head downward, again dropping to the
ground, causing the smithy and blacksmith’s hearts simultaneously a
moment of shock.

Twenty-seven blows, a full twenty-seven continuously sustained beats,

before Shi San’s forging that chunk of pig iron had not changed its
appearance an iota, but was now reduced to a circle.
Tang San doing this, Shi San knew he could also do himself, but with an
entire day’s time. One must know, Shi San had formally been a blacksmith
for fifteen years’ time already.

Seeing the slightly panting and somewhat sweaty forehead of Tang San,
Shi San stuttered: “Tha-That couldn’t have been the Disorder Splitting
Wind Hammer Method42? Among forging arts the most powerful
continuous forging art?”

“Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer Method? What’s that?”

Tang San said uncertainly.
Shi San’s cheeks were already flushing red because of excitement,
“What is called Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer Method, is a kind of
continuous beating forging method, leveraging force, able to most perfectly
bring out us blacksmiths’ physical strength. It is said the most awesome
smiths can continuously swing eighty-one times, directly having a chunk of
pig iron take on the appearance they want. Most importantly, the Disorder
Splitting Wind Hammer Method is the most powerful technique for driving
out impurities in metal, I still thought it was lost long ago, I didn’t expect to
see it today in your hands.”
 Chapter 13

Father’s Message

Part 1

Was it truly the Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer Method? Before Tang
San’s eyes floated the dispirited figure of his father, could it actually be said
his father originally was an outstanding blacksmith?

“Uncle San, I also don’t know whether this is the Disorder Splitting
Wind Hammer Method, this is something Father taught me.

Shi San exhaled a long breath, then said with a big hearty smile: “It
looks as if this time we picked up a treasure. The employment conditions
just now are void: for the time being you first will be paid the same as
everyone, every month one silver spirit coin. If business is good, you take
an additional percentage.”

Just like this, Tang San formally became a member of Shi San’s smithy,
beginning to live a full life.

The academy’s curriculum certainly was not a necessary place to him,

Grandmaster’s instruction was much more useful than the academy teachers
in relating basic theory.

He also carefully read that book Grandmaster gave him. Just like he
expected, the spirit power cultivation methods Grandmaster put forward
were very similar to the internal strength cultivation movement routes. Of
course, this was only Grandmaster’s theoretical designs after all, and
compared to genuine internal strength cultivation methods were still a
certain distance apart, not to speak of the Tang Sect’s finely tempered
Mysterious Heaven skill.

Xiao Wu smoothly obtained the Spirit Master title and after becoming
the academy’s generally accepted Xiao Wu-jie, the working students’ lives
became relaxed and comfortable.

Early morning every day, Tang San would take advantage of the new-
born sunrise to cultivate his Purple Demon Eye, in the morning attend
regular classes, in the afternoon labor in the smithy and in the evening again
listen to Grandmaster’s instruction. Then at night cultivate the Mysterious
Heaven skill. It could be said that every day to him was absolutely full.

At Shi San’s smithy, Tang San only needed a very short time to gain
everyone’s approval. Shi San gave him the assignment of refining metal and
in the remaining free time, Tang San used some discarded bits and pieces to
refine his own, starting his great hidden weapon production undertaking. Of
course, he was only producing some components in the smithy, genuinely
assembling after returning to the academy.
Xiao Wu relying on her own tyrannical strength with Xiao Chen-Yu’s
assistance, very quickly became approved as the entire Nuoding Primary
Spirit Master Academy’s students boss, and compared to Tang San she
passed the time very leisurely, sometimes even to the extent of not going to
class. Tang San did not even see how she cultivated. But Xiao Wu’s actual
strength continuously elevated steadily.

At the Nuoding Primary Spirit Master Academy, one semester was one
year’s time, in the entire year students were not permitted to return home,
but family members could come to visit. Tang San more than once expected
his father to come, but until the end of the semester still did not see a trace
of Tang Hao. Fortunately his life was sufficiently full and he did not have
too much time to long for it.

As for the Spirit Hall, not long after Tang San underwent the Spirit
Master review, the Spirit Hall’s people came to Nuoding Academy to look
for Grandmaster. Grandmaster never told Tang San what they discussed and
Tang San also did not ask. But from Grandmaster’s face compared to before
was much lively and Tang San guessed the relationship between the Spirit
Hall and Grandmaster should have become a lot better.

“Xiao Wu, for tomorrow’s holiday, will you return home?”

Tang San said to Xiao Wu while packing his luggage.

One school year had passed and he was finally able to return home and
see his father. This afternoon at the smithy he had already asked Shi San for
a leave of absence. Also specially bought a brand new forging hammer,
intending to bring it back to give to his father.

Since Tang San joined Shi San’s smithy, making the quality of the
various kinds of weapons and equipment produced in the smithy rise one
grade, business became better and right now Tang San’s wages already
reached five silver spirit coins every month, equivalent to half a Spirit
Master’s stipend.

Xiao Wu leaned on the bed, her eyes revealing some loneliness, entirely
different from her usual liveliness, “I’m not going home. Maybe, just stay at
the academy.”

Tang San was dumbfounded a moment, “All year, you won’t return to
see your family?”

Xiao Wu’s eyes suddenly lit up, saying: “Little San, your family isn’t far
from the academy is it? Otherwise, I’ll follow you to return and play, how
about that? Anyway Wang Sheng and Xiao Chen-Yu are both going to
participate in the Intermediate Spirit Master Academy examination, there’s
nobody to accompany me to play.”

Tang San smiled, after passing one year together, he could be considered
as having some comparative understanding regarding Xiao Wu. This little
girl was lively and energetic, always appearing motivated by a desire to see
the world in chaos; when acting gentle and soft, she somehow appeared like
a lovely doll, but a moment later became a violent whirlwind. That Nuoding
Xiao Wu-jie title of hers was exactly called in vain. In the entire academy,
who knew how many students had already tasted bitterness from her.

“My family can be very poor, without anything good to entertain you.”
Xiao Wu with both hands akimbo and big eyes glaring at Tang San said:
“Every month you saved so much of your stipend, so reluctant to spend, but
still fear entertaining me?”
Tang San wearing a slight smile extended his right hand, “Speaking of
stipends I suddenly recall, a certain person still appears to owe me six silver
spirit coins.”

Xiao Wu was dumbfounded a moment, her fair and tender little face
revealing some embarrassment. A stipend of one gold coin every month
could definitely not be regarded as little, however, her spending was truly
extravagant, if seeing something good coming back to buy it, not taking
into account a bit whether or not it was useful. By now she long ago already
had her own bedding, not having to share with Tang San. Never able to
manage her finances, in a short time asking Tang San to lend spending
money, already became habit.
“Not exactly six silver coins? Wait for me to get the stipend to pay you
back. You still haven’t said if you after all are willing to let me come along
with you.”

Tang San said with a slight smile: “If you want to come then come.
Only, my Dad’s temperament can be bad.”

Xiao Wu not in the least fazed said: “Someone this lovely, your dad will
happily approve of me.”

While speaking, still assuming a gentle and soft appearance asking Tang
San with blinking eyes.

Other people might be fooled by her outward appearance, but Tang San
had seen too many scenes of her true volcanic eruptions. He could not help
but shake his head, still not swallowing her cover a bit.
 “You need not use your honey trap on me. Fortunately, you will appear
seven years old, if a bit older, perhaps you truly would have a little fox
spirit43 talent.”

Part 2

“Fox spirit? What’s that?”

Xiao Wu full of curiosity asked.

Tang San smiling said: “It’s a kind of spirit beast turned into a demon,
specializing in seducing men.”

Xiao Wu was stunned a moment, her gaze on Tang San suddenly

became somewhat strange, then between eye blinks, her mood abruptly
became agitated, “You drop dead, daring to call me a fox spirit, I’ll
definitely fight you.”

While speaking, already baring fangs and brandishing claws leapt up

from her bed, charging at Tang San.

The other working students regarding this scene no longer wondered at

the sight. The noise of Xiao Wu-jie and Tang San fighting to their point of
view was something they became accustomed to long ago; if some day
those two were not fighting several times, on the contrary perhaps they
instead would feel uneasy.
 Early the next day, as Tang San set out with that very bouncy and
vivacious young girl at his side, wearing Nuoding Academy’s uniform,
leaving Nuoding City and heading towards Holy Spirit Village.

This past year, in Tang San’s point of view, had been extremely rich and
also extremely satisfying. Breaking through the Mysterious Heaven skill’s
first tier bottleneck, under assiduous cultivation, the skill had made rapid
progress. On the basis of his own calculations, by now he should already be
reaching the upper middle second tier’s strength, on the basis of spirit
power calculations, he should have about 16th rank approaching 17th rank.

In the academy, people able to compare spirit power with him were only
Xiao Wu: even though he never saw her cultivate, when the two compared
spirit power the difference was never far. Sometimes Tang San had the
upper hand, sometimes he was reversely surpassed by Xiao Wu. Although
both were children, to the two who refused to give in, exchanging points
like this was hard to avoid.

Just when starting, Xiao Chen-Yu and Wang Sheng, these higher grade
students occasionally joined in, but along with Tang San and Xiao Wu’s
spirit powers’ lightning-fast rise, there were no people who again came to
disturb them. One could ask: who would hope to become like a sandbag’s
existence?

Therefore, although Xiao Wu was nominally the boss of Nuoding’s

students, in practice, when Xiao Chen-Yu’s group addressed Tang San, he
was also called Little San-ge44.

When Tang San exchanged pointers with Xiao Wu, he was always
losing more than he won. Xiao Wu’s fighting techniques emerged in an
endless stream, especially her Soft Skill gave people a kind of New Year’s
cake45-like feeling, if in circumstances where both sides did not draw
support from spirit ring powers, Tang San was practically certain to lose.
Even if using spirit rings, relying on blue-silver grass binding and
paralyzing effects, the most he could accomplish when battling Xiao Wu
was a draw.
 As for Tang San’s secretly practiced hidden weapons, these were
certainly not used when exchanging pointers, first was because the hidden
weapons’ killing power was too great, too easy to injure a person; and
second, he was still hoping to temper his own close-combat strength
through exchanging pointers with Xiao Wu. Perhaps it was because of the
two mutually acting as sparring partners giving rise to an accelerating
effect, but in respect to fighting, they advanced side by side. The academy’s
teachers were all already disinclined to be in charge of them, and in
Nuoding, although Tang San and Xiao Wu were still only first years, they
already became the academy’s famous geniuses.

“Is it still far ah?”

Xiao Wu looked east, then gazed west, casually asking.

“We’ll arrive soon. See that hilltop over there? Our Holy Spirit Village
is at the foot of the hill.”
About to arrive home, Tang San couldn’t help his mood being somewhat
excited, if not for the Nuoding Academy regulations he would have
returned to stay at home at night, without the teacher making the rounds
every day, maybe Tang San long ago would have returned home to look in
on his father. ‘Not meeting for a year, Dad, are you still well?’

Perhaps it was because of being an orphan in his last life, this life, Tang
San all the more especially treasured that family love.
Touching Twenty-four Moonlit Bridges at his waist, there he had
brought the iron hammer for his father, brand new clothes and even some
bottles of pretty good wine.

The little mountain village where he lived for six years was already in
view, not knowing why, in Tang San’s heart a kind of indescribable feeling
gradually appeared. If insisting on using words to describe it, then he would
say the feeling of having family was truly good. Even if that family was
only him and his father.
Very quickly, the two already walked into Holy Spirit Village. Tang
San’s home was at the edge of the village, raising his hand to indicate the
roof with that dilapidated sign, Tang San smiled at Xiao Wu and said:
“Look, that’s my home.”

Home before his eyes, Tang San’s mood subconsciously became

excited, underfoot his steps increasing pace, three steps and two more and
he reached the door of his home.

The front door exactly the same as when he left certainly didn’t matter,
this was Tang Hao’s habit all along. After all, this smithy did not have
anything that could be stolen.

“Dad, I’m back.”

Tang San excitedly shouted.

Xiao Wu having never heard Tang San this excited, stood at his back
looking at him somewhat curiously. In her impression, Tang San was a very
gentle friend, usually not saying much, but always with a busy feeling,
always having some matter to attend to. Only in their exchanging of
pointers could his serious side be seen. And even if seriously losing to her,
one still never saw his angry or even agitated appearance.

While calling, Tang San walked inside with quick steps.

Everything seemingly had not changed, the smithy was still in turmoil,
even more so compared to before he left, a hideous mess of things left all
over, a broken, tattered and worn out feeling, bringing Tang San even more
familiarity.
“Oh, Little San, you’re back.”

A mild voice rose. From inside a person walked out.

Seeing him, Tang San couldn’t help but become stunned, “Grandpa
Jack, you also, ah, then my dad?”
Walking out from inside was precisely the Holy Spirit Village elder, Old
Jack, on his face a somewhat wry smile, he handed over a paper in his hand
to Tang San, saying: “You have a look, this is your father’s message. Earlier
I came to find him, originally thinking to have him and me go meet you, not
thinking you would already have returned.”

A nervous feeling appeared in Tang San’s heart, hurriedly taking the

paper Old Jack held out and lowering his head to read.

On the paper were only a few simple lines, handwriting somewhat

sloppy, but concealing a bold and unconstrained spirit.

Part 3

“Little San: When this letter reaches you, I will have already left. Do not
look for me, you will not be able to find me.

Although you are still young, you have the strength to provide for
yourself. A young falcon must first spread its wings on its own before
soaring.

You need not worry about me. In your nature is a great deal of your
mother’s delicacy. Dad is a useless person. You gradually grow up, Dad has
to go get back some things that originally should have belonged to me.
Inevitably one day, we two father and son will again meet each other.
I hope you become formidable, but I also do not hope you become
formidable. You choose your own path.
 If one day you feel the Spirit Master vocation is not good, then return to
Holy Spirit Village, and like me, work as a blacksmith.

Do not miss me.

Tang Hao.”

Reading the letter in his hand, Tang San’s entire person was already
stunned, the joy filling his chest in an instant changing into helpless loss.

‘Dad left, Dad, why must you leave?’

Old Jack saw Tang San in low spirits and with a wry smile said: “Tang
Hao, that fellow left without any warning. The day before yesterday I came
to have him forge some farm tools. With him leaving like this, we must
again find a blacksmith later. This fellow, truly too irresponsible.”
Tang San slowly returned from his absentmindedness, “Grandpa Jack,
you’re saying, Dad would have left in only these two days?”
Old Jack nodded.

“Should have left in these two days. Little San, don’t feel sorry, this kind
of a father is unworthy of it. Come with Grandpa, we’ll go to my home.”
Tang San silently shook his head, with the greatest care folding the letter
in his hands, placing it in his bosom.
“Thank you, Grandpa Jack, but my home is in this mess, I must decline
and remain. I still have to put it in order at once.”

Old Jack was stunned a moment, he had not thought the very small Tang
San unexpectedly would send him off, with a sigh, he said: “Very well.
Only, if you need anything, do not hesitate to come find me.”

With no choice but to shake his head, he turned toward the exit and left.
As Old Jack left, within the smithy remained only the two people Tang
San and Xiao Wu. Tang San did not open his mouth, then began tidying up
the messy room, clearing away the room’s different things.
 Unusually, the ordinarily lively and energetic Xiao Wu right now kept
silent, walking to Tang San’s side, calmly helping him put various things
away and bringing scoops of fresh water from the water jar outside, helping
him wipe the dirt within the room.

......
Nuoding Primary Spirit Master Academy.

Grandmaster was in his room reading. Little San having returned home,
his heart was empty. Knowing him for a year’s time, even though he never
said so aloud, but his attachment to that child constantly deepened.

Until this morning when Tang San left, he still hesitated whether to go
to his home to have a look. Finally Grandmaster still vetoed this notion of
his. There were very many reasons, even to the extent that even including
himself was unable to explain clearly.

Peng, peng, peng, at this time, a knocking sound suddenly came.

Grandmaster’s brows knitted, normally besides Tang San, there were
basically no people that would come here.
“Please come in.”

Grandmaster put down the book in his hand, speaking coolly.

Opening the door, a large figure entered from outside. He wore a simple
grey robe, messy black hair hanging loosely down to the shoulders, ancient
face carved full of the vicissitudes of life, a pair of muddy eyes as if already
like a candle guttering in the wind, his appearance didn’t at all correspond
to his fifty or so years of age.

“Hello, Grandmaster.”
The visitor’s voice was deep and hoarse.

No knowing why, when this person entered the door, Grandmaster’s

entire body subconsciously tensed, even unconsciously spreading spirit
power all over his body.
 “You are?”
Slowly standing up, Grandmaster’s eyes revealed some uncertainty.
The grey-clad person coolly said: “Speaking of which, we should not
have met for twenty years, right? With this current appearance of mine, it’s
no wonder you do not recognize me. I’m Tang Hao.”
“Tang Hao?”

Grandmaster’s ‘old well makes no waves’46 expression suddenly

changed greatly, eyes focusing in practically an instant, rigidly staring at
this person before him, both hands clutching the table, fingers already
becoming pale, “You—, you are Hao......”

Tang Hao waved his hand, stopping Grandmaster from speaking, coldly
saying: “Past titles need not be brought up again. In those days, for however
many reasons, other people would perhaps consider you as only a madman,
but I know you are a persistent person.”
Grandmaster gradually calmed down, rigid face somewhat affected at
once, “It seems as if my conjecture was not mistaken, as expected you are
Tang San’s father. He already returned home, why would you be here?”
Tang Hao lowered his head, coolly saying: “Precisely because he
returned home, I would be here. I know you accepted him as an apprentice.
As his father, I should have come to see you long ago. I must leave, my
only worry is just him, therefore, I hope to entrust Little San to you.”

“You must leave? Go where? He is your son.”

Grandmaster glared rigidly at Tang Hao, the expression in his eyes
somewhat fierce.

Tang Hao still had a cold appearance, “He is still your disciple. I have to
leave, there are very many matters that are necessary to attend to. Following
me, he cannot obtain happiness. I have no other requests, his life, he must
choose by himself. Ten years, I have already left this world for ten years, by
now he has already grown up, so I have some business that I have to deal
with.”
Grandmaster drew a long breath, “I do not know what happened to you,
but I can see Little San is very reluctant to part from you, you do not feel
that this kind of departure is too cruel to him?”
Tang Hao coolly said: “He decided on his own to walk an extraordinary
path; being together with me would be cruel to him. Well, I’ve said what I
had to say, no matter when, please remember, he is my son.”
Having said this, Tang Hao waved his raised hand, a jet-black token tile
dropped onto Grandmaster’s desk with a clanking sound, the token tile was
impressively similar to the one Grandmaster originally brought with Tang
San to enter Spirit-Hunting Forest, only, on this token tile’s pattern were all
six......

Part 4

Peng, the door closed, Tang Hao’s large figure had already disappeared.
Looking at the door, Grandmaster stood there for a long time without any
movement.
After a good while, he could slowly lower his head, gaze falling on that
token tile, the corners of his mouth revealed a slight, wry smile, “I would
not have thought, my idol unexpectedly already became like this.”
......
 Sunlight slanting from the west, side by side in front of the smithy’s
door sat two petite figures. They were dressed in similar clothes, sitting
quietly.

The glow of the setting sun colored them faintly red, seemingly
branding their bodies a golden red.
The girl on the left inclined her head, looking at the boy, both hands
poking her chin, wanting to say something, but she endured in the end.
On the contrary it was the boy who opened his mouth, in his hands
holding a brand new forging hammer, “Xiao Wu, thank you.”

“Thank me for what?”

Xiao Wu full of curiosity asked.
“Thank you for keeping me company all this time.”
Tang San lowered his head, looking at the ground underfoot, the
expression in his eyes somewhat misted also somewhat hazy, but in the end
without tears falling.
Xiao Wu giggled, pushing Tang San’s shoulder with great force, nearly
pushing over Tang San, “Don’t be gloomy. Your dad only left temporarily,
that’s all. Inevitably one day, you will meet again. Maybe, his leaving was
only in order to let you grow even better, let you gain even more power. If
you again became down like this, wouldn’t it disappoint his efforts?”

Tang San’s face revealed a trace of a wry smile, “Maybe so, but why did
he not let me see him again. Xiao Wu, did you know, Dad is my only
family. A home without Dad, is also no longer a home.”
Xiao Wu flung back her head, tossing her long scorpion braid in front,
“Without your father, you still have me, this friend, right? If you absolutely
want to find family, I wouldn’t mind being your older sister47. Quickly, let
me hear you call me Xiao Wu-jie. Everyone calls me that, only you are an
exception.”
 Looking at Xiao Wu’s lovely and smart appearance with that evening
sunset glow illuminating her flushed little face, Tang San couldn’t help but
smile. Just when a person’s heart was the weakest having by his side a
person for company was an extremely happy matter.

“If you want to become my little sister48, I won’t be opposed. I

remember what was said: although we are of the same year, it seems you
compared to me must be a few months younger. I was born on the first
month, you on the eighth month, correct?”

“Don’t imagine that’s possible. I will only be the older sister, I’m
unsuitable to be the younger sister.”
Xiao Wu angrily raised her hand to knock Tang San’s head.
Tang San’s body in a flash had already leapt up, standing three meters in
front of Xiao Wu, “Xiao Wu, follow me onto the hill, I will show you some
things.”
Tang San’s expression was very earnest, seemingly like having decided
on something.
Xiao Wu also did not fool around again, on her little face revealing
cleverness, nodding towards him.

Tang San took the initiative and pulled Xiao Wu by her delicate hand
and ran for the small hill outside the village. The two’s shadows under the
illumination of the setting sun gradually lengthened on the ground.
Tang San brought Xiao Wu continuously running to the hilltop before
coming to a stop, under conditions of fully pushing the Mysterious Heaven
skill, he could not help but pant slightly.

Standing on the hilltop, Tang San faced the setting sun, both eyes
already filled with purple, “Xiao Wu, this is my former practice area. I am
very seriously asking you a question and I hope you can seriously answer
me.”
Xiao Wu bit her lip, “Don’t you know, your current appearance is very
much like that old fogey at the academy?”
Tang San slowly turned around, seriously looking at Xiao Wu, “Are you
willing to be my little sister? I truly hope to be able to again have a family
member.”
Xiao Wu was about to say something, but was stopped by Tang San,
“First listen to what I have to say. I have nothing, you have also seen my
family’s circumstances and I am only descended from impoverished
commoners. I cannot give you wealth and also cannot give you power. You
also have innate full spirit power, but you and I are not alike, I can see your
life’s experiences should have some story. But I never asked because I
feared that our background’s disparity is too great and we could not even
become friends. But I truly hope to be able to have a little sister like you,
although I am unable to give you what nobles possess, I can give you my
promise. I will always protect my little sister, and will not let her come to
the slightest harm.”

Seeing teardrops glimmer in Tang San’s eyes, Xiao Wu’s eyes gradually
reddened, “If one day, there are very many people wanting to kill me and
you are unable to defeat those people, then what?”

Tang San unexpectedly revealed a tiny smile49, “Then let them first step
over my corpse.”
Xiao Wu was silent, Tang San also did not speak again and the red of
the setting sun gradually slipped away, by now in the sky above the stars
already softly emerged.

“Ge50.”
Xiao Wu simply used one word to break the silence between the two.
All along holding back tears, as this moment finally falling, Tang San’s
shaking hands, raised Xiao Wu’s hands, “Thank you, little sister.”
Father left, but he also had a little sister. Tang San raised his head to
gaze at the sky, to the stars in the sky silently making a lifetime oath.
 At nightfall, the two children sat on the hilltop, feeling the gentle
mountain breeze, looking at the stars and moon in the sky, the tranquil
atmosphere and inviting fresh air, without exception produced a
comfortable feeling.
“Do I have to call you big brother?”
Xiao Wu turned her head to look towards Tang San at her side.
Tang San was dumbfounded, “Why?”

Xiao Wu’s face revealed a slight blush, “How to say, I am also the boss
of Nuoding’s students, abruptly having a big brother, how will they see
me?”
Tang San smiled, “Well, you still just call me Little San. As long as I in
my heart know you are my little sister, what relevance are forms of
address?”
While speaking, Tang San raised his hand, pulling down his sleeve, and
removed the Sleeve Dart on his left wrist.
“Having become my sister, I without any valuable things, this is a
present to you for defending yourself. It is my first work.”

Xiao Wu curiously looked at the Sleeve Dart Tang San handed over,
“What is this?”
 Chapter 14

Evil Eye White Tiger Dai Mubai

Part 1

Tang San smiled slightly, saying: “I call it a Sleeve Dart, it’s also known
as a silent Sleeve Dart. It only requires using a switch and three darts inside
will shoot according to your control. It can fire one, and also can fire all
three at once. Because the noise of launching is very small, it’s not easy for
the opponent to detect, therefore, when confronting enemies on par with
you, it’s able to produce very good effect.”
Xiao Wu astonished said: “Before when we exchanged pointers, how
come I did not see you using this kind of thing?”

Tang San smiled calmly, saying: “Blockhead, we are fellow students and
also friends. How could I use this kind of deadly weapon? Still remember
that time I used stones to hit you? You think, that was only coincidence?
Look, over there is a mosquito.”
Xiao Wu followed the direction of Tang San’s finger, three meters away,
sure enough was a buzzing mosquito flying and it could with difficulty be
seen with the aid of moonlight.

“If I told you I could hit its left wing, and not kill it, what would you
say?”
 Xiao Wu stared at him saying: “Are you joking?”
Purple light flashed in Tang San’s eyes, abruptly raising his right hand, a
faint shadow softly passed and that mosquito disappeared in thin air.
Pulling Xiao Wu’s hand, Tang San said: “Follow me.”

Pulling her to walk a short distance to stop before a large tree, not
needing Tang San’s finger, Xiao Wu also could distinctly see, on the tree
trunk was a three cun51 long steel needle, glittering under the illumination
of starlight.

Nailed by the needle to the tree, something seemingly struggled with all
its effort.

Xiao Wu lowered her head for a careful look and could not help but
shockingly make a strangled sound. Under that needle was nailed that same
mosquito, the steel needle piercing the mosquito’s left wing, firmly sewing
it to the tree and by that mosquito’s thrashing about, obviously without
danger to its life.

“Ho-How did you do this?”

Xiao Wu gasping with astonishment looked towards Tang San. If she
had not been together with Tang San all this time, even she would have
thought this was prepared in advance.

Tang San pulled out the steel needle, when he again opened his hand,
the steel needle had already disappeared, “This is my secret, I call them
hidden weapons, even Dad doesn’t know. I only want to tell you, I have the
strength to protect my own little sister.”

Regarding new things, Xiao Wu was always very interested, excitedly

shaking Tang San’s hand and saying: “Good big brother, can’t you teach me
that?”

Tang San said with a wry smile: “With your violent tendencies, if you
also learned hidden weapons, who knows how many people would suffer
disaster. And also hidden weapon cultivation is not an overnight matter. The
Sleeve Dart I gave you is also a kind of hidden weapon, so first grasp using
it well.”

Wanting to study Tang Sect hidden weapons certainly was not easy, first
of all one must have the Mysterious Heaven skill as a foundation, and Xiao
Wu’s spirit power already was not weak, cultivating the skill anew was
clearly impossible. Tang San had already secretly resolved that afterward he
would make some mechanism-type hidden weapon equipment for her body.
This should also be considered as sufficient.

Tang San personally put on the Sleeve Dart on Xiao Wu’s left arm,
properly adjusting the Sleeve Dart’s size, completely fitting to Xiao Wu’s
wrist, afterwards he explained once the silent Sleeve Dart’s method of use
to Xiao Wu, letting her try it out several times. Xiao Wu was immediately
practically in love with this treasure.

As Xiao Wu left to one side to try shooting the Sleeve Dart, Tang San
slowly raised his head, watching the stars overhead, saying to himself:
“Dad, do you truly fear I would be unable to become strong at your side?
You be at ease, I will work hard at cultivation, become a true man.
Inevitably one day, I will become your pride.”

“Tang Sect, I already left you for six years, but I will always be a Tang
Sect person, in this Douluo Continent, I definitely will carry on the Tang
Sect’s everything to new heights.”
A pair of hands like shining white jade suddenly reached out, light like
countless threads of silvery light towered up and in Tang San’s eyes was
already a purple radiance.

......
Five years later.

Balak Kingdom52, located in the southern Heaven Dou Empire,

bordering Fasinuo Province. Speaking of this kingdom, its actual area was
only four thirds of Fasinuo Province, subordinate to the Heaven Dou
Empire. Within the borders of the Empire it was one of four great
kingdoms. Balak’s King Kundela53 was the current Heaven Dou Empire’s
king Aokula’s54 younger cousin.

Southern Balak Kingdom bordered directly with the Star Luo Empire,
consequently, among the Heaven Dou Empire’s four kingdoms, Balak
Kingdom’s military strength was the most powerful and it could also be
said to be the gateway to the Heaven Dou Empire.

The Heaven Dou Empire originally had ten provinces that were later
divided among the four great kingdoms forming six powers: the Empire
itself directly controlled five provinces, the four great kingdoms each
controlled one and there was still one duchy second only to the kingdoms,
occupying the smallest province on the Empire’s eastern side.

On the surface, the four great kingdoms and one duchy must all be
subject to the Heaven Dou Empire’s rule, but in fact, these five states long
ago already became nations within a nation, besides the necessary tribute,
they were all entirely independent. If not for the Heaven Dou Imperial
Family controlling a large number of troops, perhaps a civil war would long
ago already have appeared.

The Star Luo Empire also had similar circumstances, consequently,

while the two empires looked to be strong forces, in fact both were in
decline. If someone spoke badly, that day the entire Continent’s situation
would abruptly transform.

Within Balak Kingdom were two most important cities, one was Balak
King Kundela’s resident capital Balake City55, here was the heart of the
entire Balake Kingdom’s politics and industry. And the other city was
located at the richest granary within the borders of Balak Kingdom called
Suotuo City56.

These two cities both had massive garrisons and were the entire
Kingdom’s highest priority.

Suotuo City was a large city, this bit could be seen from the Spirit Hall
being allocated as the third-ranked Lord Spirit Hall.
 Currently just past noon, the blazing sun shining fiercely, at Suotuo
City’s west gate entered two youths. By looks, they both only appeared to
be ten-some years old, not carrying any luggage, one boy and one girl.

Part 2

The boy’s clothing was simple, looking like twelve or thirteen years old,
about 1.7 meters tall, wearing a fresh pale blue attire, very neat. Around his
waist a belt inset with twenty-four pieces of jade, black hair hanging
halfway down to his shoulders, the facial features, though not considered
handsome, gave people a kind of very easy to get along with feeling. At the
corners of his mouth he continuously wore a slight smile.

If saying the boy looked gentle and ordinary, then the girl at his side
looked not as common.

Black, silky smooth long hair combed out into a neat scorpion braid,
even though it was a braid, it still hung down to her lower back, compared
to the boy she must still be a little bit taller, wearing small pink clothes,
tightly covering a figure already begun developing, if speaking of the chest,
still said to be inadequately developed, but her small, slender waist could
cause countless women envy.

Tall, slender and taut legs wrapped up in trousers, the perfect golden
ratio proportions, even though her age appeared not old, her face was still
childish, but perfectly round little buttocks were already somewhat hinted
at.

The natural shape of curved eyebrows, a pair of big, bright and

intelligent eyes matching a somewhat round soft and fair little face, not only
pretty, also giving people a somewhat charming feeling, the word lovely
seemingly made to measure her. That boy standing at her side, was long ago
concealed by her intangible radiance.

The girl raised her hand, wiping her slightly moist forehead and
somewhat grumbling said: “Finally reached this Suotuo City. I truly don’t
know what Grandmaster thought, obviously quite a few intermediate Spirit
Master academies expressed they would unconditionally recruit us, yet he
asked you to come take the examination here at a worn down academy that
doesn’t even separate grades.”

The boy smiled slightly, saying: “Teacher asked me to come take the
examination, but did not ask you to come, who asked you to insist on
following? Fortunately Balak Kingdom borders the Fasinuo Region, if not
wouldn’t you have been complaining even more?”

The girl stared coldly at the boy, “Truly without conscience, everything
is not for your sake. Who asked you to be my big brother? Anyway, the day
after tomorrow we can take the examination. No matter what, you must
accompany me to play in Suotuo City for these two days, make good the
injuries to my young and small heart.”

The boy couldn’t help but laugh and said: “The formidable Nuoding
Academy’s supreme sister for six years in a row, still has a young and small
heart? Let those younger brothers of yours see that, I do not know whether
they would immediately go jump into the river57.”

This boy and girl were of course Tang San and Xiao Wu from the
Nuoding Primary Spirit Master Academy.

Five years’ time had passed and they at long last successfully graduated
from the Nuoding Primary Spirit Master Academy. Of course with their
talents, Nuoding Academy intended to recommend they immediately enter
an Intermediate Spirit Master Academy, even to the extent of having several
famous academies issue invitation letters, giving an abundance of places to
choose from.

But Grandmaster demanded Tang San turn down the invitations, and go
to this southern Suotuo City place known as Shrek Academy58 to enter for
examination.

Six years of instruction, regarding Grandmaster, Tang San long ago

already respected him like a father, let alone understanding him, what
Grandmaster asked him to do was certainly for his good. Therefore, he
complied without the slightest hesitation.

Over the past six years, Tang San and Xiao Wu’s relationship long ago
became close like blood siblings; if Tang San chose here, then Xiao Wu
naturally also followed.
When leaving the academy, Grandmaster told Tang San he had to go to
the imperial capital, then afterward would come find them.

The six years in Nuoding, was to Tang San an extremely rich six years:
morning classes, afternoon work, evening cultivation, practically without
free time. At twelve years old he already no longer resembled that
originally frail appearance. Working in the smithy every day gave him a
healthy and strong physique, although looking at him he could not be
considered majestic, the body covered by the fresh clothing was full of
explosive and forceful muscle.
Xiao Wu pouting said: “Regardless, do you promise?”
Tang San laughed, saying: “As you want. Only having traveled so far,
aren’t you tired? We should first find a place to stay and speak again. Also
it’s almost noon, so eat first, right?”

Xiao Wu smiling said: “This is just about right.”

Tang San very rarely went against her words. Ever since the two people
established a sibling relationship, he all along took care of her like a big
brother, although he was very busy, the unexpectedly displayed
consideration still gave Xiao Wu a pleasurable kind of feeling.
Suotuo City compared to Nuoding City was much bigger and naturally
also must be much livelier. On the street, patrolling soldiers could be seen
everywhere, a bustling stream of people were passing by nonstop.
The two first simply ate some small things and afterward looked for a
place to stay. Soon Xiao Wu discovered a very unique hotel.

The hotel was three floors tall and although the size could not be
considered too large, the exterior adornment was completely rose red, the
entire hotel building style was like an enormous rose, very easily able to
give people looking at it a certain feeling.
“Rose Hotel. Little San, we’ll stay here.”

Xiao Wu pointed.
Tang San unnecessarily said: “I heard you.”

Working these several years, adding to the stipend given by Spirit Hall,
he by now could be considered as having some savings. Xiao Wu never
cared about any amount of money, spending extravagantly, so in order to
not let her overspend, she simply let Tang San hold her income, letting him
put it away. Having him control some, she still could save a little.
Walking into the Rose Hotel, the first sensation was a smell of rose
fragrance, a scent penetrating deeply into the heart and bringing a
somewhat hidden warmth, making people’s hearts free from worry.
The interior decorations of the hotel only had three kinds of color:
white, silver and rose-red, warm and unique, very easily giving people a
good feeling.
Tang San walked up before the counter, “Can I trouble you to give us
two rooms?”
The clerk behind the counter hastily stood up, taking a look at Tang San,
again looking at Xiao Wu, eyes revealing an envious light, “Sir, must it
truly be two rooms?”
Tang San nodded, “Is something wrong?”

The clerk’s eyes showed some uncertainty, “I’m sorry, we only have one
room remaining here.”

Part 3

“One room?”

Tang San frowned, as a two-lifetimes person, the little time sharing a

bed with Xiao Wu did not feel significant, but after all by now these two
had gradually both developed grown figures, he could still very clearly
remember the words about no direct contact between men and women.
The clerk said with emphasis, “Yes, ah, only one. However, you be at
ease, all our rooms are very big and the facilities have everything one might
expect, more than sufficient for two people staying.”
Speaking, he also gave Tang San an expression that could only be
sensed and not explained in words. Of course, Tang San was unable to
make sense of it.
Xiao Wu said with a big grin: “That one room is fine. When we were at
Nuoding, didn’t we always stay in the same dormitory? Like this. We can
still save a little money to buy beautiful clothes.”
 Tang San couldn’t help but shake his head, he was not an obstinate
person, at worst he would sleep on the floor, at night would also cultivate,
that could be the best sleep.
“Fine, I’ll trouble you to give me this room.”

Just when the clerk was helping Tang San put in order the formalities, a
voice out of nowhere interrupted the clerk’s actions.
“I say, that room should belong to me, right.”

Tang San and Xiao Wu simultaneously turned around to look, only to

find three people appearing behind them, walking over toward the counter.

These three people were one man and two women. The two girls
gorgeously dressed, looking to be seventeen or eighteen years old, figures
tall and slender, compared to Xiao Wu still a bit taller, but what caused the
most surprise, their features were unexpectedly exactly alike, they were
actually twins.
But Tang San’s gaze did not fall on those two stunning beauties, what
attracted his attention was the man walking in the middle.

The man was about 1.8 meters tall, compared to him he would be half a
head taller, appearing not that old, even to the extent that he should be a bit
younger than the two young women behind him, broad shoulders, features
handsome and somewhat resolute, a head of long golden hair unrolling
behind him, falling down nearly to his waist. His hair did not curl and hung
straight down.

Most eye-catching were his eyes, those were a pair of evil eyes, both
eyes unexpectedly had twin pupils, within the deep blue eyes was a very
cold gaze, a kind of icy cold evolving from the depths of the heart, an evil
light glimmering between half open eyelids, under his gaze, the whole body
felt like being cut by a sharp sword.
With extremely handsome features matching this kind of pair of eyes,
this kind of man, regardless of where would be a focus of people’s
attention.
 He was very powerful, this was Tang San’s first thought after seeing this
person.
The twin young women held the arms of that man with twin pupils, he
also took no notice of Tang San, his gaze after sweeping across Xiao Wu’s
body, flashed a trace light of astonishment, but this was only a passing
glimmer, nothing more.
Walking up before the counter, looking at the clerk, the youth said: “You
are newly arrived, right. Unaware to nevertheless leave one room here for
me?”
The clerk was stunned a moment and probingly asked: “You are?”

The man with the twin pupils somewhat impatiently said: “Call out your
manager.”

The clerk under the man’s gaze, feeling a peal of cold, hurriedly went in
back to call his superior.
Tang San coolly said: “Elder brother, seems we were here first.”

The twin-pupil man did not even turn his head, only coldly said: “So
what?”

He habitually did not face people when explaining.

Tang San’s temperament was considered mild, but Xiao Wu could not
take being bullied and in a flash she already came to Tang San’s side, “No
how, so you scram.”
The man with the twin pupils finally turned, evil, ice-cold gaze falling
on Xiao Wu, nodding, “Very good, for a very long time there was nobody
who dared speak like this to me. Your bodies also have spirit power
fluctuations, should be Spirit Masters. Then you together, if you strike me I
will immediately leave, otherwise, you please demonstrate at once this
scramming.”
Hearing the words of the man with the twin pupils, the twin young
women at his side couldn’t help having silly smiles, appearing to have not a
bit of worry, cutely letting go of the man’s arms, retreating to one side.
Just at this time, that previous clerk already brought out a middle-aged
man from the back, he had obviously heard the twin-pupil man’s dialogue
with Tang San and Xiao Wu, face wearing an anxious expression, “Let me
speak, let me speak, by no means fight.”

The twin-pupil man gave him an oblique look, “Manager Wang, you are
currently more willing to do business, ah?”
Manager Wang wiped the sweat on his head, with a smile said: “Young
master Dai, by all means do not say so, it’s all a no-good subordinate, this
kid just came yesterday, unaware of the rules, please excuse me, please
excuse me. I will immediately arrange a room for you.”

Speaking, he turned his head towards Tang San and Xiao Wu, his whole
face apologetic, saying: “I beg your pardon, two visitors. That room was
booked by young master Dai, please choose another store.”

If it was according to Tang San’s temper, he would let it be. With so

many hotels, he did not care about changing stores. But Xiao Wu’s
temperament was motivated by a desire to see the world in chaos and would
not so easily compromise.
“We will not yield, so what? Bloody snobby creatures. Do not think we
will be bullied because we’re young.”

Young master Dai snorted coldly, “Even if you wanted to yield it, it is
not so easy, cursing me, wanting to leave can’t happen.”

“Young master Dai, young master Dai, you......”

Manager Wang was greatly anxious, his face had a pleading expression.

Young master Dai’s eyes held a fierce light, “Less nonsense. Consider
all damages on me.”
Used to being regarded as Nuoding Academy’s elder sister leader, Xiao
Wu seeing the other side with this kind of arrogant expression was
immediately about to rush out and strike.
Tang San caught Xiao Wu’s shoulder, “Leave it to me.”

Xiao Wu discontentedly said: “Why? I will do it myself, I will hit him

so his even mother doesn’t recognize him.”

Tang San wrinkled his brow, saying: “As a girl, your language should be
a bit neater. Did you forget what I said before, I will always protect you.
This is a matter between men.”

He did not let Xiao Wu fight, first because he felt the other side was
formidable, fearing Xiao Wu would come to harm. Second, if they really
lost, he would rather be humiliated himself rather than let Xiao Wu be
humiliated by the other side.

Part 4

Hearing the words ‘I will always protect you’, Xiao Wu’s indignant
expression relaxed, looking at Tang San she said: “Then you be careful.”
“No need to argue, I said you two together.”

Young master Dai said impatiently.

Tang San, free from conceit and arrogance, took two steps forward,
“Kindly advise me.”
 Young master Dai with an evil light in his eyes, right fist suddenly
lifted, accompanying a frontal rush, went straight for a strike at Tang San’s
chest. His movements were very simple, without any flourishes, but Tang
San’s expression changed. Because the opponent’s fist’s momentum in a
flash already reached the peak effect of physical force and speed. Without
plentiful combat experience how could this bit also be possible?
This time Tang San could in no way retreat, the opponent’s momentum
could thereupon suddenly rise, this would only cause the fist’s power to
further increase. Therefore, he not only did not retreat, but on the contrary
moved forward. Right foot in a flash advancing a step, this step cut across
as much as three meters, immediately drawing close to his opponent, Tang
San’s goal was very simple, he must disrupt the opponent’s offensive
rhythm.
Similarly wielding his right fist, Tang San’s hand in a blink of an eye
became smooth and milky white like jade.
With a muffled peng sound, young master Dai’s forward rushing body
came to a sudden stop, but Tang San uncontrollably had to withdraw four or
five steps backward to be able to come to a stop.
Young master Dai’s eyes revealed an astonished light, he clearly had not
thought that someone several years his junior would be able to stop his fist.
Making young master Dai most astonished was Tang San’s fist, in attack
power he clearly held the advantage, but currently his right hand ached to
the point of splitting apart, Tang San’s fist seemed to be as hard as copper
molded on cast iron.
Would Tang San not also be astonished? One must know, his fist not
only included the Mysterious Heaven skill’s internal strength, but his
physical power in itself also did not in any way match his age, working as a
blacksmith for years made his physical strength far above the average
person, adding onto the Mysterious Jade Hand’s properties, three great
advantages mixing, and he still lost.
The opponent’s physical power was very strong, but not that kind of
fierce strength, rather a condensed strength, as if all the physical power he
possessed was condensed into the size of a fist, in a flash erupting in a
shocking force that already caused the qi and blood in Tang San’s body to
roil.
“Good. Able to receive my fist, you have the qualifications to be my
opponent.”
Young master Dai coldly shouted, body again preparing for action. This
time, his attack was not so simple: his entire person flew forward, instantly
already reaching Tang San, four limbs bizarrely spreading open, looking
like the whole body up and down was full of openings, but his four limbs
all moved slightly, seemingly having boundless delayed moves.
Tang San’s expression already became extremely imposing, both knees
slightly bent, toes simultaneously buckling in, left arm from outside circling
in, right arm from inside pushing out, adopting a very peculiar posture.
This strike of young master Dai’s could be said to be the unique skill
that made his name, regardless of how the opponent tried to resist the
attack, he had many methods to respond, within the seemingly vulnerable
movements was contained a profound attack technique, all four limbs could
turn into weapons.
But when his attack was ready to unfold, unexpectedly, an intangible
force came through from underneath. That power seemed very tenacious,
without any powerful force of impact, but pure toughness. Young master
Dai was in midair with nowhere to borrow force, so only felt his body to his
surprise forcibly brought to deviate from his original course by that force,
falling to one side, his attack naturally lost its aim.
‘What was that force?’ The amazed thought flashed past in young
master Dai’s mind. But his fighting experience was extremely abundant,
with a tiger waist twist in midair, body revolving sideways all the way
around, he firmly landed on the ground.
But at this time, Tang San’s attack started. He chose just the right
moment, exactly in the moment the young master Dai’s legs touched down,
which was also when it was the most difficult to issue strength.
Using Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track, looking like three disjointed
steps, Tang San already reached young master Dai’s side, both palms
simultaneously clapping out, moving towards young master Dai’s both
shoulders.
In young master Dai’s eyes flashed an evil light, the four pupils
seemingly simultaneously glittering at once. With an exhaling sound, both
shoulders shrugging back, both fists then striking out, simultaneously lifting
and striking towards Tang San’s elbows. Unyielding fist strength in midair
repeatedly issuing audible cracks, one could see these two fists contained
great physical strength.
At the same time as both fists struck, young master Dai’s right leg shot
up in a flash, under these close-range circumstances, he unexpectedly
kicked directly at Tang San’s chin, one could see how good his flexibility
was. Whether his pair of fists or right leg, had any one attack hit, as he
exceeded Tang San’s attack strength, he would immediately make Tang San
lose fighting strength.
But would Tang San let him have his wish? Don’t forget, this could be
Tang San’s specialty.
The palms pushing down towards young master Dai’s shoulders lost
their aim along with the other side withdrawing his shoulders, but Tang
San’s hands did not withdraw, only simultaneously swiped downwards. In
the swiped area, the tough hidden force young master Dai felt before
appeared once again and his upper arms were at once driven out to two
sides, both fists exploding out also only glanced off Tang San’s arms to the
side, unable to hit their target.
At the same time as swiping with both hands, Tang San’s left leg in a
flash stepped ahead one step, body inclining to one side, shoulder striking
straight at young master Dai’s chest, he in this way moving sideways, also
at the right moment let young master Dai kick up that leg, everything
seemed to be calculated well.
 Right now, young master Dai’s leg, already without space to dodge, also
experienced the other side’s attack with both hands erasing physical force
and immediately was at a disadvantage.
With a muffled peng sound, Tang San’s shoulders abruptly rammed
young master Dai’s chest, as the spectating twin young women cried out in
alarm, young master Dai’s body in a flash flew back, facing upwards,
issuing a backward somersault, flying back no less than five meters before
falling down.

Tang San without following up, calmly looked at young master Dai
fallen on the ground. From coming into contact with the other party’s chest
he knew, he certainly did not hold much of an advantage.

Part 5

The moment he was struck, young master Dai’s chest muscles abruptly
became hard as iron, although because of the advantage young master Dai
was thrown, from that hard meeting hard his own shoulder also had a
burning ache.

Young master Dai’s expression was somewhat embarrassed, he had no

choice but to admit that just now he took the enemy lightly. This youth’s,
who looked several years younger compared to him, actual power was
much greater than what he imagined.
“Still want to go on?” Tang San calmly asked.
 Young master Dai’s evil eyes rose, “Of course. Very good, you can force
me to use spirit power, this competition is already my loss. However,
properly measuring strength against you a few times, how can I not be
willing? Regardless of the results of competition, today afterwards I give
this room to you.”
Young master Dai’s evil eyes revealed not anger and hate, but a kind of
peculiar light, if insisting on using words to explain it, the four words ‘thrill
of the hunt’ was perhaps the most suitable. His current expression was like
seeing a beautiful woman, shoulders quivering minutely, both arms lifting.
Tang San’s eyes were also gradually brightening. He realized, young
master Dai in front of him was alike, if before calling him ice-coldly
disdainful, then the current him was filled with fiery battle anticipation all
over.

“White tiger, body enhancement.”

A layer of intense pale light abruptly erupted out from all over his body,
young master Dai’s both arms simultaneously spread to either side,
throwing out his chest, the entire body’s skeleton making a cracking sound,
muscles abruptly swelling, filling out the clothes to the point of bursting.
Every muscle under the clothes became exceedingly distinct, even the
atmosphere on his side seemed to already become irritable.
The full head of blonde hair in an eye blink changed to alternating black
and white, white constituting the majority, in its several black locks
especially clear. On his forehead appeared four faint lines, three horizontal
and one vertical, just right to form the character for ‘king’59.

His hands changed the most, to no less than twice the size compared to
before, white fur covered the entire back of the hand, shooting from the ten
fingers short dagger-like talons continuously stretched out and withdrew
from within the hand. Each talon was like the edge of a knife, length no less
than eight cun60, glimmering with a dim, dazzling gleam.
Young master Dai’s body slowly bent over, four pupils all becoming
thoroughly deep blue, giving people a feeling like that of a killing machine.
 Under his feet, three glittering rings of light rose up in succession,
quietly ascending, two yellow and one purple spirit rings moving around,
surging spirit power forming like waves and blowing out.
“Thousand-year spirit ring.”
Xiao Wu cried out in alarm, expression immediately somewhat
flustered. Wanting to advance to fight shoulder to shoulder with Tang San,
but stopped by Tang San.
Among spirit rings, white represented a ten-year, yellow represented
hundred-year, purple represented thousand-year. This youth before them
called young master Dai actually already possessed a third spirit ring, and
also among them still had what was a thousand-year existence. One must
know, looking on the surface, his age compared to Tang San and Xiao Wu
was merely three or four year’s older, that was all.
Three spirit rings meant that young master Dai’s rank had at least
reached thirty, also to say, he was a Spirit Elder and was a battle Spirit Elder
possessing a powerful beast spirit.

“Dai Mubai, Spirit: White Tiger, 37th-ranked Battle Spirit Elder. Kindly
advise me.”
Among the domineering power, Dai Mubai announced his spirit and
rank, this represented a desire for a formal challenge.
Before the tremendous pressure, Tang San also started becoming
different, the violent impulses hidden deep in his heart gradually emerged,
eyes covered by a layer of faint purple, slowly raising his right hand.

Deep blue light suddenly surged out, a cluster of deep blue grass
abruptly grew from his palm, each blade of grass very tenuous, but on the
surface covered with serpent lines, the blades of grass no longer had the
previous flat shape, but became cylindrical and if watching carefully, one
was able to clearly see on these blades of grass were covered with fine little
thorns.
 Milky white light rose up from all over Tang San’s body and as if those
deep blue blades of grass received some stimulation, abruptly enlarged, in
the blink of an eye already became as thick as a person’s arm, just like
rattan. The black snake lines glimmered with faint light, moving quickly
like ten big snakes spiralling around Tang San’s body.
Two yellow spirit rings simultaneously rose up from under Tang San’s
feet, orbiting his body.

“Tang San, Spirit: Blue-Silver Grass, 29th-ranked Tool Spirit

Grandmaster. Kindly advise me.”
Dai Mubai’s eyebrows, that like his hair had turned white, rose at once,
“Your spirit is only a blue-silver grass?”
Tang San spoke Grandmaster’s original words: “‘There are no good-for-
nothing spirits, only good-for-nothing Spirit Masters.’”
Since Tang San entered Nuoding Primary Spirit Master Academy, Dai
Mubai’s was the second most powerful spirit he encountered. Only
originally with the Nuoding Academy dean, under Grandmaster’s invitation
at the time helping him together obtain the second spirit ring, that he
witnessed the actual strength of a 42nd rank tool Spirit Ancestor. But that
dean’s age long ago already exceeded fifty and Dai Mubai before him was
probably sixteen or seventeen years old, that was all.
No wonder, no wonder his relying on physical and internal strength
adding to Mysterious Jade Hand when first colliding with him fell short,
this was the absolute gap of physical strength.
This person before him could be said to be the most formidable
opponent Tang San had encountered, Tang San was very clear on the large
difference of one spirit ring, especially when the opponent’s third spirit ring
was a thousand-year level. Whether added property and ability, it was all
not something his two rings could match. This fight, Tang San was without
any certainty, perhaps it would let him put to use his most secret ability,
then he could have the power to contend.
 “Well spoken, ‘there are no good-for-nothing spirits, only good-for-
nothing Spirit Masters’. I have been instructed, this blue-silver grass spirit
of yours is so peculiar.”
Dai Mubai moved, after spirit body enhancement, he seemingly
completely became another person, white hair just now fluttered up, his
body brimming with explosive power already reached in front of Tang San.
Both hands’ ten finger-talons simultaneously emerged, raking towards
Tang San’s body.

Part 6

Tang San practically without hesitation retreated lightning quick, using

Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track, dodging Dai Mubai’s attack by a hair’s
breadth and simultaneously, his released blue-silver grass spirit also very
quickly moved up, a circle of thick, blue and black vines spiralling out,
from all directions surging towards Dai Mubai’s body. But Tang San
himself, like he was hidden among the vines quietly disappeared.
In Dai Mubai’s evil eye light flashed continuously, entire body covered
by surging spirit power, both hands dancing beneath, the vines rushing to
his side one by one cut open.

He originally intended to directly cut off these thick vines of the blue-
silver grass, but he realized with a shock, these vines were unexpectedly
extremely tough, with his added 37th-ranked spirit power’s tiger claws,
when swinging at the vines he could only cut halfway through and was
unable to completely cut free. But in a very short time of the vines leaving
the tiger claw’s range, it could very quickly heal itself.
A faint sweet tea fragrance spread among the vines. These vines were
seemingly inexhaustible, unceasingly welling out from all directions, even
though both Dai Mubai’s strength and speed were substantially increased
under the effect of the spirit, he still could not rush out of the range of the
vines.
This was blue-silver grass? Dai Mubai was greatly astounded, he had
never thought that blue-silver grass could be this fierce, the opponent
compared to him had one less spirit ring, yet blue-silver grass was able to
temporarily entangle him, if their spirit rings were equal, then this fight’s
victor would be very hard to tell.
Dai Mubai was never a patient person and his love to outshine others
was particularly powerful, his intense gaze abruptly shone, Dai Mubai’s evil
eyes suddenly became white, among the three spirit rings over his body, the
first spirit ring abruptly radiated greatly, taking the form of a white light
cover, blocking the vines around him so they were unable to approach his
body.
Immediately following, the second spirit ring on his body also shone, a
huge white light in a flash condensed, accompanying Dai Mubai a tiger roar
and a milky white ball of light shot out of his mouth.

The abilities which Dai Mubai’s first two spirit rings added were
separately, White Tiger Shield Body Barrier as well as White Tiger Intense
Light Wave, right now launched simultaneously, instantly unfolding their
terrible might.
Looking from the outside, Dai Mubai’s body was already surrounded by
the enormous vines, but just when Xiao Wu slightly relaxed her breath,
suddenly, countless white lights from in the crevices of the vines abruptly
shot out, immediately following, a dull roar abruptly exploded.
The blue-silver grass forming vines scattered broken in all directions, a
formidable shock wave swept across the Rose Hotel hall in complete
disorder.
The spirit was one with the host, Tang San’s expression instantly paled,
retreating a step to be able to stand steady.
The white light gradually disappeared, revealing Dai Mubai’s majestic
figure, tattered blue-silver grass also began to condense again by Tang San’s
side, but the quantity compared to before was already a lot less.
“Tang San, beast spirits’ attack strength will always be more powerful
compared to tool spirits. Although the power of your blue-silver grass
surprised me, in the end it still is unable to pin me down.”
Tang San smiled weakly, saying: “That is certain.”
Suddenly, on Tang San’s body the second spirit ring abruptly shone, Dai
Mubai’s body abruptly stiffened at once, a layer of fine vines that had
appeared on his body at some unknown time, following Tang San’s second
spirit ring’s great release of light, in a flash grew, firmly binding Dai
Mubai’s body therein.
The piercing thorns on the vines, although very short, continuously
tightened down, bringing Dai Mubai’s whole body severe pain; at the same
time, he realized his body unexpectedly began to go numb.

Long ago when Tang San still had not reached the 20th rank,
Grandmaster already thought well on from what kind of spirit beast his
second spirit ring must be hunted.
Tang San’s second spirit ring was from a kind of plant-system spirit
beast called Ghost Vine, the second spirit ring’s highest assimilation spirit
ring age was 764 years, this Ghost Vine spirit ring Tang San obtained
surpassed at least six hundred years of cultivation.

Ghost Vine was a kind of exceedingly horrifying plant-system spirit

beast, it had extremely powerful nerve poison, one need only be stung by its
piercing thorns and poison would immediately circulate, until dissolving
into pus water, becoming the Ghost Vine’s fertilizer. Also, what Spirit
Masters feared the most was the Ghost Vine’s parasitic ability. When it
attacked, it would by its own accord send out countless minute seeds,
directly attaching to the victim’s body; the Ghost Vine alone provided
enough capabilities, or else as these seeds absorbed sufficient nutrients, they
would grow on the parasite host’s body and as nerve poison spread in a
short while, the effect would be the same.
Obtaining this more than 600-year Ghost Vine spirit ring, even if it was
Nuoding Academy’s dean, that 42nd-rank tool Spirit Ancestor, also took a
lot of trouble, relying on himself rather than mutually restraining the spirit
and could not easily subdue it, letting Tang San deliver the final killing
strike.
After obtaining the Ghost Vine’s spirit ring, Tang San’s own properties
substantially elevated in all aspects, the blue spirit grass became even
tougher and also turned similar to the Ghost Vine’s outward appearance,
only the color and veined pattern maintained its original appearance. And
its poison also became nerve paralyzing, its effect greatly increased, even if
it was in the air the volatile smell could also give rise to a certain effect.
And the ability the Ghost Vine’s spirit ring gave Tang San was a
parasitic nature.
By infusing spirit power, the Ghost Vine’s parasitic ability’s activated
effect surpassed the original Ghost Vine itself, under spirit power infusion,
parasite seeds would grow in an instant, being unable to guard against. It
could be said to be an extremely insidious control ability.

Both blue-silver grass’s toughness, from the 37th rank Dai Mubai with
his white tiger blade was unable to completely cut it apart could be seen, he
in the end was still underestimating Tang San, underestimating blue-silver
grass, therefore at the end of the road.
Seeing Dai Mubai with an astonished look in his eyes, Tang San said:
“My blue-silver grass is poisonous, before you should already have inhaled
some, also launching and emitting powerful sprit power attack abilities to
cut open my blue-silver grass binding was sure to cause your internal blood
and qi to circulate faster, causing the poison to take effect even faster. Like
this, although you yourself did not feel anything, in fact the surface of the
skin already began to become somewhat numb, unable to discover the blue-
silver grass parasite seeds. Therefore, you lose.”
Dai Mubai looked at Tang San, right now other than his head, his entire
body was already wrapped under blue-silver grass, in his evil eyes an
ominous glint continuously sparkling, “Good, what a blue-silver grass. If I,
the same as you, only had two spirit rings, then I really would have lost, as
my body is already numb, it’s very difficult to struggle free from the blue-
silver grass. But, after all compared to you, I have one more spirit ring. I
will still let you have a look at my third spirit ring’s ability.”
The purple ring of light flashed in the blink of an eye, around Dai
Mubai’s body the air became distorted, his evil eye suddenly turning blood
red, immediately following, the blue-silver grass binding his body suddenly
expanded, and with a loud bang, all of the blue-silver grass binding him,
consisting of parasitic blue-silver grass seeds, completely burst into broken
bits.
Dai Mubai’s body, unexpectedly appeared to have changed a second
time.
Tang San inhaled a cold breath, “Is this a thousand-year spirit ring
ability?”
 Translator’s Notes

1. ⏎ (幽冥狼) or ‘dark/gloomy/netherworld wolves’

2. ⏎ Mantouluo she (曼陀罗蛇) a datura is a poisonous evening blooming

flower. The word is only one nearly homophonic character away from
the word for mandala (曼荼罗) mantuluo.

3. ⏎ A cun is ⅓ m. A Chinese saying goes ‘beating the snake strike seven

cun’ (打蛇要打七寸), supposedly that is where its weakness is. This
doesn’t work for most snakes.

4. ⏎ (骨) I have no idea either, so I may come back and change the term
once he does explain it.

5. ⏎ Shaluomanshe (沙罗曼蛇) uses some of the same characters as

‘Datura Snake’. Not sure why the shift here, whether it’s a typo or
referring to snakes like this is common in Chinese. The only reference
to the word I can find is a Japanese arcade shooter from ’86, if I look
up ‘salamander’ in the dictionary I get several results and this is not
one. Literal translation would be something like ‘sand luo long snake’,
compared to datura which could be ‘terrain long luo snake’.

6. ⏎ Onomatopoeia for certain animal sounds; quacking, croaking,

cawing, etc.

7. ⏎ ‘San Pao’

8. ⏎ (江湖) ‘Lakes and rivers’, originally a term for the wilderness

between civilized cities, that later came to be refered to the figurative
society of people who belonged there, bandits, outlaws, beggars, people
who traveled for work, and also martial artists.
 9. ⏎ (甩手箭) Literally ‘Throw Hand Arrow’, but that makes even less
sense and that cat has been poking around the same spot on the other
side of the road for hours now.

10. ⏎ Clanking onomatopoeia.

11. ⏎ 3尺 = 1 meter.

12. ⏎ Idiom meaning ‘old institutions die hard’, used a bit more literally
here.

13. ⏎ He’s quoting Deng Xiaoping theory (1978).

14. ⏎ Rumbling onomatopoeia.

15. ⏎ Gurgling (like a stream) onomatopoeia.

16. ⏎ Energy center, two fingers below the navel, where the qi resides.

17. ⏎ Missing one character here, but I’ll assume it’s the same idiom.
Meaning is ‘not giving up for lost’.

18. ⏎ 1.33 meters

19. ⏎ Also called the Three Treasures, in Chinese medicine the three
essential energies that sustain human life.

20. ⏎ Three characters in the original text, in case that matters later.

21. ⏎ (萧老大)

22. ⏎ Idiom: a state of mutual hostility.

23. ⏎ (柳龙) literally ‘Willow Dragon’

24. ⏎ As an aside, the characters for ‘long staff’ (长棍) also translates into
‘baguette’, which somewhat changed the tone of my initial translation.
25. ⏎ This taunt really doesn’t translate well, so you get a full footnote
instead. His name is Willow (liu 柳) and she suggests they rename him
(Canhua-Bailiu 残花败柳), an expression which literally translates to
‘faded flowers and withered willows’ but is an idiomatic expression for
‘fallen women’. So she’s rather cleverly saying that if he loses he’s a
prostitute, and insulting his entire clan in passing.

26. ⏎ Idiom: having spent all its strength.

27. ⏎ (凌风) Literal translation is possibly ‘high wind’, ‘rising wind’,

‘insulting wind’ or ‘approaching wind’. Take your pick.

28. ⏎ (一记凤点头) I really have no idea what to make of this. Could also
be a chicken nod, so probably bending forward at the waist like a
pecking chicken.

29. ⏎ (妈的) Literally ‘mother’s’, but it’s short for (肏你妈的屄) which
translates as ‘fuck your mother’s vagina’.

30. ⏎ (萧尘宇) might be literally translated like ‘desolate dust world’,

which indicates cheerful parents.

31. ⏎ (城主) or ‘city lord’, ‘city master’, etc.

32. ⏎ Idiom: reaching the point of no return.

33. ⏎ (不丁不八) Not arranged as 丁 or 八. So like this.

34. ⏎ (大姐大) Term for female boss, but this seems appropriate.

35. ⏎ Subject to change once I have a better description.

36. ⏎ (马修诺) Literally ‘Horse Write Promise’, among many other

possible translations.

37. ⏎ (丝丝) Or maybe ‘Suzy’. A literal translation might be ‘Silk’.

38. ⏎ (大哥) ‘Eldest brother’ style suffix.

39. ⏎ (石三) Literally ‘Stone Three’

40. ⏎ (石头) Rock

41. ⏎ ½ 尺 = ⅙ meter

42. ⏎ Luan pi feng chui fa (乱披风锤法)

43. ⏎ (狐狸精) Euphemism for a seductive woman.

44. ⏎ (小三哥) Xiao San Ge, the last particle implies an older brother type
person, the equivalent of Xiao Wu-jie.

45. ⏎ (年糕) new year’s cake is a homonym to (粘糕) sticky cake and is
sticky and sweet. Compare to Japanese mochi.

46. ⏎ (古井不波) Idiom, basically ‘a dry well will not be in turmoil’, so I

guess a manner of disinterest from his long experience and age.

47. ⏎ Jiejie (姐姐) The same particle as in Xiao Wu-jie.

48. ⏎ Meimei (妹妹) Particles follow the same rules as older sister.

49. ⏎ In RAW ‘a trace of a faint slight smile’.

50. ⏎ Ge (哥) Indicates an older brother-type person. Use twice to

expressly say ‘big brother’.

51. ⏎ 3 寸 = 10 cm

52. ⏎ (巴拉克王国)

53. ⏎ (昆德拉) Or Kun Dela

54. ⏎ (奥库拉) Or Ao Kula

55. ⏎ (巴拉克城)

56. ⏎ (索托城) Or maybe Soto City

57. ⏎ Tiaohe (跳河) suicide by jumping into a river and drowning.

58. ⏎ Shilaike (史莱克) Shrek/schreck is Yiddish/German for fear or

monster. This may be relevant later.

59. ⏎ Wang (王)

60. ⏎ 8寸 = 27 cm
 Credits

All rights belong to the author of the Douluo Dalu (斗罗大陆) web novel,
Tang Jia San Shao (唐家三少).

The original source can be found at douluodalu.com.cn.

Cover image from douluo123.com.

Volume 2 translated by Blue Silver Translations.

Chapters 8-14 by Bagelson

Some cleaning/editing and formatting by DrunkenShield.