Within the poisonous mist, Dai Mubai gazed at Tang San solemnly and spoke in a deep voice, "Xiao San, you need to think this through. That's a 10,000 Pit Demon Spider."
"It's far more dangerous than the Man-Faced Demon Spider you absorbed last time. I don't think it's necessary."
Ma Hongjun chimed in, "He's right, Tang San. Besides, there are clearly better options nearby. What about that 9,000-year-old Man-Faced Spider? It's a solid choice."
"Not only that, but it would also complement your Eight Spider Lances. There's even a chance it could trigger an evolutionary feedback after absorption."
"Heh, I'm surprised Fatty actually said something so insightful." Oscar looked genuinely shocked.
"Hmph! Did you think think I only knew how to laze around at the academy?" Ma Hongjun puffed out his chest. "I've been studying about soul beasts diligently! Honestly, you should know my judgment is reliable."
Unlike the others, Tang San remained calm, even smiling faintly. "True, my physique may not match Saber's, let alone Brother Tianyang's, but among us, I'm still the strongest."
"Even Rongrong managed to break through her limits. So why can't I challenge a 10,000 spirit ring?" He paused before adding, "Besides, the upcoming Continental Elite Young Soul Master Tournament will be packed with geniuses. If we don't have trump cards that far surpass theirs, how can we hope to win?"
"And right now, I'm the only one who can push beyond the conventional soul ring limits."
His gaze swept over the group, awaiting their response.
Apart from Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong, who were still absorbing their spirit rings, the others fell silent.
Ma Hongjun, Oscar, Dai Mubai—even Xiao Wu—understood his thoughts. Deep down, they agreed with his final point.
Finally, Xiao Wu spoke up. "Brother, I should remind you—the biggest difference between a 1,000 and a 10,000 spirit ring is the violent soul shock upon absorption."
"That impact is condensed from the resentment of the dead soul beast. It's terrifying. If your mind wavers even slightly during the process, the best-case scenario is turning into an idiot. The worst? Fatal hemorrhaging from all seven orifices."
Dai Mubai blinked in surprise. "Xiao Wu, who told you that?"
"That knowledge isn't even recorded in my family's archives. Did you consult Grandmaster and he explained it to you?"
"Boss Dai, are you confused?" Oscar rolled his eyes. "If Grandmaster knew, wouldn't he have taught Xiao San first instead of Xiao Wu?"
"Fair point." Dai Mubai nodded, though Xiao Wu's awkward expression made him wave it off. "Just curious. No need to explain if you don't want to."
He turned back to Tang San. "Xiao San, after hearing Xiao Wu's warning, what are your chances of success?"
Tang San's lips curved. "Ninety percent."
"What?! Even after that, you still have a ninety percent certainty?" Ma Hongjun's eyes widened. "You're not bluffing, are you?"
"If it weren't for Brother Tianyang, I wouldn't stand a chance." Tang San's smile deepened. "But have you forgotten? The herbs Brother Tianyang cultivates all share one trait—they nourish the soul."
"I've used three in total: two ingested, one applied externally. With that kind of reinforcement, if my soul isn't stable enough, then nothing is."
The realization dawned on them.
They had all consumed Xiao Tianyang's herbs, so they knew their effects firsthand.
Soul nourishment wasn't an instant boost but a gradual strengthening, like a slow simmer. Over time, the medicinal essence seeped into their souls, fortifying them steadily.
At first, they hadn't noticed. But now, as prodigies sensitive to their own growth, they could feel the difference.
If Tang San hadn't pointed it out, they might never have paid attention—after all, soul strength was rarely tested.
But now, considering his intake—two internal, one external—how could his soul be weaker than theirs?
His confidence wasn't baseless. He truly had a ninety percent chance of success.
"Still, even if you can handle the absorption, how do we capture that 10,000 soul beast?" Oscar spread his hands helplessly.
"For anything under 9,999 years, we might manage with effort. But beyond that? It's a whole different level."
"Exactly. If we try our usual methods, we won't be pulling the Pit Demon Spider in—it'll be dragging us out." Dai Mubai frowned. "Should we consult the dean?"
"Have you seen what the dean and the others are up to?" Ma Hongjun sighed, stepping aside to reveal the scene behind him.
The sight left everyone, including Tang San, speechless.
A tea set rested on a small stone table, with a charcoal fire beneath a steaming kettle.
Even their seating choice was impeccable—right beside the Youxiangqiluo (Fragrant Silk Beauty) Tang San had placed earlier.
The air there was not only fresh but lightly fragrant.
Ignoring the surrounding dangers, it was indeed a perfect spot for tea and conversation.
"Wow. The dean said he'd leave it to us, but I didn't expect him to literally sit back and relax." Oscar shook his head wryly. "I guess we're on our own."
"Then I'll have to devise a plan myself." Tang San rested his chin on his hand, deep in thought.
Anyone watching might've noticed—the gesture was strikingly similar to Xiao Tianyang's habit when pondering.
Of course, it wasn't imitation, just subconscious influence.
But just as they were racking their brains, the ground suddenly trembled, startling everyone—even the masters.
When they looked outside, their shock turned to horror.
Amid the panicking soul beasts, a shadowy figure moved with terrifying speed.
And then—a familiar sight.
A crack split the air.
"BOOM!"
A shockwave erupted, flinging the surrounding beasts aside like leaves in a storm.
Xiao Tianyang spun Cong Yunqie in his hand, the blade gleaming as it slashed outward.
The air filled with the sound of tearing flesh, blood spraying in arcs.
The scene was nothing short of brutal—a crimson rain.
Of course, strictly speaking, Xiao Tianyang had only inflicted superficial wounds. Agonizing, but not fatal.
The beasts retained over 90% of their combat strength.
Whether they'd fall prey to others afterward wasn't his concern.
His task was simple: weaken the Pit Demon Spider enough for Tang San to capture, then toss it in.
Once done, he could withdraw. But there was one condition—he'd only weaken it to the level of a thousand-year beast.
The rest was up to Tang San and the others.
'Xiao San, this is as far as I can help you!" Behind his mask, Xiao Tianyang allowed himself a faint smirk.
…
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