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Yu Tianheng slowly lowered his arm, his heart a swirl of conflicting emotions.
Yu Xiaogang turned around slowly, his hands clasped behind his back as he slightly tilted his head upward. "Tianheng, it's not time yet. From today's soul battle, you should have noticed something special about Xiao San."
"His Blue Silver Grass martial soul has reached its current strength under my guidance. Xiao San is my most accomplished disciple. I won't return to the family until he has grown strong enough."
He intended to use Tang San's future power to make a triumphant return to the family. By then, those who had once looked down on him would be proven wrong by his actions.
Yu Tianheng didn't know how to respond.
Was Tang San's Blue Silver Grass martial soul really that powerful? He didn't think so.
During the soul battle, what caused the Imperial Team's disadvantage was Tang San's hidden weapons.
If Qin Ming hadn't chosen to concede, the outcome of the battle might still have been uncertain. Moreover, Tang San's post-battle hostage-taking of Ye Lingling was enough to prove there was something wrong with his character.
Out of respect for Yu Xiaogang, Yu Tianheng kept these thoughts to himself.
Seeing him lost in thought, Yu Xiaogang smiled and said, "Tianheng, why don't you join Shrek Academy? Over the years, I've conducted more in-depth research on the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon martial soul. If you come to Shrek Academy, I can personally guide your cultivation."
"From today's soul battle, you must have seen the strength of Mubai and Xiao San. With your addition, the team's strength will rise significantly."
During the soul battle, Yu Tianheng had formed a favorable impression of Dai Mubai.
Their strengths were similar, and as both were aggressive system beast-type soul masters, they shared a mutual sense of respect.
Becoming teammates with Dai Mubai wasn't something he opposed, but could he abandon the rest of the Imperial Team for his own selfish desires?
After some thought, Yu Tianheng changed the subject. "Uncle Xiaogang, I can't leave just yet. Our team leader, Teacher Qin, has some issues. If I leave now, the others might face trouble."
"You're talking about Qin Ming?" Yu Xiaogang asked.
Yu Tianheng nodded.
A faint smile appeared on Yu Xiaogang's face as he continued, "Tianheng, Qin Ming is an alumnus of Shrek Academy. Not long ago, he visited us. However, I also feel that his actions were somewhat excessive."
Even if Qin Ming had a good relationship with Shrek Academy, shouldn't he have at least ensured the safety of his students before visiting Shrek Academy?
Moreover, Shrek Academy wasn't going anywhere—couldn't he have waited until tomorrow to visit?
However, for Shrek Academy to join the Tiandou Imperial Academy, they still needed Qin Ming's influence. Judging from Yu Tianheng's attitude, once he returned, he would likely immediately involve his family to confront Qin Ming.
As an elder, Yu Xiaogang advised, "Tianheng, listen to me. For now, don't take action against Qin Ming. He still plays a crucial role for Shrek Academy. After some time passes, you can have your family's strong members step in."
Qin Ming wasn't his student, so whether he lived or died was of no concern to Yu Xiaogang. But he was key to Shrek Academy obtaining a spot in the Soul Masters Tournament. For Tang San's sake, Qin Ming had to be protected for now.
Yu Tianheng didn't fully understand, but he instinctively trusted the other man. "Alright, tomorrow, I'll discuss this with the other students."
The uncle and nephew exchanged pleasantries for a long time, only parting reluctantly as dawn approached.
In their subsequent conversations, Yu Xiaogang didn't attempt to recruit Yu Tianheng further.
Shrek Academy would eventually move to the Tiandou Imperial Academy, leaving many future opportunities to bring Yu Tianheng into the fold.
---
Later that morning, after much deliberation, Flender finally made up his mind and agreed to join the Tiandou Imperial Academy, setting the departure date for one month later.
Among the Shrek Seven Monsters, the three new recruits who had been added later were mercilessly abandoned.
After all, once they reached the Tiandou Imperial Academy, finding talented students to fill the team wouldn't be a problem.
---
Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well
A night passed quietly, and Ning Tianchen successfully absorbed the Golden Dragon Fruit.
As the medicinal effects entered his body, a gentle force filled every vein in his body.
The absorption process was quite smooth. In front of him, the Seven Kill Sword began to emit golden light, and the dragon engraving on it gradually came to life.
Under the glow of the Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well's spring water, the dragon engraving shimmered brilliantly.
With the infusion of metallic energy, the blade of the Seven Kill Sword became extraordinarily sharp. A light swing could cut through hard steel.
"My spirit power level has broken through to Level 40." Feeling his body brimming with energy, Ning Tianchen couldn't help but feel excited.
Moreover, he believed that after absorbing a spirit ring, his spirit power level would far exceed Level 41.
(A/N: The second martial soul will evolve into the Nine-Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda—don't worry.)
For soul masters born with full spirit power, immortal herbs are the finest treasures.
After absorbing the immortal herb, Ning Tianchen felt that almost no bottlenecks would exist in his future cultivation.
Putting away his martial soul, he retrieved another immortal herb from his soul-guiding tool—the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew.
The Autumn Dew is a liquid secreted by the plant. Once all the dew is harvested, the plant withers.
Whether absorbing this immortal herb itself would enhance one's spirit power was still unknown.
The compendium of immortal herbs only recorded information about its dew; the herb itself had no documented effects. Moreover, in the original timeline, Tang San had only absorbed the dew.
For his fourth spirit ring, Ning Tianchen wanted to absorb a ten-thousand-year spirit ring.
During the absorption of a ten-thousand-year spirit ring, a soul master would endure soul fluctuations from the ring. With sufficient mental strength, these fluctuations could be easily mitigated.
Without hesitation, Ning Tianchen immediately consumed the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew.
The dew felt cool and slightly tangy as it entered his mouth. Once it reached his stomach, it quickly transformed into pure spiritual energy.
In Ning Tianchen's vision, the surrounding environment gradually became clearer. His field of view expanded at a visible rate.
---
Many days later, a hearty laugh echoed throughout the Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well.
Dugu Bo emerged from the wooden hut, stretching his body with a look of satisfaction.
How many years had it been since he last felt such physical ease?
Free from the burden of toxins, he felt as though he had become decades younger. His previously gray hair had turned black.
His spirit power level, which hadn't advanced for years, spontaneously broke through to Level 92 as the poison pill condensed.
"Old friend, congratulations," Ning Tianchen, who was cultivating within the Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well, raised his head and offered his congratulations.
Dugu Bo was overjoyed. "Little guy, I told you…"
Just as he bent down, he noticed that more than half of the medicinal herbs within the Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well had been cleared out. His expression froze instantly.
Ning Tianchen shrugged, feigning innocence. "You said that if I recognized these herbs, I could take them. Coincidentally, I have a compendium that details the uses of these herbs."
Dugu Bo was instantly furious. "But I never told you to clear the place out!"
Taking a deep breath, he waved his hand dismissively. "Forget it. The method to condense the poison pill is far more valuable than these unknown herbs. I'm not petty enough to hold a grudge against a young man."
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