Chapter 179: The Gap of the First Soul Ring, Part 5
From the very beginning of absorbing the spirit ring, Tang San was in intense pain. The tearing sensation that came from deep within his bones made the entire process unbearable. However, respecting his teacher's guidance, Tang San chose to trust in Yu Xiaogang's theories. With the solid foundation of his Xuantian Skill and the technique's ability to smoothly manage and balance the soul power flow, he managed to endure and ultimately absorb his predestined spirit ring.
Yu Xiaogang watched Tang San's strained, agonized expression with a hidden glee, his lips curling into a barely contained smirk. He quickly stifled it, glancing around cautiously he had no way of knowing if Tang Hao was secretly observing. Nevertheless, even if Tang Hao found out about the Mandala Snake spirit ring, Yu Xiaogang felt no real fear. He knew exactly what Tang Hao intended, which was to turn Tang San into a formidable weapon. The gentle approach of the origin based training would hardly suit that goal. What Tang Hao wanted was a return to the aggressive battle strengthening methods, even if the mainstream had largely abandoned them.
By the time the spirit ring absorption neared completion, the sky was already darkening.
"Looks like we'll need to camp here tonight," Yu Xiaogang muttered to himself, noting the fading sunlight.
As the spirit ring on Tang San's Blue Vine dimmed and stabilized, Yu Xiaogang's satisfaction grew. He hadn't expected Tang San to finish the absorption so quickly proof that this truly was a rare double martial soul genius. Opening his violet hued eyes, Tang San couldn't contain his excitement.
"Teacher, just as you predicted! My first skill is an entangling ability, and it's even gained the Mandala Snake's poison."
Yu Xiaogang nodded, feigning wisdom, and said,
"The abilities from lower level spirit beasts are often easier to predict, as they typically possess only a few set skills. With plant type spirits that can extend, the first ring is almost always an entangling ability. Show me, Tang San; I want to see the strength of your new ring."
Following his teacher's request, Tang San activated his first spirit skill. The vines in his hand surged forward, extending over ten meters to wrap around a distant tree. Yu Xiaogang, observing with satisfaction, praised him,
"Impressive. This is indeed the potential of a Blue Vine spirit at full innate spirit power. Most Blue Vine users with a four hundred year spirit ring could only extend to five or six meters at best. This spirit is well suited for control type development."
He then explained to Tang San the six main categories of combat styles within the spirit master ranks: control type, power attack type, agility attack type, support type, healing type, and food type. The control type, he added, is often the core and brain of a team, as they can restrict enemies and create opportunities for allies. Tang San, an eager learner, listened intently, absorbing all this new information.
Just then, a series of rapid footsteps approached. Alert, Tang San immediately rose to his feet and called out,
"Who's there?"
Yu Xiaogang also became guarded, well aware that other spirit masters could be far more dangerous than any soul beast.
The approaching figure stepped out of the shadows. It was none other than Ye Wen, followed by five wide eyed children who looked on with curiosity.
"Calm down, young man. Yu Xiaogang, surely you recognize me?" Ye Wen said, smiling.
Yu Xiaogang's eyes widened in astonishment. The man before him was none other than the renowned Ye Wen, a figure he had aspired to rival throughout his career a man whose scholarly contributions had already cemented his legacy in the history books. Although he himself was only one level away from reaching the Soul Emperor rank, Yu Xiaogang knew well that Ye Wen was no mere Soul Elder. After all, the man held power and influence over the Tianxing Academy, which operated under the protection of a formidable 98 level Tianxing Douluo an existence even his own clan head would respect. Quickly, he pulled Tang San into a respectful bow.
"Greetings, Master Ye Wen."
Tang San, while surprised by Yu Xiaogang's formality, followed suit, glancing up to observe Ye Wen more carefully, curiosity evident in his gaze. Ye Wen noted Tang San's assessing look and couldn't help but smile slightly, recognizing the boy's knack for masking his intentions behind his youthful demeanor.
"Yu Xiaogang, mind if I borrow some fire to cook a meal?"
Without hesitation, Yu Xiaogang made room, even setting up wooden seats for Ye Wen's young entourage. Although Ye Wen could have easily returned to the Tianxing Academy, he rarely had the chance to camp out with his children. A simple meal in the forest, sharing the experience with them, was a welcome change.
As he prepared the food, Ye Wen casually turned to Tang San, who had been watching him intently.
"Why are you staring, young man? Do I have something on my face?" he teased.
Tang San stammered, "No, no. It's just... you look very impressive, sir."
As someone who had always trained in isolation, Tang San found himself somewhat out of his element around strangers. Following good manners, Ye Wen set aside portions for Yu Xiaogang and Tang San, and soon the group settled down to eat. In conversation, Yu Xiaogang, while retaining his pride as the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's heir, enjoyed the opportunity to discuss soul master theories with Ye Wen, shifting the topic naturally to Ye Wen's young companions.
"Master Ye Wen, if I may ask, what is your relationship to these children?"
Ye Wen chuckled.
"Three of them are my children, while the other two are new students I'm mentoring. I'm merely here to help them with their first spirit rings."
Yu Xiaogang's curiosity deepened upon hearing this, particularly about Oscar and Ma Hongjun, the young disciples. It was no secret that those who were chosen as Ye Wen's disciples were exceptionally talented, with most expected to reach at least the Soul Saint level.
Tang San, picking up on his teacher's curiosity, leaned closer and listened as Yu Xiaogang explained the prestige of Tianxing Academy and the achievements of its founder. Hearing this, Tang San's admiration for Ye Wen grew, likening Tianxing Academy to the revered academies of his previous life. Bravely, he seized the opportunity to ask a question.
"Master Ye Wen, might I have the honor of studying at Tianxing Academy one day?"
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