Chapter 140: This Guy's Actually a Masochist
After the match, cheers erupted from the girls of Tianshui Academy. This was their big sister, their pride, displaying true strength.
Qian Renchuan was visibly shocked as he looked at Shui Bing'er. It was the first time he'd seen her fourth soul skill in action. His fiancée's strength was indeed currently greater than his. Her Ice and Snow Storm could easily blow away his hidden weapon blades—he had no way to counter it. He lacked a true high-damage attack.
Huo Wu stared at Shui Bing'er in frustration. So what if she was crushed again? So what if she couldn't win? Admit defeat? Never!
In a Tianshui Academy dorm room, Qian Renchuan sat alone. The academy was all girls, and not every girl held chastity as sacred. After all, in the soul master world, most boys lost their virginity at twelve. Naturally, there were hungry female soul masters too.
"Level 45 peak… Looks like you've been training hard at Tianshui."
Hearing a gentle but authoritative voice, Qian Renchuan opened his eyes and saw a tall man with golden hair standing before him, who looked about 70% like him. He immediately knelt. "Father! What brings you here?"
"I came to see you, of course." Qian Xunji smiled. "You've remained diligent even while surrounded by soft feminine energy. Your progress is impressive. I'm very pleased."
Qian Renchuan scratched his head awkwardly. "Father, the whole academy is full of girls. I naturally stay away from their gatherings. And Shui Bing'er says this is the golden age for soul masters, and I should focus on training."
"She's a self-respecting girl. My judgment wasn't wrong."
Qian Xunji had expected as much. Shui Bing'er learning that Qian Renchuan was just a healing-type soul master and choosing not to cling to him was reasonable. A daughter of destiny ought to have pride. If she had rushed toward status, that would be no different from those who lusted after Spirit Hall's power.
And if she ever betrayed them? He would teach her just how "training in the secret chamber" worked.
"Father, Shui Bing'er is going to get her fifth ring soon. The Extreme North is dangerous—I wanted to ask if you'd help her get it."
"No rush." Qian Xunji paused. "I passed through Soto City and saw a team named Shrek Seven Devils. Their teamwork was flawless. Even with only 100% power, they fought like 200%. They defeated stronger foes."
"You want us to defeat them?" Qian Renchuan guessed his father's plan.
"Of course. But remember: don't expose your true strength unless necessary."
Qian Xunji already acknowledged Tang San's strength. With Eight Spider Lances, twin martial souls, and Soul Ancestor cultivation, he had fought evenly against a 68-level Soul Emperor. Now in his second life, with his Clear Sky Hammer mastery and hidden techniques, he might be able to defeat Shui Bing'er. Then it would be Qian Renchuan's turn to shine.
He wasn't blind to Shui Bing'er's attempt to "focus on training" as an excuse. It was obvious she was stalling.
"Father," Qian Renchuan suddenly said. "I feel like something is missing in my cultivation."
"Oh? Speak."
"My Blue Silver Grass leaf attacks work well, as you said. I'm a natural counter to tool soul masters. But I'm also vulnerable. Shui Bing'er's fourth skill—Ice and Snow Storm—blew away my attacks. I… can't beat her."
He hadn't realized this before, but witnessing her fourth soul skill made it clear. He wasn't her match, and that wounded his pride.
Qian Xunji rubbed his son's head. "I know you lack a strong offensive move. Once you obtain your fifth ring, that gap will be filled."
To face the next generation of the Worship Hall, Blue Silver Emperor Spear would be necessary. The leaf blades were too weak. He had originally planned for Qian Renchuan to awaken the Blue Silver Emperor at his sixth ring, getting a higher-level soul ring and greater power.
But without beating the Worship Hall juniors, how could he win their support and prove that the Qian clan wasn't hogging everything?
As for Xiao Wu's sacrifice, it would still proceed. The soul power gap between Soul King and Soul Emperor would be filled with her mother's 100,000-year skull bone and Xiao Wu's own offering.
In the original, Xiao Wu's sacrifice boosted Tang San from level 60 to 66. A very lucky number.
The next day, in an open field at Tianshui Academy.
The six girls of Tianshui—Shui Bing'er, Xue Wu, Yu Hairou, Shui Yue'er, Gu Qingbo, and Qiu Ruoshui—plus Qian Renchuan waited quietly for their instructor. This time, a temporary teacher would lead their training outside.
In the original story, the seventh member of the Tianshui team was Shen Liuyu. But with Qian Renchuan here, he became the extra. Technically, Shui Yue'er should have been the substitute due to her low level, but her family background guaranteed her spot.
"Hello, little sisters. Nice to meet you. My name is Qian, and I'll be your temporary instructor."
A calm voice echoed from the sky. The six girls looked up and were stunned to see a golden-haired man descending slowly.
Floating in the air without using a martial soul? He was a Titled Douluo!
Shui Yue'er glanced at Qian Renchuan, then the descending man, then Shui Bing'er's stunned expression—and she figured it out. She was about to shout "Daddy Pope!" excitedly. She wanted to marry her brother-in-law too. If her sister wouldn't, then she would!
Qian Xunji made a "shhh" gesture toward her. He was here to direct a script and didn't want to be identified as the Pope—it would only bring trouble.
Shui Bing'er couldn't meet Qian Xunji's gaze. She never imagined that the busy Pope himself would come to Tianshui Academy… let alone as a temporary teacher. If he got angry at her excuses, he could destroy the Shui Clan with a single gesture.
The other five girls guessed that this man was Qian Renchuan's father. With a Titled Douluo as a parent, it was no wonder he was accepted into the academy. But they didn't suspect he was the legendary Pope himself.
Soto City Great Spirit Arena.
Tang San erupted with power and used his Eight Spider Lances to defeat six members of the Heaven Dou Imperial Team.
He drew the poison out of Shi Mo, Shi Mo, and Dugu Yan with his Eight Spider Lances, and then used a Blue Silver Grass vine to pull Ye Lingling to him.
"Heal my companion, or they will die," Tang San said calmly. There was no coldness in his tone, no emotion—just pure certainty. And that left a deep impression on Ye Lingling.
His voice sounded young, but his methods were terrifying. Control, offense, poison… this match wasn't lost to the Shrek Seven—it was lost to him alone.
Ye Lingling didn't respond. In shock, she summoned her Nine Heart Begonia to heal Xiao Wu.
After the fight, Yu Tianheng looked at the Shrek Seven, locking eyes once again with Dai Mubai. It wasn't the first time—but today, things were different.
"You're strong. But it wasn't just that we lost to you—our teamwork was flawed. I hope we can fight again, properly."
Dai Mubai smiled. "We'll win again."
Dugu Yan suddenly stopped and looked back at Tang San, who was retracting his Eight Spider Lances. "Your poison is terrifying—even stronger than mine. I'll never forget today's humiliation. One day, I'll make you fall to my snake venom."
Tang San looked at her calmly. "I'll be waiting."
Beside her, Ye Lingling also turned back. Her eyes were different—not filled with hate, but with awe and unease. She stared at Tang San for a moment, as if wanting to speak… but ultimately said nothing, and followed her teammates away.
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