Chapter 82 Tang San, You'd Best Be Careful
Luo Ling spoke as if he hadn't noticed Yu Xiaogang's expression at all, continuing at his own pace.
Yu Xiaogang's face twisted in anger. Having his sore spot poked, he immediately tried to defend himself.
"My research data came from voluntary contributions! You need to understand that compiling scattered information into theory takes great knowledge and effort!"
"If not for me, ordinary soul masters wouldn't even know the upper limit of soul ring ages! I've saved countless lives!"
By the last words, Yu Xiaogang was practically shouting.
Luo Ling casually dug a finger into his ear. "All right, I get it. No need to scream."
"Even if you are a theoretical master, I don't need a master of theories."
"Those so‑called 'Ten Core Theories of Martial Souls' you're so proud of—our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan has similar records. We just never bothered to publish them."
His calm tone struck Yu Xiaogang like thunder.
"Impossible! Those theories came from– from Spirit Hall's—" Yu Xiaogang spoke heatedly, then froze halfway through his sentence.
Luo Ling shot him a sidelong glance, a knowing smile playing across his lips.
"I understand, Master. Your theoretical data probably came from Spirit Hall. After all, Spirit Hall has been collecting records on soul masters for generations across the continent."
"But don't underestimate the other great sects."
"For example, our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan also keeps detailed information on soul ring limits. Maybe not as precise as Spirit Hall's, but close enough."
Yu Xiaogang's eyes blazed with fury as he stared at Luo Ling.
He'd slipped—exposed his source—and Luo Ling had immediately pounced on it.
Now everyone present knew his theories originated from Spirit Hall.
Six years had passed since that scandal. With time and effort, Yu Xiaogang had managed to rebuild his reputation. The story circulating now was that the theories had been his own work.
But if this rumor spread again—that the data came from Spirit Hall—what would people think?
The truth would be cemented: he was merely a compiler of knowledge, not its creator.
And Spirit Hall, in the eyes of ordinary soul masters, was a holy land!
He would become irrelevant, stripped of credit, his "Master" persona collapsed completely.
Yu Xiaogang's complexion turned pale as panic filled his heart. Years of self‑made prestige could crumble over such a small slip.
He couldn't allow that.
"Cough, cough—Xiaogang," Flender interrupted quickly, trying to ease the tension. "If Luo Ling doesn't wish to be your student, don't press him."
Flender had just learned that Yu Xiaogang's theories had connections to Spirit Hall, yet he found it understandable—even reasonable.
But unlike Flender, others around them—especially Ning Rongrong—looked at Yu Xiaogang differently.
Back when she studied in Spirit Hall, she had often heard Luo Ling and Hu Liena mock Yu Xiaogang. Now she understood why—he really was a vain fraud.
"Yes, yes, Master, you should focus on Tang San instead," Zhao Wuji added with his usual bluntness, oblivious to the undercurrents.
Grinding his teeth, Yu Xiaogang forced himself to calm down. Casting one last glare at Luo Ling, he turned toward Tang San.
"Tang San, are you all right?" he asked, trying to recover composure.
"Tang San, show the Master what you obtained," Zhao Wuji said, gesturing to him.
Tang San looked first at Yu Xiaogang, then at Luo Ling. He'd heard everything.
Luo Ling's open contempt for his teacher made his blood boil. After six years together, he viewed Yu Xiaogang as family.
His gaze toward Luo Ling darkened—but he quickly turned back to his teacher. "Teacher, after absorbing the Human‑Faced Demon Spider's spirit ring in the forest, I also gained something else."
Yu Xiaogang frowned slightly but said nothing, watching intently.
Tang San bent down, activating the Eight Spider Lances within him. His shirt tore apart as eight pitch‑black legs burst from his back, extending into the air.
He trembled slightly from the pain. "Teacher, this is what I obtained."
Seeing the eight legs, Yu Xiaogang's expression turned serious, excitement flickering in his eyes.
"Tang San, when you retract these legs, can you sense where they return to in your body?"
Tang San thought for a moment. "It feels like they attach to the ribs on my back."
"Channel more soul power—let them fully unfurl," Yu Xiaogang ordered firmly.
Tang San nodded and poured energy into them. In an instant, the legs stretched outward, each about a meter and a half long, shining a dim violet‑black. They looked like eight enormous arms shielding him in the center.
"Tang San, you may have stumbled upon a great treasure," Yu Xiaogang said at last, his voice trembling with excitement. His speculation had been confirmed.
"Teacher, what exactly are they?" Tang San asked, still confused.
"They're soul bones—an extremely rare type called an external soul bone," Yu Xiaogang explained, eyes gleaming.
"External soul bone?" Tang San blinked.
Yu Xiaogang smiled and began elaborating.
Not far away, Luo Ling quietly observed. The Eight Spider Lances were indeed sinister, fitting for something capable of draining flesh and soul power to strengthen itself.
But to him, the ability was redundant. The Crow Shadow Puppet's dark threads already possessed a similar function—and after fusing with his martial soul, they could even absorb spiritual power.
At best, those spider legs were a decorative addition.
He shook his head as Yu Xiaogang continued lecturing the crowd, animatedly explaining every detail of external soul bones.
Even without particular interest, Luo Ling had to admit—such a soul bone was an extremely rare treasure.
…
"Such a powerful soul bone actually exists?"
When Yu Xiaogang finished his explanation, everyone looked at Tang San with open envy.
"That's right," Yu Xiaogang said proudly. "Other than a hundred‑thousand‑year spirit ring, an external soul bone is the most coveted treasure in the world of soul masters."
Just then, a lazy voice drifted over.
"So, it really was an external soul bone." Luo Ling walked up leisurely, holding a drink in his hand.
He gave Tang San a long, meaningful look. Feeling that gaze, Yu Xiaogang instinctively stepped in front of his disciple.
"What do you want?" he asked warily.
Luo Ling took a slow sip, then said casually, "An external soul bone is indeed a good thing—but it can also be a curse. Before it fully merges with your body, someone could still kill you and take it."
"Tang San, you'd best be careful."
(END CHAPTER)
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