Zhongli and Chiyu had already become the nightmares that Tang San couldn't shake off. If he didn't handle this soon, they might become inner demons haunting his cultivation!
His journey up until now couldn't be called perfect, but it had always been smooth sailing—when had he ever faced such a blow?
Whether it was his optimal spirit ring combinations, absorbing rings beyond his level, external spirit bones, or the techniques stolen from his past life, all of these were unparalleled matches for a genius.
Yet under these circumstances, he was defeated—utterly, and by a single sword.
How could Tang San accept this?
Did a single sword negate all his years of painstaking cultivation?
As an expert in hidden weapons, Tang San did not find fault in Chiyu for relying on external tools.
He himself used hidden weapons; his only regret was that he had not yet crafted a powerful enough hidden weapon, not that Chiyu shouldn't have wielded a weapon.
To say that Chiyu shouldn't use a weapon would be pure hypocrisy, and Tang San was not that kind of person!
Once he forged one of the top three hidden weapons, he would seek out Zhongli and Chiyu to have a match at the first opportunity!
He refused to believe that the hidden weapons of the Tang Sect would be inferior to that so-called ancient soul tool!
Xiao Wu stood by Tang San's side, a conflicted expression on her face. Her gaze towards Tang San carried a hint of distress.
On the day of the disciple acceptance ceremony, she hadn't followed them, instead taking leave, claiming she felt unwell.
Even with the help of the Shape-shifting Grass, though she wasn't afraid of having her true identity discovered, she still had to be cautious.
She stayed behind at the academy, waiting for the group to return.
But she never expected that Tang San would be carried back!
"Brother…"
Xiao Wu's face was a bit pale. She hadn't been in the best shape while taking care of Tang San these past days.
Hearing Xiao Wu's voice, Tang San finally came back to his senses. He instinctively turned to look at her.
Seeing Xiao Wu looking as if she could be blown over by a gust of wind made Tang San feel somewhat guilty.
However, as if he had thought of something, the guilt lasted for only a second before it vanished.
If it weren't for Chiyu and that sword, if it weren't for Zhongli giving that sword to Chiyu, he wouldn't be in this state.
Xiao Wu wouldn't be feeling sad or distressed.
This was all Zhongli and Chiyu's fault!
"Xiao Wu, I'm fine, you don't need to worry," Tang San's voice was hoarse. He tried to keep his tone gentle.
Xiao Wu was not an enemy, nor was she an outsider; she was the person he loved.
He could distinguish clearly between how to treat enemies, outsiders, and loved ones.
Tang San was decisive in his actions and never muddled through. As long as he determined someone was an enemy, they would be marked for death.
But it was different with his own people and the ones he loved.
Xiao Wu was about to say something, but Tang San quickly waved his hand and said, "Xiao Wu, go back and rest well. I'm really fine."
"Don't let your body break down while waiting for me to get better; that would make me feel heartache."
As Tang San spoke, a faint smile appeared on his lips, as if he were truly unbothered.
He didn't want Xiao Wu to worry. Opponents like Zhongli and Chiyu were far too powerful. Even he, Tang San, was less than fifty percent sure he could ultimately defeat them.
"I can't let Xiao Wu be dragged down…"
This was Tang San's genuine thought.
When he first fought Dai Mubai, it was Xiao Wu who had caused the trouble, yet Tang San's initial thought was to perish together with Dai Mubai to protect Xiao Wu at all costs.
Hearing his words, a blush flashed across Xiao Wu's pale face.
When did this wooden-headed Tang San become so good with words?
After a moment's thought, Xiao Wu nodded.
She did need a good rest. Taking care of Tang San these past few days had left her in worse and worse shape each day.
Now that Tang San was mostly recovered, she also needed to recuperate. If her body broke down, how could they ever live a long life together?
"Brother San, I'll go back now. You take care and rest well."
"Mm!"
In no time, Xiao Wu left Tang San's dormitory, and the smile on Tang San's face vanished completely, turning to ice.
"A gentleman does not rest until his revenge is taken. I may not be able to beat Zhongli for now, but Chiyu, you'd better make sure to sleep with your eyes open!"
Tang San muttered with a murderous expression.
He knew his own situation very well.
Someone with Zhongli's level of combat power might take him decades to surpass.
Regardless of how long it took, Tang San would never forget this grudge!
In the shadows, Tang Hao's expression was complicated; he felt quite conflicted.
He had accepted Xiao Wu as his "daughter-in-law."
Over these days, Xiao Wu had taken care of Tang San with meticulous care, so much so that even Tang Hao couldn't find any fault.
Yet, he was still deeply conflicted—after all, she was a hundred-thousand-year spirit ring!
Tang Hao knew very well how powerful a hundred-thousand-year spirit ring was. And because he understood it so well, he was torn.
After a long while, Tang Hao shook his head and muttered, "I should leave it up to Little San to decide for himself."
As if thinking of something, Tang Hao's expression turned somewhat strange.
Logically speaking, Xiao Wu hadn't reached maturity yet and shouldn't have been able to fully hide her aura.
Even a strong spirit master at the level of a Spirit Douluo could detect something unusual about her with careful observation.
What puzzled Tang Hao was that he couldn't see anything strange about Xiao Wu at all!
Ah Yin would never deceive him. If Xiao Wu had become like an ordinary person, there had to be a secret behind it!
Tang Hao didn't keep his eyes on Xiao Wu continuously; he was just as perplexed about her change.
"Oh well, this is better,"
After a long moment, Tang Hao sighed softly and muttered.
If Xiao Wu had shown this "ability" earlier, he wouldn't have had to trade a hundred-thousand-year-old spirit bone and a promise!
"Sigh..."
"Knock, knock, knock…"
Just then, a knock on Tang San's dormitory door pulled both Tang San and Tang Hao's thoughts back on track.
"Come in!"
Tang San didn't know who it was, but Tang Hao did.
When the door opened, Yu Xiaogang, who looked somewhat unwell, walked in.
"Teacher…"
Tang San was about to get up and greet Yu Xiaogang, but Yu Xiaogang stopped him.
He walked straight to Tang San's bedside and said, "Xiao San, there's no need for such formalities between master and disciple."
Hearing this, Tang San felt a bit touched.
Over the years, Yu Xiaogang had treated him well, and Tang San had seen it all.
The first time they hunted spirit beasts, when he exposed the secrets of the Tang Sect, Tang San had even considered killing Yu Xiaogang…
Thinking of this, Tang San felt a bit guilty and made up his mind to repay Yu Xiaogang's kindness in the future.
"How is your injury?" Yu Xiaogang asked with concern. In his eyes, Tang San was more important than his own life!
Only Tang San could prove his worth.
That was his lifelong direction and goal.
"Teacher, in at most ten days, I will be fully recovered.
However, it will take some time for my second martial soul to reconsolidate.
As for the external spirit bone, it will take no more than a week to regenerate," Tang San replied truthfully.
Hearing this, Yu Xiaogang nodded. This matched his expectations.
"Good!"
"I've developed a body training regimen tailored specifically for you. Once you've recovered, we will begin the training."