"Zhuqing, what is your third soul skill?"
After confirming that Zhu Zhuqing was fine, Xiaowu and Ning Rongrong asked curiously.
Zhu Zhuqing didn't answer immediately. She closed her eyes, sensing the energy, and then the purple soul ring on her body lit up, radiating dazzling brilliance.
In the next moment, Zhu Zhuqing's body instantly disappeared from in front of Xiaowu and Ning Rongrong, reappearing next to Dugu Yan.
Before Dugu Yan could react, Zhu Zhuqing vanished from her side and returned to Xiaowu and Ning Rongrong.
After demonstrating her ability, Zhu Zhuqing explained, "Netherworld Instant Shadow Kill. This is my third soul skill. It allows me to increase my speed to an extreme level for a short period of time. In this state, both my speed and attack power are significantly enhanced."
Upon hearing Zhu Zhuqing's explanation, Xiaowu, Ning Rongrong, and Dugu Yan all smiled, happy for her achievement.
However, Yu Xiaogang, standing nearby, remained expressionless. Zhu Zhuqing's words and her successful demonstration had struck a nerve, casting doubt on his theoretical claims.
"Master, Zhuqing has successfully absorbed her soul ring. If we break through to level 30, can we also absorb a ring beyond the optimal age you mentioned in your theory?" Ma Hongjun couldn't help but ask, anticipating his own upcoming breakthrough.
"Yes, Master, is what Zhuqing said true? Is the optimal age limit in your theory only relevant for ordinary people?" Ning Rongrong chimed in, her curiosity piqued.
When they joined Shrek Academy, they were labeled as little monsters. Zhu Zhuqing's experience now seemed to challenge Yu Xiaogang's long-standing theory.
Yu Xiaogang's expression grew awkward, his annoyance evident.
He had never considered this scenario before. Confident in his status as a theoretical master, he had always believed his teachings were unassailable.
But now, not only had Zhu Zhuqing succeeded, but her success was also a direct contradiction to his principles, leaving him feeling exposed.
"This... I'll explain everything when we return. For now, Zhu Zhuqing has successfully acquired her third soul ring. We'll remain in the Sunset Forest for a few more days of training. Once Grandpa Dugu Yan brings Tang San and Tang Yin back, we'll head back to the academy," Yu Xiaogang said, attempting to divert attention.
Though the group wanted to press him further, they reluctantly dropped the matter at his insistence.
Yet, in their hearts, Yu Xiaogang's once-absolute authority had begun to wane.
In the past, they had unquestioningly respected him as Tang San's teacher and trusted his theories without doubt. But since Tang Yin's arrival, cracks had begun to appear in their blind faith, and now, suspicion had taken root.
Unaware of their thoughts, Yu Xiaogang, Flander, Zhao Wuji, and the others continued leading the students in their search for soul beasts.
Zhu Zhuqing's breakthrough to the rank of a level-30 Soul Master brought a noticeable increase in her strength. Her third soul skill impressed everyone with its combination of speed and precision in combat.
As time passed, the day of Dugu Bo and Tang San's poison competition finally arrived.
In the land of ice and fire, Dugu Bo stood opposite Tang San, his expression cold. "Three days have passed. Are you ready?"
Tang San stepped forward with measured confidence, stopping after three steps. His calm demeanor exuded certainty as he said, "Whenever you are."
Dugu Bo eyed him with slight confusion. "Are you sure you're prepared?"
Tang San nodded firmly, gesturing for Dugu Bo to proceed.
Dugu Bo's eyes glinted with green light. With a turn of his palm, a small green snake appeared, coiled and ready.
Tang San flipped his wrist, and the little green snake fell into his palm. Its body was almost transparent, about five inches long, with a green light flowing inside and a pair of small red eyes that looked extremely cute.
The green body bore nine bamboo-like horizontal stripes. As it landed in Tang San's palm, it swam gently before opening its mouth to bite him without hesitation.
The snake hissed, twisting its body. Despite its venomous nature, the bite failed to harm Tang San. His Mysterious Jade Hands technique, designed specifically to handle all kinds of poisons, made his hands incredibly tough—far beyond the snake's ability to pierce.
Tang San pinched the snake's body at its critical "seven-inch" point with two fingers, lifting it effortlessly. Frowning slightly, he said, "Senior Dugu Bo, you are quite bold. This is the Nine-Section Jade Bamboo Snake. Its venom is incredibly potent. If bitten, a person would dissolve into pus and die within seconds. Don't be fooled by its size—this is one of the most venomous snakes in existence. Its body is tougher than steel and resistant to sharp blades."
Dugu Bo was astonished to see Tang San handle the snake so easily. The Nine-Section Jade Bamboo Snake was notoriously aggressive and fast. For anyone else, there would be no escape from its bite. Yet, Tang San looked as though nothing had happened.
Unaware of Tang San's Mysterious Jade Hands, Dugu Bo couldn't fathom how he had done it.
"Fine, let it bite you for the first round. Its venom will immediately enter your bloodstream. Do you dare?" Dugu Bo challenged.
The Nine-Section Jade Bamboo Snake was lethal to most people, but to Dugu Bo, it was trivial. With his Jade Phosphorus Snake martial spirit cultivated to the level of the Jade Phosphorus Snake King, he was essentially the ancestor of all snakes, making detoxification effortless. However, it was a completely different story for Tang San.
Tang San nodded without hesitation. "Alright."
Over the past three days, although Tang San hadn't refined any Ice and Fire Immortal Grass or obtained any immortal treasures like in the original story, he had prepared enough poisons and antidotes to handle Dugu Bo.
Tang San's face was calm yet cautious. Taking a deep breath, he activated his Mysterious Heaven Technique and slowly placed the Nine-Section Jade Bamboo Snake on his forearm.
The bite from the snake caused no immediate pain—just a slight numbness and itchiness. However, this sensation spread rapidly, and within seconds, Tang San's entire forearm had turned a sickly green.
Seeing this, Dugu Bo smirked. "Boy, since you recognize the Nine-Section Jade Bamboo Snake, don't you understand its toxicity? You..."
Before Dugu Bo could finish, he prepared to step forward and detoxify Tang San. However, he froze mid-sentence, his expression changing. The green discoloration in Tang San's arm began receding just as quickly as it had spread.
Beneath Tang San's skin, faint red and white lights glimmered, giving his arm the appearance of jade.
"Senior Dugu Bo, it seems I've won," Tang San said with a confident smile.
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