The morning sun gently ascended, illuminating the ancient stone walls of Nuoding Academy, its golden rays streaming through the wide-open windows of Yu Xiaogang's solitary study. The air inside was filled with the quiet rustle of parchment and the faint scent of aged books, where Tang Yan and Tang San sat across from their master, still reeling from the avalanche of martial soul knowledge he had imparted the day before. Yu Xiaogang's teachings had fundamentally reshaped their understanding of their journey—the path of a soul master was far more intricate than simply relying on attributes or raw power; it was shaped by the essence and evolution of their unique martial souls.
Yu Xiaogang, ever the tactician, was already steps ahead of them.
1. **Codex of Beasts – Strategic Foundations**
After a brief silence, the master unfurled a timeworn scroll—its edges frayed and yellowed with age, a testament to decades of careful compilation. "This," he declared, his voice steady and commanding, "is the Soul Beast Codex. I have devoted my life to cataloging these creatures—their evolution, behaviors, and compatibility with our martial arts. For your second soul rings, should you choose to wait for more formidable prey, these are your options."
Tang San leaned in, eyes alight with the flicker of curiosity, while Tang Yan grinned widely, a spark of mischief in his eyes. "Didn't realize you had a monster manual, Master."
**System:** "Host has just uncovered legendary loot."
**Tianmeng Bug:** "I'll wager ten gold coins he's wanting to tame one right now."
As Yu Xiaogang began his list, anticipation hung in the air like a charged atmosphere before a storm.
2. **Tang Yan's Path – Beasts of Pressure and Pulse**
"Tang Yan, your quest lies with beasts that enhance your physical might without constraining your attributes."
He detailed the formidable creatures:
- **Void Lizards**—mystical beings capable of short-range spatial leaps, their rings bestowing agility and explosive movement.
- **Thunder-Winged Tiger**—the embodiment of ferocity, known for swift, surprise attacks and temporary enhancements to its body.
- **Gravity Bone Gorrans**—rare, primate-like beasts that wield natural gravitational forces, their rings offering potent stat boosts and the power to suppress an area.
"All of these are tailored either for extensive enhancement or battlefield disruption," Yu Xiaogang elucidated, a gleam of wisdom in his eyes. "With your mastery of life and killing attributes, the right fusion could transform you into a relentless force on the battlefield."
Silence enveloped Tang Yan as he contemplated. "If I could find a Gravity Gorran… its suppression combined with my Killing Pulse… that's a form of soul skill synergy."
3. **Tang San's Path – Vines, Spears, and Control**
"As for you, Tang San," Yu Xiaogang continued, "your Blue Gold Warlord Spear demands precision and finesse. You'll require beasts that are both nuanced and fierce."
He introduced Tang San to a trio of extraordinary options:
- **Blue Jade Tangle Fox**—masters of flexible thread control, equipped with the ability to mentally disrupt opponents.
- **Spirit Iron Root Viper**—serpents whose soul rings give rise to root-binding whips and venomous stabs that pierce through defenses.
- **Blood-Thread Vinebeast**—creatures that can merge their soul threads with martial soul spears, allowing for devastating targeted attacks that bind and impale foes.
With a smile, Yu Xiaogang observed, "The right soul ring won't just amplify your power—it will resonate with your very intent."
Tang San nodded slowly, his thoughts ignited. "I never viewed ring hunting through this lens."
Tang Yan, leaning back, thoughtfully tapped his chin. "So… if we track down these ancient beasts, even those with rings a mere 10,000 years old will hit like 100,000-year kings?"
Yu Xiaogang's expression sharpened. "Exactly. That's the danger. Even Spirit Hall finds them challenging to subdue."
**Tianmeng Bug:** "Dangerous? You're speaking to a guy with a 26,000-year first ring."
**System:** "Reminder: Host's modesty function remains broken."
4. **Class Division and Noble Tension**
Later that day, the twins entered their usual lecture hall, where Master Li was harshly reprimanding a trembling work-study student, barely thirteen, for faltering on a cultivation passage. The poor boy stood beneath Li's scrutinizing glare like a deer caught in headlights.
"Just like the rest of your type," Li sneered, contempt dripping from his tongue. "Poor blood. Low talent. Chicken dung can't become phoenixes."
Tang Yan's expression darkened, the air around him thickening with unspoken anger. Beside him, Tang San's fists clenched tightly, rage simmering beneath the surface.
The room fell into a hush as Tang Yan rose, his voice calm yet sharp as a drawn sword. "It's amusing. Chicken dung may not turn into a phoenix, but it seems it can outshine you."
Li turned, incredulity and indignation flashing across his face. "You—!"
Tang Yan raised a hand, silencing the instructor. "Save it. A teacher who berates the weak is simply a coward hiding behind a title."
**System:** "Host: Officially transformed education into a full-contact sport."
**Tianmeng Bug:** "Someone pass the popcorn. This is more exhilarating than spirit duels."
The student, overwhelmed, broke into tears as Tang Yan placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "No matter where you begin, don't let filth like him dictate your path."
A wave of silent applause rippled through the classroom, the respect for Tang Yan growing in that moment.
5. **Xiao Wu's Glance**
As they exited the classroom, Tang Yan caught sight of Xiao Wu standing a few paces away, her arms crossed and an unusual seriousness etched on her face. Her playful demeanor had given way to a contemplative look that intrigued him.
She didn't speak; however, her gaze held a depth he hadn't seen before—less playful, more… respectful?
Tang Yan smirked, trying to lighten the mood. "What's got you thinking, Rabbit? Learning to appreciate instead of just throwing sass?"
She rolled her eyes, her braid swinging behind her as she turned. "As if."
Yet, she didn't deny it, and that spoke volumes.
End of Chapter 72