The week that followed Xiao Wu's infamous "rabbit rebellion" settled into an unusual kind of stillness, a calm that felt almost unsettling.
Perched on the edge of the dormitory roof, Tang Yan dedicated his time to meticulously carving intricate soul glyphs into his latest prototype array board. With each deliberate stroke, bursts of brilliant sparks erupted from his tools as soul threads wove together into a dynamic lattice formation—like lightning that crackled and danced through ancient runes. Concentration etched on his face, he adjusted the settings on the central core, his fingers deftly maneuvering around the swirling energies that pulsed beneath the surface.
"Gravity balance complete," he muttered to himself, his voice barely rising above the gentle breeze. "Circulation node synced... now for power dispersion…"
Suddenly, a system notification chimed in his mind: "Host attempting high-level formation. Odds of success: 57%. Odds of drama: 100%."
"A recipe for disaster, if I ever saw one," interjected the persistent Tianmeng Bug, its mischievous tone laced with anticipation. "Just wait until he overloads it and takes off like a reckless kite soaring into the sky."
But this day didn't bear the weight of Tang Yan's experiments or the consequences of his failures. Instead, all eyes were on Xiao Wu, whose unpredictable nature now loomed over the proceedings like an ominous cloud.
1. The Duel: Tang San's Quiet Lesson
In the training yard, Xiao Wu once again stood proudly—bruised ego still recovering from Tang Yan's last performance.
"Today! I challenge Tang San!"
Tang San blinked. "Me?"
"Yes! I need to prove that I can't be bullied by either of you!"
Tang Yan shouted from the roof. "Go easy on her, San!"
Tang San: "No promises."
Xiao Wu pounced. Her signature Waist Bow Technique, nimble and graceful, snapped through the air.
This time, Tang San didn't hesitate.
He sidestepped with a flow-like motion, spun behind her mid-air, and with minimal force, pinched her ear and locked her arms behind her back.
"Lesson one: predictability."
Before she could squeal, she was hoisted, spun, and—gently but decisively—planted on her butt.
Xiao Wu: "I—! Wait—! That's cheating!"
Tang San: "That's called restraint."
The work-study students collectively gasped. A meme-worthy silence swept the courtyard.
Tang Yan fell off the roof laughing.
System:"New Meme Unlocked: Twin Discipline, Double Damage."
Tianmeng Bug:"She'll start calling you Big Brother next."
Xiao Wu sat dazed, rubbing her sore ear and lower back.
"You… you could always do that?"
Tang San helped her up calmly. "I was being polite."
Tang Yan: "Told ya. You're not cute enough for immunity anymore."
2. The Formation Master's Milestone
Back at the forge, Tang Yan returned to his true focus. Using insights from his Level 2 Formation Master Inheritance, he completed his first Mobile Soul-Gathering Array.
Mounted on a flat disc, the array automatically cycled energy around an anchored target.
He planted it beneath the dorm's meditation room.
"Ten times soul absorption speed," he explained to Tang San. "With pulse refinement, it'll help the whole dorm grow."
The glowing soul threads shimmered in silence.
System:"Host has created a Mobile Cultivation Formation. Achievement unlocked: Genius With No Chill."
Tianmeng Bug:"When are we opening your dojo?"
3. Side Notes and Swelled Pride
Later that evening, Bi Ji spotted Xiao Wu limping with a pout.
"Let me guess… Tang San?"
Xiao Wu growled. "They're both evil."
Ah Yin passed by with a smile. "They're not evil, dear. They're just honest."
Gu Yuena sipped tea nearby. "That girl needed the humbling."
Tang Hao snorted. "Now they just need to humble the nobles next."
System:"Boss Tang Hao recommends public education via beatdowns."
4. Final Lines – The Unseen Steps Ahead
As the moon rose, Tang Yan stood over his array, admiring his work.
Tang San joined him, quiet and composed.
"Thank you," he said.
"For?"
"Letting me handle it."
Tang Yan grinned. "That's what brothers are for."
He looked at the glowing runes, then toward the horizon.
"Next stop: evolving this into a personal cultivation network."
System:"Host unlocked ambition: Dorm Wi-Fi for soul power."
Tianmeng Bug:"Soul-Fi. Trademark it."
End of Chapter 76