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Among the spirit beasts listed by Yu Xiaogang as suitable for Tang San's third soul ring, besides the Human-Faced Demon Spider, there were a few other viable options.
While pursuing Xiao Wu, the two encountered a 1,300-year-old Cave Demon Spider.
With Ning Tianchen's help, Tang San successfully killed the beast and immediately absorbed its spirit ring on the spot.
Surprisingly, they didn't run into Meng Yiran or her group again.
As Tang San absorbed the spirit ring, he felt an unexpected pang of loss. He instinctively feared that Xiao Wu might have met with misfortune, never imagining that this was a sign of losing the Eight Spider Lances soul bone.
Ning Tianchen sat nearby, guarding him.
"The Cave Demon Spider lacks devouring abilities. Even if it dropped an external soul bone, it wouldn't be anywhere near as powerful as the Eight Spider Lances."
Not long after, Zhao Wuji arrived with the rest of the Shrek team.
Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun had changed their clothes, having clearly cleaned themselves up beforehand.
Later, Xiao Wu also found her way to them, giving the same explanation as in the original timeline.
After absorbing the spirit ring, Tang San didn't obtain any soul bones.
Seeing Xiao Wu appear, he couldn't have been happier.
In the days that followed, everyone focused on finding a spirit beast for Ning Rongrong.
They returned to the academy a few days later than in the original timeline.
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One day, a short-haired man dressed in simple linen clothing paused before the signboard of Shrek Academy.
A passing villager, noticing that the man had been standing there for a while, couldn't help but say, "Sir, Shrek Academy is right here in our village. You haven't made a mistake."
The newcomer was none other than Yu Xiaogang.
Ever since being robbed on his journey, he had become cautious and vigilant. However, for some unknown reason, he encountered several more robbery attempts along the way.
Fortunately, he had hidden his soul-guiding device well; otherwise, he might not have reached Shrek Academy in time.
Having endured a difficult journey to arrive here, and with years having passed since he last saw Flender, Yu Xiaogang couldn't help but feel a wave of nostalgia.
Interrupted from his thoughts by the villager, Yu Xiaogang strode directly toward the academy.
Inside the principal's office, Flender was counting the gold spirit coins in his hands when he suddenly sensed a familiar presence approaching.
Looking up, his gaze fell outside the window, where he spotted Yu Xiaogang's figure.
A smile spread across his face as he quickly exited the office to greet his old friend.
"Haha, Xiaogang, I didn't expect you to actually come."
Yu Xiaogang maintained a stern demeanor, his hands clasped behind his back. "Flender, it's been a long time. You should know that I've recently taken on a disciple."
His mind was solely focused on Tang San, and his attitude toward this old friend had grown noticeably colder.
"Xiaogang, this isn't the place to talk. Come sit in my office."
Flender understood his personality and wasn't offended.
Once inside the office, Flender personally poured him a cup of tea and patiently recounted Tang San's performance at the academy.
Yu Xiaogang picked up the teacup and took a small sip. "It seems Xiao San has performed satisfactorily, at least not disappointing me."
"When I was at the Nuoding Academy…"
He shared his experiences with Tang San over the years with Flender.
As for the incidents of being robbed along the way, he didn't mention a word.
"Xiaogang, you've suffered these past years. But with a disciple like Tang San, your theories should finally see practical application." Flender sincerely rejoiced for his old friend.
Yu Xiaogang nodded and continued, "Flender, I remember gifting you a book titled 'The Ten Core Competencies of Martial Souls'. Do you still have it?"
Flender tensed slightly, knowing full well that he had handed it over to Li Yusong to sell.
To avoid embarrassment, he chuckled awkwardly. "Xiaogang, why do you ask? I've read that book multiple times. But it's been so long—I can't recall where I put it."
Yu Xiaogang didn't press further about the book's whereabouts. Instead, he spoke earnestly, "Over the years, through repeated practice, many of the theories in the book have been proven correct, though two of them turned out to be wrong."
"If you can't find it for now, then let's leave it at that."
Flender breathed a sigh of relief and quickly changed the subject. "Xiaogang, you've arrived at just the right time. This year, the academy has recruited five new students. Including the older ones, we now have eight students total."
"Team training isn't exactly our forte. Since you're here, how about taking charge of the team?"
Yu Xiaogang had no reason to refuse.
He believed his theoretical knowledge was more than sufficient to teach these prodigies.
Moreover, with him around, he could better cultivate Tang San into a team leader.
"I wonder, what are the martial souls and current strengths of these eight students? And where are they now?"
"Xiaogang, you must be tired from your journey. Are you already diving into work?"
Seeing his resolute attitude, Flender continued, "Before you arrived, two members of the team broke through to Level 30 and went out hunting spirits with Vice Principal Zhao Wuji. They should return in the next few days."
Yu Xiaogang pressed, "Did Xiao San break through to Level 30?"
Flender shook his head. "Tang San hasn't broken through yet, but it shouldn't be long. One of the two who broke through is an older student."
At this point, he adjusted his glasses. "The other is a new student this year, but her background is extraordinary—she's the daughter of the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect's sect leader."
"How old is she?" Yu Xiaogang abruptly stood up, his voice sharp with curiosity.
The Seven Treasures Glazed Sect was one of the top three sects. He was eager to know just how impressive a genius cultivated by such a prestigious sect could be.
"Xiaogang, calm down. In fact, among the eight students, Tang San's talent ranks only slightly above average. The student who broke through to Level 30 is even a few months younger than Tang San."
Yu Xiaogang had no idea about Ning Rongrong's situation. He suddenly wondered if the daughter of Ning Fengzhi might not be an auxiliary-type soul master.
Being younger than Tang San by a few months yet surpassing him in soul power—how could that possibly be the cultivation speed of an auxiliary-type soul master?
"What's her martial soul?" Yu Xiaogang demanded.
Flender looked puzzled. "Xiaogang, she's the young mistress of the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect. Her martial soul is naturally the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda."
"That's impossible! Absolutely impossible!" Yu Xiaogang's composure slipped, his voice rising. "Xiao San is a battle-type soul master! How could a mere auxiliary-type soul master surpass him?"
Flender replied, perplexed, "Xiaogang, isn't this normal? After all, the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect is one of the top three sects. They likely have superior cultivation methods."
"Besides, Rongrong isn't the number one genius at Shrek Academy. There's someone even stronger than her."
"Who?" Yu Xiaogang blurted out reflexively.
Flender chuckled. "Haha, Xiaogang, he's also a disciple of the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect. His name is Ning Tianchen. If I'm not mistaken, his martial soul is the Seven Kill Sword. Right now, he carries himself with the bearing of a Sword Douluo."
Yu Xiaogang's expression darkened.
Sending Tang San to Shrek Academy had been partly to show off his disciple to Flender. Now, to learn that Tang San wasn't even the most talented in the group—how could this be acceptable?!
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