Flander's sudden movement startled Zhu Zhuqing so much that she hurriedly stepped back.
"Dean, what are you doing? I... I..."
She rarely spoke and struggled to explain herself. Her face flushed red with anxiety, and she could only look helplessly toward Ning Rongrong for support.
"Hmph!"
Ning Rongrong coldly snorted and glared at Tang San.
"If this happened in my Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, a scum like you would've been chopped into pieces. Bah!"
"You're lucky to have an old friend who knows our teacher. Otherwise, even if Brother Hongjun was willing to let you go, I wouldn't have!"
Although her words were sharp, the killing intent in her tone had clearly faded.
"Qingqing, I owe you an apology too."
Xiao Wu stepped forward and gave Zhu Zhuqing a respectful bow.
"After all, Tang San and I have known each other for a long time. I couldn't let him die here and walk away with a clear conscience. But Qingqing, if you ever need anything in the future, I will give my life for you without hesitation."
Zhu Zhuqing was stunned.
One by one, they were all saying things like this...
This is too much...
"No, no need, Xiao Wu... I, we're sisters, we..."
She stammered, but her meaning came through clearly.
Xiao Wu smiled gratefully at her, then turned toward Tang San. Her once-complicated gaze became cold and resolute.
"Tang San, from today on, we're done."
Tang San, who had shown a flicker of hope when Xiao Wu spoke on his behalf, began to tremble violently upon hearing those words. He stared wide-eyed at the girl with the scorpion braid, disbelief written across his face.
She was really cutting him off?
So heartless? So cold?
Boom!
A sharp pain interrupted his spiraling thoughts. A new wave of fear surged in his chest, and he instinctively lowered his head, unable to meet the red-haired boy's gaze.
"For the sake of the teacher, Xiao Wu, and Zhuqing, I'll let you live."
The red-haired boy took a deep breath and spoke slowly, every word heavy with pressure.
"From now on, never show your face to any of us again."
"Now get lost!"
When he saw how drained Flander had looked earlier, he had nearly acted on his killing intent.
This master and disciple pair... he would deal with both of them, one day.
Under the pressure of the red-haired boy's murderous gaze, Tang San dared not stay a moment longer. Gritting his teeth against the pain, he limped toward the forest.
Even as he fled, his mind swirled with bitter resentment. He was already plotting how to exact revenge on these people.
Whether it was Dai Mubai or Flander, in his eyes, they all deserved to die.
But especially that Ma Hongjun—his life had been completely ruined because of him!
Why couldn't you just die quietly?
Why?!!
Heavens above!!
If you're watching… please help me!
I am Tang San! I possess the Mysterious Heaven Skill and the unrivaled hidden weapons of the Tang Sect!
How could some native possibly be stronger than me?!
Heavens...!
"Hehehe, young man, I seem to smell the scent of an indomitable spirit."
The sudden voice startled Tang San. He stumbled back, reflexively activating a hidden arrow as he scanned the surroundings in alarm.
"Who's there?! Who's talking?!"
"Hahahaha! You ask who I am?"
Boom!!
A tremendous wave of soul power stirred a storm. A blinding golden light exploded in front of Tang San. Freezing winds howled through the forest, covering everything in a thin layer of frost.
From within the magical flurry, a figure slowly emerged.
Its body shone like carved jade, radiating a sacred brilliance. Each movement exuded unimaginable pressure.
"Boy, listen carefully."
Those eyes locked onto the stunned Tang San, filled with calm amusement.
"I am the first million-year-old soul beast born on the Douluo Continent since the dawn of creation—!"
Tianmeng Ice Silkworm!!
A million-year-old soul beast?!
Tang San felt as if lightning had struck his brain—his thoughts went completely blank.
What kind of creature was this?
Even the world-destroying beast from last night had only been a hundred-thousand-year-old soul beast!
"You... you..."
Gulp—
Tang San swallowed hard and looked at the magical creature before him, eyes trembling.
"What... what do you want from me?"
You? Nothing.
Tianmeng curled its lips in disdain.
If this were the past, maybe it would've searched for a Spirit Master to help it escape.
But now, it only wanted to complete His Majesty's task... and stick to this golden opportunity like glue.
With such a powerful backer, who would choose to suffer in uncertainty?
I want to enjoy the life of an imperial auspicious beast too, okay?!
"Still, even though you're weak, your willpower and spirit are strong. Otherwise, I wouldn't have noticed you."
Though it complained internally, Tianmeng Ice Silkworm maintained the appearance of a wise master.
It nodded at Tang San as though evaluating a prized pupil.
"Yes, you're a decent vessel. So, are you willing to accept my inheritance?"
Inheritance?!
Tang San's eyes shot wide open. A rush of joy and disbelief welled up inside him.
Could this really be a gift from the heavens?
Heavens truly have eyes!! Heavens truly have eyes!!!
With the inheritance of a million-year-old soul beast, what was Ma Hongjun compared to that?
"Yes! Yes!!"
He nodded frantically, and feeling it wasn't enough, dropped to his knees and began kowtowing.
"Very good."
Tianmeng sneered inwardly but wore a satisfied expression.
"Then relax your mind and let me become your wisdom soul ring. I'll show you what it truly means to be wise."
"Million-year soul ring!!"
After Tang San left, the group was quiet for a time. But once they returned to the academy, no one paid him much mind anymore.
After all, except for Xiao Wu, he wasn't close to anyone.
And Xiao Wu wasn't an ordinary human. With the karmic bond between her and Tang San now severed, she felt no lingering attachment.
Everyone's attention quickly shifted to their new companion—Gu Yuena.
But no one dared to approach her.
Her temperament carried a natural sense of distance, making her feel unapproachable.
It wasn't until they were about to part and return to their dorms that Ning Rongrong couldn't hold back and took the initiative.
"Um... sister, how old are you exactly? I just don't want to accidentally call you something disrespectful."
As a master of socializing, Ning Rongrong's tone was casual yet full of careful implication.
Everyone who was about to leave paused, their curiosity piqued. Even Flander subtly turned his head to listen.
Everyone wanted to know more about Gu Yuena.
"Don't worry."
Gu Yuena glanced calmly at the lovely girl before her and shook her head expressionlessly.
"No matter what you call me, I won't be old."
Uh…
Ning Rongrong's face froze instantly.