Chapter 50: Chapter 50: God King Tang Chuan Tricks Tang San
The Soul Hunting Forest was an artificially cultivated habitat for soul beasts, spanning dozens of miles in area.
At the entrance stood a dense thicket of trees, their leaves filtering the sunlight into golden beams that scattered across the ground.
A towering stone tablet marked the boundary, engraved with four bold characters: "Soul Hunting Forest."
Beyond the entrance, a winding path led deeper into the woods, flanked by towering trees that formed an endless green sea.
Crystal-clear streams meandered through the undergrowth, their waters so transparent that one could see the sand and tiny pebbles lining their beds.
The forest housed various soul beast habitats, each with its own distinct environment—some were dense woodlands, others sprawling grasslands, and still others murky swamps.
Tang San, Tang Chuan, and Yu Xiaogang treaded cautiously along the forest's outskirts.
No one knew where Yu Xiaogang had mustered the courage, but he had somehow gathered the nerve to bring Tang San and Tang Chuan here to hunt for spirit rings.
"Teacher, what kind of spirit ring are we here to obtain?"
Tang San's eyes flickered with confusion. His Mysterious Heaven Technique had been stagnant for two or three years now. Perhaps absorbing a spirit ring would finally allow him to break through the first level.
Standing nearby, Tang Chuan couldn't help but inwardly sneer at his past self's naivety.
'How foolish I used to be.'
But he had no intention of holding back. After all, in this world, he—the pure and innocent God King Tang—was more than enough!
The only reason he hadn't acted against Tang San yet was because of their father, Tang Hao.
He knew full well that their father was watching from the shadows, ensuring their safety. Revealing his true intentions now would be disastrous.
But that didn't mean he couldn't use their teacher to weaken his past self's strength!
"A level 10 soul master can only absorb spirit rings of ten or a hundred years. But as my disciples, I naturally hope you can obtain hundred-year spirit rings."
Yu Xiaogang pushed aside a cluster of bushes as he spoke.
Most soul beasts in this forest were indeed century-old, but given Yu Xiaogang's limited strength, protecting even himself was a challenge—let alone two kids.
Luo Sanpao scouted ahead for traces of soul beasts while Yu Xiaogang and the two boys advanced cautiously.
Soon, a glint of recognition flashed in Yu Xiaogang's eyes.
He had spotted a spirit ring perfect for Tang San and Tang Chuan.
Deep within the woods stood a nearly ten-meter-tall stalk of bamboo, solitary and imposing.
With his extensive knowledge, Yu Xiaogang recognized it instantly—a plant-type soul beast, the Lone Bamboo, and one that was nearly a hundred years old!
It was an ideal match for both Tang San and Tang Chuan.
"Teacher, what is this?"
Tang San frowned in confusion. Why had their teacher stopped in front of a bamboo plant?
"Xiao San, this is a Lone Bamboo. Among the soul beasts in this forest, its quality is exceptional—and highly compatible with your martial soul!"
Tang San's eyes lit up at his words. A soul beast that synergized with his own martial soul?
"Really, Teacher?"
Tang Chuan observed Tang San's excitement and smirked inwardly. His plan was already in motion.
"Yes, but from what I can tell, this one is only ninety-nine years old—just shy of the hundred-year mark. A pity."
Yu Xiaogang had hoped to secure hundred-year spirit rings for both of them. But since this one fell short, he hesitated.
Seizing the opportunity, Tang Chuan spoke up with feigned sincerity.
"Teacher, this journey has already been fraught with danger. We've passed several corpses along the way, and most of the soul beasts here are formidable. Why don't we let Xiao San take this spirit ring? I can wait for another one later—it's safer this way."
Yu Xiaogang considered his words and nodded.
He knew the risks. Despite the forest only housing century-old soul beasts, many still perished here daily.
His priority was ensuring they all returned alive.
Besides, Tang San's Blue Silver Grass could only be cultivated to Level 30. His original plan was to have him switch to the Clear Sky Hammer afterward.
That way, his first ring for the Clear Sky Hammer could be purple, and by the third, he might even attach a ten-thousand-year black spirit ring!
Tang Hao was his idol—the man who had single-handedly killed Qian Xunji to avenge his blood feud.
Now, he was training Tang San and Tang Chuan for another purpose: revenge against Bibi Dong, the woman who had ruined his life.
He would make sure Bibi Dong suffered every ounce of pain he had endured.
"Xiao Chuan is right. Though a ninety-nine-year spirit ring is slightly weaker, absorption will be safer."
Hearing this, Tang San was deeply moved by his brother's apparent selflessness.
'In times of crisis, it's my own brother who stands by me.'
"Thank you, brother! Thank you, Teacher!"
With a swift motion, Tang San drew a dagger and severed the bamboo.
A white spirit ring tinged with faint yellow emerged, and Tang San immediately began absorbing it.
Watching this, Tang Chuan's lips curled into a sly grin.
'Perfect. This is exactly what my past self deserves—a stepping stone for my rise.'
Now, the four-hundred-year-old Datura Snake they would encounter later would be his prey.
And his foolish brother? He could eat dirt in the future.
About fifteen minutes later, Tang San opened his eyes, exhilarated.
"Teacher! I've broken through to level 11!"
Not only had his soul power increased, but his Mysterious Heaven Technique had also advanced to the first level!
"Good! You've made your teacher proud!" Yu Xiaogang praised.
"Well done, brother. Keep it up!" Tang Chuan added with a smile.
His joy, however, stemmed from a different source—Tang San was now destined to be nothing more than a stepping stone in his path.
Yu Xiaogang, meanwhile, was just relieved they could leave this wretched place soon.
Hidden in the shadows, Fu Ye observed everything in silence.
'You two are truly something else.'
Was it really okay for the God King Tang San to reincarnate and betray his past self?
Fu Ye decided there was no need for him to intervene. He'd simply watch as the two brothers schemed against each other.
"Yes! Brother, thank you for giving me this spirit ring. Teacher and I will help you get yours next!"
Tang San's eyes burned with fervor. He had finally become a true spirit master, respected by all!
"Xiao San, what's your soul skill? Tell us about it," Tang Chuan asked, feigning curiosity.
In truth, he already had an idea—a plant-type soul beast like the Lone Bamboo should yield useful abilities.
"Of course! My soul skill is called Root-Stone Transformation (those who understand will understand). As the name suggests, it hardens my Blue Silver Grass, making it incredibly tough!"
Tang San's eyes blazed with pride.
Yu Xiaogang and Tang Chuan, however, were stunned.
'Root-Stone Transformation?'
'Brother, are you serious?'
Though inwardly facepalming, Yu Xiaogang forced a nod.
"Ahem! Xiao San, your soul skill is... unique. But our priority now is finding a spirit ring for your brother."
He coughed awkwardly, cutting off Tang San's eager explanation.
His knowledge of Blue Silver Grass was limited, but he had hoped the Lone Bamboo would enhance its flexibility—not turn it into a block of stone!
Fu Ye, still concealed in the darkness, nearly choked back laughter.
'Whose soul skill is called Root-Stone Transformation?! And it just makes your grass hard?!'
…
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