Douluo Dalu (Soul Land): Shadow Monarch

"Xiao San, how's your body doing?"

Shortly after Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun left, Grandmaster's figure appeared in Tang San's room.

"Teacher, I'm much better." Seeing Grandmaster, Tang San shook his head but then became despondent and said, "Teacher, where exactly am I lacking compared to Cheng Xiao? Why can't I beat him no matter what tactics I use?"

"What do you think the reason is?" Grandmaster didn't answer Tang San's question right away but instead responded with another question.

"The reason?" Tang San was momentarily stunned, not expecting Grandmaster to ask him this. After a brief hesitation, he said, "Teacher, is it because my Blue Silver Grass is too weak? Even though it now has a poison attribute, it seems almost insignificant against Cheng Xiao."

"At the same level, I simply can't defeat him. Although the Eight Spider Lances are powerful, they had no effect in front of his shadow soul beasts. Even the hidden weapons I created couldn't harm him at all."

"I feel that if I don't train with my second spirit, I might never be able to defeat him in this lifetime."

Just thinking about the special nature of Cheng Xiao's spirit made Tang San furious. Right now, his Blue Silver Grass couldn't unleash its full potential, and he couldn't hurt Cheng Xiao because all his attack methods were built around controlling with Blue Silver Grass.

If Blue Silver Grass couldn't restrain the opponent, how could he possibly deal any damage?

Hearing this, Grandmaster sighed and helplessly said, "Xiao San, I must admit, back when we were at Nuoding Academy, both you and I underestimated him. His beast spirit is fundamentally different from the beast spirits we know. We both fell into the trap Cheng Xiao set for us."

"His spirit isn't just a simple boost to his physical attributes; it also grants him abilities similar to a Tool Spirit. So, I suspect his spirit has mutated, which is why he possesses such extraordinary combat abilities."

"Don't forget, when you sparred with him back then, he never summoned shadow soul beasts. His spirit is called Shadow Soldier, so I believe his spirit has mutated. Not only does he have the physical advantages of a beast spirit, but he also has the combat abilities of a tool spirit."

Listening to Grandmaster's confident explanation, Tang San's previously despondent expression showed a trace of comfort. No wonder he couldn't defeat Cheng Xiao—it turned out that the other party's spirit had mutated.

Grandmaster now regretted it immensely. If he had known earlier, he would have insisted on recruiting Cheng Xiao. With such a powerful and unique spirit, even if he didn't have twin spirits, with Grandmaster's guidance, Cheng Xiao could have made a name for himself across the continent.

After a long silence between master and disciple, Tang San slowly said, "Teacher, I think I now understand where I lost to Cheng Xiao. If my spirit wasn't Blue Silver Grass and if his spirit hadn't mutated, I would never have lost to him yesterday."

"But, Teacher, if possible, I want to start training with my second spirit ahead of schedule."

After saying this, Tang San seemed visibly excited. He was certain that as long as he started training with his second spirit, Cheng Xiao wouldn't stand a chance against him. With his hidden weapons as well, he was sure he could win!

"No, Xiao San, how could you think that?" Upon hearing Tang San's words, Grandmaster's face turned serious as he said sternly, "Xiao San, your greatest advantage is your twin spirits. As long as you persevere through the weak phase of Blue Silver Grass, when you later switch to your second spirit, Cheng Xiao won't be able to defeat you."

"Besides, don't you think his spirit has certain limitations? Even though he can summon shadow soul beasts, the consumption of spirit power must be enormous."

"A single duel doesn't prove everything. One major reason he was able to defeat you is that we didn't understand his abilities. But now, we do. In the future, during the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament, once I've fully studied his spirit's abilities, I'll give you all special training to counter his unique abilities."

"Remember, the Elite Tournament isn't just about one-on-one or two-on-two duels. The most important event is the group battle. And you, all you need to do is take out his teammates."

Hearing Grandmaster's confident analysis, Tang San suddenly felt enlightened. Yes, the teacher was right! The main reason Cheng Xiao could beat him was because he didn't understand Cheng Xiao's spirit abilities. But now that he knew, would he still be foolish enough to fall into the same trap? Moreover, once his spirit power reached a certain level and he switched to his second spirit, he wouldn't have to fear Cheng Xiao anymore.

For now, all he needed to do was improve his spirit power, pass through the weak phase of Blue Silver Grass early, and he could wash away the shame and prove his strength!

As the master and disciple thought about how to overcome Cheng Xiao's abilities and find a solution, the dormitory door suddenly opened.

Flender glanced at Tang San lying in bed and twitched the corner of his mouth before saying to Grandmaster, "Xiaogang, come out for a moment. I need to talk to you."

Hearing this, Grandmaster nodded slightly, offered Tang San a few words of comfort, and then walked out of the room.

Outside, in the morning sunlight, Flender spoke up.

"Xiaogang, is Tang San alright?"

"He's fine." Grandmaster didn't look at Flender, replying irritably, "You really are something. Where did you run off to last night? Tang San and Dai Mubai were injured, and those girls didn't even help them. Oscar and I had to go through a lot of trouble to carry them back."

"But no worries. Shao Xin's recovery candies worked well, and they also ate Oscar's sausages. Now, Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun have already gone out early this morning."

"Gone out? Where to?" Flender was momentarily stunned and instinctively asked, "That kid just recovered. Why is he running around again?"

"How would I know?" Grandmaster glanced at Flender and sighed.

"Alright, what do you need from me?"

Flender fell silent for a moment before finally speaking in a low voice, "I've seen Cheng Xiao. He's very talented, and his background is also strong—there's backing from the Heaven Dou Imperial family."

"Unfortunately, he's already joined the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. I went last night to try and recruit him, but I couldn't. It's such a pity to lose such a good talent."

"Recruit him?" Grandmaster rolled his eyes and thought, 'I couldn't even persuade him to take me as his teacher back then. Now that you know he's supported by the Heaven Dou Imperial family, do you really think he'll join Shrek Academy?'

"Besides, Cheng Xiao and Tang San had a conflict back at Nuoding Academy. If he joins Shrek Academy, how could that turn out well?"