"Back when we were together, you called me 'dad.' Now that you've grown stronger, you turn your back on me?"
"Su Cheng!"
Hearing those two words, Zhu Zhuqing's vision darkened momentarily, her pretty face turning bright red, and it seemed as though steam was rising from her head.
Uncertain whether it was out of embarrassment or anger, she fiercely pinched Su Cheng's arm, her long black hair fluttering even though there was no wind.
Seeing the flirtatious interaction between the two, Tang San felt a wave of discomfort in his heart.
He recalled how he and Xiao Wu used to laugh and tease each other in the same way.
But now, everything had changed; the lovely girl who once filled his life with joy had vanished forever.
One of the culprits behind this tragedy was now standing right in front of him, yet he felt almost powerless.
The hatred for Su Cheng, the guilt over Xiao Wu, and the misplaced anger toward Zhu Zhuqing all welled up inside him, making his eyes turn a deep, bloodshot red.
"Su Cheng, if you're a man, don't hide behind a woman!"
As he spoke, eight menacing spider spears suddenly burst from his back.
His body moved with lightning speed, the spears thrusting straight ahead like lances, targeting Su Cheng's vital points.
Although it seemed he was attacking Su Cheng, Tang San was constantly aware of Zhu Zhuqing's movements, ready to intercept if she tried to assist.
He didn't thrust all eight spears at once, ensuring no escape routes for his opponent while leaving room for himself to change tactics.
Additionally, given the formidable nature of Su Cheng's sword spirit, dispersing his soul power too much could be ineffective.
Tang San was confident that at such close range, in the Slaughter City where soul skills couldn't be used, neither Su Cheng nor Zhu Zhuqing could dodge his Eight Spider Lances!
And once struck, the mixed venom in the lances would instantly infiltrate their bloodstream.
Even if he couldn't kill them outright, it would significantly weaken them.
Combined with his Tang Sect hidden weapon techniques, he could definitely gain the upper hand.
Unfortunately, all this was just his wishful thinking.
Su Cheng had no intention of using his spirit; he extended his fingers like a sword and slashed forward.
The innate power coursed through his veins and muscles without showing any outward sign.
Whether through the heightened perception brought by spiritual power or the innate power, which was far superior to soul power, coupled with Su Cheng's ability to accelerate energy flow through his unique method, his strike speed was unparalleled, even surpassing Tang San who possessed an external spirit bone.
As Tang San's mocking gaze lingered, the seemingly ordinary fingers effortlessly blocked the first spear.
Moreover, the spear shattered upon impact.
Tang San immediately spat out a mouthful of blood.
The intense pain made his body spasm.
Su Cheng's strength was far beyond his imagination.
But Tang San knew the importance of maintaining momentum; he couldn't afford to stop now.
The second spear thrust forward, accompanied by a piercing sound, only to be easily shattered again.
Tang San's face grew paler.
As an external spirit bone, these eight spears were part of his body, akin to his own bones.
Their destruction brought excruciating pain.
Yet, this was only the beginning.
The brutal confrontation continued. The third spear, the fourth, the fifth...
Under Su Cheng's indifferent gaze, Tang San soon had only one intact spear left.
He used the last of his soul power to thrust it forward.
With this final strike, his aura weakened to an almost undetectable level.
"Chhhh—"
A grating sound echoed.
Tang San watched in despair as his last spear was also shattered into fragments by Su Cheng's fingers, falling to the ground.
Tang San knew the hardness of his Eight Spider Lances well.
He couldn't comprehend how Su Cheng, using only his flesh, could easily destroy his trump card.
With all eight spears broken, his back was soaked in blood, and his face lost all color.
Zhu Zhuqing didn't look at Tang San but rather observed Su Cheng's fingers with curiosity.
The more she watched, the more she realized the uniqueness of his power.
For ordinary soul masters, soul power was just soul power, flowing through the meridians, separate from the body.
Though a soul master's physique was important, it mainly served as a vessel for soul power. The stronger the body, the higher the soul ring one could absorb, enabling stronger soul skills, especially for beast soul masters who could embody their martial spirits.
Therefore, the royal White Tiger Dai family of the Star Luo Empire, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan of the upper three sects, and the Elephant Armored School of the elemental academies all trained their bodies rigorously.
However, the fundamental determinant of a soul master's strength lay in their level and martial spirit.
No matter how strong one's physique was, no one would choose to forgo their martial spirit and instead use their body infused with soul power in combat; that would be like using an egg to hit a rock.
But Su Cheng's move defied convention.
He indeed used the so-called "innate power," but he used his fingers as a medium instead of his Eternal Sword.
This mysterious energy seemed inseparable from his body, as if it was not soul power but a force generated from his flesh and blood.
Currently, Su Cheng was using his body as a sword against Tang San. Though this method was not as direct as using a martial spirit, it was akin to using his body as his martial spirit, excluding the additional boost from martial spirit quality.
"How did he achieve this?" Zhu Zhuqing wondered, puzzled.
On the other side, Tang San was beginning to lose his composure.
With all eight spears broken, his eyes were blood-red.
He summoned a small black hammer into his hand.
Cleat Sku Hammer!
Chaos Cloak Hammer Technique!
Just as he raised his hand—
"Clang!"
The heavy black hammer, not yet in motion, was halted by two slender fingers.
Innate power, a blend of blood, soul power, and spirit, enhanced Su Cheng's body to the level of a soul master's martial spirit true form.
Such an attack was something Tang San, a mere soul king who couldn't use soul skills, couldn't withstand.
With a light flick, the Clear Sky Hammer flew out of Tang San's grasp.
Su Cheng pointed at the fallen Tang San's forehead, "I forgot to tell you, I've advanced to Soul Saint."
"What?!"
No matter how much pain he endured from the broken external spirit bone and the blood soaking his back, Tang San's face never changed until now. His eyes widened, his pupils quivering, momentarily dazed.
In his palm, he clutched fragments of his shattered Eight Spider Lances, planning to use them as hidden weapons.
Su Cheng glanced at his hand, "So you should abandon those petty tricks."
"How dare you insult Tang Sect's hidden weapons!"
Tang San's hand trembled, biting his lip, "A Soul Saint... It's only been a little over a year, how is that possible!"
Previously, he couldn't sense Su Cheng's exact level, assuming he concealed it well.
Given Su Cheng's past knack for concealment, Tang San thought they were evenly matched in level, leading him to boldly attack.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have acted so impulsively.
Realizing this, Tang San started planning his escape.
Upon learning Su Cheng's level, he wisely abandoned the fight.
To Tang San, Tang Sect techniques were supreme, but what defines a hidden weapon?
A fast, concealed weapon ideal for ambushes.
When the opponent is alert, its effectiveness plummets, no matter how skillfully used.
Su Cheng looked at Tang San, "How do you want to die?"
As he spoke, powerful sword intent crashed down, forcing the nascent killing aura Tang San had developed back into his body.
His face turned even paler, spitting blood again.
Now, he felt the true gap between them.
"How is he so strong?!"
Tang San's eyes flickered with disbelief.
He had seen Soul Saints but none with such dominance.
Recalling Su Cheng's past feats as a soul king, he steadied his mind.
This blow could crush him.
As the oppressive force grew, sweat formed on Tang San's forehead.
"I can't die here!
"I haven't avenged Xiao Wu, fulfilled my father's expectations, or saved my mother from Spirit Hall!
"Su Cheng must have used many unconventional methods to grow so quickly, likely depleting his potential.
"I have twin martial spirits, a vast future. Give me more time, and surpassing him is inevitable..."
Tang San's mind raced, seeking an escape.
"Scared stiff?" Su Cheng pointed at Tang San's chest, "Let me decide for you."
"Wait!" Tang San shouted, standing straight.
His face flushed unnaturally.
As his blood surged, his back wounds reopened, causing sharp pain.
"What?"
"Su Cheng, I know you're always arrogant. But you didn't win fairly today. Do you dare to make a bet for a rematch?"
Su Cheng laughed, "Didn't you provoke me first? Now, realizing you're outmatched, you're begging for mercy?"
"I never beg," Tang San endured the pain, staring coldly.
"Then explain how I didn't win fairly."