On the other side of things, Tang San finally returned to Shrek Academy.
He wandered back to Shrek in a daze, unaware of how he had gotten there. Even now, he couldn't accept that he had absorbed a ten-year-old spirit beast as his third spirit ring...
How could he describe his situation as anything other than tragic?!
He, Tang San, reincarnated with his past life's memories into the Douluo Continent. He was supposed to be a favored child of the heavens, blessed with twin spirits and extraordinary talent. His future was to become a mighty figure, rebuilding his Tang Sect in this foreign world.
But now, everything was ruined.
All because of Su Bai.
Thinking of Su Bai, Tang San clenched his fists tightly. That vile spirit beast had forced him to absorb a ten-year-old spirit ring, cutting off his path to becoming a formidable expert.
Even though he tried to console himself with the thought that he still had his second spirit and could focus on cultivating it instead, it did little to soothe the bitterness in his heart. His hatred for Su Bai had reached its peak.
He didn't even know how to tell his teacher that his third spirit ring was only ten years old. If others found out, they would surely mock him mercilessly! And in future spirit battles, when others saw his first two spirit rings were hundred-year rings and the third was a mere ten-year ring, they'd laugh their heads off!
If he had a choice, he wouldn't have returned to Shrek.
"Xiao San, you're back!"
"Tang San!"
"Third Brother!"
In the central plaza of Shrek Academy, the group was gathered, discussing something. When they saw Tang San returning, they rushed to meet him.
Yu Xiaogang stepped forward, relieved to see his disciple unharmed. "It's good you're back. It's good you're back!"
"Third Brother, I heard from the Master that you went to get a spirit ring. Did you succeed?"
Ma Hongjun, permanently oblivious, didn't notice Tang San's despondent demeanor and blurted out the question.
Yu Xiaogang looked a bit embarrassed. He had only said Tang San was getting a spirit ring to put everyone at ease without knowing the situation.
Tang San glanced at his teacher and then nodded at Ma Hongjun, choosing not to expose Yu Xiaogang's lie.
"Xiao San, what's your third spirit ability? It must be a great one, right?"
Oscar was happy for Tang San, recalling how Tang San had helped him develop a good spirit. He was grateful to Tang San.
Yu Xiaogang also watched Tang San expectantly. Initially, he had only made an excuse, but now he was genuinely eager to know what spirit ability his beloved disciple had gained and if it matched his theories.
Tang San's face darkened. He closed his eyes in pain. "Teacher, please don't ask."
"No way!"
Yu Xiaogang frowned, speaking sternly, "Xiao San, as your teacher, I must consider your future. If you don't tell me your spirit ability, I can't advise you on your next spirit ring."
"There's no need," Tang San laughed bitterly, his face full of sorrow. "I'll tell you. My third spirit ring is a ten-year ring. Are you satisfied now?"
What?!
"Ten years!?"
Yu Xiaogang was in disbelief. "Xiao San, you must be joking!"
Tang San laughed miserably, summoning his spirit. Immediately, two yellow and one white spirit ring appeared, with the white one standing starkly.
Tang San then recounted his encounter in the Star Dou Great Forest. The group listened, full of pity for him.
Tang San was indeed unlucky to have encountered that fiend. And to believe that an evil spirit beast would help him obtain a spirit ring? Was his brain filled with water?
They didn't know what to say.
Dai Mubai, on the other hand, struggled to hold back his laughter. It was just too funny.
If not for the inappropriate timing, he would have burst out laughing. Tang San always acted so self-righteous, never showing any respect. He never called him Dai Laoda (Big Brother Dai) or even Dai Xuezhang (Senior Dai), even though Dai Mubai was older and more experienced.
Now, Tang San's future was in ruins. Let's see how high and mighty he acts now.
After finishing his story, Tang San walked dejectedly toward his dormitory.
"My poor disciple..."
Yu Xiaogang felt even worse. Tang San was the student he had painstakingly groomed—the one who had succeeded in verifying his theories. If Tang San continued, he could prove Yu Xiaogang's theories correct, allowing him to return to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan with pride.
But now, that hope seemed shattered.
Those who looked down on him would finally shut their mouths. But now, everything was ruined.
Still, he held onto a glimmer of hope for Tang San. After hesitating for a moment, he decided to chase after him.
"Xiao San, don't lose heart. Even if your Blue Silver Grass spirit is lacking, you still have your Clear Sky Hammer. Once you break through to Titled Douluo, you can attach powerful spirit rings to your Clear Sky Hammer. You'll still be a genius."
"Let's hope so…" Tang San replied, disheartened.
...
In the Star Dou Forest, at the Lake of Life.
Su Bai and Xiao Wu had just finished an intense battle. Xiao Wu lay in Su Bai's arms, her face filled with happiness.
"Su Bai, Xiao Wu, I'm here."
A voice called out to them from outside. Both of them perked up with joy.
It was Bibi Dong. She had finally come back. It had been a long time since she had last visited, and Su Bai had missed her dearly.
He and Xiao Wu quickly dressed and went out to greet her.
Outside, Su Bai feigned dissatisfaction as he looked at Bibi Dong. "Dong'er, you finally decided to come back and see me."
Bibi Dong rolled her eyes at him, then stepped forward and kissed him.
At this moment, Bibi Dong had already achieved the rank of Titled Douluo and mastered the God of Slaughter Domain, making her incredibly powerful.
Behind Bibi Dong, a young woman watched this scene in shock. In her memory, her teacher was always very aloof, never showing any warmth towards male spirit masters. But now, she was actively kissing a man.
She looked at Xiao Wu standing behind Su Bai, even more astonished that this man had another woman, and her teacher seemed to accept it. Was this still the cold and distant teacher she knew?
After the kiss, Bibi Dong pulled the young woman forward to introduce her to Su Bai and Xiao Wu. "This is my adopted daughter and my disciple, Hu Liena."
Su Bai's eyes lit up. Hu Liena?
She seemed to be around eighteen years old. A fox spirit?
Heh, interesting.
Su Bai was immediately intrigued. He took out a piece of celestial herb and smiled, "Since you are Dong'er's adopted daughter, it's only right to give you a gift upon our first meeting. This celestial herb is called Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone. Consuming it will rapidly increase your spirit power without any side effects. It's yours."
Hu Liena's eyes widened in surprise and gratitude as she accepted the herb. She had heard about the legendary properties of celestial herbs but never expected to receive one as a gift.
Bibi Dong smiled approvingly at Su Bai, glad he had made such a generous gesture towards Hu Liena. "Thank you, Su Bai. You're always so considerate."
Hu Liena bowed respectfully to Su Bai. "Thank you very much, Senior."
Su Bai waved dismissively, "No need to be so formal. Just think of it as a family gift."
As they chatted, their bond grew, setting the stage for future adventures and challenges they would face together in the tumultuous world of spirit masters.