[Forget it, forget it, I won't write about this anymore. If it were me, Xiao Wu wouldn't even have the chance to sacrifice herself!]
All the women were skeptical of such "coincidences." Could there really be so many coincidences in this world?
Later, when Tang San swore he wouldn't use Xiao Wu's 100,000-year spirit ring and spirit bone, yet ended up using them frequently—just by looking at the names of her skills like Void, Explosive Eightfold Drop, Teleportation, and Invincible Golden Body, it was clear that most of Xiao Wu's abilities were life-saving techniques. The women guessed that Tang San must have consciously used those skills, especially the two spirit bone skills.
Bibi Dong, however, looked at the situation more rationally. After all, she had been deeply in love once, so she could deduce some things.
First, since Xiao Wu's soul was residing in the spirit ring and spirit bones, and she had some level of self-awareness, whenever Tang San was in danger, Xiao Wu would definitely use her soul energy to activate those skills to protect him, even at the cost of her own soul.
So, while Su Ming's diary was somewhat influenced by personal feelings and wasn't entirely objective, it was still about 70-80% accurate. Teleportation and Invincible Golden Body were Xiao Wu's signature skills, and they were incredibly practical. Bibi Dong didn't believe Tang San hadn't used them himself, and definitely not just once or twice!
[Ding! Since the host didn't mention any female protagonists today, there is no reward.]
[However, because the host held a livestream today, each female protagonist receives a reward: Camouflage, and an increase of one spirit power level.]
Seeing the reward of an extra spirit power level, the happiest was undoubtedly Bibi Dong. Due to her participation in the Rakshasa God trials, her power had been restrained, but now, with this level boost, she was one step closer to regaining her peak strength! Of course, the other women were also delighted. After all, free spirit power was always appreciated!
Soon after, they eagerly checked the description of the Camouflage skill.
[Camouflage: Allows the user to change the color of their spirit rings and the aura they emit, but the aura cannot exceed the actual strength of the ring.]
Reading the description, the women quickly understood what the system was implying: they might later receive rewards to enhance the age of their spirit rings, altering their quality. But they couldn't let Su Ming discover this!
The system was really "considerate" toward Su Ming!
Some, however, were puzzled. Why was the system working so hard to boost their powers while keeping Su Ming in the dark? What was the system after?
System: Kekekeke, since you've accepted my gifts, you'll all belong to Su Ming one day, hehe!
Su Ming: Thanks a lot, system!
If Su Ming knew what the system was up to, he would undoubtedly be pleased. After all, who wouldn't be happy to have beautiful women around? Su Ming was no exception.
The only thing that worried him was: if he ended up with too many women, would he face some sort of chaotic love battle? Would he end up being "stabbed"? He definitely didn't want to end up like Makoto from School Days!
System: Don't worry, I've got everything arranged for you, kekeke!
Time passed quickly, and a year flew by. The academy was on break, and Su Ming planned to return to Holy Soul Village with Xiao Wu. After all, Xiao Wu had no other place to go. She couldn't exactly return to the Star Dou Forest, could she?
At the same time, Su Ming was puzzled. Tang Hao probably knew Xiao Wu's identity as a 100,000-year-old spirit beast, so why hadn't he done anything about it?
But Su Ming speculated that it might be because over the past year, his relationship with Tang San had grown. Although they weren't exactly friends, they were pretty close.
As for Xiao Wu, she didn't see the need to "befriend" Tang San, but Su Ming reassured her that it was only temporary, especially since Tang Hao was secretly watching over them. He wasn't strong enough yet to fully protect himself, and his Sharingan was still far from evolving into the Mangekyo Sharingan.
The cultivation method the system provided to train his spiritual power was effective, but also incredibly painful. After each session, he had to rest for several days to let his mind recover and avoid harming his spirit.
This meant that while his spiritual strength was growing with each session, overall progress wasn't as fast as he had hoped. His Sharingan had only evolved to the two-tomoe stage so far. If only he had some treasure to restore his spiritual power!
There were rare herbs in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well that could aid in cultivating his eyes, but now wasn't the time to go there.
Although Su Ming and Xiao Wu had become "friends" with Tang San, Su Ming would still spar with Tang San every now and then. He couldn't resist the urge to beat Tang San up now and then.
Every time Tang San lost, he felt frustrated. His skills weren't bad, so why did he keep losing to Su Ming?
As for sparring with Xiao Wu, Su Ming, being a control-type spirit master, was well-suited to counter Xiao Wu's strong-attack style. Once he got used to her tactics, it wasn't easy for her to close in on him. So their duels ended in draws.
Xiao Wu wasn't discouraged, though. She knew control types naturally countered strong-attack types, but once she got her third spirit ring, things would change!
Seven Dorms.
Tang San asked Su Ming, "Su Ming, are you going back to Holy Soul Village?"
Su Ming smiled and nodded, "Of course, I haven't seen Grandpa Jack in a long time. I miss him."
Tang San hesitated before asking, "What about Xiao Wu?"
Before Su Ming could answer, Xiao Wu piped up, "Of course, I'm going back with my big brother Su Ming! Otherwise, I'd be so bored staying here by myself!"
Su Ming narrowed his eyes slightly and glanced at Tang San. So this was your goal, Tang San. You definitely have feelings for Xiao Wu!
Su Ming also wondered if the plot where Tang San made Xiao Wu his little sister would still happen this time when they returned to Holy Soul Village. After all, with Su Ming's presence, Xiao Wu had already become his little sister, and her attitude toward Tang San was much different than in the original story.
If Su Ming hadn't persuaded Xiao Wu to temporarily befriend Tang San, she probably would have wanted to beat him up by now. Although, at this point, she might not be able to win—it would likely be a tie.
After all, Tang San's Tang Sect techniques were no joke. With time to practice, he had surely improved! Especially his Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track and Purple Demon Eye—Xiao Wu might struggle to even get close to him now!
After packing their things, Su Ming, Xiao Wu, and Tang San set off together, heading back to Holy Soul Village.
Holy Soul Village.
At the village gate, Su Ming and Xiao Wu parted ways with Tang San. They wanted to visit Grandpa Jack first, while Tang San went to see his father and tell him about his accomplishments over the past year.
Unfortunately, Tang Hao was long gone.
"Grandpa Jack, I'm back! Are you home?"
Su Ming called out as he approached Jack's house.
"Oh, Su Ming, you're back for the break? Good, good!"
Old Jack emerged from the house with a smile, and then he noticed the petite, adorable girl standing beside Su Ming. He couldn't help but ask, "Su Ming, who's this cute little girl next to you?"
Before Su Ming could answer, Xiao Wu cheerfully introduced herself, "Hello, Grandpa Jack! My name's Xiao Wu, like the dance 'wu,' and I'm Su Ming's little sister now."
"Good, good, that's wonderful!"
Grandpa Jack was genuinely happy for Su Ming. It seemed Su Ming had found himself a potential future wife! With his years of experience, Jack could tell that Su Ming and Xiao Wu's relationship wasn't just an ordinary brother-sister bond. It might change in the future.
If Su Ming knew what Grandpa Jack was thinking, he'd marvel at how sharp the old man was! After all, that was precisely his plan. Given their current age, it was fine for Xiao Wu to be his little sister for now—there was nothing wrong with that.
Then Grandpa Jack asked, "Su Ming, didn't Tang San come back with you?"
Su Ming replied, "He went to visit his father first."
"I see. You two come with me to Tang San's house then. I have something for him. His father has already left, and who knows where he's gone. Having a father like that... well, it's Tang San's misfortune. That irresponsible man!"
Grumbling, Grandpa Jack went inside to fetch the letter Tang Hao had left behind.
Su Ming thought to himself, There's no need to worry about Tang San. His father is one of the top-ranked Title Douluos on the continent. Even if he's injured, he's still incredibly powerful.
Plus, Tang Hao didn't really leave. He's just watching over Tang San in secret. Grandpa Jack's complaints might be overheard by him!
Meanwhile, Tang San happily arrived home and called out for his father, but there was no reply. Upon entering the house, he saw that everything was covered in a layer of dust—no one had been there for a while.
Panic set in as Tang San wondered where his father had gone. Why wasn't he staying in the village? What if something happened to him outside?
Though Tang Hao had always been a drunkard who needed looking after, Tang San didn't resent him. In his previous life, he had been alone, never experiencing the warmth of family. In this life, he cherished family greatly.
But Tang San didn't realize his father was far stronger than he could imagine—there was no need to worry about him.
Just then, Su Ming, Xiao Wu, and Grandpa Jack arrived at Tang San's house.
Su Ming called out, "Tang San, come out! Your father left you a letter!"
Tang San rushed out immediately. "Where?!"
Seeing Tang San's anxious expression, Grandpa Jack shook his head, muttering curses about Tang Hao under his breath. Then he handed the letter to Tang San.
Tang San quickly opened the letter, and its contents were essentially his father telling him not to worry, that he was safe, but he had something important to do and needed to leave. He urged Tang San to take care of himself until his return.
From the letter, Tang San got the impression that his father might not be as simple as he had thought.