From Su Ming's tone, Tang San could tell he was being mocked, but he had no choice—he hadn't expected this outcome. Su Ming shook his head, knowing that Tang San didn't have anything more powerful than the sleeve arrow, as the current circumstances didn't allow it. Even though Tang San knew how to forge, he lacked the materials.
Su Ming said coldly, "Since you're out of moves, prepare yourself. I haven't even started yet!"
"I told you, you've crossed my line this time, and I'm going to give you a good beating!"
Tang San's expression turned serious. He knew Su Ming was stronger than him now, but he didn't believe Su Ming could actually hurt him. After all, Su Ming's skills were mostly control and defense-based, with no real offensive capability—at least, that's what he thought.
But reality often surprises.
"Prepare yourself! Let me show you my new self-created spirit skill!"
"What!!" Tang San was shocked. Could someone really create spirit skills so freely?
Su Ming clasped his hands together, chanting, "Wood Style: Cutting Technique!"
Suddenly, numerous sharp wooden spikes grew from the Wood Shield Wall, shooting directly toward Tang San.
"Tang San, let's see if you can escape unscathed. This move is somewhat similar to your earlier attack, but these are wooden spikes—don't underestimate them, they're very sharp!"
Xiao Wu stood by, stunned. Her Su Ming had once again used a new Wood Style technique, and it was quite similar to Tang San's earlier move—except Tang San had unleashed a "rain of hidden weapons," while Su Ming had launched a "rain of wooden spikes."
She didn't know if Su Ming had come up with this technique on the spot or if it was part of his Wood Style arsenal. Either way, her Su Ming was truly powerful. Tang San was in trouble now, but he deserved it for angering Su Ming.
Though Xiao Wu was somewhat delighted to see Su Ming so angry, especially when she heard him say, "You've crossed my line," her heart couldn't help but race.
Tang San quickly activated his Purple Demon Eye and Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track to avoid the spikes. He knew his body couldn't withstand being pierced, and he didn't have any defensive spirit skills.
But there were simply too many spikes. Tang San couldn't dodge them all and ended up with cuts and scratches all over his body.
Su Ming's Cutting Technique consumed nearly half of his spirit power, which meant the number of spikes was overwhelming.
Spotting an opening, Su Ming quickly cast Wood Style: Four Pillar Prison around Tang San. Four walls of wood rapidly grew from the ground, trapping Tang San inside.
Just as Tang San was about to admit defeat, Su Ming didn't give him the chance. This was no longer a friendly spar. Tang San had crossed the line by attempting to claim Xiao Wu as his sister, even though Su Ming had already made that connection with her.
Su Ming clenched his right hand, causing the wooden walls to close in tighter, binding Tang San and leaving only his head exposed.
Su Ming didn't want to use Binding Technique directly because Tang San was too slippery. So, he used the Four Pillar Prison to trap him first and then tightened the bind.
Even after binding him, Su Ming wasn't satisfied. He tightened the grip further, constricting Tang San until his face turned slightly blue. Only then did Su Ming release him.
"Cough, cough!" Tang San gasped for air, clearly realizing Su Ming wasn't playing around this time.
The Four Pillar Prison that had once just trapped him now had the power to nearly suffocate him. Tang San realized this level of control over spirit power and techniques wasn't something most spirit masters could achieve—it required an exceptional level of mastery, just as his teacher had said.
As Tang San recovered, Su Ming spoke coldly, "Tang San, I hope this is the first and the last time."
"We've known each other for a year now, and you should know that I don't care about most things. I only care about myself and the people important to me. I haven't revealed any of your secrets, so I believe I've shown good character. Don't push me again."
"As long as you don't cross my line, we're still friends. You're talented, and I don't want to be your enemy—truly."
With that, Su Ming grabbed Xiao Wu and left, leaning slightly on her. He wasn't trying to take advantage—he had simply used too much spirit power in the fight and felt a bit drained.
Xiao Wu's face reddened slightly but didn't mind. In fact, she thought Su Ming looked particularly manly and handsome just now.
Meanwhile, Tang San sat alone on the mountainside, deep in thought. He understood Su Ming's words. Over the past year, Su Ming had never wronged him. All their fights had been started by him.
He wasn't sure why he acted this way. Perhaps it was because he believed that, with his innate talent and twin martial souls, he should be able to beat Su Ming. Yet every time they fought, he lost.
This time, he knew Su Ming and Xiao Wu had an unusual relationship, and seeing them together made him feel uncomfortable. Over the past year, he had crafted many hidden weapons and grown more confident.
I'm from the Tang Sect! With hidden weapons, I should have easily beaten Su Ming. But he was wrong.
Tang San admitted his mistake. Su Ming's response was justified—after all, they had agreed to fight before. After a long period of self-reflection on the mountainside, Tang San finally managed to calm his restless heart.