Seeing Xiao Wu's gesture, Su Ming felt warmth in his heart. Without hesitation, he accepted the food she offered and quickly devoured it, realizing just how hungry he was.
Meanwhile, Tang San was called aside by Yu Xiaogang to discuss the intricacies of external spirit bones, and the explanation left him elated. Though his Eight Spider Lances were only a 2,000-year-old spirit bone, they would evolve as his soul power grew stronger. When he reached the rank of Titled Douluo, wouldn't that mean his external spirit bone would reach the ten-thousand-year mark?
However, Yu Xiaogang also warned him that, because it was an external spirit bone absorbed across power levels, it hadn't fully fused with his body yet. Tang San would need a special opportunity for complete fusion. Until then, it would be best to avoid revealing it, lest someone attempt to steal it. Even after the fusion, it should only be shown in extreme cases—murdering someone to take their spirit bone was not uncommon in the soul master world.
When Su Ming saw Tang San returning, his face slightly different despite his best efforts to hide it, he could tell Tang San was exhilarated after learning about the preciousness of his external spirit bone.
On the other side, Oscar was in a far worse mood. That afternoon, Tang San had explained the essentials of Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track, but despite practicing it for hours, Oscar had made no progress.
Did he really need to cripple his cultivation and restart with Tang San's Xuantian Skill just to master Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track? But with his current level at 31, crippling his power to start from scratch would take him far longer to return to this level.
Yu Xiaogang, observing both Ning Rongrong and Oscar's expressions, began forming conclusions.
Tonight, Yu Xiaogang had planned to take everyone to the Soto City Great Spirit Arena. From what Flender had told him, they had already registered individually but hadn't yet signed up for the team battle. His original idea had been to use the weight training as a punishment to force the students to bond by overcoming hardship together. But seeing the dynamics, he realized it might be better to let the Spirit Arena battles forge their teamwork.
However, there was still one issue: they had eight students, but a team battle only required seven. He sighed inwardly, deciding to figure it out when they got there.
"Tonight's task is to go with Flender and me to the Soto City Great Spirit Arena. As you know, you've already registered. Our goal now is to form a team and compete," Yu Xiaogang announced.
"Given your talent, Flender and I have also decided to adjust your graduation requirements."
"What?!" Everyone gasped, even Su Ming, surprised by Yu Xiaogang's latest change. What was he planning now?
The others were in shock—graduation standards were already high, and now they were being raised?
Flender adjusted his glasses with a sly grin. "Don't worry. Given your talents, this assessment won't be too hard."
"You need to form a team tonight, and before you graduate, you must earn the silver spirit badge in the team competition."
Su Ming wasn't particularly interested. It didn't seem difficult. However, there was still the issue of having eight people.
Fatty Ma Hongjun voiced his concern, "Teacher, if I'm not mistaken, team battles are limited to seven people. We have eight. How do we form a team?"
Flender glanced at Ma Hongjun and coughed. "Well, Fatty, you won't be part of the team."
"Huh?! Why? Does that mean I can't graduate?" Ma Hongjun protested.
Flender continued, "Calm down, Fatty. This is for your own good."
Ma Hongjun was still confused, but Dai Mubai stepped in. "Fatty, you're at level 26. Both Xiao Wu and Su Ming are above level 40, so when we enter the tournament, we'll be facing spirit master teams of that level. You'd be cannon fodder."
"You'll be better off focusing on solo and duo battles," Flender added, sternly. "Mubai is right. The lowest level of power here is yours. Without the interference of your evil fire, focus on raising your strength. Don't be the only one left behind at the academy when everyone else graduates!"
Ma Hongjun looked dejected. While Flender's words made sense, he couldn't help feeling a sting of pain. He glanced downward at his situation.
Su Ming couldn't help but chuckle silently. Flender wasn't just hitting Ma Hongjun's sore spots—he was pouring salt on the wounds.
Tang San, however, remained calm. The moment Ma Hongjun mentioned the seven-person limit, Tang San had already anticipated that the fatty wouldn't be part of the team. Facing opponents at the level of Soul Ancestors would already be a challenge, even with Xiao Wu and Su Ming. The enemy teams wouldn't be weak, and strong teamwork would be key.
In Tang San's mind, this was a prime opportunity to showcase his control skills. While Su Ming leaned more toward individual combat, Tang San was a pure control-type soul master, making him the perfect choice to lead the team with his strategic oversight.
Su Ming: Heh. If I didn't know what your future soul skills were, I might believe you. But are you sure you'll remain a pure control-type soul master?
After acquiring his fifth soul ring, Tang San's control abilities would start shifting more toward offense. Still, Tang San was right about one thing: Su Ming hadn't focused on controlling the battlefield. Technically, Su Ming was classified as a support-type soul master.
But when it came to strategic vision, Su Ming wasn't about to be outdone. With his mental power and combat awareness, controlling a fight would be a breeze.