At Notting City Academy, the semester had come to an end. While a few students opted to stay on campus, the majority chose to return home.
"Xiao Wu!"
"What's up, Xiao San?"
During dismissal, Xiao Wu, who was happily hopping her way out of the classroom to grab lunch, turned her head at Tang San's call, her expression puzzled.
"Well…"
Tang San's face flushed as he prepared to voice his thoughts. His darker complexion helped hide the blush, but he swallowed nervously before speaking. "Didn't you say you were staying at the academy? I was thinking… why not come to my house instead? The scenery in our Holy Spirit Village is amazing; I'm sure you'll love it!"
Although Tang San and Xiao Wu's relationship was far from the bond they shared in the original story, thanks to You Xing's mediation, they had become decent friends.
Moreover, Xiao Wu, being an open book, had unintentionally revealed to Tang San through casual conversations that she wouldn't be staying with her "relative" You Chen during the break but would remain in the school dormitory instead.
Her decision puzzled Tang San.
'Why wouldn't she stay with Master You Chen when they're relatives and live in the same city? Sure, it's fine during school, but why stay at an almost empty school during the holidays?'
Tang San couldn't help but wonder. You Chen had always been kind to Xiao Wu, and she often spoke highly of him. Their relationship didn't seem strained at all.
Moreover, Tang San noticed the rare hint of loneliness in Xiao Wu's expression when she mentioned staying behind. This sight made his concern deepen.
It's worth mentioning that once Tang San learned of Xiao Wu's connection to You Chen, any lingering hostility he'd harbored toward You Chen due to his master's rivalry completely evaporated.
Thus, driven by his eagerness to lift Xiao Wu's spirits, Tang San had mustered the courage to make his invitation.
Naturally, Xiao Wu was—stunned.
Her reason for avoiding staying at You Chen's house was simple: she didn't want to grow too close to someone who might one day become her enemy.
You Xing was different. After some probing, he had assured her he wouldn't join Spirit Hall. While she found his declaration odd, Xiao Wu trusted his honesty and felt reassured by his frankness.
This lack of concern made her interactions with You Xing less guarded.
However, this also caused her to shift her reliance on You Chen onto You Xing. She hadn't even seen You Chen in quite some time, and knowing they weren't truly related made it hard for her to justify imposing on him for lodging.
But Tang San's suggestion?
'What's happening?'
Xiao Wu was utterly bewildered. She couldn't comprehend what prompted Tang San to make such a proposal.
Even Tang Hao, who had been observing the trio from the shadows, viewed them as a tight-knit unit of close friends under You Chen's psychological influence.
However, from Xiao Wu's perspective, Tang San was merely a tagalong whenever she and You Xing hung out. It was no different from occasionally bringing Da Hei, her pet, along when she played. Just as You Xing was slightly gentler with Da Hei because of her, she treated Tang San with similar casual warmth.
When had their relationship reached the point where such an invitation was appropriate?
Feeling baffled, Xiao Wu casually declined. "No need, Xiao San. I've got some ideas about my second spirit ring. This holiday, I plan to stay at school and do some research in the library."
"R-really? Haha, alright then."
Tang San awkwardly scratched the back of his head.
He wanted to ask why, if her only reason for staying was research, she'd shown such a melancholy expression when she mentioned it. He also wanted to know why she wouldn't consult Master You Chen for spirit ring guidance. However, Tang San's Purple Demon Eyes caught a fleeting trace of impatience on Xiao Wu's face, and he refrained from pressing further.
There's a saying: "Divine power hides tears," and now Douluo had its equivalent: "Purple Demon Eyes fail to conceal awkwardness."
Fortunately, under You Chen's influence, Tang San was less rigid than his original counterpart and had gained some social awareness. To defuse his embarrassment, he changed the subject. "By the way, where's Brother You Xing? I haven't seen him since this morning."
Speaking of You Xing's absence, Tang San couldn't help but recall the excitement he felt earlier at the prospect of spending time alone with Xiao Wu.
But after his failed invitation, that earlier joy now felt shameful and torturous.
Brother You Xing had always treated him so kindly, yet he'd felt "glad" about his absence? What a disgraceful thought.
"Oh, you mean my little junior?"
Xiao Wu wrinkled her nose and replied with slight annoyance, "I heard You Chen took him to the Star Dou Forest for some training. Apparently, his spirit power is close to reaching level 20, so they're planning to help him get his second spirit ring."
"Second… spirit ring?"
Tang San felt as though a bucket of cold water had been dumped on him, leaving him momentarily stunned. "He's already becoming a Grandmaster Spirit Master!?"
He suddenly recalled the vow he'd made nearly a year ago to rematch You Xing. His hands clenched into fists.
In that moment, he even forgot about his fleeting feelings for Xiao Wu. His head snapped up, his gaze determined, his heart burning with the drive to train.
'I must become stronger, faster!'
He was only at level 15! Even though it was unlikely for You Xing to jump ten levels in two years and reach Spirit Elder, meaning they'd still be in the same major realm, his current progress wasn't enough.
At best, he could barely reach the rank of Grandmaster Spirit Master by their rematch deadline. Could he hone his body to peak condition in time?
Would there be enough time left to craft and master his hidden weapons?
No matter how motivating You Xing's words had been, Tang San couldn't bear another crushing defeat like the last.
'I have to be at my absolute best when I face Brother You Xing in two years. That's the only way to show him the respect he deserves!'
At that moment, driven by urgency and his year of growing intellect as a devoted admirer, a flash of insight struck Tang San like lightning.
He finally recalled the strange feeling he'd had a year ago when speaking with the blacksmith Shi San.
'My father… might not be an ordinary person!'
Perhaps from Tang Hao, he could uncover a way to advance rapidly.
With this hope in mind, Tang San didn't even bother saying goodbye to Xiao Wu and rushed home in a frenzy.
And then...
"Xiao San: When you see this letter, I will already be gone. Don't try to find me. You
won't be able to."
As he read the letter, Tang San's expression twisted.
"You've got to be kidding me!"
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