The world of Soul Masters wasn't bound by too many formalities, and Ma Hongjun wasn't a figure of great importance, so his funeral proceeded quickly and concluded before evening.
His death didn't cause much of a stir within the academy either. After all, everyone's life revolved around themselves, and at most, it became a topic of conversation over tea or meals.
However, for Flender and the Shrek Academy Team, it was not good news.
After the successive blows of Liu Erlong and Ma Hongjun, Flender began to grow despondent, even indifferent to the upcoming promotion match set to begin the next day.
The Shrek Academy Team was also shrouded in gloom.
With Yu Tianheng and Ma Hongjun both encountering trouble, the team's combat strength had declined, leaving them with little hope for the upcoming matches.
Tang San looked at his dispirited teammates in the courtyard and smiled. If he hadn't resolutely gone out to obtain Spirit Rings, he would surely be as pessimistic as they were now, and his confidence might have taken a hit.
After all, no one wanted to lose to their peers in such an important competition.
This kind of contest wasn't just about strength; it also tested talent and potential. If they were eliminated right at the start, wouldn't that prove they were utterly inferior to their contemporaries?
With a calm expression, Tang San walked into the midst of the group and said, "Everyone, don't worry about tomorrow's match. Just trust me."
As he spoke, he slowly raised his left hand, and the Clear Sky Hammer quietly appeared. Four pitch-black Spirit Rings emerged one after another from beneath his feet.
By now, his Clear Sky Hammer and Twin Spirits had already been revealed through Yu Xiaogang's words, so there was no point in hiding them any longer.
Since there was nothing useful left to learn here, Tang San had made up his mind to leave Shrek Academy after the Soul Master Competition and train with his father.
"What?! Xiao San, you actually have Twin Spirits!" Dai Mubai exclaimed in shock.
"Heavens, your second Spirit is already equipped with Ten Thousand Year Spirit Rings!" Tailong and Yu Feng also gasped in astonishment.
Even Ye Lingling's eyes showed a flicker of change.
But the most surprised among them were undoubtedly Yu Xiaogang and Xiao Wu.
Xiao Wu was both shocked and thrilled, her excitement bubbling over. She hadn't expected her beloved San Ge to possess Twin Spirits, and now his second Spirit was even equipped with Ten Thousand Year Spirit Rings. A sense of pride welled up in her heart.
"Xiao San, you've really succeeded…" Yu Xiaogang stared at the Spirit Rings beneath Tang San's feet, his face filled with disbelief. A wave of defeat and loss washed over him.
He hadn't imagined that Tang San, despite all his own hardships and humiliations, had managed to succeed in cultivating Twin Spirits on his own, something he hadn't achieved even in Spirit City.
What did all his efforts, misunderstood and doubted by Xiao San, amount to in the end?
Hearing the admiration from those around him, Tang San felt a sense of satisfaction. He then turned to Yu Xiaogang, who wore a bitter expression, and nodded. "The answer is actually quite simple. As long as your physical condition can withstand the energy impact when attaching a Spirit Ring, there's no risk."
He had noticed this when attaching the first Spirit Ring to his Clear Sky Hammer. Although he could use the Eight Spider Lances to devour Soul Beasts and enhance his physique, for the sake of caution, he had controlled the remaining three Spirit Rings to just barely reach the Ten Thousand Year level.
Although this would result in a loss of some combat power, Tang San dared to say that with these four Ten Thousand Year Spirit Rings, he could even stand a chance against a Soul King.
Moreover, this was just the initial stage of his Clear Sky Hammer. As long as he didn't add Spirit Rings to his Blue Silver Grass, he believed the age of the Spirit Rings on his Clear Sky Hammer could be further increased.
"Hehe, physical fitness, it's so simple. But do you know you've wasted the potential of your Twin Spirits?" Yu Xiaogang sighed softly, then slowly stood up and walked towards his room with a somewhat desolate figure.
As for why Tang San's physical fitness could meet the requirements for adding Spirit Rings to his second Martial Soul, Yu Xiaogang didn't ask, because he had already experienced the devouring ability of the Eight Spider Lances.
Seeing Yu Xiaogang's absent-minded expression, Tang San narrowed his eyes and slowly curved his lips into a smile. He now clearly understood the true level of his teacher.
Tang San shook his head, amused. What could a Level 21 Soul Grand Master possibly know about potential? Just the first four Spirit Rings on his Clear Sky Hammer had already surpassed Li Xun. Who else could possibly compete with him in terms of potential?
No longer paying attention to Yu Xiaogang, Tang San called Xiao Wu outside: "Xiao Wu, I already know your true identity."
"Brother San... I..." Xiao Wu was startled and quickly tried to explain, but Tang San stopped her.
The two talked for a long time, and Xiao Wu was moved by Tang San's sincerity, eventually revealing her true self to him.
"Brother San, if I'm ever not around, go to the Star Dou Forest to find me. There's Da Ming and Er Ming there, and I'll be safe."
"Xiao Wu, don't worry. Whether you're human or a Soul Beast, you'll always be my sister." Tang San chuckled and ruffled Xiao Wu's hair. "But you shouldn't participate in the upcoming matches."
"Brother San, the Shrek Academy Team has already lost two members. If I don't fight, won't the rest of the matches rely entirely on you?" Xiao Wu immediately became anxious.
"Xiao Wu, don't worry. Whether now or in the future, no one can defeat the Clear Sky Hammer with its Spirit Rings."
Tang San spoke firmly: "Moreover, by adding Spirit Rings to my second Martial Soul, my Soul Power has already reached Level 48. Even if Li Xun is a Level 50 Soul King, I can still stand a chance against him."
Seeing Tang San's confident expression, Xiao Wu couldn't help but laugh: "Then can I go watch your matches?"
"No, tomorrow is the first day of the advancement matches. The elders of the Spirit Hall will definitely be there, and you might be exposed." Tang San shook his head.
"Alright..."
Heavenly Dou City, Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School headquarters.
Li Xun slowly opened his eyes, ending a day of cultivation: "Aunt Xue, come in."
"Young Master, news has come from Shrek Academy that Ma Hongjun has died from Evil Fire Backlash, and Tang San has also returned, having added four Ten Thousand Year Spirit Rings to his Clear Sky Hammer."
Aunt Xue gently pushed open the door and placed the meal she was carrying on the table.
Li Xun wasn't surprised by the first piece of news. He had already arranged matters regarding Ma Hongjun. The reason it took so long to take effect was because Ma Hongjun, unable to visit brothels, had been spending his spare money on eating out every day.
However, Tang San successfully adding Spirit Rings to his Clear Sky Hammer was something he hadn't expected.
He hadn't even allowed Yu Xiaogang to enter the Pope's Hall, yet Tang San had still succeeded, and without exploding in the process.
However, this was just as well. If Tang San was now attaching Spirit Rings to the Clear Sky Hammer, their age would certainly not be too high, which was something Li Xun was pleased to see.
The further a Soul Master progressed in their cultivation, the slower their progress would become, and the more pronounced their combat power would be. Now, in his haste to catch up, Tang San was willing to sacrifice his future potential for immediate gains. Li Xun could only wish him success.
"Aunt Xue, are our people safe?"
"Yes, I heard they were prepared for interrogation, but Tang San unexpectedly came to their rescue," Aunt Xue smiled.
Li Xun nodded: "Any news from the palace?"
Aunt Xue shook her head: "Our people say they haven't seen anyone come out of the palace, and no one at Shrek Academy has reported seeing anyone meet with Yu Xiaogang. Of course, it's also possible that our people's cultivation levels are too low to detect anything."
"There's no need to keep an eye on Shrek Academy anymore. Have everyone withdraw first thing tomorrow morning, leave no one behind," Li Xun thought for a moment: "The same goes for the palace entrance."
"Should we inform Miss Ye Lingling?" Aunt Xue pondered.
"No need, I'll keep her with me directly after the competition."
(End of Chapter)