After listening to the Skydream Iceworm's explanation, Qi Lin couldn't help but glance at Yu Xiaogang with a strange expression.
'So… Blue Silver Grass really can't take the poison route, huh?'
Thinking about it carefully, it made perfect sense. On the Douluo Continent, martial spirits evolved. Even a mediocre martial spirit could improve through the absorption of soul rings and the accumulation of soul power.
But Blue Silver Grass was one of the weakest plant-type martial spirits. If someone actually tried to develop it along a poison path, chances were it would self-destruct before it ever evolved.
The reason Tang San didn't suffer any backlash in the original story was because his martial spirit wasn't ordinary Blue Silver Grass—it was the Blue Silver Emperor.
The Blue Silver Emperor might not rival the Seraphim Spirit, but it certainly wasn't inferior to the Clear Sky Hammer.
No, actually… it might even be stronger.
Because the Blue Silver Emperor is one of a kind.
Although Tang San's spirit didn't undergo a second awakening early on, it had already reached the level of the Blue Silver King—a top-tier martial spirit by all accounts.
But even with such a rare and powerful martial spirit, Tang San never showcased any earth-shattering abilities with it. Most of his strength came from his Tang Sect techniques and hidden weapons.
So the idea of making Blue Silver Grass poisonous? That was just a death trap in disguise.
Talk about highlighting weaknesses instead of strengths.
Honestly, if it weren't for the Blue Silver Emperor's insane vitality and Tang San's protagonist aura, Qi Lin figured he might've had a shot at inheriting the God of Life's position himself.
Of course, that was just Qi Lin's own theory.
He cleared his throat and said with a friendly smile, "Grandmaster, with such an outstanding disciple like Tang San under your wing, you don't need me."
"Besides, I really don't have twin spirits."
Yu Xiaogang's brow twitched ever so slightly.
Why was this kid so resistant?
But unwilling to let go of the third twin-spirit genius in a hundred years, Yu Xiaogang pressed on, determined.
"Don't jump to conclusions just because of rumors. A lot of people misunderstand me, but you don't need to worry."
"I, Yu Xiaogang, may only be Rank 29, but I am by no means a mediocre teacher."
"I'm confident I can guide you well!"
He assumed Qi Lin was hesitant because of what others said about him.
After all, Yu Xiaogang knew his reputation—or lack thereof—better than anyone.
But Qi Lin shook his head, raised his hands like a little bear in a shrug, and said casually:
"Grandmaster, I don't care what others say about you, and I'm not going to judge."
"I only have one question—if I hit Rank 30 one day, what could you even teach me then?"
"Because right now… I'm already Rank 15."
His words stabbed Yu Xiaogang right in the chest like a steel blade.
Damn it—what was wrong with being Rank 29?
Sure, he lacked raw strength, but he had wisdom! Wisdom that shook the world!
Didn't this kid understand how valuable the title "Grandmaster" was?
With an air of self-importance, Yu Xiaogang turned his back, his silhouette full of melancholic drama.
"So be it. One day, you'll change your mind."
"Because only I am worthy of being your teacher."
And with that, he strode off.
Qi Lin blinked in surprise.
"Hey, Grandmaster!"
"Aren't you gonna stick around to watch Tang San and Xiao Wu's duel?"
Yu Xiaogang paused, then replied without turning back, "I already know the outcome. Xiao San will win."
"At the same level, control-type Soul Masters are practically invincible."
"Unless the gap between spirits is huge. But Xiao Wu's is just a Soft-Boned Rabbit. She can't possibly win."
With that, Yu Xiaogang walked off into the distance.
Qi Lin raised an eyebrow. 'Really now?'
He looked toward the battlefield and saw Tang San struggling to keep distance from Xiao Wu. If it weren't for his Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track, he'd already have been caught.
Tang San was using his Blue Silver Grass to try and restrain her, throwing pebbles as distractions and looking for openings to strike.
In the original story, Xiao Wu would've lost by now.
But this wasn't the original story.
After two months of Qi Lin's soul skill buffs, Xiao Wu's physical stats had skyrocketed far beyond Tang San's.
Blue Silver Grass?
It snapped like wet noodles!
Finally, Xiao Wu decided she was done playing around. She activated her first soul skill:
Waist Bow!
+100% waist strength. +50% flexibility.
In a flash, her speed exploded like an arrow loosed from a bow.
Tang San's Purple Demon Eye barely managed to follow her movements—just barely.
But even seeing something didn't mean you could react in time.
"You lost again!"
Xiao Wu suddenly appeared behind Tang San, landing a solid kick to his back.
Bang!
Tang San was sent flying forward several meters, face planting into the ground.
Qi Lin saw Yu Xiaogang still within earshot and immediately cupped his hands around his mouth to shout:
"Grandmaster! You gotta see this—Xiao Wu just won!"
Yu Xiaogang's steps faltered, his body staggering awkwardly. His face twitched as disbelief washed over him.
"Xiao San actually… lost?"
"How's that possible?"
He muttered to himself, "It must be the Blue Silver Grass. Its ceiling is just too low. Maybe if I can find a way to further enhance its poison…"
Shaking his head, he quickened his pace and disappeared down the road.
Just minutes after making a bold declaration, he'd been publicly humiliated.
Who wouldn't be embarrassed?
Qi Lin watched Yu Xiaogang vanish into the distance and shrugged.
In his sea of consciousness, the Skydream Iceworm was rolling around in laughter.
"Hahaha! I'm dying! That ugly old man's expression must've been priceless! Too bad I couldn't see it for myself!"
On the battlefield, Tang San climbed to his feet, covered in dust but thankfully unharmed.
He'd lost to Xiao Wu again—even after using Tang Sect techniques. His pride took a hit.
Still, he forced a smile as he looked at her.
"You won again, Xiao Wu."
"I didn't expect that even after gaining my first soul ring, I'd still be no match for you."
Xiao Wu lifted her delicate chin proudly and huffed.
"Of course! I'm the top dog of Nuoding Academy! How could I lose to you?"
"But… you're not bad either."
Her blunt praise made Tang San's eyes light up, and his heart skipped a beat.
But then he saw Xiao Wu hopping happily over to Qi Lin, beaming with excitement.
"Brother Lin! Did you see that? Was I awesome or what?!"
"You were amazing!"
Qi Lin gave her a big thumbs up.
From a distance, Tang San's mouth twitched.
Then his expression grew serious as he looked at Qi Lin.
Although a part of him was jealous of how close Xiao Wu was to Qi Lin, he reassured himself:
'Qi Lin may have potential, but he was already being distracted by love. He was wasting his natural talent.'
'I, on the other hand—
—I have twin spirits, a burning will to improve, and the guidance of a true master.'
'With time, I'll surpass him. Far, far beyond him.'
'Eventually… we'll be people from two different worlds.'
'And when that day comes, even Xiao Wu will see me differently.'