"Xiao San, don't be discouraged. Since you've already produced an External Soul Bone once, it's possible for it to happen again.
Moreover, have you noticed? Your third Spirit Ring's Soul Skill is exceptionally powerful.
This proves that spider-type Spirit Beasts are well-suited for your Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul.
If you train diligently and continue absorbing spider-type Spirit Beasts for your fourth and fifth Spirit Rings, you might just produce another External Soul Bone!"
Seeing his disciple's dejected state, Yu Xiaogang couldn't bear it and decided to weave a dream for him.
As a master of psychological manipulation, crafting such dreams came naturally to him.
Sure enough, Tang San's eyes lit up.
"Teacher, now that you mention it, I suddenly recall something.
Does surpassing the limit when absorbing a Spirit Ring increase the chances of obtaining an External Soul Bone?
According to what you've said, External Soul Bones are one-in-a-million treasures—so why did I manage to obtain one this time?
The difference this time was that I absorbed a Man-Faced Demon Spider Spirit Ring beyond the normal limits for a Soul Master..."
Yu Xiaogang was momentarily stunned. He had only said those words casually to reignite Tang San's motivation for cultivation.
For Tang San to obtain another External Soul Bone would be a miracle on par with ascending to godhood on the spot.
Yet, unexpectedly, his disciple had taken it to heart.
This...
"Xiao San, you must not risk your life just for the sake of an External Soul Bone! Such treasures are one-in-a-million—you can't throw your life away for them!
The next time you absorb a Spirit Ring, you must first obtain my permission!" Yu Xiaogang reprimanded sternly.
He had only wanted to reignite Tang San's will and hope—not for him to recklessly pursue high-level Spirit Rings at the cost of his life.
"Teacher, don't worry. I won't act rashly. I'll focus on improving my physical fitness and mental strength. Only with your approval will I absorb a Spirit Ring!
Teacher, I need methods to enhance my physical fitness—please, you must help me!"
Tang San had already made up his mind, but he also knew this wasn't something to be reckless about. Before absorbing any Spirit Ring, he would first confirm the maximum limit he could endure.
Yu Xiaogang let out a sigh of relief, though for some reason, a flicker of hope ignited in his heart. Could Xiao San really obtain another External Soul Bone?
He quickly responded, "Speaking of this, it makes me furious.
Improving physical fitness requires diverse nutrition, medicinal supplements, and a protein-rich diet.
Flender has been feeding you nothing but pickles and steamed buns every day—how could you possibly develop strong physical fitness like that?
Now that I'm here, things will change.
Xiao San, rest assured. I'll conduct special training for all of you in the coming days—your physical fitness will improve dramatically!"
Yu Xiaogang was brimming with fighting spirit. Now that he had reignited his disciple's determination, the rest was up to him.
Tang San immediately grew excited. In his eyes, his teacher was omniscient—with his guidance, he could continue absorbing Man-Faced Demon Spiders for his fourth Spirit Ring.
Perhaps he could even produce eight more Spider Legs.
What belongs to me will be mine.
Tang San was exhilarated.
Heaven Dou City.
Several more days passed.
Good news arrived—Shi Nian had been captured alive by Old Snake.
Dugu Feng immediately left Heaven Dou Royal Academy and returned to Heaven Dou City.
However, he did not return to the Dugu Family.
Instead, he wound through the streets and alleys until he reached the eastern district.
There, on a bustling street paved with blue bricks, stood a mid-sized academy.
The academy's gate tower was extremely tall, leading inward to luxurious fountain sculptures and two granite-paved pathways.
Dugu Feng followed this path straight to the central teaching building of the academy.
Indeed, this academy now belonged to the Dugu Family.
After Dugu Feng decided to take over Canghui Academy,
Old Snake went to deal with Shi Nian,
while Flower King purchased this prime piece of real estate within Heaven Dou City.
Originally an idle academy, its location and scale made it perfect for family operations.
Dugu Feng was quite satisfied as he walked through the campus.
Teaching buildings, training grounds, gravity chambers, and simulated cultivation environments—though modest in scale, they were sufficient as a foundation for development.
Dugu Feng arrived at a domed building in the northernmost part of the academy—the dean's office.
"Dean Snake, how does it feel to be a teacher?"
Dugu Feng smiled as he looked at Old Snake before him.
Old Snake chuckled. "I've finally lived up to the young master's expectations. The dean of Canghui Academy and the forces behind it have agreed to relinquish control. Flower King is currently organizing the relocation of Canghui Academy here.
The Shi Nian you wanted is inside!"
Dugu Feng's eyes lit up as he stepped in.
Slumped against the wall on a chair was a man in his sixties, dressed in moon-white Soul Master attire, his expression cold.
"Young Master, he was poisoned by me—now his body is very weak!"
Old Snake grinned proudly.
When Shi Nian saw the person before him, addressed as "Young Master" by Old Snake, he immediately understood his identity and hurriedly said, "If your esteemed family wished to take Canghui Academy, why resort to such methods?
I, Shi Nian, am not an unreasonable man—how would I dare oppose your family?"
After Old Snake brought him here and explained the situation, Shi Nian was filled with both resentment and terror.
The Dugu Family—they had a Titled Douluo.
No matter how arrogant he was, he wouldn't dare provoke them.
Dugu Feng took two steps forward. "I want Canghui Academy—and I also want you. Will you serve the Dugu Family?"
"Do I have a choice?" Shi Nian forced a bitter smile.
He wasn't of noble birth, and his Fading Dream Spirit was a mutated Martial Soul.
In his youth, he roamed the continent, relying on ruthlessness, unscrupulous methods, and the uniqueness of his Martial Soul to steadily grow stronger.
After advancing to Soul Saint, he sought a stable environment to cultivate and joined Canghui Academy.
He never expected the Dugu Family would take notice of him.
Shi Nian didn't know whether this was misfortune or luck.
Dugu Feng flicked his wrist, and the Emerald Dragon Snake coiled around it flashed before Shi Nian.
Shi Nian's pale face twisted in shock.
This snake's aura was terrifying—could it be a Ten-Thousand Year Soul Beast?
He felt he could be killed by this Spirit Beast at any moment!
The Emerald Dragon Snake opened its mouth and spat out a jade-green pill.
"Swallow this pill. From now on, betrayal means death—I demand absolute loyalty."
Dugu Feng's voice was icy.
Shi Nian's expression wavered before he gritted his teeth, grabbed the pill, and swallowed it.
The moment it entered his mouth, the pill vanished without a trace.
Even with his Soul Saint strength, he couldn't sense it at all.
Instantly, Shi Nian was filled with awe and fear toward Dugu Feng.
Was this the means of a great family?
A Ten-Thousand Year Soul Beast at his side, and control methods beyond imagination.
"Young Master, what must I do?" Shi Nian struggled to his feet and bowed as he asked.
Seeing Shi Nian being so sensible, Dugu Feng immediately held him in higher regard.
"The first thing you must do is cooperate with Old Snake to relocate Canghui Academy to Heaven Dou City," Dugu Feng said calmly.
"Then lead Canghui Academy to win the championship in the continent-wide Soul Master Competition two years later!"
(End of Chapter)