The Nether Wolves attacked, but a single strike from Luo Sanpao scattered the pack. Even their hundred-year-old leader staggered under the force and the stench of Luo Sanpao. Tang San barely managed to protect himself.
Yuan Longxuan wiped sweat from his forehead. "Well, that's the first threat taken care of. Let's keep moving."
Tang Chuan's eyes caught the Mandragora Snake by the lake, its scarlet eyes glinting in the fading light.
"Hiss~~" the snake hissed, sensing them. Its tongue flicked out, tasting the air.
Calmly, Tang Chuan poured realgar powder into the wind, coating the snake's eyes and body. The serpent shrieked, thrashing in fury but unable to fight back.
"Brother Chuan, what are you doing?!" Tang San shouted.
"This… this is perfect for my first spirit ring," Tang Chuan said calmly, using the Blue Silver Grass to trap the snake.
Yuan Longxuan guided Luo Sanpao. "Xiaochuan, step aside. I'll make sure it's safe!"
A thunderous strike from Luo Sanpao, combined with a pungent yellow mist, hit the snake hard. The massive creature wobbled, nearly collapsing. Tang Chuan's plan seemed flawless.
But Tang San felt uneasy. Tang Chuan had seemed overly excited earlier, almost fanatical. Had he set him up to absorb the bamboo first, then weaken the forest's beasts so Tang Chuan could get the Mandragora Snake?
The snake was nearly unconscious. Tang Chuan readied the final blow—but Tang San's eyes glinted with determination.
"No! I won't let him have it all!" he thought.
In a blur, dozens of steel needles appeared in Tang San's hands. He launched them with precision at the snake's eyes, throat, and head. Some pierced the skull, killing it instantly.
The Mandragora Snake gave one last hiss before collapsing. Earth-yellow spirit rings burst from its body, spinning in the air.
Tang Chuan froze. "Tang San! Look what you've done!"
Tang San felt both triumphant and guilty. He had taken the spirit ring—but had he gone too far?
Yuan Longxuan watched quietly, a faint smile on his face. The rivalry between the brothers was growing. Tang San's jealousy and ambition had disrupted Tang Chuan's plan, yet it also revealed his potential.
Tang Chuan's eyes glinted with cunning. He would adapt and find a way to claim the next spirit ring. Tang San's zeal, though inconvenient, could ultimately serve his plans.
The forest was quiet after the battle, sunlight filtering through the trees. The two brothers stood over the fallen snake, their rivalry only beginning.
"Brother! I thought it was going to attack you, so I…" Tang San's voice trailed off, guilt creeping in.
Tang Chuan's first spirit ring—so close—had been stolen. Tang San had used the Blue Silver Grass to drag the snake and strike at the perfect moment, claiming the earth-yellow rings. Though clever, Tang Chuan had been outsmarted.
Yuan Longxuan, who had observed everything, smirked. Tang San's move was risky but brilliant, combining timing, precision, and instinct. The two were chaotic geniuses, always competing, always unpredictable.
Meanwhile, Tang San's spirit sea absorbed energy from the Bewitching Spell without him realizing it. The spell forced Tang Chuan to obey Tang San and Yuan Longxuan's instructions when choosing his first spirit ring, ensuring he followed the rules—or failed.
Yuan Longxuan, relaxed against a tree, muttered, "Alright, I'll let these two clowns sort themselves out."
The morning sun pierced the misty forest, dew sparkling on leaves, streams glinting, and a gentle breeze stirring. Nature rewarded courage and cleverness alike.
By mid-morning, Yuan Longxuan arrived at the classroom with Xiao Wu. Students filled the seats, though some still had dark circles from restless nights.
In the front row sat Wu Ling, now nicknamed the "Beautiful Young Master" after being appointed class monitor. Tang San and Tang Chuan sat in the back row, still recovering from the spirit ring chaos.
"Before class starts, ask me anything. I'll answer everything I know," Yuan Longxuan said, casually placing Xiao Wu on a soft leather sofa in his arms.
Tang Chuan, frustrated after barely absorbing an Evergreen Tree spirit ring, glared at Xiao Wu in Yuan Longxuan's arms. There was no way to win against him.
Wu Ling raised her hand. "Teacher, yesterday Xiao Wu explained the difference between thousand-year and hundred-year soul beasts.
But what about ten-thousand-year soul beasts compared to thousand-year ones?"
Yuan Longxuan slowly set Xiao Wu down, his expression calm, authoritative, and patient.
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