"Xiao San, don't be discouraged. Since you were able to give birth to one external spirit bone, it means there's a chance for a second.
And haven't you noticed? Your third spirit ring's ability is exceptionally powerful. That proves spider-type spirit beasts are compatible with your Blue Silver Grass!
Keep cultivating. When you reach your fourth and fifth rings, continue hunting spider-type spirit beasts.
You'll definitely be able to awaken another external spirit bone!"
Yu Xiaogang's voice softened, his eyes filled with sympathy.
Seeing his disciple's desolate expression, he could hardly bear it. So, as the master manipulator he was, he began weaving a dream.
And as always, Yu Xiaogang's "dream-spinning" worked wonders.
Tang San's eyes suddenly lit up.
"Teacher, what you said reminded me of something!
Isn't the chance of producing an external spirit bone higher when absorbing a spirit ring beyond one's limits?
Like you said, external spirit bones are one-in-ten-thousand miracles, so why did I manage to obtain one?
The difference this time was that I absorbed the Man-Faced Demon Spider's ring far beyond the usual limit for my level!"
Yu Xiaogang froze.
He had only said those words to comfort Tang San, to reignite his fighting spirit.
He never imagined Tang San would take them so seriously.
This…
"Xiao San, you can't risk your life for an external spirit bone," Yu Xiaogang said sternly. "Such treasures are one-in-ten-thousand. It's not worth dying for.
Next time you absorb a spirit ring, you must get my approval first!"
His tone carried authority, but also deep concern.
He had wanted to inspire Tang San, not push him into reckless danger.
Tang San nodded firmly. "Don't worry, Teacher. I won't be rash. I'll strengthen my body and spirit first, and only absorb a new ring once you approve.
But Teacher, please guide me on how can I increase my physical strength?"
Tang San had already made up his mind, but he wasn't foolish.
Before his next spirit ring, he would measure his true limits and ensure success.
Yu Xiaogang finally exhaled in relief.
Yet deep inside, a spark of hope flickered, and he couldn'y help but wonder if Tang San could really achieve the impossible again?
"Speaking of this makes me angry," Yu Xiaogang said with a scowl. "Improving physical strength requires proper nourishment. It requires meat, herbs, and balanced nutrition!
But Flender feeds you all salted vegetables and steamed buns every day! How can one build a strong body like that?
Since I'm here, that will change. Xiao San, I'll personally oversee your next phase of training. I'll make sure your body's strength soars!"
His tone brimmed with determination.
He had rekindled his disciple's will—now it was up to him to ensure it bore fruit.
Tang San's heart surged with excitement.
In his eyes, his teacher was omnipotent.
With Yu Xiaogang's guidance, his fourth spirit ring would surely be another spider-type…
And maybe his eight spider legs would return!
What's mine… will be mine again!
Tang San clenched his fists, fire burning in his chest.
Heaven Dou City
Days later, good news arrived.
Shi Nian had been captured alive by Old Snake.
Upon hearing this, Dugu Feng left Heaven Dou Royal Academy and returned to the city.
But instead of heading to his clan estate, he weaved through the streets toward the eastern district.
There, on a bustling stone-paved avenue, stood a medium-sized academy. It's gates were grand, fountains glittering behind them, and two paths of polished granite leading inward.
Dugu Feng followed the path straight into the main teaching hall.
This was no ordinary academy anymore.
This was now Dugu Clan territory!
After Dugu Feng's decision to take over Canghui Academy, Old Snake had gone after Shi Nian while the Flower King secured this prime plot of land in Heaven Dou City.
It had once been a vacant academy complex—ideal in both size and location for a family's private institution.
As Dugu Feng walked through its corridors, his expression grew increasingly satisfied.
Lecture halls, training fields, gravity chambers, simulated environments, it had everything and everything was ready.
It was not large, but had a perfect foundation for expansion!
He eventually reached the domed building at the northern end. It was the dean's office.
"Dean Snake," Dugu Feng said with a smile, "how does it feel to be a teacher?"
Old Snake chuckled hoarsely. "Better than expected, young master. Canghui Academy's dean and their backers have already agreed to hand it over.
The Flower King is supervising their relocation as we speak. As for Shi Nian, well he's waiting inside."
Dugu Feng's eyes gleamed as he stepped through the door.
There, slumped against a chair by the wall, sat an old man in his sixties, dressed in pale-blue soul master robes, his face pale and rigid.
"Don't worry, young master," Old Snake said with pride. "He's been poisoned by me. Can't move a muscle."
Shi Nian's gaze darted to Dugu Feng, panic flashing in his eyes.
So this is the young master…
He forced a bitter laugh. "Your clan wanted Canghui Academy. Why resort to such methods?
I'm not blind to power—I'd never dare oppose the Dugu Clan."
After being captured and briefed by Old Snake, Shi Nian was torn between anger and fear.
The Dugu Clan… a clan with a titled Douluo.
Even at his rank, he wouldn't dare defy them.
Dugu Feng took two slow steps forward. "I want Canghui Academy.
But I also want you.
Are you willing to serve my clan?"
Shi Nian let out a hollow laugh. "Do I have the right to refuse?"
He wasn't from nobility but his martial soul, "Dream Eater," was a rare mutation.
He had clawed his way up the ranks through ruthlessness and cunning, becoming a Soul Sage through blood and ambition.
He'd joined Canghui Academy for stability, never imagining he'd catch the eye of a great clan.
Was this fortune—or misfortune?
Dugu Feng raised his right hand.
A Emerald Dragon Serpent uncoiled from his wrist, slithering through the air before landing before Shi Nian.
Shi Nian's face drained of all color.
Such oppressive spirit pressure—it had to be a ten-thousand-year beast!
He could feel death breathing down his neck.
The serpent's jaws parted, and it spat out a small, glowing green pill.
"Swallow it," Dugu Feng commanded coldly. "Betray me, and you die. What I require… is absolute loyalty."
Shi Nian's expression shifted from dread to grim resolve.
With a sharp breath, he picked up the pill and swallowed it whole.
The moment it entered, it vanished without a trace.
Even with his Soul Sage cultivation, he couldn't sense it at all.
For the first time, Shi Nian truly understood the terrifying reach of a great family. Here was a soul master who commanded a ten-thousand-year beast—and possessed means to control others' lives.
He bowed low. "Young master, what do you require of me?"
Dugu Feng regarded him with satisfaction.
"Your first task," he said evenly, "is to cooperate with Old Snake. Relocate Canghui Academy to Heaven Dou City.
Then lead it… to win the championship at the next Continental Advanced Soul Master Tournament."