Shocked and stunned, Ning Rongrong stood there, her mind a complete blank.
If she had previously viewed others separately, believing their spirit classifications and cultivation talents differed, then now, reality had slapped her tender face like a harsh blow.
Every word Flanders spoke was like a sharp sword piercing her, causing her immense pain.
Having always been pampered and praised, Ning Rongrong had never experienced such a drastic reversal of fortune.
A mixture of emotions churned in her heart. With her extremely poor psychological resilience, Ning Rongrong reached a breaking point and suddenly burst into tears, wiping her eyes as she strode away from the humiliating spot.
Flanders watched Ning Rongrong's tearful retreat, a smug satisfaction growing in his heart.
*Little girl, I can't handle you?*
If he were to grovel because of the other party's influence, then he wouldn't be worthy of being a member of the Golden Iron Triangle.
Dai Mubai, who had been assigned to help Ning Rongrong pack her belongings earlier, cautiously glanced at his dean's expression. He keenly caught the slight upward curve of Flanders' lips and whispered tentatively, "So... do we still need to pack her luggage?"
Flanders withdrew the smile from his lips and glared at his clueless student. "Do you really want this girl to leave? Go, tell Tang... Oscar not to bother running anymore. Tell him to follow and comfort Ning Rongrong."
He had initially intended to ask Tang Sui, but remembering the small incident earlier in the day, he immediately abandoned the idea. He planned to let Tang Sui arrange her own time and rest well.
Dai Mubai let out an "Oh," a hint of a smile flashing in his eyes, and fell silent.
The subsequent lessons were for combat-type soul masters. As a support-type soul master, Tang Sui could not participate, so she followed Flanders' instructions for her free time.
Watching the backs of Tang San and the others disappear at the village entrance, Tang Sui slowly withdrew her gaze and turned towards the forest bordering the small village.
The last ray of sunset melted into the dark clouds, and the entire forest instantly became much quieter.
The setting sun cast long shadows on the forest, which were reflected in Tang Sui's clear eyes. Her gaze suddenly deepened.
"System."
【I'm here, Host.**】
"Since you can detect others approaching, can you also detect the soul beasts around my location?"
【As long as the Host gets close enough, I can detect them.**】
The system gave a precise answer. Tang Sui hummed and turned away without a second glance, walking towards the dormitory. Her shadow below merged with the encroaching night, inseparable.
So what if she had become a demon that could only grow by consuming? If she weren't a half-breed, she wouldn't even have this opportunity.
Being born with a weak constitution was fatal. Even if her body could gradually improve with increased strength later, could she, without a protagonist's halo, wait until then?
Even with the protection of the Child of Destiny, wouldn't there still be countless close sacrifices in the future? If she couldn't save herself, she would eventually become one of those sacrifices...
In this world of the survival of the fittest, every detail could become a fatal weakness.
She would not give others the chance to exploit her poor physique and take advantage of her.
.......
In a dark corner where moonlight couldn't penetrate, Tang Sui, clad in black, weaved through the dense forest. Using the silent characteristic of her third soul skill, Veil of Nothingness, she effortlessly evaded the surveillance of the academy's teachers who remained on duty. With the innate flight talent of her demon race, she soared through the wind, arriving at this soul beast forest several miles away.
This was not a soul beast forest regulated by the empire. It was unguarded, and as long as one's strength was sufficient, they could enter and exit freely.
As there were no villages stationed around this soul beast forest, even if there were soul beasts, they wouldn't pose a threat to nearby residents. Furthermore, the cultivation level of the soul beasts within was difficult for the Bar拉克 Kingdom, which lacked powerful soul masters, to handle. Therefore, it was allowed to develop freely.
Now, it was convenient for Tang Sui.
【Host, 200 meters to your front right, there is an Armored Rock Dragon with a cultivation of 1700 years.**】
The system dutifully reported the soul beast activities centered around Tang Sui.
"Understood."
Standing on a branch, Tang Sui looked down at the small soul beast, its body crouched low, drinking from a small puddle. Her solid form instantly became illusory.
"Third Soul Skill, Veil of Nothingness."
"Buzz—"
A jade-white fox mask emerged from the void, floating quietly beside Tang Sui. The narrow fox eyes, adorned with a hint of red, seemed to hold two clusters of faint green light. Combined with Tang Sui's illusory form, she resembled a lurking phantom, eerie and dangerous.
"Rustle, rustle."
The soul beast drinking water perked up its ears and looked up, seeing only a gently swaying branch, as if caused by the wind. No one was above it anymore.
The hunt had begun.
— Author's Notes —
Happy Dragon Boat Festival, my little darlings! Today is a happy four-chapter update!