Are soul beasts and humans destined for only a life-or-death struggle?
The thought flickered through Xiao Wu’s mind, only to be dismissed the next second.
No...
There must always be exceptions...
Xiao Wu tilted her head slightly, looking at Tang San’s handsome profile, her gaze a little hazy.
Though Tang Sui couldn't understand the language of soul beasts, her "Encyclopedia" system could. The Fox-Face and Ape-Face let out inexplicable, ambiguous chuckles, leaving Tang Sui bewildered.
"It's asking you why you, being one of them, are helping humans fight against them for no reason."
Fox-Face’s light voice echoed in Tang Sui’s mind. Ape-Face’s large red pupils flickered, but ultimately, it tacitly agreed with Fox-Face's embellishment.
Soul beasts...
Tang Sui lowered her head, looking at her pale palm, as if she could see the blood flowing beneath that fair skin.
One of the three bloodlines she possessed was that of a soul beast.
During the half year she spent learning skills from Tang Hao, she discovered that the demonic energy, which could now fuse with soul power, also acted as a warning from powerful soul beasts to weaker ones when she unleashed her aura.
But to say she was one of them...
Tang Sui lowered her eyes, concealing the unusual glint within them.
A monster that devoured both humans and soul beasts... Ha... It had been deceived by the outward appearance of her demonic energy.
...
Oscar's acquisition of his fourth spirit ring went very smoothly. Next were the fourth spirit rings for Tang San, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing.
Unfortunately, after Oscar, everyone searched the Sunset Forest for another three days without finding a suitable soul beast. There were soul beasts of the right type, but their cultivation and age were too low.
After consideration, Tang San decided to use the Myriad Incense Jade Petal that he had "borrowed" from Dugu Bo, whose treasure-like aura was highly attractive to soul beasts, to lure them.
The group retreated into the terrifying poison array set up by Dugu Bo, choosing suitable soul beasts from those that were attracted.
When only Tang San remained without a confirmed fourth spirit ring, his chosen soul beast was met with opposition from Grandmaster.
"No! That's a soul beast over ten thousand years old! That's thousands of years beyond what a soul master can withstand!" Grandmaster gripped Tang San's shoulders, his expression stern.
But more resolute than Grandmaster's expression was Tang San's unwavering gaze.
"Please, Teacher, let me choose the Cave Dwelling Spider Demon."
Xiao Wu and the others' expressions shifted slightly, and they looked at the conflicted master and disciple with worry. Only Tang Sui's expression flickered, but for some reason, though she was the one who should have stopped Tang San, she didn't.
Grandmaster looked at his disciple's serious demeanor, and a throbbing pain in his forehead intensified. "Give me a reason that can convince me."
"Teacher, I choose it because the Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament is about to begin. Although our overall strength has significantly improved, I don't believe it's enough to achieve victory." Tang San's eyes held a trace of ambition and determination.
"Sui Sui's current strength is too outstanding. If she truly lacks a powerful backing to protect her, others might set their sights on her." Tang San clenched his fists, a hint of unwillingness in his eyes, and his voice lowered considerably, "As her older brother, I should be the one standing at the forefront, shielding my sister from the wind and rain, and holding up the sky. But I always let my sister rush in front of me, protecting me."
He pursed his lips and said seriously, "Teacher, I want to possess the power to protect Sui Sui, not to always be protected by her."
Xiao Wu and the others looked at Tang Sui. Tang Sui stared blankly at Tang San, who said he wanted to protect her. Meeting Xiao Wu's worried gaze, the emotion in her heart immediately faded.
Though she knew it was wrong to compare status at a time like this, and the person was also wrong, but...
As Father once said, he couldn't always be by my side to protect me.
Father couldn't... and neither can you, Brother...
Tang Sui closed her eyes. Meanwhile, Grandmaster finally relented and agreed to Tang San's choice.
"Do not envy others."
The system suddenly spoke, and Tang Sui's closed eyelids trembled slightly.
"As long as you wish it, you will not be alone."
A inexplicable bittersweet emotion welled up in her heart. Tang Sui opened her eyes. Flander and Tang San had already rushed out to capture the Cave Dwelling Spider Demon.
She pursed her lips, watching Tang San and the others gradually move away. She closed her eyes, her cherry lips parting slightly, exhaling a breath of stale air.
Xiao Wu, who was standing beside Tang Sui and looking worriedly in that direction, twitched her rabbit ears. As if sensing something, she turned her head and looked at Tang Sui beside her.
Wisps of black energy rose from Tang Sui's body, blowing her long hair that hung behind her, sketching a beautiful arc in the air.
"This, this couldn't be..."
Ma Hongjun's expression turned fearful. Zhao Wuji's grim memories resurfaced, and he took two steps back with lingering fear, distancing himself from Tang Sui.
"Sui Sui, you..."
Grandmaster's words were cut short when he met those pure black eyes.
Tang Sui, who had entered her attack form, swept a indifferent glance at Grandmaster. The black and gold patterned masks twisted slightly. In the next instant, Tang Sui leaped from her spot, flying dozens of meters, straight towards Flander and Tang San who were surrounding the Cave Dwelling Spider Demon!
Author's Note:
The manga version's fourth spirit skill, blackening, is coming. And there's a little surprise.
No shareholder meeting today, the backend is a bit glitchy. Mo Li will update earlier tomorrow, mwah~