Soul Land: I Am the True Grandmaster

Chapter 209: Laying the Trap · Conclusion

Tang San and Ye Tianshui exchanged moves back and forth, but it was clear that Tang San was gradually losing ground. Ye Wen watched, a hint of disappointment in his expression. Despite all the time he's had to develop his hidden weapons, this is the extent of their effectiveness? Plain hidden weapon techniques are only so powerful; only something as explosive as the Buddha's Fury Tang Lotus would be a real game changer.

However, Tang San remained composed. The longer the fight went on, the more acutely he felt the disparity in their abilities, but he refused to surrender.

Ye Tianshui, this underestimation of me will be your downfall!

Ye Tianshui continued pressing him, but then a flash of gold appeared before her eyes, prompting her to instinctively block with both arms.

What's this?

Everyone in the room fell silent as golden particles scattered to the ground. Ye Tianshui's Frost Spirit Dragon Armor had a few minor cracks, but she stood unharmed, her gaze steady and unimpressed. She tilted her head, almost mockingly. Is that it?

Tang San, however, was struck by disbelief.

"How…how is this possible? My Dragon Beard Needles are supposed to pierce defensive armor! How did your true body armor only crack slightly?"

In his mind, Tang San equated soul power with internal energy, making it logical to think that Ye Tianshui's true body armor was entirely composed of soul power, vulnerable to his Dragon Beard Needles.

The Dragon Beard Needles were an extremely devious hidden weapon. After breaking through an opponent's defenses, they twisted into spring like coils that lodged in the body, making them nearly impossible to remove without surgical precision. Tang San had expected them to cause serious injury.

While Ye Tianshui didn't understand his terminology, she picked up on his intent to break through her armor and watched her Frost Spirit Dragon Armor repair itself.

"Where did you get the idea that my armor is purely made of soul power?" she sneered. "If this is all you've got, you're bound to lose today."

Before Tang San could fully process her words, Ye Tianshui closed in on him again. Completely rattled, he was swiftly overpowered, finding himself thrown to the ground after only a few more exchanges.

"Why?" Tang San asked bitterly.

Ye Tianshui glanced at him dismissively, then turned and walked back to Ye Wen's side. She had no intention of explaining herself to a defeated opponent; it was a rookie mistake to reveal one's cards.

Ye Wen cast a pitying look at Tang San. Dragon Beard Needles are nasty, but against the right opponent, they're useless. If Tang San had managed to create the Zhuge Divine Crossbow by now, he might have posed a greater threat to Ye Tianshui. But it seemed he hadn't reached that point yet.

As for why the Dragon Beard Needles couldn't penetrate Ye Tianshui's armor? The answer was simple. Her Frost Spirit Dragon Armor wasn't her true body armor at all; it was an additional layer of defense forged with her extreme ice, as strong as refined iron. As her cultivation improved, this ice armor would only grow stronger.

Despite his tendency to mentor others, Ye Wen didn't feel inclined to explain this to Tang San. He could leave that to Yu Xiaogang, the supposed "Doctor" of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.

"Tang San," Ye Wen said calmly, "your self created techniques were quite promising, though they can't be used in formal soul battles. Now, would you consider joining Tian Dou Royal Academy and serving as my daughter's subordinate?"

Tian Dou Royal Academy had excellent resources. Keeping Tang San close, away from any lucky encounters, while also chipping away at his ego, could be an interesting project, Ye Wen mused. Perhaps, under strict conditions, he could even mold Tang San into a reliable supporter for his children. That was the fate of a second in command, after all always a step behind.

Tang San struggled to his feet, his face alternating between shades of red and blue, seething with resentment. No matter how hard he had tried, he just didn't have the same background, the same resources, or the same opportunities. If he did, he was sure he could have surpassed them.

Yu Xiaogang was about to step in to accept on Tang San's behalf. As far as he was concerned, a strong heart was overrated. He simply wanted Tang San to reach level 40 in Tian Dou Royal Academy without further complications. But suddenly, Yu Xiaogang felt himself freeze.

"Refuse him. I'll find another academy for Xiao San," said a voice in his mind.

Curse that Tang Hao, Yu Xiaogang thought, realizing he was being watched. He couldn't defy Tang Hao, but he was flustered, unable to think of an immediate response. With no other choice, he forced a polite smile.

"I'm afraid, dear deans, that my disciple and Tian Dou Royal Academy just aren't meant to be," he said.

Although Tang San wasn't a peerless genius, he was still a promising prospect. Dream God Machine hurried to say,

"Doctor Yu, what do you mean? Principal Ye Wen's children will only be participating in this year's tournament. Tang San is young and can compete in the next one. With his talents, he's sure to make a name for himself then."

Yu Xiaogang glanced at Ye Wen, then shook his head.

"Thank you, Dean Dream, but Tang San cannot study here due to other circumstances. Apologies for the trouble. Flender, we're leaving."

The three deans exchanged bewildered looks. Everything had been fine just a moment ago why did things fall apart over something as trivial as taking orders from Ye Tianshui?

Of all those present, only Ye Wen, a god level master, knew the full truth. Using voice transmission in front of a god was as good as speaking aloud. Although Tang Hao's warning had been cryptic, Ye Wen had an idea of his reasoning.

As the current heir to the Haotian Hammer lineage, Tang Hao was well aware of its true cultivation methods. Only Tang Hao, not his older brother Tang Xiao, had managed to attain the Killing God Domain, indicating that cultivating one's spirit was a unique teaching within the Haotian Sect. However, after suffering a major setback and sustaining internal injuries, Tang Hao had been left a shadow of his former self.

He knew that submission and humility would only weaken his son's spirit. To ensure Tang San didn't repeat his mistakes, he would not tolerate his son becoming anyone's subordinate.

Additionally, Xiao Wu and Ah Rou were among those who had accompanied Tang Hao on this trip. Being near potential enemies heightened Tang Hao's protective instincts, reinforcing his decision to keep Tang San from subjugating himself to anyone's authority.

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