However, Chao Tianxiang clearly wasn't willing to give up just like that. Her eyes darted, and a plan formed in her mind. She lightly brushed the silver hair on her head, a hint of a smile appearing on her face. "Brother Zhao, in a situation like this, neither of us is willing to part with this thousand-year Phoenix-Tailed Crested Serpent. I think, why don't we do it this way? We'll follow the rules of the Soul Master world and let these two children decide the Soul Ring's ownership themselves. What do you think?"
"Oh? The rules of the Soul Master world? Please enlighten me, Senior." This wasn't an act on Zhao Wuji's part — he had never considered himself part of the Soul Master world, and he acted purely on his own whims. Otherwise, he wouldn't have earned such a notorious reputation.
Chao Tianxiang said, "It's simple. Since both of them need this Soul Ring, and both sides contributed to capturing this Phoenix-Tailed Crested Serpent, and neither is willing to give it up — then using strength to decide its ownership is the most appropriate approach, wouldn't you agree? If your disciple defeats my granddaughter, I'll leave without another word. If not, then I'll have to ask you, Brother Zhao, to yield this thousand-year Phoenix-Tailed Crested Serpent."
Zhao Wuji spread his hands in a helpless gesture. "I'm sorry, Sister Chao, but I'm afraid that won't be possible."
Chao Tianxiang's expression darkened, a flash of irritation crossing her face. "Zhao Wuji, I've already made concessions. What more do you want? Are you bullying me because my old man isn't here? Hmph!"
Zhao Wuji answered with an apologetic smile. "No, of course not. It's just that — this disciple of mine isn't a Battle Soul Master. He's merely an auxiliary-type Soul Master, and a Food-type Soul Master at that. How could he possibly compete against your granddaughter?"
Hearing Zhao Wuji's words, Chao Tianxiang was shocked once again. "What did you say? He's a Food-type Soul Master?" The words "Food-type" immediately made her view Oscar in an entirely different light.
Just as Shrek Academy's dean, Flandre, had said — a Food-type Soul Master with Innate Full Soul Power like Oscar was an absolute genius among geniuses. In all of recorded history across the entire continent, there had probably never been a Food-type Martial Soul that cultivated faster than his.
Chao Tianxiang looked at Oscar with a warm and pleasant expression. "Young man, are you truly a Food-type Soul Master? May I ask which clan you come from?"
Oscar shook his head. "I don't belong to any clan. The dean said my Martial Soul became this way because it underwent a mutation."
A genius Food-type Soul Master, with no background, and a Mutant Martial Soul — these factors combined made Chao Tianxiang's heart tighten. If she could recruit such an outstanding Food-type Soul Master into her own clan, then having him support her granddaughter in the future — wouldn't that be absolutely perfect?
But before Chao Tianxiang could voice her offer of recruitment, another voice suddenly interjected.
"Teacher Zhao, why don't I fight on Little Ao's behalf? I'm at level twenty-nine — that shouldn't be considered an unfair advantage, right?" It was Tang San who spoke.
Tang San had been observing the Snake Granny and her granddaughter for quite some time now. Wasting time here was clearly not a wise choice, and from the conversation between the Snake Granny and Zhao Wuji, he had gathered that the other side had an even more powerful figure who hadn't appeared yet. If that Dragon Lord also showed up, then the balance of bargaining power would no longer be in their favor. Moreover, he and Oscar were roommates, and this method of competing for the Soul Ring had been proposed by the other side. Tang San was very confident in his own abilities. Although the Snake Granny's granddaughter had one level more Soul Power than him, Tang San didn't believe she could defeat him.
As he spoke, Tang San had already walked over to Oscar's side.
Level twenty-nine. The Snake Granny's heart contracted sharply. She thought to herself, what kind of children had Zhao Wuji found? How was each one more outstanding than the last? This one looked even younger — in any other place, he'd probably have just graduated from a junior Soul Master Academy. Yet here he stood, claiming to already possess the strength of level twenty-nine. This was truly…
When Zhao Wuji saw Tang San step forward, a gleam of approval appeared in his eyes. He turned to the Snake Granny. "Senior, what do you think? This disciple of mine is a Battle Soul Master, so he meets the requirement for a one-on-one duel. He'll represent Oscar in the fight. If he loses, the thousand-year Phoenix-Tailed Crested Serpent will be yours, Senior. If he wins, I hope you'll understand."
The Snake Granny nodded slowly. If her granddaughter couldn't even defeat a Soul Master one level below her, then there was nothing more to say.
Oscar secretly gave Tang San a thumbs-up and whispered, "Good brother."
Tang San smiled gently. "We're roommates, and friends. Aren't we? Don't worry — this Soul Ring will definitely be yours."
As he spoke, Tang San strode forward. The girl opposite had already stepped out as well. The others on both sides slowly retreated, leaving them enough space to fight.
"I'm Tang San. My Martial Soul is Blue Silver Grass. Level twenty-nine, two-ring Battle Soul Grandmaster."