A trace of solemnity appeared on the Great Master's face. "If what
Both Zhao Wuji and Flandre wore expressions of focused attention, while inwardly praising the Great Master's vast knowledge. No one could surpass his expertise. Zhao Wuji finally understood why he was called the Great Master.
"As everyone knows, the strength of a soul beast depends not only on its years of cultivation, but innate talent is also immensely important. Just like us soul masters, beyond our rank and soul rings, the innate strength of our Martial Soul determines our future potential. Among soul beasts, if we were to classify their talent into ranks, both the Sky Blue Bull Python and the Titan Giant Ape would belong to the highest, super tier. They possess unparalleled talent and formidable physiques. The two of them surviving in the Star Dou Great Forest have cultivated for at least fifty thousand years. Although they haven't yet reached the level of a hundred-thousand-year soul beast, their power already rivals that of a Titled Douluo among us soul masters. Should they ever reach a hundred thousand years, then they would likely become beings surpassing a Titled Douluo."
Zhao Wuji said, "Great Master, I've heard of the Titan Giant Ape many times before, but this is the first time I've heard the name Sky Blue Bull Python. If it's even stronger than the Titan Giant Ape, then what are its abilities?"
The Great Master sighed softly. "Just as no one knows the full extent of the Titan Giant Ape's skills, even fewer know the true abilities of the Sky Blue Bull Python. Once, a Titled Douluo ventured deep into the Star Dou Great Forest. Relying on his strength, he wanted to see what the forest's core area truly looked like. His power was indeed formidable, and he eventually made it deep into the forest, reaching that central place. To his surprise, it was no longer a forest, but a small lake of modest size. The water was clear, surrounded by trees like a scene from a fairy tale."
A lake? Zhao Wuji looked at the Great Master in surprise. Flandre, however, had a thoughtful expression.
The Great Master continued. "Beside that small lake, the Titled Douluo saw a soul beast drinking water. That beast was the very Titan Giant Ape you encountered this time. Upon seeing it, the Titled Douluo was greatly excited. He had always heard of such a powerful beast's existence and immediately considered challenging it to a fight. However, he ultimately never got to test his strength against the Titan Giant Ape, because in the very next moment, he fled the area in a panic."
"Why? Because of the Sky Blue Bull Python?" Zhao Wuji widened his eyes.
The Great Master nodded. "Precisely because of the Sky Blue Bull Python. Just as the Titled Douluo was about to make his move, the small lake before him suddenly began to boil. Immediately after, an enormous bull's head emerged from beneath the surface. The immense pressure it exuded left even the Titled Douluo greatly shocked. The beast, with a bull's head and a python's body, slowly rose from the water, revealing its massive form stretching a hundred meters long. It happened to be nighttime, and this entirely cyan-colored beast raised its head and let out a long howl. The moon in the sky seemed to shed a hazy, luminous light that was swallowed by it. What truly scared the Titled Douluo away was that this Sky Blue Bull Python actually spoke human words, telling him, 'Human, your cultivation has not been easy. Leave this place.'"
Zhao Wuji and Flandre exchanged stunned glances. Flandre couldn't help but ask, "How come I've never heard you tell this story before?"
The Great Master gave him a cold glance. "There is much you don't know. Did you know how the Titan Giant Ape behaved when the Sky Blue Bull Python appeared? It showed fear in the presence of the Sky Blue Bull Python. And when the Sky Blue Bull Python appeared, it let out that deafening bovine roar. Therefore, based on what Xiao Wu said, I can deduce that the Titan Giant Ape must have heard the Sky Blue Bull Python's call and immediately abandoned everything to go meet it. The Sky Blue Bull Python isn't as famous as the Titan Giant Ape because it rarely leaves the water pool in the center of the Star Dou Great Forest. However, this story reached the soul master world through that Titled Douluo, so a select few know of its existence. I happen to be one of them."
"So that's how it is. It seems Xiao Wu's luck is truly remarkable."
The Great Master said, "Teacher Zhao, I have carefully reviewed the current students' records. You went to the Star Dou Great Forest this time to find a third soul ring for that child of the Food Type. I wonder what soul beast's ring he ultimately obtained?"
Zhao Wuji chuckled. "We had good luck this time, you could say we snatched a prize from right under someone's nose. That kid
"A thousand-year Phoenix Tail Crested Serpent?" A muscle twitched on the Great Master's usually stiff face. "This is indeed excellent. I had originally considered several suitable soul rings for this Food Type child, but my predictions weren't as effective as the beast this child actually obtained. The Phoenix Tail Crested Serpent is relatively gentle by nature but extremely cunning and best at escaping. Its cultivation is not easy to achieve. If I'm not mistaken, Oscar's third soul skill must be related to speed."
Zhao Wuji praised, "As expected of the Great Master, you are correct. Oscar's third soul skill is indeed related to speed. His third soul skill is a mushroom sausage; after eating it, he can maintain flight for one minute at a speed equal to that of the Phoenix Tail Crested Serpent."
The Great Master seemed somewhat surprised, clearly not having expected the soul skill Oscar obtained to be like this. He stated firmly, "This child's innate talent for his Martial Soul is unprecedented. Among all the Food Type soul masters I have ever seen, he is the most outstanding. His future potential is limitless."
Flandre chuckled. "My Shrek Academy has always only admitted monsters. You're only realizing this today? It's a pity, but this will be the final class. These seven children are the academy's closing disciples, and I am determined to cultivate them into success. With your help this time, working together as brothers, I guarantee that within ten years, the name Shrek will shake the entire soul master world."
The Great Master glared at Flandre with displeasure. "If it weren't for Xiao San, I wouldn't be staying. Flandre, don't forget you promised me that from now on, you must personally accompany Xiao San whenever he hunts soul beasts."
Flandre said, "That's easy enough, but he needs to reach the fortieth rank first."
How could the Great Master not be sharp? His usually dull eyes instantly shone with intensity as he stared at Zhao Wuji. "Teacher Zhao, has Xiao San also reached the thirtieth rank?"
Zhao Wuji nodded. "I was actually just about to ask the Great Master if the changes in Xiao San are normal..." He then repeated what he had previously told Flandre, recounting the events of their entry into the Star Dou Great Forest to the Great Master in even greater detail.
The Great Master listened intently, missing not a single word Zhao Wuji said, a thoughtful light always present in his eyes.
Despite the Great Master's usual steadiness, his expression changed repeatedly as Zhao Wuji described how
Only after Zhao Wuji finished everything did the Great Master slowly let out a long breath. "Xiao San's willpower is stronger than I imagined. To think he could endure even this. This child's future is likely even more brilliant than my assessment."
Zhao Wuji said, "The reason Tang San was able to persist might be related to Xiao Wu. A person's willpower can sometimes be influenced by external factors. It's clear that Xiao Wu holds a very important place in Tang San's heart."
The Great Master nodded. "You're right. That is very likely the case. However, it also has much to do with his own mental fortitude. This child, Tang San, is mentally mature far beyond his years."
Zhao Wuji asked, "Great Master, what exactly are those eight spider legs that appeared behind Tang San? That doesn't seem to be an ability granted by his soul ring. He has a Tool-type Martial Soul, so how could he undergo a physical change? Could it be a soul ring mutation, or a Martial Soul mutation?"
The Great Master replied, "I cannot be certain of his condition yet. A soul ring mutation is impossible. The soul ring of a soul beast is fixed; while combining with different Martial Souls produces different effects, the ring itself doesn't change much. Tang San has already gained one soul skill, so the spider legs on his back shouldn't be bestowed by the soul ring. As for a Martial Soul mutation, the possibility isn't absent, but I do not believe that is his situation."
(End of Chapter)