Listening to the Great Master's words, Tang San couldn't help but silently marvel. Though he had made considerable progress, his companions hadn't been idle either—every one of them had seen a significant boost in strength. They had all now reached the thirty-second rank or above, and the Shrek Seven Devils' combat power would undoubtedly soar.
"Teacher, let me go see them." Tang San was already itching to see his companions.
The Great Master smiled and patted Tang San's head. "You just got back—shouldn't you rest first?"
Tang San shook his head. "I'm not tired. I have gifts for everyone."
The Great Master nodded. "Then let's go. I'll accompany you. Erlong, you can all get back to your duties."
Tang San glanced at the Great Master, then at Liu Erlong. The two looked perfectly composed—no visible change from the surface. Though they weren't being particularly intimate, it seemed as though the Great Master had come to accept Liu Erlong's presence without discomfort.
Liu Erlong gave a slight nod, her gaze not lingering on the Great Master for more than a moment. She turned and led the Soul Masters toward the main teaching building of the academy.
Watching them gradually walk away, Tang San couldn't help but ask, "Teacher, you and Aunt Erlong…"
The Great Master said evenly, "Adults' affairs are not for children to pry into. Let's go. Your companions are all cultivating in the simulation environment."
The Great Master didn't head toward the teaching building but led Tang San straight toward the forest behind it.
As they walked, the Great Master asked, "Little San, what did Dugu Bo teach you? What exactly happened between you two?" This question had been lingering in the Great Master's mind for a long time. Ever since the Golden Iron Triangle had clashed with Dugu Bo, Tang San's behavior had made it clear that Dugu Bo's interest went far beyond simply appreciating his talent. Over these past six months, the Great Master had worried about Tang San almost constantly—after all, Tang San was his only disciple, as dear to him as a son.
Tang San replied, "Dugu Bo took me primarily because of Dugu Yan. Dugu Yan must have told her grandfather about how I defeated her before, which piqued Dugu Bo's interest in my Eight Spider Lances. That was why he abducted me—he wanted to study the toxins within them."
"Then what happened afterward? From the way Dugu Bo spoke, it sounded like you helped him?"
Tang San nodded. "In a manner of speaking. Dugu Bo's poison techniques had certain flaws, and I happened to discover them by chance. I was able to remedy those flaws. Out of gratitude, he taught me a great deal about the use of poisons. Without that, I'm afraid I wouldn't have been alive to see you."
Tang San didn't go into too much detail. He couldn't very well tell the Great Master about his origins in the Tang Sect. His time with Dugu Bo had not only dramatically improved his mastery of poisons but had also provided the perfect excuse for his knowledge of Tang Sect poison techniques. Dugu Bo would never go around telling people that Tang San's poison skills were innate. With the world's foremost Poison Douluo serving as cover, no one would ever question the source of Tang San's expertise.
"So that's how it was." The Great Master's thoughts delved even deeper. He had, after all, told Dugu Bo about Tang San's background. He realized that Dugu Bo's refusal to harm Tang San—and his decision to teach him poisoncraft—had much to do with that background as well. At that thought, his mind was put at ease.
"Little San, you've been studying poisons with Dugu Bo all this time—don't let your Soul Power cultivation fall behind. Your companions are all prodigies. If you fall too far behind, you may never catch up. What's your current Soul Power level?"
Tang San answered, "Thirty-seven."
"Mm." The Great Master acknowledged it casually, but a moment later the words sank in. His forward step froze mid-stride, and his expression stiffened noticeably. "What did you say? Your Soul Power is already at thirty-seven?"
Tang San replied earnestly, "That's right. Last time at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, under the pressure from the Dean, my Soul Power rose to thirty-four. Then, while cultivating at Senior Dugu's place, I gained another three levels. Senior Dugu has many rare plants there—perhaps that environment was the most suitable for my cultivation. Either way, my Soul Power increased very quickly. It's already reached thirty-seven."
A faint smile crossed the Great Master's face. "It seems my worry was completely unnecessary. Even while studying poisons under Dugu Bo, your Soul Power has still risen faster than anyone else's. That puts my mind at ease. There's less than half a year until the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Dueling Tournament begins. If things continue as they are, you might even have a chance to reach the fortieth rank by then. If that happens, it would be impossible for you Shrek Seven Devils not to become famous."
As he spoke, the Great Master had come to a stop. Ahead lay a thicket of brush, the bushes nearly as tall as a person and growing densely together. The Great Master smiled faintly and called into the thicket, "Xiao Wu, take a break for a moment. Look who's here."
At the name "Xiao Wu," the smile on Tang San's face froze instantly. Deep emotion and gratitude welled up in his eyes. He knew the Great Master had brought him to see Xiao Wu first precisely because of how close they were. She was the person he was most desperate to see.
A figure flickered, and a white silhouette darted swiftly out from the thanks—a cherubic, rosy-cheeked face full of youthful innocence, a pair of exceptionally long and taut legs, a slender yet remarkably elastic waist barely spannable by two hands, and a scorpion braid that hung all the way to the ground. It was none other than Xiao Wu.