"You…"
"Want to fight me?"
Xie Xie pointed at himself with a bewildered expression, momentarily at a loss for words.
He had just wanted to enjoy the show.
"Hmm?"
Not only Xie Xie, but even Tang Luochuan was surprised. After all, the current situation wasn't like the original plot where the two would naturally clash—yet here they were, about to fight.
"Of course, I'm sure."
Tang Wulin nodded seriously in confirmation.
It wasn't that he wanted to beat up his own roommate, but he didn't know much about the others. Challenging Xie Xie at least gave him some confidence, since he had a rough idea of his opponent's abilities.
Though Xie Xie was indeed strong, knowing what he was up against made the fight seem manageable.
As a speed-type Battle Soul Master, Xie Xie wasn't adept at frontal assaults. Even if there was a gap in their Soul Power, given Xie Xie's slight build…
He wouldn't last a single hammer strike.
"Alright."
"If you want to fight me, I have no objections."
"It'll also give me a chance to see just how capable you really are, Wu Lin."
Xie Xie quickly composed himself, his expression calm as he smiled faintly.
Compared to Tang Luochuan and the others, his current level of eighteen might seem insignificant—especially when stacked against their Grand Soul Master realm.
But against Tang Wulin? He was still plenty strong.
"From now on, our classes will mostly be held outdoors. Starting today, everyone, head to the training field."
Wu Zhangkong nodded, giving the two a deep look before leading the way out of the classroom.
Compared to basic theoretical knowledge, he clearly placed more emphasis on combat experience and techniques.
"…"
Not long after, on the training field.
The entire Class One of the first year had gathered, with Wu Zhangkong standing at the front alongside the two opponents—Tang Wulin and Xie Xie, facing each other.
"You may begin when ready."
Wu Zhangkong said calmly, his gaze contemplative.
He had reviewed Xie Xie's records—Innate Full Soul Power, with a Martial Soul that resembled twin daggers yet wasn't quite a Twin Martial Soul: the Light Dragon Dagger and Shadow Dragon Dagger.
He wondered just how effective they would be in actual combat.
"I'm Xie Xie."
"Eighteenth-rank Soul Master, Martial Soul—Spirit Light Dragon Dagger."
Xie Xie stood up, announcing himself with a grin.
A flash of golden light later, a dagger emitting a faint dragon's roar materialized in his hand, while a bright yellow Soul Ring shimmered beside him.
"Tang Wulin."
"Twelfth-rank Soul Master, Martial Soul—Blue Silver Grass."
Tang Wulin remained composed as he summoned his own Martial Soul, a peculiar glint in his eyes.
This was his first time fighting someone so strong…
And he was already burning with excitement.
"Eighteenth-rank versus twelfth-rank."
"There's no suspense in this fight."
The other students of Class One watched in silence. With one at the twelfth rank and the other at the eighteenth, one wielding a dragon-blooded Martial Soul while the other had mere Blue Silver Grass…
The outcome was obvious. Anyone could see where the advantage lay.
Whether it was the multiple-rank difference or the dragon-blooded Martial Soul, Xie Xie's strength far surpassed his opponent's.
"A weakling with Blue Silver Grass…"
"What's he doing in Class One anyway?"
The group of students couldn't help but whisper among themselves.
"Tang Wulin."
"It's not as simple as you think."
Meanwhile, Zhang Yangzi and his group wore thoughtful expressions, refraining from jumping to conclusions. While they didn't know much about Tang Wulin, they were well acquainted with his older brother!
As the younger brother of their leader Tang Luochuan, Tang Wulin's Soul Master talent might not be exceptionally strong, but they had never underestimated him. His potential was undoubtedly immense.
Wang Jinxi, who possessed the Spirit Bone Dragon Martial Soul, was particularly convinced. From their very first meeting, he had sensed Tang Wulin's formidable aura.
Though not comparable to Big Brother Tang, among Soul Masters, Tang Wulin was virtually unmatched. Even Xie Xie, despite his higher rank, might not necessarily defeat him.
"Luo Chuan."
"Do you think your little brother can win?"
Gu Yue's gaze settled on Tang Luochuan as she asked with a light smile.
"Hmm?"
"Of course I know his situation, but I'd like to ask you the same, Gu Yue."
"Do you think my brother can win?"
Instead of answering, Tang Luochuan looked at her with a smile.
"He'll win."
Gu Yue nodded casually, sparing Tang Wulin only a brief glance before replying without hesitation.
"And your reason?"
"I'm guessing he has a second Martial Soul, but with such weak cultivation, has it not awakened yet?"
Gu Yue spoke calmly. She could sense that Luo Chuan's younger brother also carried a draconic aura within him—somewhat resembling the Golden Dragon lineage, a branch of the Golden Dragon King?
"Logically, humans shouldn't possess this Martial Soul, but since he's Luo Chuan's brother..."
"Well, it makes sense."
Gu Yue couldn't help but muse to herself.
The Golden Dragon also carried traces of the Golden Dragon King's bloodline, a branch of the Golden Dragon and one of the true dragons' elite.
Though incomparable to Luo Chuan's Golden Dragon King, on the Douluo Continent, it was undoubtedly a top-tier Martial Soul.
After all, even the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, a sub-dragon Martial Soul, was considered top-tier.
"As expected, I can't hide anything from you."
Hearing Gu Yue's words, Tang Luochuan gave her a deep look before responding with a laugh.
Of course, he knew Wulin's situation better than anyone.
The system had informed him that Wulin possessed only the Golden Dragon—after obtaining the Golden Dragon King Martial Soul—and Wulin's bloodline had evolved into the Golden Dragon, inheriting the Golden Dragon King's lineage.
But when and under what circumstances it would awaken, even he had no idea.
"..."
"Wu Lin, here I come."
"Light Dragon Blade!"
Meanwhile, as Xie Xie's sole Soul Ring flared brightly, his Light Dragon Dagger surged with immense energy. He then pivoted and charged fiercely toward Tang Wulin.
"Alright..."
"Blue Silver Entanglement."
Watching this, Tang Wulin smiled and activated his first Soul Skill, enveloping himself entirely within it.
That's right—enveloping.
His first Soul Skill was Entangle, but now, with some adjustments, he had repurposed it into a defensive form.
"Using Blue Silver Grass for defense..."
Wu Zhangkong watched with astonishment. Who in their right mind used Blue Silver Grass for defense?
How could Blue Silver Grass even defend?
He had told the other party before that Blue Silver Grass could be utilized in the form of a whip. The opponent's resilient Blue Silver Grass paired with a whip could be quite effective when wielded properly...
"Such a defense..."
"Can it really withstand Xie Xie?"
He couldn't help but ask.
And indeed, under Wu Zhangkong's watchful gaze, the defensive line woven from Blue Silver Grass was soon torn apart, revealing Tang Wulin inside...
In his hands, a hammer and a whip were clearly visible, while a gentle smile hung on his face.
"Xie Xie."
"Which one do you want to pick?"
Looking at the forging hammer that was nearly half his size and the serpent-like Blue Silver Grass, Xie Xie fell momentarily silent.
No way...
You were waiting for me here!
"Wu Lin, maybe let's just call it off..."
Xie Xie couldn't help but say. It wasn't that he was scared, but that hammer of his...
The strength of a third-rank Forging Master really shouldn't be underestimated!
"Don't worry, I don't have to use this hammer."
Tang Wulin chuckled, noticing the other's fear of his forging hammer, then brandished the Blue Silver whip and charged forward.
"The whip is pretty good too."
"Fine, fine, as long as there's no hammer, I can handle anything. Do you really think I'd be afraid of your flimsy Blue Silver Grass..."
Xie Xie snorted lightly, gripping his Light Dragon Dagger tightly, his expression full of disdain.
Without the forging hammer, what threat could Wu Lin possibly pose? A mere Blue Silver Grass could be sliced apart with a flick of his wrist.
Little did he know just how painful a whip made of Blue Silver Grass could feel when it struck...
"..."
A while later, Xie Xie, who had failed to cut the whip, retreated to the side with a tearful face, touching his swollen cheek as he hung his head in defeat.
No one had told him...
That a whip could hurt this much!