Douluo : Diary System in Douluo Continent

In the lakeside cabin, after finishing their "exercise," Su Ming and Xiao Wu tidied up and prepared to rejoin the group.

If the two of them were absent all night, it would be difficult to explain. However, a few hours of absence could be easily excused with the claim that Su Ming had other hidden strategies. After all, Zhao Wuji and the others wouldn't delve too deeply into their story.

As long as they returned safely, it would naturally be seen as a good outcome. Despite being commoners, both Su Ming and Xiao Wu had exceptional talent and strength.

Soon, the pair retraced their steps and approached the spot where they had separated from the group. From a distance, they saw Tang San absorbing a spirit ring, guarded by Zhao Wuji, Dai Mubai, and Oscar.

What puzzled Su Ming was the absence of Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing. However, considering Ma Hongjun's serious injuries, he quickly deduced that the three of them must be waiting on the outskirts.

When Zhao Wuji, Dai Mubai, and Oscar saw Su Ming and Xiao Wu return unharmed, their expressions were filled with surprise. After regaining his composure, Zhao Wuji exclaimed, "Su Ming, Xiao Wu, you're both safe?"

Maintaining a calm demeanor, Su Ming replied, "Yes. We were lucky. When the Titan Giant Ape caught us, a loud ox-like roar sounded from nearby, startling the beast. It dropped us and fled in panic."

"A presence capable of scaring off the Titan Giant Ape must be a formidable hundred-thousand-year spirit beast," Zhao Wuji murmured, his expression perplexed. Unfamiliar with such matters, he shook his head.

"We can ask the Grandmaster when he arrives at Shrek Academy. He should have answers," Zhao Wuji added, shifting the topic.

Meanwhile, Xiao Wu glanced at Tang San and thought about what Su Ming had written in his diary. She couldn't help but feel sorry for the original Xiao Wu.

If it weren't for Er Ming being the hundred-thousand-year spirit beast involved, Tang San would have been dead long before absorbing the spirit ring. And then there was the incident where the teachers of Shrek Academy hunted spirit beasts for Tang San.

Tang San's insistence on targeting the ten-thousand-year Crypt Demon Spider led to Xiao Wu facing a six-thousand-year-old Man-Faced Demon Spider. That encounter left her critically injured.

What was most absurd was that, even when Xiao Wu was on the verge of death, Tang San didn't immediately check on her after defeating the Man-Faced Demon Spider. Instead, he absorbed the energy from the spider using his Eight Spider Lances. Was absorbing energy from a spirit beast more important than her life?

The original Xiao Wu foolishly watched Tang San as he absorbed the spider's energy, perhaps thinking it was his way of avenging her. Now, however, Xiao Wu believed that Tang San simply didn't want to waste the energy.

Casually, Xiao Wu asked, "Didn't Su Ming use the Wood Dragon to transport all of you to safety? Why are you still here? And where are Rongrong and Zhuqing?"

Dai Mubai sighed helplessly, explaining, "Tang San was worried about your safety and ate Oscar's Flying Mushroom Sausages to fly off alone. By the time we realized it, he'd already eaten several and flown ahead. Oscar's spirit power was drained from making so many sausages, so we lagged behind. Thankfully, Rongrong amplified our spirit power."

"Rongrong and Zhuqing stayed on the outskirts to care for Ma Hongjun, who's immobilized. We planned to search for you once Tang San absorbed his spirit ring," Dai Mubai continued.

Xiao Wu thought to herself, Injuries are perfect! Initially, she'd only asked Er Ming to cripple Ma Hongjun in one specific way. Who would've thought Er Ming would outdo himself? Zhao Wuji's weight ended up breaking all four of Ma Hongjun's limbs. Serves him right! Let's see if he dares act so shamelessly again.

Dai Mubai didn't mention that Tang San had rushed ahead solely for Xiao Wu. After all, with Su Ming present, anyone besides Zhao Wuji was no match for him. Even Zhao Wuji, whose power was halved due to the backlash from his Martial Soul True Body, likely couldn't stand up to Su Ming. Everyone knew how abnormal Su Ming's strength was from his entrance assessment.

Xiao Wu wasn't about to be fooled by flowery excuses, though. There was no way she'd owe anyone a favor—especially not them!

"Why is Tang San absorbing the Man-Faced Demon Spider's spirit ring here? That spider's age clearly exceeds the limit for a third ring. Without a stroke of luck, Su Ming and I would be dead. What rescue are you even talking about?" Xiao Wu asked sharply.

Zhao Wuji intercepted before Dai Mubai could respond. "When we arrived, Tang San was battling the Man-Faced Demon Spider and was poisoned. He needed to absorb its spirit ring to counteract the venom. If successful, it would also greatly enhance his strength. I subdued the spider so Tang San could recover and absorb it afterward."

"Overcoming limits is tough. You've all seen the eight spider legs sprouting from Tang San's back," Zhao Wuji added, trying to steer the conversation.

Half an hour later, Tang San finally completed the absorption process. Opening his eyes, he felt the eight spider legs behind him and was momentarily stunned. His joy turned to confusion when he saw Xiao Wu. Was the illusion still not over?

He blinked rapidly and surveyed his surroundings, spotting Su Ming, Zhao Wuji, and the others. Realizing his spirit ring absorption was successful, he quietly celebrated.

When Tang San noticed Xiao Wu, his heart filled with delight. He was aware that she didn't reciprocate his feelings, but he resolved to win her over eventually. He thought, Xiao Wu probably admires Su Ming for his strength. But now I've surpassed the limits of a third spirit ring. If I can do it again with my fourth ring, I'll surpass him sooner or later!

Zhao Wuji interrupted his musings. "Tang San, try to retract those spider legs for now. They might be poisonous, and you don't want to hurt anyone accidentally. Once we return to the academy, we'll ask the dean or your teacher about this phenomenon. Your teacher should arrive soon anyway."

Tang San nodded in agreement, closing his eyes to focus entirely on the connection with the spider legs behind him. After a moment, he finally established a link and retracted them.

Suppressing his excitement, he turned to Xiao Wu and Su Ming with a smile. "Xiao Wu, Su Ming, it's such a relief that you're both safe. I was just about to go rescue you."

Xiao Wu turned her head away, avoiding his gaze.

Su Ming responded with a faint, sarcastic smile. "Oh, really? Thanks a lot. But doesn't that just make all my earlier efforts pointless? Even Teacher Zhao couldn't handle the Titan Giant Ape. What could you possibly do? Just throw your life away?"

Tang San's expression twitched slightly. Did you really think I was going there to save you?

Noticing Xiao Wu's silence, he felt a pang of disappointment.

Finally, Oscar made his presence felt by throwing an arm around Tang San's shoulder, grinning. "Little San, I bet you made some big gains this time, huh? You've been stuck at the thirtieth level for a while, and now you've even absorbed a spirit ring beyond your level. What's your spirit power level now?"

Straightening his back with pride, Tang San replied, "I've reached the thirty-fourth level. I should be able to hit thirty-five soon!"

Zhao Wuji's eyes lit up. As expected of an overlevel absorption, Tang San had indeed gained a lot. However, this significant leap likely also owed much to his consistent training while stuck at the thirtieth level.

Oscar was stunned. "Little San, this trip to the Star Dou Forest was full of thrills, but everything turned out okay in the end. We both got our spirit rings, and Xiao Wu and Su Ming are safe!"

Tang San smiled. "Yeah, but absorbing this spirit ring was really dangerous. When the Man-Faced Demon Spider blocked our way, I was planning to retreat. But I thought about my dwindling spirit power and decided to take the risk. Absorbing a spirit ring beyond my level is dangerous, but I had to take the chance to increase my strength."

While saying this, he sneaked a glance at Xiao Wu, his explanation meant primarily for her. He wanted to emphasize that he hadn't deliberately sought out the Man-Faced Demon Spider—it was simply his last resort in that situation. Absorbing the ring would restore him completely, so he had no choice.

Xiao Wu's expression seemed to say, Do you think I believe you?

She didn't hold back, retorting, "Tang San, I don't care what your reasons were for taking the risk to absorb the Man-Faced Demon Spider's spirit ring. You know the truth yourself. And don't think your strength is anything to brag about now!"

With that, four spirit rings—yellow, yellow, purple, purple—rose around her.

Everyone was stunned. Not only had Xiao Wu returned safely, but she now had a fourth spirit ring?

Tang San's expression shifted dramatically. He had thought he'd finally closed the gap between them, but Xiao Wu had already reached her fourth ring!

Could it have happened when she was captured? Had she broken through while they weren't looking?

Zhao Wuji's eyes widened. "Xiao Wu, what's going on?"

"When I was captured, I happened to break through to the fortieth level. After escaping the Titan Giant Ape's grasp, I ran into a suitable spirit beast with Brother Su Ming, and we worked together to kill it and absorb the ring. That's why we came back late," Xiao Wu explained.

"And even though you're now at the thirty-fourth level, so what? You're still the weakest among the freshmen!" she added with her arms crossed.

Oscar felt a bit insulted at this remark. He was fourteen and only at the thirty-first level. Sure, it was tough for food-type spirit masters to cultivate, but Ning Rongrong, a support-type spirit master, was already thirty-fifth level at twelve!

Tang San's face darkened. It was true; he was indeed the lowest level among the freshmen. After hesitating for a moment, he asked, "Xiao Wu, what's your level now?"

With a proud look, Xiao Wu replied, "Forty-second."

Tang San was in disbelief. "That's impossible. Shouldn't you be at forty-first?"

Xiao Wu rolled her eyes. "Do you think you're the only one who can absorb spirit rings beyond your level? As long as you focus on improving your physique, it's not that hard. I absorbed my fourth spirit ring beyond my level—got a problem with that?"

Tang San felt like he'd been struck by lightning. He had overlooked a crucial fact: Xiao Wu was Su Ming's sister. Naturally, Su Ming would ensure she trained her body well. After all, Tang San had learned from sparring with Su Ming that his physique wasn't weaker than his own—perhaps even stronger!

Su Ming: Are you serious? My physique is way more than just a little stronger than yours. Don't insult me!

If Xiao Wu could absorb spirit rings beyond her level, then Su Ming certainly could as well!

No wonder Su Ming's spirit skills were so powerful. It all made sense now!

Although Tang San and Su Ming were "friends," their relationship wasn't particularly close. Thus, Tang San had never asked about the specifics of Su Ming's spirit rings. He had only observed that Su Ming always pursued the best configurations, but now he realized the true extent of Su Ming's abilities.

Meanwhile, Dai Mubai watched from the side, feeling increasingly wary of Xiao Wu and Su Ming. Twelve-year-old Spirit Elders—these two had unprecedented talent!