Soul Land: Exposing Tang San

Chapter 28: One Year Later

Time passed quickly in the academy where students studied and practiced.

In the blink of an eye, nearly a year had passed since Su Yun returned to the Nuoding Academy.

With only one month left, the academy's final exams were approaching.

Since obtaining his first soul ring, Su Yun spent his days practicing the Ignition Spear Technique and the Wind God Leg. He also sparred with Xiao Wu, engaging in practical combat with his martial soul.

In addition to advancing his soul power to level seventeen, Su Yun now had a deeper understanding of his Blue Silver Emperor.

After a year of hard work, he had perfected the first move of the Wind God Legs, "Capturing the Wind and Seizing the Shadow," and even gained some insight into the second move, "Grass in the Wind."

"If I can master the second move of the Wind God Legs in the next month, I'll have an extra card to play against Tang San," Su Yun thought to himself.

For some reason, news of Su Yun's upcoming match with Tang San had spread throughout the academy. Some even knew about his bet with the grandmaster.

Many wealthy individuals and nobles in Nuoding City, upon hearing about this, approached the academy's dean. They hoped to enter the academy to watch the match during the year-end competition.

Facing the requests of these sponsors who often provided financial support to the academy, the dean found himself in a dilemma.

On one hand, they were friends; on the other, they were wealthy and influential figures he couldn't afford to offend.

He didn't want to offend either side. In the end, it was the grandmaster who stepped forward.

He came up with a solution to increase the academy's income: selling tickets.

"If you want to watch, then come and watch. I will show you how capable my disciple is," declared Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang with firm determination.

His words were quickly printed in the local newspapers and sold all over Nuoding City.

Upon learning that the match between the grandmaster's disciple and another student could be openly watched, numerous residents of Nuoding City, even those outside the city, immediately rushed to Nuoding Academy to grab tickets.

In just an hour, the few hundred tickets prepared by the academy were completely sold out.

This scene surprised the academy staff who hadn't expected that the match between Tang San and Su Yun would attract so much attention.

"I can't afford to lose this match," Su Yun smiled lightly, picking up his long spear once again, and began practicing his spear techniques.

Nuoding Academy.

Grandmaster's room.

"Xiao San, how is your cultivation going?" Yu Xiaogang picked up a teacup from the table, took a sip, and asked.

"Teacher, my soul power has just broken through level sixteen," Tang San replied with a smile. "I estimate that by this time next year, I will become a second-rank Soul Grandmaster."

"Not bad. Your progress hasn't disappointed me."

"Having twin martial souls, full innate soul power, and my guidance, this cultivation speed is normal for you."

Yu Xiaogang's voice was calm as he said, "So, don't be proud. This is what you should achieve, understand?"

"Yes, Teacher. I understand," Tang San replied, bowing his head.

Although there was a hint of criticism in Yu Xiaogang's words, Tang San did not feel any dissatisfaction. He knew that the teacher deliberately belittled him to prevent him from becoming arrogant.

In the previous life at the Tang Sect, many elders often did the same when teaching disciples.

This was what a strict teacher did to cultivate outstanding disciples.

"By the way, how is Su Yun's cultivation?" Yu Xiaogang put down the teacup, looked up at Tang San, and asked.

"Sorry, Teacher, I'm not sure about that."

Tang San shook his head and said, "In this year, we haven't practiced in the same place. I haven't even seen him use his martial soul face to face."

"He is extremely guarded against me, not letting me know about his cultivation."

Upon hearing this, Yu Xiaogang chuckled, "It shows that this kid has some brains. The more he hides, the more advantageous it will be for him in the upcoming competition."

"Unfortunately, knowing just one aspect is not enough."

"If my guess is correct, and both of you have twin martial souls, then your cultivation speeds should be similar."

"With my help, your soul power has already reached level sixteen. So, Su Yun's soul power level should be at least the limit of level fourteen, or close to level fifteen."

"I believe he has a chance to win against you in this year's year-end competition."

Seeing Tang San's face change, Yu Xiaogang added, "This competition essentially tests your understanding and use of martial souls."

"Now that you have exposed your first soul skill, but few people know about Su Yun's first soul skill, he has an advantage at the beginning."

"Do you think, at the start, who has the upper hand between you and him?"

Tang San remained calm and said, "Su Yun."

"Correct."

Yu Xiaogang nodded slightly and continued, "However, Su Yun only has this one advantage."

He looked at Tang San and said, "Your body movements are very coordinated, and your actions are very agile. This is one of your major advantages. I hope that when you face Su Yun, you can fully utilize it."

Tang San had great confidence in his Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track.

Normally, the academy competitions took place on the martial arts stage.

The space on the stage was neither too big nor too small. Tang San had previously checked it and found it just spacious enough for him to unleash his Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track.

While Tang San was aware that Su Yun possessed a certain body technique, he didn't believe that Su Yun's footwork could compare to his own.

After all, he had practiced the Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track for nearly thirty years. If he were to lose to Su Yun in this aspect, it would be a disgrace to himself and the entire Tang Sect.

"I understand, Teacher," Tang San nodded again.

Then, Tang San looked up and said, "Teacher, there's no need for you to publicize my match with Su Yun like this. I know you want to inspire my fighting spirit, but you don't need to inform the entire Nuoding City about this."

"Since you've done it, you should go all the way. I have absolute confidence in you."

Yu Xiaogang stood up, patted Tang San's shoulder, and said, "Xiao San, over the years, you are the only one who believed in my theories and was willing to practice with me."

"I am deeply moved by this."

"So, I just want to tell them that the disciples I've accepted are no worse than others. The students taught by Yu Xiaogang can grow into powerful control-type soul masters even with a useless martial soul like the Blue Silver Grass."

After Yu Xiaogang finished speaking, Tang San could clearly feel his heartbeat accelerating.

Tang San remembered an old saying from his previous life: "A man would die for a true friend."

The words his teacher once said, "There are no useless martial souls, only useless soul masters," echoed in his ears.

Even if his martial soul was considered useless, his teacher had not given up. Instead, he devoted time and energy to guide Tang San's cultivation.

How could he lose to Su Yun in front of so many people, tarnishing not only his own face but also the reputation of the Tang Sect's ancestors?

If he lost, his teacher's once illustrious reputation would be completely ruined because of him.

Thinking about this, Tang San involuntarily felt a thirst for victory growing in his heart!

At the same time, he felt a slight fluctuation in the soul power within his body.

It was then that Tang San realized the true meaning behind his teacher's encouragement.

To avoid embarrassing his teacher in public, Tang San's heart was filled with a strong desire for improvement.

And because of this desire, he felt a slight increase in his soul power.

Indeed!

The potential of the human body is limitless, awaiting discovery by individuals.

"Teacher, I'll go practice now. In this final month, I want to break through to level seventeen soul power." Tang San stood up and said.

"Good, this time, you can practice according to your own methods. You don't need to pay too much attention to my suggestions." After Yu Xiaogang nodded in agreement, he gave some additional instructions.

"Teacher, rest assured. Wait for good news from me."

Tang San bowed to Yu Xiaogang and left the room.

Feeling the sudden burst of soul power fluctuation on Tang San's body, Yu Xiaogang, looking at the closed door, finally revealed a smile.

"Su Yun, Su Yun, you alone want to catch up to Tang San? It's almost impossible."

"If you had joined my sect back then, perhaps your cultivation speed would be even higher than Tang San's now."

"Unfortunately..."

As he sighed, Yu Xiaogang remembered that afternoon when Su Yun showed disrespect towards him.

Thinking of this, Yu Xiaogang's heart couldn't help but feel a bit uncomfortable.

That kid's words were indeed sharp, choosing to say things that others wouldn't want to hear.

Well, forget about that kid.

Shaking his head vigorously, Yu Xiaogang tried to cast away the annoying image of Su Yun from his mind.

Although he disliked Su Yun's way of speaking, he had to admit that he was grateful to Su Yun.

If it weren't for the competition between his disciple and Su Yun, he wouldn't have been able to help his friend, the academy dean, solve the financial problems of the academy.

After all, the Nuoding Junior Soul Master Academy was a public institution, and most of the time, it relied on donations from local wealthy people.

Now, all he needed to do was testify to the authenticity of the bet, and the money would come pouring in.

Even though he knew that these people were here to make fun of him, Yu Xiaogang had already prepared on that day how to look at the other side who came to watch him make a fool of himself.

"Now, let's wait for a month."

In the room, Yu Xiaogang's faint voice echoed.

...

A month's time, under the publicity inside and outside Nuoding City, almost passed by inadvertently.

In the dormitory for work-study students.

"Su Yun, where are you going during the break this time?"

By the bedside, Xiao Wu looked at Su Yun, who was folding the bedding, and asked.

"Break? Of course, I'm going back to the village."

Su Yun didn't even raise his head, focusing on folding the bedding. He said, "The village chief and others have been busy all this time. They sent me a few letters. I naturally have to go back and visit them."

A few days ago, Old Jack and several other villagers sent Su Yun a few letters.

The letters from the village talked about their longing for both of them.

Unfortunately, due to many things happening in the village, they couldn't come.

To make up for this regret, Su Yun naturally planned to go home and visit Grandpa Old Jack and the others after the end of this final competition.

And thinking about this timing, Su Yun remembered.

Tang San's father, Tang Hao, also officially handed Tang San over to Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang at this time.

He himself went to deal with other matters.

As someone familiar with the original work, Su Yun knew that Tang Hao should be looking for the true form of Ah Yin in this world.

Thinking of this, Su Yun felt a bit puzzled.

Since Ah Yin had already become his martial soul, what about the residual consciousness of Ah Yin in the blue silver grass seed that Tang Hao planted?

Su Yun didn't know about this and didn't dare to ask Ah Yin.

"Is that so?"

Thinking for a moment, Xiao Wu suddenly brightened her eyes and exclaimed, "Right, Su Yun, your village isn't far from here, right?"

"How about I accompany you back to your Holy Spirit Village this time?"

Su Yun didn't refuse, nodded and said, "Of course, but won't your family worry if you don't go home? "

Su Yun knew Xiao Wu's identity, but he naturally wouldn't reveal it. Instead, he continued the conversation directly.

Sure enough, hearing Su Yun's words, Xiao Wu's eyes showed a hint of melancholy.

In the Star Dou Great Forest, her only friends left were Da Ming and Er Ming.

Moreover, she had just transformed into a human not long ago. If she went back now, she might not have met Da Ming and Er Ming yet, and she might also be detected by other ten thousand-year soul beasts.

In that case, it would be too dangerous for her.

"It's okay, you don't have to worry. My family is very confident in me."

Then, Xiao Wu put on a confident look on her face and said, "Let's agree on this. After the end of this final exam, we'll leave together."

"Good!"

Su Yun smiled and nodded.

...

A month's time finally passed!

On this day, the Nuoding Junior Soul Master Academy was much more exciting than any other year within the past year!

Many aristocrats and wealthy people from Nuoding City gathered together, sitting in the high seats, discussing various matters with each other, creating a pleasant atmosphere.

However, their attention today, whether intentional or not, was directed towards the center of the academy, where the final competition would take place.

Their purpose for coming here today was nothing else but to see Grandmaster's joke.

"Hehe, I heard that Grandmaster accepted a disciple. I don't know what kind of kid would dare to worship him as a teacher."

"I heard that the kid has full innate soul power, and his talent is very high!"

"Really?"

"Of course, but it's a pity that his martial soul is Blue Silver Grass. There's not much room for development in the future."

"Blue Silver Grass, such a waste of a martial soul?"

"By the way, you probably don't know yet. The kid who's competing with Grandmaster's disciple today also has full innate soul power. I heard that his martial soul is also Blue Silver Grass!"

"Two Blue Silver Grass martial souls? Two full innate soul powers?!"

"Is it really so bizarre?"

Soon, this exposed information received everyone's confirmation.

"Who do you think will win this time?"

"Of course, it's Grandmaster. I heard that Grandmaster has set an extremely strict study plan for his disciple."

"Day after day of training for his disciple."

"Maybe today, his disciple might really win." Someone whispered.

(End of this chapter)

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