Douluo Continent: The original Yu Xiaogang brutally defeats Tang San at the start.

The aftershocks of the academy's martial arts competition were far more intense than expected.

Lin Yuan's overwhelming victory over Tang San, along with the shocking display of his external soul bone "Eight Spider Lances," solidified his title as "Notting Academy's Number One Genius" beyond dispute.

For a time, many senior teachers in the academy had their own ideas and extended olive branches to Xiao Wu, Lin Yuan's only personal disciple, trying to get closer to Lin Yuan through her, and some even wanted to recruit Xiao Wu into their own schools.

"Xiao Wu, here, have some water. How did you do in class today? Was there anything you didn't understand?"

"Xiao Wu, I've recently developed a new physical training method suitable for offensive-type Soul Masters. Come to my office another day, and I'll give you some private lessons."

……

Almost every day, Xiao Wu is surrounded by teachers who try to curry favor with her.

That day, after a large-scale open class attended by all the teachers and students of the school, several teachers who were quite influential in the college surrounded Xiao Wu on the playground and enthusiastically extended an olive branch.

Leading the group was a burly man with a towering physique. He was the academy's recognized top instructor for offensive techniques, and his martial soul was the extremely domineering "Mighty Vajra Bear."

He forced what he thought was a friendly smile, but his voice remained loud and clear: "Little Wu, we all admire Teacher Yu's theoretical knowledge; it's truly solid. However, he is, after all, a beast spirit, and moreover, a support type. For a powerful offensive spirit master like you with exceptional talent, his guidance on practical combat techniques and the application of spirit skills is inevitably somewhat flawed."

As he spoke, he intentionally or unintentionally showed off his arms, which were thicker than Xiao Wu's waist, and continued, "Why not come to me? My martial soul is the Mighty Vajra Bear, pure strength and explosive power! I guarantee that within three years, I can definitely take your close combat ability to the next level!"

"Teacher Wang, that's not right," another teacher, slender with sharp eyes, immediately retorted. "Xiao Wu's strength lies in her agility and speed. Teacher Wang, your approach is too forceful and will only limit Xiao Wu's development. Xiao Wu, consider me! My martial soul is 'Shadow Cat,' which excels in speed and assassination. We're the perfect match!"

"And me, Xiao Wu..."

The teachers argued heatedly, each exaggerating their own strengths and offering various generous terms in an attempt to win over the young girl before them.

However, there was no hint of pride or wavering on Xiao Wu's face.

When everyone had finished speaking and were looking at her expectantly, Xiao Wu slowly raised her head.

"Thank you all for your kindness."

Xiao Wu's clear and melodious voice rang out, though not loud, it carried an undeniable firmness.

"However, I will only have one teacher in my life, and that is Teacher Yu Xiaogang."

The teachers who extended the invitations could hardly hide their embarrassment.

Tang San, standing in the corner of the crowd, was deathly pale, as if all his strength had been drained away.

His fists were clenched tightly in his sleeves, his nails digging deep into his palms, causing a sharp pain, but it was nothing compared to the heartache he felt at that moment.

Looking into Xiaowu's resolute eyes, and seeing the undisguised, wholehearted trust and affection she showed when she looked at Lin Yuan, the last shred of hope in his heart was shattered under the watchful eyes of everyone.

Do not!

I can't just give up like this!

I haven't lost yet!

A surge of almost manic courage, seemingly from nowhere, suddenly welled up in Tang San's heart like magma.

This courage stemmed from his unwillingness to accept defeat, from his jealousy, and even more so from his pride that was on the verge of collapse!

He pushed through the crowd in front of him, like a drowning person grasping at a last straw, step by step, firm yet unsteady, until he reached Xiao Wu.

Tang San's chest heaved violently, and his eyes were slightly red and bloodshot from extreme tension and excitement.

He stared intently at Xiao Wu, as if trying to etch her into his very soul.

"Xiao Wu!"

He mustered all the courage he had ever possessed in his life—no, in both his previous lives combined—and, in front of the entire school, with all his might, loudly declared:

"Xiao Wu, I like you! I've liked you since the first moment I saw you! Be my... be my girlfriend, okay?"

His voice trembled slightly from the intense emotional turmoil, each word sounding like a roar from his throat, filled with a desperate, all-or-nothing resolve.

This was his last struggle!

It was also his open declaration of war against Lin Yuan!

He wanted to use this most extreme method to tell everyone, including the high and mighty Lin Yuan, that Xiao Wu was the one Tang San had his eye on!

Nobody can take it away!

Everyone was completely stunned by Tang San's sudden, earth-shattering, and bold confession.

For a moment, only the rustling of leaves in the wind could be heard on the playground.

Xiao Wu was also stunned.

She clearly had no idea that Tang San would do something like this in front of so many people.

"I'm sorry, Tang San."

In the deathly silence, Xiao Wu's voice, though not loud, reached everyone's ears with unparalleled clarity.

"I don't have those feelings for you."

It's simple and direct, leaving no room for negotiation.

"And..." She paused, seemingly hesitating about something, but when she saw the last trace of unwilling expectation in Tang San's eyes, she finally spoke, as if to completely sever all his hopes.

"Besides, I already have someone I like."

I already... have someone I like...

These few simple words, to Tang San at this moment, were like eight sharp knives coated with deadly poison and heated to a blazing red, carrying the power to destroy everything, piercing his softest heart mercilessly!

His body swayed suddenly, his vision went black, and he almost lost his balance.

He felt his entire world collapse at that moment, the world spinning around him, and all sounds and colors drifting away from him.

"Who...who is it?"

He used the last of his strength to squeeze out those three words through gritted teeth.

He is not willing!

He doesn't believe it!

He wanted to know who he had lost to!

Xiao Wu did not answer his question.

She didn't even glance at him again.

She simply turned around silently, her gaze falling on the forest grove under the shade of a tree not far away.

The answer is self-evident.

"boom!"

Tang San's mind went completely blank for a moment.

Looking into Xiao Wu's affectionate eyes and then at Lin Yuan's calm and indifferent expression, an indescribable sense of humiliation, anger, jealousy, and despair erupted from the bottom of his heart like a volcano!

It's him!

It is him again!

He not only stole my opportunity, but also the soul ring and soul bone that should have been mine. Now, he has even taken Xiao Wu's heart!

[Ding! Detected that Tang San's confession was rejected and he witnessed Xiao Wu having someone else in her heart. Emotion value -70, mental state suffered a devastating blow!]

[Congratulations, host! You have gained 5000 points for defeating Tang San!]

[Ding! Tang San's corruption level +5%, current corruption level: 32%!]

The system notification sound that rang in Lin Yuan's mind was like a triumphant song.

Tang San could no longer withstand this enormous blow.

He staggered, turned around in a daze, like a soulless walking corpse, and fled in panic amidst the sympathetic, pitying, and mocking gazes of the entire school's teachers and students.

"Why...why even Xiao Wu..."

His heart was screaming wildly; at this moment, the seeds of resentment took root, sprouted, and grew into a towering tree.

Lin Yuan watched his disheveled figure, then glanced at Xiao Wu in the distance, her pretty face slightly flushed, secretly looking at him. A victorious smile appeared on his lips.

Everything is under control.