Douro Continent

Chapter 158 External Soul Bone (Part 2)

The master patiently explained, "External soul bones are a magical existence. They are special beings besides the six major types of soul bones. If the probability of an ordinary soul bone appearing from a soul beast is one in a thousand, then the probability of an external soul bone appearing is less than one in ten thousand. Moreover, the condition for absorbing an external soul bone is first to absorb the soul ring of the soul beast that dropped it. The torso-type soul bones we usually refer to are the sternum. But the soul bone you absorbed is a vertebra. Based on my previous observations, I can confirm that it is an external soul bone. Child, do you know that in the world of soul masters, there is a ranking of the most precious things for soul masters, called the Soul Master Dream Ranking? Among them, external soul bones have always ranked second on the Soul Master Dream Ranking, second only to the number one, the almost impossible 100,000-year soul ring."

The master used the easiest way to explain to Tang San how precious the eight spider legs that he thought were from a monster were.

"Are these eight spider legs really that powerful?" Tang San couldn't help but wonder to himself.

The master, having spoken so much, was a little thirsty. "It's chilly this morning, so put your clothes on first. Remember, never tell anyone about the external soul bone I told you about today. Although external soul bones can't be absorbed like ordinary soul bones, as the saying goes, 'the tallest tree in the forest catches the most wind.' The fewer people who know you possess an external soul bone, the better, lest someone act out of jealousy."

Tang San put on his outer clothes and asked the Grandmaster, "Master, what exactly is the use of this external soul bone I possess?"

The master said, "I can't say for sure what its specific uses are right now. It will take some time to study and figure it out. Starting today, you will have an additional cultivation task: to master the use of the external soul bone as soon as possible. Judging from what we just saw, your external soul bone possesses extremely strong attack power. Not only can it pierce, but it also carries a deadly poison. If I'm not mistaken, the toxins attached to the spider legs should be controllable. You can release them at will. Also, given the length of those eight spider legs, have you considered what would happen if you used them to replace your own legs for movement?"

Tang San was a smart man, and with the master's guidance, he immediately understood: "If that's the case, not only will the speed increase, but the influence of terrain on speed will also be greatly reduced."

The master smiled slightly and said, "Therefore, one of the abilities these eight spider legs will grant you is the ability to move at high speed regardless of terrain. As for its benefits, you will see more surprises in the future. Moreover, it will evolve with each advancement of your spirit rings. Its power will even exceed your imagination. With it, you now have the opportunity to fight against opponents within a ten-level difference in all aspects. Furthermore, due to the rarity of external spirit bones, unless you say so yourself, no one will know that these eight spider legs are external spirit bones; most will simply assume it is one of the manifestations of your Blue Silver Grass. After all, apart from its hardness, its appearance is quite similar to Blue Silver Grass. As for how much you can control it in the future, that depends on your own efforts. If you can transform those eight spider legs into eight highly venomous spears that are as responsive as your own arms, you can imagine how much your combat power will increase."

When Tang San and Grandmaster returned to Shrek Academy, it was already broad daylight. Grandmaster had talked a lot about soul bones that day, although it was only a general overview, and Tang San still needed to gradually digest this knowledge.

"Little San, let's go eat. Starting today, I'm going to rearrange your training schedule."

Tang San looked up at the master, "Teacher, are you leaving?" In his mind, the master had arranged a cultivation method for him and was probably about to leave. He couldn't help but feel a sense of loss.

The master smiled slightly and said, "Don't worry, I won't leave. I'm worried that you might encounter problems while practicing with the external soul bone. This external soul bone is already a part of your body, completely fused with your spine. If a problem occurs, it could be fatal. Therefore, I have no choice but to stay."

"The master isn't leaving? That's wonderful!" Tang San was overjoyed to hear that the master would stay and continue to guide his cultivation.

A hint of longing flickered across the master's face. "Little San, you know what? I really want to see what you'll look like twenty years from now. My decision to stay isn't just for you, but also for your classmates at the academy. Each of you can be described as a genius. Wouldn't it be a waste if you didn't have suitable cultivation methods? Although Flander has a lot of cultivation experience, he hasn't done well enough in many details. I hope that you can become a powerful group in the future. Therefore, it's necessary to start guiding you with the best cultivation methods from now on."

For Tang San, the reason why the master stayed was not important; the key was that he decided to stay, and that was enough.

The master and apprentice arrived at the academy's cafeteria. Perhaps because they had traveled too hard the day before, the cafeteria was empty, even though breakfast was ready.

Tang San quickly served two bowls of porridge, one for himself and one for Grandmaster. Shrek Academy wasn't well-off, so breakfasts were naturally not very lavish. Today's breakfast was simple: steamed buns, pickled vegetables, and porridge. There was also an egg for each person.

Grandmaster frowned as he looked at the breakfast that Tang San brought to him.

"Is this all Flanders is going to feed you?" The master's stiff face looked somewhat dark.

Tang San said, "This is already very good. There are plenty of steamed buns, which is much better than when I was a child."

"Nonsense." The master put down the steamed bun in his hand, his anger rising. He had always been stubborn. "You children are at a crucial stage of your physical development. A healthy body is the foundation of your martial spirit. Without a healthy body, how can you persevere in rigorous training? This early development is enough for people our age, like Flander. But for you children, it's far from enough."

The master was in a rage when Flander's lazy voice came from outside, "I'm telling you, Master, it's easy for you to say that when you're not in their shoes. You know these kids are all growing. Do you know how much they eat every day? You can buy delicacies in Soto, but how could the academy afford to feed them such things? If you're willing to sponsor them, I have no objection."

With the sound, Flander walked in from outside.

Looking at him, the master's expression softened slightly. "I don't care what difficulties the academy faces, but since I've decided to stay, as a teacher here, I absolutely cannot let the children suffer. Flander, you leave this matter entirely to me. From now on, I will decide what these children eat for every meal."

Flander chuckled inwardly. "So, Gang, you've decided to stay?"

The master nodded. "Whether for Tang San's sake or for these little monsters you've recruited, I've decided to stay here for a while. I've also taken a brief look at your current teaching methods these past two days, and there are many areas that need improvement. You told me the other day that if I'm willing to stay, you could delegate authority to me, right?"

Flander knew the master all too well. Looking at him, he understood his old friend's determination to make a big splash. While he didn't show it outwardly, he was inwardly overjoyed. The master's theoretical knowledge was unparalleled. Fearing the master might change his mind, he immediately and readily agreed, "No problem. Just let me know what you need to do. You can assign the academy's teachers to you. Of course, you must tell me about any expenses first. The academy's financial situation is definitely worse than you imagine."

The master frowned slightly and said, "I know you people are all arrogant, but can't you be a little more flexible and increase your income?"

Flanders paused for a moment, then chuckled, "Even someone as stubborn as you knows how to be flexible?"

The master glanced gently at Tang San beside him, "What's wrong with being a little flexible for the sake of these children?"

Flanders chuckled. "Fine, as long as it doesn't violate my principles, you can be flexible as you like."

After breakfast, the bell rang on time, summoning all the students to the academy's playground.

Today was exceptionally lively, as not only the two deans, Flander and Zhao Wuji, came, but also the master and several other teachers from the academy also came to the playground.

Besides the two deans, the academy originally had three other teachers. These were the three who were in charge of the first three stages of the entrance exam. Tang San had only met one of them; he was the old man who had scared away many people with his staff-wielding martial spirit.

"Alright, everyone's here. I have a few things to announce." Flander walked up to the seven trainees, his gaze sweeping over them seriously.

"First, let me introduce the academy's teachers to the four new students." As he spoke, Flander pointed to the old man whose martial soul was a long staff, whom Tang San had met before.

"This is Teacher Li Yusong, whose martial spirit is the Dragon Pattern Staff, and he is a level 63 Soul Emperor."

Pointing to the second, older man, who appeared to be over seventy, he said, "This is Teacher Lu Qibin, whose martial soul is the Starry Chess, and he is a level sixty-six Soul Emperor."

(End of this chapter)