Chapter 27: Xiao Wu Rejects Tang San
"Teacher, I came to the prison to become more skilled at controlling the Spiritual Threads. I have absolutely no intention of cultivating by devouring soul power," Ruo Ling said as he patted the dust off his robe and explained.
The power of the Spiritual Threads was becoming increasingly formidable, and Ruo Ling knew he had to keep it hidden, even from his own teacher, Bibi Dong.
He made up a casual excuse. "My Spiritual Threads can directly control another person's soul, but it requires mental confrontation. I can't practice on Na'er or the others, so I have to come here."
"These death row inmates have long since lost their spirit and vitality—they're perfect practice subjects!"
Bibi Dong nodded, finding his reasoning sound. "As long as you're not cultivating by devouring souls, it's fine."
"Of course not," Ruo Ling said with a gentle laugh. "The soul power gained through devouring isn't truly one's own. Though it brings quick improvement, it'll corrupt my spirit power."
"As long as you understand that, I'm relieved," Bibi Dong said, satisfied with his awareness.
"Since you've reached level 20, we'll find a time soon to get you your next soul ring. Xie Yue and Yan are already close to level 30."
"We'll all go together."
"I'll follow your arrangements, Teacher," Ruo Ling nodded.
Bibi Dong said no more. Now that she was sure he hadn't gone astray, she left in peace.
Bishop Emil stayed behind, feeling awkward under Ruo Ling's calm gaze.
Ruo Ling ignored the tattling bishop and sat back down to continue restoring his spiritual power.
Two hours later, the prison filled again with ghostly screams and wails.
Bishop Emil stood frozen, watching in horror, unable to understand what was happening.
Ruo Ling simply stood there, seemingly doing nothing, but the prisoners inside screamed as if undergoing unspeakable torture.
Even Emil, who often oversaw executions, felt a chill crawl down his spine.
After a quarter of an hour, the screams faded away.
A faint smile curved on Ruo Ling's lips.
His experiment was complete—the Spiritual Threads could indeed extract memories from a human soul.
The faint torchlight flickered across his face as his thoughts shifted toward future plans.
"Tang San… I'll be sure to take a good look at your Xuan Tian Record," he murmured.
Beside him, Bishop Emil shivered inexplicably, a cold dread rising in his chest.
...
While Ruo Ling schemed about Tang San's Xuan Tian Record, Tang San himself had returned to Saint Soul Village.
The holiday at Nuoding Academy had arrived, and Xiao Wu accompanied him.
The two arrived at the village one after another.
Tang San looked at Xiao Wu ahead of him. Over the past year, he had developed strong feelings for the lively girl.
Yet Xiao Wu always maintained a careful distance—never too close, merely friends.
It left Tang San distressed. In his previous life, he had been a devoted assassin of the Tang Sect, never involved in love.
Now, having finally convinced Xiao Wu to return home with him, Tang San decided to make a move.
When they arrived at the village entrance, Tang San pointed toward a house at the edge. "Look, that's my home," he said with a smile.
Then he quickened his pace toward it, excitement stirring in his heart.
It had been a year—he missed his father of this life.
Approaching the door, he saw that nothing had changed—but there was no sign of Tang Hao.
Inside, an old man was standing.
"Oh, Xiao San, you've returned," the old man said, stepping forward.
Tang San froze. "Grandpa Jack, you're here too? Where's my father?"
Old Jack sighed and handed him a folded piece of paper.
Tang San took it and read silently. His expression grew more and more forlorn.
Beside him, Xiao Wu studied the house cautiously.
She remembered what Ruo Ling had told her—be careful of Tang San's father.
She knew Tang San possessed twin martial spirits, one of which was the Clear Sky Hammer. That meant one of his parents must also bear that spirit.
Thinking of Tang San's words—that his father was a blacksmith—the answer was obvious.
Xiao Wu had come to Saint Soul Village to confirm her suspicions.
If Ruo Ling knew what she was doing now, he would no doubt scold her harshly.
He had warned her before, yet she still followed Tang San here. Utterly reckless!
"Xiao San, what's wrong?" Xiao Wu asked as she noticed his dejection.
"My father's gone," Tang San replied softly.
"Gone?" Xiao Wu's eyes widened. Panic flared in her chest as chaotic thoughts raced through her mind.
Gone the moment I arrived? Could he have discovered who I really am?
Her expression darkened. Could Tang San's father be a powerful spirit master? After all, his martial spirit was the Clear Sky Hammer!
Remembering Ruo Ling's warning, Xiao Wu's unease deepened.
She hadn't taken his words seriously—and now she regretted it.
"I'm going back to the academy," Xiao Wu suddenly said.
Tang San paused in surprise. His father had just left, and now Xiao Wu wanted to leave too.
"What's wrong, Xiao Wu?" he asked quickly.
She forced a calm expression. "It's boring here—nothing interesting at all."
"I can show you the back mountain," Tang San said eagerly. "There are plenty of little animals there. You like rabbits, right? There are lots of them."
"And my father's forge—I've been learning blacksmithing since I was little..."
He kept trying to persuade her, momentarily forgetting even about Tang Hao's departure.
"Forget it, I'll head back," Xiao Wu said firmly.
Just as she turned to leave, Tang San couldn't help but grab her hand.
Startled, Xiao Wu quickly yanked it free and glared at him.
"What are you doing?" she said angrily.
"Xiao Wu…" Tang San hesitated, then finally spoke. "Xiao Wu, be my little sister. I really want to have family again."
She froze for a moment, instinctively about to refuse, but Tang San continued.
"Please, hear me out. My home has nothing, I'm just a commoner. I can't give you wealth or power—but I can give you my promise."
"This past year, I've truly seen you as someone precious to me. I really wish to have a sister like you. I'll protect you forever—I won't let anyone hurt you."
His words were heartfelt, deeply sincere. Old Jack smiled and quietly left them alone.
Xiao Wu looked at Tang San, her heart subtly moved—until her pink eyes shimmered with a faint red light.
"In the future, you will become that man's spirit ring…"
"Not only you, but also your friends from the Star Dou Great Forest—the Azure Bull Python and the Titan Giant Ape—they will all become Tang San's spirit rings."
The voice echoed in her mind, along with the haunting image of a scarlet-eyed boy.
Xiao Wu snapped back to her senses and looked at Tang San, shaking her head.
"I can't agree to that. And I'll never be your sister," she said firmly before turning around and walking away.
Tang San stood still, staring at her departing silhouette as his face darkened.
(END CHAPTER)
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