Zhao Liuyun immediately locked onto Tang San. Having cultivated the Purple Demon Eyes for many years, Tang San's eyesight was already exceptional, so how could he not see him?
"Liuyun!"
A smile bloomed on his face, and he walked over quickly.
Zhao Liuyun immediately put down the medical book in his hand and went to meet him.
"Bang!"
The two embraced heavily, making a dull sound.
"Long time no see." Zhao Liuyun's words were filled with the joy of a long-awaited reunion.
Having stolen the Mysterious Heaven Treasure Record, they would be enemies sooner or later.
The joy was that Tang San really came to this Spirit Hunting Forest to hunt for a spirit ring.
It wasn't for nothing that he had prepared beforehand.
"You too, I trust you've been well." Tang San patted his back, his eyes bright.
"How is Sister Xiao Wu?"
"She's the same as before, eating well, sleeping well, and still not putting much effort into cultivation," Tang San said with a wry smile.
During their exchange of pleasantries, he noticed that Zhao Liuyun's body was much sturdier than before. He raised an eyebrow and exclaimed in surprise:
"Only two months apart, and you've gotten so much stronger! Look at those muscles, what good stuff did you eat?"
Zhao Liuyun smiled helplessly: "My body was too weak before. It looks strong now, but it's all from soaking in medicinal baths."
"Medicinal baths?" Tang San was taken aback.
"Ah? Why, you can soak in them too."
Zhao Liuyun glanced at the gloomy, zombie-faced man following behind Tang San: "The 'Grandmaster's' surname is Yu, and he is deeply versed in theory. In the Spirit Master world, that surname is quite significant."
The Grandmaster had been expelled from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan; Zhao Liuyun knew this, but it didn't matter.
He'd just casually stir up some trouble for this master and disciple duo.
He was just a student with limited knowledge.
Seeing Tang San look contemplative, Zhao Liuyun smiled and greeted Yu Xiaogang behind him.
"Grandmaster, hello."
Thick lips, a zombie face—still the appearance from his memory.
He had seen 'Grandmaster' many times at Nuoding Academy.
But this was the first time he had looked closely since hearing the news of his severed arm.
He still had short black hair and an ordinary appearance. He used to give off a distinct sense of self-importance, but now he seemed slightly gloomy.
His clothing was very plain, his eyes lazy, mixed with a hint of small cunning. His left hand was placed horizontally across his chest, and his right hand hung at his side, concealed by a long sleeve.
Concealed within was likely the iron hand Tang San had customized and forged for him.
The reputation of the "Theory Grandmaster" was very loud in the past.
But since his hand was severed, the title privately circulated at Nuoding Academy gradually changed to "Iron Hand."
"Iron Hand" Yu Xiaogang carried a hint of ridicule, mocking his severed arm.
Some even fabricated anecdotes about him overestimating himself and recklessly hunting for spirit rings.
Who knew that a blind cat would just happen to stumble upon a dead mouse—the anecdote spoke the truth, which thoroughly angered the Grandmaster.
The Headmaster's statement could only prohibit the teachers from discussing it; could it stop the whispers among the students?
Xiao Wu and Tang San strictly forbade it, but they still couldn't stop the rumors from circulating in secret.
Of course, Zhao Liuyun was not the one doing it.
He always protected himself and never commented on this, nor was he willing to be drawn into such disputes.
Attitude is the mask of the heart; he admired the "Grandmaster" after all!
At this moment, he didn't even dare to look more than a glance, quickly averting his gaze after a brief look.
He was afraid of being misunderstood even slightly and judged as having "a way to invite death."
"You are Zhao Liuyun, correct? Thank you for your previous guidance to Xiaosan." The Grandmaster smiled, his lips barely curling up.
The stiff smile was like demons and ghosts showing their claws and teeth, sending shivers down one's spine.
"You're welcome, you're welcome. Tang San and I are friends," Zhao Liuyun quickly replied.
Friends who would risk their necks for each other are still friends.
Yet, he was puzzled.
When did we become so familiar? You call me so smoothly.
The next moment, Yu Xiaogang's intention became clear.
His tone was arrogant, commanding condescendingly:
"Your talent is acceptable. After you become a Spirit Grand Master, don't forget to enroll at Shrek Academy in Suotuo City, Balak Kingdom."
"This is an academy that only accepts 'monsters' and true geniuses."
"At that time, you can be classmates with Xiaosan again."
Who are you to me? Instructing Tang San is one thing—a teacher for a day is like a "father" for life, after all.
You are kinder to him than his own father, so he naturally acknowledges you.
And you are ordering me around like this too?
"Thank you for letting me know, Grandmaster. I will go," Zhao Liuyun still appeared respectful and politely humored him.
In his heart, he cursed this foolish blockhead's ancestors for eighteen generations.
What a damn academy; only a fool would go!
The Grandmaster nodded in satisfaction.
He felt that Shrek Academy was indeed the best choice.
It not only had two Spirit Sages as teachers, but he, the Theory Grandmaster, would also personally go to teach in the future. Zhao Liuyun would receive the best instruction.
And with the scent of the Calming Spirit Flower, Xiaosan's future cultivation would be more efficient.
It was a win-win situation.
"Headmaster, hello." Zhao Liuyun's gaze fell on the last person.
Temples slightly frosted with age, a hint of authority in his brow, and an air of a superior figure that came from years of immersion in an academy setting.
It was the Headmaster of the academy, Yu Xiaogang's good friend, a Level 42 Tool Spirit Elder over fifty years old.
After the perilous experience of almost losing their lives in the Spirit Hunting Forest the first time, 'Grandmaster' dared not be reckless this time and had invited him out.
"Student Zhao Liuyun, hello." A warm smile appeared on the Headmaster's face. He had a deep impression of this rare student from Nuoding Academy who had graduated early.
"We are here this time to purchase medicines. We'll take one packet of insect repellent powder, one packet of snake repellent powder, and three sets of various antidotes."
The Grandmaster was struggling financially, and Tang San, being young, couldn't earn much from forging iron. Only the Spirit Elder could handle the procurement.
As the Headmaster of the academy and a Spirit Elder, he was not short on money.
The Douluo Continent was a fantasy world with many types of poisons. Antidotes were not cheap, and people usually bought common types, rarely buying a full set of antidotes.
Buying without asking the price, and purchasing a large amount at once—they were a rare big customer!
A gleam of light flashed in Zhao Liuyun's eyes. He swiftly took out a packet of insect repellent powder and a packet of snake repellent powder.
Then, he began pulling out bottles of antidotes one by one.
"This is to neutralize Blood Coagulation Poison, this specializes in countering Spirit Power Blockage Poison, and this is for Hemolysis Poison..."
"This one detoxifies Nerve Paralysis Poison, it can even neutralize the poison from Tang San's first spirit ring, which came from the Man-Serpent."
When taking out the last bottle, Zhao Liuyun deliberately used Tang San as an example.
Yu Xiaogang's lips twitched slightly.
His left hand unconsciously stroked his elbow, which seemed to ache faintly. He still couldn't forget.
The last time he took Xiaosan to hunt for a spirit ring, he should have prepared more...
But he rarely set foot in the Spirit Beast Forest himself, and his considerations were limited to theory on paper. When the time came, he couldn't recall exactly what to prepare.
"Ten types of antidotes, one gold spirit coin per bottle, a total of thirty bottles, comes to thirty gold spirit coins." Zhao Liuyun calculated the price right in front of them.
"Since you are buying in bulk, Headmaster, the insect repellent powder and snake repellent powder are complimentary."
The library provided many insights and general experiences, and Zhao Liuyun always held a sense of gratitude towards Nuoding Academy.
"Good child, then we'll accept your kindness." The Headmaster smiled kindly.
He didn't care about the small amount, but he was pleased to accept the student's heartfelt gesture. He then distributed the set of antidotes to the two of them.
Seeing them pack up and prepare to leave, Zhao Liuyun suddenly spoke again: "Are you here to hunt for a spirit ring?"
"Why else would we come to the Spirit Hunting Forest if not to hunt for a spirit ring?" Tang San turned back, asking in surprise.
"How about I go with you?"
"Have you already reached Level 20?" Tang San, judging by his own situation, was astonished.
"Only two months, how could I be that fast?" Zhao Liuyun rolled his eyes speechlessly. Had Tang San become a blockhead too, after spending so much time with Xiao Wu?
He casually pulled out the iron badge symbolizing his mercenary status and shook it: "I'm a mercenary now, and I'm much more familiar with the Spirit Hunting Forest than you are."
"Moreover, with my flower scent, you'll be able to absorb your spirit ring better."
"Liuyun, you don't have to venture into danger with us..." Tang San wanted to refuse.
"We are friends, aren't we?" Zhao Liuyun's eyes curved into a smile, asking softly in return.
"Liuyun, it's great to have you." Tang San's heart warmed, and he was very touched.
Zhao Liuyun merely smiled faintly.
You're welcome. Just watch how I'll set you up.