Chapter 9: Hunting, First Spirit Ring

"Since you awakened your martial soul until you came to the academy, a lot of time has already passed. Soul Masters must hunt spirit beasts to obtain soul rings and continue their cultivation," the Master said calmly.

To this, Tang San nodded deeply. Earlier, during the confrontation between Ye Hao and Xiao Wu, the spirit ability that Xiao Wu used from her first soul ring undoubtedly opened Tang San's eyes and added to his yearning for the Douluo Continent.

"Xiao San, when you go back, tell Ye Hao that we will set off together tomorrow morning," the Master specifically instructed. Coincidentally, Ye Hao also had innate full soul power, so having another person along wouldn't hurt. Regarding Ye Hao's identity, the Master had some doubts—not only did he resemble her in spirit and aura, but also in demeanor.

However, it was a pity that Ye Hao only had the Death Spider Emperor as his martial soul. If he truly had her other martial soul, the Soul Devouring Spider Emperor, it would have been a different story altogether.

Ye Hao's identity remained a mystery. Earlier, the Master had gone to the Notting City Spirit Hall to inquire about him, and the answer received was that Ye Hao was an orphan.

But the Master didn't believe that. He always felt that she still harbored resentment toward him, which was why she sent Ye Hao here.

Thus, the Master brought Tang San to hunt spirit beasts this time, wanting to observe Ye Hao while also confirming one matter.

No two people in the world could look exactly alike, and aside from the mother-son relationship. The Master couldn't come up with a second explanation.

(Ye Hao: Damn system!)

(System: This isn't my fault!)

Tang San readily nodded and then left…

"Is he really her… son?" 

The Master felt restless, his calm demeanor disrupted. Such thoughts hadn't surfaced in a long time.

He had thought that after so many years. He could let go of the past, but who would have expected that Ye Hao's appearance would completely shatter the memories he most wished to forget.

Not long after Tang San left, an unexpected guest suddenly appeared in the Master's office.

A gray-robed man, looking to be in his fifties, with murky eyes that were strikingly similar to the Master's. They were of the same ilk, with messy hair resembling a bird's nest, indicating he hadn't groomed himself for quite some time.

"You... who are you?" 

The Master frowned, someone could silently infiltrate the academy and come to see him. 

For some reason, this person felt strangely familiar.

"Master, long time no see," the man said in a hoarse voice, his expression blank.

"You… you're Tang..." 

The man interrupted, "I came to say goodbye. Xiao San has entrusted his care to you. As his father, I finally have no more worries and can do what I've wanted to do for years but didn't dare to."

"Wait!" 

The Master hurriedly called out, "He is your son, you're just going to leave him?" 

The man paused, his expression melancholic.

"Don't forget, he's also your disciple."

As soon as the words left his mouth, the man vanished without a trace, with the fluttering curtains being the only evidence of his presence.

Now, the Master could finally confirm Tang San's true identity, as well as what his second martial soul was.

In summary, the day Tang San's martial soul was revealed would be the day he faced danger.

Furthermore, the day the Soul Devouring Spider Emperor was exposed would be the day Ye Hao was captured.

"My idol has become like this," the Master sighed and shook his head. He then sat down at his desk, starting to plan for the soul ring hunting trip the next day. Making a simple note of the few soul rings Tang San would need.

As for Ye Hao's…

Might as well include him too…

"What? We're going to hunt for spirit rings tomorrow?" 

Ye Hao pretended to be shocked as he looked at Tang San, who had come to inform him.

Tang San nodded. "Teacher said that soul masters must obtain the corresponding spirit rings to continue their training. You and I have innate full soul power and can cultivate without relying on postnatal training. The Spirit Hall specifically sent someone to inform the teacher, letting him know to take care of you, and we're heading to the Soul Hunting Forest tomorrow, so don't forget!"

With that, Tang San left without looking back. From the Master's words, he concluded that hunting spirit beasts was undoubtedly a challenging process, and it could even be life-threatening. He needed to prepare a few items, such as hidden weapons.

After Tang San left, Ye Hao returned to dormitory seven. Due to the earlier battle with Xiao Wu, everyone in the dormitory still harbored psychological shadows towards Ye Hao. No one dared to approach him, let alone interact with him.

That was just as well. Although Ye Hao was small in stature, his real age was eighteen, making him far more stable in temperament than these children.

He didn't wish to compare himself with the tricks and schemes of kids, otherwise those noble children from the second floor who had dined earlier would probably be lying in bed by now.

In the early morning, before dawn.

Inside dormitory seven, Ye Hao quietly got out of bed. He sat on his bed for a while, glancing at the other work-study students who were still lost in their dreams. Ye Hao got dressed, the time was nearing the appointment with the Master.

Tang San had already left. Leaving Xiao Wu sprawled across her bed, drooling cutely. The rabbit really did look adorable.

In front of the academy, a carriage broke the night's silence. The Master had already been waiting for a long time.

Before long, Tang San arrived at the carriage first, bowing to the Master.

"Teacher, sorry to keep you waiting."

The Master smiled, "It's no problem, I just arrived not long ago. Xiao San, when we go to the Soul Hunting Forest to hunt spirit beasts, you must stay by my side. Spirit beasts are exceptionally fierce. Although the Soul Hunting Forest is a man-made spirit beast sanctuary, there are still quite a few powerful spirit beasts within."

After learning about Tang San's identity, the Master completely took on the role of a caretaker. On one hand, he had to guard against the Spirit Hall's covetous eyes, and on the other…

"Xiao San, promise me one thing."

"Yes. Teacher, please tell me."

The Master said seriously, "Never exposed your second martial soul in front of others. The consequences will be unimaginable."

Tang San was taken aback, he had heard similar words from his father after awakening his martial soul.

From what he had learned about martial souls these days. He understood that twin martial souls were extremely rare on the continent, with not a single occurrence for hundreds of years.

So far, the only person known to possess twin martial souls on the continent was the current Pope of the Spirit Hall.

Tang San understood the principle of "a gentleman is not guilty, but bearing a precious jewel may bring trouble." If the secret of his twin martial souls was exposed. It would undoubtedly add troubles for him, and his teacher would also face certain dangers.

People's hearts are unpredictable.

"I understand, Teacher." 

Tang San nodded deeply, realizing the seriousness of the matter.