Chapter 29: A better offer

Tang San was at first furious, but then his anger turned into fear.

The Man-Faced Demon Spider, a powerful four-thousand-year-old spirit beast, was now coming after him because of his attack.

Earlier, he had a chance to succeed because he had the element of surprise. But now that he had missed, he lost his advantage and was no match for the spider.

So, with the Man-Faced Demon Spider chasing him, Tang San started running around in a panic, looking like a frantic monkey.

"Whoever you are, don't let me find you..."

He silently vowed that after dealing with the Man-Faced Demon Spider, he would find the person who had interfered with him. That person was going to pay.

At that moment, the Serpent Grandmother and Dragon Duke arrived.

Seeing the spider focused on Tang San, they realized it was the perfect opportunity to strike.

The two exchanged a glance and nodded.

Just as they were about to attack, Tang San, still evading the spider, noticed them and rushed over to stop them. "What are you doing? This is my spirit beast."

"What do you mean, your spirit beast?" Meng Yiran snapped. "We've been tracking it for a long time and managed to injure it. Are you trying to steal it?"

"And what proof do you have that you injured it?" Tang San asked sternly. From the spider's ferocious attack, it hardly seemed injured. He didn't believe them.

Meng Yiran sneered, "You can check its abdomen. That's where my grandfather wounded it."

Suddenly, her expression changed. She said coldly, "I remember now. It was you who took my Phoenix-Tailed Cockscomb Snake! Do you intend to steal again? Your Spirit Sage teacher isn't here this time."

"But even if he were, it wouldn't matter," she added confidently.

Her grandfather, the Dragon Duke, was a Spirit Douluo. With their martial soul fusion technique, even a Title Douluo wouldn't be a threat, let alone Zhao Wuji, a mere Spirit Sage.

"Damn it," Tang San muttered, his face turning pale.

He had been determined to get this Man-Faced Demon Spider, believing it to be the perfect spirit beast for him. Would it be as suitable if he gave up and had to find another one? When would he finally become stronger and reclaim his destiny?

He looked at the Dragon Duke and said sternly, "Senior, are you going to bully the weak?"

The Dragon Duke laughed coldly, "Didn't you do the same?"

His granddaughter had complained about her spirit beast being stolen. His wife, the Serpent Grandmother, had reluctantly agreed to let Meng Yiran compete with Tang San because of Zhao Wuji. 

Meng Yiran had lost, and the spirit ring was gone. Meng Yiran had been furious. The Dragon Duke had been livid at the idea of a mere Spirit Sage bullying his wife and granddaughter. 

He had planned to confront Zhao Wuji, but they had encountered Su Bai and been driven away. Now, seeing this boy trying to steal the spirit ring meant for his granddaughter again? Did the boy think he had no temper?

He immediately released his spirit rings, and eight rings appeared—a Spirit Douluo. Tang San was filled with despair.

It was like when he helped Oscar fight for Meng Yiran's spirit ring, with Zhao Wuji backing him up. But now, even if Zhao Wuji were here, he wouldn't be a match. 

Zhao Wuji told him that although the Dragon Duke was a Spirit Douluo and the Serpent Grandmother was only a Spirit Emperor, their martial soul fusion technique could rival a Title Douluo. How could a mere Spirit Elder like him contend with them?

Tang San felt a profound sense of frustration. He could have killed the Man-Faced Demon Spider if not for someone interfering with his hidden weapon.

 Once he did, even if the Dragon Duke and Serpent Grandmother showed up, it would be too late. The one who killed the spirit beast could only absorb a spirit ring.

 Once he had it, they would have to swallow their pride. But now, everything was ruined by that mysterious person.

Tang San shouted in fury, "Who was it? Who stopped my hidden weapon?"

He would make them pay dearly if he found out who it was. That spirit beast was perfect for him! Who knows how long it would take if he had to search for another? Moreover, this was the Star Dou Forest, teeming with countless spirit beasts.

 As a Spirit Elder, encountering a ten-thousand-year beast would be fatal. Missing this opportunity would mean going back and waiting for someone to take him to find another. That would waste a lot of time.

At this point, the tension in the air was palpable. The Dragon Duke and Serpent Grandmother were ready to fight for the spirit beast, and Tang San was desperate to keep it. As they faced off, the Man-Faced Demon Spider roared, reminding them all of the immediate danger.

Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows. It was Dai Mubai, another member of Tang San's team. He had been observing the situation and decided it was time to intervene.

"Enough!" Dai Mubai shouted. "We're all spirit masters here. There's no need to fight amongst ourselves."

The Dragon Duke eyed him warily. "And who are you?"

"I'm Dai Mubai, and Tang San is my teammate. We're not here to cause trouble. Let's find a way to resolve this without unnecessary bloodshed."

The Serpent Grandmother considered this and nodded slowly. "Fine. We'll give you one chance. Prove that you can handle the Man-Faced Demon Spider, and we'll back off."

Tang San nodded, determination in his eyes. "Deal. I'll show you that I deserve this spirit beast."

With that, he turned his attention back to the Man-Faced Demon Spider. Using his spirit abilities and Dai Mubai's help, Tang San launched a coordinated attack on the spider.

The battle was intense, but with Dai Mubai's support and Tang San's strategic skills, they managed to significantly weaken the spider.

Finally, Tang San unleashed his hidden weapon, striking the spider down. As the spider fell, its spirit ring appeared, glowing brightly.

Tang San looked at the Dragon Duke and Serpent Grandmother, who nodded reluctantly. "You've proven yourself," the Dragon Duke said. "Take the spirit ring. You've earned it."

Tang San approached the fallen spider, ready to absorb its spirit ring. As he did, he couldn't help but feel a sense of triumph and relief. This was a significant step towards his goal.

But he also knew that the path ahead was still fraught with challenges. As he absorbed the spirit ring, he silently vowed to grow stronger and never let anyone stand in his way again.

When would he become strong enough to reclaim his destined girl from that evil spirit beast?

Tang San seethed with fury at the person who had thwarted his hidden weapon attack. But soon, his anger turned into dread.

"It was me. What are you going to do about it?"

A figure slowly emerged from behind a nearby tree. It was Su Bai.

"You!"

Seeing Su Bai, Tang San's face turned pale. He instinctively took a few steps back in fear.

The impression Su Bai had left on him was too deep. His teacher and two others had used their martial soul fusion technique to withstand the powerful attack of a Title Douluo, only to be severely injured by Su Bai with a casual strike.

Such overwhelming strength left Tang San with no will to resist. How could it be this calamity again? Did the heavens send Su Bai to torment him? Why was he everywhere?

Tang San felt even more desperate. Couldn't the heavens give him more time to grow stronger? Was he destined to be pushed to his limits?

Inwardly, Tang San screamed in frustration. He dared not respond to Su Bai and could only lower his head, though his eyes were filled with hatred.

He swore that once he became stronger, he would kill Su Bai and clear his grievances. For now, he could only endure.

"Was it you who helped me just now? Thank you!"

Meng Yiran, overhearing their conversation, realized what had happened. Without Su Bai's interference, Tang San might have stolen her spirit beast again. Grateful, she walked over to Su Bai and thanked him.

"It's nothing," Su Bai waved his hand dismissively, though his eyes briefly lingered on Meng Yiran's slender waist. It looked so enticing to touch.

However, he quickly averted his gaze. It was their first meeting, and he didn't want to come off too strong and risk annoying her. Despite his power, Su Bai wasn't interested in forcing anyone. That would be no fun.

Just then, Tang San tried to slip away, realizing he had no chance at the spirit ring and seeing Su Bai talking with Meng Yiran.

But how could Su Bai miss such a small move?

"Where do you think you're going?" Su Bai's voice stopped Tang San in his tracks, making him panic even more.

Is this spirit beast going to attack me? But clearly, he was overthinking it.

"I intervened earlier because that spirit beast already had a rightful owner," Su Bai continued. "But since I caused you to miss the chance to absorb its spirit ring, I intend to help you get a new one myself. How does that sound?"

Tang San was taken aback by Su Bai's offer. He had expected Su Bai to be hostile, but this was unexpected. Though wary, he knew he couldn't afford to pass up such an opportunity.

Tang San hesitated momentarily before replying, "If you truly mean it, then I am grateful for your help."

Su Bai nodded. "Follow me, and I'll lead you to a suitable spirit beast."

Reluctantly, Tang San followed Su Bai deeper into the forest, his mind racing with thoughts of revenge and the determination to grow stronger. He couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope as they walked. Perhaps this unexpected alliance would be the key to unlocking his true potential.

Meng Yiran watched them go, her gratitude toward Su Bai growing. She had no idea what his true intentions were, but for now, he had saved her spirit beast and promised to help Tang San. Maybe, just maybe, things were looking up.