119. Stupid Choice

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Upon hearing Flender's response, Yu Xiaogang was taken aback. If he remembered correctly, the three youngsters Flender mentioned were all in their Rank 20 before he left Shrek Academy. But now, they've reached level 30?

Furthermore, aside from Oscar, who was slightly older than Tang San, the other two were the same age as him, and their cultivation bases were on par with Tang San's, who had been diligently practicing all this time. This revelation greatly surprised Yu Xiaogang.

He remembered how he had always considered Tang San an unparalleled genius. Even though he had been defeated by Lu Yuan and injured seriously, Yu Xiaogang firmly believed that, given five years, Tang San would surpass Lu Yuan.

While Yu Xiaogang's estimate was somewhat accurate, it had a critical oversight. Tang San could regain his potential within five years, but Lu Yuan's cultivation level wouldn't regress because he hadn't overdrawn his future potential, but rather his physical potential.

Momentarily hesitant, Yu Xiaogang chose to refrain from boasting about his disciple Tang San. While Tang San practiced diligently, the cruel world didn't operate solely on hard work. Success depended on talent, results, and much more.

With a hint of regret, Yu Xiaogang calmly stated, "Little San still wants to get a soul ring. It's getting late, Flender, let's just leave it."

Flender's expression changed slightly. He wasn't keen on parting ways with his old friend so swiftly, but given Yu Xiaogang's stance, he didn't have much choice. He also understood that his old friend was a stubborn person.

A successful person often possessed stubbornness. With a sigh, Flender reluctantly agreed under the scrutinizing gaze of Yu Xiaogang.

Yet, Yu Xiaogang's once stern face darkened once again. According to the usual script, shouldn't Flender extend an invitation to him? Even if Flender wasn't concerned about saving face, he should have done it for the sake of Liu Erlong.

After all, they had collectively hunted the soul beast for so long, and it was slain by two members of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Even if Flender felt no guilt, he should have offered Yu Xiaogang a ride back to Shrek Academy.

After all, there were two Title Douluo present, not to mention Ning Fengzhi, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's Sovereign. Add the three Soul Sages present, and securing a soul ring for Tang San would have been a walk in the park.

Moreover, Tang San could have benefited from this situation, using it as an opportunity to catch the eye of the Heaven Duo's  Prince, Xue Qinghe. With that, even if Clear Sky Sect didn't acknowledge Tang San, his master would surely arrange seclusion for him. Leaning on his background, the imposing presence of Tang Hao, and the sympathy from the Spirit Hall, along with the support of the Prince, would ensure Tang San's stable growth.

Unfortunately, the words were already spoken, irrevocable. Yu Xiaogang could only vent his frustration internally, maintaining a calm and composed demeanor externally, hoping for a change of course.

Meanwhile, Tang San was thrilled, quickly assessing his equipment and preparing to set off. He didn't want to linger in this place for even another second.

Each passing moment was excruciating, generating feelings of helplessness and torment. Waiting here felt like descending into hell, and while fleeing seemed like a shameful choice, it was also a practical one.

Tang San wasn't running away, he was biding his time for a better opportunity. His sidelong glance at Tang San didn't escape Yu Xiaogang's notice, who had a fair idea of Tang San's reasoning. However, while humility and bearing humiliation could provide short-term gain for accelerated growth, it couldn't overshadow reality's force.

Feeling a headache coming on, Yu Xiaogang understood Tang San's desire to leave, but he also knew that yielding to reality was often the best course of action. However, Tang San, believing himself above such compromises, hadn't realized that.

So, when Zao Wuji tried to dissuade Tang San, Yu Xiaogang readily agreed, barely considering Tang San's stunned expression. Yu Xiaogang's eyes twitched slightly, and Tang San felt he had misheard. Unfortunately, he hadn't.

Tang San truly couldn't fathom why Yu Xiaogang would want to team up with Lu Yuan and Xiao Wu. Did Master Yu Xiaogang fear that he wouldn't be targeted enough by Lu Yuan? Or perhaps he worried that Lu Yuan wouldn't have the time or opportunity to wrong him? Teaming up with Lu Yuan and others was essentially a move to prevent Tang San from getting the soul ring.

In Tang San's already embittered heart, a trace of bewilderment and resentment formed silently. Yet, his single-minded focus prevented him from grasping the deeper motives behind Yu Xiaogang's actions. To him, this was a reckless and foolish decision.

However, Tang San's perspective on force and strategy was somewhat limited. The two concepts are distinct, and it's natural that he couldn't perceive Yu Xiaogang's subtle intentions.

On the other side, Oscar, who had temporarily stabilized his soul power, discreetly retrieved a jade box. Meanwhile, Zao Wuji was ready to continue his role as the protector.

He found it somewhat amusing to be the guardian twice in a row. However, he was prepared for it, as he knew that certain things needed to be discussed with Flender and the others.

For instance, consuming immortal herb needed careful consideration. Ma Hongjun's habit of taking things without informing anyone was quite risky. Oscar didn't dare bet that his life was as durable as Fatty's.

Nevertheless, the absorption of the immortal herb was still essential, and after Ma Hongjun absorbed it, his soul power soared to level 30, and his martial soul underwent evolution.

Ma Hongjun had a modest request from Oscar. He asked for a steady increase of two levels of soul power. With his current slightly fluctuating level 31 spirit power, aiming for a stable level 33 was Oscar's target. This seemingly minor increase held significant importance.

For Oscar, achieving two stable levels was akin to four months of strenuous effort. This rate of improvement already surpassed the average cultivation speed of most geniuses, who managed to increase their power by five to six levels a year. Thus, Oscar's rapid enhancement set him apart from many peers of his age.

Everyone present couldn't help but notice Oscar's actions. Whether it was Ning Fengzhi, Xue Qinghe, Chenxin, or Gurong, they all observed Oscar's unusual behavior and the jade box he held with curiosity. It wasn't until Oscar opened the box, and the silver light dispersed to reveal an immortal herb inside, that Ning Fengzhi's breathing involuntarily quickened.

Although he wasn't familiar with the name of the herb grass Oscar held, the essence emitted by the grass indicated its value as a treasure. This treasure wasn't quite a soul bone, but it was similarly precious. Throughout the continent, the number of produced soul bones in a year was limited. There were only a few usable, unused, and market-circulated ones.

The same was true for treasures of heaven, material, and earth. However, their output was significantly lower than that of soul bones. Each of these treasures was guarded by powerful soul beasts, making it difficult for regular soul masters to retrieve them, let alone face subsequent attacks from other soul beasts.

Moreover, the sources of these treasures were often unknown. Unlike soul beasts living in forests, acquiring heaven, material, and earth treasures lacked sufficient information and was generally a fruitless endeavor. The cost and the outcome were often disproportionate.

Furthermore, the effects of each treasure varied. Consuming the wrong one could have severe consequences. For instance, an ice-attribute soul master absorbing fire-attribute treasures could lead to their soul power regressing, or worse, their martial soul being counterattacked.

Despite these drawbacks, treasures of heaven, material, and earth were incredibly valuable. The advantage of steadily increasing soul power was sufficient to overshadow most precious items. Were it not for the three mentioned shortcomings, it might have even surpassed the value of 100,000-year soul rings and bones.

Briefly pondering, Ning Fengzhi couldn't contain his surprise and inquired before Oscar began absorbing it, "Excuse me if I'm wrong, but the item in your hand, Oscar, is a heaven, material, and earth treasure, correct? If I may, could you explain its specific effects?"

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