Chapter 11: Tang San, the Guinea Pig

While Tang San absorbed the soul ring, Mo Bai was browsing through the "Top Ten Core Competencies of Martial Souls."

After a quick scan, Mo Bai had to admit that the Yu Xiaogang possessed extensive knowledge and a deep understanding of martial soul related topics.

The book listed the so-called top ten core competencies of martial souls, providing numerous examples, analysis, and even experiments. However, it seemed to only touch upon the surface without delving into the finer details.

Yu Xiaogang explicitly stated that these core competencies were derived from his own conjectures based on research, experimentation, and speculation about the fundamental knowledge of martial souls.

"No wonder people ridicule him. He claims to summarize everything, yet he includes his own conjectures alongside established knowledge in the list of top ten core competencies. It's just asking for ridicule and sarcasm!" Mo Bai commented, shaking his head and mocking the Yu Xiaogang.

Despite his criticism, Mo Bai had to acknowledge Yu Xiaogang's remarkable expertise and extensive knowledge of martial souls. Without such knowledge, he wouldn't have been able to compile the so-called top ten core competencies.

Mo Bai then examined the two conjectures mentioned by Yu Xiaogang. The first one seemed trivial because any soul master, once they broke through the bottleneck of their soul power at a certain level, would eagerly seek to absorb soul rings.

"The second one is clearly problematic! A Tool Martial Soul can not only absorb plant-type soul beast rings but also animal-type soul beast rings! They why do Beast Martial Souls only absorb animal-type soul beast rings, while Plant Martial Souls only absorb plant-type soul beast rings? How did this common understanding come about?" Mo Bai wondered, puzzled by Yu Xiaogang's second conjecture.

According to Yu Xiaogang's description, this had always been the belief among soul masters in the Douluo Continent, almost becoming common knowledge. Mo Bai couldn't fathom how such knowledge had developed over the years, because from his perspective, if Tool Martial Souls could absorb rings from other types, then Beast Martial Souls and Plant Martial Souls should also be capable of doing so.

Nature always balances things out.

"Since this theory is written by him, considering his character, he would definitely try to verify it. The most likely scenario is that Tang San becomes the guinea pig and helps Yu Xiaogang confirm his theory." Mo Bai concluded with amusement.

"However, the formation of such common knowledge must have its reasons. Perhaps it's because plant-type martial souls are relatively weaker and have difficulty absorbing animal-type soul beast rings. There might have been instances of self-destruction during absorption, leading to the development of this common understanding. Let's see what unfolds..."

"Tang San seemed to have taken a leave; he must have gone hunting for soul rings with his master. When Tang San returns, I can determine whether Yu Xiaogang's conjecture is valid? If it is, my options for absorbing soul rings will also expand."

"In that case, Little Guinea Pig Tang San, I hope you succeed!"

With these thoughts, Mo Bai couldn't help but smile. He could benefit from the fruits of others' life-threatening experiments without taking risks himself—it was very enjoyable.

...

In the Soul Beast Forest, Tang San sat cross-legged. The expression on his face gradually transformed from ferocity to tranquillity.

"Is it done?" Yu Xiaogang watched attentively, his excitement evident in his eyes.

His theory was about to be confirmed!

"Phew~"

Apart from the unexpected outcome, there was someone hiding behind a tree not far away who secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

It was Tang Hao.

Since Tang San began studying here, Tang Hao had been silently guarding him. When the Datura Snake appeared earlier, Tang Hao almost couldn't resist intervening.

Unexpectedly, Tang San had brought him such a pleasant surprise. He never expected his son to become so powerful. That was a four hundred-year-old spirit beast, someone even a 29th-ranked Soul Grandmaster couldn't easily handle!

When Tang San chose to absorb the four hundred-year-old Datura Snake soul ring, Tang Hao was tempted to show himself and stop him. However, considering Yu Xiaogang's formidable abilities, he decided to let Tang San follow the his theory and give it a try.

Of course, it was also because if any problem arose, Tang Hao believed he could resolve it. It was just a four hundred-year-old soul ring; he could forcefully intervene if Tang San couldn't handle it.

The result turned out to be another pleasant surprise. If Tang San's Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul could indeed absorb soul rings from animal-type spirit beasts, then the Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul would benefit greatly from this discovery!

"To become a recognized Grandmaster, even if it means being ridiculed, truly deserves admiration," Tang Hao glanced at the Yu Xiaogang, affirming his competence.

Yu Xiaogang's previous act of sacrificing himself to protect Tang San and allowing Tang San to escape had earned Tang Hao's trust.

Hum~

At that moment, Tang San's fluctuating aura finally settled and stabilized. In the next moment, he opened his eyes, a clear surprise gleaming within them.

"Xiao San, did it work?" Perhaps due to some changes in timeline, Yu Xiaogang didn't get poisoned this time. Seeing Tang San wake up, he immediately asked eagerly and expectantly.

"Yes, Master, I succeeded!" Tang San looked at his master and nodded with certainty.

Moreover, his Mysterious Heaven Skill had finally broken through to the second layer!

"Master, your theory is correct. Plant-type martial souls can indeed absorb soul rings from animal-type spirit beasts!" Tang San exclaimed happily, sincerely acknowledging his master's wisdom.

At this moment, Tang San felt grateful once again for having such a knowledgeable master as his mentor.