Chapter 186.

Upon hearing Tang San's words, Grandmaster was taken aback. A ten thousand years Crypt Spider? He had also noticed it before but had ignored it, Tang San's words also unsettled him, his expression darkening. Flender intervened, "No, a ten thousand years soul beast is too perilous. Xiaofeng's circumstances are unique. What if something goes wrong with you?"

Grandmaster added gravely, "Little San, ten thousand years old soul beast is too risky for you. I cannot condone such a decision without a compelling reason."

"A reason?" Tang San smirked, "I have two. Firstly, the coming Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Competition. Amongst the continent's elite soul master, if we, the Seven, don't possess strength surpassing others, how can we hope to prevail?"

Grandmaster also pondered. Indeed, even if they were exceptional, the continent surely harbored other prodigies. Why shouldn't they aim to outshine them?

Tang San continued, "The other reason concerns the senior Soul Emperor. He instigated these soul beasts' approach, indicating that we can absorb them. The six thousand years Human Faced Demon Spiders and ten thousand years Crypt Demon Spiders were all choices presented by him! Hence, he believes I have the capability to absorb this Crypt Demon Spider too."

Grandmaster and Flender were once again taken aback by Tang San's reverse logic. They knew exactly who this senior Soul Emperor was. In essence, did Xiao Feng also believe Tang San capable of absorbing the Crypt Demon Spider's soul ring? Wang Feng would naturally assume so, considering Tang San's canonical soul ring in absorbing the Crypt Demon Spider without issue.

The Crypt Demon Spider in question was over 11,000 years old. Its age meant a higher level of enhancement post-soul ring absorption. Grandmaster and Flender fell silent, pondering the implications.

"In addition," Tang San asserted confidently, "I've already absorbed two immortal herbs, strengthening my body several times over compared to a soul master of the same level. Therefore, I'm certain I can absorb this Crypt Demon Spider soul ring."

At that moment, Xiao Wu approached and whispered, "Brother, are you truly certain? When ten-thousand-year soul beasts die, absorbing their soul rings triggers a soul shock. Due to their high intelligence, their soul consciousness remains within the soul ring. This spiritual attack can have dire consequences on the soul master's spirit. At best, they become vegetables, at worst, they perish."

This phenomenon wasn't limited to just ten-thousand-year soul beasts, creatures with higher intelligence also have this risk. Such was the fate of the first 6,000-year-old Resplendent Golden Leopard Wang Feng encountered as a child.

Hence, ordinary low-level soul masters refrained from absorbing ten-thousand-year soul rings. Apart from lacking the requisite strength, their spirits and souls couldn't withstand the strain.

"Spiritual attack?" 

"My mother informed me," Xiao Wu murmured softly.

"Xiao Wu... Do you understand why I claim to be 100% certain?" Tang San grinned. 

"Why?" Xiao Wu inquired.

"It's simple," Tang San clarified. "Firstly, my Purple Demon Eyes influences the soul of the soul beast, mitigating the Spiritual shock you mentioned. But more importantly..."

"Have you forgotten about their wounds?" Tang San interjected. "These wounds aren't ordinary. I sensed an immensely malevolent aura within them, driving even these ten-thousand-year soul beasts into a frenzy. Consequently, their souls are also weakened, making absorption easier for us. Nonetheless, the sheer soul power of a ten-thousand-year soul beast remains formidable and is not easily resisted by ordinary individuals."

Tang San's explanation resonated with his listeners.

After hearing Tang San's reassurances, Grandmaster nodded slightly and Flender remained silent.

"Brother, then you should do it." Xiao Wu smiled softly. "If anything happens, I'll be right there with you. I don't want to be left alone."

Tang San affectionately touched Xiao Wu's head. "Don't worry, I'll be fine."

Following the discussion, Flender and Zhao Wuji proceeded to capture the Crypt Demon Spider outside. The process was fraught with danger, as Liu Erlong's raging made every beast outside wary, heightening the tension during the spider's capture. The Crypt Demon Spider could only be subdued with the combined efforts of Flender and Zhao Wuji.

The capture proved perilous. In its frenzied state, the Crypt Demon Spider launched relentless attacks, using its sharp spider legs and entangling spider silk to counter Flying God Claws. It seemed oblivious to fatigue and the overwhelming strength of the two Soul Saints, instead focusing on deploying its signature skill, the Spider Web Cage.

This trap activated without warning, ensnaring unsuspecting enemies with its webbing upon entering its attack range. The lack of discernible signs or energy fluctuations made it challenging to evade. Fortunately, Flender and Zhao Wuji, being Soul Saints, easily avoided falling into the spider's trap.

"This heightened aggression significantly diminishes the soul beast's combat prowess," Tang San observed as he watched the battle unfold. "The Crypt Demon Spider excels in control, restriction, and stealth. However, in this violent state, it loses its reasons and forsakes its natural inclination to hide...."

This puzzling behavior baffled not only Tang San but also Flender and Zhao Wuji. Such a scenario was unprecedented in their collective experiences.

Seizing the opportune moment, Tang San darted forward with his Flying God Claws, ensnaring the Crypt Demon Spider in Blue Silver Grass. The three claws also embedded into the creature's shell, securing their capture.

However, on the other side of the poison formation, Xiao Wu came under attack. "Xiao Wu!" 

Tang San exclaimed, his Purple Demon Eye revealing the assailant—a Human-Faced Demon Spider.

With Liu Erlong's return and Ning Rongrong still absorbing the soul ring, Tang San couldn't hesitate, he rushed to Xiao Wu's aid.

Despite Grandmaster's attempt to shield Xiao Wu, his strength proved insufficient against the momentum of the Human-faced demon spider. Acting swiftly, Xiao Wu relied on her agility to evade the attacks of the 6,000-year-old Human-Faced Demon Spider. However, in its violent state, the spider's relentless assault caught Xiao Wu off guard, and she was eventually stabbed in the shoulder blade.

Just as Liu Erlong arrived on the scene, witnessing Xiao Wu's injury, she transformed into her Martial Soul True Body and launched a ferocious assault on the Human-Faced Demon Spider. Within moments, the spider was engulfed in flames, convulsing as it fell to the ground.

Tang San, consumed by rage, unleashed his Eight Spider Lances, disregarding the cries of the onlookers as he charged at the Human-Faced Demon Spider. His lances pierced the spider's body, eliciting cries of agony.

Meanwhile, Liu Erlong approached Xiao Wu's side, her concern evident.

"Xiao Wu, are you alright?" Liu Erlong's tone softened considerably after her outburst. The others watched closely, including Wang Feng, who observed from the shadows without much concern. He noted that something had blocked the Human-Faced Demon Spider's attack on Xiao Wu's shoulder bone.

Using the [Fog] soul ability of the [Black Hoop Spiritual Skull], Wang Feng remained hidden from view, undetectable even by Tang San's Purple Demon Eye.

"It must be Acacia immortal herb," Wang Feng mused silently, recalling the properties of the herb.

While the Human-Faced Demon Spider remained formidable even in its enraged state, Xiao Wu was also no ordinary opponent. 

Observing Flender administer aid to Xiao Wu, Wang Feng remembered Xiao Wu's recognition of Liu Erlong as a mother somewhere now.

He planned to wait for the group to absorb their soul rings before challenging them, curious to see if they could overcome their limitations. If he avoided using the evolved [Slow World], they might still have a chance, albeit a very slim one to defeat him.

In the poison array, Xiao Wu leaned against Liu Erlong's thigh, touched by her rare display of gentleness. The onlookers were also surprised by Liu Erlong's tenderness, including Flender.

"Xiao Wu, would you like to become my direct disciple?" Liu Erlong asked softly. "Under my guidance, no one will dare to bully you."

Moved by the sincerity in Liu Erlong's eyes, Xiao Wu couldn't help but be reminded of her mother's affection and blurted out instinctively:

"I do!" Xiao Wu exclaimed, eager to accept Liu Erlong's offer and become her disciple. However, before she could rise to formally acknowledge her, Liu Erlong halted her.

"Don't bother with those formalities! I detest them the most!" Liu Erlong declared, casting a meaningful glance at the Grandmaster. "Your master has no family now, not even someone who loves me. If you're willing in the future, just call me mother!"

Grandmaster remained silent, prompting Xiao Wu to feel a mixture of shock and sorrow. She sensed the sincerity behind Liu Erlong's words, as well as the hidden resentment towards Grandmaster.

The complicated relationship between Grandmaster and Liu Erlong required significant easing, but Grandmaster seemed unable to let go of their past connection, preventing them from achieving true harmony.

In that moment, Xiao Wu couldn't help but reflect on her own relationship with her brother, feeling both fortunate and saddened for their two teachers. Her thoughts drifted to her mother, stirring up a whirlwind of emotions.

Overwhelmed, Xiao Wu's eyes welled up with tears. She sobbed softly before throwing herself into Liu Erlong's embrace.

The scene evoked a wave of emotions from the onlookers. Grandmaster appeared startled, seemingly attempting to grasp the significance of the conversation, yet struggling internally. While the master hesitated, the others approached to offer their congratulations.

"Recognition of a mother is a significant event, regardless of one's life." Wang Feng remarked, sighing inwardly. Xiao Wu's life experiences were no less challenging than Tang San's, if not even more so.

…..

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