Part of the reason Xiao Tianyang remained passive was that he didn't want to take the initiative to alter the course of events. It wasn't out of fear, but rather a belief that if things unfolded according to the original plot, he might reap certain benefits.
However, just as he was contemplating this, an overwhelming pressure suddenly surged from all directions!
"It's him?" Xiao Tianyang's gaze landed on Zhi Lin, his face filled with surprise.
Ding! Host has triggered a side mission: [Never Give Up].
Objective: Withstand the pressure of a level 83 soul douluo !
Reward: The longer you endure, the greater the rewards!
Seeing this notification, Xiao Tianyang couldn't help but smirk. "I knew this would turn out well."
If his identity were exposed, he might not have such an opportunity again.
After all, he had a Super Douluo backing him up—why would an level 83 soul douluo even bother trying to suppress him? If this got out, wouldn't Miao Zhenshan become a laughingstock?
Moreover, something even more thrilling was on the horizon, and Xiao Tianyang didn't want to miss it.
If this confrontation didn't happen, Flender might not decide to leave, and that would significantly deviate from the main plot. Such a shift would reduce his primary mission's significance and shrink his rewards.
Now that a powerful enemy had appeared, he wasn't afraid. With a towering tree at his back, he could enjoy the shade. But if his rewards dwindled, his journey to power would be delayed.
As the saying goes, a single misstep could lead to a lifetime of regret.
Xiao Tianyang had no intention of making that mistake.
As time passed, the pressure on Tang San increased, nearing the limits of what a 35th-level Soul Elder could endure.
On the other hand, Xiao Tianyang appeared indifferent. The only ones who looked even slightly concerned were Flender and Xiao Wu, while the rest remained at ease.
After all, one was a monster, and the other was a little monster. What was the point of worrying?
More importantly, this was a test—passing it would only benefit them, with no drawbacks.
The young ones understood this, and the elders even more so.
Zhi Lin narrowed his eyes, a faint smile appearing on his lips. In the next moment, the pressure escalated!
This time, Tang San could no longer hold on. His martial soul fully manifested, and Blue Silver Grass sprouted from the ground, swaying gently like tentacles in the wind.
"Oh?" Xiao Tianyang's eyes lit up. "This kid is smart—adapting on the spot, leveraging softness to counter strength. Coupled with the force-dispelling techniques of Wing Chun, it looks like Xiao San's gains from this experience won't be any less than mine."
'Level 45!'
As the pressure increased, Tang San finally furrowed his brows, activating Xuan Tian Gong with full force, his body tensed to the extreme.
"Swish!"
The Eight Spider Lances burst from Tang San's back, gleaming with a cold light.
"This is... a external soul bone?"
Zhi Lin, the instigator of this trial, was momentarily taken aback. However, his extensive experience quickly reasserted itself, and he spoke in a deep voice, "An external soul bone... This child is lucky."
"Thank you, Senior Zhi Lin, for your assistance." The Master stood up, gratitude evident on his face. "Ever since obtaining this external soul bone, Xiaosan has struggled to control it completely. But under your pressure, he has now fully integrated with it—it has truly become an extension of his body."
"So it really is an external soul bone..." The other two soul douluo exchanged knowing glances, nodding subtly.
Their willingness to share such a significant secret indicated an initial level of trust had been established.
However, Xiao Tianyang noticed that Tang San's transformation went beyond just that.
"Originally, he had only opened one meridian, but now... he's likely unlocked at least two."
A satisfied smile played at Xiao Tianyang's lips.
Changing another person's fate—this kind of thing was exhilarating!
…
"Tianyang, how do you feel?" Saber approached him, her voice soft.
"I'm fine." Xiao Tianyang gave her a reassuring look.
Truth be told, this level of pressure was nothing to him…
The crowd's attention shifted toward him. Even Tang San quietly stepped back without saying a word.
"Really? Then let's crank it up a notch." Zhi Lin smirked as he increased the pressure once more.
Still, Xiao Tianyang remained unimpressed.
Zhi Lin's expression turned serious, and he raised the intensity yet again.
Finally, Xiao Tianyang reacted—but only by releasing a thin layer of protective energy formed from his soul power.
"What kind of technique is this?" Meng Shenji was visibly surprised.
"Senior Meng Shenji, Brother Tianyang's soul power is unique. When attacked, it automatically forms a protective aura," Tang San explained.
"I see..." The elders nodded in understanding.
Flender, however, whispered to Yu Xiaogang, "Why didn't I know about this?"
Yu Xiaogang shot him a glance. "Have you ever seen him get hit?"
Flender: "..."
Now that he thought about it, he really had never seen this kid take a hit...
"Interesting." Zhi Lin escalated the pressure to Level 65!
Xiao Tianyang looked up and grinned. "Senior, let's just serve the hard food!"
For some reason, Zhi Lin found himself growing fond of Xiao Tianyang.
Part of it was due to the boy's immense potential. But the other part… came from the influence of a new, exclusive trait.
This ability was truly domineering—even a soul douluo couldn't ignore its subtle effects.
Level 70 pressure descended.
Even Flender and the others' expressions changed.
At this moment, Xiao Tianyang was wrapped in a fiery aura, yet his expression remained unreadable.
"It seems that Level 70 is a true threshold. The difference in quality compared to the previous levels is massive!"
He even speculated that facing two Level 69 Soul Emperors would be easier than confronting a single Level 71 Soul Saint.
The gap was simply too vast!
"Kid, are you still holding up? If you can't, just shake your head," Zhi Lin asked, frowning slightly. If Xiao Tianyang showed any signs of struggle, he was prepared to withdraw the pressure immediately.
"It's fine—I can take it." Xiao Tianyang grinned. "Why don't we go up another five levels?"
Everyone: "..."
'Do you have to be this dramatic?'
'Tang San had already proven himself a monster by enduring Level 40 pressure.'
'And here you are, at Level 70, asking for more?'
'Do you want to ascend straight to the heavens?!'
Zhi Lin ignored the murmurs and looked at Xiao Tianyang solemnly. "Are you certain?"
"I am Certain." Seeing his unwavering determination, Zhi Lin nodded.
Level 75 pressure crashed down instantly!
Xiao Tianyang's expression finally changed, his legs trembling slightly.
"Damn… The quality jump is insane—this is nearly equivalent to a full ten-level difference!"
Yet, he persisted.
Because not only was the reward worth it… but he also wanted to gauge just how far the gap would be when he reached the Soul Saint level.
And now, he had his answer.
…
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