"Your father, Tang Hao... I don't know much about his past. Since he hasn't told you, it's not my place to speak further," Yu Xiaogang said. "But remember this—do not go to Spirit City before I return!"
Yu Xiaogang felt 99% confident in the success of his upcoming visit to Spirit City, but he still wanted to hammer the warning into Tang San.
Tang San's decision to hunt for spirit rings on his own had left Yu Xiaogang deeply unsettled.
"I understand, teacher!" Tang San nodded, setting the matter aside for now.
After all, if not for the prize of becoming the champion of the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament, he wouldn't have added spirit rings to his second martial spirit.
Could Spirit City really be as dangerous as a dragon's den or tiger's lair? With so many teams participating, it was unlikely Spirit Hall would blatantly target him, Tang San, without invoking widespread outrage.
Besides, the finals weren't even confirmed to take place in Spirit City.
"Have you really understood?" Yu Xiaogang pressed.
Tang San: "..."
"I've remembered!"
Yu Xiaogang sighed, shaking his head. He knew Tang San too well—there was no way he had truly taken the warning to heart.
"He's hesitating already," Yu Xiaogang thought, frustrated. "Well, as long as I arrive in Spirit City ahead of time, this shouldn't be an issue."
With that, Yu Xiaogang left the meeting room to prepare for his trip.
Tang San felt a wave of gratitude as he watched Yu Xiaogang leave. After lingering in the meeting room for a while longer, he finally headed to the dormitory.
As he reached the dormitory entrance, Tang San paused, spotting two figures in conversation.
"Son-in-law, I just received some news: this year, the champions of the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament will receive three ten-thousand-year spirit bones as their reward!"
Dugu Bo, dressed in light green armor and with his graying hair tied back, spoke with a smile to Dai Mubai.
"These three spirit bones were originally prepared by Pope Bibi Dong as a reward for the most outstanding members of Spirit Hall's Golden Generation," Dugu Bo continued. "However, they haven't achieved enough merit to deserve them."
"So now, the spirit bones are being offered as the champion's prize instead."
"Grandpa, I'm guessing these spirit bones are anything but ordinary?" Dai Mubai said with a sly grin. He was already well aware of this development—it was history repeating itself.
Spirit Hall's confidence in its Golden Generation meant they considered this reward a mere formality, handing it from one hand to the other. That was why they dared to put up such extravagant prizes: three ten-thousand-year spirit bones.
One of them, a superb mental-type head spirit bone, had even surpassed the 50,000-year mark.
This particular head spirit bone had been prepared specifically for Bibi Dong's disciple, Hu Liena. Otherwise, Spirit Hall would never have offered such a prize coveted even by Titled Douluo.
Dugu Bo nodded. "Indeed, one of the three is a mental-type head spirit bone over 50,000 years old. Its value speaks for itself—it's suitable for any type of spirit master to use."
"With your and Yan Yan's strength, the odds of you claiming the championship are very high. As the captain of the Shrek team, you're the most likely candidate to claim this head spirit bone," Dugu Bo added. "If you don't find a more suitable spirit bone later, you can consider absorbing it."
Dai Mubai raised an eyebrow in surprise. He had expected Dugu Bo to suggest giving the spirit bone to his granddaughter, Dugu Yan. Yet here he was, speaking as though the prize were already Dai Mubai's.
Of course, Dugu Bo was no fool. Suggesting that the bone be reserved for Dugu Yan would only create resentment. By expressing such generosity, he left the door open—should Dai Mubai ever find a better fit, he might gift the spirit bone to Dugu Yan of his own accord.
Dai Mubai chuckled. "Grandpa, you're awfully confident in me and Yan Yan!"
His resolve to win the tournament—and secure the rewards tied to his Death God inheritance—was already unwavering.
Standing nearby, Tang San was momentarily stunned. The championship prize is three ten-thousand-year spirit bones?
How generous was Spirit Hall to offer such a reward?
Listening to Dugu Bo, Tang San felt a twinge of regret. Why had he chosen to absorb the Millennium Blazing Monkey's head spirit bone?
Could a thousand-year spirit bone compare to a ten-thousand-year one?
The head spirit bone he obtained barely enhanced his spiritual power, and its attached skill was entirely useless. If Ma Hongjun had received that bone instead…
Wait. Why should he have given it to Ma Hongjun?
After chatting with Dai Mubai for a while longer, Dugu Bo finally took his leave. As he departed, he glanced at Tang San, a thoughtful expression flickering across his face.
Twin martial spirits. And the second one is the Clear Sky Hammer. This boy's background is anything but simple.
Once Dugu Bo was gone, Dai Mubai turned to Tang San.
"Little San, the Master didn't give you too much trouble, did he? Knowing you hadn't consulted him about hunting for spirit rings, I wouldn't have helped you hunt for one, no matter what you said," Dai Mubai said, feigning remorse.
Inwardly, though, he was laughing.
"Brother Mubai, the Master didn't trouble me," Tang San replied, shaking his head. "The decision to obtain a spirit ring for my second martial spirit was mine alone. It has nothing to do with you."
Still, a flicker of regret lingered in Tang San's mind. He had been too impulsive.
But then, Dugu Bo had just mentioned three spirit bones—and all of them were ten-thousand-year grade. Aside from the head spirit bone, the other two might be suitable for him!
Tang San perked up at the thought.
As the core of the Shrek team, it wouldn't be unreasonable for him to claim one of the bones, right?
"Ah, if only I were stronger, I could've helped you fight the Titan Giant Ape," Dai Mubai lamented dramatically. "Then your second martial spirit's fourth ring could've been a ten-thousand-year one."
Though his tone was regretful, Dai Mubai smirked inwardly.
Now it's "Brother Mubai," is it? But when you needed my help before, it was always "Boss Dai." Funny how quickly you switch.
Tang San waved his hand dismissively. He had already experienced the terror of the Titan Giant Ape firsthand.
Even Tang Hao had frowned deeply when Tang San told him about the encounter. A ten-thousand-year Titan Giant Ape was so formidable that even a direct descendant of the Clear Sky Clan wouldn't dare face it without at least five spirit rings—Spirit King-level strength.
(End of Chapter)