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Liu Erlong was eager to show off and happy to have some free time. She waved to Flanders and called out to him.
Got it, Boss Flanders, go quickly. Why are you dawdling? Don't you see I'm here? Remember to knock them out and catch them. Let these two kids practice. You're lucky—your teacher is giving you the best. With elders guiding you, you can get resources and improve your skills. Sisi and Su Yuntao, don't forget where you came from.
After speaking, Liu Erlong placed her hands on Sisi and Su Yuntao's heads and gently turned them toward her. They looked at her serious and beautiful face and nodded with energy.
Don't worry, Aunt Master. We won't let Master down.
Liu Erlong smiled with satisfaction, then held their hands and walked them to an open area ahead.
I hope you both stay true to your hearts in the future, just like now. Let's go over there and wait for your uncle. Su Yuntao, your soul beast will be easy to find. We'll see results soon.
Wait—Su Yuntao, you'll fight the soul beast. I want to see what you've learned from Yu Xiaogang.
But Sisi's soul beast is rarer. It's an aquatic plant soul beast, which could be tricky. Be ready for a long fight.
Su Yuntao's face was full of determination. This was the moment to prove what he had worked so hard to learn. He couldn't let Master lose face in front of his friends.
He began checking his gear and took off some weighted iron blocks. As they hit the ground, they raised a bit of smoke and dust. Liu Erlong looked impressed but frowned.
Su Yuntao, who told you to carry weights all the time? Yu Xiaogang isn't that short-sighted. This will damage your body. You're being reckless.
Su Yuntao flinched slightly at her tone but explained.
This has nothing to do with teacher. I asked for it myself. If I didn't, my first soul ring wouldn't be 700 years old. Teacher set that limit for safety because he was afraid I'd take too many risks.
Don't worry, Master gave me secret medicine to repair internal injuries. These little weights are nothing. I know I'm not naturally gifted, so I have to work even harder.
He looked toward Sisi. His eyes were filled with tenderness, which didn't escape Liu Erlong, a soul saint.
I promised Sisi I'd protect her for life. A real man never breaks his word.
Liu Erlong was touched by Su Yuntao's words. She turned to Sisi, whose face had turned completely red, and teased her.
Our little beauty is quite something. So charming. But as your elder, I truly wish you both happiness. I look forward to your wedding.
Sisi, too shy to face anyone after being teased, threw herself into Liu Erlong's arms, hiding her face.
Sister Erlong, stop teasing me. It's so embarrassing.
She realized Su Yuntao had seen her like that. Her shyness grew even more, but she gathered courage, stood up, and put her hands on her waist. Blushing, she scolded Su Yuntao.
Su Yuntao, hurry and get ready. Take off the weights so your body can adjust. Don't blame me if you mess up. You secretly increased the load again.
Su Yuntao's bold expression disappeared in a flash. He smiled nervously and replied.
Sisi, don't tell teacher. He'll be angry and punish me again. How about I do whatever you want when we get back?
Sisi's big, bright eyes sparkled. She smiled mischievously.
You said it yourself. I didn't force you.
Su Yuntao had fallen right into her trap, and he wouldn't mind—even if he knew it.
Sisi, I'm completely willing. I'll do whatever you say. I'll never go back on my word.
Liu Erlong watched them with a soft smile. She drifted into memories. After letting go of her feelings for Yu Xiaogang, she realized Flanders, Sisi, and Su Yuntao were alike. Whenever she got angry, Flanders would always find a way to make her smile again.
Just as Liu Erlong was lost in thought, a loud sound echoed through the air. Flanders, using his martial spirit's owl claws, grabbed a silver-white giant wolf. Though its spirit power was suppressed, the beast still struggled against Flanders' energy shield.
With his casual bangs and relaxed style, Flanders looked at the stunned Sisi and Su Yuntao.
How about that? Your uncle's fast, right? Su Yuntao, you're lucky. I caught a one-day-old mutated Wolf King from a pack of Gale Wolves.
Start when you're ready. I want to see what Yu Xiaogang taught you. Don't worry, I'll be watching. Go all out. Soul masters grow through blood and fire.
Encouraged by Sisi's gaze, Su Yuntao took a deep breath. He adjusted his stance, found his rhythm, and said to Flanders with confidence.
I'm ready. Uncle, let go. Just don't let the soul beast escape.
Flanders released the power suppression on the mutated Wolf King, then flew over to Sisi and Liu Erlong. He gave Su Yuntao an approving nod.
Good spirit. I like kids with talent, but I love those with grit even more. Let's see how far you can go.
Su Yuntao tried to calm his heart, but it beat fast. As the giant beast stood up and charged, over two meters tall and radiating fierce energy, something shifted in him.
He didn't feel fear. Time seemed to slow down. He could clearly hear his heartbeat. His body flooded with adrenaline.
The mutant Wolf King, surrounded by howling wind, pounced like lightning. It knew it might die today, but it wouldn't go quietly. If the human wanted to kill it, it would bite back no matter what.
Su Yuntao saw the monster's open jaws and sharp teeth. Without thinking, his body reacted. Soul power surged under his feet. He used the dragon step technique Yu Xiaogang had taught him and dodged the beast's attack in a flash.
As they passed each other, he could see the metallic shine of its claws just centimeters away. Its eyes, once green, were now blood red with fury, wild and deadly.
He pulled a pistol from the holster on his back, then used his mental power to launch himself upward. He stepped hard on a barrier created by that same power and shot into the air. His eyes locked onto the beast's open mouth.
The Wolf King slid on the ground, missing its target. Its claws tore through the earth. It spun around quickly, gathering a blue-white wind orb in its mouth, then spat it straight at Su Yuntao.
But Su Yuntao was no longer afraid. He aimed and pulled the trigger, then pushed himself sideways with mental force to dodge.
Bang
The bullet pierced the wind orb, continued forward, and shot into the beast's mouth. It went through the skull, spraying a trace of white blood. The wind orb exploded behind it, sending a gust so strong that Sisi had to shield her eyes.
Su Yuntao, are you okay?
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