"..."
Yu Xiaogang was speechless. Indeed, Blue Silver Grass was far too weak. Even using his theory, it would only slightly improve Blue Silver Grass's early combat power.
If it weren't for the mysterious technique Tang San had somehow learned, his current strength would be much weaker.
But could he really let Tang San immediately add Spirit Rings to the Hao Tian Hammer?
The answer was no.
Waiting for Tang San to reach the Spirit Emperor stage before adding Spirit Rings to the Hao Tian Hammer was partly Yu Xiaogang's idea, but it was also strongly recommended by Tang San's father, Tang Hao.
If he really allowed Tang San to add Spirit Rings for the sake of the Elite Competition now, Tang Hao might come after him—and Yu Xiaogang feared he would get smashed by Tang Hao's hammer.
Tang Hao was someone who had the audacity to take down a former Spirit Hall chief; if he were truly angered, what could Yu Xiaogang possibly do?
So, Yu Xiaogang immediately scolded, "Tang San, are you refusing to listen to me? Waiting for Blue Silver Grass to reach Spirit Emperor was already decided by your father and me. No matter what you say today, it cannot be changed!"
"But—"
"No buts!"
Tang San clenched his fists, his heart filled with intense reluctance, but he forced himself to suppress the impulse to argue and lowered his head, saying, "Yes, teacher, I understand!"
Seeing that Tang San had abandoned the idea of adding Spirit Rings to the Hao Tian Hammer, a faint smile finally appeared on Yu Xiaogang's face. He patted Tang San on the shoulder and said seriously,
"Xiao San, in the future, you will understand the careful consideration behind your father's and my decision. The Hao Tian Hammer with all its ten-thousand-year Spirit Rings has a power far beyond what you can imagine now."
"Mm, I understand."
Tang San nodded, seemingly giving up on adding Spirit Rings to the Hao Tian Hammer.
Seeing this, Yu Xiaogang was greatly relieved. He waved to Tang San and said, "Alright, today's training begins. Go with them and start your practice."
Hearing this, Tang San turned and walked out of the room, beginning a day of training.
Just when Yu Xiaogang thought the matter was settled, a few days later, Tang San disappeared.
In a certain forest, by a campfire, Tang San gently held the concealed weapons he had made, saying,
"Sorry, teacher, I must add Spirit Rings to the Hao Tian Hammer."
Although Yu Xiaogang's plan was reasonable, Tang San knew that if he followed it, relying solely on Blue Silver Grass's cultivation, it would be difficult to reach Spirit Emperor within ten years.
Even after the incident with Xiao Wu, and the fortunate acquisition of the Ice-Fire Two-Yin Eyes from Du Gu Bo with Tang Hao, and even with the help of divine herbs, it would not make much difference.
Cultivation beyond Spirit King becomes increasingly difficult. Many Spirit Kings may not level up even once in a year; let alone the sixty-level threshold, where being stuck for several years is normal.
......
"Brother, the dance convoy has arrived!"
Outside Shui Wuhen's door, Shui Bing'er, dressed in a gorgeous gown, knocked.
"Click~"
After a moment, Shui Wuhen opened the door. He was also dressed in formal attire, giving him an air of nobility.
In truth, Shui Wuhen's personality meant he wouldn't normally attend such a dance; he would rather spend the time cultivating.
But this dance was hosted by Emperor Xueye and presided over by Prince Xuebeng, the two highest authorities in the Tian Dou Empire. Shui Wuhen had to show them some respect.
Outside the small courtyard of Tian Shui Academy, several luxurious four-wheeled carriages made of ebony wood came into view.
Boarding the carriage, Shui Wuhen and Shui Bing'er saw Xue Wu, Shui Yue'er, and others already inside. The carriages then brought them to a grand castle designated for hosting the dance.
Shui Wuhen and Shui Bing'er approached the entrance and presented the invitation given by Xuebeng.
Seeing the invitation, the guards' eyes immediately changed. They quickly gestured inside, "Viscount Shui Wuhen, Miss Shui Bing'er, please enter!"
Today, the Shui siblings had shone brightly, and Shui Wuhen had caught the attention of Emperor Xueye, with a limitless future ahead.
Shui Wuhen nodded slightly and entered the castle with Shui Bing'er.
The moment they stepped inside, the grandeur of the hall hit them. Many guests were holding glasses of red wine, chatting. Some were students from other academies participating in the Elite Competition, but most Shui Wuhen did not know.
From what he could guess, the majority were likely nobles of the Tian Dou Empire. Judging by the fact they could attend this dance, their titles were quite high.
At this moment, a handsome man in a teal and gold-trimmed suit noticed Shui Wuhen and quickly approached.
"I knew you would come."
Feng Xiaotian handed Shui Wuhen a glass of red wine with a smile.
Shui Wuhen took the wine but did not drink; he rarely drank.
Seeing this, Shui Bing'er's eyes narrowed slightly. Was Feng Xiaotian already clinging to her brother? They had barely met, yet he acted as if they were so close.
Feng Xiaotian then glanced toward the center of the hall and said casually, "These are the powers of the Tian Dou Empire, holding great influence. But for us, they don't matter much."
Once a Spirit Master reaches Spirit King, the power of nobility diminishes.
Apart from wealth and prestige, the materials a Spirit Master needs—Spirit Rings, Spirit Bones, and other treasures to increase their strength—are hard for nobles to provide.
High-level Spirit Masters rarely lack money, because earning it is easy.
Instead, these nobles lavishly flatter the high-level Spirit Masters, treating them as honored guests.
This is partly due to the Spirit Masters' immense power, but more importantly, Spirit Masters' abilities can be inherited.
If a high-level Spirit Master joins a noble family, the family's bloodline is elevated—a great blessing for future generations.
Although most noble families have inherited Spirit Masters, high-quality Spirit Master bloodlines are always welcome.
Moreover, many families' inherited Spirit Masters are mediocre. Those with excellent Spirit Masters often establish independent families or sects, like the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Hao Tian Sect, or Blue Electric Tyrannosaurus Sect. While they treat nobles politely, they look down on lazy nobles.
In this sense, those with high-grade Spirit Masters and innate high spirit power are the true nobles.
At that moment, a commotion arose from the crowd. Shui Wuhen looked up and saw a young man in a white suit, elegant yet approachable, appearing atop the high platform.