Tang San was well aware of the importance of choosing his fourth spirit ring. The fourth spirit ring was a critical turning point for a Spirit Master—once chosen, it would likely determine the direction of his future growth, leaving little room for change. This made his current decision all the more crucial.
Recently, Tang San had also discovered something unusual within his body—an internal energy similar to his Mysterious Heaven Skill, but even more profound and abundant than his current cultivation level allowed. However, this was not the most important part. What truly mattered was that he seemed to have caught glimpses of his own future. Though the images were vague, they felt undeniably real.
To become the person he had seen in those fragmented visions, Tang San knew he had to push himself to his limits. He could not afford to fall behind the version of himself he had seen in those memories.
Now, standing before a six-thousand-year-old light-attribute plant-type spirit beast, he recalled those memories. In them, his future self had absorbed a ten-thousand-year spirit ring. If that version of him had done it, why couldn't he try as well?
"Xiao San, what are you hesitating for? You know that your teacher's theories have never been wrong."
Before Flender or Liu Erlong could speak, his teacher had already stepped forward, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. His voice was sharp, questioning.
"Tang San, have you forgotten how you reached this point? Without my theories, you would still be a lost Blue Silver Grass Spirit Master with no direction. Now, after facing a few insignificant setbacks, are you really beginning to doubt me?"
"You specifically asked me how to defeat Cheng Xiao, and I gave you the answer! But now, what are you doing?"
Staring at his teacher, who seemed different from the one he had known, Tang San lowered his head, lost in thought. After a long silence, he finally spoke.
"Teacher, you misunderstand. I don't doubt your theories. I just want to grow stronger. That's why I want to absorb a ten-thousand-year light-attribute spirit beast."
"How many years? Ten thousand?"
The Golden Iron Triangle—his teacher's group—was instantly shocked.
"Tang San, tell me, what is the optimal age for a fourth spirit ring?" his teacher asked, his expression dark.
"Teacher, according to your spirit theory, a fourth spirit ring should be around five thousand years old. But I want to try something different." Tang San lifted his head and met his teacher's gaze.
"Nonsense!"
His teacher roared in anger.
"Are you insane? Do you know how dangerous it is to absorb a spirit ring beyond the normal limit? If something happens to you, how am I supposed to explain it to your father?"
"You are my only disciple—the embodiment of my proof to the world that my theories are correct! Without my permission, without your father's permission, you must not die! Do you understand?"
His teacher's words were harsh, but Tang San could still hear the concern and fear beneath them.
However, he had no intention of following the conventional path. He wanted to break free from his limits and grow stronger.
With each advancement in spirit power and each added spirit ring, Tang San had begun to feel the inherent weakness of his Blue Silver Grass more clearly. Without the recent influx of strange memories, he might have already lost patience with cultivating it.
Dai Mubai's White Tiger Martial Soul, Ma Hongjun's Phoenix Martial Soul—these were spirits that grew stronger with each ring, their potential blossoming. But his Blue Silver Grass? It only became more apparent how weak it was in comparison. If not for his accelerated cultivation speed, he might have already been left behind.
Tang San understood that faster cultivation alone wasn't enough. He couldn't simply rely on his Tang Sect techniques and hidden weapons, nor on the spirit bone he had obtained by chance. He needed more.
To his teacher, Tang San's hidden weapons were mere tricks, unworthy of a true Spirit Master. Only personal strength mattered. This was why his teacher was so eager for Tang San to reach the pinnacle of power through his guidance.
But the truth was right in front of him—Blue Silver Grass was weak. Without awakening a bloodline transformation, it was undeniably inferior to many other spirits. This was precisely why Tang San had decided to take a risk—his fourth spirit ring would be a ten-thousand-year one. Only by doing this could he challenge existing theories and ensure he was not left behind.
"Teacher, please help me hunt a ten-thousand-year White Tiger. My mind is set. My fourth spirit ring must be ten thousand years old."
His gaze was unwavering.
"Tang San! Why won't you listen to your teacher?" His teacher's voice rose in frustration. "Absorbing a ten-thousand-year spirit ring at your current level will only result in your body exploding! Do you really want to throw your life away?"
Tang San shook his head and responded seriously, "Teacher, do you remember when I absorbed my third spirit ring in the Star Dou Forest? I also broke the limit back then."
"And because I did, I gained an external spirit bone."
"I know I can handle this."
"In just six months, the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Tournament will begin. I still need to prove your theories to the world as your disciple."
His teacher's intense emotions slowly calmed. Staring into Tang San's determined eyes, he felt a surge of admiration.
If Tang San truly succeeded in absorbing a ten-thousand-year fourth spirit ring, then during the upcoming Spirit Master Tournament, he would undoubtedly become the brightest star. And as his teacher, who would dare question his theories then?
Imagining the recognition and glory, his teacher's usually stiff expression softened.
"Alright… Since you insist, then I have no choice but to believe in you."
His teacher's words carried both reluctance and approval. After all, how could he not feel pride in a disciple so determined to surpass his limits?
However, despite his admiration, he also knew that a ten-thousand-year fourth spirit ring was unprecedented on the continent. If Tang San succeeded, everything would change. But if he failed… his teacher's entire world would collapse.
Sensing his teacher's concerns, Tang San smiled.
"Teacher, don't worry. Who knows? Maybe the White Tiger we hunt will even drop a spirit bone for me."
"With two spirit bones, Cheng Xiao won't even be a challenge for me."
His teacher sighed deeply, finally nodding. Turning to Flender and Liu Erlong, he gestured for them to prepare. This was his way of acknowledging Tang San's decision.
However, just as they were about to begin, the ground suddenly trembled.
A moment later, an even larger White Tiger emerged from the shadows, stepping into their view.
The instant Flender saw it, his expression changed dramatically. His gaze locked onto the creature's forehead, where a striking 王 (King) symbol was imprinted.
"A ten-thousand-year White Tiger…"
Flender's voice carried both astonishment and excitement.
"Tang San, your luck is incredible."
His teacher's expression shifted to joy as well.
"This beast must have come here to hunt the thousand-year White Tiger we saw earlier. Flender, Erlong, let's use our Martial Soul Fusion Technique to take it down!"
In the next moment, a golden formation appeared beneath the feet of the Golden Iron Triangle, and his teacher let out a mighty roar.
"Sun and Moon Shine Together—Golden Radiance Transformation!"