In the end, after much discussion among the Titled Douluos and core disciples of Spirit Hall, it was unanimously agreed that Tang San would be rewarded 100,000 gold soul coins for his exceptional theoretical paper on spirit master positioning.
In addition, Bibi Dong herself made a personal decision.
"This child is still a commoner. He likely can't afford even a basic storage soul tool."
So she had a storage wristband specially prepared for him—elegantly designed, with three light blue gems set into its surface. Each gem offered five cubic meters of storage space, for a total of fifteen cubic meters.
According to market rates, a single cubic meter of soul tool storage was worth around 10,000 gold soul coins. That made the wristband worth a minimum of 150,000. And with its refined materials, subtle energy circuits, and passive defensive properties, the actual value was likely even higher.
But Bibi Dong didn't mind. After all, if this theory proved accurate—and she had every reason to believe it would—it would transform the foundation of team composition across the entire spirit master world.
That said, she wouldn't release it publicly just yet.
It had to be tested first—by Spirit Hall's own teams, especially during this year's Continental Advanced Academy Soul Dueling Tournament.
Bibi Dong had already imagined it: under the framework of Tang San's theory, their team compositions would be more precise, each spirit master more appropriately positioned for their role, and their overall tactical strength would skyrocket.
Of course, others would catch on. They would watch Spirit Hall's performance and slowly reverse-engineer the logic. That couldn't be helped.
So in that case, it was better to be generous. Let the theory be published after the tournament, as a show of goodwill—to recruit more spirit masters, especially those from undervalued or struggling clans.
Bibi Dong had already drafted plans to court such groups. The Spirit Hall needed to stay a step ahead of those large sects, empires, and noble factions. It wasn't just about power—it was about hegemony.
Meanwhile, in Nuoding City, Tang San was unaware of all these developments. He was focused on more practical matters: confirming his new spirit power level.
He paid a visit to Matthew Nuo, who helped him perform the official spirit power test.
"Level twenty-two!" Matthew Nuo blinked in disbelief.
So Tang San had indeed surpassed the limit again. Last time, after his first soul ring, his spirit power had jumped seven levels in one go. This time, the two-level gain was more modest—but still well beyond expectations.
"Little Tang, what soul beast did you choose this time? And how many years was it?" Matthew Nuo asked quickly.
Tang San didn't hesitate. He released his martial soul and let the purple light of his second soul ring shine.
"A… a thousand-year soul ring? For your second ring?!" Matthew Nuo nearly dropped his teacup. "How is that possible?!"
Tang San gestured for him to calm down. "Grandpa Matthew Nuo, please—let me explain. I've been researching optimal soul ring configurations based on physical endurance, spirit power quality, mental strength, and martial soul compatibility. I used myself as a case study."
Matthew Nuo slowly sat back down, absorbing the information.
"You're taking a huge risk," he finally said, exhaling. "No wonder it took you so long to return. So you didn't go to the Nuoding Forest?"
"I went to the Balak Forest instead," Tang San confirmed. "Only there could I find a thousand-year Wood Spirit Mushroom."
Matthew Nuo's heart skipped a beat. "At least it wasn't the Star Dou Great Forest... if it had been, I might never have seen you again."
Then he looked Tang San up and down and sighed. "Still... with your strength now, even the outskirts of Star Dou wouldn't be beyond reach. Your talent is truly frightening."
"Hehe, I still have a long way to go," Tang San replied modestly. He then described the effect of his second soul skill—but deliberately left out how it was applied.
"Positive and negative buffs?" Matthew Nuo's eyes widened again. "To simultaneously strengthen allies and weaken enemies... This is terrifying. Even the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda doesn't compare to this level of utility."
He rubbed his temples, muttering, "The Spirit Hall's going to have a field day with this one."
Then Matthew Nuo glanced at Tang San. "Alright, go about your work. I'll compile this new data and submit it with your next paper."
"Thank you, Grandpa Matthew Nuo." Then Tang San paused. "Speaking of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda... I met a few people from their clan after my soul hunt."
He narrowed his eyes.
"Someone caused you trouble?" Matthew Nuo's voice turned cautious.
"A boy named Mu Tian," Tang San said evenly. "Spirit: Earth Fire Lizard. A disengaging beast martial soul that can leave his body. He's only my age but already at level fifteen. His martial soul is... unusual. While it exists, it grants him absolute defense. You can't hurt him unless you defeat the beast spirit first."
Matthew Nuo's face turned serious.
"Comparable to a Spirit Elder, and with a martial soul separation mechanic?" He was already noting this mentally. "This is... concerning. The Spirit Hall needs to monitor such cases. If the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect is harboring that kind of genius, it changes things."
"Mm. I won't pretend I'm being noble about it," Tang San said honestly. "He looked down on me for being a commoner. Treated me like a servant. I just want someone to give him a hard time."
Matthew Nuo laughed. "You didn't need to tell me that, but I appreciate your honesty. I'll pass on the report."
Then he added gently, "In the future, keep your distance from nobles and sect disciples. They may smile at you on the surface, but they look down on us. Even if they seem kind, it's only because they think you can be used."
Tang San nodded seriously.
He understood.
Compared to those sects, Spirit Hall at least gave commoner spirit masters real opportunities—stipends, early training support, and even retirement subsidies. These might seem minor, but they meant everything to families who had nothing.
"Even if the Spirit Hall has its flaws, compared to the world of sects, it's far more open. Unless Bibi Dong goes mad... this place isn't so bad."
Three days later, Tang San received a delivery from Spirit City.
Inside the crate:– A storage wristband with fifteen cubic meters of space.– A sealed letter containing 100,000 gold soul coins.
Tang San's eyes gleamed.
"One hundred thousand... a high-grade soul tool... Spirit Hall really is generous."