Douluo Dalu (Soul Land): Shadow Monarch

"First Soul Skill, Bind!"

As the two pulled away from each other, Tang San let out a low shout, and the light from his soul ring flared up under his feet. Several thick strands of Blue Silver Grass shot up from the ground, rushing toward Cheng Xiao like tentacles.

Cheng Xiao gripped his dagger tightly with one hand, and black mist erupted from his body. Following this, strands of dark purple light intertwined on the blade of his sword.

In the next second, Cheng Xiao swung the short sword, and with a hum, several black beams shot toward Tang San. As the incoming Blue Silver Grass collided with the black beams, they were ruthlessly sliced apart.

In an instant, Tang San's Blue Silver Grass was cut into countless pieces by the black sword energy.

Seeing this, Tang San was startled. Could the black beams released from Cheng Xiao's sword be his first soul skill? From start to finish, Tang San hadn't seen Cheng Xiao release a soul skill, but the scene just now made him wonder. Could Cheng Xiao's first soul skill be an enchantment that enhances his weapon?

Though his Blue Silver Grass was a plant-type martial spirit, after obtaining a soul ring, it had become extremely tough, almost impossible to cut through by most soul masters. Yet Cheng Xiao had easily severed it. This suggested that Cheng Xiao's first soul skill likely had the effect of enhancing his own abilities.

Shrouded in black mist, Cheng Xiao resembled a grim reaper, harvesting lives. The dark purple light glowing deep in his eyes only added to his unstoppable momentum, while the black mist surrounding him burned like flames.

"Parting of the Swallows!"

With his Purple Demon Eye activated, Tang San's eyes gleamed with a faint purple light. While lightly brushing his hand over the Moonlit Bridge hidden within the twenty-fourth bridge, a dozen silver needles appeared in his hand.

In the next second, Tang San, using his hidden weapon techniques, shot all the silver needles toward Cheng Xiao's shoulders, legs, and abdomen.

Dash.

Sensing the cold gleam of the needles in the air, Cheng Xiao shouted inwardly, and his speed surged dramatically. He then charged toward Tang San, hurling his short sword directly at Tang San's chest.

"He plans to trade blow for blow!" With Cheng Xiao's speed having increased like that of a hunting leopard, even Tang San, with his Purple Demon Eye, hadn't expected Cheng Xiao to adopt such a reckless strategy. It was practically a suicidal tactic! Faced with this, Tang San immediately used Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track to try and avoid the oncoming short sword. He believed that if his silver needles hit Cheng Xiao, this sparring match would be over.

But was it really going to play out as Tang San imagined?

"Tang San, you've lost!" In midair, Cheng Xiao's speed increased yet again. Facing the incoming silver needles, a smirk appeared on his face as he quickly gathered his Shadow Power to his body, blocking all of them.

This past month, Cheng Xiao hadn't just been practicing his skills; he'd also reached new heights in his control over his internal Shadow Power. He could now freely channel it to any part of his body, and even use it as a barrier, making it incredibly versatile.

"Not good!" Tang San's expression darkened. Staring at the unstoppable Cheng Xiao, he hadn't anticipated that his hidden weapons would be useless against him. The black mist surrounding Cheng Xiao seemed to have defensive properties, rendering Tang San's hidden weapons ineffective.

But how could Tang San give up so easily? His hidden weapons and soul skills might have failed, but he still had the Tang Sect's unique techniques. He immediately channeled his Mysterious Heaven Skill to its full power, using Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track once again in an attempt to evade Cheng Xiao's attack.

However, this time, Tang San wasn't so fortunate. No matter how intricate his Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track was, at such close range, he had no choice but to endure Cheng Xiao's attack.

Vital Strike!

Cheng Xiao's fist, cloaked in black mist, ruthlessly smashing into Tang San's abdomen as he tried to dodge using Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track.

"How can this be? My Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track actually failed!" With a loud bang, and amidst Tang San's stunned disbelief, Cheng Xiao's punch connected with his abdomen, launching him backward like a cannonball. He flew more than ten meters, crashing to the ground and clutching his stomach, his face contorted in pain.

"Sorry, I tend to go all out when sparring." Picking up the dual daggers that had fallen to the ground and sheathing them, Cheng Xiao walked forward expressionlessly, helping Tang San to his feet.

"I understand." Tang San, clutching his abdomen with his left hand, waved his right hand dismissively. "Fighting with everything you've got is a sign of respect for your opponent. I lost this match. But, with my teacher's meticulous guidance, it won't be long before I find a way to beat you and defeat you."

"You can do it, Tang San. I believe in you." Cheng Xiao patted Tang San on the shoulder calmly and said, "Your teacher is a master of theory in the soul master world. Though his strength may be lacking, I believe that as long as you study hard with him, you'll eventually defeat me."

Hearing this, Tang San was slightly stunned, staring at Cheng Xiao's calm face, momentarily unsure how to respond.

"Alright, after sparring with you for so long, I should head back to rest." Cheng Xiao smiled faintly at Tang San, then turned and walked toward the dormitory without looking back.

Watching Cheng Xiao's departing figure, Tang San took a deep breath, his eyes glowing with purple light, and clenched his fists, muttering under his breath, "I will defeat you. I will!"

...

"Cheng Xiao, who won between you and Tang San?"

On the combined beds, Xiao Wu lay in the center, watching Cheng Xiao curiously as he returned from his bath. Her bright eyes were full of curiosity.

"Are you claiming the bed as your territory?" Cheng Xiao joked as he dried his damp hair, looking at Xiao Wu, who was occupying half the bed.

"I'm not! It's just that you weren't back yet," Xiao Wu pouted, sitting up in the center of the bed. She patted the edge of the bed and said, "You boys are so casual. Come here, let Sister Xiao Wu help dry your hair."

Hearing this, Cheng Xiao was momentarily taken aback. Feeling the strange gazes of the other people in the dorm, his face flushed as he coughed lightly, "No need, I can dry it myself."

With a dissatisfied pout, Xiao Wu pulled the quilt over and said, "If you don't dry it properly, I won't let you into the bed tonight."

"???"

Cheng Xiao gave Xiao Wu a strange look, leaned in close to her ear, and whispered, "Do you know what you're saying?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Wu's pretty face immediately turned pink as she stammered, "I... I... It's your fault... I don't know what I'm saying."

Cheng Xiao gently tapped Xiao Wu's forehead and chuckled, "It's good that you don't know. Saying such wild things can easily be misunderstood."

"Mm." Xiao Wu nodded quickly and burrowed into the quilt, leaving only her head exposed as she curiously asked, "So who won? You still haven't told me."

"I almost let Tang San win," Cheng Xiao shrugged.

"Hmph, you're just being modest." Xiao Wu giggled, "Tang San can't even beat me. There's no way he could beat you."

"Yes, yes, you're the strongest."

"Hmph, as long as you know how powerful I am!"