The master explained patiently: "External Soul Bones are a mysterious existence. They are special existences outside of the six major categories of soul bones. If ordinary soul bones have a probability of appearing from soul beasts at a rate of one in a thousand, then external soul bones have a probability of less than one in ten thousand. Moreover, to absorb an external soul bone, the first condition is that you must absorb the soul ring dropped by the soul beast that this soul bone belongs to. The torso-type soul bones we usually refer to are generally chest bones. But the soul bone you absorbed is a vertebra. Through previous observations, I can confirm that it is indeed an external soul bone. Child, do you know that in the Soul Master world, there is a ranking list of the most precious things for Soul Masters, called the Soul Master Dream Ranking? External Soul Bones have always been ranked second on this list, only below the number one rank, which is almost impossible to exist - the Ten Thousand Year Soul Ring."
The master explained to Tang San in the simplest way that the eight spider legs he thought were monsters were extremely precious.
"These eight spider legs, are they really that powerful?" Tang San couldn't help but secretly wonder.
The master said so much, and his mouth was a bit dry. "It's cool in the morning, put on your clothes first. Remember, what I told you about the external soul bone today, don't tell anyone. Although the external soul bone can't be absorbed like ordinary soul bones, as the saying goes, 'the tall tree is broken by the wind'. The fewer people who know you have an external soul bone, the better. Lest someone gets jealous and makes a move on you."
Tang San put on his outer robe and asked Master, "Teacher, what's the use of this external soul bone after all?"
Master Dao said, "As for what specific use it has, I'm not sure yet. It needs to be studied for a period of time to understand clearly. From today on, you will add one more task to your cultivation practice. That is to master the use of the external soul bone as soon as possible. Judging from the situation earlier, this external soul bone of yours has extremely strong attacking power. Not only can it pierce through, but it also comes with severe poison. If I'm not mistaken, the toxin on the spider legs should be controllable and can be released at will. At the same time, considering the length of those eight spider legs, have you thought about what would happen if you used them to replace your own legs for movement?"
Tang San was a clever person, and with the master's hint, he suddenly understood, "If that's the case, not only will the speed increase, but also the impact of terrain on speed will be greatly weakened."
The master smiled slightly and said, "So, the ability brought by these eight spider legs will include an instant movement that ignores terrain. As for its benefits, you'll see more surprises later on. Moreover, it will evolve with each breakthrough in your Soul Ring. Its power may even surpass your imagination. With this, you now have the opportunity to engage in all-around combat with opponents within a ten-level difference. And because of the rarity of external soul bones, unless you say so yourself, no one will know that these eight spider legs are actually an external soul bone. Many will just think it's another form of your Blue Silver Grass. After all, apart from its hardness, its appearance is quite similar to Blue Silver Grass. As for how much you can control and bring out its potential in the future, it depends on your own efforts. If you can make those eight spider legs become eight sharp, poisonous spears that move at will, just imagine how much your combat strength will increase."
When Tang San and the Master returned to Shrek Academy, the sky was already bright. The Master had said a lot about soul bones today, although it was only a general situation. Tang San also needed to gradually digest this knowledge.
"Xiao San, go eat now. From today on, I will give you a new schedule for your cultivation."
Tang San looked up at the Master, "Master, are you leaving?" In his view, since the Master had arranged a cultivation method for him, he was probably going to leave. His heart couldn't help but feel a pang of loss.
The master smiled slightly and said, "Don't worry, I'm not leaving. I'm actually worried that you might encounter problems when practicing the external attachment of the soul bone. This external soul bone has already become a part of your body, fully integrated with your spine. If any problem arises, it could be fatal. So, I can only stay here too."
"Master isn't leaving? That's really great!" Tang San was overjoyed upon hearing that his master would be staying to continue guiding him in his cultivation.
The master's face revealed a hint of longing emotion, "Little Three, do you know? I now really want to see what you'll look like twenty years from now. My decision to stay isn't just for your sake, but also for the sake of your companions at the academy. Each and every one of them can be described as a genius. If they don't have a suitable cultivation method, won't it all go to waste? Although Flender has quite a bit of experience with cultivation, there are still many details that he doesn't do well. I hope that in the future, you'll all become a powerful group. Therefore, from now on, I must use the most excellent cultivation methods to guide you."
For Tang San, the reason why Master left was unimportant, what mattered was that he decided to stay behind, and that was enough.
The master and apprentice arrived at the academy cafeteria. It was unclear whether it was because of the exhaustion from rushing on the road yesterday, but at this time, although breakfast in the cafeteria had already been prepared, there was not a single person inside.
Tang San hastily scooped two bowls of porridge, one for himself and one for his master. The Shrek Academy was not wealthy, so breakfast would naturally not be sumptuous. Today's breakfast was simple: steamed buns, pickled vegetables, and porridge. Each person also got an egg.
Looking at the breakfast in front of him brought by Tang San, the master furrowed his brow.
"Is this what Master Flanders has been feeding you?" The master's stiff face looked a bit dark.
Tang San said: "This is already very good, Mantou can be full, better than when I was a kid."
"What nonsense." The master put down the steamed bun in his hand, his anger rising. His temper had always been stubborn and hard, "You children are at a critical moment for growing your bodies, which is the foundation of your martial souls. Without a good body, how can you possibly endure intense cultivation? This may be enough for me and Frande at our age, but it's far from enough for you children."
The master is furious, and a lazy voice comes from outside, "I say, Master, you are standing and talking without waist pain. You also know that these children are growing up. Do you know how much they eat in a day? Exotic delicacies can be bought in Soto City, but the academy's financial situation cannot afford to give them exotic delicacies to eat. If you are willing to sponsor, I have no opinion."
With the sound, Flanders walked in from outside.
Looking at him, Master's face slightly softened, "The academy has its difficulties, I don't care, but since I decided to stay, as a teacher here, I absolutely cannot let the children suffer. Frandel, this matter is entirely up to me to handle from now on. From now on, what these children eat for every meal will be decided by me."
Feng Lan De's heart was delighted, "How is it, Xiao Gang, you've decided to stay?"
The master nodded, "Whether it's for Tang San or for the little monsters you've recruited, I've decided to stay here for a while. Over the past two days, I've also gained a basic understanding of your current teaching methods, and there are many areas that need improvement. You told me before that if I was willing to stay, you could delegate power to me, right?"
Flanders knew the master all too well, and by looking at his appearance, he already understood that this old brother of his was determined to make a big move. On the surface, he didn't show any expression, but in his heart, he was already overjoyed. The master's theoretical knowledge was unparalleled in the world. At this moment, he was afraid that the master would regret it, so he immediately said with a smile: "No problem. Whatever you want to do, just let me know first. You can arrange the teachers of the academy as you like. Of course, if there are places where money is needed, you must tell me first. The financial situation of the academy is definitely worse than you think."
The master slightly frowned and said: "I know you people are all proud and aloof, but can't you be more flexible to increase your income?"
Flanders was taken aback and laughed: "You're usually so stubborn, but you've learned to be flexible?"
The master's gaze was gentle as he looked at Tang San beside him, "For the sake of these children, what's wrong with being a bit more flexible?"
Flanders smiled and said, "Alright, as long as it doesn't go against my principles as a person, you can interpret it however you want."
After breakfast, the bell rang on time, gathering all students in the college's cāo field.
Today seems particularly lively, with both President Frande and Vice President Zhao Wuji coming, as well as several other teachers from the college arriving at the scene.
Apart from the two deans, there were originally three teachers in the college. They were the ones responsible for the first three rounds during the entrance exam. Tang San had only seen one of them before - the old man who relied on his hammer-like martial soul to scare away many people back then.
"Alright, everyone is here. I have a few things to announce." Vander walked up to the seven students, his eyes scanning over them seriously.
"First of all, let me introduce the teachers of our academy to the four new students." As he spoke, Flender pointed towards the old man with a Soul Master of a long spear that Tang San had seen before.
"This is Teacher Li Yusong, Wu Xiang Long Gun, 63rd Level Soul Emperor."
He pointed to the second person, who was slightly older and seemed to be in his seventies, saying: "This is Lu Qi Bin, a Soul Emperor of the 66th level, known as the Star Luo Chess Master."