Here's Chapter 8 of your Soul Land: Rebirth of Tang San fan novel, written in the slower-paced, detailed style you've requested:
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Chapter 8: Trial by Spirit Beast
The morning mist had barely lifted from Nuoding City when Tang San stood quietly in the outer forest edge, his expression calm, but his heart full of anticipation. Beside him, Grandmaster's figure loomed, arms folded behind his back, eyes sharp.
"You've improved quickly," Grandmaster said, voice low and thoughtful. "Your spirit power has grown at a stable pace, and your control is exceptional for your level. But you lack one thing."
"Experience?" Tang San asked.
"Combat," Grandmaster corrected. "Not just any battle, but true killing intent. The kind you'll only find when your life is on the line. It's time you fight spirit beasts."
Tang San didn't argue. He had expected this sooner or later, especially with his own plans to push forward toward his second ring. The cultivation technique granted by the black stone had subtly begun to evolve his constitution. Though his growth remained controlled and natural, his ability to absorb spirit energy had indeed improved. And deep within, he felt the technique was preparing him for something much greater.
But now was not the time to be distracted by that. This was about blood, instinct, and survival.
"Let's go," Grandmaster said.
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Their journey took them outside the Nuoding region to a nearby wild zone—technically forbidden to outer disciples. But Grandmaster's status, and Tang San's controlled talent, gave them special exemption.
The forest here was darker, thicker. The cries of spirit beasts echoed in the distance. Tang San could sense them—one at the edge of perception, a four-horned scaled wolf, around 300 years old. Just enough to challenge him. Not enough to kill him.
"Use what I taught you," Grandmaster instructed. "No traps, no tricks. Just your Blue Silver Grass. Survive with that alone."
Tang San stepped into the clearing. The wolf spirit beast sensed him immediately. Its emerald eyes locked on him, and with a howl, it charged forward.
He moved to the side smoothly, Blue Silver Grass whipping out like a living snake. It coiled toward the beast, attempting to bind it, but the wolf was swift and experienced. It twisted, clawed, and bit at the grass, even as Tang San tightened his control. The spiritual pressure hit him like a wave—but Tang San stood firm.
He breathed slowly. Each movement of the Blue Silver Grass became more refined. He remembered his training, not just in spirit control, but from his previous life—the art of hidden weapons, the rhythm of battle, and the pressure of survival. He let his internal technique circulate, guiding the enhanced spirit energy through his limbs.
Then, with a sharp snap, he wrapped the grass around the wolf's legs. The beast stumbled. Tang San didn't hesitate. He moved forward, striking a vital point at its throat with the handle of a sharpened branch. The beast collapsed.
It wasn't dead, but it wouldn't wake for some time.
From the trees, Grandmaster nodded. "Again. This time, deeper."
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Tang San fought three more spirit beasts that day, each stronger than the last. A Flame-Tailed Lizard with a fiery whip of a tail. A Shadow Panther that moved like mist. And finally, a Thunderhorn Deer that released shockwaves with each step.
Each battle pushed him further. Each time, the mysterious technique within him responded, slowly expanding the limits of his potential. He could feel it—not breaking through, not exploding—but stretching. Preparing him.
And then something unexpected happened.
During the final fight of the day, as the Thunderhorn Deer surged toward him with its electrified hooves, Tang San's Blue Silver Grass snapped out, but this time, it shimmered faintly. Not with light—but with a barely visible pulse of black energy.
It lasted only a second.
Tang San's heart skipped a beat.
The black stone.
It had merged more deeply into him than he realized. It was still dormant, but now his spirit power subtly bore its mark. That fleeting pulse had shielded his spirit from the deer's shockwave, lessening the impact to a manageable jolt.
He didn't reveal it. Grandmaster had not noticed. And Tang San preferred it that way.
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At night, back at the dorms, Tang San sat alone. Xiao Wu had gone to sleep early, unaware of his exhaustion. Grandmaster's words echoed in his mind:
> "Your second ring must be chosen with extreme care. You've surpassed your age bracket, so now you have more options—but also greater risks."
Tang San touched the black stone embedded in his chest. It no longer glowed, but he knew: when the time came to absorb his second ring, it would awaken again. This time, not just to help—but to bond with the ring permanently.
And when that happened, no one—not Grandmaster, not the Spirit Hall, not even the gods—would be able to see what lay beneath his technique.
The true cultivation path he walked… was his alone.
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