Chapter 443: Douluo: Emerald Poison Emperor [443]
Although Tang San's strength was not much weaker than his past self at the same age, in terms of potential, the current Tang San fell far behind.
Even though he used unconventional and questionable methods under the guidance of Tang Chen to extract his body's potential, his cultivation speed visibly slowed as his soul power level increased.
In the past eight months, he had advanced five levels, but now his growth rate had dropped to one-third of its peak speed. From this point on, even gaining three levels in a year would be a challenge.
This decline was primarily because, while Tang Chen allowed Tang San to use his devouring skill to enhance his stats and soul power, his approach to Tang San was akin to forging iron.
After devouring, impurities collected in his body, much like adding raw iron to a furnace. These impurities had to be hammered and burned away until they melted completely. Through relentless pounding, the impurities were almost entirely removed.
However, the head bone of the Man-Faced Demon Spider that Tang San possessed was an additional factor. It was a millennium soul bone that exuded the aura of a ten-thousand-year soul bone, but its skill efficiency was deeply flawed. While its malevolence rivaled that of a true Evil Soul Master, its conversion efficiency was abysmally low.
Moreover, in Tang San's current state, the more he used the demon spider's devouring skill, the stronger the Man-Faced Demon Spider's bloodline in his body became, gradually transforming his Blue Silver Grass and Clear Sky Hammer martial souls.
After several months, Tang San's Clear Sky Hammer had turned entirely purple. The once-metallic hammer was now covered with a carapace-like shell, and its surface even exuded toxins. To Tang Chen, this was a clear sign that Tang San was treading a dark path.
The faster Tang San's soul power advanced, the more reluctant Tang Chen was to let him use the demon spider's devouring skill. Tang Chen even discussed with Tang Xiao that after the conclusion of the Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament, they would forbid Tang San from using this ability altogether—even for recovering by devouring flesh.