All rights reserved to the respective authors.
"Dialogue": Represented in double quotes for conversations between characters.
'Thoughts': Represented in single quotation marks, indicating the characters' internal reflections.
[Diary]: Represented in square brackets, used for messages intended for the heroines or entries written by Tenshin.
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Nuoding Academy
As everyone's attention turned toward the newcomer, only two individuals recognized him: the gate guard and Tenshin—though from vastly different perspectives.
So this is Yu Xiaogang? Tenshin mused, his blue-silver eyes narrowing as he studied the man with a careful blend of curiosity and guarded skepticism. 'With such an unremarkable appearance, how did someone like Bibi Dong and Liu Erlong fall for him? Not just fall, but still hold onto those feelings after all these years? Do women truly find this silent, brooding uncle-type appealing?'
Yet, even as he considered these things, Tenshin noticed something subtle. Yu Xiaogang, for all his composed silence, was clearly curious about him. It was faint—deeply concealed—but unmistakable to Tenshin's perceptive gaze. That realization put him on alert, and with a dry, inward chuckle, he thought, 'So he's been lurking this whole time... looks like I ruined the dramatic entrance he was aiming for.'
Meanwhile, the gate guard was overwhelmed with panic. Upon recognizing the figure walking toward them, a cold wave of dread settled deep in his gut. 'I'm done for', he thought, grimacing as he imagined the consequences should Yu Xiaogang report the incident to the dean. But then, as if graced by divine intervention, a spark of hope ignited in his eyes. Reacting quickly, he rushed forward and bowed deeply, his smile strained and sycophantic.
"Master! What an honor it is to have you back!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with forced enthusiasm and thinly veiled desperation.
Upon reaching the group, Yu Xiaogang's first act was to reprimand the guard with chilling calm.
"You're merely a gatekeeper," he said, his tone cool and clipped. "You have no authority to judge whether someone with soul power qualifies for the academy's work-study program."
Outwardly, the guard responded with a submissive nod and a humbled expression. Inwardly, however, resentment simmered. 'First some kid arrests and threatens me, and now this washed-up failure has the nerve to lecture me? What a perfect day.'
But he kept these thoughts to himself. Yu Xiaogang, while not especially powerful, was rumored to be a close friend of the dean and a soul master at level 29. His status carried just enough weight to make defiance a foolish gamble—especially for someone like the guard, who had no soul power at all.
As he reflected on how the day had spiraled, the guard's regret deepened. He had a steady side hustle, collecting bribes from parents when they submitted their children's papers—barely glancing at the documents before waving them through. After all, certificate validation technically fell under the teachers' responsibilities.
But today? Today, an oblivious old man had shown up, ignoring every unspoken rule. Not only had he brought an extra child along, but the certificate he presented listed near-unbelievable credentials.
After chastising the gatekeeper, Yu Xiaogang turned toward Old Jack and addressed him with steady assurance.
"May I see their certificates? I happened to be passing by and noticed the situation. I possess some influence here at the academy, which may help resolve this issue."
Seeing how the once-domineering guard had gone quiet after being publicly reprimanded, Old Jack hesitated for only a moment before handing over the documents. He reasoned that this man must hold a position of some importance—especially given the guard's lack of protest or challenge, which only lent more weight to the newcomer's claim.
In truth, Yu Xiaogang had not appeared by chance. He had been silently observing the incident unfold from a shaded corner. After gauging the situation and the guard's overreach, he'd become intrigued. His plan had been to enter at the perfect moment to win favor with the boys and shape their first impression. Unfortunately, Tenshin's unexpected intervention had stolen that moment from him. Now, to reclaim lost ground and avoid suspicion for his earlier inaction, he chose to reprimand the guard, salvaging some measure of control.
Holding the soul master certificates for both Tenshin and Tang San, Yu Xiaogang reviewed the details with care. He already knew the white-haired boy's martial soul from his earlier observations, though he remained uncertain about the extent of the boy's talent. Still, given Tenshin's poise and his confident handling of the previous commotion, Yu Xiaogang had every reason to suspect it was exceptional.
Tenshin's martial soul was recorded as Chains, and his innate soul power registered at level seven. A flicker of excitement crossed Yu Xiaogang's face. Level seven denoted real potential—not quite a prodigy, but significantly above average. If the boy trained diligently and avoided premature setbacks, his future could very well reach the level of a Soul Douluo.
This revelation stirred something dormant in Yu Xiaogang: the possibility of taking on a disciple. For years, he had nurtured a dream of proving his Ten Core Theories on martial souls—concepts he had meticulously developed but had never been able to validate. His own meager cultivation had limited him, but perhaps, through a gifted student, he could finally bring those theories to life—and silence the critics once and for all.
Turning next to the second certificate—Tang San's—he read the name of the martial soul: Blue Silver Grass, accompanied by an innate soul power of level ten. Initially, the common name dampened his enthusiasm, but as soon as he read the number, his eyes widened.
A full level, ten. A rare, innate talent. Tang San was no ordinary genius—he was an anomaly. If Yu Xiaogang's suspicions were correct, this child's future achievements might not just reach greatness but could potentially rival—even surpass—those of Bibi Dong herself.
After a brief moment of thought, Yu Xiaogang returned the documents to Old Jack and declared with unwavering confidence, "I'll handle the admissions process from here. There's no need for concern; as I mentioned, I have certain ties within this institution." His final words were spoken deliberately, with a hint of pride.
Old Jack gave a respectful nod, trusting in the newcomer's demeanor and the guard's lack of protest. Turning to the boys, he smiled warmly. "From here on out, you'll follow this teacher to complete your registration," he said with a grandfatherly tone. "And as I told you earlier—I hope that both of you work hard. The next time I see you, you'll already be soul masters, I'm sure of it."
Tenshin returned the smile with calm sincerity. "Don't worry, Grandpa Jack—I'll do my best. And I promise I'll come visit you during the holidays!"
Then, suddenly recalling something, he quickly unfastened his backpack and pulled out a weathered notebook. Holding it out, he added, "Oh! Grandpa, these are some notes and thoughts I've been refining over the past month. I meant to give them to you yesterday, but... well, it slipped my mind. Haha." His laugh was sheepish, tinged with embarrassment more than humor.
Surprised and moved, Old Jack accepted the notebook with a smile. "Haha, no worries, little Tenshin. Thank you kindly." He gently ruffled the boy's hair, gratitude glowing in his eyes. It wasn't just thanks for himself, but for a small village that had long appreciated Tenshin's quiet role in improving their lives.
Nearby onlookers, momentarily curious, wondered what information the notebook might hold. But the moment passed quickly. After all, what could possibly be so important in a child's scribbled pages?
With a final wave, Old Jack turned and began his journey back to the village. Tenshin silently watched his retreating figure. Beside him, Yu Xiaogang grew slightly impatient. Only when the old man disappeared from view did he finally speak.
"Let's go," he said curtly. "I'll escort you to complete the admission process."
His voice was even, but for the keen observer, there were subtle signs of favoritism—particularly when he reached out to take Tang San's hand.
Together, the three passed through the academy gate and began crossing the wide stone bridge that led toward the main building. Yu Xiaogang strode confidently at the front with Tang San beside him, while Tenshin maintained a measured distance behind them.
As they walked beneath the arch, a wave of quiet relief washed over Tenshin. 'Finally. Thank goodness,' he thought, a subtle smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
Seeing an opportunity in the longer-than-expected walk, Tenshin quietly resumed writing in his diary, allowing his thoughts to flow freely once again:
[We finally set foot on the academy grounds, though it wasn't because the gatekeeper permitted our entry. I had to intervene directly—otherwise, Tang San would've likely taken action, and the situation might have escalated into something far more problematic. In truth, Grandpa Jack had grown visibly exasperated and decided to seek assistance from the local Spirit Hall branch. But before he got far, the guard must've realized the certificates were genuine—and that things were slipping beyond his control. In a desperate attempt to reassert authority, he tried to physically block Grandpa Jack from proceeding.]
[Naturally, I couldn't allow that. So, I restrained him using my Dragon Chains and, admittedly, I may have used a touch of soul power tinged by my domination attribute—to make the message unmistakably clear.]
[My objective wasn't just to neutralize the conflict—it was also to issue a subtle warning to Tang San, dissuading whatever retaliation he might've been preparing at the time. After all the commotion, just as we were finally about to cross through the gate, another interruption arose—this time from Tang San's fated teacher. From the way he looked at me and the conveniently dramatic timing of his arrival, I strongly suspect he was aiming to play the hero.]
[That man was none other than Yu Xiaogang.]
When the heroines read how these events had unfolded, they were mildly stunned. Over the past month, through Tenshin's entries, they had become familiar with his composed and introspective nature. Calm, calculating, and measured—that was the Tenshin they believed they understood. But these recent entries revealed a new dimension to him. Although he had previously mentioned developing some dragon-like personality traits, they had never expected him to act with such decisiveness, even assertive dominance. While the diary clarified that his actions were intended to de-escalate the situation—and to warn Tang San—it was still jarring to witness such a bold initiative.
Yet what truly rendered them speechless was what followed. Just as they read that the group was finally about to enter the academy, they saw they were halted once more. The diary holders stared at the pages in disbelief, all thinking the same exasperated thought: 'Seriously? All this just to enroll in an academy?'
But then came the reveal—the person who had stopped them was none other than Tang San's destined master. That single detail reignited their curiosity. Since Tang San was acknowledged as the protagonist of this generation, his teacher must surely be formidable and wise. However, Tenshin's suspicion, paired with the man's conspicuously timely arrival, cast a shadow of doubt. The unfolding narrative felt... choreographed.
And then, the name was finally unveiled—Yu Xiaogang. The reactions from the diary's readers were immediate and intense. Some furrowed their brows, trying to recall if they'd ever heard of someone significant by that name. Others stared in shocked disbelief, wondering: 'Could this really be the teacher of the one destined to become this generation's most influential figure?' A select few, however, had far more intimate and emotional responses.
Blue Tyrant Academy
At that very moment, Liu Erlong—who had been gently watering her flowers while reading her copy of the diary—was struck by an unexpected jolt to the heart. The watering slipped from her grasp, clattering against the stone path as tears welled in her eyes. In a soft, trembling voice, she whispered, "Xiaogang... after all these years... I finally know where you are."
For the past month, Liu Erlong had approached the diary with quiet anticipation. She read it daily—not merely for the minor weekly boost in soul power it provided, but also for the intrigue, the revelations, and yes, the gossip. Yet despite its novelty, the diary had never become something truly cherished. Her heart, her longing, her focus—they had always belonged to one man: Yu Xiaogang.
Unlike others, she showed little interest in pursuing the bonus reward that required Tenshin to mention her name repeatedly in his entries. Two key reasons drove her restraint: first, she was forbidden from approaching Tenshin if her soul power exceeded his by more than ten levels; second, the bonus demanded that she come closer to him—something entirely out of character for someone like her.
But everything changed the moment the diary revealed Yu Xiaogang's presence at Nuoding Academy. That single sentence reignited a flame that had never truly extinguished, even after all the years and the lingering scars of that heartbreaking incident. Suddenly, the idea of reunion no longer felt like a fantasy.
Even after discovering their shared bloodline—that they were blood cousins—Liu Erlong's feelings for Yu Xiaogang had never wavered. Her love had taken root long before learning of their familial ties, and not even that revelation could extinguish the fire she carried within. His frail physique meant nothing to her—what mattered was the vast reservoir of wisdom he bore, his unparalleled knowledge of martial souls, and the quiet strength in his convictions. That essence was what had captivated her so deeply.
Surging with emotion, she made a decision: she would head to Nuoding Academy immediately. But just as she began making preparations, a chilling thought resurfaced—the diary's unyielding rules. No one else could be made aware of its existence. Any attempt to expose it—even by revealing it to another—would result in absolute annihilation. Yet, stubborn and resolute, Liu Erlong dismissed the threat as mere superstition or perhaps a hollow bluff. She was ready to test its limits—convinced she could outsmart its constraints.
And so she tried.
Deliberately, she placed the diary on her desk and summoned a fellow teacher. With a composed expression, she gestured to the book and asked, "Do you see this?" The teacher gave it a confused look but eventually shook his head, seeing nothing out of the ordinary. Still skeptical, Liu Erlong began to press: "You didn't see this diar—"
Before she could finish, an immense, unseen force slammed down upon her. Her heart seized in an icy grip, thundering violently within her chest like a war drum. The overwhelming pressure paralyzed her, a terrifying sign that any further attempt would mean swift obliteration.
In a snap decision, she waved the teacher away with a calm voice. "It's nothing—please resume your duties." The moment he left, she collapsed to the ground, trembling. Blood surged up her throat and burst from her lips in a violent cough. The toll on her body had been immense. It was clear—the diary had punished her. And this... this was only a warning.
Still reeling, Liu Erlong was forced to reevaluate her intentions. Reckless action would lead nowhere. All she could do now was observe, wait, and bide her time. If Tenshin ever discovered that she possessed a copy of the diary, her fate would be sealed. That much was now undeniable. He had insight into the unfolding events that no one else possessed, and her only chance at reunion lay in silence and patience.
The diary's origins—and how it had found its way to her—remained a mystery. But deep in her heart, Liu Erlong believed that fate had a role to play. One day, her path and Tenshin's would intersect.
Exhaling slowly, she gathered herself. For now, all she could do was quietly track each new update, extracting whatever clues she could about Yu Xiaogang's whereabouts. She had waited this long—what was a little longer, for love?
Spirit City, Spirit Hall
Bibi Dong's trembling hands lingered on the diary, her fingers brushing across a single name, as though hoping to draw warmth—or perhaps clarity—from the ink. "Yu Xiaogang…" she murmured, the name escaping her lips like a ghost from a past she had tried so hard to bury. It echoed in her chest, stirring memories long locked away beneath layers of ambition and pain. A storm of emotion surged—burning anger, bitter betrayal, and a sorrow so deep it threatened to shatter the carefully built persona she had worn like armor for years.
Though she had never truly lost track of Yu Xiaogang, having shadowed his movements from afar, the passage of time had never lessened the weight his name carried in her heart. Despite the agony of their separation—despite all that had followed—the mere mention of him in the diary left her shaken. And now, here he was—brought back into her life.
Her grip on the diary tightened, nails digging into its cover as fragments of memory flashed—his gentle, hopeful gaze, his insatiable curiosity, his firm ideals... and that devastating moment when she had believed him gone forever.
But now, in the bitter clarity of the present, she knew the truth: she could never see him again.
She was no longer the woman he had once known. No longer pure. No longer his equal. She was a Titled Douluo—level 95. She had become something else entirely: the Supreme Pontiff of the Spirit Hall, a sovereign cloaked in fear and obedience. In this world, she stood no longer as a lover—but as an enemy.
The diary made it painfully clear. Through Tenshin's entries, she had learned Yu Xiaogang would become Tang San's teacher—Tang San, her destined adversary, the boy who would one way or another become her enemy because of the relationship between Spirit Hall and his family. And so, the man she had once loved would now be the guiding hand behind the greatest threat to her future.
Her heart trembled beneath the weight of that revelation.
On one side stood Yu Xiaogang—her first, deepest love, a beacon of hope from a forgotten youth. On the other loomed the future—a war in which that very love would fuel the force that rose against her.
And between them stood Bibi Dong.
Not as a girl.
Not as a lover.
But as the Pope of Spirit Hall.
What was she to do?
She had no answer.
Only the ache of love—and the unbearable weight of destiny, colliding in a place no strength could reach.
Nuoding Academy
After walking in silence for some time, Yu Xiaogang could no longer contain his emotions. He came to a halt and turned toward Tang San, asking, "Tang San, would you be willing to become my student?" His posture exuded pride and confidence, his head held slightly high as he posed the question.