Morning dew still clung to the grass blades around Nuoding Academy when Tang San found himself once again called to a quiet corner behind the library, where Yu Xiaogang stood in his usual serious posture, hands behind his back, brows furrowed in thought.
"Tang San," he said evenly. "You've already seen the flaws in your recorded Martial Soul data. What others call useless, I believe to be a treasure. I want to help you uncover its full potential."
Tang San remained calm, quiet, processing each word.
"I've dedicated my life to Martial Soul research. My pride was shattered by others long ago. I'm not asking for obedience. I ask for trust."
There was sincerity in the man's tone—no hunger for fame, only conviction.
Tang San bowed slightly. "Then I accept you as my teacher."
Before Yu Xiaogang could smile, a voice rang from above:
"And I accept you as an unpaid intern."
Tang Yan dropped from a tree branch behind them.
"Rule one: You don't touch his second Martial Soul without permission. Rule two: If you break rule one, your kneecaps are non-refundable."
Yu Xiaogang laughed nervously. "Understood. You… certainly keep things lively."
System:"Host's overprotective sibling mode: activated."
Tianmeng:"The only twin who comes with a legal disclaimer."
Morning Class: The Lecture from the Abyss
That day's class began as usual, but the moment Tang Yan entered—half a minute late, with his cloak flapping behind him—the instructor visibly flinched.
"Today we will discuss Soul Ring compatibility—"
"Question!" Tang Yan raised his hand. "If a Martial Soul is a spoon, and I add two ladles, can I get a soup domain?"
System:"Kill me. He's using culinary tools to rewrite combat theory."
The nobles groaned. Xiao Wu burst into laughter. Tang San buried his face in his book.
"Can I cultivate a Toilet Brush Martial Soul into an Ultimate attribute if it's blessed by cleanliness?"
The instructor spluttered, Yu Xiaogang sighed from the back row, and the classroom spiraled into a barely contained riot.
Tianmeng:"If the host doesn't become a comedian, the spirit world missed its chance."
Evening Training: Calm and Chaos
Later, while the other students returned to the dorms, Tang San quietly followed Yu Xiaogang into a secluded training area.
They worked on refining energy pathways, mental focus, and soul ring resonance. Tang San's soul ring glowed more evenly now, his Blue Silver Spear more fluid in motion.
"Feel the flow," Yu Xiaogang said. "The soul skill isn't just a weapon—it's an extension of your soul."
Tang San nodded, sweat glistening across his brow.
The Other Side: Tang Yan's Solo Forge
Behind Dorm 7, Tang Yan trained with a boulder-sized target etched with runes from the System's forging scroll.
Each swing of his Blue Gold Trident now combined gold, life, and killing attributes with fragments of the Random Hammer Technique—a seamless fusion of hammering, thrusting, and pure soul force control.
System:"Host's strikes now contain the elegance of war and the brutality of art."
Tianmeng:"Host still names them dumb though."
"How about: Holy Gold Resonance Smite—Plus Ultra?"
System:"Denied."
Rabbit Trouble Again
Just when Tang Yan focused his concentration, Xiao Wu peeked around the fence.
"You're always hiding something out here. What is it?" she asked.
"It's dangerous. I'm cultivating an unstable soul-fart technique."
"You're what?!"
"One misfire and the dorm becomes a crater."
Xiao Wu screamed and bolted, shouting, "You're insane!"
Tang Yan collapsed laughing.
Tianmeng:"She'll never trust you again."
System:"That's not true. She'll trust him even less next time."
Dorm Talk — Tang San's Thoughtful Moment
Later, Tang San returned to the dorm, visibly more at ease. He sat by the window, his hands resting over the spear shaft lying beside him.
"The Master… he truly believes in what he teaches."
Tang Yan, chewing on roasted nuts, nodded. "He's not bad. Just don't let him dissect you."
Xiao Wu pouted from across the room. "I still say he's weird. All those notes and scrolls."
Tang San smiled slightly. "We're all weird. Some just hide it better."
System:"Touché. Deep, elegant, and slightly roasted."
Far Beyond — The Guardians Speak
From the canopy of Star Dou Forest, Gu Yuena watched through her spiritual connection.
"Tang San has begun opening up. The teacher's presence is stabilizing him."
Ah Yin replied, "He'll need guidance. His heart is strong, but his instincts are too quiet."
Bi Ji chuckled. "And his brother makes enough noise for five people."
Tang Hao stood with arms crossed. "Let them grow. Watch closely. But don't interfere… not yet."
End of Chapter 62