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Upon returning to the academy, Ning Tianchen and the others went back to their dorms to rest, while Zhao Wuji headed to the principal's office to report on the spirit hunting expedition.
"The ox-like roar Xiao Wu heard was likely from the Azure Sky Bellowing Python," Yu Xiaogang suddenly interjected.
Flender stepped in to introduce him. "Lao Zhao, this is Master Yu Xiaogang, also Tang San's teacher. He's a renowned scholar of soul master theory and a specially invited team leader I brought here."
"Team leader?" Zhao Wuji looked at Yu Xiaogang with surprise.
The latter only had a soul power level of 29. In Shrek Academy, aside from Zhu Zhuqing and Ma Hongjun, everyone else surpassed him in soul power.
A team leader like this—how could anyone respect him?
Seeing Flender's unwavering confidence, Zhao Wuji didn't dare object.
"Greetings, Master."
Yu Xiaogang waved dismissively. "No need for formalities, Immovable Bright King."
Zhao Wuji: …
I was just being polite, and you're really not holding back!
"By the way, what kind of spirit ring did Xiao San obtain this time? And how old was the spirit beast?" Yu Xiaogang asked.
Zhao Wuji briefly summarized the situation.
Yu Xiaogang stroked his chin. "It seems I need to meet this genius from the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect. Flender, I'll go see Xiao San first. Later, gather everyone together."
Without waiting for Flender's response, he turned and strode out of the principal's office.
Zhao Wuji's expression visibly soured. "Principal, are you sure this Yu Xiaogang is alright? With his attitude, how will those unruly geniuses listen to him?"
Flender patted his shoulder. "Lao Zhao, that's just how Xiaogang is. But in terms of ability, Xiaogang surpasses all of us. Don't worry—with him here, there won't be any trouble within the team."
---
Yu Xiaogang had already inquired about Tang San's whereabouts.
Ma Hongjun and Dai Mubai had gone into town to cavort with women of ill repute, leaving Tang San alone in the room.
Hearing a knock at the door, Tang San quickly stowed away the hidden weapons on his desk before opening it.
"Teacher!" Seeing who it was, Tang San felt a surge of joy and hastily ushered Yu Xiaogang inside.
"Haha, Xiao San, I've heard from Flender and the other teachers that your recent performance has been commendable." Yu Xiaogang began with praise.
Such compliments were usually followed by criticism.
Tang San, however, was no ordinary youth. Scratching his head, he said, "Teacher, there are some things I haven't done well. For example, the relationship between Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing…"
He proactively recounted the events within the team to Yu Xiaogang.
After listening, the latter smiled approvingly. "Xiao San, you've grown up. Not shirking responsibility—this is something you've done well. But I can't understand why you initially sided with Dai Mubai, only to later shift your support to Ning Tianchen."
Tang San explained his reasoning.
First, he felt that Dai Mubai's behavior in certain matters had crossed the line.
Second, he believed Ning Tianchen held greater influence among the new students. By uniting with him, most of the group could be brought together.
Yu Xiaogang sternly criticized him. "Xiao San, as the team leader, you must never take sides. Even if the two parties have reached a point of irreconcilable conflict, you must demonstrate the appropriate magnanimity."
"However, now that I'm here, these internal team conflicts will be handled by me."
If Ning Tianchen were here, he would have called this a classic PUA tactic.
Unfortunately, Tang San had been thoroughly brainwashed by Yu Xiaogang and couldn't see through his intentions.
"Forgive my ignorance, Teacher. This matter can only be resolved by you." Tang San bowed respectfully.
Yu Xiaogang waved his hand and changed the subject. "I heard that Ning Tianchen helped you obtain your spirit rings. How strong is he?"
Tang San was genuinely grateful for Ning Tianchen's assistance. "Tianchen's strength is likely above mine. His martial soul is the Seven Kill Sword, which you once said is the continent's number one offensive weapon-type martial soul. My Blue Silver Grass is just a plant-type martial soul, and it happens to be countered by his."
Yu Xiaogang countered, "Have you two ever sparred?"
Tang San shook his head.
Yu Xiaogang continued, "If you haven't sparred, then you haven't lost. If you include your hidden weapons, would you be able to match him?"
Tang San was confident in his hidden weapons, but using them against his classmates still felt inappropriate.
Seeing this, Yu Xiaogang couldn't help but let a faint smile creep onto his lips. "Xiao San, do you know why Ning Tianchen has achieved such strength?"
"You may not know this, but Principal Flender is an old friend of mine. I once gifted him my theoretical works. A few months ago, he had Li Yusong pass my theories on to Ning Tianchen. After studying them, Ning Tianchen achieved his current strength."
Tang San suddenly realized, "So that's why Teacher Li recognized Ning Tianchen during the registration ceremony."
Upon reflection, he noticed that Ning Tianchen's tactical arrangements bore traces of Yu Xiaogang's influence.
Of course, this wasn't mere coincidence. Yu Xiaogang had simply claimed these pre-existing theories as his own.
Not only Ning Tianchen—likely eighty percent of soul masters across the continent incorporated elements of "Yu Xiaogang's theories" into their cultivation or tactical planning.
"So that's how it is. It seems Tianchen and I share the same mentorship lineage," Tang San said with a hearty laugh.
He could tell that Yu Xiaogang was considering taking Ning Tianchen as a disciple. Having another junior brother wouldn't be a bad thing for him.
Yu Xiaogang didn't hide his intentions and instead painted a grand picture for Tang San. "Xiao San, you will always be my eldest disciple—that won't change. Later, you'll spar with Ning Tianchen so I can assess the gap between you two."
"Your third spirit ring is from a 1,300-year-old spirit beast—an extremely rare find even among Soul Lords. The difference in spirit ring years between you and him is minimal, which will allow me to better evaluate your respective strengths."
---
In Ning Tianchen's dormitory.
He was currently packing his belongings with Oscar, preparing to leave Shrek Academy the next day.
Before they finished, an unexpected visitor arrived.
"Tianchen, this is my teacher," Tang San introduced.
Ning Tianchen set down the items in his hands and looked up.
Yu Xiaogang's appearance matched Ning Tianchen's expectations.
However, he didn't know why the man had come looking for him.
"Xiao San, what brings you here?"
Yu Xiaogang stepped forward with a smile. "You must be Ning Tianchen. As expected, you're extraordinary despite your youth. Let me introduce myself—I'm Yu Xiaogang, commonly known as 'Master.' Do you have time to spar with Xiao San?"
Sparring with Tang San was no issue for Ning Tianchen.
He was also curious to see how strong this "Tang Buddha" had become.
Still, Yu Xiaogang's visit likely wasn't just about this.
"Xiao Ao, I'm stepping out for a bit. I'll be back later." With that, Ning Tianchen followed Yu Xiaogang and his disciple to the academy's main training field.
On the way, Yu Xiaogang suddenly brought up, "Ning Tianchen, I hear you've obtained my writings. Are there any parts you don't understand? I'm here to clarify anything for you."
Unsolicited kindness—there's always an ulterior motive!
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