"What's your name? The new work-study student?" The middle-aged man was curious about Tang San, who was carrying a big bundle and holding new bedding. Nuoding Academy didn't usually give new bedding to students. Did he have a relative among the teachers?
"My name is Tang San. I am indeed a new work-study student." Although he recognized the man, he knew he shouldn't know him at this time. Regardless of whether it was hypocritical or not, he still had to show some courtesy.
"Show me your soul master certificate." The middle-aged man's tone was stiff, with a hint of authority.
So arrogant! Tang San cursed inwardly but placed the bedding on a relatively clean stone brick and then slowly took out the soul master certificate from his pocket.
"Blue Silver Grass soul master with innate soul power of level six." The man frowned. He knew the Blue Silver Grass martial soul—no one with it had ever awakened at higher than level three.
Level six innate power? This kid's Blue Silver Grass must have mutated.
As a soul theory master, Yu Xiaogang wanted to prove himself. He needed a soul master who looked like a waste on the surface but possessed hidden talent. The Blue Silver Grass soul master fit the criteria.
But was level six too low?
Innate power determined future potential. Even if everything went smoothly, level six might only reach Soul Saint. That wasn't enough. Yu Xiaogang needed someone who could become a Titled Douluo. If this boy had level seven innate power, maybe. But if he waited, how long would the next candidate take to appear?
Should he accept him?
Tang San didn't care what the man was thinking. He asked, "Teacher, can I have my certificate back? I need to get to the dormitory."
"Here."
Yu Xiaogang was displeased by the interruption but didn't show it. Though proud, he wouldn't be angry at a six-year-old. Still, he thought, Innate level six—too low for my goals. This boy lacks patience. He'll likely cultivate slowly.
Seeing Yu Xiaogang shake his head and sigh, Tang San exhaled in relief.
Luckily, he left. If he tried to coax me, I might not be able to refuse. The more I reveal, the more interested he'll become. If I turn him down, he won't react like in fanfiction—furious and irrational.
After all, Yu Xiaogang had endured years of ridicule behind his back. He wouldn't lash out because of rejection. Besides, he was friends with the dean of Nuoding Academy.
And Tang San? He hadn't even seen the dean. His talent—innate level six—was above average in this school, but he doubted the dean would take his side over Yu Xiaogang's. Even if Brother Tao interceded...
Yu Xiaogang was still Yu Yuanzhen's son and hadn't been expelled from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
If Yu Xiaogang swallowed his pride and returned to the clan to complain, Tang San would be doomed. The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan wouldn't show mercy.
As long as you're strong, you're right. This was a truth not only accepted by Tang San in the original story but also by every major power. The difference lay only in degree.
People knew Yu Xiaogang had a strong sense of pride and would likely never return to the clan.
But still—what if?
No one dared gamble on that.
That's why he remained the joke of the soul master world, yet no one mocked him to his face. Speaking ill of him in person was like mocking the entire Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
Clan members might insult him, but outsiders? They knew better. Only those with no emotional intelligence dared.
As Tang San returned to his thoughts, he arrived at Dormitory Seven.
"New work-study student?" A child about 1.6 meters tall stood at the doorway. He was sturdy, with bruised limbs and a square face that gave off an honest look.
"Yes. I'm from Holy Spirit Village. My name is Tang San. We'll be roommates from now on." Tang San introduced himself, passed the boy, found an empty bed, laid down his bedding, and began unpacking.
"Let's fight."
The boy said, "It's tradition in Dormitory Seven. The strongest is the boss."
"Let's not. My martial soul is just Blue Silver Grass—I have no combat strength." Tang San released his martial soul; a Blue Silver Grass sprouted from his palm.
"Even Blue Silver Grass can be cultivated now?" The boy scratched his head, puzzled, but didn't ask Tang San about his innate soul power. "Then I won't fight you—no point in bullying you. But remember, I'm the boss of Dormitory Seven, the strongest one. That means you listen to me. It's not about being impressive—it's about resisting the nobles. They look down on us work-study kids. I'm Wang Sheng. My martial soul is Battle Tiger."
As expected—just like the original book. Work-study students had no rights.
Of course, Tang San didn't expect humanitarian ideals under this semi-feudal, semi-slave system.
Still, as a new student, he played ignorant. "Do the teachers allow them to bully us?"
"They don't care. I've been here five years, and I think the teachers even encourage it. But we can't kill or cripple each other." Wang Sheng shook his head. "Don't worry. As boss, I'll protect you. But in group fights, you need to step up. Don't chicken out."
"I will." Tang San began pondering Wang Sheng's point.
Encouraging noble students to bully work-study students? Maybe it's to foster competition.
In that case, Nuoding Academy wasn't so different from Shrek. The only difference was the intensity—and Shrek's lower moral threshold.
Or perhaps all academies on the continent were the same.
After all, soul masters seemed destined for war.
A timid voice interrupted his thoughts: "Excuse me, is this Dormitory Seven?"
Tang San looked up. A little girl in a pink dress stood at the doorway. She had a long scorpion-tail braid that nearly touched the ground. Her face was delicate—not the look of a commoner.
Tang San thought: Here comes fate. The protagonist's companion—and his temper detonator—is here!
"Yes, this is Dormitory Seven." Wang Sheng was second to respond. He walked over, face slightly flushed. "Hello, I'm Wang Sheng, the boss here. By tradition, we fight to determine the boss. Of course, you can also admit defeat."
You spring-hearted fool, Tang San thought. The girl before you is a wild 100,000-year soul beast in human form. You can't handle her.
Still, if Tang San wanted to enter the Continental Advanced Academy Soul Dueling Tournament, he couldn't bring a soft-boned wild rabbit with him. She'd only bring trouble.