"Dad, so this academy that claims to only accept monsters—does it attract them just by slogans?" Tang San expressed deep skepticism toward his father's judgment.
An academy that only accepts monsters and geniuses isn't inherently problematic. Take the Clear Sky Sect, for example—those who enter its inner sect must pass extremely rigorous assessments. Any Soul Master who clears the inner sect trials could undoubtedly be called a genius or monster.
But the Clear Sky Sect doesn't rely on empty words. Joining grants access to cultivation resources, and the sect even possesses sacred training grounds. Even if you go to the Forging Stone Peak to practice blacksmithing, the refined iron you produce can be sold at market prices, allowing you to earn while you train.
As for the royal academies of the two empires, their outstanding graduates can directly enter imperial service, securing stable careers with high salaries and excellent benefits. Meanwhile, institutions like the Five Element Academy possess exceptional legacies.
If one's Martial Soul is attribute-based, joining a Five Element Academy is undoubtedly the best choice. These academies specialize in researching single-attribute Martial Souls and Soul Rings, providing optimal Soul Ring selection guidance so you won't be blindly hunting Spirit Beasts for Soul Enchantment.
Though the Clear Sky Hammer has no inherent attributes, it can be enhanced with any elemental property. Unfortunately, Tang San chose the path of darkness, making the Five Element Academies useless to him.
Tang Xiao, however, knew a thing or two and chuckled, "The reason your father recommends this Shrek Academy is because its dean was once known as one corner of the Golden Triangle. Among this trio is a Soul Master called Grandmaster—he's your father's devoted admirer, utterly worshiping him."
"Grandmaster? A Titled Douluo with the title 'Grandmaster'?" Tang San was genuinely surprised. The title "Grandmaster" was no simple honor—anyone bearing it must be an extraordinarily powerful Soul Master. Could Shrek Academy truly be hiding such depths?
"Er..." Tang Xiao hesitated before explaining, "That Grandmaster's real name is Yu Xiaogang, from the main lineage of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon School. But his Innate Soul Power was only half a level, so his Soul Power stagnated at rank 29. People call him Grandmaster because he's published numerous theses on Martial Souls and Spirit Beasts, earning him the title 'Grandmaster of Martial Soul Theory'—unrivaled in theory."
Hearing this, Tang San looked between his father and uncle in astonishment. "Unrivaled in theory"—was this how Titled Douluos insulted people these days? Such sophisticated sarcasm!
Immediately, Tang San set aside all the academy application forms in his hands.
Seeing this, Tang Hao asked, "Xiao San, are you applying to Shrek Academy?"
Tang San shook his head. "No. That academy won't aid my future cultivation. I believe 'practice is the sole criterion for testing truth,' so I want a 'practical' academy, not a theoretical one."
"A practical academy? Meaning...?"
Setting down all the forms, Tang San revealed a meaningful smile. "I want to join Spirit Hall Academy."
!!!!!!!!
"You! Xiao San, have you gone mad?!" Tang Xiao's eyes widened in shock, while Tang Hao beside him wore a thoughtful expression.
Tang San shook his head and explained, "Uncle, I'm perfectly clear-headed. I have five reasons for choosing Spirit Hall Academy."
"First, if I join Spirit Hall Academy, my safety will be greatly ensured. Spirit Hall fears my death under their jurisdiction more than anyone else. While the purpose of our Upper Three Sects' alliance is to prevent Spirit Hall's dominance, none of us—including the other two sects—have openly broken with Spirit Hall. On the surface at least, we maintain cordial relations with them."
Hearing this, Tang Xiao gradually fell into deep thought. Relations between powers weren't just about conflict and bloodshed. As Tang San said, the Soul Master world was currently peaceful, with no faction daring to disrupt this fragile balance first.
Neither the Upper Three Sects nor the two empires dared to openly oppose Spirit Hall, fearing retaliation. Similarly, Spirit Hall dared not act recklessly—Pope Qian Xun Ji feared that attacking any single faction might unite the remaining Upper Three Sects, two empires, and countless other sects against them. No matter how powerful Spirit Hall was, it couldn't challenge the entire Soul Master world.
Moreover, mysterious forces like Sea God Island and Slaughter City existed in their world. Spirit Hall had once attempted to attack Sea God Island, only to lose over a thousand Soul Masters—a bitter pill they had to swallow in silence.
Tang San raised a second finger. "Second, Spirit Hall Academy's geographical location. Situated between the two empires, it's beyond direct threat from either Star Dou Great Forest or Sunset Forest, or any other Spirit Beast Territory. Should large-scale war break out between spirit beasts and Soul Masters, Spirit Hall would be the safest place."
"Third, Spirit Hall Academy's profound foundation. Regardless of other factors, its faculty quality, teaching standards, Martial Soul heritage, cultivation resources, student caliber, reputation, and knowledge base are all unparalleled on the continent. Only such an academy can attract genius Soul Masters from everywhere. True monsters emerge from competition among geniuses—that's the pressure I need."
"Fourth, Spirit Hall Academy is essentially my only choice. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School maintains close ties with the Heaven Dou imperial family, so Ning Rongrong will likely attend Heaven Dou Royal Academy. Naturally, I won't join the same academy as her. Our Clear Sky Sect has no special relationship with the Star Luo Empire's royal family, and our sect isn't within their territory—we have no influence there. As for the Five Element Academy, my second spirit's dark attribute doesn't align with their five elements. The Shrek Academy? There's absolutely no reason for me to join that theoretically invincible institution."
"As for the fifth reason—" Tang San placed a finger before his lips in a silencing gesture. The Tang brothers immediately understood what this meant.
The Rakshasa God Trial!
Tang Hao wanted to go to Sea God Island precisely to learn more about the God Trials, but he couldn't enter Spirit Hall. However, if Tang San joined Spirit Hall Academy as a student, he might be able to access information related to the Angel God, and perhaps even complete a God Trial!
Although Tang Hao and Tang Xiao didn't know the specifics of Tang San's God Trial, they were certain it wouldn't be easy.
Tang San walked up to his father and said proudly, "Dad, you could take me in and out of a hellish place like Slaughter City with ease. The world's number one Clear Sky Douluo wouldn't be afraid of Spirit Hall, would you?"
Though Tang San's provocation was childish, it worked perfectly on his father.
How could a superhuman father like Tang Hao admit weakness in front of his son?
"Afraid? Don't even mention it! Let's go to Spirit Hall Academy. If we're not afraid of Slaughter City, why fear Spirit Hall? Come on, let's go register at Spirit Hall Academy right now!"
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