I had no desire to bind someone who wasn't a potential Waifu I intended to keep. Beyond my lack of interest in men, I refused to hand out Body-Tune Up benefits to just anyone. I still lacked the Toggle to gaining free talents, not to mention all the Defence.
However, I craved credits to execute a specific plan. This exception was necessary. I simply needed to "sell" Liu Long at the first opportunity. My gaze settled on Liu Long at the front of the class. The boy sat oblivious to the changes churning within him.
Nuoding Academy's classroom felt formal yet simple. High ceilings and large windows invited the morning sun, illuminating dust particles dancing in the air. Rows of sturdy wooden desks faced the teacher's podium and the large blackboard hanging on the wall. Here, students just beginning their cultivation journeys learned fundamental theories regarding Spirits, spirit ring classifications, and the history of Spirit Masters.
Unfortunately, today offered only standard orientation. Even in a fantasy world, school could not escape the tedium of the first day. Memories of college resurfaced. I used to skip day one, asking friends to fake my attendance while I escaped to an internet cafe to play games.
I turned to my side. Xiao Wu slept soundly at her desk. It was strange that the teacher didn't reprimand her. As a Spirit Beast turned human, she should have needed this basic knowledge the most. Her actions in the original story betrayed a lack of common sense. She existed as a mere plot device, a tool for the author to give Tang San reasons to flaunt his power.
I refused to let that happen. Xiao Wu would not become the silly, one-dimensional girl from the canon.
"Xiao Wu, wake up," I whispered, nudging her shoulder.
She groaned, her long scorpion-braid sliding to cover part of her face. "Hng... is it time to eat?"
I shook my head slowly. "Almost. The lesson ends soon."
At the front, a middle-aged man with glasses perched on the tip of his nose tapped a wooden ruler against the blackboard. Tap! Tap! The sound broke the students' daydreams.
"Pay attention." His voice rasped with authority. "Nuoding Academy is not a place for relaxation. The graduation requirement here is to reach level 10 spirit power and obtain your first spirit ring before your six-year study period ends. Without a spirit ring, you will never be recognized as a true Spirit Master. You waste your time."
Six years to reach level 10 sounded like a long time, but the majority of children here possessed low talent, with level 3 being the highest. Increasing two levels in a single year was already a stroke of luck for them.
The teacher adjusted his glasses, staring sharply around the room. "For those with low talent, this is a major challenge. But I guarantee the results are worth it."
He stepped forward, his voice deepening. "The difference between an ordinary human and a Spirit Master is not just power, but social status. Even if you only reach level 10 and obtain your first spirit ring, you officially enter the top 10% of the Douluo Continent's population. You will receive a monthly stipend from Spirit Hall, and in the eyes of the law, you enjoy privileges commoners never experience. Without spirit power, you are merely dust under the feet of those in power."
The classroom erupted into a low hum of passionate whispers. The eyes of children from commoner backgrounds sparkled with hope. The Spirit Hall stipend and the rise in social status were dreams that could change the fate of an entire family. Some clenched their fists, as if already feeling the gold coins in their hands.
In contrast, children dressed in luxurious silk sat back casually in the front rows. These descendants of nobles or established Spirit Masters considered this speech a boring repetition.
However, Xiao Wu reacted differently. Hearing the name Spirit Hall, she woke fully. Her eyes sharpened, a flash of hatred crossing them.
Ah, right. Bibi Dong, the Pope of Spirit Hall, had murdered Xiao Wu's mother. I blamed the original story for making Xiao Wu ignore that grudge until the plot required it.
Ting! Ting!
The metal bell echoed in the corridor, marking the end of the first lesson. The teacher sighed, tidied his books, and left the podium. In an instant, the class broke into a frenzy of footsteps and chatter as students rushed toward the canteen.
I grabbed Xiao Wu's hand. "Let's go to the canteen. My teacher invited us for lunch."
The word 'eat' worked like a spell. The boredom on Xiao Wu's face vanished, replaced by a glow of pure joy.
"Eat? Really? Let's hurry!" she cheered. Now she dragged me toward the exit.
We arrived at the east side canteen. The aroma of bone broth and sautéed vegetables greeted us, clashing with the bustle of students eating greedily at the long tables on the first floor. Without wasting time, I took Xiao Wu up to the second floor.
The atmosphere shifted. Quiet, exclusive, and far from the noise below. Clean, polished tiles reflected light from large windows. Round tables stood spaced apart to provide more privacy. Even the cooking smelled more refined.
My eyes swept the room and found the figure. In a quiet corner, Grandmaster sat alone.
He stood slowly upon seeing us. His face remained calm like a pool of water, but his eyes radiated naked curiosity. "You've arrived. Let's go to a more comfortable spot." He pointed to an empty booth.
A finely carved sandalwood partition separated the booth. Inside, soft, dark blue velvet cushions covered long facing sofas. Sunlight streamed through the large window, illuminating the polished round wooden table and the academy courtyard beyond.
A young waitress approached and bowed. "Welcome. How can I help you?"
Grandmaster nodded. "Order for the three of us." He turned to us. "What do you want?"
Xiao Wu's eyes sparkled as she stared at the menu. "I want Jade Carrot Soup and Sautéed Green Vegetables!"
"I'll have a bowl of meatballs with white noodles and sliced beef," I added.
After the waitress recorded the order and left, the atmosphere at the table shifted. Grandmaster stared at me.
"Tang San, it seems you have awakened your bloodline." A thin smile appeared on his lips, as if he already held an ace up his sleeve.
The original Tang San would have gaped in awe. But I knew this man was only good at guessing and connecting the dots. His gaze demanded confirmation; he wanted me to explain how it happened.
Xiao Wu joined in staring at me. "That's true! I was very surprised to see you this morning. You feel like a different person."
Hearing that, Grandmaster's confidence grew. He stroked his short beard. "Awakening a bloodline usually occurs when a Spirit Douluo breaks through level 90, or by consuming extremely rare heavenly treasures." His eyes narrowed, analyzing.
Heh, it's obvious you're dying to know! I felt even more inclined to to fool him.
"Teacher..." I feigned hesitation, lowering my head.
Seeing my hesitation, Grandmaster leaned in. He couldn't entirely hide the excitement in his eyes, though his voice remained calm. "Don't worry. Keep your secret if you don't wish to speak. However, if it's something dangerous, you should tell me." His gaze turned serious. "The Douluo Continent is full of wonders, but also dangers. As your teacher, I will always give you the best advice."
Silence fell as the waitress returned with a large tray. The aroma of cooked food filled the booth. Xiao Wu's stomach growled softly, making her blush.
The waitress served the Jade Carrot Soup and sautéed vegetables in front of Xiao Wu, then a large bowl of beef meatball noodles in front of me, along with a simple dish for Grandmaster. Hot steam rose, carrying a tempting savory aroma.
"Please enjoy." The waitress excused herself, giving us privacy once more.
I picked up my chopsticks but forced a contemplative look. While pouring seasoning into my bowl, I let out a long sigh—my acting began.
"Teacher, it's not that I don't want to tell you, but I'm confused myself," I said. "I just felt different when I woke up this morning. But before realizing anything about bloodlines, I noticed my Martial Soul had changed."
I raised my right hand. A blue light glowed.
Grandmaster's eyes widened.
The Blue Silver Grass in my palm was no longer ordinary dark blue grass. Its strands now glowed a clear light blue with gold patterns flowing beautifully along the surface. The combination radiated a pure, majestic, and powerful aura of life.
Before Grandmaster could speak, I interrupted him.
"I also awakened an innate ability of my Martial Soul." I lowered my voice, wearing a very serious expression. "I can increase the talent of others."
"What?!" Grandmaster's voice rose an octave. He stared at me, voice trembling. "How do you know?"
I glanced at Xiao Wu. "I tried it on Xiao Wu this morning." I smiled apologetically at the girl. "Sorry Xiao Wu, I intended to tell you this afternoon. Sorry for making you an experiment."
Xiao Wu tilted her head, confused. "Huh? But I didn't feel anything?"
"Are you sure?" I smiled meaningfully.
Grandmaster answered. "I see. Although not as drastic as Xiao San, Xiao Wu's physical appearance has indeed undergone changes, but whether her talent has increased... that requires further testing." He scratched his beard, his brain working hard.
"We must test this immediately." Grandmaster's eyes sparkled. "After lunch, we'll go to the backyard."
"But we have class?" I asked.
"It doesn't matter. First-day classes are unimportant," he answered dismissively, a clear tone of disdain in his voice. "Besides, I will inform the Principal that I am taking over the education of you both. Do you object?"
I fought back a smile. Who wanted to repeat boring basic lessons? Although this Grandmaster was weak and somewhat hypocritical, his knowledge was genuine. Moreover, this provided easy access to the library.
I nodded. "I don't object, Teacher."
Xiao Wu seemed hesitant for a moment, but seeing me agree, she followed suit. "I don't either, Teacher."
"Good." Satisfaction radiated from Grandmaster.
I imagined the cheers in his heart. He had just obtained two genius disciples with Full Innate Soul Power. He must be dreaming of the moment he shows us off to the world that has mocked him as trash.
Heh, we'll see about that.
"Xiao San, can you show your Martial Soul again?" Grandmaster requested.
Without speaking, I summoned it again. The blue light glowed. This time, Grandmaster observed more closely, examining the golden lines and sensing the radiating life aura.
"Such a powerful life aura! A top-tier attribute. This is at least equivalent to the Jade Phosphor Serpent or Chrysanthemum." Grandmaster's eyes sparkled with a manic intensity. "I am certain this is the Blue Silver Emperor. In legends, it is the ruler of all Blue Silver Grass. A noble bloodline with control and vitality far surpassing ordinary grass. These golden lines are the proof. I am sure the bloodline you awakened is the Blue Silver Emperor."
I wasn't surprised he could guess it. He already knew the identity of Tang San's father. The pursuit of Ah Yin and Tang Hao was major news across the continent. Top-tier factions surely knew Tang Hao married a Blue Silver Emperor in human form.
"Teacher is very knowledgeable," I praised, putting on a fake look of admiration.
A proud smile appeared on Grandmaster's face. "I will explain more later during the testing. Now, eat before it gets cold."
Silence returned to the table. Xiao Wu ate like a starving rabbit. Her chopsticks moved nimbly to snatch pieces of Jade Carrot, her cheeks bulging cutely as she chewed.
In contrast, Grandmaster ate with mechanical motions. His gaze constantly drifted between me and Xiao Wu, his mind clearly weaving thousands of theories. His food remained almost untouched.
I enjoyed the chewy meatballs and savory broth. The warmth of the white noodles flowed into my stomach, providing comfort in the midst of this charade.
Before long, Xiao Wu's bowl was clean. "Ah, I'm so full! Second-floor cooking is indeed much better," she muttered, leaning back against the sofa.
As soon as I finished my last bite, Grandmaster immediately put down his cutlery. He wiped his mouth with a handkerchief and stood up, unable to contain himself any longer.
"If you're finished, let us depart." Urgency colored his calm voice. "There are many things we need to verify."