Chapter 5, Master? Mentor?

"Blue Silver Grass? When will the Blue Silver Grass martial soul be able to cultivate?" Wang Sheng displayed an extremely surprised expression, and most of the children in the dormitory burst into laughter, looking at Tang San as if he were an idiot.

Just when it seemed that he could deliver a devastating blow to his opponent, Tang San suddenly loosened his grip. With the advantage in strength, he was naturally able to withdraw at will. At the same time, his bent right knee straightened, and he kicked the instep of his right foot against Wang Sheng's chest.

Upon seeing the words regarding innate soul power on the certificate, the teachers present displayed expressions of astonishment. However, the Blue Silver Grass transformed their astonishment into regret

A declaration that clearly should not emerge from a child's throat erupted in a low, hoarse roar from Wang Sheng. Faintly, a layer of pale yellow light could be seen rising from his body, and the figure that had been sprawled on the bed instantly sprang up, both in speed and strength, evidently surpassing anything that had been seen before

But he is my teacher

The student dormitory consists of only seven rooms. Since the students at the Junior Soul Master Academy are relatively young, in order to facilitate better management, students from each grade are housed together in a large dormitory. Each grade at the Nodding Junior Soul Master Academy has approximately forty students.

Thank you, teacher," Tang San said to the master

Wang Sheng walked up to Tang San and asked, "Why did you hold back just now?" He had studied at the Notting Junior Soul Master Academy for five years, and if he couldn't even discern that Tang San's change from a knee strike to a kick was to avoid serious injury, then it would have been a waste of his learning.

The master looked at Tang San with deep emotion, saying, "Once a teacher, always a father. Good, good, it seems I have indeed made the right choice." As the saying goes, "From the small, one can know the great; details determine success or failure." Although the time spent between the master and the disciple was not long, the master had already formed a considerable understanding of this child before him.

The master looked at him calmly and smiled, saying, "Aren't you curious why I know you possess twin martial souls?" As he spoke, he shook the certificate that Old Jack had given him, "It is precisely because of this certificate. Perhaps others may not see the flaws within it, but if I cannot see them either, then I am unworthy of being called a master."

After Jack reminded Tang San a few more times, he finally left

Wang Sheng was already diving down from the air, and as Tang San leaped back, it immediately caused him to lose his balance. He watched as Tang San's knee loomed larger in front of him, and he suddenly cried out in alarm.

This child is nearly two heads taller than Tang San, and at his age, he is already considered quite robust. He walked in front of Tang San and looked down at him somewhat condescendingly, saying: "New work-study student?"

Wang Sheng had not even reacted when he stumbled out, nearly falling at the dormitory entrance. Fortunately, his lower body strength was quite good, and he managed to avoid falling; otherwise, it would have ended in a rather embarrassing manner.

If the first time was merely a coincidence, then throwing Wang Sheng out consecutively twice is evidently not so simple. The gazes of the other children towards Tang San immediately underwent some changes

The students in the dormitory watched as Wang Hao's body uncontrollably performed a difficult backflip in the air. With a loud thud, he landed flat on the ground.

The master shook his head. Typically lacking in patience, he was unusually tolerant today, once again forcing out a rather unpleasant smile, "Who says that only teachers from the academy can represent the academy?"

This is a spacious room, measuring nearly 300 square meters, furnished with a total of fifty beds. However, there are only beds present, with bedding available for only eleven of them. At this moment, there are seven or eight children, aged between eight and twelve years, making a commotion inside.

Tang San looked at the three teachers from the academy in a somewhat strange manner, "Is there something inappropriate?"

Tang San suddenly realized: "I understand now, you must be the principal of the academy, or perhaps a leader."

The doorman broke into a cold sweat and hurriedly responded in agreement, quickly stepping aside.

Upon hearing the master's words, Tang San was taken aback, and his gaze towards the master suddenly changed. His left wrist had quietly lifted, revealing a look of uncertainty and suspicion in his eyes

The master smiled, patted his head, and turned to leave

"Let’s go, I will take you to the academic affairs office to report in." The master once again took Tang San's hand, his originally dry hand slightly sweating due to excitement

Director Su greeted with a beaming smile, saying: "Master, what brings you here? It's a rare visit! Please have a seat for a while"

Four hands are connected; if what just occurred was a demonstration of skill, then what lies before us is a complete contest of strength. Two pairs of hands, differing in size, have already grasped each other.

Tang San merely hoped to avoid too much trouble in his future academic life, at least not to be disturbed in his normal life. Therefore, he firmly believed that he should teach this 'boss' before him a lesson. This is what is known as killing the chicken to scare the monkey

I once investigated 647 individuals with the Blue Silver Grass martial soul, among which only 16 possessed soul power, a probability of less than 3%. Moreover, none of these 16 individuals had soul power exceeding level 1, while you possess innate full soul power at level 10. According to one of the ten core competitive advantages of martial souls that I have studied, the size of innate soul power is directly proportional to the quality of the martial soul. Clearly, Blue Silver Grass does not meet this criterion, so I can be certain that you must have another martial soul, and it is a very powerful one.

Tang San nodded

Wang Sheng felt as if his right fist, which he had swung, was being pulled by a special force, causing it to change direction. At the same time, a great strength transmitted from Tang San's right hand, and he happened to trip over his own feet, causing his body to fly out once again. This time, maintaining balance was not so easy. The simple movements in Tang San's hands had already employed the Tang Sect's ultimate skill, the Control Crane and Capture Dragon technique. By utilizing Wang Sheng's own strength, combined with his own, Wang Sheng fell with a thud onto a bed.

The master nodded seriously and said: "Indeed, there are exceptions to everything, but your martial soul is Blue Silver Grass, so you are clearly not one of those exceptions. In the past hundred years, although only two twin martial souls have appeared in the Heaven Dou Empire and the Star Luo Empire, there have been nineteen individuals born with full soul power. I have studied each of their martial souls carefully, and none of them are anything but powerful existences. The youngest among them has already reached the level of a Great Soul Master. Apart from the fourteen who inherited their powerful martial souls through family lineage, there are five exceptions."

The Notting Junior Soul Master Academy is not as large as it appears, primarily divided into several areas: the main teaching building, the playground, and the dormitory building located to the east of the playground

"You little brat, do you dare to hit me?" Wang Sheng, in a fit of rage, turned around and pounced on Tang San like a fierce tiger descending the mountain

Wang Sheng's face flushed, revealing a hint of naive smile, "It was you who gave me a warning. However, you are indeed impressive. You must have just turned six, right"

Tang San nodded and respectfully said: "Goodbye, Teacher"

The two young teachers beside Director Su do not possess his level of cultivation. One of them picked up the proof from the Spirit Hall, glanced at it, and said with a smile, "Tang San, right? As a teacher of the academy, I must remind you that a master is not someone you can just casually acknowledge. Any soul master, regardless of whether they graduated from the academy, can only recognize one master; otherwise, they will be rejected by society. Do you really think that the Master is suitable? Oh, you still have innate full soul power. Unfortunately, your martial spirit is Blue Silver Grass.

My name is Wang Sheng, my martial spirit is the Battle Tiger, and I am the future martial spirit master. I am also the leader here. Kid, what is your name? What is your martial spirit?

As Tang San approached, Wang Sheng instinctively stepped aside to clear the path. Tang San found a bed not far from the entrance and placed his school uniform and books on it.

Tang San also naturally came to a stop, looking up at the master before him. At this moment, observing from a close distance and from below, he noticed that the master's mouth was somewhat large, and his lips were quite thick. He did not speak, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

The master chuckled and said, "You are quite clever for a six-year-old child. However, you still guessed incorrectly"

Tang San's smile gradually faded, "My name is Tang San, not Xiao Sanzi." He would not mind when elders affectionately called him Xiao San, or if it was a term of endearment, it was nothing. However, the so-called leader before him clearly intended to assert his authority.

This time, it was the master who was taken aback, "What are you doing?"

Wang Sheng ignored Tang San's words, "Xiao Sanzi, I am the boss here. From now on, you must listen to me, do you understand?"

Thank you. After receiving the item handed over by Director Su, Tang San performed a bow and turned to leave the Academic Affairs Office

The Tang Sect's teachings on etiquette are exceedingly strict, and having grown up under such education, it has long been deeply imprinted in Tang San's heart.

Not speaking has two layers of meaning: first, it is to avoid hastily rejecting, so as not to offend the master. Second, it is to inquire through action, asking the master, "Why should I take you as my teacher?"

The Seventh Dormitory is also the only dormitory with a mix of ages, where students of all grades and all work-study students reside.

Tang San had just arrived at the entrance of the Seventh Dormitory when he heard the noise coming from inside. The door was open, and he walked to the threshold to look inside

The General Principles of the Tang Sect's Xuantian Treasure Record, Article 3: Determine that the opponent is an enemy; as long as they have the means to take your life, do not show mercy, otherwise you will only add to your own troubles

Wang Sheng raised his hand and gave Tang San a push on the shoulder, causing him to take a few steps back. "I just call you Little Sanzi, what's wrong? Are you not satisfied?"

Tang San's gaze gradually calmed down as he argued, "There are exceptions to everything; why can't I be an exception?"

In Tang San's view, the doorman attacking an old man like Jack, coupled with his malice, already constituted a path to death. At the same time, he was absolutely confident that no one, including old Jack, would discover that the hidden dart was shot by him. Without evidence, who could accuse him of murder? The silent hidden darts of the Tang Sect travel at an extremely high speed, leaving only a shadow, which is certainly beyond the capability of a doorman like him to evade

"Little, oh, no, Tang San, did you just use a soul skill?" Wang Sheng asked tentatively

At this point, as he spoke, his words resonated, yet his eyes sparkled with a fervent light, "Unless you truly wish to have me as your teacher"

Tang San picked up his school uniform and said, "Can you move aside now?"

There is only one dormitory building, making it easy to find. Both the students and teachers of the academy reside here. As Old Jack said, very few can become Soul Masters, especially in a remote city like Notting. The total number of students and teachers in the entire academy is not large, and a single dormitory building is more than sufficient to accommodate them.

"Teacher? I am not a teacher of the academy," the master said lightly, lowering his head to glance at Tang San.

Tang San said: "Is there anything inappropriate, teacher"

As Wang Sheng lunged forward, throwing a punch towards his chest, Tang San did not retreat but instead advanced, stepping forward to meet Wang Sheng. This step placed him directly in front of Wang Sheng, while simultaneously he pulled with his left hand and swept with his right. He executed a simple yet effective maneuver.

Their origins are not noble, yet they possess innate full soul power. This unexpected occurrence is due to the existence of mutated martial souls. Based on my years of research on mutated martial souls, there is no martial soul that can mutate in conjunction with the Blue Silver Grass martial soul. Furthermore, your Blue Silver Grass martial soul is an ordinary one, so I can be completely certain that my judgment is correct

The Academic Affairs Office is located on the first floor of the main teaching building. A teacher who appears to be in his sixties is specifically responsible for receiving new students, assisted by two young teachers under the age of thirty.

Enough, the Master is a friend of the Dean. One should not make arbitrary judgments. Although no one has proven his theories to be correct, no one has proven them to be wrong either. In the world of martial souls, the Master is indeed a well-known figure

A character who is at least a Soul Master apologized to himself, greatly satisfying Old Jack's vanity. He hurriedly waved his hands and said, "No need to apologize, no need to apologize. We are not doing well either. Master, then this child will trouble you. Xiao San, you go in with the Master, but you must be obedient."

But is it really like this

A student who was not much older than Tang San's age looked downcast and said, "We are just work-study students, and our tuition is already waived. Where would we get bedding? We all brought our own from home. If you want, you can use mine first."

Tang San's knee was aimed at his nose. Wang Sheng knew that even without considering Tang San's own strength, just the weight of his own body crashing down like this would likely break his nasal bone. In that instant, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret.

That is not correct, Director. It should be the renowned clown. Everyone merely considers him a joke

As Wang Sheng's hands reached for his shoulders, Tang San similarly raised his own hands, also in a claw shape, meeting Wang Sheng's hands. Both feet pointed inward, knees slightly bent, forming a standard horse stance akin to a clamp sheep posture.

The other students clearly saw Tang San take a swift step forward, and he had already arrived behind Wang Sheng. Without turning back, he bent his right arm and struck Wang Sheng in the waist with his elbow, while at the same time, his right foot was perfectly positioned in front of Wang Sheng's right foot

Upon hearing the term "soul skill," the other students, though intimidated by Tang San's prowess, still gathered around, saying, "Is that really a soul skill? It's so impressive; even Brother Wang Sheng is no match for it"

The three lower floors of the dormitory building accommodate seven large dormitories for students, with each dormitory assigned a responsible teacher

Tang San smiled, gently shook his head, and placed the school uniform in his hand on a nearby bed. Just as Wang Sheng was somewhat puzzled about what he was doing, he suddenly noticed that Tang San in front of him had disappeared

The Seventh Dormitory is a relatively unique presence among these seven student dormitories, with the poorest conditions, specifically designated for work-study students. After all, the academy is not a charitable institution; although the tuition fees for work-study students are reduced, their treatment cannot be as favorable as that of regular students.

Tang San said calmly: "We are classmates, not enemies"

The master patiently explained: "This brings us to the issue of how martial souls are inherited. A person's martial soul is directly related to the martial souls of their parents. The most common situation is that one inherits the martial soul from either the father or the mother. This is known as familial martial soul inheritance. However, there are exceptions, referred to as mutated martial souls. These also originate from the parents' martial souls, but due to certain mutations between the father and mother’s martial souls, the inheritor's martial soul may exhibit mutations, resulting in a new type of martial soul. Mutated martial souls can be extraordinarily powerful, even manifesting innate full soul power. However, the vast majority of mutated martial souls tend to be weaker. Mutated martial souls are akin to the products of consanguineous marriages, where the likelihood of producing an idiot is high, yet there is also the possibility of giving rise to a sage far surpassing ordinary individuals."

Director Su shot a glance at the young teacher beside him and said: "Although the master has a somewhat eccentric personality, from a certain perspective, he is an 'invincible' presence in terms of martial souls. Since your martial soul is also Blue Silver Grass, it wouldn't hurt to take him as your teacher. Alright, that's settled. This is your item, provided free of charge by the academy. You will be staying in Room 7 of the dormitory building. The responsible teacher there will arrange your work as a work-study student. Off you go."

Tang San nodded slightly. Suddenly, he took a step back, increasing the distance between himself and the master. Immediately afterward, he knelt down on both knees and respectfully bowed three times to the master.

The master cast a faint glance at the door of the room and said, "This is the first time, and it will also be the last time. If there is a next offense, you will no longer need to stay." His voice was hoarse yet calm, carrying an undeniable sense of authority.

Although it is merely a junior soul master academy, the requirements for students here are quite strict. Even if a student lives next to the academy, they must reside within the academy to receive uniform management

With the power of the tiger's claw, Wang Sheng had every reason to believe that, with his strength ranking among the top five among the trainees, it should be an easy task to overpower the young man before him

At the moment Wang Sheng exerted his strength, he distinctly felt that the hands, which were clearly a few sizes smaller than his own, were as hard as steel. In almost an instant, he suffered an overwhelming defeat in terms of strength. Tang San applied pressure with both of his thumbs, and Wang Sheng felt a tingling sensation in his tiger's mouth, realizing that his soul power was completely suppressed by the other party. Immediately afterward, Tang San leaped backward while still holding his hand.

Master said: "I am merely a guest here, taking advantage of the food and drink. Like everyone else, you may call me Master. Everyone addresses me this way. I have even forgotten my own name. The certificate from the Spirit Hall states that your name is Tang San, right? Tang San, you must understand that the meanings of 'Master' and 'Teacher' are worlds apart; do not confuse them in the future. Unless..."

The master smiled, a satisfied smile, and bent down to lift Tang San up, saying, "Silly boy, why do you need to bow your head to pay respects to your master? Don't you know this is a courtesy reserved for kings and parents? A simple bow is sufficient."

Soul Skill? This is not the first time Tang San has heard this term, "What is a Soul Skill?"

Aren't you a teacher? Didn't you just say you represent the college?

Upon hearing the conversation inside, Tang San's footsteps paused briefly before he continued to walk outside. A hint of disdain appeared at the corner of his mouth, which was not directed at his newly acknowledged master, but rather at the three teachers in the academic affairs office.

Tang San smiled faintly and said, "So, are you going to give me a show of strength?"

The master is indeed 'invincible', but only in theory. Of course, his theories must also be able to become reality. Director, I still remember that the master had some notion about the top ten core competencies of martial souls. That is simply ridiculous.

Tang San questioned, "Then who are you?"

Tang San nodded, but did not speak

The master placed the proof on the table and said to the elderly teacher, "Director Su, this is the work-study student sent from Shenghun Village this year. Could you please assist him with the registration?"

A complex light flashed in Wang Sheng's eyes, "I apologize for what just happened. Every work-study student who comes here has to face these challenges. We work-study students are already looked down upon by other students, so we must unite. I just hope that you, as a newcomer, can join us in this unity"

The master looked at Tang San's eyes, which were staring blankly at him, and that rigid smile reappeared, "Well, you truly are a clever child"

Is it merely a joke for someone to determine that they possess a twin martial soul and conclude that their other martial soul is exceptionally powerful, based solely on a simple piece of evidence?

Director Su shook his head repeatedly and said with a smile, "No, no. I didn't expect that the master would also take on disciples. However, you are still a student of this academy, and you must continue to abide by the academy's rules and regulations. Do you understand?"

But what about the martial soul

This time, Wang Sheng fell heavily, struggling for half a day before managing to get up from the ground. The look in his eyes as he gazed at Tang San had turned into a mix of shock and anger. After all, he was just a twelve-year-old child, and when faced with someone stronger than himself, fear outweighed impulse.

Raising his right hand, a faint blue light surged from his palm. Tang San demonstrated through his actions to the students in the dormitory that he was not lying.

Although Tang San is small in stature, he can wield the casting hammer nearly a thousand times every day, so how could his strength be ordinary

Tang San knocked on the door, and the children who were speaking immediately turned their gazes towards him. One of the older children looked at Tang San, who was dressed in patched clothing, and walked over to him.

Wang Sheng scratched his head and said, "It is indeed a technique used with the martial soul. However, is your martial soul really Blue Silver Grass?"

The master's hands were soft and dry, feeling very comfortable to hold, which unconsciously instilled a sense of trust in Tang San. Under his guidance, Tang San finally entered the academy.

Tang San revealed a hint of a kind smile on his face, "Hello, I am a work-study student from Holy Spirit Village."

The master halted his steps, standing firm before Tang San, "So, are you willing?"

The master shook his head and said to Tang San: "You can register here by yourself; these teachers will tell you how to do it. I will take my leave now, and I will come to find you later."

Tang San nodded

Tang San waved his hand and said, "No need, thank you. I will find a way myself"

Hearing Tang San's address to the Master, Director Su seemed quite interested, "Young man, you call the Master your teacher? He is not a teacher at our academy"

This is a kick, with a short range of motion but an absolutely powerful burst of strength. Even if Tang San converts more of the kicking force into a push, it remains the same.

"Teacher," Tang San respectfully called out, "Please accept me as your disciple."

Director Su provided him with a standard uniform from the Notting Junior Soul Master Academy, the white fabric appearing very clean. Just after exiting the Academic Affairs Office, Tang San faintly heard the voice of the young teacher who had been speaking inside the office.

Earlier, just as the master before him stopped the doorman from rushing towards him, his left hand had already been raised, and the safety on the sleeve arrow had been disengaged. Had the words of the master before him come a moment later, it is possible that there would have been an additional short arrow at the doorman's throat

The master lowered his head to look at Tang San, a faint smile emerging on his face. The muscles on his face seemed somewhat stiff, and his smile was rather unflattering. He took Tang San's hand and said, "Let us go inside"

My name is Tang San, and my martial soul is Blue Silver Grass

"Are you going to teach me how to cultivate my martial soul?" Tang San asked

Director Su was taken aback, "You have taken the master as your teacher?" His expression was somewhat peculiar, a mix of wanting to laugh yet holding it back.

Theory is invincible? What I need most right now is theory. A master's power cannot be imparted to a disciple; what is imparted is knowledge. These individuals do not even understand this point, and it is surprising that they are teachers at an academy.

Although the Tang Sect is renowned for its hidden weapons, in reality, its grappling techniques are also exceptionally formidable. The brilliance of the hidden weapons has overshadowed this aspect. The "Controlling the Crane and Capturing the Dragon" technique is not only a method of exerting force but also a very domineering grappling technique, with its methods of dislocating tendons and breaking bones being particularly ruthless. Of course, Tang San would not resort to such measures in this situation

The master raised his hand and rubbed Tang San's head like Old Jack, saying, "Gifted and so intelligent, it seems I must be persistent this time. After all, you are the third twin martial soul in a hundred years."

Tang San shook his head, "That is not a soul skill, merely a technique of combat. Do we not have bedding here?"

Martial Soul. He activated the power of the Martial Soul. This thought flashed through Tang San's mind in an instant.

Wang Sheng was clearly enraged by Tang San, his face revealing a hint of ferocity. At this moment, he had already unleashed the power of his martial soul, the Battle Tiger. Although he knew he could not truly harm Tang San, he at least wanted to use his strength to pin down this little brat who had caused him such humiliation.

Tang San still wore a smile, "Could you please make way?"

"What is a mutated martial soul?" Tang San asked.

The customs of Douluo Continent are evidently different from those in Tang San's first life, yet Tang San does not consider his etiquette excessive. He solemnly states: "Once a teacher, always a father. You deserve my kneeling in reverence"