Soul Land: I Am the True Grandmaster

Chapter 203: Doctor, Surely You Don't Want To…

Nestled in a remote, peaceful area surrounded by natural beauty, the village where Shrek Academy was located had little in the way of material wealth but was also free from many worldly troubles. At the moment, Yu Xiaogang was seated in the courtyard, sipping one of his rare, precious teas.

"Even if Flender's so called academy is poor and rundown, at least there are few people around. If word ever gets out that I'm Tang San's teacher, it could be troublesome in the future," Yu Xiaogang thought to himself, feeling rather pleased.

Tang San's cultivation speed was indeed impressive by the age of twelve, he had already reached the graduation standard for an advanced academy. There was no need for him to attend intermediate or advanced academies when, with Yu Xiaogang's knowledge, he could create a low cost mimicking environment that was sufficient. After a few simple arrangements, Tang San willingly came to this rural Shrek Academy to hone his combat skills, completely trusting Yu Xiaogang without any doubt.

Despite having three Soul Saints on staff, Shrek only had four students: Dai Mubai, Tang San, Shao Tiantian, and Li Jingliu. As for Ning Rongrong, she had left shortly after enrolling. Her talents exceeded even those in the original story, which only intensified her rebellious nature. Flender had thought that as a Soul Saint with Ning Fengzhi's backing, he could PUA Ning Rongrong into submission. However, with recent changes in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, Ning Fengzhi had Ning Rongrong withdraw from Shrek and go to Tianxing Academy instead.

With gods to lean on, why waste time at a second rate Shrek? And as for taming Ning Rongrong's temper? Tianxing Academy was filled with prodigies and nobility, including Ye Wen's children, who were more than capable of putting Ning Rongrong in her place. Here, she could learn what it meant to have mountains beyond mountains and people far stronger than herself. Coupled with guidance from Ning Fengzhi, Ning Rongrong was on the path to reform.

Now Ning Rongrong was working to win Ye Tiantian's favor. There was no quicker way to merge two powers than marriage, after all. Yet Tianxing Academy was on a higher level than the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, so any marriage would have to involve Ning Rongrong joining the Ye family on their terms. And since Ye Tiantian was both handsome and influential, Ning Rongrong, who had a fondness for attractive people, accepted the task without hesitation.

As for her supposed match, Oscar? With so many beautiful girls at Tianxing, Oscar couldn't have cared less about Ning Rongrong anymore. Oscar's infatuation with Ning Rongrong in the original story had stemmed from his humble background, and apart from her temper, Ning Rongrong had embodied his every fantasy and preference.

Half a year ago, Tang San finally broke through to level 30, reaching Soul Elder rank before the age of thirteen. Unfortunately, since he'd damaged his natural talent early on, his first two soul rings were only the best century level rings, just like in his previous life. His second soul ring came from a 600 year old Ghost Vine, just as before. As a result, though Tang San was a gifted cultivator, he wasn't exceptional, and his disadvantage had begun from his very first soul rings.

Although Tang San's first two soul skills were complementary enough to control and restrain opponents, Yu Xiaogang argued that the vine's properties were too ordinary, and any escape would significantly weaken its effect. He suggested that Tang San should enhance the Blue Silver Vine's stickiness to improve its binding abilities. Tang San considered it and agreed. After all, Yu Xiaogang often emphasized that early soul ring skills didn't need offensive power, and Tang San, who had hidden weapons, was in no rush for attack skills.

As for external soul bones? Those were rare treasures, a matter of pure luck. Without his intense pursuit of Xiao Wu, Tang San's chances were even slimmer.

At this moment, Yu Xiaogang was lounging in the sun, feeling lazy. Ever since he'd reached the Soul Emperor rank, his cultivation progress had slowed to a crawl, as it had when he was stuck at level 29, unable to break into Soul Elder. There was no hope of improving his rank further, so all he could do was idly pass the time. Just as he was mulling over new ways to loaf around, he suddenly heard a voice nearby.

"Come inside."

Yu Xiaogang's mood instantly soured, his face turning green. He'd only heard that voice a few times before, but he knew it all too well. Could it be that Tang San's training or his slacking off had been discovered? Surely not. Feeling slightly panicked but unable to defy the situation, Yu Xiaogang had no choice but to head indoors.

Inside, the smell of stale sweat hit him immediately. Tang Hao, still wearing his signature black robe, stood there in the room.

Just how long has it been since he bathed? Yu Xiaogang thought, fighting his nausea as he respectfully greeted him,

"My Lord, what brings you here?"

Tang Hao's expression remained cold as his eyes fell on Yu Xiaogang.

"Shrek is suitable for training, as you suggested, but the environment lacks mimicking capabilities. I want Xiao San to transfer to one of the prominent advanced soul master academies. Shrek has served its purpose; I need Xiao San to reach level 40 quickly I have other plans for him."

Inwardly, Yu Xiaogang cursed,

"If Tang San were a clean slate prodigy, transferring to a renowned academy would be easy enough, even with a bit of a dubious background, if I vouched for him. But he's the son of the continent's most wanted fugitive! If he's exposed, I'll be dragged down with him!"

Yet before Tang Hao, Yu Xiaogang dared not voice his thoughts, fearful that this lunatic would kill him with one blow. He hadn't even had the chance to leave a legacy or return home in honor.

Tang Hao saw Yu Xiaogang's hesitation and asked,

"What's the problem? Are there issues?"

Inwardly, Yu Xiaogang cursed Tang Hao's simplicity. It was obvious, yet he seemed oblivious or perhaps he was feigning ignorance.

"My Lord, Xiao San's background is unique. Advanced academies simply aren't suitable for him," Yu Xiaogang said tactfully.

Tang Hao seemed to realize something and, after a moment, pulled an item from his pocket and tossed it to Yu Xiaogang. Yu Xiaogang glanced at it and froze in shock.

A Spirit Hall Elder's Token?!

How could this be in Tang Hao's possession? While Tang Hao was indeed the current Haotian Douluo, his father must have really doted on him to give him this!

"With this, no advanced academy will refuse Xiao San. I'm sure, Doctor Yu, you can handle this…unless, of course, you'd rather not?" Tang Hao's eyes glinted with a menacing red light, his killing intent clear. Yu Xiaogang's words had clearly touched a sore spot, making him especially displeased.

Yu Xiaogang broke into a cold sweat, his whole body shaking as he stammered,

"Yes…I can handle it."

Satisfied, Tang Hao nodded,

"Good. Then I'll leave this to you. Don't let me down."

In the blink of an eye, Tang Hao vanished from the room, as elusive as a phantom. He'd make an excellent thief, Yu Xiaogang thought grimly.

Slumping back onto his chair, utterly drained, Yu Xiaogang muttered,

"Damn you, Tang Hao, forcing me down a dead end path."

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