Chapter 61: Watching the Battle
Lin Bai remained silent, though inwardly, he was speechless. He simply nodded in response.
Recruiting talented students was just a side matter—Flanders hadn't forgotten the real reason they had come to Notting Academy. His sharp gaze settled on Tang San, studying him carefully.
"Twenty-level soul power, not bad. Mubai must have told you who I am. Take us to your teacher."
"Senior, please follow me."
Tang San immediately thought of the Soul Saint friend his teacher had mentioned. He hadn't expected him to come so soon. With that thought in mind, he led the way while Flanders and the others followed. Along the way, Flanders asked about Yu Xiaogang's current situation.
When he heard that Yu Xiaogang explored the dungeon daily, Flanders sighed, a bitter smile appearing on his face. "Xiao Gang is still as determined as ever. The dungeon's appearance is a blessing for him."
Lin Bai listened quietly, saying nothing. However, the Shrek members kept glancing at him. While they were curious about the platinum dragon flying beside him, they were more shocked after hearing from Ma Hongjun about Lin Bai's soul power level.
Not only did he possess a powerful profession and a dragon mount rivaling a Soul King, but he was also an incredibly talented Soul Master. Why did he get all the good things?
Although Dai Mubai and Oscar weren't exactly jealous, they couldn't help but feel a little unbalanced. The arrogance that came with being a genius had dimmed somewhat.
The students' whispers weren't hidden from the teachers either. Naturally, the masters at Shrek Academy had heard everything and were just as shocked. They exchanged glances, suddenly feeling that the seemingly ordinary Notting Academy was more mysterious than it appeared.
The group arrived at the teachers' dormitory. Tang San knocked on the door.
"Teacher, Dean Flanders is here to see you."
There was no immediate response, but Lin Bai's keen senses picked up a shift in the breathing inside. Yu Xiaogang had obviously heard but hesitated to answer.
After a moment, the door opened, revealing Yu Xiaogang. The hope of growing stronger had long erased his past depression. His white hair was beginning to regain its color as his attributes improved, though the marks of time remained on his face.
"Boss Fu, you're still the same as ever."
Yu Xiaogang looked at the energetic Flanders, emotions mixed in his eyes. If this had been the past, he wouldn't have wanted to meet him. But with Tang San and the dungeon giving him new hope, he felt much more at ease.
Flanders smiled genuinely. His gaze swept over Yu Xiaogang's white hair and the books filling the room. "Still the bookworm, I see. We just came out of the dungeon and haven't touched anything yet. Let me treat you to a meal. We can talk while eating."
Zhao Wuji muttered under his breath, "I've been teaching at Shrek for over ten years, and I've never seen this guy treat anyone."
Beside him, Ma Hongjun nodded in agreement. He had once begged Flanders for some funds to deal with his evil fire, only to be rejected outright. It was only in the past three months that the man had become slightly more generous.
Flanders' face darkened. "Old Zhao, it's been a while since we sparred. You must've improved since becoming a professional. Do you want to test your skills today?"
Zhao Wuji's expression stiffened. He quickly waved his hand. "No need! No need! We have important matters to discuss. Every day wasted is experience lost. Let's not waste time on me!"
Flanders snorted and turned away, vowing to find a chance to teach Zhao Wuji a lesson. It wasn't about being stingy—the academy had always been poor—but there was no need for Zhao to expose him in front of Yu Xiaogang.
Yu Xiaogang didn't dwell on it. His small dormitory wasn't suited for so many guests, so he agreed, and the group headed to the cafeteria.
On the way, Yu Xiaogang noticed Lin Bai and the others. He was momentarily confused but quickly reasoned that Flanders must have his eye on recruiting Lin Bai. Though he had failed to take Lin Bai as a disciple, he hoped Flanders could succeed.
During the meal, Lin Bai remained deep in thought. When Zhu Zhuqing shot him a questioning look, he simply shook his head without explaining.
Though his spiritual power couldn't sense anything, his Mentalist abilities allowed him to extend his senses, like an invisible hand feeling the surroundings. Through this, he realized that someone else was nearby—a presence as heavy as a mountain.
Tang Hao.
Lin Bai's heart trembled slightly. He immediately made a few guesses. Tang Hao had never been far away. He was likely watching over Tang San from somewhere in Notting City.
With the world's changes, things weren't as simple as before. If Tang Hao still viewed the world through the lens of ten years ago, unexpected accidents could occur. Thus, he hadn't sought revenge against the Spirit Hall yet. Instead, he continued suppressing his hatred, silently protecting Tang San.
"If I had let Xiao Wu graduate early, things might have become dangerous." Lin Bai mused. "Tang Hao dotes on Tang San, but Xiao Wu is a transformed hundred-thousand-year-old soul beast. No matter how much he cares for his son, he wouldn't ignore such an opportunity to create a future Titled Douluo."
Yu Xiaogang and Tang San were both deep in thought as Flanders explained the changes in the Soul Beast Forest. They knew that such shifts carried great dangers but also immense opportunities. The question was—did they have the strength to face the storm of this new era?
Flanders cut through their thoughts. "Xiao Gang, thinking too much won't help. This is a new age for Douluo Continent. We can shelter the children for now, but in the future, they'll have to walk their own paths. You already know these three kids. Why not let your disciple spar with them? As long as I'm here, no one will get hurt."
Yu Xiaogang glanced at Tang San. The two exchanged a silent understanding before Yu Xiaogang nodded.
"Xiao San, pick your opponent."
"Yes, Teacher."
Tang San had never been afraid of battle. His profession, Shura Soldier Master, emphasized fighting and killing. The more he fought, the stronger he became. At the same level, few could match him.
He looked at Oscar, then Ma Hongjun, before stopping at Dai Mubai.
Dai Mubai chuckled. "You chose me? Let me warn you—I don't hold back. My profession is fierce and brutal."
Tang San's gaze remained calm, as still as a deep lake. "That's fine. Do your worst."
Dai Mubai's smile faded. His eyes sharpened. "Alright, let's see what a disciple of the master can do."
Tang San frowned slightly. He disliked anyone speaking about his teacher, a habit formed at Notting Academy. His sharp hearing had caught countless whispers from students belittling Yu Xiaogang.
His expression turned cold. "Tang San, twentieth-level Grandmaster, Martial Spirit: Blue Silver Grass."
Blue Silver Grass wrapped around his arm. Compared to before, its leaves now had faint red lines, radiating an aura sharp like a divine weapon.
Dai Mubai became fully serious. He had learned a lot in Soto City. Since the rise of adventurer professions, even mediocre martial spirits could achieve great potential. Blue Silver Grass could be one of them.
He also knew that if Tang San reached Titled Douluo status, the world would attribute it to his profession, not Yu Xiaogang's theories.
Dai Mubai exhaled deeply. "Dai Mubai, thirtieth-level Soul Elder, Martial Spirit: White Tiger."
Dark energy clung to his fists as his White Tiger martial spirit took over. But this wasn't just a noble and majestic beast—it had become more feral, an evil predator exuding bloodlust.
His profession, Nether Monk, was the perfect complement to his martial spirit.
Tang San quickly assessed the situation. A direct clash wasn't wise. He had to restrict Dai Mubai's speed and wait for an opportunity.
His soul power surged. Two thick Blue Silver Grass vines emerged—his first soul skill.
Blue Silver Binding!
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