Li Shen raised an eyebrow."Why should I limit myself like that? My self-created skills are a result of my own mastery and training. Aren't you supposed to be the Grandmaster? Just give him some self-developed techniques too."
He stepped closer, voice edged with disdain."Or is it true that you can't create even a single original technique? Everything you know comes from Spirit Hall, your clan, or data you've scraped from others—yet you walk around like some legendary instructor?"
Tang San's expression darkened, his fists clenching at his sides."Li Shen, you've won—that's fine! But why insult my teacher?!"
"I'm just stating facts," Li Shen replied coldly. "How ironic… the so-called Grandmaster can't even pass down a single self-created skill to his disciple."
He glanced once more at the Pope Token, then scoffed and turned away."I'm not interested in that token—not when it's wrapped in fragile pride."
He began walking off, but Yu Xiaogang suddenly shouted, "What's wrong? Are you afraid?!"
Li Shen stopped, his head tilting slightly—ominous."If you value your tongue," he said without turning back, "don't speak another word."
Yu Xiaogang fell silent immediately. He had seen it—that flicker of killing intent in Li Shen's eyes. Cold. Unmistakable.
And just like that, Li Shen disappeared down the corridor, leaving the crowd stunned—and the so-called Grandmaster speechless.
Back at the academy dormitory, Li Shen sat on his bed with a sigh, rubbing his temple.
"Alright, system… show me the notifications from defeating Tang San."
A mechanical voice echoed in his mind.
[System Log Displaying…][Congratulations to the Host for defeating Tang San in an official one-on-one match.][Host has received a Protagonist Gift Pack!]
[Opening Protagonist Gift Pack…]
• Purple Demon Eye (Max Level)• Blue Silver Emperor Bloodline (Awakened)
[The Protagonist Gift Pack is now on cooldown (6 years).][Defeat the protagonist again after 6 years to unlock another Gift Pack.]
[Dimensional Archive activated—Congratulations! Host has obtained the Mysterious Jade Hand cultivation technique.]
"Hmm… so I get a gift pack every time I beat the 'protagonist,' huh?" Li Shen mused, scrolling through the Purple Demon Eye technique. "This was one of Tang San's strongest abilities. With my Divine Spirit Body, it'll be even more deadly."
He glanced at his hand, feeling the warm glow of newfound energy."As expected, the Dimensional Archive gave me his Jade Hand technique too—and without a cooldown, which makes it way more efficient."
"But the gift pack's still useful," he muttered, "since it gives me maxed-out abilities directly."
He smiled faintly and turned his attention to the Blue Silver Emperor Bloodline."Interesting... If I absorb this, wouldn't that strip Tang San of his unique advantage? It's a rare inheritance—there can only be one true Emperor at a time."
His grin twisted with amusement. Then, he shook his head."No… it's too weak for me. I don't need it."
With a wave of his hand, a crystalline vial filled with glowing blue liquid appeared—pulsing with the essence of the Blue Silver Emperor.
"Wait… didn't Sisi's youngest sister have a Blue Silver Grass Martial Spirit? And her innate soul power was only level 3?"
An idea sparked in his mind.
"If I give this to her, I can awaken her potential and turn her into a loyal follower."
With a purposeful gleam in his eyes, he left the dormitory and headed straight for the local Spirit Hall branch.
"Brother Sun, where's Sister Sisi?" Li Shen asked, spotting Su Yuntao, who was—as usual—lingering around in hopes of catching Sisi's attention.
Su Yuntao blinked, then answered, "She's inside with Master Ma, reporting on a child she recently recommended after Martial Spirit Awakening."
Li Shen nodded and made his way toward the main hall.
As he entered, a warm voice greeted him."Ah, Li Shen. What brings you here?" Master Ma said, standing up with a smile.
Li Shen returned the greeting politely."Uncle Ma, I came to find Sister Sisi."
"Li Shen?" came Sisi's voice from the side. She stood up from behind a desk, her eyes lighting up."I saw your match! It was incredible! You were amazing!"
Li Shen gave a modest smile."Sister Sisi, my master gave me a reward after the match. But I believe someone else may benefit from it more—your youngest sister. The one with the Blue Silver Grass Martial Spirit. Can you bring her here?"
Sisi's eyes sparkled with excitement. The 'master' Li Shen referred to was, in fact, the mysterious voice guiding him—but he had simply begun calling it "Master" to keep things easier.
"Of course! If it's from your master, then it must be something special. Wait right here—I'll go fetch Bai Xue!"
She hurried out the door.
Elder Ma glanced at her retreating form, then turned back to Li Shen."You'll need to explain what you're planning once she returns."
"Naturally," Li Shen said with a nod.
Moments later, Sisi returned with a small, delicate girl by her side. The child had bright blue eyes, soft features, and long black hair. She hid half-behind Sisi's robes, shy but clearly curious.
"Uncle Ma, this is Bai Xue—my youngest sister. She's seven this year and has spirit power at level 5," Sisi introduced, gently encouraging the girl forward.
Bai Xue gave a nervous bow.
Li Shen looked at her, then turned to Elder Ma.
"The gift I'm offering is the Blue Silver Emperor Bloodline. It's a top-tier plant-type spirit beast bloodline. If she absorbs it, her ordinary martial spirit will evolve into the Blue Silver Emperor, and her potential will skyrocket—she'll gain full innate spirit power."
Elder Ma's eyes widened, stunned."You're giving this away? Are you sure you won't need it? The Blue Silver Emperor is an extremely rare bloodline."
Li Shen waved a hand dismissively."It's weak compared to what I already possess. I have no use for it."
Elder Ma exhaled, shaking his head in disbelief."Perhaps only someone like you could casually call the Blue Silver Emperor bloodline 'weak.'"
Li Shen just smiled and looked at Bai Xue.
The young girl looked up at him, heart thumping in her chest. On the way here, Sisi had whispered that she was about to meet someone extraordinary—Li Shen—and had told her gently but firmly:
From now on, stay by his side. Serve him loyally, even if it's just as a little maid. Your future will change because of him.
And standing before him now, Bai Xue couldn't help but believe it.
****
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