Grandmaster: You're Truly a Clever Child!

Amid the tense atmosphere, the office door suddenly creaked open.

Tang San, the young man who had been anxiously waiting for the Grandmaster in the office, impatiently pushed the door open the moment he heard Yu Xiaogang's voice.

His face was filled with worry and regret as he hurried to Yu Xiaogang's side and carefully supported him, as though afraid he might collapse from weakness.

"School administrator, it was all Blade's and my fault. We acted on impulse and caused you harm. Please, let me, Tang San, support you!" Tang San's voice was full of self-reproach and apology, hurried yet concerned.

"You should have rested longer before coming. Look how weak you are—it's all because we made you worry." Tang San continued, his eyes brimming with sincere concern.

As he spoke, Tang San felt nearly Yu Xiaogang's entire weight pressing against him. It was as if the man had no legs and relied wholly on his support.

Though Tang San felt somewhat disdainful inside, he knew that for the sake of his future studies, he had to take good care of this school administrator, whom he regarded as an important figure.

Tang San suppressed his displeasure and supported Yu Xiaogang with all his strength, while maintaining an expression of respect and concern. His hands gripped Yu Xiaogang tightly, afraid that something might go wrong.

The instant Yu Xiaogang saw Tang San, the terror in his eyes cleared.

Seeing another genius appear at his side with such a friendly attitude, the fear brought by Blade's murderous glare was buried beneath his habitual instinct to avoid things, as though it had never happened.

In his view, Blade truly was an unusual genius with a distinctive personality!

After hearing Tang San introduce himself, Yu Xiaogang distinguished the two of them. He coughed twice before slowly saying, "Ahem, it's fine, it's fine. You're Tang San, right? Come in first. Let's talk."

Yu Xiaogang knew full well that Jack had sent both of them here. Since Blade's personality was difficult to fathom, he decided to begin with the seemingly kinder Tang San and learn more through indirect probing. That would also make it easier to carry out his plans afterward.

Tang San turned to glance at Blade, who stood quietly leaning there like a statue. The corner of his lips curved slightly, forming an almost imperceptible smile.

He was secretly calculating something again. A glint flashed through his eyes as though he were weighing certain benefits, or planning how to make use of the situation before him.

Tang San's mind was like an undercurrent in the deep sea—calm on the surface, yet turbulent beneath.

He nodded lightly and helped Yu Xiaogang into the office. At the same time, he discreetly glanced at Blade from the corner of his eye, seemingly assessing the effect this mortal enemy might have on his plans.

With Tang San's support, Yu Xiaogang slowly sat down in the office chair.

Tang San quickly stood opposite Yu Xiaogang. His face was full of self-reproach and concern, like a child who had made a mistake and was awaiting an adult's judgment, ready to accept whatever punishment came.

Seeing this, Yu Xiaogang could not help feeling gratified. He nodded slightly and praised him inwardly: What a sensible child!

"Don't worry. I didn't come here to punish you," Yu Xiaogang said directly, his tone carrying an elder's tolerance and understanding. "There was a misunderstanding in the middle of all this. I've already explained it to them—it was the gatekeeper's fault. You don't need to worry about being unable to enter the academy."

Yu Xiaogang was full of admiration and a desire to protect such talents. How could he bear to punish them?

Upon hearing this, Tang San secretly rejoiced, nearly unable to contain his delight. Yet his face still showed immense gratitude, as though he had met a lifelong confidant. He silently judged, This Grandmaster is pretty good. At least for now, he doesn't have a Path to Death! He has value!

A grateful smile soon appeared on Tang San's lips. He bowed deeply to Yu Xiaogang and said sincerely, "Teacher, thank you!" His voice was filled with respect and gratitude, as though Yu Xiaogang's tolerance and understanding were an immense blessing to him.

Hearing Tang San's form of address, Yu Xiaogang lightly waved his hand and gently corrected him. "I'm not a teacher at the academy."

Tang San froze at once, his face full of confusion. He could not help finding it both absurd and amusing. I put so much effort into that performance, and this guy is telling me he isn't even a teacher here? The corner of Tang San's mouth twitched involuntarily as he asked in confusion, "That shouldn't be right. The other teachers at the academy all respect you greatly. You should be one of the academy's representatives, shouldn't you?"

Yu Xiaogang smiled faintly and replied in a calm, unhurried tone, "Who says only academy teachers can earn their respect or represent the academy?"

Tang San secretly speculated, Could he be some hidden big shot? He certainly has an impressive air about him. I don't know how he got his status, but his strength really isn't much.

A slightly surprised expression appeared on Tang San's face as he tentatively asked, "Ah, then you are?"

At this moment, Yu Xiaogang slowly exhaled a breath of stale air and humbly said in his detached, uncompetitive tone, "I'm merely a resident freeloading food and lodging here. Like everyone else, just call me Grandmaster." His voice carried an otherworldly indifference, as though he had long seen through worldly fame and profit.

"Everyone calls me that. After so long, I've nearly forgotten my own name." Yu Xiaogang's words held a trace of faint sentiment.

After hearing this, a gleam flashed through Tang San's eyes. He muttered inwardly, He really knows how to put on airs! This Grandmaster sure knows how to strike a pose. Still, if he can freeload food and lodging here while being respectfully called Grandmaster, he's clearly no simple person.

Yu Xiaogang slowly extended his hand and carefully picked up Tang San's Spirit Hall certificate. His gaze revealed the affection and instructive air unique to an elder.

He began laying the groundwork for his upcoming plan to take on a disciple, his tone filled with seriousness and earnestness.

"Tang San, you must understand that the titles 'Grandmaster' and 'teacher' differ as vastly as heaven and earth. In the future, don't call me the wrong one so casually."

Yu Xiaogang's tone held a trace of unquestionable authority without losing its gentleness.

"Unless you sincerely wish for me to become your teacher."

Tang San had always been eager to improve his cultivation. Yu Xiaogang's background and status were precisely what he needed at the moment.

Hearing this, his eyes immediately lit up. A trace of anticipation surged within him as he eagerly asked:

"Are you saying you'll personally guide me in cultivating my martial soul?"

At those words, Yu Xiaogang's eyes shifted slightly. The corners of his mouth, which had been somewhat stiff from the beating, curled upward into a smug smile. He had finally asked the crucial question Yu Xiaogang wanted to hear~

He adopted a strategy of baiting him and tentatively asked:

"Then, are you willing to accept my guidance?"

Tang San barely hesitated before nodding and agreeing on the spot.

To him, if there was a master to learn from, was he supposed to hide such an opportunity away in a forbidden area as some treasure and guard it heavily? He knew opportunities were rare and had to be seized.

Seeing Tang San agree so readily, Yu Xiaogang was secretly overjoyed. He had finally managed to fool a disciple with extraordinary talent!

Unable to stop the grin spreading across his face, he said with satisfaction:

"Good, good. You truly are a clever child who understands the times!"

Yu Xiaogang's words were full of praise, as though he could already see Tang San becoming one of the foremost figures in the martial soul world under his guidance.

And through such a disciple, he too would become famous across the continent!