Grandmaster Appears, New Mission: Become Grandmaster's Disciple!

Hearing the voice, everyone could not help but turn around. A somewhat thin, medium-built man with short black hair was slowly walking over.

The man looked to be around forty or fifty. His hair was cropped extremely short, almost a buzz cut. His features were ordinary but upright, and he wore a scholar's robe with a black background and white patterns. With his hands behind his back, he carried an air of refinement that made him seem quite extraordinary at a glance.

"Ding! The system has detected Yu Xiaogang, a key figure of the Douluo Continent, who can play an important role in the Host's growth. Please become Yu Xiaogang's disciple. Upon completion, you will receive one Silver Rank Lottery opportunity."

As the man appeared, the system's voice suddenly rang out in Bai Ge's mind.

"Grandmaster!"

Seeing the Grandmaster, and noticing that Bai Ge had stopped fighting, the gatekeeper's bruised, swollen pig-like face immediately lit up with delight. Sniffling and crying, he scrambled and crawled his way over to the Grandmaster.

"What happened just now? How did you end up like this?"

Seeing the gatekeeper in such a state, the Grandmaster frowned.

"It was like this, Grandmaster. These people bullied me. You must uphold justice for me..."

Hearing the Grandmaster's question, the gatekeeper immediately put on a miserable expression and began twisting the truth. He claimed that he had merely wanted to inspect Bai Ge's Martial Soul certificates, but Bai Ge had refused to show them and had even relied on his status as a Reserve Soul Master to beat him up. He said that, because Bai Ge was young and also a Reserve Soul Master, he had no choice but to endure it, only to be beaten into this state.

With his words, he pushed every bit of blame onto Bai Ge, making Grandpa Jack beside him so furious that he nearly jumped up and down.

"N-No, that's not what happened!"

Grandpa Jack said indignantly.

"Grandpa, don't be angry. I believe this Sir will handle this matter fairly and won't be deceived by certain petty people."

While comforting Grandpa Jack, Bai Ge shot the gatekeeper a glance.

"Is that really what happened?"

After listening to the gatekeeper, the Grandmaster showed no reaction. He merely looked at him calmly and asked.

"Yes, it really happened that way!"

Naturally, the gatekeeper nodded repeatedly.

"Hmph! Do you think I'm an idiot? To enroll in a Soul Master Academy, Martial Soul certificates must be presented. Why would they refuse to show them to you? And since you said they never showed you their certificates, how did you know they were Reserve Soul Masters? You can't even lie properly, yet you want to twist the truth in front of me. It seems my old friend has been far too lax in managing this academy, allowing trash like you to enter! Tell me what really happened, now!"

Hearing that the gatekeeper was still trying to distort the facts, the Grandmaster grew angry.

"I... I'll tell you. It was all because I was blinded by greed..."

Realizing that the Grandmaster had seen through his lies, the gatekeeper immediately broke out in a cold sweat. With a thud, he dropped to his knees and lowered his head as he began recounting what had truly happened.

"Hmph! You piece of trash who looks down on others! You deserved that beating. If you had encountered a hot-tempered Soul Master, even killing you would have been no more than you deserved. But heaven cherishes life, so considering that you have worked diligently as Nuoding Academy's gatekeeper for four years, I'll spare your life. Still, while the death penalty may be avoided, punishment cannot be escaped. This is my old friend's academy, and it has no room for trash like you. Leave on your own."

The Grandmaster said coldly.

Hearing the Grandmaster's words, the young gatekeeper lowered his head weakly, filled with regret.

"Sir, may I see the Spirit Hall certificates for these two children?"

After punishing the gatekeeper and hearing his account, the Grandmaster learned that Bai Ge and Tang San both possessed Trash Spirits yet had Innate Full Soul Power, and he could not help but grow curious.

From the young gate guard's actions earlier, Grandpa Jack had also guessed that the Grandmaster held no low position within the academy. Hoping to leave a good impression on him so that his grandsons Bai Ge and Tang San could have an easier time at the academy, Grandpa Jack hurriedly handed over the two certificates in his hand.

Taking the certificates, the Grandmaster lowered his head and examined them carefully.

"Martial Soul: Wisteria. Martial Soul: Blue Silver Grass. Both actually have Innate Full Soul Power..."

The Grandmaster muttered softly to himself as his gaze swept back and forth over Bai Ge and Tang San.

"Grandmaster, how is it?"

Once the Grandmaster had finished reading the certificates, Grandpa Jack hurriedly asked.

"The certificates are genuine. These two children indeed have the qualifications to become Soul Masters. Sir, did you truly bring these two children here to enroll at Nuoding Academy? If so, leave them to me."

Looking at Grandpa Jack, the Grandmaster spoke very seriously.

"Yes, I truly came to enroll the two of them at Nuoding Academy. Then, Grandmaster, I'll leave these two children in your care."

Grandpa Jack had naturally come to enroll Bai Ge and Tang San at Nuoding Academy, so he hurriedly replied.

"Oh, right, Grandmaster. Xiao San is a Work-Study Student. Our Sacred Soul Village happens to have one Work-Study Student spot at Nuoding Academy this year. As for my grandson Bai Ge, this is his tuition fee."

After speaking, Grandpa Jack seemed to recall something. As he spoke to the Grandmaster, he took a money pouch from In His Arms and handed it over. Inside was Bai Ge's tuition fee.

"Alright, Bai Ge, and Xiao San, Grandpa is leaving. Remember to listen to your Teachers at the academy."

Before leaving, Grandpa Jack reluctantly rubbed Bai Ge and Tang San's heads. Only after giving them his instructions did he slowly depart, leaning on his cane.

"Alright, I'll take you inside."

Only after Grandpa Jack's figure disappeared before Nuoding Academy's Main Gate did the Grandmaster speak to Bai Ge and Tang San, who were both somewhat lost in thought.

Following behind the Grandmaster, Bai Ge and Tang San slowly entered Nuoding Academy.

As they walked along the academy roads, Trees Forming Shade surrounded them, while flowers and grass grew in abundance. Everywhere was filled with vibrant life.

"Grandmaster, are you a Teacher at the academy?"

The journey had been silent, and seeing that the atmosphere was becoming too quiet, Bai Ge recalled his mission and could not help asking.

"I am not."

The Grandmaster Shook His Head.

"Then you must be one of the academy's leaders?"

Tang San asked from the side.

"You are wrong as well."

The Grandmaster Shook His Head again.

"I am merely a resident here who freeloads on food and lodging. Otherwise, they would not call me Grandmaster. The reason they call me Grandmaster is precisely because I am not a Teacher at this academy. Grandmaster and Teacher are two entirely different words, so don't confuse them. Unless..."

The Grandmaster's tone shifted.

"...you are willing to become my disciples and let me teach you how to cultivate your Martial Souls. Then, naturally, you may call me Teacher."

The Grandmaster suddenly stopped walking and turned to look at Bai Ge and Tang San, his eyes burning with intensity.

Hearing the Grandmaster's words, Bai Ge lowered his head without speaking. Tang San also froze for a moment and fell silent.

Seeing this, the Grandmaster tugged at the corner of his mouth and looked at the two with an odd smile. For a moment, the atmosphere became somewhat tense.