Tang San was stunned.
Even after using every connection, they had not managed to uncover a single piece of information about Lin Yi?
Just how mysterious was he?
Yu Xiaogang did not notice Tang San's shock and continued talking to himself. "There are only two possibilities in this situation."
He turned back to Tang San. "First, his parents may already be dead, so they left behind no records."
"And the second?" Tang San asked.
"Second." Yu Xiaogang stopped walking and turned to face Tang San. "His identity is far from ordinary, but someone deliberately fabricated it, allowing him to enter the academy as an ordinary Work-Study Student."
Tang San's gaze sharpened abruptly. "What would be the purpose of doing that?"
"That is exactly what I want to find out." Yu Xiaogang sat back down in his chair. "Is a six-year-old child truly worth going to such lengths to conceal?"
"Teacher," Tang San suddenly said, "do you remember what happened during the Year-End Competition? Everyone paid particular attention to Lin Yi."
Yu Xiaogang nodded. "I remember. What happened that day was indeed strange, but thinking about it now, it may have been related to Lin Yi's identity. If he had some unknown background, then it would not be surprising if certain people in the academy knew something beforehand."
That explanation seemed plausible, but Tang San still felt that something was off.
If Lin Yi really had a background, why would he become a Work-Study Student?
Why would he endure the academy's impoverished life?
Moreover, judging by his conduct, he lacked the arrogance of a child from a prominent family. Instead, every aspect of him revealed caution and restraint.
Tang San guessed, "Teacher, could Lin Yi have been sent by some major power?"
"That possibility cannot be ruled out." Yu Xiaogang sighed. "But his behavior does not fit that theory. If he had truly been sent by some force, he should have kept a low profile and infiltrated quietly. Yet he draws attention everywhere he goes."
If Lin Yi had heard that, he definitely would have coughed up blood on the spot.
Come on, I'm already keeping a very low profile.
But I have no idea why they pay so much attention to me.
To the point that even the female lead has strayed from the original plot...
But Yu Xiaogang and Tang San did not know any of that. All they saw was that Lin Yi was highly conspicuous.
He attracted even more attention than Tang San, who possessed Twin Martial Souls and the secret arts of the Tang Sect.
"Yes." Tang San also found it strange. "His behavior... how should I put it? It is as if he deliberately follows certain rules, yet breaks convention without even seeming to notice."
He remembered it clearly. During the Year-End Competition, Lin Yi's actions had far surpassed those of children his age, yet in daily life, he pretended to be weak and easily bullied.
That contrast was truly impossible to figure out.
Yu Xiaogang frowned slightly and fell into thought. "In that case, the secrets Lin Yi hides may be far more complicated than we imagined."
After a pause, he continued, "Perhaps he acts this way to test the academy's limits. Or perhaps he is waiting for some opportunity."
"Waiting for an opportunity?" A trace of confusion flashed through Tang San's eyes, but a thought crossed his mind. Could Lin Yi be targeting him?
The thought sent a chill down his spine.
Twin Martial Souls were his greatest secret. Aside from his father and teacher, no third person should know.
But if Lin Yi truly knew something...
Tang San asked quietly, "Teacher, how do you think we should respond?"
"Wait." Yu Xiaogang sat down again. "Lin Yi will reveal a flaw sooner or later."
"What about Xiao Wu..."
"Let things take their natural course with Xiao Wu." Yu Xiaogang cut him off. "Remember, on the path of a Soul Master, strength is the foundation. As long as you are strong enough, what is meant to be yours will eventually be yours."
Tang San lowered his head without saying anything.
But Yu Xiaogang could sense that his disciple had not fully accepted his advice.
"Enough." Yu Xiaogang changed the subject. "You have just returned to the academy. Get some rest. Starting tomorrow, I will create a new training plan for you."
Tang San rose to his feet, respectfully bowed, then turned and left.
After walking out of Yu Xiaogang's room, Tang San's thoughts remained in turmoil.
Just then, however, a familiar voice came from ahead.
"Lin Yi, where do you think we should go play tomorrow? I heard there is a Flower Valley outside Nuoding City that is really beautiful. Want to go tomorrow?"
It was Xiao Wu's voice, clear and lively.
Then came Lin Yi's answer. "We'll talk about tomorrow tomorrow."
Tang San's footsteps came to an abrupt halt.
He looked up and saw Lin Yi and Xiao Wu walking over from the direction of the academy gates.
They walked side by side. Xiao Wu held a candied hawthorn skewer in her hand, eating as she chatted about something.
The setting sun stretched their shadows long, and they looked... unexpectedly harmonious.
Tang San's fists clenched involuntarily.
He stood where he was and watched the two draw closer.
Lin Yi noticed him first. His steps paused slightly, and a hint of surprise appeared on his face. "Tang San? Long time no see."
What bad luck, running into him here?
But judging from that expression, he doesn't seem to be in a very good mood.
Well, makes sense. Tang Hao left without saying goodbye, so he became an orphan again. Of course he wouldn't be happy.
"Pfft!"
Hearing the word "orphan," Xiao Wu could not help laughing.
But she quickly composed herself, looked at Tang San, and politely nodded. "Little San, long time no see."
The way she called him "Little San" was courteous yet distant, making Tang San feel as though he had been pricked by a needle.
He took a deep breath and forced out a faint smile. "Yeah, I just got back. Did you two... go out to have fun?"
"Yep." Xiao Wu nodded and waved the candied hawthorn skewer in her hand. "Lin Yi took me to eat lots of delicious food."
As she spoke, she turned and smiled at Lin Yi.
That smile was bright and natural, but to Tang San, it was especially painful to see.
Lin Yi sensed that the atmosphere was off and muttered inwardly.
The original female lead is acting intimate with me right in front of the male lead?
This is so awkward I could dig out a three-bedroom apartment with my toes.
Better get out of here. I don't want to become cannon fodder.
"Um... we just got back, and we still have some things to do. We'll head back to the dorm first." As Lin Yi spoke, he walked around Tang San toward the dormitories.
Xiao Wu nodded and naturally followed behind him. As she passed Tang San, she did not even pause.
Tang San's heart ached again, and he instinctively called out, "Xiao Wu."
Xiao Wu stopped and turned back to look at him. "What is it?"
Tang San opened his mouth, only to realize that he did not know what to say.
Should he ask why she had grown distant from him?
Should he ask why she had become so close to Lin Yi?
Saying such things would only make him seem even more petty.
"Nothing." Tang San finally shook his head. "Get some rest early."
Xiao Wu murmured in acknowledgment, then turned and caught up with Lin Yi. The two disappeared side by side at the end of the small path through the dormitory area.
Tang San stood there, watching their backs, his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white.
He did not understand.
He was clearly stronger than Lin Yi, more outstanding than Lin Yi. Why would Xiao Wu choose him?
Was it just because Lin Yi was better-looking than him?
Tang San took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down.
His teacher was right. On the path of a Soul Master, strength was the foundation.
As long as he became strong enough, everything would return to normal.
Before you continue