Theory and Practice

Next, Yu Xiaogang carefully examined Xiaofei's physical condition, including the circulation of Soul Power within his body. He was full of praise for Xiaofei's cultivation speed and methods.

"Xiaofei, could you let me see your Martial Soul? I know this may be rather presumptuous, but based on my understanding of Martial Souls and some knowledge I've gathered over the years, I can offer you some advice that may benefit you in the future," Yu Xiaogang said.

Hearing Yu Xiaogang's words, Xiaofei's eyes shifted as he thought to himself, I've always cultivated alone. I've never had anyone else to compare notes with or learn from. Yu Xiaogang really does know quite a lot of theory. Perhaps his advice could be useful.

So Xiaofei summoned his Martial Soul. The moment Yu Xiaogang laid eyes on it, his face twisted with fury. "Which idiot at Spirit Hall conducted your Martial Soul Awakening? They don't understand anything! Your Martial Soul is clearly a Fire Phoenix. How could anyone call it a Fire Phoenix? This is outrageous!"

Yu Xiaogang carefully observed Xiaofei's Martial Soul, nodding from time to time. Finally, he said, "Your Martial Soul is the highest-tier Fire Phoenix Martial Soul. Based on the traits of a Fire Phoenix Martial Soul, your Innate Soul Power should have been at least rank seven. What is your Soul Power Level now?"

Xiaofei answered, "I should be at rank fifteen. I just broke through a few days ago."

Yu Xiaogang and the Principal both widened their eyes. Xiaofei had possessed rank-eight Innate Soul Power, yet he had already reached rank fifteen in about a year. Yu Xiaogang's student, Tang San, had only just reached rank sixteen, having advanced recently as well. In terms of cultivation speed, Xiaofei's Soul Power cultivation was even faster than Tang San's. One had to remember that Tang San possessed Innate Full Soul Power. This child even knew how to use a Simulated Environment for cultivation. He was simply a cultivation genius. Though his talent did not compare to Tang San's Twin Martial Souls, his future was undoubtedly boundless. If he persevered, he should be able to reach the realm of a Titled Douluo.

Yu Xiaogang said solemnly, "Xiaofei, would you be interested in taking me as your master? With my theoretical knowledge, I can certainly train you into a top-tier expert."

Xiaofei looked at Yu Xiaogang's serious expression, thought carefully for a moment, and replied, "Master Yu Xiaogang, I'm truly sorry. I have my own training arrangements and plans for my future studies. Please forgive me, but I cannot take you as my master."

Hearing Xiaofei's answer, Yu Xiaogang looked deeply disappointed. Still, he eventually said, "If you change your mind, you can come find me anytime. I am the teacher of your classmate, Tang San. Of course, if you encounter any problems in cultivation, you can come ask me at any time."

Xiaofei quickly said, "Thank you, Master. If there is anything I don't understand, I hope you can help clear up my doubts."

In the end, Xiaofei left the Principal's office under Yu Xiaogang's disappointed gaze.

In truth, Xiaofei had felt a brief impulse to become Yu Xiaogang's disciple. If he stuck close to Tang San, becoming a god in the future might be within reach. But when he thought of some of Tang San's future conduct, it all felt rather unreliable. Besides, he too was a transmigrator. Couldn't he forge his own path? There was a saying from the internet in his previous life: Yao Lao exists in the Endless Fire Domain, but Yu Xiaogang is nowhere to be seen in the God Realm. After thinking it over and over, Xiaofei still felt that he had to walk his own path. As a transmigrator, he had his own pride as well.

That afternoon, after Tang San finished studying with Yu Xiaogang, Yu Xiaogang asked, "Xiaosan, do you know Wang Xiaofei from your class? What kind of person is he?"

Tang San thought seriously for a moment before answering, "Wang Xiaofei is from the same village as me. He is about the same age as I am, and we enrolled at the same time. His Innate Soul Power was rank eight. According to what Teacher told me before, he should be considered a genius. Last year, when we returned home together for the New Year, he carried a bundle while walking with Xiao Wu and me. He could completely keep up with us without any difficulty, which shows that his physical condition is excellent. And when I got close to him, I felt as if there was endless explosive force and destructive power within him. It even seemed to restrain my Blue Silver Grass."

Yu Xiaogang nodded. "That analysis is very good. Wang Xiaofei's Martial Soul is a Fire Phoenix, and the flames of a Fire Phoenix truly restrain your Blue Silver Grass. Today, I examined his body and Soul Power. He has already reached rank fifteen, only slightly below you. His cultivation speed is not inferior to yours at all. In fact, it is even a little faster. He currently lives and works in the Blacksmith Shop, where he also meditates. That is indeed a way to speed up cultivation. He is a child with ideas and perseverance. I had originally wanted to take him as my disciple, but he seems to have his own plans for study and training."

Tang San nodded as well. "Xiaofei is someone with his own goals, and he will work hard to achieve them. Once a person like that has set a goal, he will not change it."

Yu Xiaogang nodded. "Xiaosan, you must cultivate even more diligently in the future. I have a feeling that this person may become your lifelong rival. Of course, he may also be your best whetstone."

From that day on, Tang San's attitude toward Xiaofei changed somewhat. Their relationship went from mere nodding acquaintances to occasionally exchanging a few words. When Wang Xiaofei encountered theoretical questions he did not understand, he would also seek Yu Xiaogang's guidance. Though they had not become master and disciple, Yu Xiaogang still answered Xiaofei's questions in great detail. Xiaofei was quite satisfied with Yu Xiaogang's answers and felt that Yu Xiaogang's mind was like a small treasure trove. Although some of his knowledge was limited by his Soul Power Level and could not be studied in depth, it was still highly valuable for reference.

And so, another two years passed. Xiaofei's Soul Power Level rose to rank twenty. At that time, Xiaofei had just turned eight and a half.

According to news from his classmates, Tang San had also reached rank twenty a month earlier. So, after the Principal helped Tang San obtain a Soul Ring, Xiaofei made the same request to the Principal, who readily agreed. He also asked Xiaofei about his requirements. Xiaofei had three main requirements: avian, Fire Attribute, and under one thousand years. After considering it again and again, the Principal agreed.

Ever since Yu Xiaogang and the Principal had questioned him last time, Xiaofei had felt that the Principal also wanted to take him as a disciple. But Yu Xiaogang had been refused at the time, so the Principal had been too embarrassed to bring it up again. Moreover, he understood that this rank-twenty Soul Ring would be the last help he could offer Xiaofei. Given his abilities, he likely would not be able to help Xiaofei much in the future. Rashly taking him as a disciple would instead delay Xiaofei's future growth.

This time, it was still the Principal and Director Wu, but there were no other students or teachers. For Xiaofei's second Soul Ring, the others would be of little help.

Moreover, the Principal had already received information about the location of the Soul Ring Xiaofei needed, so it was better for just the three of them to go.

After a day of travel through the Soul Beast Forest, the three finally arrived near a volcanic region. After feeling their way forward in secret, they saw a huge bird fly overhead.

"This should be a Fire Phoenix, around seven hundred years old. It should be the most suitable Soul Beast for you," the Principal said.

After observing for a day, the three discovered a small valley beside the Volcanic Crater. Many Fire Maple Trees grew in the valley, a place where the Fire Phoenix loved to stay. The next day, they quietly climbed into the Fire Maple Trees and waited to deliver a fatal blow when the Fire Phoenix returned. Sure enough, the Fire Phoenix flew back that evening. The Principal and Director Wu launched a sneak attack and finally severely wounded the Fire Phoenix.

This time, the Principal carefully inspected the Fire Phoenix before shaking his head. "This Fire Phoenix is actually more than eight hundred years old, close to nine hundred. If you absorb it, it will be extremely painful, and there is even a risk that your body may explode."

Xiaofei thought carefully for a moment, then said firmly, "Principal, I am confident I can absorb this Soul Ring. The last one also exceeded the limit. My body should be able to withstand it."

After Xiaofei repeatedly insisted, the Principal finally agreed to his request. At the same time, he said, "If anything truly goes wrong with your body, then even if it risks making future cultivation difficult for you, I will interrupt your Soul Ring absorption."

Xiaofei nodded firmly.

Thus, under the watchful eyes of the two men, Xiaofei began absorbing the nearly nine-hundred-year Fire Phoenix Soul Ring. At first, he felt the same pain as when he absorbed his previous Soul Ring, but this absorption went more smoothly than the last. Two hours later, Xiaofei finally finished absorbing the Soul Ring. At the same time, just like before, he felt a tingling sensation throughout his body. This time, the tingling came from his back. Xiaofei was instantly dumbfounded. Could something this good really happen? Twice in a row, no less.

The Principal and Director Wu exchanged wide-eyed looks. In the end, the Principal spoke first. "Did we just witness history? Two consecutive Soul Rings absorbed beyond the limit. I think Xiaofei's future achievements may be limitless." Director Wu nodded as well. For a genius like Xiaofei, having the school's teachers and leaders help hunt Soul Rings was considered an investment. As long as even one such student repaid that investment, the benefits would be endless. Especially for a genius like Xiaofei, who was clearly destined for great achievements.

The three took a look around the Fire Phoenix's nest. Inside were the corpses of all kinds of Soul Beasts, as well as many human bodies. It truly was an extremely vicious Soul Beast. If they had not launched a sneak attack this time, it would have been very difficult to deal with. Xiaofei suddenly noticed what seemed to be a glimmer of light ahead and said to the Principal, "Principal, there seems to be something on those bodies. I saw a flash of light." The Principal glanced over and was immediately drawn to it as well.

After searching through the corpses, the three determined that there were seven human bodies inside and found three Soul Tools. They opened the three Soul Tools, which contained various clothes, books, and Gold Soul Coins. After counting everything together, they found roughly eight thousand Gold Soul Coins. This was an enormous fortune. After discussing it, the three divided the wealth among themselves, each receiving a storage Soul Tool. Xiaofei's one had a capacity of roughly fifty cubic meters. Xiaofei received two thousand Gold Soul Coins, while the Principal and Director Wu received three thousand each.

After the division, the Principal gave a special warning. "No one can tell anyone about what happened today. Wealth must not be flaunted. Now that we have come into money, do not let anyone know, or it may bring disaster upon us." Xiaofei and Director Wu hurriedly nodded in agreement.

And so, Xiaofei completed this Soul Ring hunt, and the three returned to the school in satisfaction.