Master

Soon, they arrived at the gates of Nuoding Academy.

The academy was built on a grand scale. In this Douluo Continent, the status of a Soul Master was quite prestigious, so even a primary Soul Master Academy was rather impressive.

In the blink of an eye, a gatekeeper came out to greet them. Chu Qing handed over his recommendation letter. The gatekeeper took a glance; although the boy before him was young, his features were handsome and his entire bearing was filled with a heroic spirit. Despite his simple attire, it was clear at a glance that he was no ordinary person. Upon seeing the recommendation letter from Su Yuntao, the gatekeeper understood the situation and said, "Young man, follow me."

They quickly reached the academic affairs office. The gatekeeper said, "Director Su, this young man is the one tested two days ago with Innate Full Soul Power, a power-attack type fire Martial Soul, Chu Qing."

Hearing this, the teachers in the room were instantly startled, and their gazes toward Chu Qing shifted with varying expressions. Director Su said to the gatekeeper, "Good, you may return to your post." He then turned to Chu Qing: "Young man, having such talent is no small feat. You must work hard, and the teachers will all assist you. Come, I will take you to the dormitory building."

Director Su quickly helped Chu Qing arrange everything, even waiving his miscellaneous school fees; after all, one might not encounter a case of Innate Full Soul Power even once in a hundred years.

After helping Chu Qing get settled, Director Su took him out for a meal, and the two chatted while walking through the campus.

"By the way, young man, you must choose a teacher to study here. With a teacher's guidance, your studies will be more systematic. I think..."

Before Director Su could finish his sentence, an abrupt voice interrupted him:

"Young man, I'll give you a chance—take me as your master! I have studied Martial Soul theory for decades and am renowned throughout the Soul Master world. When it comes to the study of Soul Power and spirit rings, if I claim second place, no one dares claim first!"

Director Su turned back with displeasure, only to see a middle-aged man with an ordinary face, a wretched stature, and an eager look in his eyes walking toward them while speaking.

Chu Qing also gave him a strange look.

However, the middle-aged man seemed not to notice the shift in atmosphere and continued to speak to himself: "Young man, I have researched Soul Power for decades and summarized the Ten Great Martial Soul Fusion Theories. My research on Soul Power can be called unique. Quickly, release your Martial Soul!"

Yu Xiaogang had just gone to the office today when he heard two other teachers mention that another genius with Innate Full Soul Power had arrived. His eyes lit up instantly, and he thought, I didn't expect to run into two geniuses this year! I must take such a genius under my wing! I will let those in the Soul Master world see that my Yu Xiaogang's theories are by no means empty talk! Thinking of this, he smiled excitedly, asked the two teachers where Chu Qing was, and hurried over.

Chu Qing looked at the man with cold eyes; this must be Yu Xiaogang, the legendary master of theory.

Director Su frowned, but out of respect for his age, he did not snub him to his face. He said, "Xiao Qing, release your Martial Soul! This is the 'Master,' who has some fame in the Soul Master world; you can let him help you with some references."

Chu Qing glanced at the Master and, without saying much, moved his mind to release his Martial Soul.

A mass of black flames rose into the air, and the surrounding air even rose by several degrees, carrying a tyrannical aura.

The Master hurriedly leaned in, licking his lips in excitement as he looked at the Martial Soul. He said, "Although I have studied Martial Souls for decades, I have truly never seen such a peculiar fire-type Martial Soul. It is entirely black, yet carries some unusual aura. However, I can conclude that this is definitely a power-attack type Martial Soul!"

No kidding, who doesn't know this is a power-attack type Martial Soul? Do I need you to tell me? Chu Qing thought, speechless.

The Master did not notice the change in Chu Qing's expression and continued: "It is just that most fire-type Martial Souls focus only on attack; while their offensive power is strong, their defense is too weak, so they cannot be considered top-tier Martial Souls. However, there are no trash Martial Souls, only trash Soul Masters. As long as you listen to me and take me as your master, your future achievements will certainly not be low. Your first spirit ring must be chosen from a Martial Soul with high defensive capabilities to compensate for your lack of defense. I suggest your first spirit ring be a defensive Martial Soul like a Rock Armor Rhino or a Thick-Backed Turtle..."

Hearing this, Chu Qing could no longer hold back. As a power-attack type Martial Soul, the Master's suggestion was actually to choose a defensive type for the first spirit ring? It was utterly ridiculous!

"Master, I do not intend to follow your advice. I have my own plans for my Martial Soul and do not intend to take you as my master!"

The chattering Master froze upon hearing this. He had not expected a six-year-old child to reject the invitation of a dignified "Master" of the Soul Master world! He was so angry that his whole body trembled, the wrinkles on his face knitting into a deep frown. "You brat, do you not know of my Ten Great Martial Soul Fusion Theories?! If you do not listen to me, your Martial Soul will surely amount to nothing in the future!"

"Oh, then I would like to ask, Master: since your theories are so powerful, you must be very strong yourself, right? Could you demonstrate your spirit rings so I can broaden my horizons?"

Seeing Chu Qing poke at his sore spot, the Master turned purple with rage and blurted out, "You, you, you brat! Not only do you refuse to listen to me, but you dare to talk back to your elder! You, you..." He was so angry he couldn't speak.

"Why is the Master so angry? I only wanted to witness the Master's strength," Chu Qing feigned ignorance and asked with a puzzled look.

Director Su had long been dissatisfied with this Master who spent his days scrounging for food and drink, but he hadn't wanted to say anything out of politeness. At this moment, he spoke up: "Xiao Qing, you don't know this, but although the Master is peerless in theory, due to a Martial Soul mutation, he cannot continue to cultivate. His Soul Power is only level 29; he is merely a Soul Grand Master."

"Oh! So that's how it is!" Chu Qing then turned to the Master and said, "But didn't you say there are no trash Martial Souls, only trash Soul Masters? Why are you only level 29?" A look of confusion hung on his youthful face.

Upon hearing this, the Master's old face turned from red to purple, and from purple to black. He spat viciously, "You brat, if you don't listen to me, you will regret it sooner or later! It is just a fire-type Martial Soul; even with Innate Full Soul Power, without my guidance, you will never amount to anything! Hmph!" With that, he didn't care that Director Su was still present, turned around, and flicked his sleeves as he left.

"Take care, Master! I won't trouble a level 29 Soul Grand Master with my affairs!" Chu Qing added a timely jab.

Hearing this, the Master stumbled, nearly falling, before quickening his pace and walking into the distance.

Hmph, to take a Martial Soul like Blue Silver Grass, which has such strong life attributes, and turn its first spirit skill into a motherly binding—he truly lives up to his name as a "Master" of theory.

If he were to listen to him, he would likely never become a god in this lifetime.