My Sword and I Will Prove It All

The headmaster's office door opened, and Qi Dao and his parents instinctively looked over.

A middle-aged man of average build stood there. He looked to be in his forties, with close-cropped hair, thick lips, and an unremarkable face. A cold, weary air hung about him.

Qi Dao recognized him at once.

"Grandmaster" Yu Xiaogang!

In his previous life, Yu Xiaogang hadn't had the best reputation online. Countless jokes had been made about him.

For example:

"There are no useless Martial Souls, only useless Soul Masters."

"I taught a god."

"Xiao San, this Ten-Year Solitary Bamboo is remarkably tough. It's perfect for your Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul."

"Bibi Dong, I, Yu Xiaogang, swear I'll destroy Spirit Hall at any cost."

While Qi Dao's thoughts drifted, Headmaster Hans introduced the newcomer to Qi Dao's parents.

"This is Yu Xiaogang, known as 'Grandmaster.' I invited him here a few years ago as a Guest Elder. He's also a friend of mine."

Hans then turned to Yu Xiaogang.

"Grandmaster, your timing is perfect!"

"I was just about to introduce you to a student who'd be an ideal fit."

The moment Headmaster Hans finished speaking, the expressions on the other four people’s faces in the Dean’s Office became extremely colorful.

First were Qi Dao's parents.

From Headmaster Hans's tone, the couple guessed that he wanted to introduce their son to this "Grandmaster."

To be honest, they were thrilled.

Anyone Headmaster Hans called Grandmaster had to be at least a Soul Ancestor, perhaps even a Soul King.

But then worry crept in. Would someone so important take an interest in their son?

Yu Xiaogang's interest stirred, and he looked at Qi Dao.

At first glance, the boy was handsome, with bright, intelligent eyes. He looked like promising material.

And since Headmaster Hans was his friend, surely a student he recommended would have considerable talent.

At that thought, Yu Xiaogang sighed inwardly.

He had already let more than a decade slip by. If he kept waiting, he feared he would die of old age before the world recognized his peerless theories.

He had to find a suitable disciple soon.

Boy, I like the look of you. If your Innate Soul Power is at least level eight, I'll make an exception and take you as my disciple, Yu Xiaogang thought.

Qi Dao, meanwhile, had only one thought.

Me?

Become Yu Xiaogang's disciple?

No thanks!

Gangzi had made Tang San, who had Innate Full Soul Power, absorb a Ten-Year Solitary Bamboo. What would he do with Qi Dao, whose iron sword came with only Innate Half-Level Soul Power?

Qi Dao didn't dare imagine the consequences!

"Hans, is that the boy's Martial Soul Awakening certificate?"

"Let me see!"

Spotting the certificate in Headmaster Hans's hand, Yu Xiaogang reached out and took it.

Hans smiled. "Go ahead. I think you two will find you have a lot in common!"

"And you can tell he's clever. There's a spark in his eyes."

Qi Dao's parents listened with delight. Every good word Headmaster Hans put in for their son improved his chances of becoming the "Grandmaster's" disciple.

But once Yu Xiaogang read the certificate, even his stiff smile vanished.

He had thought the boy was some kind of genius!

Instead?

He had gotten his hopes up for nothing!

A detrimental Martial Soul mutation and Innate Half-Level Soul Power.

Their experiences were remarkably similar!

But were they really the same?

His Luo Sanpao had mutated from a Tyrant Dragon. This boy's Martial Soul was merely a mutated ordinary iron sword.

Not everyone could reach level twenty-nine with Innate Half-Level Soul Power as Yu Xiaogang had.

This boy named Qi Dao might well spend his entire life stuck at the level-nine or level-nineteen bottleneck.

Hans has gone too far! Yu Xiaogang seethed.

How could Hans send just anyone his way?

If he took Qi Dao as his disciple, what would become of his theories? Who would prove them right?

He might even die a century from now still branded a failure.

Yu Xiaogang could never accept that!

Everyone else noticed the change in his expression.

Qi Dao's parents sighed.

Clearly, the "Grandmaster" had no interest in their son.

Hans froze. He had previously introduced Yu Xiaogang to several gifted children with level-five Innate Soul Power, only for Yu Xiaogang to turn them all down.

Hans had always assumed Yu Xiaogang hadn't taken a disciple because he had yet to meet the right one, not because those children weren't talented enough.

That was why he had thought to recommend Qi Dao when he saw him.

After all, Qi Dao's circumstances were much like Yu Xiaogang's.

If Yu Xiaogang could train Qi Dao, who also had Innate Half-Level Soul Power, the entire continent would surely acknowledge his title of "Grandmaster."

But his expression made it plain that he wasn't satisfied with the boy.

Qi Dao suddenly came back to himself.

How did I forget?

Yu Xiaogang only takes geniuses with Innate Full Soul Power. He probably wouldn't give someone like me a second glance.

Sure enough, Yu Xiaogang said with a blank face and a stiff voice, "Hans, you know I'm devoted to academic research. I have no time to teach a disciple. You'll have to find someone else. I won't take this boy."

The atmosphere instantly turned tense.

Hans gave Qi Dao's parents an apologetic look. "Grandmaster has an odd temperament, and he can be blunt. Please don't take it personally."

They hurried to reply, "Taking on a disciple would be a kindness. He has no obligation to do so. Of course we don't mind."

"Besides, the academy's teachers are excellent. We're sure A Dao will learn things here that will benefit him for life."

The awkwardness eased from Hans's face. "Mingyuan, Wang Rou, take the boy to Director Su to register, then."

Qi Dao's parents had no wish to linger. They led him out.

Once they had gone some distance, Wang Rou stroked Qi Dao's head. "A Dao, don't be discouraged. If that 'Grandmaster' couldn't see your worth, that's his loss. Mom will always believe in you."

She knew her son's talent was lacking, but she was his mother.

She would always believe in him!

Qi Mingyuan smiled too. "That's right. Dad believes in you too!"

"A Dao, prove it to that 'Grandmaster' and to the whole continent!"

"Show them what a great Soul Master you are!"

"Of course!" Qi Dao grinned and pointed to Peerless at his waist, his eyes shining.

"My sword and I will prove it all!"