Wager

The smile on Grandmaster's face froze. Several seconds passed before he asked, "Why?"

He was puzzled. Had none of his brilliant theories just now inspired even the slightest admiration in this Child?

Ao Tian suddenly turned serious and said, "In this world, no one is worthy of being my Teacher."

Arrogant! Tang San could not help thinking.

Grandmaster frowned deeply. "Kid, cultivating as a Soul Master is no easy task. With guidance from a renowned Teacher, you can achieve twice the result with half the effort. Moreover, a Soul Master can only take one master in their lifetime, or they will not be tolerated by the world. When it comes to teaching, no one is better than me."

Ao Tian smiled at Grandmaster. "How can you prove that your theories are definitely correct?"

Grandmaster said, "You saw it yourself just now. From a single certificate, I was able to deduce that Tang San possesses Twin Martial Souls. Is that not enough to prove my theories are correct?"

Ao Tian shook his head. "The path of cultivation is filled with endless possibilities. Your theories are only suited to those with mediocre talent. They are useless to me."

"What a big mouth. You only have Innate Full Soul Power, yet you talk as if you're unmatched under heaven and earth," Tang San could not help saying.

Ao Tian glanced at Tang San and said blandly, "With my Innate Full Soul Power, dealing with you would be effortless."

"Is that so? Want to spar?" Tang San refused to back down. He had long disliked Ao Tian's arrogance and conceit.

Especially now that he had taken Grandmaster as his Teacher, Ao Tian's disrespect toward Grandmaster meant that, as his Disciple, Tang San had a responsibility to seek justice for him.

Ao Tian shook his head. "Even if I gave you a hundred years, you still wouldn't be my match."

"Enough, stop arguing. You'll be classmates from now on," Grandmaster said, trying to smooth things over.

He looked at Ao Tian. "How about I make a wager with you? If you lose, you will willingly take me as your Teacher. What do you say?"

Ao Tian grew interested. "Then if you lose, you must admit that your theories have flaws."

"Fine. It's a deal," Grandmaster said with a pleased smile.

"What kind of wager?" Ao Tian asked.

Grandmaster said, "You and Tang San both have Innate Level Ten Soul Power. We'll set a limit of one year. Tang San will receive my instruction. After one year, if either your Soul Power or practical combat ability surpasses Tang San's, you win. Otherwise, I win."

Grandmaster was completely confident. He had even already planned the development path for Tang San's Blue Silver Grass. In a one-on-one fight, Control System Soul Masters were the strongest.

Thus, he believed his theories had already placed him in an invincible position.

He even wondered whether this was a little unfair.

But then he thought that it was for the good of this proud Child, and he felt at ease.

"This wager is interesting. I, Ao Tian, accept it. You two should prepare to Admit Defeat," Ao Tian said.

"Hmph." Tang San could not help snorting coldly.

This Child repeatedly looked down on everyone, and his tone was outrageously boastful. Tang San could not understand what kind of upbringing could raise such an ill-mannered Child.

Grandmaster was in high spirits. This was the happiest day he had had in years. Not only had he accepted the Genius Tang San as his Disciple, but another little Genius was now destined to become his as well.

"Come on. I'll take you to the Academic Affairs Office to register," Grandmaster said with a smile, taking Tang San's hand.

Ao Tian followed leisurely behind them, his gaze sweeping across the academy. The sight of students chasing and playing around stirred something within him.

After so many years, he had never expected to return to a campus one day.

Nuoding Academy was not very large. Its main areas were the teaching building, the sports field, and the Dormitory Building, while the other areas occupied relatively little space.

Academy rules required all students to live on campus. Even those whose homes were nearby had to stay in the academy and submit to unified management.

Before long, Grandmaster led Tang San and Ao Tian to the front of the teaching building.

The Academic Affairs Office was on the first floor of the teaching building, where Teachers were already receiving this year's New Students.

Grandmaster knew the reception Teacher inside. He handed Tang San's certificate to a Teacher who looked to be in his sixties and said, "Director Su, please register this Child."

"Tang San, I still have matters to attend to, so I'll be leaving first. I'll come find you later."

"Alright, Teacher." Tang San nodded.

After Grandmaster left, Director Su reminded him, "Child, that man is not a Teacher of our academy. Don't address him carelessly in the future."

"I've already taken him as my Teacher," Tang San said.

Director Su and the other two Teachers in their twenties all wore strange expressions, as though they were holding back laughter.

"You actually took Grandmaster as your Teacher?" Director Su could not help asking.

"Is there a problem?" Tang San asked in return.

"No, no. As long as you're happy. I'll handle your registration now," Director Su said.

One Young Teacher could not help saying, "Tang San, let me offer you some kind advice. A student can only take one master. Grandmaster is not a Teacher at our academy, and he has never taught any students. I think you should consider this carefully."

"I've already considered it," Tang San said blandly. He had already witnessed Grandmaster's vast knowledge, so naturally he would not give up because of a few words from these people.

Director Su glared at the Youth who had spoken and said, "Your Martial Soul is Blue Silver Grass, so taking Grandmaster as your Teacher is quite suitable. These are your things. You can head to the dormitory now. A Teacher there will arrange things for you."

"Thank you." Tang San took the New Student supplies and turned to leave.

Ao Tian had not gone inside and had stood at the doorway watching the entire time.

Tang San gave Ao Tian a bland look and was about to leave, but faint voices drifting from the Academic Affairs Office made him stop.

"I never thought Grandmaster could actually get a Disciple, hahaha... This is too funny."

"That Child wasn't tricked by him, was he?"

"Who cares? That Child already has a Waste Martial Soul. He's a perfect match for Grandmaster, whose theories are invincible, hahaha... Whenever I think about Grandmaster's Ten Core Competencies of Martial Soul, I want to laugh. Who does he think he is? He's nothing but a clown."

Director Su rebuked them, "Enough. Grandmaster is the Principal's friend, not someone you can criticize however you please."

The room immediately fell silent.

The corner of Tang San's mouth lifted slightly, revealing a trace of mockery and disdain. In his eyes, the people inside were the real clowns.

Could someone who had uncovered the secret of his Twin Martial Souls from a single certificate possibly be simple?

Tang San gave Ao Tian a bland glance and prepared to leave.

It was obvious from his manner that he did not regard Ao Tian as worthy of notice.

Ao Tian immediately found it amusing and said, "Tang San, Grandmaster's theories may not all be correct. And I heard that Grandmaster once worked at Spirit Hall, but he was driven out because he attempted to defile the Saintess—the current Pope."

Tang San stopped in his tracks and whipped around. Two flashes of purple light flickered through his eyes as a faint yet tangible pressure bore down on Ao Tian.

"Apologize!" Tang San stepped forward, his aura surging as his words carried an unmistakable command.

"I spoke the truth. Why should I apologize?" Ao Tian looked at Tang San with interest.

"To insult one's master is like insulting one's Parents. If you don't apologize, I'll beat you until you do. I'll also teach you, an ill-bred Child, a lesson on behalf of your Parents!"

Tang San's aura swelled, his eyes like two sharp swords, brimming with intimidation.

An ordinary Child would probably have been trembling in fear by now.

Unmoved, Ao Tian smiled. "Then go ahead and try."