Enrollment at Nuoding

Time flew, and three months passed in the blink of an eye. Tomorrow, Tang Xuan and Tang San would leave for the academy.

During those three months, Tang Xuan and Tang San spent the first hammering iron, the second practicing the Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer, and the last tempering their bodies together. Tang Xuan wanted to strengthen their physiques so they could absorb older Soul Rings in the future. Both had lived two lives, so their spiritual power far surpassed that of ordinary people. Moreover, the spiritual energy on the Douluo Continent was abundant, and their cultivation methods had further strengthened their spiritual power. Absorbing Soul Rings beyond the usual age limit required both a powerful soul and a strong physique. With both conditions met, they could absorb over-age Soul Rings.

On the small hillside outside the village.

"Brother, we're leaving tomorrow." Tang San's voice brimmed with reluctance. He had lived here for six years and knew every blade of grass and every tree. Faced with a sudden departure, he could hardly help feeling a sense of loss.

Tang Xuan felt the same way, but he still offered some comfort. "Don't be sad, San. We'll come back. And I believe the two of us will stand at the very pinnacle of this continent and become the strongest Soul Masters." Tang Xuan was not boasting. With their talent and fortune, it was only a matter of time.

The brothers looked toward the distant morning sun in unison. The rising sun was full of hope, and determination shone in their eyes. In the years to come, even when they stood at the pinnacle of the world, they would still look back fondly on these days and the vow two young, inexperienced boys had made beneath the morning sun.

Early the next morning, Old Jack came to collect the brothers. Tang Xuan and Tang San had talked all night, sharing both their reluctance to leave and their dreams of the future. However sorrowful they felt, they still had to go, departing without fanfare. They left Tang Hao a letter and set off.

After half a day's journey, they finally reached Nuoding City. After asking around, they found Nuoding Academy. Just as in the original story, Tang Xuan and the others ran into trouble with the academy's gatekeeper. This time, however, the gatekeeper would not get off as easily as he had in the original. If others left him alone, he would leave them alone; if they crossed him, he would strike back. That was Tang Xuan's rule for dealing with people. He stepped forward, grabbed the gatekeeper, and gave him a vicious beating. At first, the gatekeeper tried to intimidate Tang Xuan with the academy's name, but once Tang Xuan knocked his teeth out, he began begging for mercy. Just then, a middle-aged man dressed in black rushed out and stopped Tang Xuan. This was Grandmaster. Out of respect for him, Tang Xuan let go. If you'd come out a little later, he wouldn't have been so lucky, Tang Xuan thought. With his spiritual power, he had long since sensed someone watching; he simply had not exposed him.

"Sir, leave these two children with me. I'll take them into the academy to register," Grandmaster told Old Jack gently. Seeing the formerly arrogant gatekeeper treat Grandmaster with the utmost respect, Old Jack figured he must be someone of considerable standing. Grandmaster's gentle manner left him overwhelmed by the honor, and he hurriedly entrusted Tang Xuan and Tang San to him. After Old Jack left, Grandmaster led the two into the academy.

On the way to register, Grandmaster's display left Tang San so impressed that he all but prostrated himself in admiration. He knelt on the ground and asked to become Grandmaster's disciple. Grandmaster could hardly have wished for more. He had volunteered to take them to register precisely because he had recognized their talent. In the end, Tang Xuan followed Tang San's lead and became Grandmaster's disciple as well. For low-level Soul Masters, Grandmaster's early instruction was quite good and could provide important guidance.

After they finished registering at the academic affairs office and came out.

"Xuan, San, get some proper rest today. Tomorrow, I'll take you to hunt for Soul Rings so you can continue cultivating. There's no need to attend the opening ceremony. It would only waste your time. I'll arrange leave for you," Grandmaster told them. Beside him, Tang Xuan hesitated, looking as though he wanted to say something.

Seeing him hold back, Grandmaster said, "Xuan, say whatever is on your mind. We're master and disciple now. There's no need to be so reserved."

Tang Xuan sighed. You really are understanding. I'm not being reserved-I'm afraid of dealing you a blow!

After thinking it over, Tang Xuan said, "Teacher, our physiques far surpass those of ordinary people. We can withstand Soul Rings older than the usual limit."

Hearing this, Grandmaster asked in surprise, "Oh? Absorbing Soul Rings beyond the age limit is no laughing matter. How old a Soul Ring do you think you can withstand?"

Tang Xuan considered it and said, "Hmm, at least seven hundred years. Tang San and I are every bit as physically strong as one-ring Soul Masters of the power attack system."

"What? Seven hundred years!" Grandmaster could not help exclaiming at Tang Xuan's words. This contradicted his theories and went beyond the bounds of his understanding.

Grandmaster gave a bitter smile. "If that's the case, I won't be able to help you obtain your Soul Rings." With his strength, he was no match for a seven-hundred-year Soul Beast. There was nothing he could do!

But after lowering his head in thought for a while, he said to Tang Xuan and Tang San, a trace of bitterness in his voice, "Then wait a few days. I'll write to a friend and ask him to come help. Go and rest for now, and come back here tonight. I'll explain some cultivation matters first. We'll discuss the Soul Rings once my friend arrives."

Tang Xuan looked at the somewhat deflated Grandmaster. You told me to speak, so I did, and now you've taken a blow, haven't you? You can't blame me for that.

After leaving Grandmaster's residence, Tang Xuan and Tang San returned to their dormitory. Tang Xuan made his bed, lay down, and went straight to sleep. He wanted no part in what happened next.

Sure enough, just as Tang Xuan had expected, Wang Sheng challenged Tang San next. After Wang Sheng lost, Xiao Wu happened to appear. Fate truly had them tangled in its threads; heaven's unseen will could not be defied. Tang San was forced to challenge Xiao Wu, and just as in the original story, she sent him flying with a grappling throw.

Tang Xuan had not fallen asleep yet. Hidden beneath his blanket, he muttered, "San, don't blame your brother for not helping. That's your future wife. You chose her, so you'll have to take it." Then he pulled the blanket tight over his head.

"I won! From now on, I'm the boss of Dorm Seven, and you all have to listen to me!" Xiao Wu's jubilant voice rang out. The numb human props in the dormitory replied, "Yes, Sister Xiao Wu."

Next came the inevitable: Xiao Wu wanted to share Tang San's bed and pillow.

Sometimes, fate was truly too wondrous for words. Tang Xuan did not want to get involved because he did not want to spoil the beauty of what had originally been. He also understood that his presence was an anomaly. If he altered the rules too much, the world's will might reject him. Until he had sufficient strength, Tang Xuan felt it was better to keep a low profile.