Meanwhile, in Tang San's room, he was sitting cross-legged on the bed, trying to calm the turmoil in his heart through cultivation. However, Lin Yan's incomparably sharp Blue Silver Grass and his words "Long time no see" kept recurring in his mind like a nightmare.
"Why... how could it be him..." Tang San muttered to himself, his brows furrowed. "Half-level Innate Soul Power, how could he cultivate faster than me? What kind of mutation has occurred in his Martial Soul? My teacher's research records have never included such a peculiar Plant-type Martial Soul form..."
He recalled Lin Yan, who always kept to himself back at the Nuoding Academy. At that time, although he was also considered to have a " Trash Martial Soul," he had a sense of superiority because of his Innate Full Soul Power and the Mysterious Heaven Skill, which allowed him to cultivate at a relatively fast pace. But in just a few years, the situation had completely reversed.
This stark contrast intensified Tang San's sense of defeat and stirred a deep, inexplicable jealousy. He had always believed that his Blue Silver Grass, after absorbing the Mandala Snake's Soul Ring, had embarked on the correct path of powerful offensive Control System, with limitless potential. But Lin Yan's Blue Silver Grass displayed a completely different, more aggressive, and sharper evolutionary direction, seemingly telling him that his path was not the only one, and perhaps... not the strongest.
"Teacher is right, the world of Martial Soul is indeed full of mysteries." Tang San took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down.
He developed an extremely strong interest in Lin Yan's Mutated Martial Soul, as well as a desire to surpass and prove himself that he himself was not fully aware of.
The following day, after initial communication, Flender and Yu Xiaogang, along with the Shrek Seven Devils, formally met with Qin Ming, the leader of the Imperial Fighting Team, and expressed their desire to join the Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
Qin Ming, a former student of the Shrek Academy, held Flender in high esteem. Upon learning that his teacher was willing to lead his juniors to join the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, he was overjoyed and did his utmost to facilitate the move.
On Yu Tianheng's side, although he had some reservations about the Shrek Seven Devils ' performance yesterday, out of respect for his uncle Yu Xiaogang and recognition of Tang San and the others' potential, he welcomed them and promised to do his best to get the best treatment from the academy.
The atmosphere of the talks was generally harmonious, and both sides reached a preliminary agreement: all teachers and students of the Shrek Academy will become part of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy through "borrowing" or "merging" and will enjoy all the academy's resources.
The specific arrangements will be finalized after we arrive in Heaven Dou City and meet with the three education commissioners.
After the matter was settled, everyone dispersed to prepare. However, Yu Xiaogang found an opportunity to call Lin Yan, who was about to leave, aside.
"Young friend Lin Yan, please wait a moment." Yu Xiaogang forced a smile that he thought was kind, but was actually a little stiff.
Lin Yan stopped and turned around. Seeing it was Yu Xiaogang, a barely perceptible flicker of understanding crossed his eyes. His expression remained calm as he nodded slightly. " Grandmaster, is there something you need?"
Yu Xiao coughed lightly, adjusted her glasses, and tried to make her tone sound calm and academic, " Lin Yan, do you still remember me?"
"That's natural, Grandmaster. Is there anything I can help you with?"
"Your Martial Soul yesterday was truly astonishing. For Blue Silver Grass to possess such a form and power is nothing short of a miracle. As far as I know, you awakened ordinary Blue Silver Grass at the time, and your Innate Soul Power was only half a level. I wonder... could you please tell me when and under what circumstances your Martial Soul underwent such a beneficial mutation? This is of paramount importance to my research on Martial Soul Theory."
Although his words were polite, the condescending tone, which carried a sense of scrutiny and research, made Lin Yan frown slightly.
Lin Yan looked at Yu Xiaogang, Grandmaster who seemed authoritative in theory but was actually trapped in his own limitations. He smiled faintly, a hint of detachment in his smile, " Grandmaster, the Martial Soul Mutation of Soul Master's Martial Soul involves personal privacy and opportunities, so please forgive me for not being able to discuss it in detail. As for theory... practice is the only criterion for testing truth, isn't it? There are countless Martial Soul in the world, and there will always be those that transcend the scope of current theory."
His words, neither humble nor arrogant, were like a needle, precisely piercing the most sensitive and vulnerable spot in Yu Xiaogang's heart—his theory of " Ten Core Competencies of Martial Soul " had developed huge cracks in the face of Lin Yan's living example.
Yu Xiaogang's expression instantly turned somewhat unpleasant. He suppressed his displeasure and continued, "Of course, personal opportunities are indeed important. But I believe that if we could systematize and theorize the causes of this mutation, it might help more Soul Master like you who once possessed Trash Martial Soul but harbored dreams. This would be a meritorious act. After arriving at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, I hope we can have an opportunity for in-depth exchanges. Perhaps under my guidance, we can more clearly understand the Martial Soul Evolution."
He still tried to maintain his airs of a "theoretical Grandmaster," and his words even carried a hint of "I'll guide you."
Upon hearing this, Lin Yan's lips curled into a barely perceptible sneer. Guidance? Did he need guidance from someone stuck in level 29, whose theories had been refuted by reality?
"I appreciate your kindness, Grandmaster." Lin Yan's tone remained calm, yet carried an undeniable refusal. "I will walk my own path. As for helping others... perhaps I will consider it after I truly understand the mysteries within myself. Farewell."
After saying that, he didn't give Yu Xiaogang a chance to speak again. He nodded slightly, then turned and left, heading towards Ye Lingling and Dugu Yan who were waiting for him not far away.
Watching Lin Yan's departing figure, Yu Xiaogang froze on the spot, his face turning pale and then red.
He hadn't expected Lin Yan to be so disrespectful, rejecting him so decisively. The feeling of being slighted and ignored filled him with intense humiliation and anger.
"Hmph, ungrateful wretch!" Yu Xiaogang cursed inwardly. "Just because you got lucky with some opportunities, you're already so arrogant! Once we get to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, I'll have plenty of time and opportunities to dig out all your secrets!"
He attributed Lin Yan's rejection to the arrogance and shortsightedness of a young man, which further strengthened his resolve to utilize the resources and environment of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy and to make Lin Yan a key "research subject".
Meanwhile, Ye Lingling looked at Lin Yan as he walked back and asked softly, "What did that Grandmaster want with you?" She was perceptive and could sense the unsettling scrutiny emanating from Yu Xiaogang.
Lin Yan smiled and said casually, "It's nothing, just some old clichés about Martial Soul Theory. Some people always try to fit everything unknown into a fixed framework. When it doesn't fit, instead of reflecting on the problem with the framework, they try to force the unknown into it, or... appropriate it to repair their crumbling framework."