"Teacher, you overpraise me."
Han Li did not think of himself as a genius, even if Guang Ling seemed a bit out of character.
He knew very well that he was not a genius. He was nothing more than a top student from a second-tier university, and that too in the liberal arts. Back in his previous life, he was always on the brink of unemployment. It was only in this world of Douluo, where wisdom was a common trait, that he seemed somewhat outstanding.
"It seems the people from the sub-hall were right when they said you liked reading various books a few years ago. How did you come up with such a way to develop your Martial Soul? No one taught you this, did they?" Guang Ling couldn't help but ask.
"To be honest, Teacher, after going through most of the books from the Martial Soul Hall and Nuoding Academy, I concluded: Martial Souls are inherited through bloodlines." Han Li spread his hands and continued, "For someone like me, the only way to succeed is through mutation."
Guang Ling, who was himself a beneficiary of the Martial Soul mutation, listened intently without interrupting. He understood this very well.
"My parents both had mutated Martial Souls, although the degree of mutation wasn't high. I was likely to inherit one of them, or possibly regress. But I wasn't satisfied with just that."
Han Li paused for a moment before saying, "Until I saw examples of elemental tool Martial Souls continuously evolving by stacking attributes, a flash of inspiration hit me, and I came up with this idea. Even if my idea fails, as long as I can stabilize the elemental attributes of my Martial Soul, at the very least, my descendants won't have to start with an iron sword, right?"
He smiled and continued, "But now it seems unnecessary. My Martial Soul is stronger than I imagined, yet I still want to try this idea. After all, as you said, simply adding single-element spirit rings or pure amplification rings would waste my potential and even cause unstable mutations. Not to mention the two completely different attack modes."
Guang Ling couldn't help but nod. He was convinced, and with his experience as a Super Douluo, he could easily analyze the feasibility. After all, cultivation beyond level 95 was no longer about the mere accumulation of soul power but about the development and understanding of the Martial Soul.
In his view, even if it wasn't entirely correct, it certainly wasn't wrong. At the very least, cultivating the Martial Soul in this way would easily allow him and his disciple to reach level 97.
"My disciple has the potential to become a Super Douluo," Guang Ling thought.
He was overjoyed. Apart from Little Xue, who had a 100% chance of reaching level 99 due to her angel inheritance, none of the other deacons had ever taught a Super Douluo. Even those they had guided had never broken the level 95 barrier. But he, Guang Ling, his disciple would not be weaker than him in the future.
This alone was enough. "Thank you, Bibi Dong, but when you step down as the Pope, it will be time for my disciple and me to take you down together," Guang Ling thought to himself with glee.
"Teacher? Teacher? Do you think this is feasible?"
Han Li, seeing Guang Ling inexplicably smiling foolishly in place, couldn't help but shout.
"Ahem."
Guang Ling's thoughts returned to reality. He pretended to cough and looked seriously at his disciple. "Your idea sounds good. I agree with it, and I can ensure your early growth. But this doesn't mean you can completely neglect your early combat abilities. Later, I will train you specifically so that you can have some combat capability without relying on spirit skills."
"However, this kind of training will be very tough for you. Can you understand that?"
After hearing Han Li's plan, Guang Ling was initially prepared to sacrifice his disciple's early combat capabilities. But then he thought of Bibi Dong and resolved that his disciple would not be weaker than her, even if she was a few years older. Guang Ling had absolute confidence in Han Li's ability to overcome any challenges. He repeatedly reassured himself of this belief.
As Guang Ling's expression gradually turned more intense, Han Li's sense of crisis heightened. However, he did not want to become a real waste, so he gritted his teeth and nodded.
"Isn't it just a bit of suffering in the early stages? Just endure it and it will pass. At most, it will only be twenty years. Think about the wonderful life after becoming a god; it's like paying off a mortgage," he thought fiercely.
Seeing that Han Li had no objections, Guang Ling was even more satisfied. He proactively asked, "For your first soul ring, are you planning to go with conventional amplification, or should we first enhance your elemental control capabilities?"
Han Li thought for a moment and then replied, "Elemental control, I think. This way, I might be able to further determine my direction. Even if it fails, the impact on my future will be minimized."
Hearing his words, Guang Ling searched his mind for suitable soul beasts. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "Hmm, if I remember correctly, there should be a suitable soul beast among the small ones raised in Wuhun City for your first soul ring. There's no need to take you hunting specifically."
"But I need to remind you," Guang Ling said earnestly, "I was so excited just now that I forgot to tell you. To achieve your ideas, you need to have a high level of comprehension. As far as I know, among the currently known soul beasts, many do provide elemental affinity as a spirit ring skill, but none have been found to grant elemental control."
Han Li nodded thoughtfully. It wasn't that such beasts didn't exist; it was just that he couldn't defeat them. Who knows if killing the Silver Dragon King, a divine beast, would yield a soul ring?
'Only elemental affinity? Even so, that will suffice. I can reduce the difficulty later with celestial herbs and strong mental power. As I grow stronger, my fortune will also enhance. With all the knowledge from my previous life, if I can't make this path work, I might as well give up.'
"That's enough, Teacher. After all, I'm your disciple, right?" Han Li replied with a smile.
"Haha, well said. One day our master-disciple duo will be unmatched, and let them be envious," Guang Ling said, laughing heartily after a brief moment of surprise.
"Teacher will see that day," Han Li said seriously, clenching his fist.
"Come, take me to meet those who have protected you these past few years. I must thank them properly for bringing me such a good disciple."
Guang Ling smiled, took Han Li by the hand, and led him outside.
That meal was quite joyful for both the host and guests. In Guang Ling's good mood, he even praised the three guardians lavishly—yes, lavishly, because normally, with Guang Ling's character, he wouldn't even bother with low-ranking soul masters. He even promised them one reasonable request each.
Ma Xiuno, Lord Xiao, and Su Yuntao were overwhelmed by this favor but, under Han Li's suggestion, each made a suitable request. Guang Ling did not hesitate and sent out the orders on the spot. In a few days, the three of them would surely receive good news.
Han Li was genuinely happy for the three, but he was still weak and could not repay them adequately. For now, he could only rely on his teacher's power to give something in return.
Knowing that Guang Ling would soon take Han Li away, the three spent quite some time chatting with Han Li before reluctantly saying their goodbyes.
Having already prepared, Han Li gathered all the servants of his residence, compensated them with six months' wages, and dismissed them. Then he brought Xiu'er to his teacher's side.
After gently locking the door, Han Li glanced back at the place where he had lived for nearly three years, then turned to join Guang Ling and Xiu'er, who were waiting nearby.
Without saying much, Guang Ling picked up both Han Li and Xiu'er. His ice-blue wings spread wide, and under the astonished gazes of the people of Nuoding City, they soared into the sky.
Just as Guang Ling Douluo soared into the sky with Han Li and Xiuer in his arms, two people had just stepped down from a carriage at the gates of Nuoding City. They were none other than Tang San and his master, who had just returned from obtaining his first soul ring.
Due to Yu Xiaogang's injury, what should have been a week's journey had been extended to ten days to accommodate him. Even so, Yu Xiaogang still looked somewhat pale and walked with a noticeable limp.
He was instructing Tang San to go to the Spirit Hall for re-certification and to collect the Soul Master subsidies when they heard an exclamation from the crowd.
"Look up in the sky! It seems like there's someone. Is some important person visiting our Nuoding City?"
Tang San and Yu Xiaogang instinctively looked up. Tang San even used his Purple Demon Eyes to get a clear view of the scene in the sky.
"There are three people—an adult holding two children. The adult has ice-blue wings and a Spirit Hall emblem on his body," Tang San explained while looking at his teacher curiously. "Teacher, do you know who this might be?"
Yu Xiaogang was momentarily stunned. He quickly asked, "Xiao San, do you notice any other distinguishing features?"
Tang San thought for a moment and then replied uncertainly, "His hair is also silver, and there seems to be a blue scar on the left side of his face."
"I heard from Bi..." Yu Xiaogang paused abruptly before continuing nonchalantly, "I've heard of someone like that. If your description is accurate, it should be Guang Ling Douluo, a member of Worship Hall, at least a level 95 Super Douluo."
What is he doing here? As if struck by a sudden realization, Yu Xiaogang's expression changed. He grabbed Tang San urgently and asked, "Xiao San, did you say he was holding two children?"
Tang San, still reeling from the shock of his master's revelation, felt pain in his arm from Yu Xiaogang's grip. Seeing his teacher's intense expression, he discreetly pulled his arm away and replied, "Yes, he was indeed holding two children. Teacher, have you thought of something?"
"Let's go. I'll go with you to the Spirit Hall. They concealed something this important."
Yu Xiaogang didn't answer Tang San's question. Instead, he hurriedly led the way toward the Spirit Hall, a hint of anger on his face. Even his still-healing injury seemed to bother him less.
Seeing his teacher so energetic, Tang San swallowed the words he was about to say and followed closely behind towards the Spirit Hall.
Soon, the master and disciple arrived at the gates of the Spirit Hall, which was unusually bustling with activity. The area, typically quiet, was now filled with chatter and people congratulating Ma Xiuno and Su Yuntao, with some even presenting gifts.
No need to ask any questions. Before they even got close, the hurriedly arriving pair overheard the crowd's conversations.
Han Li, Young Master Han, was not initially an innate level seven as the rumors a few days ago suggested, but rather an innate full soul power. The commotion just now was his doing.
A Titled Douluo from the Spirit Hall had personally come to take him as a disciple. Nuoding City had produced a dragon!
Naturally, those who had previously been close to Han Li, such as Ma Xiuno and Su Yuntao, found their statuses rising accordingly. Especially Su Yuntao, who had hosted Han Li's martial soul awakening ceremony.
Of course, those with the means to give gifts also didn't forget to send some to the City Lord's Mansion. Different social strata had their ways of dealing with such events.
Seeing Yu Xiaogang approaching, people nodded in greeting but didn't come too close, noticing his sour expression. Yu Xiaogang had lived here for over ten years, and everyone knew his identity. Although they often mocked him in private, and publicly, they respected him as someone from the Yu family and a level 29 Spirit Grand Master, not someone to offend lightly.
Ma Xiuno and Su Yuntao also saw Yu Xiaogang and nodded in greeting. He was an old acquaintance, often collecting money from the Spirit Hall. Although their relationship wasn't exactly harmonious, today they were in a good mood and didn't mind.
But what they didn't expect was for Yu Xiaogang to walk straight up to them and ask in a harsh tone, "Why did you hide the news about Han Li?! Why didn't you inform me?!"
Yu Xiaogang's voice, filled with anger, was not quiet. The previously lively scene instantly fell silent.
Ma Xiuno was initially stunned, and then anger surged within him, completely ruining his previously good mood.
"How dare you, Yu Xiaogang! Do you know who you're talking to? When did the matters of the Spirit Hall become something for the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan to meddle in? And informing you? Who do you think you are? Her Holiness the Pope?"
Yu Xiaogang, publicly reprimanded, turned red with anger, his fists clenched tightly. "Ma Xiuno, I remember instructing you that if there were any promising soul masters, you should inform me. You agreed to this."
Ma Xiuno didn't expect Yu Xiaogang to retort and decided not to maintain even the pretense of politeness. He sneered directly, "Yu Xiaogang, are you still dreaming? Even if Han Li wasn't my relative, I wouldn't entrust a talented child to you."
"Firstly, it's my duty. Don't forget, you're not a member of the Spirit Hall; your surname is Yu. Secondly, you know very well whether the so-called 'Ten Core Competencies of Martial Souls' truly work. Lastly, I never promised to introduce any disciples to you."
"If you still have any sense of shame, you should go back and teach the students at Nuoding Academy properly, instead of continuing to freeload. Also, from today onwards, as long as I'm here, the Spirit Hall in Nuoding City will no longer provide you with soul master subsidies. I will report your actions to higher authorities in the Spirit Hall, and I'll take full responsibility for the consequences."
"Count me in as well."
Su Yuntao, standing beside, also stepped forward, supporting the trembling Ma Xiuno, and added, casting a look of disdain at Yu Xiaogang.
"You, you..."
Yu Xiaogang trembled all over, pointing at the two in front of him. Already not fully recovered from his injuries, he fainted in a fit of rage.
Tang San, standing nearby, quickly supported his teacher, preventing him from falling to the ground. However, his gaze towards Ma Xiuno and Su Yuntao became icy cold.
"A day as a teacher, a lifetime as a father."
These two had publicly insulted his teacher; they were already on a path to death.
Moreover, he had understood the situation earlier. Like Han Li, he too had innate full soul power, but simply because his Martial Soul was Blue Silver Grass, the Spirit Hall's attitude towards him was vastly different, even ignoring him altogether.
If not for his teacher, he wouldn't have even obtained a hundred-year soul ring.
Today's humiliation would be avenged in the future. Tang San committed this grudge to memory, recognizing that such events happened because of his lack of strength.
At this moment, Su Yuntao finally noticed Tang San and, after a moment's pause, remembered. Wasn't this the boy with innate full soul power and Blue Silver Grass whom he had awakened? How did he end up with the Grandmaster?
However, seeing Tang San wearing the Nuoding Academy uniform brought him back to reality.
He looked at Tang San and spoke earnestly, "Young friend, let me give you a piece of advice: don't be deceived by him. Follow the academy teachers and train well. Stay away from him."
Tang San gave the two of them a cold look. Supporting Yu Xiaogang with his body, he extended his right hand, and a yellow soul ring appeared above his head. "There's no need for you two to worry about that. Also, the so-called 'fraud' you're talking about is my teacher. Based on his theories, I've successfully obtained an animal soul ring."
"Hmph, the Spirit Hall is overrated. The slander against my teacher today, Tang San will be remembered. You can cancel my soul master subsidy too; I don't need it."
With that, under the gaze of the onlookers, he supported Yu Xiaogang and walked towards Nuoding Academy.
Su Yuntao wanted to say something more, but Ma Xiuno stopped him and shook his head. "Forget it. There's no need to argue with a child. He will realize his mistake eventually."
Su Yuntao opened his mouth and said softly, "I wasn't trying to cause trouble for him. I wanted to tell him that while it's rare for a plant martial soul to absorb an animal soul ring, it's not unheard of. He should go back and brush up on his basic knowledge."
Ma Xiuno was amused by his words and smiled again, though his mood was already ruined.
He cupped his hands towards the surrounding people and, pulling Su Yuntao along, headed towards the hall. The onlookers, sensing the situation, dispersed as well, leaving in small groups while discussing the recent events.