In front of the headmaster's office at Shrek Academy.
Yu Xiaogang had just finished admiring Tang San's third spirit ability and external spirit bone. For once, a rare expression of joy appeared on his usually rigid face, and his smile nearly stretched to his ears.
"Haha, Xiaogang, congratulations on taking in such an excellent disciple," Shrek Academy's headmaster, Flender, walked up to Yu Xiaogang with two breakfasts in hand. He patted Yu Xiaogang on the shoulder and laughed heartily.
"All of this is the result of his own hard work. I only provided some help that might or might not have mattered," Yu Xiaogang said. Although his words were modest, the smile at the corner of his mouth could not hide his pride and satisfaction. Yes, this was his disciple, Yu Xiaogang's disciple—a genius with twin spirits who broke the limits of spirit masters with his third spirit ring and even gained a rare external spirit bone.
When Tang San's name spreads across the Douluo Continent, it will be the time for Yu Xiaogang to clear his name. He wants to prove to the world with his theories that he, Yu Xiaogang, is not a waste.
"Sigh, you can't say it like that. Without your theoretical guidance, how could Xiao San have achieved such success? Even if he has twin spirits, both you and I know that Blue Silver Grass is considered a trash spirit. Reaching this level was still thanks to your guidance," Flender continued to praise.
Yu Xiaogang nodded slowly without denying it. Then, Flender added, "This time, you won't be leaving, right?"
"I'll stay here until Xiao San graduates," Yu Xiaogang said. "So, tell me, how is Shrek Academy doing?"
Flender sighed, "The academy's financial situation is worrying."
Yu Xiaogang was a bit displeased. "I wasn't asking about that. I was asking about the students."
"Including Xiao San, there are seven students in total. They cover the power attack, agility attack, control, food, and support types. There's even one with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda, making it the most perfect seven-member team, and each one is a rare talent," Flender hesitated slightly. "But there are quite a few troublemakers among them, including a girl named Zhu Zhuqing."
Yu Xiaogang frowned. "She didn't complete the courses assigned by the academy teachers?"
Flender shook his head. "No, she completed them very well. In fact, in terms of effort, there's almost no one in the academy who can match her."
"Then why?" Yu Xiaogang was puzzled.
Flender looked troubled. "Her personality seems a bit too aloof, and she appears to be intolerant of any faults. She disagrees with some of the academy's regulations."
"For example, last time, when Zhao Wuji led the team to the Star Dou Forest to hunt for spirit rings, they encountered Canghui Academy at an inn along the way. Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun, following Shrek Academy's policy of 'only cowards don't cause trouble,' actively provoked them. Perhaps they went a bit overboard, even teasing a female student from Canghui Academy."
"Zhu Zhuqing believed this was bullying the weak and picking fights without cause. She chose not to help. Even Ning Rongrong, who was close to her, didn't intervene."
Yu Xiaogang said, "From what you say, she does seem like a troublemaker. This could be deadly for an excellent team. But don't worry; when the time comes, just leave their training to me."
Flender's eyes lit up. "Xiaogang, do you have a plan?"
"You'll find out when the time comes," a wise glint flashed in Yu Xiaogang's eyes.
"You really like keeping secrets. Fine, let's eat first. Afterward, I'll introduce you to those little monsters, so they get familiar with you. With a theoretical master like you teaching them, I'm sure they'll be happy," Flender shook his head helplessly and handed Yu Xiaogang a breakfast. The two walked into the headmaster's office.
After breakfast, the class bell rang on time. Yu Xiaogang and the entire Shrek Academy faculty and students gathered on the academy's playground.
Flender's eyes swept sternly over the seven students before he began introducing the academy teachers one by one.
"This is Teacher Li Yusong, Spirit: Dragon Patterned Staff, Level 63 Spirit Emperor."
"This is Teacher Lu Jibin, Spirit: Star Luo Chess, Level 66 Spirit Emperor."
"This is Teacher Shao Xin, Spirit: Candy Bean, Level 71 Spirit Sage, a food-type spirit master. Teacher Shao is among the top five strongest food-type spirit masters I know."
When it was Yu Xiaogang's turn, Flender didn't introduce his spirit or spirit power level but used a different phrase.
"And finally, this person is even more formidable. He is the one who, through his own research, formulated the Ten Core Competencies of Spirits. He is hailed as the strongest spirit theory expert, the wisest spirit master, and he is also Tang San's teacher—Master Yu Xiaogang. He is also my old friend. We have known each other for decades. Perhaps you might not know him by his name, but you must have heard of his title. From now on, you can just call him 'Master.'"
At the far right of the seven students, Zhu Zhuqing furrowed her brows as she listened to Flender's introduction. She thought to herself, "So this is the so-called 'Great Master' that Ah Si once told me about."
Recalling all the comments Lan Si had made about Yu Xiaogang, expressing his dissatisfaction, Zhu Zhuqing instinctively raised her right hand.
"Student Zhu Zhuqing, is there something you want to say?" Flender frowned, a faint sense of unease creeping into his heart.
Zhu Zhuqing asked seriously, "Headmaster, what is the master's spirit? And what is his spirit power level? To have taught such an 'excellent' student like Tang San, is he more powerful than you and Teacher Zhao Wuji?"
From her observations, Tang San seemed to possess a trait similar to Lan Si's. To be more precise, on some level, she saw a part of Lan Si in Tang San.
If Yu Xiaogang was as mediocre as Lan Si claimed, then Tang San's strength probably had nothing to do with him.
Hearing Zhu Zhuqing's question, the other Shrek students' spirits lifted. Their eyes turned toward Tang San. Although they didn't know much about Yu Xiaogang, they had seen Tang San's excellence. How could a teacher capable of teaching such a student not be outstanding?
Yu Xiaogang, Tang San, and Flender's faces darkened simultaneously, and the atmosphere in the room instantly became tense.
Especially Yu Xiaogang, who had intended to sternly scold the seven students to establish his authority after Flender's introduction. Suddenly, he felt deflated.
Born into the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, with his spirit Luo San Pao and his spirit power forever stuck at level 29—these were all his lifelong regrets.
It was precisely because of this damned background, this damned spirit, and this damned spirit power level that the world called him a waste.
After a long silence, the tense atmosphere was broken. Flender spoke up, "Alright, you can all go now. You just returned from the Star Dou Forest yesterday, so rest for today. Tomorrow morning, gather here. Master will give you special training."
Everyone sensed that something was off and refrained from asking further questions. They all dispersed.
"Zhuqing, do you have some time? Today, I was thinking..." As soon as they disbanded, Dai Mubai eagerly invited Zhu Zhuqing, but she completely ignored him. She quickened her pace with Ning Rongrong, and the two soon disappeared from his sight.
Dai Mubai was left standing there, fuming in frustration.