Chapter 8 - Rewards of Subversion

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"Brother, please take another look. Is there anything wrong with our certificates?" Ye Feng stepped forward, taking out a pouch and handing it discreetly to the gatekeeper.

The certification from the Spirit Hall branch was undeniably genuine. Having worked as a gatekeeper for four years, this man could clearly distinguish authenticity from forgery.

At the Junior Soul Master Academy of Notting City, new students enrolled every year. The saying goes, "Hell's King is easier to deal with than his little devils." A small bribe or tip often sufficed to smooth things over with the gatekeepers.

Old Jack, a simple and honest villager, was unfamiliar with such unspoken rules.

The gatekeeper opened the pouch Ye Feng had handed him, peeked inside, and weighed it briefly in his hand. A grin spread across his face as he bent down to pick up the certificates he'd just carelessly tossed aside. With a polite tone, he said, "Ah, forgive me for my mistake earlier, Grandpa. After careful inspection, these certificates are indeed valid. Please, you may proceed."

"Ah?"

"Ah?"

Both Old Jack and Tang San were stunned by the gatekeeper's sudden change in demeanor. It was a vivid reminder of the age-old truth: Money makes the world go round. If that doesn't work, perhaps you just haven't offered enough.

System Notification:

"Ding!"

"Congratulations, you have altered an original plotline. Attribute Points Awarded: 1."

"As this is the first storyline deviation caused by the host, the system grants an additional 10 attribute points."

Curious, Ye Feng asked, "System, what are attribute points?"

The system's calm, mechanical voice responded:

"Attribute points are similar to enhancements gained from soul rings. They can strengthen various attributes of a soul master, such as strength, agility, spirit power, and defense. Unlike soul rings, these attribute points are precise and customizable, allowing the host to focus on specific abilities."

Simultaneously, a holographic screen materialized in Ye Feng's mind:

Name: Ye Feng

Soul Power Level: 30

Martial Souls: Xuanyuan Sword, Nine-Hearts Mysterious Tang, Hell's Eye

Soul Rings: None

Soul Skills: None (currently at the stage of 'Man and Sword as One' comprehension)

Extra Strength: 0

Extra Agility: 0

Extra Spirit: 0

Extra Defense: 0

Allocatable Attribute Points: 11

"The system's attribute bonuses—are they external amplifications?" Ye Feng asked thoughtfully.

"The host's understanding is correct. However, the system warns that once attribute points are allocated, they cannot be retracted or redistributed."

"Fine. Offense is the best defense. Assign all points to Strength!" Ye Feng commanded decisively.

As soon as the words left his mouth, a wave of warmth surged through his body, enveloping him in a sense of newfound power. Ye Feng flexed his hands, marveling at the significant increase in his physical strength. He would need combat experience to measure the exact extent of the enhancement.

Nearby, Tang San gave Ye Feng a puzzled look. Something about his companion seemed subtly different, though he couldn't pinpoint exactly what.

"You three may enter," the gatekeeper said with a smile.

"Grandpa Jack, Tang San, let's go inside," Ye Feng said cheerfully.

"Wait a moment!"

A hoarse yet commanding voice rang out behind them.

The gatekeeper stiffened, quickly hiding the pouch Ye Feng had given him behind his back. Turning around, he bowed slightly and greeted the newcomer: "Master, you're back."

Ye Feng, Tang San, and Old Jack turned to face the middle-aged man approaching them.

The man looked to be in his forties or fifties, with short, neatly combed black hair. His appearance was ordinary, but his bearing exuded a sense of refinement, as if he had undergone rigorous noble education. Yet, behind his eyes lurked an air of fatigue and melancholy.

Ye Feng recognized this man instantly—it was Yu Xiaogang, also known as Grandmaster.

"Old sir, may I see the Spirit Hall certificates?" Yu Xiaogang asked politely, extending a hand.

Old Jack, sharp enough to discern the gatekeeper's deference toward Yu Xiaogang, promptly handed over the documents.

Yu Xiaogang examined the certificates carefully, then shifted his gaze to Ye Feng and Tang San. Though his expression remained calm, his heart raced with excitement. A decade spent labeled as a "waste" had taught him how to mask his emotions.

"Old sir, I am a guest instructor at this academy. Please allow me to escort these children for registration," Yu Xiaogang said with a calm demeanor.

"Of course, Master." Old Jack nodded earnestly. He turned to the boys and added, "Tang San, Ye Feng, listen to the Master and behave yourselves—especially you, Ye Feng."

Inside the academy, Yu Xiaogang began his characteristic lecture, impressing Tang San with his profound knowledge. True to the original plotline, Tang San soon knelt to formally acknowledge Yu Xiaogang as his teacher.

Afterward, Yu Xiaogang's gaze fell on Ye Feng.

"And you, Ye Feng?" Yu Xiaogang asked, his tone betraying a flicker of expectation.

Tang San's talent was impressive, but Ye Feng's potential shone even brighter. With twin martial souls and an innate spirit power level of 20—according to the Spirit Hall certificate—Ye Feng was the true prodigy Yu Xiaogang had been waiting for.

"Are you willing to let me guide your cultivation?" Yu Xiaogang pressed.

Ye Feng raised a brow, pondering the implications. With an indifferent tone, he asked, "Are you asking to take me as your disciple?"

"Indeed. You've awakened twin martial souls. In the last hundred years, only three others have done so. I could guide you to greatness," Yu Xiaogang replied earnestly.

"Wait, what? Twin martial souls?" Tang San looked at Ye Feng in shock, his voice tinged with disbelief.

"Yes," Yu Xiaogang confirmed, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Ye Feng, however, simply smiled. He neither confirmed nor denied it, silently leaving Tang San and Yu Xiaogang to assume the claim was true. After all, the reality was even more astonishing—Ye Feng had three martial souls.

"Well?" Yu Xiaogang pressed.

"No," Ye Feng replied decisively, turning away without further explanation.