Yun Feng nodded slightly at Matthew Nuo's advice. Although Yu Xiaogang's reputation was terrible, his knowledge couldn't be denied. Even if much of his work was plagiarized, earning him the nickname "Patchwork Scholar," knowledge was still knowledge—useful regardless of its origins.
However, Matthew Nuo had overlooked one thing: even if Yun Feng wanted to learn from Yu Xiaogang, the man wouldn't necessarily agree to teach him. Yu Xiaogang was far more interested in proving his theories, and Yun Feng didn't fit his criteria for a suitable disciple. Moreover, Yun Feng didn't want to become one of his "experiments" or a test subject.
Still, Yun Feng politely nodded in agreement, though in truth, he had no intention of following through. With his superior cultivation techniques and the Heaven-Suppressing Monument, he didn't need to walk the same path as Tang San. His future was boundless, and there was no need to follow someone else's method.
Meanwhile, Yu Xiaogang had picked up the certificate that had fallen to the ground. His pupils contracted sharply as he scanned it, his expression shifting to one of disbelief. His gaze moved to Tang San, eyes filled with barely concealed excitement.
"This certificate is real. Old sir, I apologize on behalf of the academy for what just happened. Please leave this child to me."
Yun Feng couldn't help but marvel at Yu Xiaogang's dramatic shift in demeanor. Just moments ago, he had been aloof, but now, he couldn't hide his eagerness.
What a terrifyingly fast change in attitude!
Even Old Jack and Tang San were stunned by Yu Xiaogang's sudden politeness.
As Yun Feng and Matthew Nuo approached, Old Jack's eyes lit up at the sight of Yun Feng. "Little Feng, you're here too?"
Yun Feng smiled and explained his situation, omitting some key details. He told them about his second awakening, revealing that his martial soul was a top-tier beast martial soul and that he had innate Level 9 soul power. He also mentioned that Matthew Nuo had personally sponsored his education.
Everyone was speechless after hearing his story.
A second awakening? A top-tier martial soul? Innate Level 9 soul power? And all this with the help of a Spirit Hall sub-branch master?
On the other hand, Yu Xiaogang's eyes practically sparkled.
Two geniuses at once? Is this divine compensation for all my suffering?
Yu Xiaogang turned to Matthew Nuo. "Master Matthew, are you here to deliver this child to the academy?"
Matthew Nuo smiled. "Yes, I brought him here myself. I felt a connection with him."
Yu Xiaogang nodded eagerly. "In that case, I'm heading inside as well. Why don't I take this child with me?"
Matthew Nuo glanced at Yun Feng, who nodded in agreement. "Alright, I'll leave him in your care."
"It's no trouble at all," Yu Xiaogang replied. "After all, I'm a teacher here."
Hearing this, Matthew Nuo suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. Teacher? Has Yu Xiaogang ever done anything remotely resembling teaching in this academy?
Instead of voicing his thoughts, Matthew Nuo retrieved a pouch from his storage soul tool and handed it to Yun Feng. "Little Feng, here's some money. I've arranged for you to stay in the noble dorms. If you encounter any difficulties, come find me."
Although Yun Feng knew Matthew Nuo's assistance was an investment, he still felt genuinely touched. Accepting the pouch, he nodded seriously. "Thank you, Grandpa Matthew. I'll definitely come to you if I need help."
Matthew Nuo patted Yun Feng on the shoulder and chuckled. "Good boy. I'll go have a drink with some old friends. You go with the master now."
Yu Xiaogang overheard Matthew Nuo's mention of Spirit Hall and couldn't help feeling a twinge of annoyance. He said nothing, however, and turned his attention back to Tang San.
As Yu Xiaogang pulled Tang San along, he extended a hand toward Yun Feng, only to notice the boy's hands were full. Seeing this, he dropped the matter.
"Let's go," Yu Xiaogang said, leading them inside.
Yun Feng followed behind with his belongings. After a while, Yu Xiaogang turned to Tang San. "The Spirit Hall certificate has your name on it. You're called Tang San, correct?"
"Yes, Master," Tang San replied earnestly.
Yun Feng rolled his eyes. Can't this guy wait until after enrollment to start his spiel?
As if on cue, Yu Xiaogang smiled and said, "I'm not a teacher."
Tang San looked puzzled. "Then who are you?"
Yu Xiaogang stopped and faced Tang San. "I'm just a freeloader here. Everyone calls me 'Master,' and I've grown so used to it that I've almost forgotten my real name. There's a big difference between 'Master' and 'Teacher.' Unless, of course, you're willing to make me your teacher."
As Yu Xiaogang spoke, he cast a sidelong glance at Yun Feng, clearly hoping for a similar declaration from him.
Yun Feng saw the look and felt his scalp tingle. He had no interest in becoming Yu Xiaogang's student. Watching Tang San, he couldn't understand how someone with so much life experience in his past life could fall for such a simple trick.
"Master, would you teach me about martial soul cultivation?" Tang San asked.
Yu Xiaogang stopped walking and turned to Tang San with a faint smile. "That depends. Are you willing to learn?"
Tang San hesitated, neither agreeing nor refusing outright.
Afraid that Yu Xiaogang might rope him into the conversation, Yun Feng quickly interjected. "Master, I need to pee. I'll go find the enrollment office myself!"
Without waiting for a response, Yun Feng sprinted off, muttering to himself, I don't want to hear anything that might get me killed in my sleep.
Tang San's 'Path to
Death' philosophy and Tang Hao's pettiness? No thanks. Better safe than sorry!