Weeks passed as life settled into a steady rhythm. My days were consumed with training, cultivating, and crafting my vision for the future. With the intensity of my cultivation, I estimated it would take me about two years to reach rank 60.
Yu Xiaogang, the so-called "Grandmaster," lingered in my thoughts like a shadow. Killing him outright would be too easy, too kind. No, his fate demanded something far worse than death. I would dismantle his reputation, the very thing he clung to as his identity. His title, "The Grandmaster," would become a mockery, a cautionary tale of hubris and failure. To do this, I needed to surpass him, not just in strength but in wisdom and a "master" myself like no other.
One night, as the stars dotted the heavens, I sat with Grandpa and Uncle Xin around a fire. The flickering flames cast long shadows, but their warmth was comforting, matching the camaraderie between us.
"I've been thinking about the future," I began, my tone serious. They turned to me, their expressions curious. "I want to open an academy."
Grandpa's brows lifted in surprise, but his smile quickly followed. "An academy? That's unexpected but admirable. What kind of academy?"
"An academy for monsters," I said with determination. "A place to nurture those with monstrous talent and potential, people like us."
Uncle Xin's eyes gleamed with interest. "What's your plan? How will you make this academy stand out from the rest?"
I leaned forward, my voice firm. "First, it will be small, no more than ten students at a time. Each student will receive the best guidance possible. Second, the teachers will need to meet a specific requirement: they must be Titled Douluo."
At this, both Grandpa and Uncle Xin stared at me in shock. Grandpa's expression shifted to one of skepticism. "Titled Douluo? Bei, that's a tall order. How will you find enough teachers for such a standard?"
"That's the hardest part," I admitted, "but it's non-negotiable. If we want to raise exceptional students, they need exceptional mentors. This academy isn't for the average; it's for the extraordinary."
Uncle Xin's gaze hardened with resolve. "Then I'll become a Titled Douluo as soon as possible. When that day comes, I'll be proud to teach in your academy."
His words filled me with warmth and gratitude. "Thank you, Uncle Xin. I plan to open it in about ten years. That gives us time to prepare."
Grandpa's stern face softened into a rare smile. "If that's your dream, I'll help make it a reality. We'll find the perfect location, somewhere near a forest for hunting soul beasts and close to a city for the students' needs."
"And we'll need more Whale Rubber," I added. "It's essential for training and cultivation, especially for the students. Uncle Xin and I will need it as well."
Grandpa nodded. "Consider it done."
Later that night, as the fire burned low, Uncle Xin broke the comfortable silence. "Bei, there's something I need to tell you both. Tomorrow, I'll be leaving to train with other soul masters around the world."
I looked at him in surprise. "You're leaving? Why now?"
Grandpa nodded thoughtfully, his expression unreadable. "It makes sense. Xin and I have been together since the day he was born. I needed to stay close in case the poison in his body became a threat. But now, with the poison no longer a danger, you're free to explore the world, Xin."
Uncle Xin's gaze was steady as he looked at us. "It's time for me to grow stronger, to gain more experience. I'll return, but when I do, I'll be stronger than ever."
Grandpa stood, raising his cup. "Then let's toast to your journey. May it be safe and fruitful."
We all raised our cups, the mood bittersweet. "To your journey," I said, my voice filled with sincerity. "We'll miss you."
Uncle Xin smiled. "I'll miss you too, but I promise to return stronger than ever. When I come back, I'll be one step closer to becoming a Titled Douluo."
The three of us drank deeply, the bond we shared unshaken despite the impending separation. That night, as we each drifted off to sleep, I couldn't help but feel a mix of pride and sadness.