Over the next few days, Xiao Tianyang's life took on a routine that was anything but easy. By day, he was either in class or in the library, diligently absorbing all he could about soul beasts and soul masters.
It was a draining task, and although Xiao Tianyang found it burdensome, he knew he had no choice. If he didn't learn, he risked dying during the soul beast hunt. The weight of this knowledge was a constant presence, and it left him little room for relaxation.
On top of that, his time was running out. He had to complete a challenge in the Soul Hunting Forest before finishing his studies at Nuoding Academy, or it would affect not only his progress but his plan to report to Shrek Academy with Tang San and Xiao Wu.
As night fell, Xiao Tianyang's energy was spent on taking care of Tang San and Xiao Wu, who often came over for meals, and then on hours of training.
Only in the dead of night did he find a sliver of time to meditate. This cycle of exhaustion soon began to show. Xiao Tianyang grew thinner by the day, his steps sluggish as he exited the teaching building.
"Brother Tianyang, you look like you're in a bad mood," Tang San remarked, noticing the usually sharp and energetic Xiao Tianyang now slumped and listless. "How about I ask for leave for you today? You don't have to go to class."
"No, I've already decided to be the best student. I can't give up now, not after just a few days!" Xiao Tianyang replied, his eyes suddenly lighting up with renewed resolve, though it was short-lived. The mental strain and tedium were not so easily shaken off.
The two of them walked on, chatting idly as they made their way to the master's residence. Though class had ended, Tang San had another lesson with a different teacher.
Xiao Tianyang, eager to learn as much as possible, followed him after school. The master did not object, and soon they were both settled into the session.
As usual, Xiao Wu had slipped away at the mere mention of learning, her focus on food stronger than on anything academic. Xiao Tianyang, however, stayed focused, knowing that the theory knowledge he gained from Grandmaster was invaluable, far more in-depth than what he learned in the classroom.
The grandmaster closed the book on the table and looked up at the two of them. "That will be all for today. Do either of you have any questions?"
The grandmaster's classes were always brief—only half an hour—but they were filled with substantial, theoretical knowledge. Each day, he would deliver a certain amount of material, encouraging his students to ask questions and resolve their doubts immediately.
Xiao Tianyang, despite his mental exhaustion, wasn't inclined to ask anything. Tang San, on the other hand, was actively engaged, asking several questions.
Before long, Xiao Tianyang was nudged from his thoughts by Tang San.
"Is class over?" he asked, drawing lazy circles on the table with his finger.
"Not yet," Tang San replied, tilting his head. "Don't you have any questions?"
Xiao Tianyang suddenly remembered something important. Lifting his head, he asked, "Grandmaster, do you know Teacher Miao?"
The grandmaster's expression changed slightly at the question, his frown deepening. It was an odd topic to bring up in the middle of class.
After a brief pause, the master responded, his tone laced with uncertainty, "I know a bit about him. He has a strange temper, and his origins aren't clear. He doesn't interact much with others, and although he worked here for two years, he never taught a class. He seems to have a close relationship with the dean, which is why he remains at the academy. Why do you ask?"
"I've met him a few times," Xiao Tianyang replied, his voice tinged with disappointment. "Is that all?"
He had tried to engage Miao Zhenshan over the past few days. Not only did he learn nothing, but Miao Zhenshan had even teased him, leaving Xiao Tianyang feeling disheartened and defeated.
Xiao Tianyang had tried everything he could think of to learn more about Miao Zhenshan, but every attempt had led to dead ends. This time, his frustration reached its peak, and his mood continued to sink.
It was precisely because of this mounting worry that Xiao Tianyang's attitude toward his studies began to falter. The quest for answers seemed to be leading nowhere, and the pressure of his responsibilities weighed heavily on him.
However, just as Xiao Tianyang and Tang San were about to leave the college for their usual errand of grocery shopping, Xiao Tianyang was suddenly stopped by someone. His eyes widened in surprise as he blinked in disbelief. Standing before him was none other than Miao Zhenshan.
"Teacher Miao, what are you doing?" Xiao Tianyang asked, genuinely confused.
Miao Zhenshan didn't respond with words, instead grabbing Xiao
Tianyang by the collar and dragged him away with surprising force.
"Come with me," he ordered, his voice as harsh and unyielding as ever.
"But I need to go home and cook!" Xiao Tianyang protested, struggling to break free. "I've got two children waiting for me at home! Teacher Miao, you can't just do this!"
He was taken completely off guard by the abruptness of it all, his thoughts racing with unease as Miao Zhenshan pulled him further away. Tang San stood there, unsure of what to do. His face flushed with embarrassment at Xiao Tianyang's frantic words. What kind of excuse was that?
After a few moments of hesitation, Tang San finally called out, "Brother Tianyang, do you want me to—" but before he could finish his sentence, Miao Zhenshan interrupted.
"Aren't you always asking about my origins? Come with me, and I'll tell you personally!" Miao Zhenshan's tone left no room for argument.
Xiao Tianyang had no choice but to reluctantly let the situation unfold. "Xiaosan, you go ahead and do the shopping, and wait for me at home afterward. By the way, Bubu might not be at home, so here's the key." He tossed the key to Tang San, hoping his friend would at least be somewhat cautious.
Tang San nodded, still looking unsure, but he left without saying much more. Xiao Tianyang couldn't help but feel a bit speechless. "What if he gets dragged away by some bad guy? Doesn't he realize the
danger?"
But Miao Zhenshan, not one to waste time, immediately led Xiao Tianyang to his office, the very area where Xiao Chenyu had warned him not to go. The place felt suffocating, and Xiao Tianyang's heart raced with a mix of anxiety and curiosity.
Once inside, Xiao Tianyang was pushed into a corner. He opened his mouth to speak, but before he could get a word out, Miao Zhenshan spoke first.
"Boy," he began, his voice sharp. "Why have you been asking about my origins these past few days? What do you want from me?"
Xiao Tianyang straightened up, his mind working quickly. "Isn't it normal to ask about the background of someone who has been helping you without any apparent reason?" he replied, his words rehearsed and measured.
Miao Zhenshan shook his head, his expression unreadable. "The academy can help students get their first soul ring. That's not something to investigate," he said firmly, refusing to acknowledge any deeper motives.
"If you keep pushing, I'll have no choice but to punish you severely," Miao Zhenshan added, his voice low, though it was clear he wasn't joking.
Xiao Tianyang's heart skipped a beat as he remembered the punishment he'd endured just days earlier. He involuntarily shuddered but quickly forced himself to stand tall. "But your concern has gone too far," he said, puffing out his chest. "Does a teacher need to keep following up with a student like this?"
Miao Zhenshan paused, his eyes narrowing in disbelief. He had thought he had hidden his intentions well, but now, Xiao Tianyang seemed to have caught on to something.
The idea that a soul master above level ten could have sensed his presence—especially someone as powerful as Miao Zhenshan—seemed almost absurd.
"How did you figure out I was watching you?" Miao Zhenshan asked, his voice laced with both surprise and a hint of respect. "How did you know?"
There was no denying it anymore. Miao Zhenshan was prepared to answer the questions, but the way Xiao Tianyang had pieced things together made him realize that his careful concealment had failed.
...
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