Yu Xiaogang sat across from the principal of Nuoding Elementary during their usual monthly meeting. These get-togethers were typically lighthearted—filled with stories, updates, and a drink in hand.
"What do you think of the kid?" the principal asked, sipping from his cup.
"Tang San is doing great. He's very talented and smart—everything I could ask for in a student," Yu Xiaogang replied with a rare tone of pride.
"Grandmaster, I meant Yuehan. From what I've heard, he's been... different ever since returning from acquiring his first spirit ring." The principal's face took on a more serious expression.
Yu Xiaogang nodded slowly. "He has changed. The first time I met the boy, he didn't stand out in any particular way. He just blended in with the other students."
"Yes, his appearance is just slightly above average," the principal agreed. "But weren't you surprised by his actions and temperament?"
"Ah, yes. From what I recall, he was a kind and innocent child—no trace of malice in him," Yu Xiaogang said, taking another sip of his strong black coffee.
"I still can't believe you drink that stuff," the principal remarked with a chuckle. "You should try Macho. It's great for the taste buds."
"I think this one's more necessary right now," Yu Xiaogang replied with a tired sigh. "My sleep schedule is... not ideal."
Seeing the exhaustion in his colleague's eyes, the principal decided to steer the conversation back on track. "So, what can you tell me about Yuehan and his time here so far?"
Yu Xiaogang leaned back, reflecting. "The first time he caught my attention was during the first week of school. He was worried about his friend and ran all over campus trying to find him. Eventually, he collapsed outside my office door. He didn't quite get the rest he wanted, since Tang San opened the door suddenly and woke him up."
The principal smiled faintly. "If I remember right, he ran straight to Dorm 7 after that and stayed there the rest of the day."
"Yes, and he was late to class the next morning," Yu Xiaogang continued. "The next time I noticed him was when I had to cover for one of the theory teachers. Yuehan was quiet, kept to himself—but when called on, he displayed a sharp mind. He struggled a bit with reading, but still did better than most six-year-olds."
"He's very curious," Yu Xiaogang added. "Always asking Tang San questions—though sometimes, even Tang San has to come to me for answers. Like the time he asked about how soul spirits take shape…"
Five minutes later, the principal found himself in the middle of a full-on lecture about soul spirit manifestation and harmonics. Politely—but clearly bored—he decided to redirect the conversation.
"He seems like a bright kid, but... have you noticed anything different lately?"
Yu Xiaogang paused, his expression turning serious. "Lately, he's been asking Tang San to train him. He's grown quieter, more alert—almost guarded. That innocent gleam is still in his eyes, but now it's hidden, buried under something heavier. It's been three months since he returned, and he's made significant progress—academically and physically. I just hope the trauma he endured doesn't catch up with him later. I want him to find peace here at the academy."
The principal studied him for a moment before changing the subject. "Do you think you could fill in for Mr. Hen? He's been missing for a week, and we need someone to cover his classes."
Yu Xiaogang raised an eyebrow. "What time and what days?"
The principal blinked, caught off guard. He clearly expected a refusal.
"Every other day from 9 to 12, in classroom 201," he replied quickly before the Grandmaster could reconsider.
Yu Xiaogang gave a small nod. He accepted—not because of obligation, but because it gave him more time with Tang San.