The cafeteria buzzed with chatter, bowls clinking against wooden tables, the air thick with the smell of porridge and steamed buns. Work-study students huddled together downstairs, while nobles dined above, a clear line of separation even at mealtime.
Xiao Tian sat with Wang Sheng and Tang San in a corner. Their trays were as meager as every other work-study child's: thin porridge, half a bun, and a sliver of pickled radish.
Wang Sheng tore into his bun, smirking as he nudged Tang San. "Hey, little San, that so-called teacher of yours… are you sure he's even real? Hah! Yesterday, his robes looked like they hadn't been washed in weeks. More like a beggar than a master! Don't tell me you really believe him?"
The words had barely left his mouth when Tang San's chopsticks slammed onto the table. His calm eyes burned with sudden fire.
"Don't insult my teacher." His voice was icy, cutting, leaving Wang Sheng gaping.
Tang San rose with his tray and, without another word, climbed the staircase toward the second floor. The whispers of nearby students followed him.
Xiao Tian's gaze lingered on Tang San's back. So that's the depth of his loyalty. Even one careless insult is enough to sever ties. His faith in Yu Xiaogang… it's unshakable. That bond will become his greatest strength—or his greatest weakness.
Upstairs, the air was quieter, the food portions larger, and the nobles kept their distance. Yu Xiaogang sat stiffly by himself, sharp eyes narrowing as Tang San approached.
Tang San placed his tray down and bowed slightly. "Teacher. May I eat with you?"
Yu Xiaogang's brows lifted, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Oh? You've already grown tired of those brats downstairs?"
Tang San shook his head firmly. "No. But they ridiculed you. I couldn't stay there."
For the first time that morning, Yu Xiaogang's eyes softened, pride gleaming within them. He leaned closer, voice low but brimming with certainty.
"You chose correctly. Remember this, Tang San—those work-study students downstairs, with their pitiful martial spirits, will never achieve anything in their lives. Mediocrity can only huddle together and sneer at genius. You, however… you were born different. You are Innate Full Soul Power. You are my disciple."
Tang San's chest warmed with pride, his respect for Yu Xiaogang deepening with every word.
Yu Xiaogang's gaze sharpened, his tone taking on the air of authority.
"Tomorrow, I will take you to obtain your first spirit ring. After years of research, I've concluded the most suitable spirit beast for you is the Datura Snake. Its venom and explosive strength will perfectly complement your Blue Silver Grass, elevating it far beyond ordinary trash spirits. With this, you will begin to show your true potential."
Tang San's eyes lit up, his fists unconsciously tightening. "Yes, Teacher."
Downstairs, Wang Sheng scratched his head, baffled. "What did I say? I was just joking…"
Xiao Tian stirred his porridge slowly, lips curved in a faint smile as he watched the exchange above. So it begins. Yu Xiaogang, drunk on research, already planning Tang San's future. Tang San, blind in devotion, already ready to follow without question. And the Datura Snake… heh, I remember what's coming.
He tore off a piece of his bun thoughtfully. Good. While Tang San follows his master into danger tomorrow, I'll take my first step into building my own path. Food. Training. Strength. My spirit may be weak now, but my foundation will be iron. That's something no master can give.
The sound of laughter and chatter swelled around him, but Xiao Tian's mind was already racing ahead, sketching plans for the future in the flickering light of the cafeteria.