The system called Tang Hao the God of Killing and the Lord of the Douluo Plane. The title "God of Killing" made sense—after Tang San became a god over twenty years later, he passed that title to Tang Hao, who also possessed the domain of the God of Killing. So the system's reference was reasonable.
But calling Tang Hao the Lord of the Douluo Star Plane? That seemed extreme—wasn't it supposed to be ten thousand years later that Tang Hao would earn that title?
Likewise, how Tang San and Xiao Wu were addressed sparked speculation in Xiaotian's mind. Yet he hadn't met enough people yet to confirm his suspicions. For now, he decided to wait and see.
After buying everything they needed, it was already noon. Xiaotian and Xiao Wu ate outside; Xiaotian paid for the meal.
On the way back, Xiaotian asked, "Xiao Wu, can I ask where you're from? Why don't you have even a copper soul coin on you?"
Xiao Wu's expression froze, and she glanced nervously around. "Well… my home is far away, and I don't eat much. I survived on wild fruits, carrots, and so on during the trip."
"Then why didn't you choose a college closer to home? Don't they need part-time students?" Xiaotian asked again, a question that clearly troubled her for some time.
Xiao Wu scoffed, "What are you doing? You're annoying. I'll tell you later," and quickly stepped ahead.
The truth was, neither really knew why she had come to such a distant place. As Xiaotian suggested, small towns dot the space between the Star Dou Great Forest and Notting City. As a soul beast, she wouldn't be noticed unless she reached Titled Douluo status, and those were mostly found in major cities.
Xiaotian glanced at her back quietly and followed, pondering his next steps.
Sword practice remained a daily must, but now he had other goals—rapidly mastering the Immortal Wind and Cloud Body Technique and the Drunken Immortal Moon-Gazing Step.
Yet before all that, there was something he wanted to try since awakening Sword Fifteen: flight on his sword!
After three months of diligent practice during his journey to the academy, he'd learned to wield his sword proficiently. Now was time to see if he could fly with it—and maybe even let Fifteen "go where it pleased"!
His first spirit ring was another priority. With his system-granted boost in comprehension, and the occasional sword skill tips from the system, his first ring could be anything he wished.
Since sword moves required substantial soul power early on, Xiaotian decided his first spirit ring should enhance and amplify soul power.
However, only three months had passed since awakening, so reaching level ten soul power that quickly wasn't possible. He planned to hunt alone in the nearby soul beast forest to cultivate swiftly.
If discovered, it would be because of his natural talent raising soul power faster through sword intent practice. Fake master Yu Xiaogang certainly wouldn't notice and might even take interest without suspicion.
Back at the academy, Xiaotian and Xiao Wu found only Wang Sheng and a few others in Dormitory 7. Tang San was likely already meeting Yu Xiaogang.
Xiaotian didn't care. After making his bed, he grabbed his iron sword and headed out.
"Hey, Xiaotian! You just got back and you're heading out again?" Wang Sheng asked, confused.
"To practice swordplay," Xiaotian replied calmly.
He glanced at Wang Sheng and the others. "I have a suggestion. We are civilians now with soul power. We should practice hard rather than fight nobles."
Wang Sheng and company were stunned.
"It's not us work-study students wanting this," Wang Sheng said, displeased. "It's the nobles causing trouble! We have no choice."
Xiaotian shook his head. "Then we should practice even harder. Also, with the three of us now, spread the word that Xiao Wu and Tang San have full innate soul power. And let them know that Tang San has taken Master as his teacher."
Master was a renowned theorist across the continent. With Tang San at level ten and his upcoming first spirit ring, how many sixth-year nobles matched their power?
Wang Sheng answered, "Xiao Chenyu, level 11."
"That's right. If things escalate, we find the principal! He wouldn't want two talented civilians clashing with nobles. If the principal intervenes, Xiao Chenyu and others would probably back down. Besides, Tang San has powerful backing."
Yu Xiaogang, though expelled from the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex family, was the foremost theoretical master on the continent. Even city lords wouldn't dare challenge his connections.
Wang Sheng and the others exchanged helpless looks but agreed—it was worth a try. None wanted unnecessary fights; the academy was for learning and cultivating!
Xiao Wu looked at Xiaotian's back thoughtfully.
"Hey, Xiaotian, why did you say that just now?" she asked, frowning.
Heading toward the academy lawn, Xiaotian responded calmly, "What? Did I say something wrong? What's the point of these fights? Lose, and you're embarrassed; win, and you become boss or big sister. But either way, does it help with cultivation?"
"If I lose, nobles will keep harassing us. If I win and become boss, I might get dragged into tedious drama. I'd rather spend this time practicing sword skills!"
With memories from his past life, Xiaotian was no longer mentally six years old. He had no interest in childish games resembling make-believe.
If Xiao Chenyu and friends were stronger, their clashes might have been helpful stepping stones. But Xiao Chenyu's strength was too weak.
He was a city lord's son, yet his first spirit ring was only ten years old—not even a hundred. It did little to uphold his status.
P.S. This chapter underscores Xiaotian's growing maturity and pragmatic mindset, focusing on cultivation over petty fights and power struggles at the academy. It also highlights the brewing tension between civilian talents and noble students, while setting the stage for strategic alliances and rivalries.
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