Tang San froze, turning to look behind him. A middle-aged man, seemingly in his forties or fifties, approached with unhurried steps.
His appearance was utterly unremarkable—thick lips, a crew cut, coarse stubble shadowing his jaw. The overall impression was one of world-weariness and casual indifference.
Upon seeing the newcomer, the gatekeeper's raised hand dropped instantly. His anger evaporated, replaced by obsequious flattery. "Master! You've returned."
The master merely glanced at the gatekeeper before his gaze swept toward Cheng Xiao lingering within the academy grounds, then finally settled on Tang San.
As a village chief, Old Jack possessed keen social awareness. Judging by the gatekeeper's demeanor, this middle-aged man clearly held significant influence. He immediately presented the Spirit Certificate and recounted the earlier incident.
The master examined the document, then addressed Old Jack. "This Spirit Certificate is genuine. On behalf of the academy, I apologize for the earlier treatment. I'll personally oversee this child's enrollment."
To have such an important figure apologize directly left Old Jack flustered, his face flushing as he waved his hands dismissively.
"Master, I entrust little San to your care. Please look after him."
The master inclined his head in acknowledgment.
After a few more parting instructions to Tang San, Old Jack departed.
Once Old Jack had gone, the master turned his attention to the gatekeeper. "This is your first warning—and your last. Repeat this behavior, and I'll report you to the dean directly. You won't need to remain employed here."
The gatekeeper bobbed his head frantically, cold sweat trickling down his spine.
The master then looked down at Tang San, forcing what was meant to be a reassuring smile onto his face. His facial muscles seemed stiff from disuse, making the expression somewhat awkward. Taking Tang San's hand, he gestured toward Cheng Xiao standing beyond the iron gate. "Is he also a work-study student?"
"Him?" Tang San followed the gesture to Cheng Xiao's retreating figure and shook his head. "He arrived after me, but the gatekeeper admitted him immediately upon seeing his Spirit Certificate."
"I see." A glimmer of understanding flashed in the master's eyes. If his intuition proved correct, that child's martial spirit must be exceptional—otherwise, given the gatekeeper's temperament, he'd never have granted entry so readily.
Ahead, Cheng Xiao maintained a leisurely pace. This being his first visit to Notting Academy, he took his time, essentially touring the campus while searching for the teaching buildings.
Soon enough, the master caught up, Tang San's hand in his, falling into step beside Cheng Xiao.
"Young friend, are you also a work-study student this year?" The master addressed Cheng Xiao to his left.
"Hello, teacher. My name is Cheng Xiao, work-study student from Cheng Family Village." Cheng Xiao paused, studying the man.
"Hehe, I'm not actually a teacher at the academy." The master shook his head, his tone casual.
"You're not a teacher, yet you're called 'Master'—you must hold a leadership position here?" Tang San, walking to the master's right, interjected.
"Perceptive for a six-year-old, but you're mistaken. I hold no administrative role." The master denied it once more.
Cheng Xiao feigned confusion. "If you're neither teacher nor administrator, why are you called Master?"
The master straightened, his expression taking on an air of profundity. "I, Yu Xiaogang, am merely a guest who eats and lodges here. As for why I'm called 'Master'—it's simply what everyone calls me. I've nearly forgotten my own name."
"You must understand—'Master' and 'Teacher' are titles with fundamentally different meanings. Don't confuse them going forward." A calculating gleam entered his eyes. "Unless, of course, you're willing to formally acknowledge me as your master and let me become your teacher."
"Acknowledge you as master? Would you teach us martial spirit cultivation?" Excitement crept into Tang San's voice.
The master halted, regarding Tang San. "Then, are you willing?"
Tang San stopped as well, glancing at Cheng Xiao standing silently beside the master before returning his gaze forward. He neither agreed nor refused.
"It seems I must be persistent this once." Seeing Tang San's hesitation, the master continued, "After all, you are the only twin martial spirit user born in a century."
Shock rippled across Tang San's features. His perception of the master transformed entirely. Subtly, he raised his left wrist, disengaging the sleeve arrow's safety, doubt clouding his gaze.
Noticing Tang San's reaction, the master retrieved the Spirit Certificate and explained calmly, "Young friend, no need for alarm—I bear no ill intent. I deduced your twin martial spirits from this certificate. Besides, if I couldn't discern even this much, I wouldn't deserve the title 'Master.'"
The master's explanation gradually settled Tang San's nerves. Just as he prepared to respond, Cheng Xiao interrupted.
"Master, perhaps we should continue this conversation while walking?" Cheng Xiao had no interest in enduring the master's theoretical grandstanding.
Tang San's gaze lingered on Cheng Xiao, but he remained silent.
"Very well, let's walk and talk." The master observed Cheng Xiao's impassive expression, confusion stirring within him.
Doesn't he understand the importance of martial spirit theory? Tang San clearly grasps the significance—why is this one so disinterested? Ah, of course—he doesn't know my reputation yet, nor the value of my Ten Core Competencies of Martial Spirits.
With this thought, the master deliberately slowed his pace, launching into his theoretical explanations.
Yet even after an extended discourse, Cheng Xiao's expression remained one of polite disinterest. The master reluctantly abandoned his attempt to recruit this particular disciple, redirecting his full attention to Tang San. After all, securing a student with twin martial spirits was hardly a loss.
The master's explanations were measured and accessible. As Tang San absorbed the theoretical framework, his estimation of this middle-aged man skyrocketed. Without warning, he stopped in his tracks and stepped back. Under the master's surprised gaze, Tang San dropped to his knees and kowtowed three times, formally requesting to become his disciple.
Witnessing Tang San's kowtow, the master uttered "silly boy," yet inward satisfaction bloomed. With such a prodigious twin martial spirit user as his disciple, he would finally prove to the world that Yu Xiaogang was no waste!
Bending to help Tang San rise, the master said evenly, "Formal kowtows aren't necessary for discipleship—a bow suffices."
Tang San's expression turned solemn. "Once a teacher, forever a father. As my master, you deserve my full respect."
The master then turned to Cheng Xiao, who'd stopped nearby, noting his continued indifference. After a moment's hesitation, he ventured, "Child, are you certain you don't wish to become my disciple?"
"I acknowledge your expertise, but theoretical martial spirit knowledge doesn't particularly interest me. I appreciate the offer, but I must respectfully decline." Cheng Xiao's response was diplomatically flawless—neither disrespecting the master's face nor causing offense.
"Well, discipleship requires genuine willingness. If you're not interested, I won't force the matter." The master shook his head with mild regret, then addressed Tang San. "Xiao San, let's proceed to the Academic Affairs Office for registration."
Taking Tang San's hand, the master strode toward the administration building, pointedly ignoring Cheng Xiao.
Under my theoretical guidance, Tang San will rapidly surpass this child. Then he'll realize how misguided his choice was.
Cheng Xiao watched them depart and shrugged, unbothered. He followed at his own pace.
After all, wasn't the entire purpose of attending a Spirit Master Academy to learn theoretical knowledge?