"Xiao San, did you have a conflict with your roommates?" The master spoke calmly, observing Tang San devouring food at the table.
"Teacher, I..." Tang San set down the chicken leg in his hand, words catching in his throat.
"It's alright." Sensing Tang San's discomfort, the master's tone remained even. "Your teacher doesn't concern himself with idle rumors. However, you're at a crucial growth stage—you can't subsist on poor-quality meals."
"From now on, you'll dine with me on the second floor. Don't eat with them downstairs anymore."
"Thank you, teacher." Tang San stood and bowed deeply.
He hadn't expected his teacher to possess such noble character—completely unmoved by those rumors. Such a person was truly worthy of being his master!
"Enough, Xiao San. We're master and disciple—such formality is unnecessary." The master waved dismissively, gesturing for Tang San to resume eating.
Tang San nodded, settling back into his chair to continue his feast.
In Holy Soul Village, he'd barely had enough to eat—surviving on watery rice porridge without a grain to be found. Now, meeting a teacher who treated him so well filled him with gratitude and deepened his respect for the master.
Meanwhile, in the first-floor cafeteria.
After lunch, Cheng Xiao chose not to return to the dormitory immediately. Instead, following some inquiries, he made his way to Notting Junior Spirit Master Academy's library, intending to research relevant knowledge before hunting spirit rings.
His martial spirit didn't belong to this world—so Cheng Xiao planned to study spirit beast classifications first. The Shadow Monarch was the sovereign of death, so the spirit beast he sought should possess shadow or death attributes—creatures aligned with the Shadow Monarch's essence...
After absorbing knowledge related to spirit beast types and attributes, Cheng Xiao exhaled deeply, returned the books to their shelves, and swiftly departed the library.
However, upon leaving, he didn't head for the dormitory. Instead, he hurried directly to Notting Academy's Academic Affairs Office, planning to request a teacher escort him for spirit ring acquisition.
"Hello? Is anyone here?" Cheng Xiao entered the Academic Affairs Office, knocking gently.
"Yes, come in." An older teacher within glanced at Cheng Xiao, signaling his entry.
Cheng Xiao nodded and approached.
"You're Cheng Xiao, correct? I remember you—the genius with innate full spirit power." Director Su recognized him as the exceptional student who'd enrolled that very day, smiling warmly. "What brings you to the Academic Affairs Office?"
"Director Su, I do have a matter to discuss," Cheng Xiao replied.
"Please, tell me. I'll see if I can assist." Director Su set aside his paperwork. He valued students like Cheng Xiao with innate full spirit power highly. Of course, were this any other work-study student, he wouldn't spare effort on a child with mediocre talent and no connections.
"I want to obtain my first spirit ring."
"Your first spirit ring... what?! You want to obtain your first spirit ring?!" Director Su shot to his feet, his composure slipping. "Do you understand that acquiring a spirit ring requires reaching the tenth spirit power level? How could you possibly—"
Before finishing, Director Su suddenly recalled Cheng Xiao's innate full spirit power. He coughed, changing tack. "Cheng Xiao, I know you possess innate full spirit power and can indeed obtain your first ring, but we..."
Director Su then explained that the academy had just begun its term—teachers were swamped with responsibilities and couldn't escort Cheng Xiao to the Spirit Hunting Forest.
Cheng Xiao expressed understanding, though disappointment clearly shadowed his features.
Director Su felt somewhat helpless. The academy's opening period truly was chaotic, with teachers overwhelmed by duties.
"How about this, Director Su—I'll take the child to the Spirit Hunting Forest tomorrow." A middle-aged man in black robes entered—handsome, with a warm smile gracing his face.
"Dean?! What brings you here?" Upon seeing the newcomer, Director Su immediately offered a respectful salute before continuing, "This child has innate full spirit power..."
"I'm aware, Director Su." The middle-aged man waved dismissively, smiling. "I've reviewed his file. A supreme beast martial spirit with innate full spirit power—such a prodigy appearing at our Notting Academy? As dean, it would be remiss not to pay attention."
Director Su's face lit up with satisfaction.
"Let's go together tomorrow. It happens that I also need to take my disciple to hunt spirit beasts and obtain a spirit ring." The master appeared at the Academic Affairs Office entrance, hands clasped behind his back, affecting an air of profundity.
"Excellent, Xiaogang." The middle-aged man clapped the master's shoulder, grinning. "This time, your theory will surely prove successful."
"Naturally. I've acquired an exceptional disciple." The master nodded, his tone casual.
For him, accepting a disciple seemed as simple as researching spirit theories—yet his gaze still fell upon Cheng Xiao. Though it lingered only briefly, Cheng Xiao noticed.
However, Cheng Xiao said nothing. He needed to hunt for spirit rings regardless. With the master present, he'd have additional protection—though whether he'd need it remained uncertain.
"Settled, then." The middle-aged man smiled at Cheng Xiao. "Go rest. We'll meet at the academy entrance tomorrow morning."
"Understood. Thank you, Dean." Cheng Xiao offered polite thanks before departing the Academic Affairs Office.
Returning to the dormitory, Cheng Xiao found Xiao Wu sprawled on the bed, legs swinging idly.
Scanning the other beds, he noted Wang Sheng and company practicing spirit power cultivation, while Tang San lay with eyes closed—likely preparing for tomorrow's spirit hunt.
Settling onto his bed, Cheng Xiao paid no attention to Xiao Wu beside him. He closed his eyes, contemplating which spirit beast he'd need for tomorrow's hunt.
"Hey, why are you like Tang San, sleeping so early before nightfall?" Xiao Wu's voice suddenly piped up. Cheng Xiao wasn't actually asleep, so he reflexively opened his eyes—meeting Xiao Wu's adorable face directly.
"Oh? You weren't asleep at all!" Xiao Wu pouted upon seeing his eyes open.
"What were you planning to do while I slept?" Cheng Xiao sat up, leaning against the wall behind the bed, his tone mild. "Don't tell me you need something from me this late."
"I'm just a bit bored." Seeing Cheng Xiao's expression shift, Xiao Wu muttered softly.
Observing Xiao Wu's 'I know I was wrong' expression, Cheng Xiao couldn't help scratching his head. "I'm hunting spirit beasts in the Spirit Hunting Forest tomorrow. I planned to sleep early. Is that acceptable?"
"Spirit hunting?" Xiao Wu blinked in surprise. "You're going before classes even start? Are spirit rings that important?"
"What do you think?" Cheng Xiao flicked her forehead in exasperation. "Rest early. I need to wake up early tomorrow."
With that, Cheng Xiao lay down beneath the covers, ignoring the indignant Xiao Wu clutching her forehead, and closed his eyes.
However, Xiao Wu wasn't satisfied. She watched Cheng Xiao settling under the quilt, bit her lip, and thought rebelliously, You want to sleep early? I won't let you!
Then, as if struck by inspiration, Xiao Wu also lifted the covers and slipped into bed. Her mischievous little hands crept toward Cheng Xiao's sides—clearly plotting something. A smug smile crossed her face.
Let's see how Sister Xiao Wu deals with you!