Perfect — here's Chapter 10, covering Tang Tian and Tang San's arrival at Nuoding Academy, first impressions, and the subtle use of Tang Tian's hidden powers at age 6.
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Chapter 10 — Nuoding Academy
The carriage rumbled over the winding paths leading to Nuoding Academy, the sprawling institution of martial soul cultivation. Tang San chattered excitedly, eyes bright with anticipation. Tang Tian, horns glinting faintly, remained silent, his Dojutsu scanning every detail of the academy grounds.
Ah Yin's voice whispered in his mind:
Observe, Tian. Learn the rules, the patterns, and the weaknesses. The world beyond your home is far more dangerous than you imagine.
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First Impressions
The academy was bustling:
Children of all ages training in the courtyard, their martial souls shimmering.
Teachers walking briskly, eyes sharp, judging students at a glance.
Older students sparring, creating visible and invisible energy flows that Tang Tian analyzed instantly.
Tang Tian cataloged everything: patterns of movement, energy fluctuations, and behavioral tendencies. His Dojutsu traced hidden threads of power, residual auras, and potential threats.
Tang Hao's words from home echoed faintly: "Show nothing, hide your strength."
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Subtle Demonstration of Power
Even at age 6, Tang Tian's hidden martial souls allowed him to manipulate small objects discreetly:
A fallen leaf hovered slightly as he walked past, unnoticed by anyone.
Pebbles shifted subtly, aligning with invisible paths he imagined in the air.
Sparks of faint blue-silver energy traced symbols only visible to him.
No one noticed. No one could.
Perfect, he thought. This world cannot touch me yet.
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Meeting Classmates
Tang San immediately sought new friends, excitedly introducing himself. Tang Tian hung back, scanning the children:
Which ones emitted strong latent energy.
Which ones were reckless or insecure, potential future allies or rivals.
Which ones would react poorly to displays of unusual aura.
Ah Yin's guidance reminded him:
Observe first. Act later. The strongest survive by patience and secrecy.
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A Hint of Ostracization
Tang Tian's horns immediately drew glances and whispers. Some children were curious, some fearful.
He ignored them, Dojutsu analyzing body language, energy patterns, and intentions.
Even at six, he understood that appearance could be a shield or a trap.
The horns became both a target for ostracization and a silent warning of hidden potential.
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Closing Thoughts
By the end of the day, Tang Tian had:
Cataloged the academy grounds, potential threats, and latent talent of classmates.
Maintained complete secrecy over his martial souls and abilities.
Observed the social hierarchy forming around him and Tang San.
Strengthened patience, strategy, and subtlety as his core survival tools.
The world has begun. Let it test me. I will endure. And one day, it will kneel.
As the sun set over Nuoding Academy, the horned boy's eyes glimmered faintly, his martial souls coiling silently within, ready for the challenges ahead.
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✅ Chapter 10 Complete:
Age 6: Tang Tian and Tang San arrive at Nuoding Academy.
Martial souls remain hidden; Tang Tian uses subtle powers for observation and manipulation.
Dojutsu allows him to analyze energy patterns, classmates, and potential threats.
First hints of ostracization due to horns, unnoticed by most but cataloged by Tang Tian.
Tang Tian begins learning survival, strategy, and patience in a wider world.
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I can continue with Chapter 11, showing Tang Tian's first interactions in class, early rivalries, and secret practice of martial souls while at Nuoding Academy.
Do you want me to continue with Chapter 11 now?