"Spirit power… Level 2!"
On the grass, Bai Mu's spirit power surged as a sharp glint flashed through his eyes.
After several months since his Spirit Awakening, he had finally broken through Level 1 through diligent cultivation!
Although this pace wasn't especially fast, for him, it was a crucial first step.
He could clearly feel the warm current of spirit power inside his body becoming nearly twice as strong, its circulation far smoother than before.
More importantly—
"Little Soft, how do you feel?"
Bai Mu immediately focused his consciousness on his companion resting on his shoulder.
"Woof~"
Zygarde's expression turned solemn as a faint glow spread across its entire body.
A moment later, a ball of green light separated from it, rapidly condensing into a new form. In the blink of an eye, another cell took shape—nearly identical to the core, aside from a slight difference in color.
It lay there quietly, soft and limp, like a tiny paramecium.
"A great start!"
Bai Mu clenched his fist in excitement.
With the first cell successfully condensed, how far could it really be until he gathered a hundred cells and summoned a full-on "Gundam"?
"Woof~"
A trace of relief flickered through Zygarde's eyes.
With this new cell, it was no longer "fighting alone."
"Let me try your power."
Bai Mu guided the newborn cell with his consciousness.
The tiny green cell wriggled clumsily yet diligently, climbing up the trunk of a nearby tree as directed, then vanishing from sight.
In the next instant, Bai Mu activated their telepathic link—and his field of vision instantly expanded. He could see through the cell's eyes!
"Even a single cell can't merge or transform yet, but it still counts as an extra pair of eyes."
Bai Mu was extremely satisfied.
Zygarde Cells possessed basic awareness and intelligence, simple perception and mobility, and could also turn invisible and perform Synthesis.
It was precisely because of countless such cells acting as scouts that Zygarde was known as the "Guardian of the Ecosystem."
"As long as I have enough cells in the future, no one on this continent—or even in this world—will escape my sight!"
Ending his moment of fantasy, Bai Mu brushed the grass clippings off his clothes, hummed an off-key tune, and walked out of the academy, planning to reward himself with a hearty meal.
"Woof~"
Zygarde returned to his shoulder and vanished from view, while the cell remained hidden in the tree like an invisible camera.
"Hm?!"
Just as Bai Mu stepped out of the grass, he suddenly stopped, his expression turning strange.
Ahead, a small boy in patched clothes was kneeling before an old man, kowtowing three times with loud bang, bang, bang sounds.
"Please accept me as your disciple!" "Once a teacher, always a father!"
Even the old man looked stunned.
At a glance, this kid was already a seasoned feudal loyalist.
"Good, good. It seems I truly didn't misjudge this disciple."
Yu Xiaogang tried to maintain a serious expression, but the corners of his mouth betrayed him. The joy of finally venting years of grievance practically overflowed.
After all, who else but him could so easily take in a twin-spirited disciple with innate full spirit power?
"Oh my god… a live-action 'acknowledging a father'—no, a legendary 'taking a master' scene!"
Bai Mu sucked in a breath as memories from his past life flooded back.
What a shame there were no phones in this era—otherwise, he'd absolutely record this classic moment!
The next second, Yu Xiaogang turned around, his eyes meeting Bai Mu's.
The air froze.
…
The moment Yu Xiaogang saw Bai Mu, his excitement instantly stiffened.
"Congratulations, Grandmaster, on gaining such an outstanding disciple. And welcome, junior brother, to Nuoding Academy. I won't disturb you—I'll be off now~"
Without waiting for any response, Bai Mu hummed cheerfully and walked out of the academy.
Once outside, he skillfully found his way to a small shop, took a seat, and called out:
"Boss! Two portions of Little Huo's grilled fish! Extra spicy! Yours are the best in all of Nuoding City!"
"Got it! Coming right up!"
Before long, two fragrant grilled fish were placed on the table.
As Bai Mu enjoyed the meal, he subconsciously glanced back toward the academy.
"Speaking of which, since Tang San enrolled today, that Heaven Douluo should be nearby… which means Ah Yin is probably alone in the cave right now, a solitary blade of grass."
"It's a bit risky. Otherwise, I could go help Ah Yin fertilize things and casually pick up some wild hundred-thousand-year spirit bones along the way."
"…No need to rush. Next time."
——
"Teacher, who was that just now…?"
On the other side, Tang San noticed the change in Yu Xiaogang's mood and asked respectfully.
"Just an ungrateful child."
Yu Xiaogang snorted coldly. "I noticed his Spirit was unusual and that no one was guiding him, so I took the initiative to offer guidance. Who would've thought he'd not only show no gratitude, but even imply that I was lacking…"
With a few simple words, he deftly shifted all blame onto Bai Mu, preserving his dignity while highlighting his own "appreciation for talent" and "generosity."
"There's actually someone like that?"
Tang San frowned, his impression of Bai Mu instantly souring.
In his eyes, Yu Xiaogang—who had immediately discerned the secret of his twin Spirits—was undoubtedly a true Grandmaster.
What kind of fortune was it to have such a person willingly offer guidance?
And Bai Mu not only refused, but even spoke disrespectfully?
Truly ignorant.
He would regret it one day.
"Alright, don't worry about him."
Yu Xiaogang waved his hand, a smile returning to his face.
"His innate spirit power is only Level 1—worlds apart from yours. You are destined to soar through the Nine Heavens, while he may not even be qualified to look up at you. Come, I'll take you to the academic office to register."
Now that he had Tang San—a perfect disciple—to validate his theories, and a future Titled Douluo in the making, why would he care about a Level 1 nobody with a strange Spirit who refused advice?
After that, events unfolded just as in the original story.
Tang San registered, moved into Dorm Seven, and sparred with Wang Sheng.
Although Wang Sheng was stronger than before, he was still no match for a cheat-enabled Tang San. From start to finish, he couldn't even land a hit.
"By the way… do you know Bai Mu?"
After becoming the new boss of Dorm Seven, Tang San asked curiously.
"Ah, Bai Mu… that guy's a monster with endless energy."
Wang Sheng said with emotion, and the others nodded in agreement.
"A monster?" Tang San was puzzled.
"Yeah. When sparring with him, if you can't defeat him quickly, just comparing stamina and willpower—everyone in Dorm Seven combined still couldn't outlast him."
Wang Sheng shuddered slightly. "He recovers stamina and injuries insanely fast. Everyone thinks it's an ability from his strange Spirit."
Lowering his voice, he added with a hint of schadenfreude, "That so-called Grandmaster once said he could make Bai Mu a Spirit Elder in the future… but isn't he himself stuck at Level 29?"
"Don't slander my teacher!"
Tang San's expression darkened as he interrupted sharply.
In his heart, Yu Xiaogang was a benevolent mentor, not someone to be mocked.
"What? He's your teacher? Are you sure you didn't mistake him for the dean?"
Seeing Tang San's reaction, Wang Sheng shrugged and said no more.
Just then, the dormitory door was pushed open, and a clear, bell-like voice rang out:
"Excuse me… is this Dorm Seven?"
A cute little girl with a scorpion braid, bright eyes, and rosy cheeks stood at the doorway, peeking inside curiously.
"My name is Xiao Wu. The 'Wu' from dancing."