Yu Zhantian spent some time familiarising himself with the system.
He quickly discovered something unexpected—
The system space could only be accessed… not used for storage.
Confused, he asked the system.
The answer was simple:
The system level was too low. The storage function hadn't been unlocked yet.
"So how do I upgrade it?"
[Complete specific tasks to receive system upgrade rewards.]
After several exchanges, Yu Zhantian realized something—
This system was efficient.
Cold, direct, and precise.
Almost like an AI.
"…What a shame."
He sighed.
He had honestly been hoping for one of those lively system spirits—
the kind that could argue with the host and had its own personality.
Nevermind.
---
"Xiaotian! Time to eat!"
His grandfather's voice snapped him out of his thoughts.
Yu Zhantian got up and headed to the kitchen.
He served the rice and handed the bowl over with chopsticks.
"Here, Grandpa."
"Good, good. Sit down and eat," Yu Jun said with a smile. "I made chicken soup for you today. It'll help you grow strong."
He ladled out a generous portion—two tender drumsticks and rich, steaming broth.
"Eat more meat, Xiaotian."
Yu Zhantian didn't refuse.
Even before tasting it, his heart already felt warm.
"Grandpa, you should eat too."
He added some meat to his grandfather's bowl.
"Alright, alright. Let's eat before it gets cold."
---
After the meal, Yu Zhantian quietly used his Nine Yang True Qi to treat the hidden injuries in his grandfather's body.
The effect was immediate.
Yu Jun looked visibly younger.
---
Two Months Later
Time passed quickly.
Over the past two months, Yu Zhantian's soul power remained stagnant—without a soul ring, it couldn't increase further.
However, his physical strength had improved again.
---
Early Morning
Dressed in a Turtle School martial arts uniform, with the Ruyi Staff strapped to his back, Yu Zhantian set off with his grandfather.
They rode the village's only ox cart toward Notting City.
After four to five hours of bumpy travel, they finally arrived.
Notting City was located in Fasno Province, near the border of the Star Luo Empire.
It wasn't particularly prosperous, nor did it have many powerful soul masters.
But compared to Dali Village—
It was a completely different world.
The streets were lively and bustling, especially with merchants bringing exotic goods from across the border.
---
Notting Academy Entrance
The moment they arrived at the academy gate, they ran into a scene.
Tang San and Old Jack were being stopped by a guard.
The situation escalated quickly.
Tang San was already preparing to act when—
A middle-aged man stepped forward and intervened.
It was Yu Xiaogang.
After resolving the situation, he turned his gaze toward Yu Zhantian.
"You there," he said. "You're here to enroll too, right? Show me your Martial Soul Hall certificate."
Yu Zhantian was slightly confused but handed it over.
Before he could speak, his grandfather added politely:
"Teacher, please take care of my grandson."
Yu Xiaogang glanced at the certificate.
Then his expression changed.
"…Half-level innate soul power?"
"A monkey martial soul?"
His tone turned cold.
"I suggest you don't enroll. With this kind of talent, coming here would just be a waste of time."
Yu Jun's face darkened instantly.
"What kind of teacher speaks like that?"
Yu Xiaogang replied indifferently:
"I'm simply stating the truth."
"If you don't listen, you'll regret it sooner or later. Your grandson isn't suited to become a soul master."
With that, he turned and left with Tang San.
---
Yu Zhantian narrowed his eyes.
This guy… really has a problem.
Half-level soul power?
Wasn't Tang San's Blue Silver Grass also considered trash by most people?
Yet he dares look down on others?
Before he could think further—
[Ding - Mission Released]
Objective: Teach Yu Xiaogang a lesson
Reward:
* 1,000 Gold Soul Coins
* Four-Star Flight Technique
* Three-Star Capsule House
* Soul Power +1
Yu Zhantian's eyes lit up.
A flight technique?
That alone made it worth it.
---
"Xiaotian, don't take his words to heart," Yu Jun said gently.
"Grandpa believes in you."
"You'll become a great soul master."
Yu Zhantian smiled.
"Don't worry, Grandpa."
He waved goodbye and walked into the academy.
---
Inside the Academy
Not long after entering, Yu Zhantian's eyes suddenly lit up.
A girl appeared in his sight.
She had a long scorpion braid, big bright eyes, a pink dress, and white knee-high socks.
Cute. Lively.
Unmistakable.
Xiao Wu.
What luck… running into her this quickly.
[Ding - Favorability Mission Activated]
Objective: Increase Xiao Wu's favorability
Rewards:
* System Upgrade
* Soul Power +3
* Six-Star Random Martial Art
* Six-Star Evolving Soul Ring
* Five-Star Character Summon Card
Yu Zhantian's heart skipped a beat.
Those rewards were insane.
He checked her current status.
Xiao Wu - Favorability: 50 (Stranger)
* Below 50: Hostile
* 50: Stranger
* 60: Friend
* 70: Close Friend
* 80: Lover
* 90: Deep Love
* 100: Eternal Bond
---
"Hey, do you know where Dorm Seven is?"
Xiao Wu walked up to him and asked curiously.
Yu Zhantian smiled.
"I'm new too. Not too familiar with the place yet."
"Oh…" she pouted slightly.
"But," he added, "we can go register together and ask a teacher."
Xiao Wu's eyes lit up.
"Right! Why didn't I think of that?"
She smiled brightly.
"Oh, I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Xiao Wu—Wu as in dancing. What's your name?"
Yu Zhantian chuckled.
"That's a beautiful name."
"I'm Yu Zhantian. You can call me Brother Tian."
Xiao Wu's expression instantly changed.
"Hmph! I'm older than you, okay? You should call me Sister Xiao Wu!"
Yu Zhantian calmly took out a few fresh carrots from his bag.
"Call me Brother Tian, and these are yours."
He had specifically picked the freshest, juiciest ones the day before.
Xiao Wu froze.
Her eyes locked onto the carrots.
She swallowed.
"No… I can't… I'm your elder—"
Crunch!
Yu Zhantian casually took a bite.
The crisp sound echoed.
"…Brother Tian! Brother Tian!"
She gave in instantly, grabbing a carrot and happily munching on it.
Yu Zhantian smiled.
So easy.
Tang San needed vows and life-and-death bonds to earn that title.
He did it with a carrot.
---
On the way, Yu Zhantian casually used his past-life experience to chat with her.
Jokes, teasing, light conversation—
Xiao Wu laughed constantly.
By the time they reached the office—
Her favorability had already risen to 60.
---
Inside, they ran into Yu Xiaogang and Tang San again.
The moment Tang San saw Xiao Wu, his heart stirred.
Love at first sight?
Then he noticed Yu Zhantian standing beside her.
His expression darkened.
Why is she so close to that guy?
---
Yu Xiaogang sneered.
"Looks like you didn't take my advice."
"Half-level innate soul power is no different from ordinary people."
"You're wasting your time here."
"You'll never become a true soul master."
Yu Zhantian frowned.
What is this guy's problem?
He checked the system.
Yu Xiaogang - Favorability: 40 (Slight Hostility)
We just met. Why is he already hostile?
He couldn't figure it out.
But honestly—
It didn't matter.
---
Tang San stepped forward and said coldly:
"My teacher is right. Some people are destined to never become soul masters."
Yu Zhantian let out a cold laugh.
"Oh?"
"Even if I never become one—"
"I'd still be far stronger than your useless Blue Silver Grass."