The Next Morning
Xiao Tianyang stood on the rooftop, practicing Tai Chi, when the sound of approaching footsteps caught his attention. He paused mid-movement, clapping his hands together.
"Tianyang, you're up early to train?" The courtyard door swung open, and Qin Ming stepped inside, looking up at the rooftop with a smile.
"I don't have a choice. The dumb bird has to fly first." Xiao Tianyang shrugged, spreading his hands.
Qin Ming: "..."
'Is this kid mocking me?'
'With your talent, if you're the "dumb bird," then wouldn't the rest of us be doomed?'
Jumping down from the roof and landing gracefully, Xiao Tianyang grinned. "Senior, have you had breakfast yet?"
"Not yet. I was actually planning to invite you to eat together," Qin Ming replied, shaking his head.
"Ah, good morning, Senior!" Xiao Wu rubbed her sleepy eyes as she stepped out of another room. Then, she turned to Xiao Tianyang. "Brother Tianyang, is breakfast ready?"
"It's in the kitchen." Xiao Tianyang glanced at her and asked, "Are the others up yet?"
"They're awake, just washing up." Hearing there was food, Xiao Wu's beautiful eyes sparkled.
She wasted no time and dashed into the kitchen without a second thought.
Qin Ming chuckled. "So, this is why you asked me for such a courtyard yesterday—so you could cook for yourself."
He smiled warmly. "I didn't expect you to be so good at taking care of others."
"It's nothing much, really." Xiao Tianyang scratched his head, a little embarrassed by the praise.
Soon, everyone else gradually woke up and gathered. What surprised Qin Ming the most was that it wasn't just Tang San and the group in the courtyard.
Even Flender and the others from next door had arrived for breakfast. Judging by their behavior, this clearly wasn't their first time—it had become a daily habit.
Curious, Qin Ming followed them into the kitchen. Once inside, he found himself unable to leave. The food Xiao Tianyang prepared was simply too good.
What shocked him even more was yet to come.
"This food... it actually increases soul power?!"
"Senior, please close your mouth." Ma Hongjun put down his fried dough stick and said seriously, "Tianyang is an anomaly. Anything weird that happens around him? Just accept it as normal. He's basically a monster."
"Can't you just eat and keep quiet?" Xiao Tianyang smirked, narrowing his eyes.
At that moment, Ma Hongjun's plump body trembled. He immediately lowered his head and stuffed his mouth with food, not daring to say another word.
Qin Ming ignored their antics and instead looked at Xiao Tianyang. "How did you do this?"
"Senior, are you interested in learning?" Xiao Tianyang asked playfully.
Realizing he had been too direct, Qin Ming let out a small laugh and shook his head. "No need. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone."
"It's really nothing special, just a little insignificant technique," Xiao Tianyang replied nonchalantly.
Of course, that was easy for him to say. He possessed a treasure trove of knowledge—why would he fuss over sharing a small piece of it?
Besides, he had an open-minded attitude. He didn't mind sharing good things with others.
Most people, however, would guard such an ability jealously. Not only would they refuse to share the technique, but they'd probably hesitate even to let others eat the food.
"Ahem, don't listen to this brat's nonsense," Flender interjected, shooting Xiao Tianyang a look. Then, he said in a serious tone, "Once everything settles down, I'll report this to the higher-ups at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy."
"As students, we naturally follow the dean's arrangements," Qin Ming responded respectfully, cupping his hands.
"Sheesh, it's just breakfast. Does the atmosphere really need to be this serious?" Xiao Tianyang muttered as he bit into a steamed bun.
Flender: "..."
'Brat, I'm trying to protect you. Can't you recognize when someone's looking out for you?'
…
Office Building of the Main Academy
The office building was one of the most imposing structures in the area. It wasn't decorated in a particularly luxurious manner, but it exuded an ancient and solemn aura.
Just standing before it, one could feel the deep heritage it carried.
The top floor housed the academy's most prestigious meeting room, reserved for royalty and high-ranking individuals—Soul Douluo and above.
Yet today, Flender and the others had been invited there for a meeting.
The moment they stepped inside, Xiao Tianyang felt an overwhelming pressure. It emanated from the three elderly men standing behind the reception table.
"Are these Soul Douluo?" Xiao Tianyang thought to himself. "Even if I give it my all, I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to defeat an opponent of this level..."
Once a soul master reached the Soul Saint level, they crossed a major threshold—a qualitative transformation.
The stronger one became, the harder it was to challenge opponents of higher ranks.
At the Titled Douluo level, even a single level difference meant a vast power gap. This was why the ranking system became more detailed at higher levels.
Noticing the robes the elders wore, Flender became serious. He crossed his arms over his chest and spoke with respect. "Seniors, I am Flender, Dean of Shrek Academy. A Level 78 Agility-Type Soul Saint."
In terms of both soul power and age, the three before him surpassed him. Calling them "seniors" was only fitting.
The others followed suit, introducing themselves one by one. Since the elders had shown them respect, it was only proper to return the courtesy.
"Dean Flender, you're too modest. Being able to nurture a student like Teacher Qin speaks volumes about your abilities," the elder in the center said warmly, stroking his beard. "My name is Meng Shenji, Level 86 Control-Type Soul Douluo."
"To my left is Bai Baoshan, Level 85 Defense-Type Soul Douluo."
"And to my right is Zhi Lin, Level 83 Control-Type Soul Douluo."
After introductions, both parties took their seats.
Meng Shenji spoke first. "First of all, we have no objections to the conditions Teacher Qin conveyed."
Flender finally let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Senior."
Meng Shenji suddenly added, "By the way, Dean Flender, I heard from Teacher Qin that your students include an exceptionally talented Control-Type soul master and a child who claims to belong to the 'Comprehensive Department.' May I ask which two students they are?"
Yu Xiaogang immediately pointed them out. "Xiao San, Tianyang."
Bai Baoshan narrowed his eyes at Xiao Tianyang. "Tianyang? Is your surname Xiao?"
Xiao Tianyang answered without hesitation, "My surname is not Xiao, my surname is Wang."
At the same time, he crushed a small pink ball in his hand, releasing a transparent gas into the air.
Bai Baoshan hesitated for a moment, then muttered, "That's odd..."
Although the others didn't know why Xiao Tianyang had lied, no one exposed him.
Even Flender remained silent. While this brat could be unruly, he wouldn't act recklessly in an important setting.
Of course, this was because Xiao Tianyang had temporarily boosted his charm using an item. Otherwise, his deception wouldn't have lasted two rounds before being exposed.
"Oh well, I lost a bit here, but at least I got away with it," Xiao Tianyang thought, feeling a little conflicted.
…
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