**Chapter 282: Debt-Free**

**Chapter 282: Debt-Free**

Looking at the situation now, the dean of Notting Junior Soul Master Academy couldn't help but entertain a thought that felt both absurd and somewhat plausible: it seemed these little brats had come to the academy just to target the unfortunate Tang San.

The more he considered it, the more the dean felt this theory might hold some truth. After all, these kids had been well-behaved in the past, rarely causing trouble. Despite having powerful backgrounds, they had chosen to study at this remote academy, which in itself seemed unreasonable.

And now, they were beating up Tang San, leaving him bloodied and unconscious.

The dean's friend was insisting on expelling them, but the brats didn't seem the least bit afraid. Their lack of concern made it clear that they weren't interested in studying here; it seemed they had other motives.

The dean looked at the group of kids seriously and asked, "Are you all ready to be expelled from the academy?"

The leader of the group nodded with a smirk, saying that they had completed their mission and would leave whether or not they were expelled.

This confirmed the dean's suspicions—these kids had come to the academy not to study but to torment Tang San.

But why had they targeted him? Tang San had only just arrived at the academy, was humble and low-key, and hadn't seemed to offend anyone.

The more the dean thought about it, the less sense it made. After all, Tang San had just joined and kept to himself. How had he earned the ire of these little brats?

Eventually, the dean decided to expel them. This was not only justice for his old friend but also a way to make up for the academy's mismanagement.

To further ensure Tang San's recovery, the dean invited a healing soul master to treat his injuries and arranged for nutritious meals to help him recover quickly. After all, the dean had accepted a generous bribe—20,000 gold soul coins—from the forces behind these unruly children to admit them to the academy.

This sum was enormous, particularly for a small place like Notting City. Even in larger cities like Soto or Gengxin, 20,000 gold soul coins would be considered substantial. The dean was pleased with the unexpected windfall.

He mused that, should the powers behind these troublemakers send another payment, he wouldn't mind letting them return to the academy to give Tang San another beating. After all, the money would greatly benefit the academy's students and teachers.

The dean tried to justify his thoughts, assuring himself that if Tang San knew he could earn 20,000 gold soul coins by enduring a beating, he would probably be more than willing to take the hit.

However, the dean was careful to keep this plan from his friends, as they would likely be upset with his actions.

Later, the dean decided to forgive his old friend's debt of thousands of gold soul coins, feeling that it was only fair in light of the unexpected windfall.

When he shared this decision with Yu Xiaogang, his old friend was overjoyed.

"I don't have to repay the debt! This is fantastic," Yu Xiaogang thought. The pain his disciple had suffered in being beaten seemed to have paid off, at least for now.

But as happy as Yu Xiaogang was, he couldn't shake the feeling that something about this situation seemed off. Still, he couldn't put his finger on what was wrong.

Three days later, after being carefully treated by a healing soul master, Tang San finally woke up from his coma. Upon seeing his teacher standing beside him, Tang San felt deeply moved. Unexpectedly, his teacher—who was also his adoptive father from his previous life—was so caring and attentive.

Even his real father hadn't been this devoted. Tang San promised himself that he would help his teacher avenge his blood feud, no matter what it took.

"Thank you, Teacher," Tang San thought, determined to help him.

In this life, Tang San had no personal grudge against Bibi Dong, who had killed his mother. However, seeing his teacher's deep love for her made Tang San feel obligated to consider his teacher's feelings.

As for whether Master Erlong would agree to a relationship involving his teacher and Bibi Dong, Tang San decided not to worry. His teacher was a good man, and such things could be worked out.

Yet, there was something that made Tang San curious: his teacher had no beard anymore, and his chin was unusually smooth. Was something wrong with him?

Tang San couldn't help but feel a headache coming on. How could he help his teacher regain his strength? If Yu Xiaogang couldn't recover, his entire future would be in jeopardy.

When Yu Xiaogang saw Tang San wake up, he rushed over eagerly.

"Xiao San, how do you feel? Is there anywhere you're hurting?"

He thought to himself, 'If not for this disciple, I would still be drowning in debt. Now, at least I'm debt-free. This is a huge relief.'

"I'm fine, Teacher. Don't worry about me," Tang San said, shaking his head slightly. He could see how worried his teacher was.

"It's good to hear you're okay," Yu Xiaogang said with a kind smile, but his expression soon turned serious.

"Xiao San, how did you offend those brats? Why did they treat you so cruelly?"

Tang San frowned. "I don't know, Teacher. This is the first time something like this has happened. I've never encountered anything like it in my previous life."

He paused, remembering the hidden arrows and Zhuge Divine Crossbows the brats had used. "I know how to make those weapons. They were supposed to be my secret, but now they're in the hands of those kids. It doesn't make sense."

Yu Xiaogang looked shocked. "What? You can make those weapons?"

This revelation stunned Yu Xiaogang. He knew his disciple was talented, but this... this was something else entirely.

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