Chapter 93: The Theory of Ten Core Competencies

Liu Erlong blinked and stared blankly at Dan Heng.

She could hardly believe her ears.

In this era, was there really someone who didn't want a promotion and wealth?

The last person who had done so made her fall for him—his name was Yu Xiaogang.

And now, Dan Heng had made the same choice.

A sudden feeling of irritation rose in Liu Erlong's heart.

Looking like Yu Xiaogang was one thing—it made her hold him in higher regard.

But if he was too much like Yu Xiaogang, then she wouldn't be happy.

Yu Xiaogang could only be the one and only!

The three girls—Jiangzhu and the others—were equally stunned. They hadn't expected Dan Heng to reject the offer so decisively.

He was already working as a librarian—did he really have no ambition to move up?

Becoming a senior instructor personally appointed by Liu Erlong would at least make him someone of importance at Blue Tyrant Academy.

Yet he outright refused…

Was he an idiot?

"Do you even know the salary of a senior instructor?" Liu Erlong asked. "Once you take on the role, your monthly wage will rise to fifty gold soul coins! And depending on your students' progress, you'll also receive bonuses."

"The average salary of our academy's top instructors is… three hundred gold soul coins!"

"And it's not just about the salary. The benefits are top-notch as well—not inferior to Heaven Dou Imperial Academy!"

Liu Erlong rattled off a long list of advantages.

She couldn't accept that Dan Heng would refuse so bluntly.

Dan Heng nodded. These benefits were indeed high—far beyond what a librarian earned.

But compared to his peaceful life, they were far from enough.

Shaking his head, he said, "Sorry, but I prefer the quiet life of reading. And you've misunderstood, Dean Liu. I may have read a lot of books, but I have no particular talent—I'm not qualified to be an instructor. That would only mislead students."

"..."

Liu Erlong stared at him intently.

He was so similar!

Back when she had been with Yu Xiaogang, she had sensed his immense talent and asked him why he wouldn't go to Spirit Hall to prove himself.

Yu Xiaogang's response was that he preferred peace and quiet—just like Dan Heng's response now.

She hadn't been able to persuade Yu Xiaogang back then—was she going to fail with Dan Heng too?

"No way!"

Liu Erlong suddenly raised her voice.

Jiangzhu and the other girls jumped in surprise, looking at her in confusion.

Liu Erlong stood up from her chair, walked around her desk, and sat down beside Dan Heng.

With a sincere expression, she said, "Dan Heng, if you have this ability, then don't hide it—help these students."

"They're all commoner soul masters. Their families don't have much wealth, and they can't enjoy the same treatment as noble soul masters."

"The only way for them to catch up is through our academy. They work harder than others, but they also need more resources… You are an excellent teacher—far better than those in Heaven Dou Imperial Academy!"

Liu Erlong was trying to persuade him.

As for Dan Heng's excuse that he was just well-read?

Because she admired him, she was convinced that he was definitely a scholar!

Dan Heng remained unmoved, reiterating that he only wanted to be a librarian. If they forced him to change positions, he would rather resign and find another job.

"..."

Liu Erlong gritted her teeth, utterly frustrated.

Dan Heng was like a rock in a latrine—stubborn and foul-smelling!

And yet, she liked this kind of man!

Her eyes flickered as she suddenly said, "You claim you only know how to read? Fine. If you can tell me which book a certain theory comes from, I'll drop this matter and stop trying to make you a teacher. But if you can't, then you must become a senior instructor!"

Dan Heng frowned slightly, eyeing Liu Erlong suspiciously.

This woman… wasn't playing by the usual rules.

"Are you serious? Don't lie to me."

Liu Erlong raised an eyebrow, smacked her impressive chest, and declared, "What a joke! Who doesn't know that my word is as good as gold? How could I possibly lie?!"

Jiangzhu and the other girls were dumbfounded.

Wait… Wasn't this supposed to be a promotion with great benefits?

Why was Dan Heng acting like it was some punishment?

And why was Liu Erlong so desperate to recruit him—going as far as making such an absurd deal?

Jiangzhu, shocked, thought to herself: Did I make a mistake? Should I not have introduced Dan Heng to Dean Liu?

Liu Erlong smirked and said, "Alright, first theory: Plant-type martial souls can absorb spirit rings from beast-type soul beasts."

Her smirk deepened.

This was one of the Ten Core Competencies she had learned from Yu Xiaogang.

Now, she was going to use it to shock Dan Heng!

She couldn't wait to see the look on his face when he struggled to recall any mention of it in books.

And then, when she revealed that the theory's creator was none other than her beloved Yu Xiaogang—the Grandmaster…

Dan Heng would surely realize he wasn't as brilliant as he thought and obediently accept the role of senior instructor!

As expected, Dan Heng hesitated, looking troubled.

Liu Erlong smiled faintly, enjoying the sight of his furrowed brows.

There was once a beauty named Xi Shi, who was famous for holding her chest and frowning when she was in pain—it made her look even more beautiful.

Now, Dan Heng's frown had a similar effect on women.

"Well? You can't find the answer, right? Actually, this theory—"

"This is… considered a theory?"

Dan Heng frowned.

"Huh?" Liu Erlong froze, staring at him in disbelief.

Did he just insult Yu Xiaogang?!

Dan Heng continued, "Absorbing a spirit ring has nothing to do with the type of spirit beast. This has been known for a long time. It's just that absorbing a ring from the same type of beast makes the process easier and increases the chances of obtaining powerful soul skills."

Liu Erlong was stunned.

That was literally one of Yu Xiaogang's Ten Core Competencies!

But Dan Heng made it sound like common knowledge!

"A-Are you making things up? Because you can't find the book?" she accused.

Dan Heng shook his head and explained, "There probably isn't a book that specifically states this as a major discovery. But I've come across it in books from thirty years ago… seventy years ago… even a hundred and forty years ago…"

He then began listing the books, all of which had been published decades ago.

And the so-called 'theory' was merely a small part of those texts.

Liu Erlong was dumbfounded.

This wasn't how things were supposed to go!

How could Yu Xiaogang's theory have already been recorded decades ago?!

Did someone plagiarize Yu Xiaogang?!

"Jiangzhu, go to the library and find those three books!" Liu Erlong ordered sternly.

If someone had stolen Yu Xiaogang's research, she would make them regret ever being born!

Jiangzhu and the others acknowledged the order and quickly left the room.

Now, only Dan Heng and Liu Erlong remained.

Liu Erlong sat there, her face dark as if she had just lost hundreds of thousands of gold soul coins.

(End of Chapter)