Chapter 5: Tang San, I Don’t Think I’ve Offended You, Right?

"Thank you, thank you, Instructor."The villager took the certificate with both hands and bowed in gratitude, completely unsuspecting.

When he looked up again, Yu Xiaogang was already pulling Tang San away.

This "Master" the gatekeeper referred to really has a strange temperament.The villager muttered inwardly, then quickly handed the bedding over to Yang Yunhai with a smile.

"小海,赶紧去跟上导师,以后好好在学院里学习,争取早日成为一名真正的魂师.""Xiao Hai, hurry and follow your instructor. Study hard at the academy and strive to become a true soul master."

The difference in treatment is really stark...Watching Yu Xiaogang leading Tang San by the hand, with the other hand nonchalantly tucking away another certificate behind his back, Yang Yunhai sighed inwardly.

Yu Xiaogang's pace didn't slow. He walked straight through the gate without even glancing back.

Still keeping his composure, Yang Yunhai nodded obediently."I'll definitely work hard."

He took the certificate and tucked it into his shirt, then lifted the bedding in his arms and bowed slightly."Uncle, I'm heading in now."

"Go on."The villager smiled gently and watched Yang Yunhai run off with the bedding.

Only after seeing him almost catch up to Yu Xiaogang did the villager turn and leave with peace of mind.

Just then, Yu Xiaogang turned to Tang San.

"Your certificate from the Spirit Hall says your name is Tang San, right? Tang San, understand this—'Master' and 'Teacher' are not the same thing. Don't mix them up in the future."

He paused for a moment, his gaze suddenly intense.

"Unless... unless you truly want me to be your teacher."

"You want to teach me how to cultivate my spirit?" Tang San couldn't help but ask.

Yu Xiaogang stopped walking and turned to face Tang San with a smile."Would you be willing?"

Tang San didn't answer. He simply looked up at Yu Xiaogang, eyes calm.

Tap tap tap...Light footsteps approached.

Yu Xiaogang turned instinctively, frowning as he saw Yang Yunhai carrying the bedding.

A trace of displeasure flashed through his eyes—but only for a moment. He quickly composed himself, turned back to Tang San, and gently ruffled his hair with a nod and a faint smile.

"Tang San, you really are a smart kid."

"Come on."Giving Tang San a meaningful look, he offered no explanation and took his hand, walking forward again.

He didn't spare Yang Yunhai another glance.

Tang San, however, glanced back at Yang Yunhai, deep in thought.

"This Master might actually be someone with real skill."

Back in his previous life at Tang Sect, many powerful techniques were reserved only for core disciples. These top-tier secrets, unlike those thrown around loosely, were heavily guarded to prevent outsiders from stealing them. The Mysterious Heaven Treasure Record, the highest-level manual of Tang Sect, was such an example.

The outer sect, inner sect, core disciples, and true disciples—Tang Sect's hierarchy existed precisely to filter out those loyal and worthy of inheriting its sacred teachings. A disciple who learned the top techniques yet betrayed the sect would be a disaster, a threat that could never be tolerated.

If Yu Xiaogang truly possessed unique insights into soul master cultivation and was cautious about who he accepted as a disciple, that would be perfectly reasonable.

Thinking of this, Tang San found himself looking forward to their next conversation—but he also felt a bit irritated.Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced again at Yang Yunhai.

This kid... really came at the wrong time. He's in the way.

"???"Seeing Tang San glance at him sideways with a slight frown, Yang Yunhai felt a sudden jolt in his chest.

"Did I do something wrong? Tang San, I don't think I offended you, right?"If I were strong enough, I'd shoot back with a 'What are you lookin' at?!'But seriously, his emotional control is terrible—just a glance and a frown is enough for anyone to know he's not happy with me.

Still, Yang Yunhai kept a blank face, acting like he noticed nothing, and looked ahead.

A tall building loomed into view.

He immediately asked, "Wow, that's tall! Master, what is that?"

"That's the Administrative Hall, where new students register." Yu Xiaogang replied calmly."If you're in a hurry, you can go ahead by yourself. There are staff inside to help. Just ask anyone."

"Okay, thank you, Master." Yang Yunhai nodded quickly and muttered to himself,"After registration, I still need to unpack, figure out where classes and meals are, maybe buy daily supplies... there's a lot to do today."

He gave a quick bow."Master, I'll head over first. Goodbye!"

Then, he ran off at full speed.

What a hyper kid.That was Tang San's brief judgment.

Yu Xiaogang simply shook his head and turned to Tang San."You're not in a hurry?"

Tang San didn't respond. He stopped and looked up.

Yu Xiaogang's gaze sharpened slightly."Tang San, you're excellent. Exceptionally gifted, and intelligent too. It looks like I'm going to be persistent this time."

"You're the third twin-spirited soul master born in the last hundred years on this continent."

Tang San's face instantly changed. His left wrist lifted slightly.

"You must be wondering how I know," Yu Xiaogang said with a smile, shaking the certificate in his hand.

"It's written right here."He began confidently explaining his research findings.

Not far away, Yang Yunhai, who had already reached a distance, looked back—and saw Tang San kneeling and kowtowing.

"So it was me getting in the way?"Yu Xiaogang wanted to accept a disciple and thought I was a nuisance—that's understandable. But even Tang San, who just wanted to hear his teachings, found me in the way? Was that what his look meant?"

He couldn't describe how he felt in that moment, only managing to mutter a classic phrase from his past life:"MMP." (Damn it.)

Still, he had to admit—Yu Xiaogang was pretty slick with the way he won people over.

He turned back and sprinted toward the Administrative Hall.

Before long, he completed registration and received a school uniform.

As he walked out, he saw Yu Xiaogang pulling Tang San in.

He gave a polite greeting, "Hello, Master."

Yu Xiaogang didn't acknowledge him, just gave a faint nod before heading in with Tang San.

Maybe it was the poor impression he left earlier, or maybe it was because he was too dark-skinned—Tang San didn't even glance in his direction.

"..."Yang Yunhai didn't even bother to complain. He turned and left.

Before long, he reached Dormitory Seven.

As he stepped inside, seven or eight burly kids aged around 8 to 12 turned to look.

Unfazed, Yang Yunhai introduced himself warmly:"Hi everyone! I'm Yang Yunhai, a working student from Gucao Village. You can call me Xiao Hai."

"My martial spirit is Blue Silver Grass, and my innate soul power is only 0.5. I'll be counting on you all from now on!"

Though he only ran a small repair shop in his past life, he had learned the basics of interpersonal communication.

Blue Silver Grass... only 0.5 innate power...The crowd, who were ready to mock his spirit, swallowed their words. Given his respectful tone and low stats, no one felt the need to pick on him.

This kid's very sensible.

No point fighting him—he's not built for it.

The leader, a big boy, strode forward boldly."I'm Wang Sheng. My martial spirit is Battle Tiger. I'll be a Battle Soul Master in the future—and I'm the boss here."

"You're Xiao Hai, right? Don't worry. Now that you're in Dorm Seven, we're family. I've got your back."

"Thanks, Brother Wang."Yang Yunhai nodded, then flattered smoothly:"Brother Wang, you've got a strong build! Tigers are fierce beasts—your spirit sounds amazing. I believe you'll become a powerful Battle Soul Master one day."

Wang Sheng grinned, scratching his head shyly."Heh, thanks for the good wishes."

Then he noticed the large bedding and uniform that nearly covered Yang Yunhai's entire torso."You must be tired carrying all that."

"Come on, I'll help. Pick any bed you like—I'll move your stuff there."

"That's very kind of you, Brother Wang."Yang Yunhai released the bedding with a smile.

Soon, with his new companions' help, his bed was neatly arranged.

Just then, light footsteps echoed from the still-open wooden door—