…
After a hearty meal, Old Jack let out a satisfied burp, rubbed his slightly round belly, and left contentedly.
During the meal, Tang Hao had finally relented and agreed to let Tang San attend the Nottingham City Junior Soul Master Academy.
A great weight lifted from his heart. He liked Tang San very much—the boy was obedient and sensible from a young age.
Therefore, Tang Hao hoped Tang San could study at the Nottingham Academy, so he'd have a future path. After all, what prospects did he have following a father like Tang Hao, who had long since lost his drive?
As for Jiang Chen, he would be left to study at the Spirit Hall. Given their grand sincerity, Jiang Chen would surely receive the best training there.
There was only one spot for a working student from Saint Soul Village—and that belonged perfectly to Tang San.
With this arrangement, their village would soon have two Soul Masters, one of whom might even become a future titled Douluo.
Old Jack's ambitions rang loud and clear. He seemed to already envision Saint Soul Village rising to glory under his leadership, and his name being remembered for generations as the greatest village chief...
Just as Jiang Chen was about to leave after the meal, Tang Hao called out to him.
"Xiao Chen, I saw you running with that stone mill this morning—are you trying to train your body?"
Jiang Chen nodded. "Yes. I heard that having a strong body makes it easier to absorb soul rings later."
Tang Hao agreed. "That's right. I've heard that better physical fitness gives an advantage in absorbing soul rings. How about this: you can come learn blacksmithing with me. Forging is very physically demanding, just as good for training as running, and you'll have Tang San for company."
Jiang Chen's eyes lit up. That was a good idea. Besides, he might get to see Tang Hao's wild "mantle hammer" technique, though since he didn't have a hammer soul, learning it probably wouldn't help much.
More importantly, working together with Tang San would help build their relationship.
Although in his previous life he wasn't particularly fond of Tang San, Jiang Chen's cautious nature told him that relying on Tang San was the safest way to ascend to godhood.
"Alright, Uncle," Jiang Chen agreed gladly.
From then on, he planned to run every morning and spend afternoons at Tang Hao's blacksmith shop learning the trade.
Thus, the next three months would be well spent and fulfilling.
After several encounters, Tang San's impression of Jiang Chen had improved greatly. He found Jiang Chen to be a decent guy, especially since his cooking was delicious.
As long as Jiang Chen didn't lose his mind, Tang San thought he could be a good friend.
…
At that moment, inside the Spirit Hall, Su Yuntao burst into Master Mathiuno's office, clutching a report and brimming with excitement.
"Who's that? Didn't even knock," Master Mathiuno's displeased voice sounded as he looked up.
"Ah, it's you again, kid. Every time you come in without knocking. Remember, a Soul Master must cultivate with concentration and calmness, or you'll end up like me—never able to break the level thirty barrier."
Facing Master Mathiuno's scolding, Su Yuntao chuckled lightly, unfazed, and lifted the report in his hand, his expression eager.
"Master Mathiuno, I awakened an unparalleled genius yesterday in Saint Soul Village. I suspect his spirit weapon might be one of the legendary god-level weapons. I've already written the report—please help me send it straight to the Pope's Hall."
Su Yuntao's face flushed with excitement. Although he had yet to win over Jiang Chen, if this report reached the Pope's Hall, it would surely attract the Pope's attention. Perhaps the Pope himself would even come.
And as the hero of this discovery, Su Yuntao was certain he'd receive rewards—promotion, raises—and that beautiful, elusive Sisi, who had always been distant, would finally willingly agree to date him.
He already envisioned his life soaring toward its peak.
Master Mathiuno's aged face darkened as he snapped, "Nonsense! Do you think god-level spirit weapons grow on trees? According to our records, only the previous Pope's family possessed god-level spirit weapons. You tell me one just popped up in some backwater village? Are you out of your mind?"
Insulted, Su Yuntao hurried to explain, "Master Mathiuno, I swear everything I said is true. The whole village witnessed the spirit awakening phenomenon. You can send someone to investigate. The report details the entire process. Once it reaches the Pope, he will definitely take it seriously."
Seeing Su Yuntao's unwavering conviction, Master Mathiuno's suspicion grew. He flipped open the several-page report, his expression growing ever grimmer.
After a long moment, he closed the report heavily and said solemnly, "Well done. You've accomplished great work this time. But since this is so critical, I'll send someone to verify Saint Soul Village first, then submit your report. Rest assured, if it's true, your reward will be substantial."
"Thank you, Master Mathiuno," Su Yuntao said gratefully, his face radiant with excitement.
Master Mathiuno set down the papers and asked, "By the way, I heard you're still pursuing that girl Sisi?"
Su Yuntao blushed and nodded.
Master Mathiuno sighed deeply. "Listen to me—Sisi isn't the right girl for you."
Su Yuntao hurriedly replied, "Master Mathiuno, please don't worry about me. I'm off now—I have to go find Sisi for dinner." With that, he dashed out eagerly.
Mathiuno shook his head as he watched Su Yuntao's retreating figure, his old, cloudy eyes filled with pity.
Then, his gaze shifted downward, settling once again on Jiang Chen's file.
He reopened the report, scanning its contents with a face growing colder by the moment.
Rip… rip…
Without hesitation, Mathiuno tore the report into pieces and tossed it into the trash.
"Su Yuntao, Su Yuntao… Don't blame me for cutting off your future. As long as I'm here, the Nottingham City branch answers to me. Jiang Chen? Your bad luck ends underground. If anyone's to blame, it's you, Su Yuntao."
Mathiuno's voice was icy cold, chilling to the bone. His aged face was now marked with murderous intent.
After decades of toil, he had finally secured the position of Chief Steward. With the branch leader's seat vacant, despite being eighty-one years old, he still dreamed of taking that place.
But if this report made it through, would there even be a seat left for him?
Just then, a figure suddenly slipped in at the door.
A young girl, about seventeen or eighteen years old, tall and striking, nearly 1.8 meters in height, with a curvy figure and a beautiful face.
She closed the door behind her, locking it with a flick of her wrist.
"Master Mathiuno," came her sweet, melodious voice, making one's bones nearly melt.
Mathiuno's eyes lit up, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Sisi, what are you doing here? Come, let me give you some affection."