The smile on Master's face froze, and after several seconds, he asked, "Why?"
He was puzzled. Could it be that none of his impressive theories just now had stirred even the slightest admiration in this kid?
Ao Tian's expression suddenly turned serious as he said, "In this world, no one deserves to be my teacher."
Tang San couldn't help but think the word "arrogant."
Master furrowed his brows deeply and said, "Kid, cultivating as a Soul Master is no easy task. If you have a wise teacher guiding you, your progress will be twice as effective. But a Soul Master can only apprentice under one master in their lifetime, otherwise society will not tolerate it. When it comes to teaching, no one is better than me."
Ao Tian smiled coldly at Master and asked, "How can you prove your theory is definitely correct?"
Master replied, "You just saw it — based on a single proof, I deduced that Tang San has twin martial souls. Isn't that enough to prove my theory is right?"
Ao Tian shook his head, "The path of cultivation is full of endless possibilities. Your theories only apply to those with mediocre talent. They're useless to me."
Tang San couldn't help but retort, "Such a big mouth — all you are is a congenital full soul power. You talk like you're unique in the world."
Ao Tian glanced at Tang San coolly, "With my congenital full soul power, it would be effortless to take you down."
Tang San was not about to back down, "Is that so? Want to give it a try?" He had long been annoyed by Ao Tian's arrogant attitude.
Especially now that he had taken Master as his teacher, Ao Tian's disrespect towards Master meant Tang San, as the disciple, had the responsibility to stand up for him.
Ao Tian shook his head, "I'll give you a hundred years, but you'll never be my match."
Master interrupted to break the tension, "Alright, enough arguing. You're going to be classmates anyway."
He looked at Ao Tian and said, "How about a bet? If you lose, you willingly accept me as your master. How's that?"
Ao Tian grew interested, "And if you lose, you admit your theory has flaws."
Master laughed happily, "Deal, it's a promise."
Ao Tian asked, "What's the bet?"
Master explained, "Both you and Tang San have congenital level ten soul power. We set a limit of one year. Tang San will receive my guidance, and after one year, if your soul power or combat ability surpasses Tang San's in any way, you win. Otherwise, I win."
Master was very confident, already planning Tang San's Blue Silver Grass development path. In one-on-one combat, control-type Soul Masters are the strongest.
So, he felt his theory had already secured him an undefeated position.
He even thought this might be a bit unfair.
But thinking about it, it was all for the sake of this proud kid, so he was at ease.
Ao Tian said, "This bet sounds interesting. I, Ao Tian, accept. You better prepare to lose."
Tang San snorted coldly, "Hmph."
This kid was repeatedly disrespectful and shockingly arrogant. He couldn't understand what kind of upbringing could produce such an impolite child.
Master was in high spirits — today was the happiest day he'd had in years. Not only had he accepted a genius disciple in Tang San, but another young genius was destined to be in his grasp as well.
"Let's go, I'll take you to the Academic Affairs Office to register," said Master, grabbing Tang San's hand.
Ao Tian leisurely followed behind, his gaze sweeping over the academy. The scenes of students chasing and playing brought back feelings.
How many years had it been? He never expected to return to campus life.
Notting Academy wasn't very large. Its main areas included teaching buildings, playgrounds, and dormitories; the rest were relatively small.
The academy's rule was that all students must live on campus, even if their homes were nearby. Everyone had to accept unified management.
Soon, Master led Tang San and Ao Tian to the teaching building.
The Academic Affairs Office was on the first floor, with teachers already there to receive this year's freshmen.
Master knew the reception teachers and handed Tang San's certificate to a teacher who looked over sixty, saying, "Director Su, please help this child register."
"Tang San, I have something to attend to and will leave first. I'll come find you later," said Master.
"Okay, Teacher," Tang San nodded.
After Master left, Director Su reminded, "Kid, that's not actually a teacher here. Don't call him that randomly later."
Tang San said, "I have already accepted him as my master."
Director Su and two other teachers in their twenties all had strange looks on their faces, trying to suppress laughter.
"You actually accepted Master as your teacher?" Director Su couldn't help but ask.
"Is there a problem?" Tang San retorted.
"No, no problem. As long as you're happy. I'll help you handle the paperwork now," Director Su said.
A young teacher couldn't hold back and said, "Tang San, a friendly reminder: students can only have one master. Master isn't a teacher at our academy and has never taught students here. I think you should reconsider."
"I've already thought it through," Tang San said calmly. He had seen Master's vast knowledge and naturally wouldn't give up because of a few words.
Director Su glanced at the young teacher who had spoken and said, "Your martial soul is Blue Silver Grass, so accepting Master is actually quite suitable. Here are your belongings. You can head to the dormitory; there will be teachers to assist you there."
"Thank you," Tang San took the freshman materials and walked out.
Ao Tian didn't go inside, standing at the door watching.
Tang San glanced coolly at Ao Tian and prepared to leave, but faint voices from inside the Academic Affairs Office stopped him.
"I didn't expect Master to even take disciples, hahaha… so funny."
"That kid must have been fooled by him, right?"
"Who cares? That kid has a useless martial soul. The theory-invincible Master suits him perfectly. Hahaha… thinking about that Master's so-called top ten core martial soul competitiveness makes me laugh. Who does he think he is? A clown."
Director Su scolded sharply, "Silence! Master is a friend of the principal. You're not allowed to speak about him like that."
The room immediately quieted down.
Tang San's lips curled slightly, showing a trace of sarcasm and disdain. To him, those few inside were the real clowns.
Master could deduce his twin martial souls' secret from a single certificate — was that simple?
Tang San glanced at Ao Tian coldly and prepared to leave.
His expression clearly showed he didn't take Ao Tian seriously.
Ao Tian immediately smiled and said, "Tang San, Master's theories aren't necessarily all correct. Also, I heard Master once worked at the Martial Soul Hall but was expelled for attempting to defile the Saintess — the current Pope."
Tang San stopped, spun around sharply, glaring at Ao Tian. Two streaks of purple light flickered in his eyes, sending a subtle oppressive force toward Ao Tian.
"Apologize!" Tang San stepped forward fiercely, his aura commanding.
"I'm telling the truth. Why should I apologize?" Ao Tian looked at Tang San with interest.
"Insulting a teacher is like insulting your parents. If you don't apologize, I'll beat you until you do. Maybe it'll teach your parents how to discipline such an ill-mannered kid!"
Tang San's momentum surged, his eyes like two sharp swords, full of deterrence.
If it were an ordinary kid, they'd probably be trembling in fear.
Ao Tian remained unmoved and laughed, "Then try me."
(End of chapter)