---
The morning sun lit the lecture hall as the children of Dorm 7 settled into Spirit Theory Class.
Tang San sat near the front, focused. Lin Feng, of course, sat in the back near the window, half-listening and half plotting his next plot modification.
Master walked in with a calm air, pushing up his sleeves.
"Spirit Theory isn't about flashy battles, but understanding yourself. Your martial soul. Its strengths... and weaknesses."
As the lecture began, Tang San's eyes sparkled with curiosity. Lin Feng fiddled with a pencil and quietly browsed the System Mall, but paused now and then as Master's insights surprised even him.
He might be awkward and a freeloader, but that man knows his stuff, Lin Feng thought.
---
After Class – The Cafeteria
Class ended and the group shuffled out. Hunger overtook curiosity.
Xiao Wu sniffed the air. "It smells amazing! Where's the food?"
Wang Sheng pointed ahead.
"This way. But be warned... only the first floor is for us working students."
"The second floor is for nobles and rich kids. It's expensive."
Xiao Wu snorted.
"Pfft. What's the point of living if you don't eat well? Lin Feng, treat us!"
She leaned close, pouting and locking him with the Crouching Bunny Expression Lv. MAX.
Lin Feng flinched.
Not the crouqestness!
"...Fine. My treat."
---
Second Floor Dining
They climbed the stairs. The second floor was polished, with silk screens and clean tables. Few commoners dared eat here.
Just as they sat, a voice called out—
"Tang San!"
It was Master, standing by a table.
"Come. Sit here. I'll treat you today."
Tang San bowed respectfully and joined him, leaving Lin Feng, Xiao Wu, and the others to order their food.
"I want carrot dumplings!"
"Spicy tiger meat!"
"Roast soul beast wings!"
As dishes arrived, laughter and warmth filled the table—until Master leaned forward.
"Tang San, after you've adapted, I'll take you to the Spirit Hunting Forest. It's time for you to obtain your first ring."
Tang San nodded firmly.
---
Meanwhile…
Wang Sheng whispered to others.
>"You know, that Master guy? Bit of a weirdo. They say he's only at rank 29 and still calls himself Grandmaster."
Tang San, returning from his meal, overheard but didn't speak. His fists clenched slightly.
I'll prove his theory is right… someday.
Just then—
"Well, well, what's this?"
A new voice mocked from across the room.
A group of senior students stared them down, led by the haughty Xiao Chenyu.
"Did beggar students sneak in here? Don't you know you don't belong?"
Xiao Wu narrowed her eyes.
"Say that again."
"You're not deaf, are you, bunny ears?"
"Tang San, teach him a lesson."
---
Training Ground: Showdown
The air was tense.
"Come on, San! Beat them up!" Xiao Wu cheered.
Tang San stepped into the ring.
> "Tang San. Martial Soul: Blue Silver Bamboo. Soul Level 10."
The students watching laughed.
> "What kind of garbage spirit is that?" Chenyu scoffed.
"Xiao Chenyu. Martial Soul: Gray Wolf. Soul Level 11."
He summoned a white soul ring from his waist, proud and confident.
The battle began.
Xiao Chenyu lunged forward with a wolf claw strike. Tang San dodged, countered, and prepared to strike—
---
DING! Plot Modification Available!
> [💥 Change: Modify Tang San's next attack]
[Cost: 10 Points]
[Effect: Replace "Kick to the Face" → "Kiss to the Face"]
> "Confirm?"
✔️ Yes.
> -10 Points. Current Balance: 5190
---
As the fight heated, Tang San ducked a strike,
Punch his stomach ,twisted, and wanted to kicked his face but—
kissed Xiao Chenyu on the face.
---
Stunned Silence.
Xiao Chenyu: 😳
Wang Sheng: 😨
Xiao Wu: 😲
Lin Feng: "Pffff—HAHAHAHAHA!"
Tang San backed away, face redder than a soul flame.
"I—I don't know why I did that... I didn't mean—"
Chenyu leapt back like he'd been poisoned.
"PERVERT! STAY AWAY FROM ME!"
Xiao Wu put a hand on her chin.
"So that's his type... Interesting."
The students quickly backed away from Tang San like he carried plague.
---
Tang Hao & Master's Reactions
Atop a nearby rooftop, Tang Hao watched silently.
"Did... did my son just... kiss a boy mid-fight?"
His grip on his wine gourd slipped slightly.
His face darkened.
Meanwhile, Master stood still, eyes wide.
> Maybe… I should reduce contact for now.
He shivered.
---
System Reward!
[Plot Disruption Successful]
+110 Points
Total Points: 5300
Lin Feng checked his status menu with a grin.
"Worth every point."
---
Later that Night
Rumors flew through Nuoding Academy like wildfire:
"Did you hear about the boy who kissed Xiao Chenyu in a duel?!"
"Tang San? Isn't he the pervert from Dorm 7?"
Everywhere he went, students giggled or avoided eye contact. Tang San, red-faced and mortified, shut himself in his room.
"Why did I do that…?"
Conflict ended, but his reputation had only just begun...