The stone archway of Notting Primary Spirit Master Academy rose high, its carved patterns weathered by years of sun and rain. To Xiao Tian, it was like a wall dividing worlds—inside lay learning and cultivation, outside lay poverty and ignorance.
Old Jack knocked firmly with his cane. A middle-aged man in academy robes opened the gate, his expression sour from the start. His gaze swept across them, lingering with disdain.
"Villagers again? What do you want here? This is a Spirit Master Academy, not a farmer's rest stop."
Old Jack bowed, forcing a smile. "Esteemed sir, these two children awakened Martial Spirits with Spirit Hall's recognition. Su Yuntao himself instructed me to bring them here to enroll."
The gatekeeper gave a cold snort. "Enroll? Ten gold soul coins per year. Can you afford it? If not, take them back to your fields."
The villagers who had accompanied them gasped. Ten gold soul coins—it was a fortune far beyond their means. Old Jack's face paled; even his hand gripping the cane trembled.
"Ten gold… how can—"
Xiao Tian's fists clenched. A rigged system, keeping the poor beneath the boots of the rich. Different world, same rot.
Before despair settled, Tang San spoke calmly. "Grandpa Jack, don't worry. Spirit Hall's token guarantees us entry as work-study students. We may not pay tuition, but we can exchange labor for study."
The gatekeeper scowled. "Hmph. Work-study students. Nothing but free labor. You'll be lucky if the nobles here don't trample you underfoot."
Just then, a cold, authoritative voice echoed from inside.
"Step aside."
A tall, thin man strode out, his robes plain but his aura commanding. His sharp gaze swept across the group like an eagle sizing prey. His expression carried arrogance as though the world itself owed him recognition.
The gatekeeper stiffened instantly. "G–Grandmaster…"
It was Yu Xiaogang.
He ignored the guard, his attention locking on the two boys. "So these are the ones Su Yuntao spoke of? The village brats with unusual awakenings."
Old Jack hurriedly presented Tang San's Spirit Hall certificate. Yu Xiaogang's eyes narrowed as he scanned the words.
"Innate… full soul power."
For a heartbeat, his breath quickened. A fire lit in his eyes that he struggled to mask.
Innate full soul power… combined with a spirit as weak as Blue Silver Grass? Impossible… unless… unless my theory is right. Could this boy… carry twin spirits? If so, he may be the living proof I've sought all these years.
Suppressing his excitement, Yu Xiaogang crouched slightly in front of Tang San, his voice solemn. "Child, your talent is rare beyond compare. Do you know what full soul power means?"
Tang San shook his head.
"It means," Yu Xiaogang continued, his tone heavy with conviction, "that every ring you absorb will unleash its full potential. Others will stumble, but you will walk unhindered. Your future… is limitless."
Tang San's chest tightened with pride. For years, he had endured whispers about being the son of a useless drunk. Now, a respected master was telling him he was extraordinary. His eyes shone as he bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Master."
Yu Xiaogang's gaze softened, almost paternal. But when he turned to Xiao Tian, the warmth vanished.
Old Jack offered the second certificate hesitantly. Yu Xiaogang's eyes flicked over it, then he scoffed.
"Innate soul power: four."
His lip curled with disdain. "Mediocre. Barely enough to step on the path of cultivation. With such weak foundations, your achievements will forever be limited. If not for Spirit Hall's order, a child like you wouldn't even touch this academy's gates."
The words cut sharp. Old Jack's face flushed with anger, but he held back for the children's sake.
Xiao Tian remained silent, though inside his Black Tiger snarled. Four? Mediocre? On Earth, strength wasn't born, it was forged. Laugh now, all of you. When the day comes, my strength will silence every sneer.
Tang San glanced sideways at him, pride swelling in his chest. For the first time, he felt he had surpassed someone—he, the drunkard's son, was now standing taller.
Yu Xiaogang straightened, clasping his hands behind his back. "Tang San, from this day forth, you will follow me. I will guide you personally. As for you—" his cold eyes flicked toward Xiao Tian, "—work hard if you can. The academy has no shortage of forgotten children."
With that, he strode away, his haughty back radiating pride.
The gatekeeper sneered as he stepped aside. "Welcome to Notting. Work-study brats."
Old Jack sighed deeply, patting Xiao Tian's shoulder. "Child… don't lose heart. Even four is a blessing compared to none. Remember, the path is long, and even a slow walker can reach the summit."
Xiao Tian forced a smile. "I understand, Grandpa Jack."
But inside, he swore: I'll carve a path so fierce, even the so-called Grandmaster will choke on his words.