Chapter 3
Lin Bai briefly considered reporting Tang San and his father. Tang Hao was a wanted fugitive with a hefty bounty from the Wuhun Palace. However, after careful thought, he abandoned the idea.
There were two reasons for this. First, even if the Wuhun Palace rewarded him with a fortune, most of it would likely be lost through various layers of exploitation. Second, if Tang Hao survived the manhunt, Lin Bai would be in danger—his involvement would leave traces, and Tang Hao could easily track him down for revenge.
Making a fortune through inventions was also impractical. The world was filled with soul masters, and countless people had already discovered efficient methods for producing salt and iron. Lin Bai had no chance of breaking into those industries.
The opportunity to change his fate was right in front of him, but money stood in the way.
"Ahhh!"
Frustrated, Lin Bai ruffled his hair. In his previous life, he had been just an ordinary person—he had no experience with making large sums of money.
Feeling powerless and angry, he found himself considering a more drastic approach: robbing the rich to fund his goals. The Douluo Continent had plenty of slave merchants—quick, high-profit targets. With this method, he could amass a million gold coins within a year.
As soon as the idea formed, his mind felt unburdened.
Relaxing, Lin Bai went to the stove outside his house and cooked a meal. After eating, he returned to his room and continued cultivating the Yin-Yang Nine Dragon Art.
Two Months LaterNotting City
"Lin Bai, you've been sensible since you were a child. When you get to the Soul Master Academy, don't get into conflicts with others. I don't know much about cultivation, but hard work is the key. A lazy person will never grow a good field."
The village chief repeated his advice, sharing his years of experience.
"Don't worry, Uncle Village Chief. I've always been kind to others. I'll get along just fine with my classmates."
Lin Bai patted his chest in assurance. He was well aware that this was one of the last opportunities he'd have to openly bully children his own age. He had to enjoy it while he could.
The village chief, oblivious to any underlying intent, simply nodded in approval.
As they approached the gates of Notting Academy, a commotion caught Lin Bai's attention. The academy guard was arguing with an old man and a young boy.
"Hah! A golden phoenix from a rural village? Stinking beggar, get lost!"
The guard sneered as he tossed aside a piece of paper and shoved the old man away.
"We are villagers from Holy Soul Village, not beggars!"
The old man, Jack, straightened his back and shouted, his voice filled with anger.
Behind him, Tang San stood with his hands behind his back, eyes cold and murderous—at such a young age, he already exuded the presence of a future killer.
"Stop!"
Yu Xiaogang stepped in, drawn by the mention of "Innate Soul Power."
"Old man, may I see the child's certificate?"
Yu Xiaogang's stiff expression softened as he tried to appear friendly.
"Of course, here you go."
Old Jack carefully picked up the Wuhun Palace certificate, dusted it off, and handed it over.
Yu Xiaogang read the document thoroughly. When his eyes landed on "Blue Silver Grass Martial Spirit" and "Innate Full Soul Power," his heart pounded. He barely contained his excitement and forced himself to remain calm.
"It's genuine. The Wuhun Palace seal cannot be forged," he confirmed. "Old man, I am a teacher at this academy. Leave the child to me; I'll take him to register."
"Oh, thank you, Master Soul Master! Thank you so much!"
Old Jack repeatedly expressed his gratitude before urging Tang San to follow Yu Xiaogang.
"Xiaosan, go with the master quickly."
"Mistress, what a good name…"
Yu Xiaogang took Tang San's hand, his grip warm and slightly damp. He then turned to the guard. "I'll inform the dean about this incident. You should reflect on your actions."
Without sparing the guard another glance, he led Tang San into the academy.
Lin Bai watched silently. He had no desire to interact with Yu Xiaogang just yet. Once the two were inside, Lin Bai retrieved his own Wuhun Palace certificate and handed it to the visibly shaken guard.
The guard, still hoping to assert his authority, examined the document. The words Innate Soul Power stood out clearly. His breath hitched, and he swallowed hard. After careful verification, he opened the gate without further trouble.
Lin Bai bid farewell to the village chief and stepped into Notting Academy. He took his time, giving Yu Xiaogang and Tang San space for their conversation.
Unbeknownst to him, the guard hesitated for a moment before gritting his teeth. He then abandoned his post and hurried to find Yu Xiaogang.
Yu Xiaogang listened intently as the guard whispered something in his ear.
"Are you sure? Another child with innate soul power?"
Yu Xiaogang's eyes narrowed. It was rare to find one such talent in a lifetime—finding two in a single day seemed too good to be true.
"I wouldn't dare lie, Master. I checked carefully. The certificate is genuine. As soon as I saw it, I came to report it. Please, give me another chance."
The guard's voice carried a note of pleading. Working at Notting Academy, he understood the significance of innate soul power.
Yu Xiaogang considered the information, then looked at Tang San. "Xiao San, what do you think?"
"It all depends on the teacher."
Tang San had already accepted Yu Xiaogang as his master. To him, a teacher was akin to a father.
Yu Xiaogang sighed. Since neither Tang San nor Old Jack had been harmed, he decided to let the guard go.
"Very well. We'll let this slide, but there won't be a next time."
"Thank you, Master! Thank you!"
Relieved, the guard quickly left. When he passed Lin Bai on the way, he averted his gaze and hurried off.
Lin Bai noticed the guard's odd behavior but didn't give it much thought.
A while later, he arrived at the academy's training grounds, where he spotted Yu Xiaogang and Tang San standing together. He planned to walk past them unnoticed, but Yu Xiaogang called out.
"Son, don't leave just yet. I'm a teacher here at the academy. I heard you have innate soul power—would you mind showing me your martial spirit?"
Tang San also looked at Lin Bai, his gaze unreadable. He wasn't concerned about sharing Yu Xiaogang's attention and even offered encouragement.
"Teacher is very knowledgeable. He can give you some useful advice on cultivation."
Lin Bai paused, then smirked internally.
"Isn't a martial spirit considered private? Should I be showing it to just anyone?"
His tone was indifferent, almost mocking.
Yu Xiaogang's expression stiffened, but he quickly forced a smile. "You're right, but as an academy teacher, you don't need to hide it from me."
Tang San's eyes turned slightly cold. Seeing another person with innate soul power irritated him. Instead of answering the teacher's request, this kid dared to question him instead. How rude.