Soul Land: I Am the True Grandmaster

Chapter 206: Laying the Trap · Part One

Yu Xiaogang walked along with a spring in his step, feeling a weight lift from his shoulders. At last, someone else would take over the burden of Tang San, the troublesome disciple. Even if Spirit Hall decided to exact revenge down the line, their quarrel would be with the Tian Dou Empire, not with him a poor, obscure teacher with little to lose. And would the Tian Dou Royal Family dare to challenge the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan? Hardly. They'd be scrambling to curry favor instead, given that all of the Tian Dou Empire's Titled Douluo came from the top three sects.

Tang San noticed his teacher's upbeat mood, assuming it was out of genuine concern for his progress. He grew even more respectful of Yu Xiaogang. "Teacher is truly dedicated to my growth," he thought, his admiration deepening.

Tian Dou Royal Academy was undeniably impressive, with grand architecture fitting of one of the continent's top academies. Soon, they met with their targets: the academy's three Contra ranked board members Dream God Machine (level 86), Tianxing Furnace Bai Baoshan (level 85), and Sky Blue Vine Zhilin (level 83). Each was a powerful figure, and together they complemented each other's approaches to teaching. If not for the meteoric rise of Ye Wen's Tianxing Academy, they might have trained several championship worthy teams by now.

The moment Yu Xiaogang entered the reception hall, his face paled.

"Ye Wen… what's he doing here?" A bad feeling took root in his mind, but he quickly composed himself, bowing respectfully.

"Greetings to the esteemed board members and Principal Ye Wen."

The others followed his example, but Tang San, after bowing, kept glancing at Ye Wen and the group accompanying him, which included several familiar faces from Shrek. Among them, a girl with blue and white hair caught his eye, making his heart skip a beat. Although her appearance had matured over the years, Tang San recognized her instantly it was Ye Tianshui, the same girl who had defeated him handily in the past. His gaze grew dazed, memories flooding back, and a strange voice seemed to whisper in his mind.

The powerful soul masters present couldn't miss Tang San's reaction. Ye Wen's smile twitched with faint amusement. "After all these years, and he's still hung up on my little treasure. Does he actually like strong willed women? Quite the masochist."

Yu Xiaogang noticed his disciple's lapse and gave him a subtle nudge. Startled, Tang San snapped back to reality, letting out a soft cough to cover his embarrassment. What's wrong with me? he thought. Am I getting carried away because I've been single for so long? But Tianshui looked just as adorable as ever. Just wait, Tianshui, he vowed silently. I'll grow strong enough to marry you no one can stop me.

Tang San's years of self guided training had left him conceited about his talent. Concepts like mutual affection meant little to him; he felt that, as the destined "Child of Fate," his attraction to Ye Tianshui was an honor for her.

Dream God Machine, the head of the three deans, addressed the Shrek group kindly.

"So, you all wish to enroll in Tian Dou Royal Academy?"

"Yes, Dean Dream God Machine," Yu Xiaogang replied confidently. "I believe these young talents have the age and skill worthy of Tian Dou Royal Academy's focus."

As for whether Tang San would one day serve Tian Dou? Well, that would be a question for Tang Hao. Yu Xiaogang had already prepared excuses to avoid accountability if things went south. After all, the investment needed to train Tang San to the Soul Elder rank was minor, and he doubted the Tian Dou royals would hold such a small matter against him.

The three board members exchanged glances before Dream God Machine responded,

"Seeing is believing. Allow me to conduct an assessment. You have no objections, I presume, Doctor Yu?"

After all, the academy couldn't afford to tarnish its reputation further. They needed capable students to restore their standing before Emperor Xue Ye. Yu Xiaogang, confident in Tang San's abilities, nodded. Given that Tang San was already at the Soul Elder level at his age, Yu Xiaogang had no doubt he would pass. With the academy's resources, Tang San was likely to reach Soul Emperor by the time of the All Continent Advanced Soul Master Tournament, or at worst, an advanced Soul King. Surely that would be more than enough.

Meanwhile, Ye Wen watched the scene unfold in silence, a faint smirk playing on his lips. Fate is a funny thing. Despite his best efforts, Tang San had found his way to Tian Dou Royal Academy without encountering the Royal Fight Team or Qin Ming's betrayal.

But if Tang San really stayed here, it'd be like a mouse finding its way into a rice bin. Though Tian Dou's teaching quality was subpar, its facilities were unparalleled. If fate had brought Ye Wen here today, he figured he might as well shake things up.

"Dean Dream, mind if I say a few words?" Ye Wen asked.

Dream God Machine looked puzzled but respectful of Ye Wen's status, nodding kindly.

"Of course."

Ye Wen turned to the Shrek group.

"While I don't usually have the right to interfere with students enrolling at Tian Dou, it so happens that my children will be representing Tian Dou Royal Academy in the upcoming All Continent Advanced Soul Master Tournament. So, if you all make the academy's team, I'd expect you to follow their lead. After all, while you may be talented, you're still too weak compared to my children."

His blunt words caused the Shrek students to frown. Flender knew that Ye Wen wasn't lying; although his students were indeed talented, they couldn't quite compare to the top tier prodigies raised with Tianxing Academy's unmatched resources.

However

"Principal Ye Wen, I disagree," Tang San spoke up suddenly.

"Oh? I'm curious to hear where you think I went wrong. I'm known to take constructive criticism, so don't hold back, Tang San."

Tang San looked resolute.

"Times have changed. After years of training, I am no longer the same person I was. Even if Miss Ye Tianshui defeated me once, I don't believe I'd lose to her now. So, Principal Ye Wen, I don't accept that your children are inherently stronger than me."

He's confident, I'll give him that, Ye Wen thought, though this was exactly what he'd been hoping for.

Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.

Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Cortez10