[Intelligence Reduction Halo activated. Tang San determines that "Fu Qin's Spirit indeed has no special effects."]
[Tang San's thoughts: It's a pity for that Innate Full Spirit Power, but it doesn't matter. As long as he is loyal, I can take care of him for the next six years.]
"It doesn't matter. Even a Trash Spirit can become a powerful Spirit Master."
Tang San patted Fu Qin's shoulder, his tone carrying a trace of a superior's gentleness.
"Once we reach the academy, I will teach you some basic applications of Spirit Abilities. As long as you work hard, you can also become an excellent Spirit Master."
"Really? Thank you, Little San!"
Fu Qin immediately showed a look of surprise, his eyes sparkling as if he had found a backer.
[Tang San's Favorability +3 (84)]
[Thoughts: As expected, he's a simple child, very easy to control.]
Fu Qin chuckled inwardly. This Intelligence Reduction Halo was simply heaven-defying; even someone as shrewd as Tang San was fooled so easily.
...
At dusk.
The setting sun of Nuoding City shone brightly on the faces of Tang San and Fu Qin.
However.
The faces of the gate guards were ugly.
"Where did these hicks come from? You dare try to barge into Nuoding Academy with two little brats?"
The guard leaned against the doorframe with his arms crossed, his gaze sweeping over Old Jack's heavily patched clothes, a mocking smile curling at the corners of his mouth.
"work-study students? I'd say beggars is more like it! Is Nuoding Academy a place for pariahs like you to enter? Get lost now, and don't dirty the academy's grounds!"
Old Jack's face turned beet red, and the hand clutching the work-study student certificates was trembling.
"You... how can you speak like that? These are the certificates given by the academy. We are here to enroll!"
"Certificates?"
The guard snatched the certificates and, without even looking, said dismissively.
"What is this trash? You think you can impersonate someone with any old scrap of paper? I'm telling you, even if the King of Heaven himself showed up today, you wouldn't be getting in! If you don't leave now, I'll call someone to throw you out!"
Fu Qin stood to the side, looking at the guard's information on the panel.
[Name: Li San
Level: Ordinary Person
Personality: Arrogant and domineering, bullies the weak and fears the strong
Favorability: -30 (Dislikes hicks)]
He could feel the aura around Tang San change instantly; even though suppressed by a child's body, it was still chilling.
"What did you just say?"
Tang San's voice was very soft yet carried a bone-piercing chill. His previously calm eyes were now like a frozen lake, bottomless.
The guard felt uneasy under his gaze, but relying on his status as a guard, he remained stubborn.
In his view, he was an adult; why would he be afraid of two brats and an old man?
"I said you are pariahs, now get lost! What? You little brat want to turn the world upside down?"
As soon as the words left his mouth, Tang San moved.
No one saw how he attacked; they only felt a blur before their eyes, and Tang San was already in front of the guard.
He didn't use his Spirit, relying solely on pure physical strength combined with the Tang Sect techniques from the Mysterious Heaven Treasure Record to smash a fist into the guard's chest.
"Crack!"
The crisp sound of bone fracturing rang out.
The guard screamed as his body flew back, slamming heavily into the academy's stone wall and coughing up a large mouthful of blood.
Tang San didn't stop. With a flash of his figure, he caught up to the fallen guard and raised his foot to stomp on his leg.
"Ah—! My leg!"
Another shrill scream erupted as the guard's calf bent at a grotesque angle, clearly broken.
Tang San crouched down, his eyes as cold as those of a death god.
"If your mouth is dirty, you must pay the price."
His fingers gripped the guard's other leg; with just a little force, he could cripple that one too.
"Little San! Stop!"
Old Jack was so frightened that he hurried to pull Tang San back. "Any more and you'll kill him!"
Fu Qin also spoke up at the right moment.
"Little San, don't dirty your hands for someone like this. We still need to enroll."
[Intelligence Reduction Halo activated. Tang San's killing intent diminished slightly, thinking that "Fu Qin has a point."]
[Tang San's thoughts: Fine, killing him would be more trouble than it's worth. Crippling him is enough to vent my anger.]
Tang San released his grip, stood up, and brushed the dust off his hands as if he had merely stepped on an ant.
The surrounding onlookers were stunned; no one expected this ordinary-looking boy to be so ruthless.
Yu Xiaogang, who was strolling through the academy, ran out upon hearing the commotion. Seeing the crippled guard on the ground and Tang San's cold eyes, his expression changed.
"Who are you people? How dare you injure someone at the academy gates?"
Old Jack hurriedly brought out the spare work-study student certificates.
"Lord Spirit Master, it was he who insulted us first. Only then did my two grandsons take action!"
Yu Xiaogang looked at the certificates, a sharp light flashing in his eyes, then glanced at the wailing guard on the ground, likely guessing the truth of the matter.
He knew exactly what kind of character the guards of Nuoding Academy had.
It was just that Tang San's strikes were too ruthless, directly crippling the man.
"Forget it. I will report this to the academy for handling. Follow me."
Yu Xiaogang sighed and didn't ask further.
Old Jack breathed a sigh of relief and turned to instruct Tang San and Fu Qin.
"Be good and listen at the academy, and don't cause any more trouble. I'm heading back now, and I'll come visit you when I have time."
Fu Qin and Tang San walked Old Jack to the academy entrance. Only after watching his figure disappear into the crowd did they follow the teacher into the academy.
"Innate Full Spirit Power? Blue Silver Grass and a Glove?"
Yu Xiaogang pushed up his glasses, his gaze scanning back and forth between Tang San and Fu Qin.
"Interesting. Two cases of Innate Full Spirit Power, both with so-called Trash Spirits."
He took their information and read it carefully. When he saw Tang San's name and origin, his eyes flickered slightly.
Then, he looked at Fu Qin, his brow furrowing slightly as if he were contemplating something.
"Little Fu Qin, wait outside for a moment. I have something to say to Tang San."
Yu Xiaogang said.
Fu Qin understood clearly, knowing that Yu Xiaogang was about to take Tang San as his disciple.
He nodded obediently.
"Alright, then I'll leave it to you."
[Intelligence Reduction Halo activated. Yu Xiaogang's trust that "Fu Qin is a pure support system Spirit Master" has increased to 70%.]
[Fates Origin and End buff activated. Yu Xiaogang's Favorability +5 (viewed as a likable child).]
Fu Qin walked out of the registration office but didn't go far. Instead, he leaned against a pillar by the door, eavesdropping on the conversation inside.
"Tang San, your Spirit really Blue Silver Grass?"
Yu Xiaogang's voice drifted out.
"Yes, Grandmaster."
Tang San replied.
"In your right hand, do you have another Spirit?"
Yu Xiaogang asked leadingly.
There was a moment of silence inside, followed by Tang San's feigned voice of surprise.
"Grandmaster, how did you know?"
"I not only know you have twin spirits, but I also know Fu Qin does too."
Yu Xiaogang's voice carried a hint of pride.
"twin spirits are one in ten thousand. For both of you to appear at the same time is simply a miracle. Tang San, I wish to take you as my disciple. Are you willing?"
Hearing this, a smile curled at the corners of Fu Qin's mouth.
As expected, Yu Xiaogang also suspected him of having twin spirits, but it didn't matter; he had long prepared to hide it.
However, at this moment, Tang San's mind was racing.
Returning here with all his memories, Tang San's heart actually didn't want to take a master.