The last teacher was younger than the previous two, seemingly about the same age as Flandre.
"This is Teacher Shao Xin. His Martial Soul is Bean, and he is a seventy-one level Soul Saint. A Food Type Soul Master. Teacher Shao is, among the Food Type Soul Masters I know, absolutely ranked in the top five."
If the first two teachers hadn't been quite shocking enough, the appearance of a seventy-one level Food Type Soul Saint left the four new students utterly stunned. Teacher Shao didn't look tall—about the same height as twelve-year-old Xiao Wu, perhaps even a bit shorter. He had small eyes, a large nose, and rather plain features. Yet who would have guessed he was such a high-level Food Type Soul Master? A seventy-one level Food Type Soul Saint would be considered an elder or pillar figure in any soul master family or in Spirit Hall itself.
After Flandre's introduction, the three teachers nodded to the students. The difference was that the first teacher, Li, remained expressionless, while the second teacher, Lu, wore a smile. As for Teacher Shao, his expression was somewhat peculiar; his gaze kept landing on Oscar, carrying a hint of obsession.
Finally, Flandre walked over to the Great Master, placing an arm around his shoulder. "This last one, I need to introduce properly to everyone. He is the one who, through his own research, established the Ten Competitiveness Rankings of Martial Souls. He is hailed as the strongest theorist on Martial Souls, the most intelligent Soul Master, and he is also Tang San's teacher. Mr. Yu Xiaogang. Of course, he's also my old brother—we've known each other for decades. Perhaps you're not familiar with his name, but I'm sure you've all heard of his title. From now on, you'll address him as the Great Master."
Hearing the title "Great Master," everyone felt a jolt of energy, their gazes shifting to Tang San. Although they didn't know much about the Great Master himself, a teacher who could cultivate a disciple as outstanding as Tang San had to be exceptional.
Tang San was also somewhat surprised, as this was the first time he'd learned his teacher's real name. The Great Master had never mentioned it before, and he naturally hadn't asked. So his teacher was named Yu Xiaogang.
Flandre continued, "Starting today, your instruction will be fully overseen by the Great Master. We will all cooperate with him. You only returned yesterday, so I imagine everyone is quite tired. Consider today a day off. Classes resume tomorrow. This trip to the Star Dou Forest resulted in three more of you reaching the Soul Venerable rank. For you three who haven't broken through to level thirty yet—Ning Rongrong, Ma Hongjun, Zhu Zhuqing—you also need to work hard and catch up with the others as soon as possible. Great Master, do you have anything to add?" The last sentence was a query directed at the Great Master.
The Great Master nodded, his stiff expression as always. Looking at the seven students before him, he said flatly, "The academy has only seven students. In my eyes, you are a single unit. I've already reviewed your records, and afterward, I will develop targeted teaching methods. Apart from cooperation, I don't want to hear any dissenting voices. I will treat each of you equally. Since you are students of Shrek Academy, you must be more monstrous than ordinary Soul Masters. In the future, when people mention you, the only word that should come to mind is 'monsters.' From now on, the seven of you will no longer be divided into junior and senior groups as before. We will conduct completely unified instruction. Based on age, I'll assign you numbers: Number one, Dai Mubai; Number two, Oscar; Number three, Tang San; Number four, Ma Hongjun; Number five, Xiao Wu; Number six, Ning Rongrong; Number seven, Zhu Zhuqing."
The Great Master's gaze swept over everyone. "Alright, you're dismissed now. Assemble here tomorrow morning. Also, I don't want to see anyone absent at breakfast. Those who are will receive special training."
A day off was certainly welcome, but the Great Master's arrival left the students feeling both curious and apprehensive.
Watching the teachers leave one after another, Oscar stood beside Tang San and whispered, "Xiao San, it seems your teacher might be even more formidable than Dean Flandre!"
Tang San smiled slightly. "The teacher has always been meticulous. As long as you follow his instructions exactly, there won't be any problems."
Dai Mubai laughed, "Except for me and Xiao Ao, the five of you are all the same age. I didn't expect Xiao San to be Number Three and Xiao Wu to be Number Five. What a coincidence."
The fatty chuckled. "Hey, three little sisters, call me Fourth Brother and let's hear it!"
Xiao Wu rolled her eyes at him, extending her hand. "No problem. Hand over the red envelope, and I'll call you."
The fatty paused. "Well..."
Ning Rongrong was even more direct. "Fatty, as long as your strength is comparable to Third Brother's, I'll call you that."
Zhu Zhuqing's response was the most concise. Her cold gaze fixed on Ma Hongjun as she uttered just three words: "Defeat me in a fight."
"Forget it, I'll endure it." The fatty waved his hand, looking somewhat depressed. "Is anyone heading into the city? It's not every day we get a day off. I'm going to check out Sotuo City."
Dai Mubai had also been feeling cooped up these past days, but thanks to the Star Dou Forest trip, his relationship with Zhu Zhuqing had finally eased up a bit. Naturally, he wouldn't ruin the small image he'd just built. He looked up at the sky, affecting an air of detachment.
Oscar yawned. "Not going. I'm going back to catch up on sleep. Finally level thirty! Things might get a bit more relaxed from now on."
The three girls were all glaring at Ma Hongjun, clearly aware that the fatty's trips into the city rarely ended well. Just then, Tang San suddenly spoke up. "I'll go with you."
The fatty's eyes lit up, stealing a glance at Xiao Wu, whose expression had shifted slightly. "Old Third, you've finally gotten a clue too?"