Heaven Dou City had never been this lively.
Long lines stretched from the Sacrificial Shop like a living river. Spirit Masters from every direction crowded the streets, while restaurants and inns had filled to bursting. Private homes that once stood quiet were now crammed with temporary lodgers wearing spirit badges on their chests.
On the second floor of a teahouse to the east, several Spirit Saints occupied a private room, cups steaming as they spoke in hushed excitement.
"Did you hear?" one leaned forward. "Yesterday, in the Great Spirit Arena, a junior Spirit Ancestor infused with a full third-grade set actually defeated a Spirit King across realms."
Another added, "It was the Star Luo Empire's Crown Prince, Dai Weisi. They say right after the infusion, he broke through a level on the spot."
Their words stirred the air. Even the waiter pouring tea couldn't help listening, unconsciously recalling the first-grade cultivation method still etched into his mind. Not long ago, he had only been a humble server looking up at the world of Spirit Masters.
Now… maybe one day, he could sit among them.
Lost in his thoughts, the waiter's hand slipped. A cup tipped—yet before the tea even touched the floor, one of the Spirit Saints casually flicked his fingers. Spirit power spread like an invisible net, gathering the tea back into the cup, leaving only a few drops spilled.
Half a month ago, this level of precision would have been shocking. Today, it earned teasing.
"Boss Li, a little still spilled. Seems your control can't compare to those kids after their infusions."
The Spirit Master surnamed Li snorted. "Give me enough sacrificial coins for a full third-grade set and I'll make the tea dance mid-air."
"If I had that many coins, I'd exchange them myself and try for the Sealed Douluo realm," another laughed.
"Dream on."
"Maybe not a dream. I heard the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan is opening an academy."
"You thinking of applying to teach?"
"It's already announced: pass the assessment, and you receive sacrificial coins as salary. Teach well enough, and there are bonuses on top."
Their gazes brightened. Li lowered his voice.
"…Then why don't we try together?"
Compared to bustling Heaven Dou City, Shrek Academy on the outskirts remained calm, almost detached from the world's feverish rush.
Tang San had gradually accepted his father's end. Tang Hao had betrayed his mother and the Sect first—and now, Tang San had both his mother…and a new father.
Tang Xiao had officially adopted him as foster son.
Tang San absentmindedly rubbed the Clear Sky Sect token in his palm. Not far away, Ah Yin teased Xiao Wu with gentle laughter. The last lingering heaviness in his chest slowly faded.
Blood ties already existed between him and Tang Xiao. Eldest Uncle had helped him reunite with his mother, confirm his feelings for Xiao Wu, and gave him the Clear Sky Sect as a solid backing. Gratitude quietly replaced grief.
On the training field, Shrek's members gathered as Tang Xiao guided them through cultivation.
"Your Excellency," Flender asked cautiously, "can the Sacrificial Shop truly solve Ma Hongjun's evil fire?"
Tang Xiao raised a brow. "Are you doubting the power of a god?"
Ever since taking Tang San in, the burden in Tang Xiao's heart had finally lifted. No duty to revive the Sect pressing on him, no endless bitterness. Now he basked in the sun with Ah Yin each day—calm, unhurried, almost carefree.
Flender forced a smile. "Not doubt… Only worry for my disciple."
Tang Xiao motioned Ma Hongjun over and examined him. "His innate talent is good. Boss Li should have a solution—if you can pay the price."
"How many sacrificial coins, roughly?"
"At least a fifth or sixth-grade medicinal pill."
Flender calculated rapidly, face tightening. "Even a fifth-grade pill costs about a hundred thousand. Pills that repair Spirit defects… likely three hundred thousand. Add reservation fees, we're talking five to six hundred thousand—Minimum."
"That equals a full third-grade secret manual set!"
Ma Hongjun's heart sank.
Flender clenched his jaw. "If we join the Clear Sky Sect… could we receive help?"
"No." Tang Xiao's tone was blunt. "This child's innate talent is excellent. But the world has changed. Talent is no longer the main measure of potential."
He gestured toward Ma Hongjun. "His comprehension is too low. After so many days, and with guidance, he still hasn't entered even the first-grade method. Judging strictly—he has no potential."
Flender staggered back. Ma Hongjun blurted out anxiously, "The method just doesn't suit my attribute! With fire-attribute cultivation, I could learn fast!"
Tang Xiao didn't argue. He simply placed a leaf in the boy's palm. "Without releasing your Spirit, make it float with spirit power alone."
Ma Hongjun strained, face reddening. A few scattered sparks singed the edge—nothing more.
"You see?" Tang Xiao said mildly. "Almost no control. Even with a fire-attribute method, you couldn't circulate power freely."
He lifted another leaf. Gentle spirit power flowed—and the leaf spun upright, calmly rotating in his palm. Gasps sounded. Even Tang San swallowed.
Flender frowned. "But what practical use—"
Tang Xiao blew lightly.
The leaf streaked away like a golden dart, embedding deep into a distant tree. With a casual beckon, it slid free, arcing elegantly back to his hand—unmarked, its edge shimmering faintly.
"Tell me," Tang Xiao said softly, "does that count as a self-created Spirit Ability?"
Silence answered him.
He handed out leaves to Tang San, Xiao Wu, Dai Mubai, and Oscar. "You four—try."
Tang San guided Mysterious Heaven Skill carefully. The leaf trembled, rose… then shot away as he over-exerted.
He winced.
Tang Xiao chuckled. "You have control—but not yet like moving your own fingers. Go practice. Spirit control is the foundation of future strength."
Oscar and Dai Mubai fared no better. Xiao Wu only managed a slight wobble; she couldn't even make it hover. She stomped in frustration, ponytail bouncing.
Tang Xiao merely smiled and turned away. He wasn't focusing on her training—and chose not to push.
Watching amused, he murmured to Ah Yin, "Feels like seeing you in the old days."
Blue Silver Grass quivered indignantly. A vine snapped out and whipped his forehead with a crisp sound.
Tang Xiao laughed even louder, collapsing backward onto the grass. "Exactly! You scolded me like that back then too!"
Tang San watched the warmth unfolding before him, lips curving unconsciously. He gently pulled Xiao Wu closer. "Don't worry. I'll help you practice."
Across the field, Ma Hongjun stared with envy. Flender patted his shoulder. "Don't despair. Maybe your problem only needs a third or fourth-grade pill. With your talent, you still might reach Sealed Douluo. If manuals don't work—direct infusion is another path."
Ma Hongjun forced a nod.
Yet Tang Xiao only sighed inwardly.
They weren't thinking about deeper control, or building foundation. Instead, they relied on talent… then planned to rely on infusion.
Flender's teaching path has issues.
Little San and Xiao Wu… cannot stay here for long.
_____________________
https://[email protected]/mrSOMEONE01234? [replace @ with a]
>>>>>I'm a student, and I'll try my best to keep uploading chapters regularly <<<<<
thanks for your support
[[READER TIER 1: translates stories {15$} ]] { RECOMENDED }
[[READER TIER 2: translated & original stories {20$} ]]
[[[[Please at least visit my patreon so I can have some traffic]]]]]
Also try
[[[Restaurant in Douluo Dalu (530+ch)]]] {6$}
[[[Jujutsu kaisen : Eight Gates For Heavenly Restriction(196+)(COMPLETED) ]]]{6$} [[[JOJO: My Stand Is Black Sperm(70+ch)]]]{6$}