“Student, do you have a question?” Teacher Chen’s tone remained relatively gentle.
Yan Zu stood up, his voice clear and steady.
“Teacher, I have a doubt.”
The entire class focused their attention on him.
Xiao Wu tilted her head, curiously watching Yan Zu’s profile.
Tang San in the back row also lifted his gaze.
Yan Zu stood tall and straight like a young pine.
“You said the limit for the first spirit ring is four hundred and twenty-three years. But as far as I know, when Soul Masters judge the age of spirit beasts, they can only estimate based on external factors like size, aura, and characteristics—such as ‘around two hundred years’ or ‘approximately three hundred years’—with an error margin of at least ten years or more. So, may I ask, how was this precise figure of ‘four hundred and twenty-three years’ determined?”
The classroom fell silent for a moment.
Teacher Chen frowned.
“This is a theoretical value derived by Master Yu Xiaogang through extensive case studies and statistical analysis…”
“But statistics require samples,” Yan Zu continued, his tone still calm, as if he were genuinely seeking knowledge with an open mind.
“If Soul Masters themselves cannot accurately determine the age of spirit beasts, then where does the ‘age data’ used in the statistics come from? After all, if you don’t even know whether a spirit beast is exactly four hundred and twenty-three years old, how can you conclude that the limit for the first spirit ring is four hundred and twenty-three years?”
Teacher Chen’s frown deepened.
He had never considered this question before.
Yu Xiaogang’s theory had been circulating in the Soul Master world for many years and was already regarded as an authoritative standard by many.
Who would question the reliability of its data sources?
Yan Zu’s voice remained clear and audible in the quiet classroom.
“Furthermore, if a Soul Master’s physical strength, mental power, and spirit quality far exceed those of ordinary people, does this so-called ‘limit’ still hold true?”
He looked at Teacher Chen, his dark eyes clear and penetrating.
“For example, is it possible for those with certain top-tier spirits to absorb a five-hundred-year or even higher-year spirit ring as their first?”
“Nonsense!” Teacher Chen instinctively retorted.
“Master Yu’s theory has been verified…”
“If the foundation of the verification contains errors, the conclusions may also be flawed,” Yan Zu said calmly.
“I just think that the path of a Soul Master varies from person to person. Using a fixed number to confine all possibilities… could it be limiting the growth of certain geniuses?”
He phrased it tactfully, but the meaning behind his words was unmistakable—Yu Xiaogang’s theory might have been built on an insufficiently solid foundation from the very beginning, and could even mislead Soul Masters.
Low murmurs arose in the classroom.
The students whispered among themselves, their gazes toward Yan Zu complex—some were surprised, some disapproving, and some were deep in thought.
Teacher Chen’s expression darkened.
After teaching theory for so many years, this was the first time he had been rendered speechless by a six-year-old student.
And to make matters worse, the child’s questions were logically rigorous, each one striking at the weak points of the theory’s construction.
“You…” Teacher Chen opened his mouth but ultimately put on a stern face.
“Class time is limited. Specific questions can be discussed after class. Let’s continue with the lesson.”
He awkwardly changed the subject, but his subsequent explanations clearly lacked confidence, and he occasionally seemed distracted.
Xiao Wu secretly poked Yan Zu’s arm, leaned close to his ear, and whispered, “Brother A’zu, you’re amazing… that teacher’s face turned green.”
Yan Zu smiled but said nothing.
In the back row, Tang San clenched his pen.
Watching Yan Zu’s straight back and listening to the hushed discussions of the surrounding classmates, that suffocating feeling surged up in his chest again. The source of this chapter is g.com.
This Yan Zu…
actually dared to refute the teacher’s theory.
After class, Teacher Chen hurriedly left the classroom, his expression still not looking good.
The students filed out one by one, and many of them glanced twice at this “audacious” work-study student as they passed by Yan Zu.
Just as Yan Zu and Xiao Wu finished packing their things, a figure appeared at the classroom door.
“Student Yan Zu, please stay.”
A hoarse voice came from behind.
Yan Zu turned around and saw a middle-aged man of average height and ordinary appearance standing at the corner of the stairs.
The man wore a faded gray robe, his expression stiff, but his eyes were frighteningly intense.
Yan Zu guessed that this person might be Yu Xiaogang.
“Teacher, may I ask what this is about?” Yan Zu nodded politely, his small hand holding Xiao Wu’s, neither humble nor arrogant.
“Student Yan Zu,” Yu Xiaogang spoke, his voice hoarse and low, “do you have a moment to talk?”
Xiao Wu immediately stepped half a pace in front of Yan Zu, alert like a small beast protecting its young.
Yan Zu gently patted her shoulder, signaling her to relax.
“But…” Xiao Wu still wanted to say something, but seeing Yan Zu’s calm gaze, she could only nod.
Soon, only Yan Zu and Xiao Wu remained in the classroom.
Yu Xiaogang walked in, closed the door behind him, his movements carrying a certain urgency.
“I am Yu Xiaogang, the theoretical master of the Soul Master world. Your question in class just now was very interesting.” Yu Xiaogang stood by the lectern, his gaze burning as he stared at Yan Zu.
“You have unique insights into the theory of spirit ring age limits.”
“Just some doubts,” Yan Zu replied politely but distantly.
“Doubts often signify thought,” Yu Xiaogang took two steps forward.
“Yan Zu, I have studied spirit theory for many years. Perhaps… perhaps I can help you develop the true potential of your Qilin Martial Soul!”
He took a deep breath, putting on what he thought was his kindest smile: “I want to take you as my disciple and train you alongside Tang San. With your talent and my theories, you will surely become a Titled Douluo in the future!”
Yu Xiaogang spoke faster and faster, his eyes flashing with an almost fanatical determination.
He seemed to see a breakthrough in his own theories, the path that had stalled due to his own spirit’s flaws reopening before him.
Yan Zu watched him quietly, his dark eyes clear, as if able to see through all disguises: “Master, thank you for your high regard.”
He bowed slightly, his tone respectful, but the words he spoke were as sharp as a blade’s edge: “However, I believe that the path of a Soul Master prioritizes self-awareness. Your theories are extensive, but it seems… you have not yet fully resolved the doubts regarding your own spirit?”
Yu Xiaogang’s smile froze.
“My Luo Sanpao…” his voice grew dry, “that was a failed mutation, an accident…”
“Since it was an accident, that indicates there is still room for improvement in your theories,” Yan Zu raised his head, his gaze frank.
“My path, I wish to explore it myself.”
These words were like an icy needle, precisely piercing the most vulnerable part of Yu Xiaogang’s heart.
His face suddenly turned pale, his lips trembled slightly, as if someone had publicly stripped open his most shameful scar.
His Luo Sanpao, a mutated spirit that had failed, was the pain of his life.
Yu Xiaogang’s face turned grim.
He could not accept being rejected by a six-year-old child, nor could he tolerate having his greatest pain exposed.
Instinctively, he brought up his proud theory: “What do you know! The ‘Ten Core Competitiveness of Spirit’ I researched is a treasure of the Soul Master world! Questioning me is questioning the authority of the entire Soul Master world!”
“Ten Core Competitiveness of Spirit?” Yan Zu showed just the right amount of confusion.
“Master, I’ve only just entered the academy and haven’t yet heard of these theories. Since you mention it, could you enlighten me? I humbly seek your guidance.”
Seeing Yan Zu “yield,” Yu Xiaogang immediately perked up.
He cleared his throat and began reciting: “First, Innate Soul Power is directly proportional to spirit quality; second, the age of the spirit ring determines the strength of the soul skill; third, the age limit of spirit rings must strictly adhere to the maximum…”
He spoke at length, while Yan Zu listened attentively, nodding from time to time, appearing as if he were being taught.
Xiao Wu watched from the side, utterly baffled, but she didn’t interrupt.
“…Tenth, there are no useless spirits, only useless Soul Masters.” Yu Xiaogang finally finished, looking at Yan Zu with pride.
“Now, do you understand the brilliance of my theory?”
Yan Zu pondered for a moment before suddenly speaking: “Master, regarding the first point—Innate Soul Power is directly proportional to spirit quality. This seems like common sense. Could it be that before this, people didn’t know Innate Soul Power was related to spirit quality? You’re presenting common sense as your own theory. Doesn’t that make the value of your theory somewhat… lacking?”
“This…” Yu Xiaogang was taken aback.
“Second point—the age of the spirit ring determines the strength of the soul skill. Aside from the age of the spirit ring, wouldn’t the compatibility of the spirit itself have a greater influence on the soul skill’s strength?”
“Uh…”
“Third point—the age limit of spirit rings is fixed. But when a Soul Master absorbs a spirit ring, aside from age, shouldn’t factors like spirit quality, attribute compatibility, mental strength, and physical endurance also be considered?”
Yan Zu’s voice remained calm, yet each word struck like a heavy hammer against the foundation of Yu Xiaogang’s theory.
“As for the tenth point…” Yan Zu paused, his gaze sweeping over Yu Xiaogang’s stiffened face.
“If there are no useless spirits, only useless Soul Masters, then there are two issues: First, why have you been stuck at level 29 for so many years without being able to break through? Is your theory useless, or… are you a useless Soul Master?”
“You!” Yu Xiaogang’s face instantly turned pale.
He staggered backward, knocking over the bookshelf behind him.
Books scattered noisily across the floor.
“Second, you said: ‘There are no useless spirits, only useless Soul Masters.’ Can you provide a practical example—which Titled Douluo has a useless spirit? If there’s no actual evidence, then this isn’t a theory; it’s just a catchy slogan.”
“Who says there isn’t!” Yu Xiaogang grew frantic.
“My disciple Tang San isn’t a Titled Douluo yet, but his spirit is the useless Blue Silver Grass. Under my guidance, at just seven years old, he’s already reached level 15—a true genius. Doesn’t that prove the theory?”
Yan Zu suddenly laughed.
“Master, I heard as soon as I arrived at Dormitory Seven that Tang San possesses Innate Full Soul Power. And you call a Blue Silver Grass with Innate Full Soul Power a useless spirit? Do you remember your first theory—that Innate Soul Power is directly proportional to the quality of one’s spirit. A useless spirit with Innate Full Soul Power? It seems your theories truly need refinement!!”
Yan Zu paused before continuing, “I think you should first figure out your own spirit and your disciple’s spirit before concerning yourself with other matters. Don’t get distracted.”
More and more students gathered outside the window, their whispers seeping through the cracks in the door.
“Seems like the Master is stumped…”
“That kid makes a good point. Soul Masters are inherently different…”
“So the Master’s theories have this many flaws?”
Yu Xiaogang trembled all over—not from anger, but from the panic of a certain belief collapsing.
He looked into Yan Zu’s clear eyes, which seemed to see through everything, and for the first time felt doubt about his lifelong research.
“You… you…” He pointed at Yan Zu, his finger shaking, unable to form a complete sentence.