One month later.
The morning sun had just risen, and the breeze carried a pleasant chill.
On a patch of grass in a quiet corner of Nuoding Junior Spirit Master Academy, Bai Mu arrived early as usual, sitting cross-legged and entering Calm Mind Cultivation amid the greenery.
Zygarde lay lazily on his shoulder, basking in the sunlight.
Suddenly, a slightly hoarse voice sounded in front of him.
"A Beast Martial Soul detached from the body? That's rare."
Bai Mu slowly opened his eyes.
Standing before him was an ordinary-looking middle-aged man, his brows tinged with decadence. He was staring intently at Bai Mu—and at Zygarde on his shoulder.
That gaze carried an unmistakably unsettling intensity.
"Waaah~"
Zygarde glanced at the man, then immediately went limp again, slumping lazily as if turning into a puddle.
"Hello, teacher."
Bai Mu placed Zygarde on top of his head, patted it a few times, and greeted the man politely.
Although he spoke politely, he already knew exactly who this person was.
The so-called world-famous Spirit theory Grandmaster, Tang San's future mentor who never became a god—Yu Xiaogang.
He had a powerful background and strong persuasive ability, but his actual cultivation achievements were… questionable.
So even though they both possessed detached Martial Souls, and Yu Xiaogang clearly had some experience with such spirits, Bai Mu had deliberately avoided any interaction with him since enrolling.
"Teacher? I'm not a teacher at this academy."
Yu Xiaogang looked down at Bai Mu, his tone flat.
He had originally intended to use a superior, aloof attitude to spark curiosity—but instead, he heard:
"Alright, old man, could you move a bit? You're blocking my sunlight."
Bai Mu scooted back slightly, closed his eyes again, and calmly resumed Calm Mind Cultivation.
"…Old man?"
Yu Xiaogang felt as if he'd been struck by lightning.
He, Yu Xiaogang—misunderstood by the world but clearly still in his prime—was being called an old man?
He opened his mouth to speak, but saw that Bai Mu had already entered a deep Calm Mind state, clearly uninterested in conversation.
"This kid…"
Yu Xiaogang felt helpless, but he didn't leave.
He firmly believed Bai Mu was only ignoring him because he didn't know who he was. If Bai Mu knew his identity, he would surely beg to become his disciple.
More importantly—
After traveling the academic world for years and seeing countless Martial Souls, the only detached one he had ever encountered was his own Luo San Pao.
Now that he had finally found another conscious detached Martial Soul, how could he possibly let this chance slip by?
"If I can cultivate a powerful detached Spirit Master, that alone will be enough to wash away all my years of humiliation!"
"Then I'll prove to the world that I, Yu Xiaogang, am not trash—but a true Grandmaster in every sense!"
With that thought, Yu Xiaogang steadied his emotions and stood quietly to the side.
He decided that once Bai Mu finished cultivating, he would win him over with his unparalleled wisdom and personal charm.
However…
Time ticked by, minute after minute.
Morning turned to noon. Noon passed into afternoon.
Yu Xiaogang's expression gradually began to change.
"Strange… doesn't this kid need to eat?"
Unable to maintain his composed posture any longer, Yu Xiaogang stared at Bai Mu as if he were looking at a ghost.
From morning until now, Bai Mu hadn't drunk a single drop of water.
Even Yu Xiaogang himself—already a Rank 29 Spirit Grandmaster—was feeling hunger gnawing at him. Yet Bai Mu was still immersed in Calm Mind Cultivation?
Dusk arrived, painting the sky crimson.
"Hey~ old man, why are you still here?"
After waiting from dawn till dusk and realizing he truly couldn't outlast him, Bai Mu finally opened his eyes and spoke, sounding both confused and speechless.
Old man?!
Yu Xiaogang's face stiffened. After forcing out a strained smile, he said:
"Child, don't call me old man. Call me Grandmaster. Everyone here calls me that."
"Alright, old man—uh, Grandmaster. What can I help you with?"
Bai Mu smiled politely on the surface while silently cursing.
"Child," Yu Xiaogang said, adopting a scholarly tone, "tell me your name, your Martial Soul, and your soul power level."
"My name is Bai Mu. I'm a new student. My Martial Soul is Zygarde, and my innate soul power is Rank 1."
Bai Mu answered honestly.
"Rank 1?"
Yu Xiaogang's brows knit together, the warmth in his heart instantly extinguished like a flame doused with cold water.
Rank 1 innate soul power?
Only half a rank higher than himself back then?
He wanted to take in a disciple to prove his worth—how could he accept someone with such abysmal innate talent, whose future was practically fixed?
Yu Xiaogang's strength was low, but his standards were high.
Even with the backing of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, he had been unable to break through Rank 29. With Rank 1 innate soul power, Bai Mu might not even reach Rank 29 in his lifetime.
How could such a "trash" disciple ever vindicate him?
Still, Yu Xiaogang was Yu Xiaogang—his mind worked fast.
If he couldn't use Bai Mu to gain fame, he could still use him for experiments.
"Even if his soul power is low, if I use him to verify my theories… maybe I can find a way to break through Rank 29 myself."
With that thought, Yu Xiaogang coughed lightly and forced a kind smile.
"Child, normally, it's extremely difficult for someone with Rank 1 innate soul power to become a Spirit Grandmaster."
Seeing Bai Mu frown slightly, he continued in a coaxing tone:
"Fortunately, your Martial Soul is special. Like my Luo San Pao, it's a rare detached Martial Soul. I've done extensive research on this type. If you're willing to accept my guidance, I can teach you cultivation techniques, help you avoid detours, and perhaps—one day—you may even become a Spirit Elder."
"A Spirit Elder?"
Bai Mu looked completely bewildered.
The cultivation hierarchy of the Douluo Continent went:
Spirit Scholar → Spirit Master → Spirit Grandmaster → Spirit Elder → Spirit Ancestor → Spirit King → Spirit Emperor → Spirit Saint → Spirit Douluo → Titled Douluo.
So after all that talk… you don't even have full confidence in helping me break through Rank 29?
Yu Xiaogang mistook Bai Mu's reaction for shock and pressed on eagerly.
"So? Are you willing to accept my guidance?"
"Are you… trying to take me as a student?"
Bai Mu asked calmly.
"No, no, no," Yu Xiaogang waved his hand. "I'm simply a Grandmaster who cherishes talent. Even if you don't become my disciple, I'm still willing to guide you."
His smile carried a self-satisfied air.
As expected of the 'Grandmaster'—your calculations are loud and clear.
Bai Mu narrowed his eyes, sneering inwardly.
Nice words, but in reality?
You heard I'm Rank 1, didn't even want to take me as a disciple, and just want to use me as an experimental subject to help yourself break through Rank 29.
Who do you think you're fooling?
"Well?" Yu Xiaogang asked confidently, hands clasped behind his back. "Are you willing?"
"Not interested."
Bai Mu dropped the act.
"That's good—wait, what did you say?"
Yu Xiaogang froze, staring at Bai Mu in disbelief.
He, the esteemed Spirit theory Grandmaster, personally offering guidance without restricting future discipleship—
And this kid actually refused?
Bai Mu looked at him helplessly.
"Grandmaster, I heard you're almost fifty, but your soul power is still only Rank 29. You're not even a Spirit Elder yourself—so how am I supposed to believe you can make me one?"
"How can that be the same?!"
Yu Xiaogang snapped angrily. "I am the foremost authority in Spirit research on the continent! I created the Ten Core Competencies of Spirits! My theories are flawless! Do you really think I can't guide you to become a Spirit Elder?"
"Grandmaster is indeed impressive."
Bai Mu nodded sincerely, then asked with equal sincerity:
"Then, Grandmaster… you haven't become a Spirit Elder yet. Is it because you don't like it?"
Lies don't hurt.
The truth cuts like a blade.
Yu Xiaogang's mind went blank, his fists clenching instinctively.
Don't like it?
If he could've become one, he would've done so long ago!
Why else would he lower himself to guide a Rank 1 Spirit Master?
"Hmph!"
After a long silence, Yu Xiaogang lifted his head proudly.
"With my ability, becoming a Spirit Elder is only a matter of time!"
"Then, Grandmaster," Bai Mu said earnestly, "when you break through, come guide me. I'm still young—I can wait. I'm not in a hurry."
He smiled warmly.
"I believe you can definitely do it. I'm off to do my daily cleaning now. Please go ahead with your work."
With that, Bai Mu turned around and left without hesitation.
You can wait—but I can't, damn it!
Yu Xiaogang stared at Bai Mu's retreating figure, barely holding back the urge to curse.
After taking a deep breath, the magnanimous Grandmaster decided to give Bai Mu another chance—surely he could move him with action and wisdom.
Unfortunately…
No matter how much he tried, it was useless.
"Grandmaster, please stop trying to guide me. I'm afraid my classmates might misunderstand."
Bai Mu said helplessly. "Once you become a Spirit Elder, I'll accept your guidance immediately—no questions asked."
With that, he turned and left decisively.
Watching Bai Mu walk away, Yu Xiaogang's eyes darkened.
"A mere trash with Rank 1 innate soul power. I thought you were different—but you're just as vulgar and short-sighted as everyone else."
"Without my guidance, you'll never become a Spirit Grandmaster in your entire life!"
"You missed your chance. Even if you beg me—kneel and beg—I will never guide you again!"