Old Jack regarding spirit masters only had some simple understanding that was all, so his words were not detailed. Tang San understood that this knowledge, he could only search for himself in the academy. Particularly about spirit beasts, spirit rings and such things.
From Holy Spirit village to Nuoding city was certainly not far; two people walking could reach it in half a day’s time. Eating some simple travel rations halfway, by afternoon they could already see the city walls in the distance.
Even though Nuoding city was not counted as a large city, because it was very close to Heaven Dou Empire’s border the city walls were still built thick. Tang San and old Jack were examined like all the other travellers when entering Nuoding city.
“Tang San ah! In a moment grandpa will take you to the academy and then return. When you are alone at the academy you must listen to your teachers, you must not leave the academy without permission. When the semester ends, Grandpa Jack will again come to meet you. That time will be almost at the New Year.”
This was after all the first time Tang San left home. In his heart he was somewhat flustered, and subconsciously said:
“Grandpa Jack, you are leaving this soon?”
Old Jack said with a wry smile:
“A hotel is not for us poor people to stay in. You must try to win credit. When grandpa sees you next time, I hope you will already have become a spirit master so that you can be the pride of our Holy Spirit village.”
Nuoding primary spirit master academy was located in west Nuoding city. Old Jack asked passersby for directions several times, and at long last Tang San was brought there.
Distantly, they could already see a large gate arch. The arch was twenty metres wide, and its height was over ten metres, made of solid rock. Below were two iron gates, jet black. Tang San saw they had been meticulously forged.
Through the iron bars, a winding path could be seen. A main road led directly inside, lined with trees on both sides.
In the middle of the arched gate were four large characters, “Nuoding Academy”.
Just from the gate it could be seen that on Douluo Continent, this vocation of spirit master was significant. This was still only a primary spirit master academy, nothing more.
Old Jack brought Tang San walking up to the front gate, and they were immediately halted by the young gatekeeper,
“What on earth? Is this a place where you country bumpkins can enter?”
Old Jack’s apparel counted as bright and new in Holy Spirit village, but arriving in Nuoding city, it completely had the appearance of a country bumpkin. The gatekeeper had in his eyes a somewhat disdainful look.
Part 5
Old Jack said with an apologetic smile:
“This little brother, we have come from Holy Spirit village, this child is our village’s working student for this year. You see, we need to go through?”
The gatekeeper frowned, and somewhat queerly said:
“So a grass nest can still produce a golden phoenix? A tiny village also has people with spirit power? But the academy has not had a working student for a good many years. You cannot fake it.”
A trace of anger flashed in old Jack’s eyes, but he still swallowed the insult and held out the certificate written by that spirit hall attendant Su Yuntao, handing it to the gatekeeper.
The gatekeeper took the proffered certificate, and looked it over from top to bottom,
“Spirit is blue silver grass? But still innate full spirit power? Ridiculous, this really is the biggest joke in the world. I have worked as gatekeeper at the academy for four years, and still haven’t heard of a student with innate full spirit power. This boy’s spirit is blue silver grass, and can still have full spirit power? I think this spirit hall certificate is definitely a forgery.”
“You……”
Even if Jack had a better temperament, at this moment he was already unable to restrain himself,
“You are intentionally making things difficult. Very well, you wait and see, I’ll go find a spirit hall attendant Excellency. Little san, we’re leaving.”
Speaking, Jack brought Tang San around and left in the direction of the inner city wall.
Spirit hall certificates naturally could not be faked, which that gatekeeper well knew. However, people coming to deliver new students generally would leave a little appreciation, especially common families. What is called ‘better King Yama, than an unreasonable little devil, just this principle.
Old Jack was descended from a country village and even though he was a village elder, where could he learn these ways.
The gatekeeper in his heart was somewhat uneasy. If a spirit hall person truly came, he could bear the responsibility. Of course, he believed that in no way would a spirit hall person come to ask questions for the sake of these two hicks.
With his heart gloomy, the words from his mouth naturally did not sound good,
“What Holy Spirit village, I think Beggar village should also be similar.”
“What did you say?”
Old Jack fiercely turned around. The gatekeeper’s words could be said to have struck at his heart’s biggest pride; originally this was the reason he fell out with Tang Hao. That this gatekeeper right now was even more an outsider from the village, made him even more intolerable. Walking back several steps he glared at the gatekeeper.
The gatekeeper jumped in fright from the fierce old Jack, and could not help but to retreat a step. However he very quickly reacted and came over, in his heart secretly cursing himself: was that not an old man, what did he have to fear.
“What? Not convinced ah, I said you came from beggar village, what’s wrong? You look at this little poverty spirit, all the clothes are completely patched. I think, you are still looking for a place to go begging, right. We Nuoding academy is not a charity. Quickly beat it, quickly beat it.”
While speaking, the gatekeeper lifted his left and shoved Jack’s chest, about to drive the two people away.
Just when old Jack was about to have a heart attack from fury, suddenly, between the two people was a thin and small figure. Similarly with the left arm raised, that delicate little hand barely managed to reach the gatekeeper’s hand, left hand exerting to the right, and at once pushed away the gatekeepers left hand. Simultaneously, that thin and small figure’s right foot took a quick step forward, the sole just happening to step behind the gatekeeper’s left foot, while lifting the right hand, and with the left hand together pressing that gatekeeper’s hand down.
Originally this palm strike was about to hit the other party’s left elbow, causing him to be unable to emit strength, but due to the difference in size, it therefore could only hold the gatekeeper’s wrist. His motion extremely fast, body at the same time moving forward, both hands swinging the gatekeeper’s left hand while pushing forward. Just right to push the gatekeeper’s lower abdomen.
Behind the gatekeeper’s left foot was just another foot, and even though that foot was far from big, it was already enough to accomplish the proper effect. The lower belly received the force, the foot below stirred, and with just an ordinary sound, the gatekeeper already sat on the ground.
“Little San, you……”
Jack looked dumbstruck at the person in front of him blocking his body.
The one who displayed his skill was precisely Tang San. The form he used was not even Tang sect secret lore, originally in that world it was only martial arts’ simplest form Full Moon Pushing the Window. Of course, with his body’s stature, naturally it would be out of shape. Not only was he unable to reach the opponent’s elbow, the hand that originally should push the opponent’s chest pushed at the lower abdomen. Though of course, the result was the same.
Although Tang San’s person was not big, his physical strength was absolutely not small. After these however many months of swinging the hammer, even if he did not use Mysterious Heaven skill, he could still tip over the gatekeeper.
“Stinking brat, you’re looking to die.”
To lo
se face by being toppled by a child made the gatekeeper violently furious. Scrambling up off the ground he was about to charge into Tang San.
“Alright, stay your hands, ok.”
Just then, a rather hoarse sounding voice rose, stopping the gatekeeper’s movement.
The gatekeeper was at first dazed for a moment, then immediately following, the anger across his entire face suddenly transformed into fawning. The change was so quick, it was hard to imagine. Bowing and scraping towards the speaker he said:
“Grandmaster, you have returned.”
Tang San turned his head to look: an average of figure, somewhat thin looking man had at some point already come to their side. It would seem, this person appearing forty to fifty years old, with short black hair with three seven separation, very ordinary looks, both hands held behind his back. His body possessed a kind of peculiar manner, with both eyes half open he seemed a bit sluggish and dispirited.
‘Grandmaster’ only glanced at the gatekeeper, without taking any notice of him, saying towards old Jack:
“Old gentleman, is it possible for me to have a look at the spirit hall certificate?”
Old Jack after all was a village elder and could still read a person’s mood. From the gatekeeper’s expression he could see that this middle aged person absolutely was not ranked low at this academy, and even more held the title of grandmaster there.
The grandmaster looked over the certificate, his gaze again shifting to Tang San, measuring him up and down. For some reason, although the grandmaster’s gaze certainly was not sharp, Tang San had a feeling as if it saw through him completely.
“There is nothing wrong with the certificate, old gentleman, for this matter just now let me apologize on behalf of the academy. Deliver this child to me, ok.”
Chapter 005: Grandmaster? Teacher?
When an at least spirit master personage apologized towards him, old Jack’s vanity received an enormous boost, and he hastily shook both hands, saying:
“Don’t apologize, don’t apologize. We are also in the wrong. Grandmaster, I will trouble you with this child. Tang San, you follow Grandmaster inside ok, but you must be obedient.”
Tang San nodded, but did not open his mouth.
Before, when this Grandmaster before him stopped the gatekeeper from charging at him, his left hand was already lifted, and a sleeve dart for insurance was already readied. If this Grandmaster before him had spoken a step later, perhaps that gatekeeper’s throat could have received a short arrow.
【Tang Sect Mysterious Heaven Treasure Records, general principles, third item: determine that the opponent is an enemy, if they are then aim to kill, if not then show mercy, otherwise only increase your worries.】
To Tang San it seemed that the gatekeeper towards Jack was striking an old man. In addition to his unkindness, this in itself was already enough to aim to kill. At the same time, he was also absolutely certain, including old Jack there was nobody who could detect him using that sleeve dart. Without evidence, who could say that he killed? Tang sect’s silent sleeve dart shot so extremely fast, it would only leave a shadow, and how could the doorkeeper have dodged with those trash capabilities.
Not until after old Jack warned Tang San several more times did he leave.
Grandmaster coldly glanced at that gatekeeper,
“This is the first time, and also is the last time. If there is a repeat offense, you need not remain here.”
His hoarse voice was calm, but gave a feeling that made it impossible to refute.
The gatekeeper’s back broke out in cold sweat, and he hurriedly repeatedly echoed agreement and got out of the way to the side.
Grandmaster lowered his head to look at Tang San, on his face emerged a slight smile. As if his facial muscles were stiff, the smile had an appearance that most people would not dare compliment. Dragging Tang San’s hand, he said:
“We’re entering.”
Grandmaster’s hand was soft and dry, its grip very comfortable, imperceptibly bringing Tang San somewhat a sense of trust. Leading him, Tang San finally entered this academy.
“Teacher, thank you.”
Tang San said to Grandmaster.
“Teacher? I am not an academy teacher.”
Grandmaster turned his head to glance at Tang San, speaking coolly.
“Not a teacher? Just now did you not speak on behalf of the academy?”
Grandmaster shook his head, all along today he has been nothing but exceptionally patient, and again squeezed out a trace of that unsightly smiling expression,
“Who said one must be an academy teacher to represent the academy?”
Tang San said with sudden realization:
“I understand, you are an academy principal, or a leader, right.”
Grandmaster could not help laughing, and said:
“For a six year old child, you are very clever. However, you still guessed wrong.”
Tang San uncertainly said:
“Then you are?”
Grandmaster said:
“I am only a freeloading tenant at this place, that’s all. You and the others alike called me Grandmaster, right. Everyone address me like this. Even to the extent that I have already forgotten my name. On the spirit hall certificate was written that you are called Tang San, right. Tang San, you must understand, the meanings of grandmaster and teacher are entirely different, and hereafter must not call me wrong. Unless……”
Saying this, his words slowed, in his eyes glimmered a burning light,
“Unless you genuinely were willing to make me your teacher.”
“You want to teach me spirit cultivation?”
Tang San asked.
Grandmaster halted his steps, standing calmly faced Tang San,
“Are you willing to do that?”
Tang San naturally also stopped, raising his head to look at Grandmaster before him, now observing at close range. Again looking him over from down to up, he discovered Grandmaster’s mouth was a little large, and his lips also very thick. He didn’t open his mouth, both unable to answer, and also unable to not answer.
Grandmaster saw Tang San’s both eyes staring at him blankly, and that stiff smiling expression once again emerged,
“Good, you really are a clever child.”
Not speaking had a second meaning. First not being impatient to refuse, so as not to offend Grandmaster. Second to use this action to inquire from Grandmaster, ‘why must I acknowledge you as master?’
Grandmaster resembling old Jack, raised his hand to tousle Tang San’s head,
“Naturally gifted, and also this clever. It seems I also must persistently try again. How to say, you also have the third twin spirit in these last hundred years.”
Hearing the grandmaster’s words, Tang San was greatly startled. His gaze looking at Grandmaster suddenly changed, he already quietly lifted his left wrist, in his eyes a surprised unpredictable look.
Grandmaster calmly and easygoing looked at him, smiling said:
“Don’t you want to know how I could so quickly know you have twin spirits?”
Speaking, he flicked open the certificate in his hand that old Jack gave him,
“It is precisely because of this certificate. Perhaps another person looking could not find the flaw, but if I also could not see it, then I could not be called Grandmaster.”
“I have investigated six hundred forty seven people with blue silver grass spirits. Among them were sixteen with spirit power, so the odds are less than three in a hundred. And even these sixteen people possessing spirit power did not have spirit power ability exceeding the first rank, and yet your innate full spirit power is of the tenth rank. According to my research in the first of the ten great core spirit competencies, innate spirit power size is in direct ratio with the quality of the spirit. Blue silver grass is obviously unable to measure up, therefore I can conclude that you should still have another spirit, and also that it is an extraordinarily powerful spirit.”
The expression
in Tang San’s eyes gradually calmed down, and he argued:
“Everything has exceptions, why couldn’t I be a special case?”
Grandmaster nodded seriously, and said:
“That’s right, everything has exceptions, but your spirit is blue silver grass, therefore you clearly are not that exception. In the last hundred years in Heaven Dou Empire and Star Luo Empire, although twin spirits have only appeared twice, innate full spirit power has appeared nineteen times. I have carefully studied each of those spirits, and not one wasn’t formidable. The youngest one has now already reached the spirit grandmaster level. Other than fourteen who inherited formidable spirits from clan blood lineage, there were five exceptions.”
Part 2
“They did not come from a privileged background, but also possessed innate full spirit power. And this kind of unexpected existence is exactly variation spirits. On the basis of my many years of research in variation spirits, never has any kind of spirit with blue silver grass spirit produced a variation. And your blue silver grass spirit is also an ordinary blue silver grass, therefore, I can be completely confident that my judgment is correct.”
“Variation spirits, what is that?”
Tang San asked.
Grandmaster patiently explained:
“I earlier mentioned the issues of how spirits are inherited. A person’s spirit has a direct relationship with their parents’ spirits, and under normal circumstances the spirit is inherited from either the father or mother’s side. This is family pattern spirit inheritance. Among them are a few exceptions and this is what is called variation spirits. Same as the source parent’s spirit, but because between the father and mothers spirits there is a certain variation, inheritance of one or the other spirits can produce a variation, bringing about a new kind of spirit. Variation spirits can have formidable variations, and even appear with innate full spirit power. But the overwhelming majority of variation spirits only become small and weak. Variation spirits are like the result of inbreeding: the possibility of retardation is very big, but there is also the possibility of producing an exceptional sage.”
Douluo Dalu - Volume 01 - Douluo Continent Page 8