In the somewhat unfamiliar academy, the students who had entered alongside Lin Feng had just graduated—some advanced to intermediate or senior academies, while others directly entered the workforce.
As a continent-spanning power, the Spirit Hall had a constant and substantial demand for personnel.
Basic-level staff like Su Yuntao mostly came from local elementary academies upon graduation.
Inside a spacious, well-lit classroom – fourth-year class.
Dean Zhang led Lin Feng up to the podium.
Due to the naturally early maturity of people in Douluo Continent, the class wasn't rowdy, but soft whispers still filled the air.
"That's Scholar Lin Feng, right? He's really handsome.""I like his belt... do you think he'd use it to whip—""Long time no see…"
Eyes filled with curiosity and admiration followed Lin Feng as he walked in.
As the leading figure in Wuhun Theory in the current soul master world, Lin Feng enjoyed tremendous popularity among students.
After all, practice is the sole criterion for testing truth.
Unlike some flashy but impractical competitors, Lin Feng's theories provided a tangible 15% performance boost, something all soul masters could feel. He brought benefits with no cost—of course he'd be beloved.
And as a top-tier member of Spirit Hall, Lin Feng's popularity hadn't waned, even after his groundbreaking "third path" theory had been public for a while. In fact, his fame kept growing, bordering on fanatical worship.
"Stand up!""Good morning, teacher~"
A sweet and slightly flirtatious voice led the students in a greeting.
"Sit down, everyone. My class doesn't need too many formalities—just treat it like a casual chat between friends."
Dean Zhang gave Lin Feng a knowing look before slipping out of the classroom...
And joining the crowd secretly eavesdropping outside.
You guys seriously… if the students catch you doing this, they'll never forget the sight of their teachers squatting in the hallway.
Lin Feng shook his head and wrote "武魂" (Martial Soul) on the center of the blackboard.
"I think you all know who I am—Lin Feng, just a passing scholar."
"Invited by the Pope to teach you some knowledge you won't find in textbooks.Today's topic is simple: Martial Souls."
Sitting casually on the desk edge, Lin Feng spread his hands:
"Speak freely, but in turn."
Hu Liena suddenly stood up, her fox-like eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Teacher Lin Feng! I'll answer!"
"And you are?"
"I'm Hu Liena. We've met before, Teacher!"
"Wow~ Nanna and Scholar Lin Feng knew each other before?""Do you think he came here just because of her?"
"Ahem. Quiet."
Lin Feng raised an eyebrow. She's grown so fast?Only two years had passed, and the change was dramatic.
Hu Liena's bright eyes sparkled like stars.
Giggle~
A red-haired boy in the back clenched his teeth, clearly upset.
"Alright, long time no see, Nanna.Tell me, what's your understanding of Martial Souls?Definition, cultivation methods—anything."
Hu Liena nodded, beaming.
"Martial Souls are the foundation of soul masters.They're external manifestations of our bloodlines. Through cultivating soul power and ascending ranks, Martial Souls evolve, granting us greater strength."
"Very well said."
Lin Feng gestured for her to sit. Hu Liena obediently sat, hands supporting her face, eyes glued to him.
"Anyone else want to add? Other perspectives?"
Silence followed—eerily like the classrooms of his past life.
Lin Feng smiled and shook his head.
"Maybe you have ideas but are too shy. I'll continue."
Looks like I've become the type of teacher I used to dislike... he thought.
"Martial Souls are not only a manifestation of bloodline—they're part of us.When absorbing soul rings or when they evolve, your body and temperament also change. Have you felt this?"
Hu Liena raised her hand again:
"That's so true! That red-haired weirdo in the back had his hair turn red after he awakened his Martial Soul and absorbed his first ring."
Red-haired weirdo...
Tears welled up in Yan's eyes.
No! Nanna, how could you say that to me~
"Ahem, well... that is a vivid example."
Lin Feng gave Yan a sympathetic glance.
I told you to stop simping. This isn't working, man.
"Martial Souls change more than just our appearance—they influence personality too.Fire-type soul masters often have fiery tempers and are a bit impulsive.Water-types are..."
Hu Liena raised her hand again:
"Totally right! That red-haired weirdo is super annoying, loud, and totally hyper all the time!"
Now Lin Feng could barely hold it in.
Has Yan been chasing her since childhood?
You grew up together—look at me and Xiao Xue, we made it work. What happened to you?
"Nanna…"Yan looked utterly defeated. There's no greater heartbreak than betrayal from the one you love.
"Okay, okay. Back to the topic."
"You've learned a lot from books about Martial Souls. I'll just add one key insight:
Martial Souls are part of your body.Never treat them as separate from yourself."
"You know about Martial Soul True Form—unlocked at Soul Sage level (7th ring).That 7th skill is always fixed because only at that level do we touch the origin power of Martial Souls.By transforming into your Martial Soul, you gain tremendous amplification.It's a powerful path."
Hu Liena pondered:
"Teacher Lin, are there... other paths?"
Surprised, Lin Feng glanced at her and nodded:
"You've all practiced my Innate Soul Cultivation Method.What do you think of the three cultivation paths it describes?"
"Incredible! Boosts both speed and physical attributes!"
Lin Feng nodded:
"The existence of these three paths proves that soul master development doesn't need to be limited to Martial Souls alone.
Self-cultivation is just as vital.Hidden paths lie in the mysteries of the human body.Only by refining body and Martial Soul together can we reach the pinnacle."
Xie Yue nudged the seething Yan, whispering:
"Stop acting like you just saw your worst enemy.Look at yourself—how can you compare to Scholar Lin Feng?
If we didn't grow up in the same orphanage, I'd beat you senseless just for having a crush on my sister.
Give up already. You don't see how annoyed she is with you every day?
Compare that with how she looks at Teacher Lin—it's night and day."
Yan clenched his fists:
"No, Xie Yue. I won't give up.Even if she never likes me, even if she never looks at me once,I'll still love her my whole life!"
"Ahem, you two in the back—everyone here is a soul master.None of you are Soul Sages yet, so you can't communicate telepathically.We all heard everything."
Lin Feng kindly reminded them:
Please, just stop simping already!
Hu Liena's cheeks turned red. She glanced at Lin Feng, then glared at the back row.
Xie Yue facepalmed.
How long has it been since she gave me that death stare?He punched Yan hard.
"Cough—do you want to kill me?!"
"You made my sister mad, and now I'm on her blame list too.After class, you're dead. I'm turning you into chicken feathers!"
Hu Liena's face was flushed with embarrassment.
What are those two idiots even doing?Lin Feng-sensei probably thinks I'm a total mess now…
She peeked up—just in time to see Lin Feng looking her way.
"Eep~"
She quickly looked down, heart pounding.
"Teacher Lin Feng, will you research more paths in the future?"
Lin Feng smiled:
"Of course.Cultivation methods aren't limited to just one.As long as safety is ensured, I hope to see countless techniques sprout like bamboo shoots after the rain."
He checked the time:
"That's all for today.Tomorrow I'll teach again, though to another year.You're welcome to audit if interested."
Hu Liena's eyes lit up:
"Will it be about Martial Souls again?"
Lin Feng paused, stroking his chin:
"Not necessarily. Might be another topic."
"I'll definitely come!"
Despite students crowding the door, Dean Zhang managed to stop them from rushing out after class.
As Lin Feng walked through the academy grounds, he felt calm.
But suddenly—
"You better apologize, or I'll make you taste my poison!"
Lin Feng stopped and turned.
A girl in a purple dress, with emerald eyes and green-black hair, stood under a large tree.
One foot on a white boulder, one hand patting a crying girl's head.
Her gaze was fierce.
Ahead, two boys trembled.
One swallowed:
"Du... Dugu Yan, don't act so tough.I—I'm not afraid of you!"
"Oh really?"
Dugu Yan smirked:
"Jade Phosphor Poison Dragon Emperor!"
"ROAR!"
A purple-green poison dragon circled behind her, accompanied by a terrifying soul ring combo:
One Yellow, One Purple!
Barely eight years old and just three years post-spirit awakening, Dugu Yan was already a Grandmaster!
And judging from her soul power, she'd been one for a while.
Lin Feng raised a brow.
Old man Dugu really couldn't resist, huh?Gave her a celestial herb already?Showing off like that—what if someone tries to kidnap her for research?
The dragon pressure radiated faintly.
"Now, say it again?"
"We're sorry! We're sorry! Big Sis Dugu Yan, we shouldn't have made her pay. I'll give her back the gold soul coins now!"
A second-year Grandmaster at age eight?
What is this nonsense?
Lin Feng had a strange sense of déjà vu.
"Heh... Just returning the money isn't enough.You bullied someone—now you'll pay tenfold!Did you think I couldn't still fight just because I've been low-profile?"
From the shadows, Lin Feng chuckled.
Looks like Qian Renxue's deal with her really set her on one hell of a path...
T/N: For twenty chapters ahead on all my fics become a P@tron at [email protected]/LordHipposApostle