# Chapter 7: The Academy Boss and the Master's Choice
The morning sun filtered through the windows of Room 7 as Lin Feng stretched leisurely on his bed, his enhanced physique feeling the familiar surge of power from yesterday's conquests. The [Armored Wind-Steel Tiger] martial soul hummed contentedly within him, while the newly acquired [Titan Black Bear] provided a constant underlying strength that made him feel invincible.
Tang San was already up, practicing his morning cultivation routine with the quiet discipline that Lin Feng had come to associate with his best friend. Xiao Wu sat sullenly on her bed, still nursing her wounded pride from yesterday's "boss" establishment, shooting occasional glares at both boys.
"Another beautiful day at Nuoding Academy," Lin Feng announced cheerfully, his voice carrying the casual confidence of someone who had fundamentally altered the school's power dynamic in a single afternoon. "I wonder what exciting challenges await us today?"
Tang San paused in his cultivation, opening his eyes to study Lin Feng carefully. His adult mind had been analyzing the changes in his friend's aura all night, trying to understand what had happened during that mysterious academy tour.
"You seem... different, Lin Feng," Tang San said carefully. "More confident than usual."
Lin Feng grinned, his enhanced [Predator's Gaze] catching the subtle tension in Tang San's posture. "Just feeling good about academy life, brother. Nothing like a fresh start to bring out one's true potential."
Before Tang San could probe further, a commotion in the hallway caught their attention. Shouting voices and the sound of running feet suggested some kind of excitement or conflict was brewing in the academy.
"Sounds like entertainment," Lin Feng said, hopping off his bed with fluid grace that showcased his enhanced agility. "Shall we investigate?"
The three roommates made their way to the academy courtyard, where a crowd of students had gathered in a rough circle. At the center, Lin Feng could see several older students facing off against some of their peers, the usual academy politics playing out through displays of martial soul prowess.
"A training match?" Tang San observed, his tactical mind immediately assessing the situation.
"More like senior bullying," Xiao Wu muttered, her rabbit-like instincts making her naturally sympathetic to the underdog.
Lin Feng's eyes lit up as he surveyed the scene. Multiple potential targets, all demonstrating their abilities in broad daylight. His [King's Plunder System] seemed to purr with anticipation at the opportunities presenting themselves.
"This looks interesting," he said, then turned to his companions with an exaggerated theatrical gesture. "But why should I dirty my hands with such trivial conflicts?"
Tang San raised an eyebrow at the unusual phrasing, while Xiao Wu looked confused.
Lin Feng pointed dramatically at Tang San. "Go, Tang San! I choose you!"
"What?" Tang San blinked, completely thrown off by the strange reference.
"Handle those seniors for me," Lin Feng continued with mock authority, clearly enjoying himself. "Show them the power of Room 7!"
Despite his confusion at Lin Feng's odd behavior, Tang San found himself oddly motivated by his friend's confidence in him. Plus, the seniors were indeed bullying younger students, which went against his principles.
"Alright," Tang San said, stepping forward. "I'll handle this."
What followed was a masterful display of Tang San's abilities. Using his [Blue Silver Grass] martial soul with the precision of his adult tactical mind, he systematically dismantled the senior students' formation. His [Ghost Shadow Perplexing Steps] allowed him to evade their attacks while his binding techniques left them helpless and humiliated.
"Excellent work!" Lin Feng called out like a satisfied coach. "That's my Tang San!"
The crowd murmured in amazement at the first-year student's overwhelming victory. Tang San, despite his confusion at Lin Feng's strange commentary, felt a surge of satisfaction at protecting the younger students.
As the seniors retreated in embarrassment, Lin Feng spotted another opportunity. A group of students who had been watching the match were now discussing challenging the "upstart first-years" themselves.
"Hmm," Lin Feng mused aloud, then turned to Xiao Wu. "Xiao Wu! I choose you!"
"Choose me for what?!" Xiao Wu demanded, her temper flaring.
"Those students over there seem to think they can handle Room 7," Lin Feng said with a lazy gesture. "Show them they're mistaken."
Xiao Wu's competitive nature overrode her annoyance at Lin Feng's presumptuous attitude. "Fine! But don't think this makes you the boss!"
What followed was a display of Xiao Wu's remarkable agility and combat instincts. Her rabbit-like martial soul granted her incredible speed and flexibility, and her fighting style was clearly more advanced than what a normal six-year-old should possess. She defeated three students in quick succession with moves that showcased years of combat experience.
Lin Feng watched appreciatively, his enhanced perception noting every technique and ability she displayed. When the match ended with Xiao Wu's decisive victory, he found himself feeling genuinely conflicted.
*She's powerful, skilled, and clearly has secrets,* he thought. *But...*
As if responding to his internal conflict, the system notification appeared:
**[PLUNDER OPPORTUNITY DETECTED]**
**Target: Xiao Wu**
**Status: Indirectly Defeated (Through Your Strategic Command)**
**Plunder Options Available:**
1. **[Rabbit Agility Technique]** - Enhanced speed and evasive maneuvers
2. **[Flexibility Enhancement]** - Supernatural joint flexibility and body control
3. **[Combat Instinct - Refined]** - Improved battle awareness and reaction timing
Lin Feng stared at the options, feeling a strange mix of excitement and regret. No martial soul option meant Xiao Wu's true power remained hidden from the system, but these techniques were still valuable.
*A technique is a technique,* he reasoned, selecting the **[Rabbit Agility Technique]**.
**[PLUNDER SUCCESSFUL]**
**[Rabbit Agility Technique] Acquired**
**Enhancement: 2x Original Speed and Evasion Capability**
**Note: No Compatible Abilities Found - Added as New Technique**
Lin Feng felt the new ability settle into his consciousness, a natural understanding of rapid directional changes and evasive movement patterns that would complement his existing [Phantom Steps] perfectly.
"Excellent work, Xiao Wu," he said, his praise genuine despite the slight sadness he felt at having plundered from someone he was growing to care about. "Room 7's reputation is secure."
The rest of the morning passed with similar encounters. Lin Feng continued his "boss" act, directing Tang San and Xiao Wu to handle various challenges while he observed and analyzed potential targets. His casual confidence and the obvious skill of his "subordinates" quickly established Room 7 as a force to be reckoned with in the academy's social hierarchy.
It was during lunch that the opportunity Lin Feng had been half-expecting finally arrived.
"Students," announced Master Yu, the elderly teacher who oversaw much of the first-year curriculum, "we have a special guest today. Grand Master, would you care to introduce yourself?"
Lin Feng's enhanced hearing had already detected the approaching footsteps, and his [Predator's Gaze] immediately assessed the newcomer. An older man with a scholarly bearing but sharp, intelligent eyes that missed nothing. This was clearly someone of significant importance in the Soul Master world.
"Greetings, young ones," the Grand Master said, his voice carrying quiet authority. "I am here to observe your training and perhaps identify students with exceptional potential."
Tang San straightened imperceptibly, his adult mind recognizing the significance of this moment. Lin Feng, however, merely continued eating his lunch with casual disinterest.
The Grand Master's eyes swept over the assembled students, pausing briefly on several before settling on Tang San. There was something in his gaze that suggested recognition or at least deep interest.
"You there, young man with the Blue Silver Grass martial soul," the Grand Master said, addressing Tang San directly. "I've heard interesting reports about your performance. Would you be willing to demonstrate your abilities?"
Tang San glanced at Lin Feng, who gave him an encouraging nod. "Go ahead, Tang San. Show the Grand Master what Room 7 is capable of."
What followed was a carefully controlled demonstration of Tang San's abilities. His [Blue Silver Grass] techniques were impressive enough to show skill without revealing his true potential, and his tactical awareness was evident in how he adapted to the Grand Master's increasingly complex challenges.
Lin Feng watched with interest as the Grand Master's expression grew more and more intrigued. The older man was clearly seeing something in Tang San that exceeded his expectations for a Blue Silver Grass martial soul user.
"Remarkable," the Grand Master murmured. "Young man, would you be interested in receiving additional instruction? I believe your potential extends far beyond what conventional training could achieve."
Lin Feng felt the moment's significance even as Tang San hesitated, clearly torn between opportunity and loyalty to his friends.
"Go for it, brother," Lin Feng said easily, though internally he was analyzing whether the Grand Master might represent a plundering opportunity. *Probably too risky,* he decided. *Someone of his caliber would definitely notice if something was wrong.*
"But what about Room 7?" Tang San asked. "What about our training together?"
"I'll hold down the fort," Lin Feng assured him with a grin. "Besides, you'll still be in the dorms. We can spar in the evenings."
The Grand Master approached Tang San directly. "I rarely take personal students, young man. But your potential is extraordinary. I could teach you things about soul power cultivation and martial soul development that most masters never learn."
Tang San looked once more at Lin Feng, who nodded encouragingly. "This is your path, Tang San. Take it."
As Tang San agreed to become the Grand Master's disciple, Lin Feng felt a mix of satisfaction and mild disappointment. Satisfaction because his friend was getting the opportunities he deserved, disappointment because it meant one less person available for potential plundering.
*Though,* he mused, *if Tang San gets stronger through this training, he might eventually become plunderable again. The system did say one-time per person, but maybe significant power increases reset the counter?*
The afternoon passed quickly as the Grand Master and Tang San departed for private discussions about training schedules and curriculum. Lin Feng found himself back in Room 7 with just Xiao Wu, who was still processing the day's events.
"Your friend is lucky," she said, sitting on her bed and pulling her knees up to her chest. "Having someone recognize his potential like that."
"Tang San has always been special," Lin Feng agreed, though he was more focused on watching the courtyard through their window. "But potential is just potential. It's what you do with it that matters."
Evening was approaching, and many students would be finishing their classes and training sessions. Perfect time for identifying new targets who might be tired and overconfident from their afternoon activities.
"What are you looking at?" Xiao Wu asked, noticing his intense focus on the window.
"Just enjoying the view," Lin Feng said casually, though his enhanced senses were cataloging every student who passed below. His [Predator's Gaze] was noting fighting stances, martial soul activation patterns, and potential weaknesses with ruthless efficiency.
Several promising targets caught his attention: a third-year student with what appeared to be a flame-type martial soul, a group of second-years practicing coordination techniques, and most interesting of all, a solitary fourth-year student who was practicing advanced soul power manipulation in what he probably thought was a secluded corner of the grounds.
*Tomorrow,* Lin Feng decided. *Tomorrow I'll start expanding my hunting grounds beyond the first and second-years.*
He noticed that many of the younger students were actively avoiding the areas where he might be, clearly having heard about yesterday's legendary performance. The reputation was useful for intimidation, but it might make finding willing opponents more challenging.
*Maybe I need to adjust my approach,* he thought. *Less direct confrontation, more... strategic positioning.*
As the sun set, Tang San finally returned to Room 7, looking energized but thoughtful. The Grand Master's training had clearly made an impression on him.
"How did it go?" Lin Feng asked, genuinely curious about what kind of instruction someone of the Grand Master's caliber might provide.
"Incredible," Tang San said, settling onto his bed. "He understands soul power theory at a level I've never encountered. And his insights into martial soul development... Lin Feng, I think this could change everything for me."
"That's great, brother," Lin Feng said, and meant it. "Room 7's reputation can only benefit from having a Grand Master's disciple among us."
Xiao Wu looked between them with a mixture of admiration and envy. "What about us? Are we just going to be left behind while Tang San becomes some kind of super Soul Master?"
Lin Feng turned from the window with a smile that held just a hint of predatory anticipation. "Don't worry, Xiao Wu. I have a feeling all of us are going to exceed everyone's expectations before we graduate from this academy."
As night fell over Nuoding Academy, Lin Feng lay in his bed listening to his roommates' breathing settle into the rhythms of sleep. His mind was already planning tomorrow's activities, considering which targets to approach and how to manufacture the confrontations he needed for plundering opportunities.
The [King's Plunder System] hummed contentedly in his consciousness, and both his martial souls - the [Armored Wind-Steel Tiger] and the newly acquired [Titan Black Bear] - seemed eager for more battles and more growth.
*Day two of academy life,* he thought as sleep began to take him. *Let's see what new abilities I can add to my collection.*
Outside the window, the academy grounds lay quiet under the starlight, completely unaware that they were being stalked by a hunter whose ambitions extended far beyond anything a normal six-year-old should possess.
The game was just beginning.