Master's expression rapidly shifted, a complex array of emotions ultimately resolving into a long sigh. This little genius was not destined to be his disciple.
What a pity… He could only hope that this little genius wouldn't be led astray by others in the future.
However, he reconsidered. Helping Ao Tian didn't require him to take Ao Tian as a disciple. He could still offer timely advice, helping Ao Tian avoid unnecessary detours.
Though they wouldn't have the title of master and disciple, they could still have the reality of it. This was also a long-term investment, and it seemed quite good.
Thinking this way, he felt relieved and wasn't so regretful anymore.
As for admitting his theories had flaws, that wasn't difficult for him.
He spoke, "I, Yu Xiaogang, am a man of my word. I admit my theories have flaws, and I won't bring up the matter of taking Ao Tian as a disciple again."
Ao Tian looked at Master with a smile, saying, "You don't seem convinced. In fact, you don't think there are any flaws in your theory. Right, all you need to do is say a single sentence after losing. Who would know what you're truly thinking?"
Master's smile stiffened. Being exposed by Ao Tian made him feel a bit awkward.
He really thought that way. He had worked so hard to research and summarize, deriving his theory from a massive amount of data and calculations. How could it possibly have flaws?
After all, it was all based on a vast amount of real data.
The price of losing was just a single sentence. He wouldn't lose anything at all.
Master didn't speak, but Tang San did. Enduring the pain on his face, he said, "Since you keep saying that my teacher's theory has flaws, how will you prove it?"
Ao Tian suddenly became interested. "Then I'll make you completely convinced."
He looked at Master and asked, "To achieve Soul Grand Master at the age of seven, do you think it's possible based on your theory?"
Master opened his mouth, wanting to immediately say it was impossible, but couldn't get the words out.
If it were before, he would have said it was absolutely impossible without a doubt, but now, after witnessing Ao Tian's strength, he was a little doubtful.
To be able to easily defeat Tang San, could he really have the strength of a Soul Grand Master? "Are you really... already a Soul Grand Master?" Master asked.
"That's right," Ao Tian replied.
"That's impossible! Awakening a Martial Soul at six, a Soul Grand Master at seven. How could anyone jump over more than a dozen levels in a year?" Tang San shook his head vigorously.
Ao Tian ignored Tang San and continued to ask, "Then tell me, according to your theory, what's the maximum age for a soul beast a Soul Master's first Soul Ring can absorb?"
This time, Master didn't hesitate at all, blurting out, "Four hundred and twenty-three years!"
"How did you get this data?" Ao Tian asked.
Master said, "Every year on the continent, countless Soul Masters register and certify with Spirit Hall after obtaining Soul Rings. I worked at Spirit Hall for several years and reviewed thousands of cases. In those cases, even the most talented Soul Masters only absorbed Soul Rings up to 423 years old. Even if this data isn't perfectly accurate, it's very close to the limit."
"That's just because you haven't met a genius surpassing the Soul Masters in your research. In the face of true genius, your theories will be shattered in seconds," Ao Tian said.
He couldn't help but think of Spirit Hall's first genius, Qian Renxue. Her soul power had already reached level 20 when her Martial Soul awakened, and her first Soul Ring far exceeded 423 years.
Then there was Tang San, who, in the original storyline, repeatedly exceeded the limits when absorbing Soul Rings. If Tang San hadn't been lucky and been forced to try absorbing Soul Rings that surpassed Master's theories, his achievements probably wouldn't have been so high.
According to Master's theory of absorbing Soul Rings, one could only become a genius among the majority of Soul Masters. That wouldn't be considered outstanding.
Master shook his head, saying, "Theories derived from big data will not be wrong."
Ao Tian shook his head with a smile, saying, "Then let me show you my Soul Rings."
With that, two purple Soul Rings rose from his feet. Master, who had just been absolutely certain of his theories, was instantly dumbfounded.
"How is this possible?" he exclaimed, his body staggering, almost falling. His face was contorted in a look of disbelief.
Tang San quickly helped his teacher, exclaiming in shock, "This is impossible! I saw your first Soul Ring before, it was clearly yellow. How could it have turned purple now!"
"Nothing is impossible," Ao Tian said, turning to Master. "Master, do you know the secret of Soul Ring upgrades?"
Master shook his head, bewildered, "I don't."
But soon, he became excited. "Ao Tian, can you tell me this secret? I'll do anything you ask."
Master had dedicated his life to Martial Soul research. While there was an element of wanting to prove himself, he genuinely loved the research.
Now, suddenly encountering a field he didn't understand, how could he not be excited?
Ao Tian shook his head. "I'm sorry, I can't tell you that secret."
Actually, it wasn't really a secret. As long as a Soul Master had sufficient talent and came into contact with the inheritance of the gods in this world, they would naturally have the opportunity to increase the age of their Soul Rings.
He displayed his two purple Soul Rings, not wanting Master to lecture him with his theories later.
Ao Tian looked at Gu Yue Na and Xiao Wu and said, "Let's go, we should think about what to eat for dinner?"
After speaking, he took the lead and walked down the slope.
Gu Yue Na and Xiao Wu quickly followed.
"Great! For dinner, I want steamed carrots, boiled carrots, stir-fried carrots..." Xiao Wu followed Ao Tian, jumping with joy.
"Xiao Wu, are carrots really that delicious?" Gu Yue Na was very puzzled.
"I just like the taste."
"..."
...
On the mountaintop, Yu Xiaogang looked dejected, his face etched with bitterness.
"How ridiculous I am. He possesses knowledge I don't even know, yet I dared to dream of taking him as a disciple. Perhaps in his eyes, I've been nothing but a joke from the very beginning."
Master was self-deprecating, feeling like a complete laughingstock.
The dean walked over and consoled him, "Xiaogang, don't be discouraged. Even if the whole world looks down on you, you can't look down on yourself."
Tang San also chimed in, "That's right, Teacher. I don't think there's anything wrong with your theories. Ao Tian probably used some underhanded methods to increase the Soul Ring's lifespan. I only believe in the results of my own step-by-step cultivation."
In truth, the blow Master received from this battle was even greater than Tang San's. Tang San only felt embarrassed, but Master was intellectually defeated by Ao Tian.
A seven-year-old Soul Grand Master with two purple Soul Rings—these were impossible scenarios according to Master's theories.
However, he witnessed it with his own eyes today.
He couldn't help but doubt whether his theories contained a major flaw.
Suddenly, he looked up and said, "That Ao Tian knows such astonishing cultivation secrets; his background must be extraordinary. Tang San, help me investigate what family Ao Tian comes from."
....
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(End of Chapter)