Chapter 137: Chapter 137
"Really? Thank you for the compliment, senior." Jun Tianlin thanked him lightly and didn't say much.
He had little interest in Tai Tan. This man was a die-hard follower of Tang Hao. Even though his family had suffered a great disaster because of Tang Hao, he remained unwavering in his loyalty.
With such devotion, Jun Tianlin doubted he could ever bring Tai Tan under his command. He had only asked the question to compare the power of the Clear Sky Hammer and the Demon Sword at the same level. Since Tai Tan was the foremost authority on raw strength, his judgment carried weight.
Among the four single-attribute clans, Jun Tianlin was only truly interested in the Strength Clan.
Firstly, the Strength Clan harbored the deepest hatred for the Haotian Clan and the Spirit Hall. Secondly, Yang Wudi was the easiest to win over. He had no grievances against the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan, and the Nine Treasure Purple Zoysia Immortal Herb he longed for was in Jun Tianlin's possession. Jun Tianlin was confident he could recruit him in the future. Thirdly, Yang Wudi's combat strength was unquestionably among the highest of all Spirit Douluo. Despite being only at level 82, his actual combat ability far surpassed the level 85 Tai Tan and was even formidable enough to contend with an average Titled Douluo.
This was also why Jun Tianlin didn't want Tai Tan and Tang San to reunite just yet. In the original timeline, Tang San had managed to subdue the four single-attribute clans largely due to his connections with his father.
"Brother Jun, thank you for your help." At that moment, Tang San and having recovered some soul power through meditation, stood up and expressed his gratitude.
"It's nothing, just a small favor." Jun Tianlin dismissed the thanks lightly. After all, he had misled Tang San a little, causing him to temporarily lose a Spirit Douluo-level subordinate "I brought Rongrong and the others back this time. Next, I'll return to Heaven Dou Royal Academy, but before that, I'd like to meet your teacher."
"You want to see my teacher?" Tang San was puzzled but didn't press for details "He's in the Academic Affairs Office. Follow me."
Jun Tianlin and the Shrek Seven Devils made their way to the Academic Affairs Office. Upon opening the door and they found a middle-aged man with an ordinary appearance and a crew cut, busy organizing documents.
"Teacher, I have a friend who wants to see you" Tang San said as he approached
"A friend?" Yu Xiaogang glanced around, spotting only one unfamiliar face "Is it you? What do you want from me? If you're seeking martial arts guidance, I'm afraid I'm too busy."
Yu Xiaogang was an arrogant man. If someone wasn't a genius then he had no interest in wasting time on them.
"It seems you've forgotten me." Jun Tianlin sneered. This man was obsessed with his theories. In some ways, he was even less mindful than Tang San, who at least remembered his savior "Never mind. I'm not here for advice. I came to inform you that Rongrong, Hongjun, Oscar, and Meng Yiran are members of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan. From now on, we will be responsible for choosing their spirit rings. Please refrain from making decisions on your own."
"What did you say?" Yu Xiaogang stood up angrily "So what if you're from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan. Don't forget, they are also my students, and their spirit rings should naturally be my decision. Would I harm them?"
"Of course, you wouldn't do that to Tang San" Jun Tianlin replied bluntly "But I can't say the same for others." He never had a good impression of Yu Xiaogang and his decision to guide Oscar down the path of amplification only fueled his frustration
"Brother Jun, what do you mean? Are you questioning my teacher?" Tang San demanded angrily.
Hostility?
Jun Tianlin actually sensed hostility from Tang San. Although his reasons for saving him were not entirely selfless, it was still a fact that he had saved him. Yet now, over a single disagreement, Tang San was already treating him with animosity. The realization left him cold.
But it didn't matter. They were merely cooperative partners, not true friends. Moreover, after discovering the method to unlock immortal techniques, Tang San's value to him had significantly diminished. With a calm demeanor, he stated "So what if I am questioning him? As the direct disciple of the clan's Protector Douluo, the husband of the next clan master, and the future vice clan master personally appointed by Uncle Ning, it is only natural for me to oversee the cultivation paths of our clan's disciples."
"I will never allow anyone to use the futures of my clan's disciples as mere bargaining chips to win a soul master competition."
"You claim I used their futures as bargaining chips? Then tell me, what did I do wrong? Did I choose the wrong spirit rings for them?" Yu Xiaogang leaned back in his chair and confident in his theories. He would not be outmatched by a child.
Jun Tianlin turned to the others "There's no issue with Rongrong and Hongjun—you have no say over them."
Rongrong's path in the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan was predetermined; her spirit rings could only follow the path of amplification. As for Ma Hongjun, his Phoenix was a top-tier combat spirit. Choosing suitable spirit rings for him was a straightforward task and his true master was Flender, not Yu Xiaogang.
"But Oscar and Yiran—now that's another matter." Jun Tianlin looked at the two of them "Tell me, what path has this 'master' set for you?"
"I was told to focus on amplification. He said my food-type amplification could be combined with Rongrong's Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan amplification to further enhance our team's strength."
"He advised me to add a spirit ring with paralysis poison to my snake staff to increase battle versatility."
Oscar and Meng Yiran spoke up, and Yu Xiaogang smiled. "Did you hear that? What's wrong with the paths I've chosen? If they follow my theory, they will not only shine in the competition but also have promising futures."
Jun Tianlin sneered. "Promising futures? Hah Yes it is useful, but is that your achievement? Their martial spirits were already extraordinary. You simply took paths that could have been perfect and turned them into mediocre ones. In your eyes, as long as they reach a passing level, that's sufficient—unless they are Tang San."
"Oscar is the first-ever food-type spirit master with innate full soul power. If he focuses on supply, his strategic value to an army or a major clan will be unimaginable once he reaches the Titled Douluo level. His status within our clan would soar. Do you really think the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan lacks that minor amplification boost?"
"And Yiran—her path was already set as an attacker. Her chosen poisons were all lethal. But you suddenly have her switch to paralysis poison. Why? Because you fear her poison is too strong and could disqualify Shrek from the Soul Master Competition? Or is it because, by using paralysis poison, she can be become control like Dugu Yan and serve as a substitute for Tang San? During the early rounds, she can take his place, allowing him to conceal his strength, isn't that right?"
"Everything you do is for Tang San!" Jun Tianlin couldn't suppress his fury any longer, his voice echoing through the room.