NOVEL WEB Chapter 9: Genius In Plagiarism
Just as Xie Yulong stepped through the outer archway of Nuoding Academy, a voice at the gate caught his attention.
"Sir, this boy is here on recommendation from Spirit Hall. Please take a look—"
The speaker was an elderly man with a slightly hunched back and eyes clouded by years, his expression earnest. Standing beside him was a boy about Xie Yulong's age, his features calm and refined—but at this moment, a faint chill sat in his gaze.
The gatekeeper, a burly man with a trace of arrogance, barely glanced at the pair.
"A commoner with Blue Silver Grass? You call this Spirit Master talent?"
He scoffed, waved the letter aside, and let it fall to the dusty stone ground. "Scram. Don't waste my time."
The boy's face didn't twitch—but his gaze darkened like still water under storm clouds.
And the moment Xie Yulong saw that expression, a thought emerged unbidden in his mind:
> "You have a way to die."
The sentence echoed with eerie clarity. Yulong blinked once, then narrowed his eyes slightly.
> Blue Silver Grass. That letter. That old man must be Old Jack…
Then this boy is—
> Tang San.
Before that brewing storm could explode, Xie Yulong moved.
He stepped forward, his boots quiet on the flagstones, and approached without pause.
"What happened here?" he asked, voice even but cool.
Old Jack turned toward him, slightly startled by the presence of someone so neatly dressed. His expression shifted respectfully.
"Young master, we've come from the village with a formal recommendation… but the guard refuses to look."
Xie Yulong crouched slowly, brushing dust off the crumpled letter and lifting it to eye level. The name at the bottom made his thoughts click into place.
> Tang San. Confirmed.
He returned the letter calmly to the boy.
Then he stood, and without flaring spirit energy, let out a slow breath.
The change was instant.
The air froze.
From deep within his body, something stirred.
His pupils thinned into slits. A quiet hum rippled through the space like invisible thunder.
> Dragon Might — Passive Domain.
He didn't need to summon his martial soul.
The pressure alone was like an ancient creature waking from sleep.
The gatekeeper's breath caught in his throat. His knees buckled slightly.
Sweat dripped down his brow.
Xie Yulong's gaze remained locked on him.
"No matter how weak a Soul Master's martial soul is… they're still capable of killing a mortal like you."
The gatekeeper trembled. His legs gave out, and he slumped against the wall.
"You saw Spirit Hall's seal and still dared to say it is forged. For what—wanting a bribe?"
Yulong's tone never rose, but the weight in the air only grew heavier.
"This letter bears Spirit Hall's mark," Xie Yulong said, voice calm and low. "That means it's above your pay grade."
The gatekeeper didn't answer—he couldn't.
He stepped forward slightly.
The gatekeeper gasped and collapsed to his knees.
Xie Yulong tilted his head.
> "Next time, learn your place."
The pressure vanished.
The gatekeeper slumped to the ground, trembling uncontrollably.
On the side, Tang San's fists had clenched unconsciously—but now slowly relaxed.
He looked at Xie Yulong, eyes narrowing slightly.
That oppressive force…
Tang San felt the pressure too—even though it wasn't aimed at him. His face paled slightly. He had never felt anything like this before. Not spirit energy. Not killing intent. Just… presence.
Dominance.
Tang San, though untouched, still felt a chill down his spine.
> What kind of power is that…?
He didn't know.
But he knew he had just met someone dangerous.
Very dangerous.
Though untouched by the pressure himself, Old Jack could only gape in silence. He didn't understand what had just happened—only that the arrogant guard had been crushed by something unseen.
He was mortal—and more importantly, not the target.
Then bowed deeply. "Many thanks, young master! Many thanks…"
Xie Yulong waved a hand. "It's okay."
He turned and walked toward the main courtyard.
Tang San stood silently.
His fists clenched and relaxed.
After saying goodbye to Old Jack, he turned to enter the gate.
Then followed behind him—without a word.
---
Just as the duo took a few steps into the academy grounds, a calm voice drifted in from behind.
"Excuse me, may I take a look at the recommendation letter?"
They turned.
A man had appeared without sound. Average height, slightly thin frame, black hair parted in three-seven fashion. His appearance was wholly unremarkable—plain features, sluggish posture, both hands tucked behind his back. His half-lidded eyes held a peculiar weight, though his expression seemed permanently fatigued.
Tang San blinked.
Xie Yulong narrowed his eyes slightly.
> This should be Yu Xiaogang…
The famed master of Spirit Theory. Flawed in cultivation. A genius in plagiarism.
Tang San politely handed over the letter.
The man—Master—examined the seal, gave a slight nod, then looked Tang San over. His gaze wasn't sharp, but Tang San felt as if his soul had been laid bare.
"There is nothing wrong with the certificate. Child, on behalf of the academy, allow me to apologize for what happened earlier."
His tone was mild. Courteous, even.
Then, he looked to the side at Xie Yulong. "May I also take a look at yours?"
Xie Yulong said nothing and handed it over.
Yu Xiaogang opened the scroll. His gaze swept down casually—until it landed on the name of the Martial Soul.
Dragon God.
He stiffened.
> Dragon… God?
His heart stirred. He had spent years researching martial souls—thousands of pages compiled, analyzed, histories combed. But never once had he seen a Martial Soul named Dragon God. And yet someone had dared to register it so directly.
> Either a fraud… or something beyond my understanding.
His gaze dropped lower.
Innate soul power—full.
He paused.
And this time, the mask nearly cracked.
Two full-talent Spirit Masters.
In one morning.
He looked up, gaze still calm. His expression was unchanged.
> He's suppressing his reaction. Not bad,
Xie Yulong thought, mildly impressed. If I didn't know better, I might've believed he wasn't excited at all.
Then came the inevitable.
"I am Yu Xiaogang," the man said at last. "You may have heard of me. I'm known as the number one theory master on the continent. When it comes to Martial Souls and soul beasts—my knowledge is second to none."
Xie Yulong remained silent, face calm.
Yu Xiaogang's eyes flicked to him—a little disappointed.
Then to Tang San—who looked stunned.
That satisfied him.
He cleared his throat with importance. "I do not usually take disciples, but you two… have exceptional talent. Would either of you be willing to become my student?"
Tang San hesitated. Then nodded seriously.
He stepped forward and respectfully knelt. "Disciple Tang San greets Master."
Yu Xiaogang beamed inwardly. Outwardly, he gave a sage nod.
Then his eyes turned to Xie Yulong.
"What about you?"
Yulong offered a faint smile. "No need. My parents already taught me all I need to know about Martial Souls and soul beasts. I don't require a teacher."
There was no malice in his words. Just quiet certainty.
Yu Xiaogang's smile faltered slightly, but he quickly covered it with a cough.
Xie Yulong turned.
"I'll go find the dean's office."
He walked away without waiting for a reply.
Behind him, Yu Xiaogang stood with his hands behind his back, maintaining his composure.
Tang San, still kneeling, couldn't help but glance at the young boy's departing figure.
> Who… exactly is he?