Watching Feng Xiaotian's struggle between his helplessness and his desperate desire for an answer, Gu Xuan couldn't help but chuckle. "To be honest, we both come from academies. In the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament three years from now, we will certainly be opponents. If I help you now, wouldn't I just be aiding the enemy?"
Feng Xiaotian's expression shifted, and he found himself momentarily speechless. Gu Xuan's logic was sound; the tournament was split into the Heaven Dou and Star Luo divisions, and since they were both from Heaven Dou academies, the probability of them facing off was extremely high.
Thinking of this, Feng Xiaotian racked his brain for the right words, trying to persuade Gu Xuan to lower his guard, but he didn't know what to say in that moment.
Watching the pensive Feng Xiaotian, Gu Xuan continued. "You should know that there is no such thing as a free lunch. As students from different academies, we aren't exactly strangers, but we aren't exactly friends yet either."
Feng Xiaotian fell into deep thought. After a moment of silence, he slowly asked, "What do you need me to do?"
"It's just a suggestion," Gu Xuan said indifferently. "You've likely guessed that I am from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. How about this? Once you graduate, come to our clan. A genius like you shouldn't be limited to a small academy forever; you need a grander stage."
"If you consider this, our friendship will be sealed. With your talent, you will undoubtedly become a powerhouse in the future. At that time, with me as a friend and the resources of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan behind you, your future will be boundless."
Gu Xuan was good at "painting a pretty picture," but it remained to be seen if Feng Xiaotian would take the bait. Feng Xiaotian's talent was indeed staggering; if he could be recruited and nurtured properly, he might even reach for a godhood in the future—or at the very least, become a Titled Douluo.
Feng Xiaotian's face stiffened. He never expected Gu Xuan to try to recruit him after only meeting once.
He didn't rush to answer. Gu Xuan clearly wasn't joking, and there was no reason to. The offer was tempting; it wouldn't just reveal how Gu Xuan countered his self-created soul skill, but it would provide a clear path for his future.
However, Feng Xiaotian wasn't from a commoner background; he had his own legacy.
Both his father and grandfather were from Godwind Academy. In his grandfather's generation, the man had reached the position of Director of Teaching. His father was currently one of the two Vice-Deans. It could be said that his family was deeply entwined with the academy's foundation.
In the original records, Feng Xiaotian became a Vice-Dean himself after reaching the Soul Emperor rank. So, even while Gu Xuan made his pitch, he didn't have much confidence that the boy would actually jump ship.
Still, it was worth a try. He couldn't spend every day with Feng Xiaotian as he did with the Emperor Team. If he gave away the benefits first, it might just be a wasted effort.
No matter how generous Gu Xuan was, he wouldn't just give indefinitely without seeking a return. If he did that, he might as well just play Santa Claus and hand out gifts.
After a long silence, Feng Xiaotian explained his family background to Gu Xuan. Hearing this, Gu Xuan simply nodded without comment, waiting to see the boy's actual attitude.
"Gu Xuan, to be honest, because of my father's ties to Godwind Academy, I am already a part of it. It's not just a student-teacher relationship; I carry the future of the academy on my shoulders."
"I'm moved by your offer, but I have my concerns. I might not necessarily stay at the academy like my father and grandfather, but I haven't thought that far ahead yet. If you want a definitive answer right now... I can't give you one."
Feng Xiaotian spoke sincerely, meeting Gu Xuan's eyes with every word.
Gu Xuan could tell the boy was genuinely conflicted, but his desire to know how his wings were severed was also real. Sincerity was all he had left to offer.
After a moment of thought, Gu Xuan patted Feng Xiaotian's shoulder. "I understand. Regardless, we met through battle, and I consider you a friend."
Feng Xiaotian felt a wave of shame. He was embarrassed to meet Gu Xuan's "sincere" gaze. After all, he was the thug Huo Wu had hired to beat Gu Xuan up. Now, he hadn't landed a single blow and had become friends with the target instead?
What would Gu Xuan think if he knew about his relationship with Huo Wu?
"The future is long. There will come a day when you figure it out. My door is always open to you."
Feng Xiaotian felt a warmth in his heart. They had only been talking for ten minutes, but he felt a strange sense of trust and warmth from Gu Xuan.
Truthfully, Feng Xiaotian hadn't met many people like this in the soul master world. Being with Gu Xuan didn't feel like meeting a stranger, but rather an old friend.
While Feng Xiaotian was lost in thought, Gu Xuan continued. "Since it seems I won't 'get' you today, I won't let you leave empty-handed. I have a few things to say; whether you listen or not is up to you."
Feng Xiaotian's eyes lit up, and he immediately focused. "I'm all ears."
"What you want to know most is how I severed your Stormwind Wings in an instant and found the flaw in your self-created soul skill, right?" Gu Xuan asked softly.
Feng Xiaotian nodded, his eyes fervent. "Yes."
Gu Xuan paused before continuing. "Your self-created soul skill has its merits. Against an average opponent, it would be unstoppable. But if you encounter an opponent with greater strength or attack power than you, this skill is no different from seeking death."
Feng Xiaotian's face soured. Hearing Gu Xuan put it that way made his years of hard work sound like a joke. Was he just a clown this whole time?
Gu Xuan saw the change in his expression and continued. "What, do you think your skill is worthless now?"
Feng Xiaotian's face fell further. He wanted to argue, but Gu Xuan had just handled that very skill with ease.
Gu Xuan didn't give him time to speak. "My point is predicated on your attack and strength being inferior to your opponent's. I may only be Rank 33, but even a Defense Type Soul Ancestor cannot look down on my attack power. That is why you fell."
"But what if you simply don't use this skill when facing someone like me? You're almost Rank 40. Once you have your fourth soul ring, your reliance on this skill for every attack should decrease."
"Think about it: if you focus on raising your soul power rank so that no one can surpass you in strength or raw power, who would be able to stop your self-created soul skill then?"
Listening to Gu Xuan, Feng Xiaotian had a sudden moment of realization, but he was still unwilling. Was he supposed to just give up on the skill he had researched for so many years?
He didn't think he could do it.
(End of Chapter)
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