Dai Mubai's expression darkened, his eyes fixed on Flender. "Headmaster, are you telling me… he's really only at the twenty-ninth rank?"
Flender sighed, then nodded. "Xiaogang's martial soul has a fatal flaw. He was born with only half a rank of innate soul power, and because of that, he can never break through the thirtieth level."
"But I can guarantee you this—Xiaogang's knowledge and ability as an instructor are unparalleled. If that weren't the case, how could he have taught someone like Tang San?"
Only then did Dai Mubai's sour expression ease somewhat.
He might be proud, but he still acknowledged Tang San's talent.
However, his doubts about Yu Xiaogang's teaching capabilities hadn't faded.
With a heavy tone, he looked at Yu Xiaogang and asked, "Master, since even the Headmaster holds you in such high regard, I have a question."
Yu Xiaogang's face softened slightly. "Go ahead."
"If you were to guide us, what methods would you use? What would you even teach?"
The moment Dai Mubai finished speaking, Yu Xiaogang's expression visibly changed—his face lit up with confidence.
That confidence came from deep within, and even the others couldn't help but be influenced. For a brief moment, a thought rose in their minds:
Perhaps… this man really is a true master.
Flender, watching Yu Xiaogang's demeanor return to what he was familiar with, smiled faintly.
This was the Xiaogang he knew.
Yu Xiaogang cleared his throat, scanning the students in front of him until his gaze landed on Qi Lin. He began slowly, his voice calm yet filled with conviction.
"As you all know, every soul master has their own strengths and weaknesses. Due to the vast variety of martial souls, there is no such thing as a perfect soul master in this world."
"However…" he paused for effect.
"While individual perfection is impossible, a perfect team can exist."
"With enough understanding and coordination, a team can overcome any individual flaw and adapt to any opponent, no matter their attribute."
As he spoke, Yu Xiaogang's voice grew firmer. His gaze would occasionally sweep toward Qi Lin, as if silently saying: Watch closely—this is what true teaching looks like.
He continued, "Even before arriving here, I had already outlined multiple training phases for all of you."
"The first phase is to ensure each of you becomes thoroughly familiar with your teammates' soul skills. You must learn to understand each other—only then can you become a true team."
"Beyond that, I'll have you face off against one another in mock battles, so I can assess the strengths and weaknesses of your martial souls and develop tailored strategies for each of you."
…
As Yu Xiaogang spoke, Flender nodded approvingly.
His methods fit well with Flender's educational philosophy.
Among the group, Tang San was the one who resonated most with Yu Xiaogang's words. After all, he had studied under the man for years and naturally inherited many of his ideologies.
And in Yu Xiaogang's philosophy, the control system soul master was the core of any team.
And Tang San was a control system soul master.
As for the others, aside from Xiao Wu, most found themselves reluctantly convinced by Yu Xiaogang's logic.
Xiao Wu, however, furrowed her brows.
She had been taught by Qi Lin for two years and had grown accustomed to his methods.
Now, hearing Yu Xiaogang's approach, even her not-so-clever mind could sense the stark difference in their teaching philosophies.
Just then, Yu Xiaogang finished explaining and turned confidently toward Qi Lin. "Qi Lin, what do you think of my methods? Satisfied?"
His tone carried a subtle superiority—these were, after all, conclusions he had spent decades researching.
Qi Lin was slightly taken aback by the question.
He hadn't intended to argue with Yu Xiaogang. But since he had taken up a teaching post at Shrek, he felt obligated to do it right.
And truthfully, he did enjoy teaching.
So, in front of everyone, he gave his honest opinion.
"Master, your teaching philosophy has merit. But if all your focus is on team synergy and mutual compensation, then you're putting the cart before the horse."
At first, Yu Xiaogang looked pleased by the praise.
But the second half of Qi Lin's sentence made his face freeze—as if he had changed masks in a Peking opera.
Even the students and Flender turned their gazes toward them.
Yu Xiaogang's voice grew cold. "Qi Lin, I admit you're a prodigy among prodigies—but when it comes to teaching, you're still far too inexperienced."
"If you say I'm neglecting the fundamentals, then tell me—why?"
Qi Lin glanced at the gathered students.
"These students come from all over the continent. They came here to learn and grow."
"If you spend all your effort drilling teamwork into them, what happens when they part ways in the future?"
"Yes, teamwork can cover their weaknesses—but once they're alone again, those flaws resurface. Will they have to find new teammates just to patch their shortcomings again?"
"Or do you plan to keep them tied together for life?"
His words struck deep.
Even Ning Rongrong and Dai Mubai looked thoughtful.
Tied together… for life?
Wasn't that… a good thing?
After all, Shrek's students were all top-tier geniuses.
Yu Xiaogang frowned.
He knew Qi Lin wasn't entirely wrong. But he had his reasons for such a plan—selfish reasons.
He wanted these students to enter the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament.
They were still young. Even if they didn't win this time, they'd definitely win the next.
This tournament was his best shot at gaining fame across the continent.
If they won, he could proudly proclaim that he was the one who had raised them.
Still, he kept his face calm and asked, "If that's the case, what do you suggest?"
Qi Lin smiled.
"In my view, soul master training should prioritize one thing: increasing soul power. Mastering control comes second. Combat training follows that. Teamwork… comes last."
Yu Xiaogang burst out laughing.
So that was it? He had expected something profound, but this?
Clearly, this kid still didn't understand what it meant to be a true teacher.
With pride, Yu Xiaogang retorted, "Do you think I don't know all that?"
"But everyone's martial soul is different. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work. Aside from teamwork, what else can you teach them?"
Qi Lin smiled again.
"What can I teach?"
He raised two fingers.
The next moment—
Whoosh!
A golden beam of soul power burst from his fingertips and struck a nearby tree with a blinding flash.
Boom!
The trunk exploded with flying debris—the beam had pierced straight through it.
Qi Lin looked at Yu Xiaogang and calmly said,
"I can teach them this. Can you?"