In that instant, the entire field fell into complete silence.
This... was a support-type Soul Master?
Was this a joke?
Even Yu Xiaogang couldn't help but gulp.
Damn it. How was he supposed to teach this?
But when he came to his senses, his brow furrowed, and he barked sharply,
"Qi Lin, that move just now—was it a self-created soul skill?"
"You plan to teach the kids something like that?"
The others also began to realize—if what Qi Lin had used just now was indeed a self-created soul skill, then it was likely unteachable.
After all, self-created soul skills were usually tailored to a person's unique martial soul. They couldn't be replicated by others.
However, someone quickly pointed out a crucial detail.
"Wait, Qi Lin didn't even release his martial soul just now!"
Qi Lin gave an approving nod and explained,
"Exactly. What I used wasn't a self-created soul skill, so there was no need to summon my martial soul."
"The reason I can pull that off is simply because my control over soul power is... just a teeny bit better than yours."
"Of course, if you train diligently in soul power manipulation, while you may not reach my level, it will still be incredibly useful in combat."
Then Qi Lin turned to Tang San. "In these past two years of sparring with Xiao Wu, you must've noticed she's been harder to deal with."
Tang San's eyes lit up in realization.
"No wonder she's been trickier to fight lately... So you're the one who taught her all those techniques."
Qi Lin nodded calmly.
But in Tang San's eyes, a shadow flickered.
He had always thought he had a good relationship with Qi Lin. Yet Qi Lin had passed on those special training methods to Xiao Wu—but not to him?
Meanwhile, Yu Xiaogang's frown deepened.
"You came up with all that on your own?"
Qi Lin shrugged easily. "It's not that hard. Just thought about it for a while."
Yu Xiaogang's eyes sparkled with a strange light.
A kid "casually thinking" something up like this... there had to be major flaws.
Still, maybe he could observe Qi Lin's methods, borrow the parts that made sense, and discard the rest.
Then perhaps his "Ten Core Theories of Martial Souls" could become Eleven Core Theories.
Naturally, he wouldn't ignore Qi Lin's contribution. He'd be sure to list Qi Lin as a co-creator.
Qi Lin – Collaborative Contributor.
That way, wouldn't he still seem noble and selfless?
Yu Xiaogang then spoke seriously,
"Qi Lin, if it's truly as you say, then I acknowledge your teaching method."
"But you're still young. If these soul power control techniques you made on the fly have any flaws, there could be consequences."
"So I suggest you pick just two or three students to teach for now. If it all works well, we can expand later."
Qi Lin spread his hands nonchalantly.
He understood Yu Xiaogang's intentions. But only teaching two or three students? Easier for him.
Off to the side, Flender nodded slightly.
This arrangement wasn't bad.
He looked at the students. "Who wants to learn from Teacher Qi Lin?"
Dai Mubai turned his head first.
He definitely wanted to learn that technique—but Yu Xiaogang wasn't wrong.
A twelve-year-old's invention? What if it had fatal flaws?
Best to observe for now.
Ma Hongjun looked hesitant.
Just a few days ago, he'd been beaten up by Qi Lin. Now, even seeing him triggered fear.
And if he studied under Qi Lin... what if Qi Lin held a grudge?
Tang San and Oscar, on the other hand, looked tempted.
Especially Oscar. He was genuinely envious of how a support-type soul master like Qi Lin had such combat power.
Tang San was about to speak, but when he glanced at Yu Xiaogang and saw the faint shake of his head, he hesitated and held his tongue.
A wise man avoids danger. For now, he'd sit back and watch.
Besides, as long as Qi Lin stayed at Shrek Academy, he'd have a chance to learn from him eventually.
Flender frowned slightly at the students' lack of response.
Fortunately, Zhu Zhuqing stepped forward after a brief hesitation.
"I'd like to learn from Teacher Qi Lin."
Seeing this, Ning Rongrong immediately followed.
"Me too! I want to learn as well!"
She wasn't just interested in soul power control. She also wanted to use this chance to get closer to Qi Lin.
Ideally, she'd recruit him into the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan!
Handsome, talented, and unlike typical support-types, he could fight on his own.
Most importantly, Ning Rongrong genuinely liked how she felt when she was with him.
To her, Qi Lin was practically a gift from the heavens—a husband delivered on a silver platter!
As for Xiao Wu?
Ning Rongrong thought, What's your status, anyway? I'm the heir to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
Even if you were a couple, I'd still fight for him.
Her mother always told her: happiness must be fought for.
After all, her father Ning Fengzhi had many women around him when he was young.
But in the end, didn't her mom manage to tame him?
So Ning Rongrong believed—if her mom could do it, so could she.
When Xiao Wu saw Ning Rongrong's move, her gaze sharpened.
That woman definitely has bad intentions toward Brother Qi Lin!
I have to protect him—urgently!
Qi Lin turned to Flender.
"Dean, in that case, I'll take Xiao Wu, Zhuqing, and Rongrong under my wing."
Teaching three beautiful girls? Far better than the alternatives.
Flender nodded.
"Then they're yours."
"But if anything goes wrong, make sure to report it immediately."
Clearly, Flender also agreed with Yu Xiaogang.
Qi Lin was talented, but still young—he gave off a slightly unreliable air.
And so, the decision was made. The training grounds were then divided into two areas.
Flender's group, led by Yu Xiaogang, took the academy's main training field—perfect for group combat and drills.
Qi Lin and the three girls, meanwhile, were assigned to a hillside on the southern edge of Shrek Academy.
It was secluded, but open and spacious—though far from the dorms and cafeteria.
---
The Next Day – South Hillside, Shrek Academy
Qi Lin stood before Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ning Rongrong.
"Qi Lin-ge, can support-type soul masters really be offensive?" Ning Rongrong asked curiously.
Qi Lin was supposed to be a support-type, but everything about him screamed otherwise—especially after hearing he beat up Ma Hongjun without even using his martial soul.
What kind of support could do that?
But Qi Lin didn't answer right away. He cleared his throat.
"Rongrong, we use proper titles when working. Got it?"
"Fine, Teacher Qi Lin!" Ning Rongrong giggled, sticking out her tongue.
Qi Lin gave her a look but didn't push further.
Then, without warning, he activated Gift of Destiny on both Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing.
His first soul ring had now reached 60,000 years. The stat boost it gave? A staggering 60%.
The moment the girls felt the upgrade, they froze in shock.
Especially Ning Rongrong—her jaw dropped and her wide eyes were completely stunned.
As the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's little princess, her senses were far keener than Zhu Zhuqing's.
Qi Lin-ge's support was absolutely insane!
Even her father, Ning Fengzhi, at rank 79, could only boost stats by 80%.
Qi Lin smiled warmly.
"Now do you believe I'm a support-type soul master?"
The girls nodded furiously like pecking chicks.