Chapter 10: Knowledge Leeching

Mo Bai didn't expect that the language pronunciation in this world would be different, but the writing remained the same. It's like Mandarin and Cantonese having different pronunciations but being able to read a passage in their respective languages. It felt a bit awkward, though. However, Mo Bai could only be sure if it was true or just a coincidence that one character resembled (mò), by learning more characters from Teacher Mo.

After some time, Mo Bai finally confirmed that the writing in this world was indeed the same as the traditional characters he learned in his past life. With this confirmation, Mo Bai eagerly made his way to the library of the Norton Academy.

"Little one, why aren't you in class? What brings you here?" the librarian asked, intercepting Mo Bai.

"Teacher, I'm a first-year student! In class, the teachers are teaching us character recognition, but I already know the characters, so I wanted to find some books to read on my own," Mo Bai replied, wearing a proud expression on his face as he boasted about his abilities.

Ah, the need to act like a child…

"Is that so? Then read the characters on this book for me. If you recognize them, I'll allow you to enter and read," the librarian said, slightly surprised by Mo Bai's words. Judging by Mo Bai's appearance, he didn't seem like a child from an educated family who could read at such an early age. However, it was not entirely impossible. Perhaps his literate parents had taught him.

Such cases occasionally occurred, so the librarian didn't inquire further. As long as Mo Bai could prove that he could indeed read, it would be sufficient. Children who were eager to learn were always endearing.

"The Ten Core Competencies of Martial Souls." Mo Bai's eyes lit up when he saw the book the librarian brought out, and he promptly read out the title. It turned out to be the Grandmaster's "The Ten Core Competencies of Martial Souls." Moreover, the librarian seemed to have a fondness for this book, unlike the other teachers who mostly ridiculed the Grandmaster. They only refrained from doing so in open because the Grandmaster was friends with the dean. But it was natural for a recognized Grandmaster to have both critics and admirers.

"Oh? You actually recognized it. Not bad!" The librarian smiled happily when Mo Bai effortlessly read the book's title. "Alright, you can go in and read, but remember, the books must stay here. You can't take them away, understand?"

"Teacher, can I read this book? The title seems interesting! It looks like something powerful!" Mo Bai asked, curious as he looked at the librarian holding "The Ten Core Competencies of Martial Souls."

"Oh? You want to read this book?" The librarian was initially surprised by Mo Bai's request but quickly realized that Mo Bai didn't know about the book's origin.

"Alright, I'll give it to you, young one!"

"The knowledge in this book is incredibly useful. I hope you'll remember it well!" The librarian nodded with a smile and handed the book to Mo Bai.

After a brief pause, the librarian added, "No matter how others view it, what I can tell you is that this book is truly remarkable. If you remember its contents, it will greatly assist you in your future cultivation!"

"I understand, I'll remember it. Thank you, Teacher!"

Mo Bai took the book and eagerly rushed inside the library to find a spot to examine it.

The librarian silently shook his head while watching Mo Bai's enthusiastic pursuit of knowledge. He had more to say, but since Mo Bai had already entered, he decided to save it for later when Mo Bai left.

Regarding the Grandmaster's "The Ten Core Competencies of Martial Souls," it was essentially a summary of knowledge related to martial souls on the entire Douluo Continent, something no one else had accomplished. The fact that the Grandmaster had achieved it was quite impressive.

"Ah, the Grandmaster... If he hadn't included his own theories in the top ten core competencies, he wouldn't be subjected to ridicule," the librarian sighed, thinking of the Grandmaster in the school.

Meanwhile, outside the Nuoding City, in the Soul Beasts Forest controlled by the Spirit Hall, the Grandmaster was guiding Tang San in search of soul beasts.

"Xiao San, the first spirit ring a Spirit Master can bear has a limit of 423 years," the Grandmaster explained. "It's nearly impossible to find one with such precise age, but I'll try to help you hunt down a soul beast with a ring of around 400 years."

"Only by pushing the limits can we go further in the future!"

As they searched for the required soul beast, the Grandmaster taught Tang San about soul beasts and their related knowledge. Tang San attentively listened, realizing that he had underestimated the significance of becoming an excellent Spirit Master. He felt fortunate to have chosen this master despite the Grandmaster's limited strength because his knowledge surpassed that of most others.

"Watch out!"

"There's a Datura Snake approaching, around four hundred years old!"

Soon enough, the Grandmaster and Tang San encountered the Datura Snake mentioned in the original story. After a perilous battle, Tang San successfully killed the Datura Snake.

"Quick, absorb this spirit ring!"

"This spirit ring is perfect for your Blue Silver Grass!"

Relieved that both of them had survived the encounter with the soul beast, the Grandmaster's eyes lit up when he saw the Datura Snake's corpse. He urged Tang San to absorb the spirit ring.

Originally, it would have been awkward for a disciple to save the master's life, but now there was no time for embarrassment. Absorbing the spirit ring took priority.

"Yes, Master!"

Tang San didn't blame the Grandmaster for risking their lives due to his weak strength. The fact that the Grandmaster had put himself in danger to protect him had already gained Tang San's approval.

However, just as Tang San was about to absorb the ring, the Grandmaster stopped him.

"Xiao San, the possibility of a plant-based martial soul absorbing an animal-based spirit ring is only a theoretical idea I've proposed. Whether it can truly be done is still unknown."

"Shall we find another spirit ring instead? Let's look for a different one."

The Grandmaster spoke seriously to Tang San.

"No need, Master. I believe in you," Tang San replied, moved by the Grandmaster's words. He shook his head and declined his suggestion, deciding to absorb the Datura Snake's spirit ring to verify the Grandmaster's theoretical conjecture.