The ancient Martial Spirits looming over the two disciples, their eyes shone with otherworldly light, judging their worthiness.
The Dragon Spirit set its body ablaze with infernal flames, burning brighter than the sun itself and illuminating the surroundings.
It glanced at Ling's Blood Spear, showing its interests with a gesture of its snout.
Ling understood what the dragon spirit was trying to imply. He then raised the spear over his head and let the dragon spirit infest the spear with its Infernal Flame.
On the other hand, the Water Spirit Goddess looked at Qiqi endearingly. As if the Water Spirit Goddess had been waiting for this moment to meet Qiqi for a long time.
The goddess smiled, she extended her right hand at Qiqi, marking her forehead with her stigma. Blue in color, which made Qiqi look even prettier and more beautiful than ever before.
A testament that Qiqi has been blessed by the Water Spirit Goddess for the rest of her life.
The two Ancient Martial Spirits turned their heads at Fang Zheng, nodding in satisfaction for the result.
Fang Zheng cupped his fist to show his gratitude to the Ancient Martial Spirits.
Right after that, they returned to the respective Artifacts which were their vessels.
Qiqi woke up from her daze as she felt a profound and yet foreign strength ran through her body. Nurturing her dantian by purifying the crude Qi Energy into pure Yin Qi Energy.
Likewise, Ling's body also underwent significant change after the Infernal Flame seeped to his Blood Spear which was the very essence of his Qi Energy.
Purifying the crude Qi Energy to Pure Yang Qi. The process was really slow, but at a very steady pace.
"What was that? And… I can feel my body become lighter and stronger!" Qiqi was very excited, jumping up dozens of feet high with a single kick.
Ling tried his movement by demonstrating the basic thrust and swift footwork. Each of his strikes emit extended energy waves. Tearing the air with the Infernal Flame.
Fang Zheng slowly clapped his hand, congratulating the two for their rapid advancement in their cultivation.
They were indeed gifted by heavens. Their talents were terrifying enough to even make the geniuses in the Mainland look like imbeciles in front of them.
Having two Martial Spirits at a really young age was something that every cultivator in Nine Heavens Continent could dream of.
"You two have completed my training, splendidly. I have taught both of you the basics, and it depends on yourself to grow stronger. This Bramble Maze Forest is too small for both of you."
Unexpectedly, Qiqi rushed to Fang Zheng, hugging his waist tightly which made the old man teared a little bit.
Fang Zheng took out two Storage Belt for both. "Use this Storage Belt to store your precious belongings and your weapons."
The two were so happy accepting the gift, the Storage Belt was a rather exclusive item that would cost a fortune to possess.
Able to store multiple items at once, these Storage Belts were essential items the students must have during their times studying at the academy.
"Thank you for taking care of me! Fang Zheng Shifu!"
"Enough with thanking me. I give these items because your parents had spent so much fortune for your training."
Ling cupped his fist and bowed respectfully. "With these spears, I promise to surpass yourself. Shifu."
"Ehh… but I won't be surpassed by my own disciple though. Not when I am still breathing and standing up right. You have to kill me if you really want to surpass me."
Fang Zheng says calmly while stroking his long white beard.
Qiqi, however, quickly disagreed. Her thoughts were still that of an innocent little girl.
"Why did Brother Ling have to kill Shifu in the first place? Can he obtain something from you to get stronger than you in the future?"
Fang Zheng smiled at Qiqi, "Qiqi… You might not like this fact, but that's his nature to become the strongest. An inevitable fate for someone who has the Blood Iron Art. In this world, there's no good or evil, only power and strength."
"But if it's my fate to be killed by my own disciple, I would gladly accept it. But… I won't be defeated without retaliating." Fang Zheng turned his head towards the young boy "Ling, you must become the strongest in this land! Come to me when you are ready, and shall we fight for life and death."
Ling immediately kowtowed before Fang Zheng, planted his forehead into the ground.
"I swear upon my soul to be the strongest in this land! Until the time comes for my spear to pierce your heart, please be well and take care. Fang Zheng Shifu."
"Hmm…" Fang Zheng nodded, he was in awe upon witnessing how determined the young boy in front of him was. "Very well. Now go to the academy. I believe Li Bingbing already had something to say for both of you."
"Yes, shifu. And once again, thank you for your guidance and teachings!"
***
Before they went to Academy, Qiqi remembered that she hadn't put her disguise just yet.
"Wait here, I need to change appearance before we exiting the forest." She went to the thicket of the trees after saying this. "And don't dare to peek!"
"Whatever, just do it quickly!" Ling turned his body at opposite direction.
A moment later, Qiqi appeared from the tree lines. Her long vixen ears and fluffy tail were no more. Her long ears were replaced by a pair of pointy bun hair and her tail had transformed into an extension of her white robe.
"You done?"
"Yes... D-do I look weird by any chance?" Qiqi says, shyly.
"No, not at all. Come on then, the sun had reach its zenith!"
Ling was hiding his expression under his poker face. "Did she always this cute and pretty?! Wait, when did I care about her appearance anyway? Sigh, it must just my body's reaction after all."
Nevertheless, Qiqi was truly a pretty young girl with the most beautiful smile that he ever met.
Arriving at the Grand Courtyard of the academy, Ling and Qiqi found themselves amidst a commotion.
Four huge news boards were erected in the middle of the field, announcing very important topics.
Ling and Qiqi were quite tall for their age compared to the other students, they didn't have to tip-toeing on their feet to read the announcement.
[Annual Free For All Tournaments!]
[No age or year restriction. Each student may fight with other students with the same power level. Only those who had reached Fifth Stage Body Foundation may enter! Only for 100 Participants!]
[Register yourself before 21st Tiger Month! The Tournament will be held on the 25th Tiger Month!]
"Eh… Interesting! Free For All Tournament. In other words, a Battle Royal of Top 100 Students. Huh! This will be so much fun!"
Qiqi pulled Ling's sleeve, whispering in his ears. "No killing innocent students."
"Sigh… I know that much. I am not a mad man who always goes straight to kill someone without reason, I am not looking for trouble either. However, if my opponents don't want to yield, I will kill them all without any second thoughts!"