Chapter 17: Passing Years
The encounter with Huo Wu was merely a brief interlude. Upon returning to the academy, Xiao Yu, who had surpassed level twenty under the special care of Dean Gao Huan, immediately transferred to the Elite Class. With his formidable martial soul and exquisite control over soul power, he swiftly rose to become the top student in the academy.
Time hurried on like a fleeting steed, three years vanishing in the blink of an eye. Because Xiao Yu had enrolled a year later than his peers, he was now on the brink of graduation.
...
Night draped the landscape in ink-black hues, moonlight casting a gentle glow upon the academy's pathways. Beneath the canopy of trees, a young man and woman strolled together.
The young man was Xiao Yu, whose development as a soul master outpaced that of ordinary folk. Though barely past eleven years old, he stood tall at over six feet, his physique robust, his figure well-proportioned, his brows sharp, and his features handsome, earning him the title of a first-rate heartthrob.
Beside him walked his female classmate, Ye Lingling. Clad in a snug black outfit that accentuated her slender frame, her cascade of blue hair draped behind her, and her deep blue eyes danced with charm.
As the sole heir of the Nine Heart Begonia, Ye Lingling's cultivation was equally impressive. Despite the slower progress in auxiliary cultivation, she had broken through to the realm of Great Soul Masters a year ago, her soul power now hovering between levels twenty-three and twenty-four.
"Lingling."
After a while, Xiao Yu broke the silence. "I submitted my graduation application to the academy today. At the latest, I'll be leaving the day after tomorrow."
"Mm."
Ye Lingling nodded gently. Xiao Yu had mentioned this major event to her several times before, and she knew the rules of the Junior Soul Master Academy well enough to understand that Xiao Yu was indeed on the cusp of graduation.
Over the years, the two weren't inseparable, but they often saw each other discussing and exchanging ideas after class. As time passed, Ye Lingling had developed a peculiar affection for Xiao Yu. As a young girl, she didn't quite understand this feeling, but she knew she felt reluctant to see Xiao Yu leave.
"Brother Xiao Yu, you could consider applying to the Tian Dou Royal Academy."
Suddenly, Ye Lingling came up with a mutually beneficial solution, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Our Nine Heart Begonia family has always had a good relationship with the Tian Dou Empire. I can ask my grandfather and father to help you get a recommendation. With your talent, passing the assessment is definitely not a problem."
Pausing for a moment, a blush crept onto Ye Lingling's cheeks, and her voice softened. "Actually, my grandfather has already arranged it for me. After graduating next year, I'll also be attending the Tian Dou Royal Academy, so we can be together again."
This little girl!
Seeing Ye Lingling in front of him, somewhat shy but also excited, Xiao Yu couldn't help but smile inwardly. Perhaps initially, he had approached Ye Lingling just to build a relationship with her family, but as time went on, he was gradually drawn to her kindness and her shy, charming demeanor in their conversations.
Unfortunately, this time, he could only disappoint Ye Lingling's good intentions.
Xiao Yu sighed helplessly, shaking his head. "I'm sorry, Lingling. I appreciate your kindness. But the Tian Dou Royal Academy isn't suitable for me."
"Why not?"
Ye Lingling, who had finally come up with a solution, felt like she was suddenly doused in cold water and couldn't help but feel a bit resentful. She blinked her blue eyes, looking at Xiao Yu and couldn't help but persuade him, "Brother Xiao Yu, the Tian Dou Royal Academy is the largest soul master academy in the Tian Dou Empire, with unimaginably complete facilities. Why wouldn't you want to go?"
"But in all these years, have you ever heard of any renowned outstanding soul master on the continent who graduated from the Tian Dou Royal Academy?"
Xiao Yu countered Ye Lingling's question and continued, "The Tian Dou Royal Academy is backed by the Tian Dou Empire. Although it has access to abundant teaching resources and facilities, it also restricts the academy's development. I remember, to apply to the Tian Dou Royal Academy, besides having family recommendations like you, Lingling, one must also have a noble title.
The influx of nobles corrupts the atmosphere of the entire academy, with countless instances of bullying and coercion. Lingling, your family has a good relationship with the Tian Dou Empire, and I'm sure you've heard about these things."
Ye Lingling fell silent, acknowledging that she was indeed aware of some of these matters, especially the escapades of the Fourth Prince Avalanche, who had fully indulged his dissolute nature in the past two years. Taking advantage of his uncle, Prince Xue Xing, overseeing academy affairs, he had committed countless despicable acts.
"And besides."
After some thought, Xiao Yu decided to reveal the matter of founding a school to Ye Lingling. "Lingling, actually, I also come from a sect, but the sect has been hidden for a thousand years and has long lost its former glory. But now the sect plans to reemerge and gain renown. So, we're planning to establish a school first."
"Brother Xiao Yu, are you planning to stand out in the Soul Master Competition to leave an impression of your sect in the Soul Master world, making it easier to recruit independent Soul Masters?" Ye Lingling, extremely astute, instantly grasped Xiao Yu's intentions.
"Exactly!"
Xiao Yu affirmed, casting an apologetic glance at Ye Lingling. "So, I'm sorry, Lingling. This time, I really can't accompany you to the Tian Dou Royal Academy."
"I understand, Brother Xiao Yu."
Ye Lingling lowered her head, her expression dim, biting her lip. "They all say that men should prioritize their careers..."
"Silly girl!"
Xiao Yu chuckled, raising his hand to pat Ye Lingling's petite head, speaking indulgently, "Not going to the Tian Dou Royal Academy doesn't mean I'll cut off contact with you. We can continue to communicate through letters, and whenever I have the chance, I'll come to see you."
"Really?"
Ye Lingling's excitement lit up her face as she lifted her head, her eyes shining brightly.
"Of course!"
Xiao Yu nodded firmly. Whether out of his peculiar feelings for Ye Lingling or for future development, he would definitely come to find Ye Lingling.
"Silly girl, we're still young now. We'll have plenty of time in the future. After graduating from the Advanced Soul Master Academy, outstanding Soul Masters will choose to travel the continent to enhance their combat abilities and broaden their horizons. By then, we can travel together."
"Great!"
Ye Lingling agreed eagerly, then suddenly seemed to remember something, blushing and lowering her head.
...
Two days later, after bidding farewell to Dean Gao Huan, Instructor Gao Jue who had always looked after him, Ye Lingling, and several other close classmates, Xiao Yu left the academy.
Meanwhile, in the Holy Soul Village of the Nodding City, hundreds of miles away from the Mirror Academy, the blind Divine King Su Yuntao was staring at a young man before him with astonishment. "A wasted martial soul, yet he possesses innate full soul power."
(End of this chapter)
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