For the next week, Chu Yi and his teammates were plunged into relentless, painful training. Each day, their battle lessons became a brutal cycle of being knocked down over and over by the instructor, Bi Hei.
"Use your spiritual power!" Bi Hei would remind them after every defeat. "Every bit of your energy is precious—don't waste it!"
Whenever they tried to fight back, Bi Hei would react faster than they could comprehend. His use of spiritual power flowed like water, seamless and fluid. Their attempts at coordination, as a team of four, were clumsy and ineffective. They could barely make a dent in Bi Hei's defenses.
Chu Yi was knocked down again and again. His hands had nearly grown used to activating and casting runes, but when facing Bi Hei, his efforts were futile.
"Too slow! Too slow!" Bi Hei would constantly chastise them. "Your spiritual output needs to be sharper!"
Though they were constantly defeated, Chu Yi never gave up. He knew this brutal training was crucial to improving his combat abilities. Bi Hei's fighting skills and spiritual control served as an invisible benchmark, reminding him of how much stronger he needed to become.
As time passed, Chu Yi and his teammates began to adjust to the instructor's pace. Their combat skills slowly improved, especially in their use of spiritual power. What once felt awkward and unfamiliar gradually became second nature.
After a week of intense training, their battle abilities had notably increased. While they were still far from able to defeat Bi Hei, they could hold their own longer and even managed to pose a few minor threats.
"Not bad. You're all progressing quickly," Bi Hei said, an unusual smile touching his lips.
Though Qian Academy was not large, it spared no resources when it came to training its students. Every week, each student was provided with ten Body Refining Pills and ten Soul Condensing Pills. These pills were vital for boosting physical strength and spiritual cultivation.
The Body Refining Pill was used to strengthen the body, speeding up recovery and enhancing both strength and defense. After each training session, Chu Yi would take a Body Refining Pill to alleviate his exhaustion.
The Soul Condensing Pill, on the other hand, was crucial for refining spiritual power. It helped consolidate and stabilize one's spiritual energy, particularly during breakthroughs. Previously, due to his low cultivation, Chu Yi had to spend a considerable amount of time engraving rune talismans. But now, with the help of the Soul Condensing Pills, his cultivation improved rapidly. He found that his speed at engraving runes had increased, his spiritual control had become more precise, and the power of his talismans had grown stronger.
After a week of punishing training, the ordeal finally came to a pause.
That morning, as the four students waited in the training grounds for Bi Hei, the instructor brought them some news that caused them to stop their practice. "The principal has summoned you."
The four exchanged glances, sensing something unusual. Following Bi Hei to the main hall of the academy, they found the principal seated, his expression stern. His gaze swept over each of them, finally resting on Chu Yi, who he gave a subtle nod.
As the doors opened, a woman in an odd witch's robe stood beside them. The robe barely concealed a necklace made of strange beast teeth around her neck. In front of her was a red-purple dog, happily leaping into her arms and licking her face. The owner of the dog was none other than the principal of Qian Academy—Luo Bao. Though he appeared to weigh at least 120 kilograms, his face was kind and jovial, as he sat in a wooden rocking chair, playing with his pet. This scene immediately caused Chu Yi to momentarily lose his sense of awe and respect toward the title of "principal." However, Luo Bao's demeanor shifted the moment he noticed the students had entered the office. He abruptly tossed the dog several meters away, standing up with authority, his expression turning serious.
"I've been watching your progress," the principal said in a deep, commanding voice. "In two weeks, the Junior General Tournament will begin, and you will represent the academy."
"The Junior General Tournament?" Qing Xiu'er blinked, her eyes flashing with excitement. She had heard about this event, a grand competition between elite students from various academies. It was not just a platform to showcase their strength but also an opportunity to gain honor and resources.
Zhang Liya also showed surprise. "Principal, we've made significant progress, but aren't we still far from being ready?"
The principal nodded slightly. "Qing Xiu'er, Zhang Liya, and Lin Xuanwu—you three have already surpassed 1000 spiritual energy and reached the second rank of spiritual practitioners. I am confident with you representing Qian Academy. But Chu Yi..." He paused, turning his gaze to Chu Yi. His tone was heavier. "You have two weeks. It all depends on your luck."
The words hit Chu Yi like a weight, pressing down on his back. He had long been aware of his cultivation gap, but hearing the principal speak so openly about it brought an undeniable sense of helplessness.
"I'm sorry, Principal. I'll do my best," Chu Yi said quietly.
The principal waved his hand dismissively, signaling for Chu Yi to stop apologizing. "You have your advantages. Your use of talismans is more flexible and intricate than the others, which can make up for your lack of spiritual strength. However, with only two weeks left before the tournament, you must do everything you can to break through to the second rank. Otherwise, you will hold back the entire team."
Chu Yi's brow furrowed. He felt both anxiety and determination. He knew he was the weak link in the team, and the next two weeks would be a decisive turning point.
"There's one more issue," Lin Xuanwu spoke up, a hint of confusion in his voice. "Isn't the Junior General Tournament supposed to require five participants? We only have four."
The principal's expression grew slightly more serious. "Yes, according to the rules, the tournament does indeed require five participants. Unfortunately, the other seniors are out on field training and won't return in time. They won't be able to join the competition. However, Qian Academy will not easily give up its qualification."
The four looked at each other, their minds filled with questions.
Seeing their confusion, the principal calmly said, "It seems you'll have to hurry." His gaze shifted toward Bi Hei.
"Understood. I've already made arrangements. The answer should come soon. If it's necessary, I'll handle it personally," Bi Hei said respectfully.
The principal nodded. "That should be fine. If there's nothing else, the meeting is adjourned. You may leave." He then gestured to Chu Yi, signaling him to stay behind.
Suddenly, a strange voice echoed behind them, sending a chill down their spines. "Zhang Liya... come with me." They slowly turned their heads, realizing they had almost forgotten the woman in the witch's robe standing behind them. At this moment, Zhang Liya looked particularly nervous.
Qing Xiu'er, in a playful tone, asked, "Do I go with you too?"
"Hmm," Bi Hei replied coldly.
"And what about me?" Chu Yi asked, looking curiously at Bi Hei.
The principal suddenly interrupted. "You should focus on your cultivation for now. Your instructor will be here in a few days."
"I understand, Principal," Chu Yi said with a firm nod.