"Old Ye, where do you think I should pursue my studies after graduating from high school?" Mo Fan asked, seeking guidance from Ye Chenfeng's experience.
"You want to know which is more suitable for you, the Imperial City or the Magic City?" Ye Chenfeng replied, turning to Mo Fan.
"Let's analyze it."
Ye Chenfeng continued, "For someone with extraordinary talent like you, opportunities are abundant. First, there's the Imperial Capital. The aristocratic families there wield significant power, and the best resources in the country are at their disposal. With your dual talents, you would definitely have access to resources beyond what most can use. However, joining a powerful family means sacrificing some freedom due to strict rules and expectations."
"Then there's the Pearl Academy in the Magic City. It's a commercial hub, and if you prefer to avoid being tied down to a large faction, this would be a better fit. The influence of families here is less pronounced, making it an excellent environment for individuals to rise without heavy restrictions."
Seeing Mo Fan's thoughtful expression, Ye Chenfeng let him ponder without interruption. Eventually, Mo Fan spoke up.
"Well, then let's go to Mingzhu Academy. I prefer freedom," he declared.
The Imperial Capital felt unsuitable at first glance—not only because of the many powerful families but also because the Mu family was there. The thought of encountering arrogant individuals like Mu Zhuoyun was already exhausting.
After bidding farewell to Mo Fan and his friends, Ye Chenfeng hummed a tune on the tram back to Magic City, feeling quite satisfied. His mission was accomplished: Mo Fan had successfully traveled through time. According to his previous life's memories, the next major event was the disaster in Bo City. He needed to cultivate quickly to reach mid-level mage status so he could secure a portion of the Holy Spring.
Ye Chenfeng had already formulated his next plan: he needed to break through to the next level. The moment he saw Mu Ningxue, he suspected she might have already become a mid-level mage. After all, she had awakened a year earlier than he had and possessed a spiritual-level stardust magic weapon, which meant her progress would be faster.
He had no option but to rely on hard work. Ye Chenfeng felt the energy of the third level surging within him.
"It's time to break through!"
"Uncle Ye, are all the preparations in place?"
"Master Ye, what you're requesting is rather unusual. Changing the name of the group to Magic Technology... are you sure about this?" Uncle Ye, Ye Chenfeng's butler, couldn't help but wonder if the young master had been influenced by the science fiction he had recently read.
Ye Chenfeng could sense what Uncle Ye was thinking. Could he explain that he came from a high-tech world? Could he mention that he was a mid-level mechanical engineer? It would surely make him seem insane.
"Regardless, just do it immediately and gather some qualified and experienced pharmacists. It would be best to invite a few magicians skilled in curses too," Ye Chenfeng said, eager to avoid further discussion.
"Understood. I'll handle it right away."
Once Uncle Ye left, Ye Chenfeng focused on what lay ahead. He intended to confront the culprit who had brought him into this world.
Closing his eyes, he turned his attention inward. There, he envisioned a golden sword tip, a dark red blade with three spiral patterns, a hilt adorned with a white background and golden patterns, and a white guard reminiscent of a European knight's lance. Additionally, there was a white jade pendant on the hilt...
It felt similar to a rebellious golden sword, albeit with a different hue. Ye Chenfeng could be certain that there was no record of Jin Shanshan in his world.
Who cares? The important thing is that it was impressive!
This white jade pendant had originally been affixed to the sword. When he awakened, it mysteriously moved to his hand. Last time, it absorbed his ordinary stardust magic weapon, extending his cultivation time by 20%.
Now that he had attained the spiritual level, it was time to test its limits.
He brought the two items closer together, but nothing happened; no changes occurred.
No!!
Ye Chenfeng quickly grasped the spiritual-level stardust magic weapon and began to meditate. He used his thoughts to probe into it, searching for any reaction.
"No response. It appears the energy transfer was successful," he exhaled, relieved.
This magic weapon seemed similar to Mo Fan's growth magic, and he estimated it had increased his capacity by at least 40%.
After confirming the effects of the treasure, Ye Chenfeng began his rigorous training.
"Huh, I finally broke through," he said, taking a deep breath as he checked the time. "There's still a year left."
"Uncle Ye, let's head to the Magicians' Association." After dressing neatly, he opened the door.
"Congratulations, young master, on breaking through to the intermediate level of magic. I have already reserved our place," Uncle Ye responded.
"Okay."
Oriental Pearl Tower
The most renowned magic association in the country. Ye Chenfeng gazed at the busy stairs filled with people of extraordinary strength.
After passing through the exhibition hall, he took the elevator to the top floor.
What awaited him was a magnificent lobby.
"How may I assist you, honorable magician?" the lobby attendant inquired with a smile.
"Ye Chenfeng, I have an appointment," he replied.
"Mr. Ye, please follow me." The attendant led him through the lobby to a room filled with awakening stones.
"Mr. Guo, Mr. Ye, who is here to awaken, has arrived."
"Understood."
The man named Guo examined Ye Chenfeng closely and smiled, "You must be Ye Chenfeng, the special student from Mingzhu Academy! What a young talent you are!"
"You're too kind. Let's proceed with the awakening," Ye Chenfeng said impatiently.
He was eager to see if he could awaken the space system using treasures like the Sword of Separation as a catalyst.
This step was critical for his future.
He didn't want to dabble in every discipline like Mo Fan. What if he ended up mediocre in all?
He needed to confirm which magic he should specialize in.
If he didn't awaken the space system, he would focus on the ice and fire systems, which would suit his strong capabilities and high talent.
Closing his eyes, Ye Chenfeng gently placed his palm on the cold Awakening Stone, feeling a mix of anxiety and anticipation.
He silently channeled his magic energy into the Sword of Separation. The cold Awakening Stone suddenly radiated a glow.
With his eyes still closed, he could sense a strange energy being infused into his spiritual universe.
In the depths of his chaotic spiritual universe, a golden light flickered, almost like a faulty bulb.
Golden light!
"Don't worry; I've already passed the first level and will achieve victory soon."
"Yeah, not bad."
"Eh? Good boy! Don't be afraid; I'll raise the power to 40 degrees and annihilate you."