Chapter 45: Chapter 45: Graduation
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One Year Later, Liejia Academy
Wang Li woke from his cultivation in the forest behind the academy. This secluded spot accelerated his training, offering the serenity he needed.
"Level 25 spirit power... In one year, I've only managed to advance by three levels. That's painfully slow. But I'm close to level 26 now. By next year, I should break through to level 30 and obtain my third spirit ring through the dean," Wang Li murmured to himself.
Over the past year, Wang Li had accumulated over 2,000 experience points by participating in spirit battles at the Great Spirit Arena. Though advancing even one level as a Grand Spirit Master required a significant amount of experience, this was enough for him to aim for level 30.
It wasn't that he couldn't break through sooner; rather, Wang Li chose to delay for a reason. He wanted to test people's intentions—specifically those of Elder Ling and Dean Gorfah. A Spirit Master advancing five levels in a year was notable, but for a Grand Spirit Master to advance eight levels in the same time frame would raise eyebrows.
If his test succeeded, it would be fine. But if it failed, he'd risk alienating himself and falling into danger. His relationship with Elder Ling and Dean Gorfah, both instrumental to his progress, could be shattered.
Moreover, the third spirit ring was crucial. Wang Li didn't want to jeopardize his bond with them, especially when the ring's acquisition was involved. Waiting another year would allow him to fill any gaps naturally, reach level 30, and obtain his third spirit ring under Dean Gorfah's guidance. Once he became a Spirit Elder, he could then apply for graduation.
Meanwhile, he planned to spend the next year accumulating more experience through spirit battles. However, the opportunities to compete in the Spirit Arena were dwindling.
As a Grand Spirit Master with a silver Spirit Badge, Wang Li stood out. Few Grand Spirit Masters achieved silver status; most badge holders at this level were Spirit Elders. Consequently, he hadn't participated in any battles for a while.
Initially, he'd started with an iron Spirit Badge. Advancing to bronze required 100 points—each win added one point, while each loss deducted one. Winning five matches in a row granted a 10-point bonus per victory, while a streak of ten wins earned 100 points per match.
Advancing from bronze to silver required 1,000 points, with similar rules. Thanks to his strength and winning streaks, Wang Li climbed ranks swiftly. In his first six months, he participated in many matches, but in the following months, he rarely competed.
His overwhelming strength deterred opponents. He could easily defeat others by surpassing them by three or even five levels. With abilities in control, healing, and physical strength rivaling power-attack spirit masters, and speed matching agility-attack spirit masters, his versatility was unmatched.
At one point, a manager from the Great Spirit Arena approached him with an offer, but Wang Li declined, citing his incomplete studies. Since then, the arena ceased its recruitment attempts, treating his participation as routine.
*Back to the Present*
Wang Li stretched and stood, calming his surging spirit power. Rubbing his stomach, he sighed in exasperation.
"Every time I finish cultivating, I feel like I'm starving. The greater the physical consumption, the more nutrition I need. If I don't find a solution, I'll have to rely on higher-quality food..."
Pondering his options, he made his way to the cafeteria, where he consumed food equivalent to four or five servings. As he stepped out, a teacher approached him.
It wasn't about his appetite; the dean had summoned him. Wasting no time, Wang Li headed to the dean's office.
---
*The Dean's Office*
Inside the office, Dean Gorfah was joined by Elder Ling from internal affairs, Director Yang from external affairs, and several other senior staff members of the academy.
Dean Gorfah spoke in a low voice:
"The results of this year's All-Continent Advanced Spirit Master Tournament are in. Spirit Hall Academy has claimed victory. Star Luo Royal Academy placed second, while Heaven dou Royal Academy came in third. This is a disgrace for our Tiandou Empire's spirit master education system."
He paused, then continued, "The three teaching commissioners of Heaven dou Royal Academy seem to be taking action. After this year's Heaven dou Royal Team graduates, they plan to form a new team to prepare for the next tournament, five years from now."
As the dean's voice fell, everyone in the room frowned. The spirit masters representing the Heaven Dou Empire had not only lost to Spirit Hall but also to the Star luo Empire, a humiliation indeed. Yet, it wasn't directly related to them.
The students trained by Liejia Academy were talented, but by the time they advanced to higher-level spirit master academies, they were only average compared to their peers. They lacked the ability to stand at the pinnacle, as cultivation depended on one's martial spirit, talent, and background.
Unless—
Elder Ling's expression shifted as a thought crossed his mind. He glanced at Gorfah and cautiously asked:
"Dean, are you suggesting... sending Wang Li to Tiandou?"
Gorfah nodded and explained:
"Wang Li's talent is extraordinary, even better than we initially expected. However, as a mid-level spirit master academy, Liejia has done all it can for him. We can no longer significantly contribute to his growth."
"With his potential, joining Heaven Dou Royal Academy is inevitable. But if he can enter the Heaven Dou Royal Battle Team and gain the attention of the three commissioners, he'll undoubtedly grow rapidly under their guidance."
"Given his age, he could participate in the next All-Continent Advanced Spirit Master Tournament and even the one after that. By then, his name will be renowned across the continent."
The realization dawned on everyone present. Elder Ling sighed in admiration. Liejia Academy had nurtured a true genius, but they lacked the platform to let this prodigy soar. Sending Wang Li to a place where he could thrive was the only way forward.
Shortly after, Wang Li arrived. Seeing the room full of people, he felt puzzled but greeted them one by one:
"Dean, Elder Ling, Director Yang..."
Geerfa smiled and asked, "Wang Li, are you familiar with the All-Continent Advanced Spirit Master Tournament?"
He then recounted the earlier discussion to Wang Li, who quickly grasped the situation:
"Dean, you're suggesting that I go to Heaven Dou Royal Academy, strive to join the Heaven Dou Royal Battle Team, and ultimately compete in the next All-Continent Advanced Spirit Master Tournament!"
Geerfa was pleased with Wang Li's quick understanding and nodded. "Exactly. With your talent, there's little more we can do for you here. At Heaven Dou Royal Academy, you'll have access to better resources, enabling faster progress."
"I know you've already reached level 25 in spirit power this semester. It's only been two years, and you've achieved the graduation target I set for you."
"Therefore, it's time for you to move to a place better suited for your growth. Even with your mutated Blue Silver Grass spirit, your future potential is limitless."
At this point, Gorfah paused and turned around. From the bookshelf behind him, he retrieved an exquisite box made of premium materials. Its vibrant lacquer was adorned with intricate carvings and embedded with dazzling gemstones.
"This is your graduation gift. Most graduates are 18 years old, yet here you are, graduating at the age of nine. You'll be the youngest graduate in Liejia Academy's history."
(End of Chapter)
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