Searching for the spirit beast was a complicated task. However, it didn't take long to find a spirit beast with an age of over two thousand three hundred years. The spirit beast was quite suitable, but the age was not ideal.
Just as everyone was about to give up, a powerful aura pinned the beast in place, and Gu Yi's voice was heard.
"This is the one."
Everyone was stunned. Even they could tell the age of the beast, so it made no sense that Gu Yi couldn't.
"Don't look at things with a rigid mindset. Ning Rongrong, does this spirit beast suit you?" Gu Yi first made a statement and then turned to ask Ning Rongrong.
"It suits me, but the age..." Ning Rongrong replied.
"The age? What about the age? Do you think it's too high? If the limits of spirit master cultivation could be so easily defined, what's the point of cultivation? You've been in the academy for quite some time now. Let me make it clear to you."
Gu Yi looked around at everyone, disappointed with their current mindset. Everyone he looked at lowered their heads.
"Given your current physical fitness, you are all capable of surpassing the age limits and absorbing higher-level spirit rings."
There is no denying that Yu Xiaogang's theory has some merits, but it also restricted the future limits of spirit masters absorbing spirit rings. Before the ten-thousand-year spirit ring, the absorption of spirit rings isn't affected by soul shock. This means it's only related to physical fitness, the strength of the martial spirit, and willpower.
Gu Yi had meticulously nurtured Ning Rongrong and the others. He had given them whale glue to eat, prepared medicinal baths for them, and used the evil domain to temper their will. If they couldn't absorb beyond the limits, then it would have been better to feed the whale glue to dogs.
They all heard the disappointment in Gu Yi's voice. But breaking free from entrenched thinking isn't easy.
"Let me see your strength." Gu Yi pulled Wang Yanran aside. This level of battle was not something she could participate in yet.
At the same time, he released the spirit beast from its suppression.
The spirit beast, realizing it was no match after being suppressed by a powerful aura, tried to flee but was blocked by the poisonous mist from Dugu Yan.
"Ning Rongrong, assist. Oscar, prepare the sausages..."
Dugu Yan methodically arranged everyone for battle. After months together, they had developed a good level of coordination.
Watching them fight, Gu Yi's anger subsided a bit. Their thinking might be rigid, but their use of spirit skills was quite good. Especially Ning Rongrong's use of her support skills, which had become flawless and seamlessly integrated into the battle.
Everyone was performing as they should.
Although this spirit beast, over two thousand years old, was quite strong, it soon met its end under the coordinated attack of the team.
Under everyone's watchful eyes, Ning Rongrong took out a dagger and ended the beast's life.
"Well done." Gu Yi approached with Wang Yanran, offering a rare compliment. Even a simple compliment brought smiles to their faces.
Ning Rongrong didn't hesitate and immediately began to absorb the high-age spirit ring.
Though there was no precedent in the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile School for absorbing spirit rings beyond their age limit, Ning Rongrong ultimately chose to believe in Gu Yi and herself. The process of absorbing the spirit ring was painful but she had ultimately succeeded.
"Dean, I did it!"
Ning Rongrong bounced over to Gu Yi, shouting excitedly. This time, absorbing the spirit ring had brought significant transformation to her body. The most direct result was that, among support spirit masters of the same level, none could rival her physical fitness except Oscar.
Ning Rongrong was confident in this.
"Well done." Gu Yi praised again.
"As my student, never forget that rules are not unchangeable. Our goal is to further develop and create a stronger path for spirit masters, not to keep repeating the paths of our predecessors."
Gu Yi was the most qualified to make this statement.
"It's getting late. Let's find a place to rest."
In the following days, they traversed most of the Sunset Forest but still couldn't find the Crystal Beast. Mental-type spirit beasts are rarer and stronger than ordinary ones. Compared to visible attacks, invisible attacks are the most lethal.
Wang Yanran felt guilty for delaying everyone due to her needs.
Just as Gu Yi was about to give up on finding the Crystal Beast, they had a pleasant surprise.
"After all this effort, we finally found it."
During the search, Gu Yi had continuously used his mental power to scan the surroundings and finally found the desired spirit beast.
Leading the group, Gu Yi and the others finally saw the Crystal Beast. It had a majestic lion-like body and exceptionally agile heterochromatic eyes, showcasing its uniqueness.
"Brother Yi, this Crystal Beast is nearly a thousand years old."
Oscar reminded, implying that Wang Yanran might not be able to absorb it. Wang Yanan understood Oscar's meaning but didn't want to waste everyone's time any longer. Nor did she want to disappoint her teacher.
"Master, I can do it."
Wang Yanran looked firmly at Gu Yi, believing she could absorb the spirit ring of this beast.
"Yanran, don't force yourself. The Sunset Forest is vast, and we can definitely find a spirit beast of a suitable age." Zhu Zhuqing comforted. Months of training together had forged a deep friendship between the two girls of similar age. Naturally, Zhu Zhuqing didn't want Wang Yanran to take risks.
"Yes, we're not short on time here." Everyone joined in persuading.
Wang Yanran had a great personality and no hidden agenda, making her well-liked by everyone. No one wanted to lose such a good friend.
"Don't worry, I can do it."
Gu Yi looked at his little disciple, "Go ahead and try."
"Thank you, Master."
With a casual strike, Gu Yi left the Crystal Beast barely alive, only breathing faintly.
"Go on."
Wang Yanran personally ended the Crystal Beast's life and immediately began to absorb its spirit ring. As soon as she started, she spat out a mouthful of blood.
"Teacher." Zhu Zhuqing shouted anxiously. It was so serious right from the start; how would she continue?
Gu Yi remained silent, watching Wang Yanran closely. If her life was truly in danger, he would intervene immediately. Given his current level, he could do this, which is why he had agreed to Wang Yanran's request.
Because he knew, Wang Yanran's body wasn't yet capable of absorbing this spirit ring, she had only started training with the others for a few months and had yet to fully strengthen her physique. Her only reliance was her willpower. If her internal spirit power stopped circulating, it would mean her failure.
(End Of Chapter)