The morning light filtered through the curtains of Xuan Yan's room, casting soft, golden hues over the neatly arranged furniture.
Sitting cross-legged on his bed, Xuan Yan stared at a translucent blue screen hovering in mid-air... something only he could see.
[INVENTORY
Wooden sword x1, Gold token x2, Silver token x3, Bronze token x5, Soul fruit (low) x20, Spirit ring fruit (low) x15, Spirit Ring replica x5 ??? (locked).
'System, give me five Spirit Ring fruits,' Xuan Yan thought looking at the screen.
[Yes, Host!]
In response to his words, a soft red light materialized above his hand.
When it faded, five gleaming fruits rested in his palm.
Their vibrant yellow color resembled ripe apples, radiating an alluring glow.
Xuan Yan placed four of them on the bed beside him and examined the one in his hands.
The surface was smooth, and its golden hue seemed to pulse faintly.
Taking a bite, he was immediately greeted with an explosion of sweetness that filled his senses.
"Not bad," he muttered to himself, savoring the fruit. After swallowing the first bite, he closed his eyes, focusing his mind.
[Ding!]
[First Spirit Ring Age: 4500 years → 4600 years!]
A faint smile tugged at Xuan Yan's lips. "Good," he murmured, before quickly finishing the rest of the fruit.
One by one, he consumed the remaining four Spirit Ring fruits, their sweetness invigorating him.
As he chewed, a warmth spread through his body, and he felt the subtle yet significant enhancement to his first spirit ring.
[Ding!]
[First Spirit Ring Age: 5000 years!]
Setting the empty stems aside, Xuan Yan straightened and focused on the screen once more. 'System, use one Spirit Ring Replica on my first spirit ring.' he instructed.
A gentle glow enveloped his body for a brief moment, as if his very essence was being fortified.
[Ding!]
[First Spirit Ring Age: 10000 years!]
[Spirit Ring Replica - If used on a spirit ring, the age of the spirit ring will double.]
His gaze returned to the screen. 'System, show my second spirit ring status.'
[Second Spirit ring age: 9500 years]
Satisfied, Xuan Yan nodded. "Let's balance this out," he said, pulling five more Spirit Ring fruits from the inventory.
Their golden glow reflected in his eyes as he quickly ate them one after the other, the sweet taste becoming familiar but no less enjoyable.
[Ding!]
[Second Spirit Ring Age: 10000 years!]
'System, use one Spirit Ring Replica on my second spirit ring,'
This time, a white light enveloped him, swirling briefly before dissipating.
[Ding!]
[Second Spirit Ring Age: 20000 years!]
Xuan Yan exhaled deeply, his eyes glinting with satisfaction.
'Now, let's check my level,'
'System, give me ten Soul fruits.'
[Yes, Host!]
A moment later, ten small, blue fruits resembling oversized cherries appeared in his hands.
Their crystalline surface sparkled under the sunlight streaming through the window.
Wasting no time, Xuan Yan popped the first one into his mouth.
As he chewed, the sweetness was accompanied by a soothing coolness that spread through his body.
One after another, he devoured the fruits, feeling the subtle yet unmistakable rise in his spirit energy with each bite.
When the last fruit was gone, Xuan Yan leaned back slightly, closing his eyes as he sensed the changes within him.
[Ding!]
[Level: 26 → 27]
Opening his eyes, Xuan Yan's lips curled into a satisfied smile. "Level 27," he mused.
"Good. This pace is acceptable."
...
The morning sunlight streamed through the windows, bathing the dining room in a warm, golden glow.
Xuan Yan glanced at the enticing aroma of freshly made dishes filled the air as plates of steamed buns, porridge, and various side dishes were laid out before them.
Hu Liena sat across from him, nibbling on a piece of fruit, as she occasionally glanced at him.
Bibi Dong, ever composed and regal, was seated at the head of the table as she gracefully ate her food.
As they started their meal, the atmosphere was serene, with only the clinking of chopsticks and the faint rustle of movement breaking the silence.
Xuan Yan was just about to take a bite of a bun when Bibi Dong spoke...
"Yan'er. I have some good news for you."
Xuan Yan paused mid-bite, his chopsticks hovering in the air.
He blinked and turned his gaze to his teacher, sensing that whatever she was about to say was important. "What is it, Teacher?"
Bibi Dong set her chopsticks down delicately and folded her hands on the table. "I've arranged for you to have a seat in the elite class at the Spirit Academy."
For a moment, Xuan Yan was silent, and then his eyes widened in surprise, as he placed his chopsticks down. "The Spirit Academy?"
"You mean the academy where Sister Nana studies?"
Bibi Dong nodded, "That's correct. Not just any class, but the elite class. The best of the best. You'll be in the same class as Nana."
Across the table, Hu Liena's lips curled into a grin, and she rested her chin on her hand, looking at Xuan Yan teasingly. "Looks like we'll be seeing each other more often, little brother,"
Xuan Yan turned to her and smiled dryly "Same class as you..."
Hu Liena gave an exaggerated nod, "Yes, yes! You'll get to see me every day," she said, her tone light and teasing.
Bibi Dong smiled tenderly and picked up her chopsticks again. "You can start as soon as today, Yan'er,"
"I've already made arrangements. If you're ready, Ghost will escort you to the academy and handle the admission process."
With a nod, Xuan Yan replied "I can join today."
Hu Liena clapped her hands together in mock delight. "Oh, how exciting." she said, leaning forward slightly.
"I can't wait to introduce you to everyone. Just don't embarrass me, okay?"
Xuan Yan rolled his eyes playfully. "Sister Nana, I think I should be more worried about you embarrassing me."
Hu Liena gasped in mock offense and pointed a chopstick at him. "Is that how you talk to your elder sister? I'll remember this, little brother."
Bibi Dong shook her head with a faint smile, watching their banter "Enough, you two," she said gently.
"Finish your breakfast."
...
After finishing breakfast, Xuan Yan headed back to his room.
He opened his wardrobe, which was filled with neatly arranged outfits, all tailored to perfection.
His hand lingered for a moment before selecting a pristine white ensemble: a noble white shirt and matching pants with elegant blue linings.
The outfit hugged his body perfectly, as he adjusted the cuffs, making sure everything was immaculate, and glanced at the mirror.
"First impressions are always important," he muttered to himself with a small smirk.
Satisfied with his appearance, Xuan Yan headed out of his room.
Hu Liena had already left earlier, heading to the academy ahead of him.
Bibi Dong, too, had retreated to the Hall, likely to attend to her duties as the Supreme Pontiff.
As Xuan Yan exited the Spirit Hall, the sunlight warmed his skin, and a cool breeze ruffled his hair.
Standing near the carriage was Ghost Douluo, his imposing figure clad in his signature dark robes, exuding an aura of silent menace.
Xuan Yan approached him with a smile. "Senior."
Ghost Douluo's piercing gaze softened slightly, though his voice remained gruff. "You can call me Uncle Ghost, Little Yan."
Xuan Yan blinked in surprise at the unexpected warmth, but he nodded "Yes, Uncle Ghost."
A small nod of approval was all Ghost Douluo gave before gesturing to the carriage. "Shall we?"
"Mhm."
The two entered the luxurious Spirit Hall carriage.
As the carriage set off, Xuan Yan took a deep breath, gazing out the window at the bustling streets of the city.
The journey was mostly quiet, with Ghost Douluo occasionally glancing at him, as if observing him closely.
After a while, the carriage came to a halt at the grand entrance of the Spirit Academy.
Two guards stationed at the entrance stiffened at the sight of Ghost Douluo stepping out of the carriage.
"Elder!" they exclaimed in unison, immediately kneeling on the ground to show their respect.
Ghost Douluo gave them a curt nod, his voice carrying an air of authority. "Guide us to the Dean's office."
The guards shivered slightly under his gaze and hurriedly nodded. "Yes, Elder!"
Xuan Yan followed closely behind Ghost Douluo as they were led through the sprawling academy grounds.
The paths were lined with well-manicured gardens, and the air buzzed with energy as students moved between classes.
As they walked, Xuan Yan could feel the weight of countless gazes on him.
Many students stopped in their tracks, their eyes drawn to him.
The young girls, in particular, stared with stars in their eyes, whispering among themselves about the new guy.
"Who is he?"
Despite their curiosity, none of them dared to approach, as the intimidating presence of Ghost Douluo was enough to make even the boldest hesitate.
The oppressive aura he emitted made them instinctively back away, leaving a clear path for Xuan Yan and his escort.
Soon, they arrived at the Dean's office.
The room was spacious and elegantly furnished, with bookshelves lining the walls and a large desk in the center.
The Dean, a middle-aged man with graying hair and a dignified air, immediately stood up upon seeing Ghost Douluo.
"Elder!" the Dean greeted, bowing deeply.
Ghost Douluo nodded, "You know what you need to do."
"Yes, Elder. I will take care of the young master's needs," the Dean replied, his voice filled with respect.
The admission procedures were completed swiftly, thanks to the prior arrangements.
The Dean ensured that Xuan Yan's entry into the elite class was seamless, going over the schedule and the academy's rules.
Once everything was finalized, Xuan Yan stood and thanked the Dean before excusing himself to head to his class.
As Xuan Yan left the office, Ghost Douluo lingered behind, reaching into his robes and pulling out a sealed letter.
He handed it to the Dean, his expression unreadable. "From the Holy Highness," he said simply.
The Dean accepted the letter with both hands, bowing deeply again. "Thank you, Elder."
Ghost Douluo disappeared silently, as if melting into the shadows.
Once alone, the Dean carefully broke the seal and unfolded the letter. His eyes scanned the elegant script, and as he read, a bead of sweat formed on his forehead.
The letter was brief but carried immense weight.
"He is good. You are good."
The Dean placed the letter down with trembling hands, understanding the implicit warning.
He muttered to himself, "I must ensure everything is perfect for this young master."
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I hope you guys liked this chapter!
Gimme powerstones and dont forget to comment! lets make it to top 200 in powerstones