Word Count: 2,681 Words
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Sun Moon Imperial Academy, Dean's Office.
Jing Hongchen looked down at the two resignation letters on his desk, which seemed like carbon copies of each other, then looked up at Lin Jiaran and Xuan Ziwen. A hesitant expression flickered across his face:
"Are you two... eloping?"
The Hall Master was completely dumbfounded. His mind raced through years of management decisions. Illustrious Virtue Hall had never mistreated its senior teachers. How could his chief and deputy Spirit Guidance Masters both resign, and at the same time?!
Lin Jiaran and Xuan Ziwen exchanged a glance. The two were professional rivals, and it was only by chance that they had both come to the dean's office today. Who would have thought their plans would collide, both intending to leave the Sun Moon Imperial Academy?
"Teacher Xuan, Teacher Lin, the academy allows for freedom in relationships. There's no need to go to such lengths."
Jing Hongchen desperately tried to retain them. In terms of Spirit Guidance Device craftsmanship, these two had already entered the ranks of Class 9 Spirit Guidance Masters; only their spirit power was still catching up.
Losing two guaranteed future Class 9 Spirit Guidance Masters in a single day made his heart bleed.
As Jing Hongchen's assumptions veered further off course, Lin Jiaran adjusted her delicate silver-rimmed glasses and explained coolly:
"The Hall Master misunderstands. Teacher Xuan and I have no personal relationship. I'm simply feeling somewhat fatigued, so I am resigning to travel the continent and appreciate its beautiful landscapes."
Only an idiot would openly admit to job-hopping. A plausible excuse would suffice.
Xuan Ziwen immediately recognized the brilliance of this cover story and shamelessly copied it. "I also plan to travel around and seek some inspiration."
Jing Hongchen nodded with visible regret. The Sun Moon Imperial Academy was not a prison with an entrance but no exit. Since both were following proper procedures, even as dean he could not force them to stay. He signed and stamped both resignation letters.
Xuan Ziwen collected his letter and produced a detailed blueprint which he handed to Jing Hongchen. He said earnestly, "Thank you for your years of guidance, Hall Master. This is my perfected sealed Milk Bottle technology. I hope it helps the academy's continued development."
Seriously, dude?!
You're making this incredibly awkward for me!
Lin Jiaran's composed expression nearly cracked. She felt an overwhelming urge to slap Xuan Ziwen senseless. Her finger swept across the Storage Spirit Guidance Device at her waist, and a blue pendant appeared in her hand:
"A Spiritual Defense Spirit Guidance Device, without self-destruct mechanisms. The Hall Master is free to have someone disassemble it for research."
Lin Jiayi still worked at Illustrious Virtue Hall; she could not afford to burn every bridge.
"On behalf of the academy, I thank both of you for your contributions."
Jing Hongchen accepted the meaningful farewell gifts and stood to shake their hands.
Lin Jiaran and Xuan Ziwen left the dean's office together. Feeling the terrifyingly low pressure radiating from his companion, Xuan Ziwen broke out in a cold sweat. He asked with forced casualness:
"Teacher Lin, does Director Lin know about your resignation?"
"He does."
Lin Jiayi had ultimately accepted his sister's choice. First, this younger sister of his had never listened to him since she was a child, so his attempts to stop her would have been futile anyway.
Second, her reasoning was sound. With eggs in two different baskets, regardless of which side triumphed in the coming continental war, the siblings could rely on each other's positions for their own protection!
"Um…"
"Um…"
They spoke at the same time.
"You first."
Lin Jiaran did not care for ladies-first etiquette and let Xuan Ziwen speak.
Xuan Ziwen cleared his throat awkwardly. "I'm interested in all innovative Spirit Guidance Devices. Would you be willing to sell your Spiritual Defense device…?"
"What a coincidence. I want your sealed Milk Bottle technology."
Lin Jiaran replied crisply. "Let's trade. And don't try to palm off junk on me."
Both had held back their best work. Xuan Ziwen had created a top-tier Class 7 sealed Milk Bottle but had only given Illustrious Virtue Hall the Class 6 version.
Lin Jiaran, with her experience modifying the Class 9 spiritual-type Thousand Illusion Charming Appearance, had likewise concealed her true abilities; the blue pendant was merely a Class 6 Spiritual Defense device.
To catch up to either of them in their specialized fields would take the Sun Moon Imperial Academy years of research and development.
"So what class of Spiritual Defense Spirit Guidance Device is Teacher Lin offering?"
"Class 7."
"..."
Xuan Ziwen felt the air catch in his throat, his eyes spitting fire. "Teacher Lin, that's not fair! There's a huge gap between Class 7 and Class 7. Their values aren't equal at all!"
"Are you suggesting my work is inferior to yours?" Lin Jiaran's voice shot up an octave.
When a man gets angry, a woman only needs to get angrier. Sure enough, the moment Lin Jiaran flared up, Xuan Ziwen's fire was instantly extinguished. He hurried to explain:
"I just mean, the Milk Bottle can only go up to Class 7 at best. If I give you a Class 7 Milk Bottle, shouldn't you give me a Class 9 Spiritual Defense device?"
"Your looks are average, but your dreams are certainly beautiful. Is there any comparison between the materials for Class 7 and Class 9? Class 8 at most. Take it or leave it."
"I'll take it, take it, take it!"
Xuan Ziwen agreed cheerfully.
The two Spirit Guidance Masters exchanged the Class 7 sealed Milk Bottle technology for a Class 8 Spiritual Defense Spirit Guidance Device, both thoroughly satisfied with the transaction.
They exited the Sun Moon Imperial Academy gates and continued walking in the same direction. Xuan Ziwen glanced at his efficient former colleague and asked curiously, "If you don't mind me asking, where are you headed, Teacher Lin?"
"Heavenly Soul Empire."
"I'm going to Shrek City. Looks like we're on the same route!"
"Tsk. I should have said Star Luo Empire."
…
After delegating his message to Ning Fengyu, Ling Bai left Linglong Pavilion and headed alone to the Sun Moon Imperial Academy. The exchange program was ending, and it was time to reel in the big fish in his net.
Though not an official Shrek exchange student, Ling Bai had spent two years at the academy. After his spectacular sweep through the friendly competition, his name had become legendary.
Thanks to Jing Hongchen's special arrangements, every area except Illustrious Virtue Hall's core facilities lay open to him. The Sun Moon students' eyes gleamed with admiration and respect as he walked down the main avenue.
Whether Spirit Masters or Spirit Guidance Masters, they shared one universal trait: reverence for the strong.
Having defeated every Sun Moon student in direct combat, he had naturally earned their recognition. Many now strove to follow in his footsteps, while the number of female students sending him longing glances was beyond counting.
He headed straight for the Spirit Guidance Testing Ground, where Ji Juechen and Jing Ziyan were already waiting. Both wore extremely solemn expressions, as if they had made some momentous decision.
"Today's the last time."
Ling Bai cut to the chase. "I'll be returning to Shrek Academy with the other exchange students."
Ji Juechen and Jing Ziyan possessed a warlike spirit. Every time Ling Bai came to the Sun Moon Imperial Academy, a great battle was inevitable.
They were the best whetstones for each other; Ling Bai's and Ji Juechen's sword intents had gradually transformed through their repeated battles.
In this timeline, Jing Hongchen had not held a challenge competition for Huo Yuhao, and Huo Yuhao's main purpose at the academy was to study and steal techniques, not to actively challenge other students. This led to Ji Juechen and Jing Ziyan not knowing Huo Yuhao at all, single-mindedly focused on challenging the man who had single-handedly suppressed their entire academy.
"Fight first, talk later."
Ji Juechen gripped the hilt of his Judgement Sword. The dual light-darkness attributes from the peak Class 8 Spirit Guidance Device surged continuously.
A thin layer of light purple armor covered Jing Ziyan. This was a Class 6 Spirit Battle Armor she had personally crafted to perfectly match her abilities.
Ling Bai's eyes narrowed as he summoned the Angel Sword. He had always used only swordsmanship against them.
All three specialized in close combat. The one to make the first move was not Ling Bai or Ji Juechen, but the weakest of them, Spirit Emperor Jing Ziyan.
Purple smoke erupted, completely concealing her and Ji Juechen. The mist thickened rapidly, blanketing over half the testing ground.
First Spirit Skill, Illusory Fog.
Illusory Fog possessed endless applications. Beyond hiding one's form, it could also mask spiritual power. Within the swirling smoke, Ji Juechen's razor-sharp sword intent seemed to vanish entirely.
A purple orb burst through the dense fog and appeared before Ling Bai. It was a fist-sized sphere swirling with internal clouds and packed with spirit power.
Jing Ziyan's Sixth Spirit Skill, Fog Pellet.
The Angel Sword slashed forward without flourish. A flash of holy sword energy split the Smoke Pellet apart. Rather than dissipating, it exploded into smoke that merged with the Illusory Fog, deepening the purple haze.
Clang—
Ling Bai seemed to sense something and thrust his sword upward. A metallic clang rang out as the attack connected. The Illusory Fog served as Jing Ziyan's perfect cover. Crescent blades had materialized in each of her hands as she attempted a stealth strike, only to be detected early.
The Seraphim was not a strength-type Martial Spirit, yet with the Life Gold's transformation and the enhancement from his 100,000-year Light Holy Dragon right arm bone, Ling Bai's strength was no less than any same-rank strength-type Spirit Master.
The instant her crescent blades met the Angel Sword, Jing Ziyan's arms went numb with shock. Her entire form dispersed into smoke, which then instantly re-condensed, rapidly thickening.
Fog Transformation, Fog Condensation.
Jing Ziyan's signature combination.
Yet Ling Bai merely smiled. The Angel Sword's movements turned languid as he traced a gentle circle before his chest.
By the time he completed the circle, Jing Ziyan found herself caught by an irresistible force. All the purple smoke was sucked into the circle's vortex, throwing her body about chaotically while Ling Bai remained as steady as a mountain. He waited for her to be delivered right to him before lightly tapping the point of his sword between her eyebrows.
"I lost again!"
Jing Ziyan tugged at her hair in frustration. She had believed her progress would finally trouble Ling Bai, but his own improvement had outpaced hers dramatically. The gap between them only continued to widen.
Ji Juechen had remained motionless from the start. This was his combat style; only by accumulating power could he unleash his full strength.
His entire body was now covered in a faint gray layer. He no longer seemed like a living person, but more like a silent stone sculpture. The initial sharp sword intent had vanished without a trace, replaced by an intense sense of threat.
A gray sword light swept out. When it appeared, it revealed not the slightest spirit power fluctuation, like a small pebble thrown into the sea, unable to stir any waves.
But right after the gray sword light passed, a thin, layered, all-encompassing line was pulled open in the air.
Ling Bai likewise slashed out a golden sword light. It looked grand and vast but was actually as thin as paper, colliding precisely with the gray sword light.
Sword cries hummed and buzzed as a twisted black line tore through the air, extending and contracting in an instant.
An earth-shaking boom erupted from the final point of contraction, and terrifying air waves rolled frantically to both sides.
Ling Bai allowed the powerful shockwave to impact his body, remaining as motionless as a towering mountain. Ji Juechen, however, took three steps back, each step leaving a deep footprint in the solid ground.
Victory and defeat were decided. The Angel Sword dispersed into points of light. Ling Bai looked at Ji Juechen and said, "If I'm not mistaken, that was a domain."
"Mm. I had just comprehended it and came to test my sword against yours," Ji Juechen said, a rare trace of a smile on his face.
"Does this domain have a name?"
Ji Juechen frowned. Naming things was not his strong suit. He thought for a long time before finally speaking:
"Just call it Solitude. The 'ji' from 'jimo' (loneliness)."
"Since ancient times, all sages have known solitude. A good name."
Ling Bai praised him with a straight face, though Jing Ziyan performed a tactical lean backward, staring at Ji Juechen with a 'you've got some issues' expression.
The three walked side by side. Ji Juechen inquired, "Will you be studying at Shrek Academy permanently?"
"No. I'm going back this time to submit my graduation assessment mission and to take some friends who are willing to come with me."
"Then where do we find you?!"
Jing Ziyan blurted out, unable to hold back.
She and Ji Juechen had already decided. The style of the Sun Moon Imperial Academy did not suit them. They planned to follow Ling Bai. Fighting three times a day—morning, noon, and night—their strength would improve by leaps and bounds.
"Nine Treasure City, of course."
Ling Bai said with amusement. "I'm a man with a clan. The monk can run, but the temple can't. You can come visit anytime you want."
"I almost forgot about that!"
Jing Ziyan had a sudden realization and chuckled. "I heard that the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and Illustrious Virtue Hall are known as the continent's two super tycoons. If we follow you, will our salaries be ridiculously high? Could we save up for a 10,000-year spirit bone in just eight or ten years?!"
"If you and Juechen decide to follow me, I certainly won't treat you poorly."
Ling Bai reached into his Storage Spirit Guidance Device and pulled out one black and one white spirit bone. The surrounding air immediately filled with the sound of a tiger's roar on the wind.
80,000-year Vajra White Tiger King right arm spirit bone.
50,000-year Hell Ghost Tiger King left arm spirit bone.
They were the legacy of the Body Sect's chief elder, the Rank 96 Tiger Arm Douluo Chen Hu.
"You won't need ten or eight years. You can have 10,000-year spirit bones right now."
Ling Bai seemed to radiate a blinding light, dazzling the two until they could barely open their eyes. Jing Ziyan's hands moved so fast they left afterimages as she stammered:
"I-I was just joking! I didn't mean to ask you for a spirit bone!"
The two tiger king spirit bones had restrained spirit power, were in perfect condition, and possessed their own powerful auras. They were visibly top-quality goods. At a top-tier auction house, they could even fetch over ten million spirit gold coins. Even someone as single-minded as Ji Juechen knew their value.
"You'll be my people from now on. The stronger you are, the stronger I am. The purpose of a spirit bone is to enhance a Spirit Master's combat power; otherwise, it's useless just sitting there."
Ling Bai stuffed the Vajra White Tiger King spirit bone into Ji Juechen's arms and placed the Hell Ghost Tiger King spirit bone in Jing Ziyan's palm.
"These two spirit bones—one fierce and powerful, the other dark and sinister—perfectly match your abilities. No need to thank me. Follow me and work hard, and I guarantee you'll live a prosperous life."
Using the spoils of war to win people's hearts was a transaction with no cost and all profit; Ling Bai could not have been more willing. A gentleman would die for one who recognizes his worth. What Spirit Master did not love spirit bones? The two were so moved they were just short of swearing an oath to the heavens.
His business here was concluded.
The exchange program had officially come to an end.