The weeks following their successful soul ring acquisitions settled into a comfortable routine at Notting Academy. Lin Tianyu found himself genuinely enjoying the structured environment, though his mind constantly worked on long-term cultivation strategies. His Quantum Dimensional Simulator had proven its incredible value, and he had made a firm decision to invest 180 points per simulation moving forward, ensuring consistently high-quality results rather than gambling with single-point attempts.
During one of their evening study sessions in the dormitory, Lin Tianyu decided to share some crucial cultivation wisdom with Tang San. His friend's potential was extraordinary, but without proper guidance, even the most talented individuals could waste years following suboptimal paths.
"Tang San," Lin Tianyu said, setting aside his textbook on spirit beast classifications, "I've been thinking about your cultivation direction, and I believe there's something important we should discuss."
Tang San looked up from his own studies, always eager to learn from his intellectually gifted friend. "What do you have in mind?"
"Your Blue Silver Grass has far more potential than most people realize," Lin Tianyu began, drawing from the cultivation wisdom he remembered Yu Xiaogang giving him from the original story. "I think you should focus on developing it as a control system spirit rather than trying to force it into a traditional combat role."
"Control system?" Tang San asked with genuine curiosity. "What exactly does that involve?"
Lin Tianyu organized his thoughts carefully, presenting the information as insights he had developed through observation and analysis rather than foreknowledge. "Control system masters use their spirits primarily to restrict and manipulate opponents, creating opportunities for themselves or allies to attack. Your Blue Silver Grass actually has several natural advantages that make it perfect for this approach."
He held up one finger. "First, the spirit power consumption for using Blue Silver Grass is remarkably low. This means you can maintain your abilities for extended periods during battle, outlasting opponents who rely on more energy-intensive spirits."
Tang San nodded thoughtfully. "That's true. I barely feel any drain when using my grass, even for extended periods."
"Second," Lin Tianyu continued, raising another finger, "Blue Silver Grass is so common that most spirit beasts and even human opponents won't immediately recognize it as a threat. This gives you a significant element of surprise, especially against less intelligent creatures."
"Third, and this is perhaps most important," he said, extending a third finger, "Blue Silver Grass has unlimited growth potential precisely because it starts so weak. Stronger spirits often have compatibility issues with certain soul rings, but your grass can adapt to almost any type of improvement without rejection. This means you can specifically hunt for soul rings that provide toughness, poison effects, or other specialized abilities."
Tang San's eyes lit up with understanding. "So instead of trying to make my grass stronger through brute force, I should focus on making it more versatile and resilient?"
"Exactly. With your innate full spirit power providing the cultivation speed you need, you can develop Blue Silver Grass into something that can bind opponents securely while potentially delivering poison or other debilitating effects. Combined with your hidden weapon techniques, this creates a perfect synergy where you can restrict targets and then strike them with precision."
Tang San spent several minutes processing this advice, his analytical mind working through the implications. "This approach would make me much more effective in group battles as well. I could control the battlefield while others focus on direct damage."
"Precisely. And remember, just because you're focusing on control doesn't mean you can't be deadly. A perfectly timed restriction can be just as lethal as the most powerful attack if it creates the right opportunity."
Their conversation continued late into the evening, with Lin Tianyu carefully sharing cultivation insights that would help Tang San avoid the pitfalls of following overly conservative theories. By the time they finally settled down to sleep, Tang San had a clear vision for his development that would serve him far better than the original path he might have followed.
Meanwhile, Lin Tianyu had been accumulating simulation points steadily, and after six months at the academy, he finally had the 180 points needed for his first high-quality simulation. Late one night, while his roommates slept peacefully, he activated the system.
[180 points available - initiating premium simulation]
[Generating improved talent options for Douluo Dalu simulation...]
[Improved luck modifier active]
[Please select one starting talent:]
[1. Space Dragon (Purple Bloodline): Natural affinity over space with draconic resilience]
[2. Beast Communication (Purple Talent): Natural ability to communicate with and understand spirit beasts]
[3. Plant Identification (Blue Talent): Ability to identify common herbs and plants, with basic knowledge of their properties]
Lin Tianyu selected Space Dragon, intrigued by its potential for long-term benefits.
[Simulation Beginning...]
[Background: You are born as a small snake spirit beast in the depths of Star Dou Forest]
The simulation unfolded over centuries as his alternate self slowly evolved from a common snake into increasingly powerful forms. Through careful cultivation, consuming other spirit beasts, and refining his bloodline repeatedly, the simulated Lin Tianyu eventually achieved a Space Dragon bloodline of purple quality. The process took over eight hundred years of dedicated effort, but the final result was extraordinary.
[Simulation Complete]
[Performance Rating: A]
[Available Rewards (Select 1):]
[1. Space Dragon Bloodline (Purple)]
[2. Mana Affinity (Purple Talent)]
[3. Draconic Constitution (Blue Physical Improvement)]
[4. Spatial Awareness (Blue Ability)]
[5. Soul Power +8 levels]
Lin Tianyu weighed his options carefully. The Mana Affinity talent would enhance his magical capabilities across various techniques, while the Space Dragon bloodline was an incredibly rare find he might never encounter again. After some deliberation, he chose the Space Dragon bloodline, reasoning that specialized magical enhancement wouldn't compare to the fundamental advantages a draconic bloodline would provide for his long-term development.
The integration process was intense, lasting several hours as his body underwent fundamental changes. His physical strength increased dramatically, his bones became denser and more resilient, and he gained an intuitive understanding of spatial manipulation. Most importantly, the bloodline strengthened his ability to grow stronger through consuming spirit beast meat, though he was careful to ensure this transformation didn't make him smell like a soul beast himself.
The bloodline's effects were remarkable but subtle. To outside observers, Lin Tianyu simply appeared to be growing stronger through dedicated training. His improved constitution allowed him to push his physical limits further than ever before, while the spatial insights provided new perspectives on cultivation and combat.
More importantly, the Space Dragon bloodline awakened a powerful hunger for spirit beast meat. Lin Tianyu quickly realized that consuming high-quality spirit beast flesh would significantly accelerate his physical development. However, this presented a delicate problem - he needed to hunt regularly without arousing suspicion from his friends, particularly Xiao Wu, whose spirit beast nature would make her extremely sensitive to such activities.
Over the following months, Lin Tianyu began making solo expeditions into the surrounding forests. He would claim to be gathering herbs for his alchemical studies or scouting potential training locations, then use his Desire Compass to navigate directly to appropriate spirit beasts. The compass proved invaluable for these hunting trips, allowing him to find strong creatures while avoiding areas with overwhelming threats.
His second simulation six months later provided the Sword Control talent, a purple-grade ability that allowed him to manipulate his Merchant's Blade telekinetically. The technique was incredibly versatile - he could attack from unexpected angles, retrieve his weapon from any distance, and even use the sword as a flying platform for rapid travel.
The third simulation granted him an Elven bloodline, resulting in another profound transformation. Over the course of several weeks, Lin Tianyu's features became more refined and ethereal. His bone structure shifted subtly, creating sharper cheekbones and a more defined jaw line. His hair grew longer and took on a lustrous quality that seemed to catch light in unusual ways. His eyes became more piercing, with an almost luminous quality that drew attention without being obviously supernatural.
The physical changes were striking enough that his classmates and teachers began commenting on his appearance. "Lin Tianyu seems to be maturing very quickly," one instructor observed. "He's developing quite the distinguished look for someone so young."
Lin Tianyu's enhanced appearance opened doors he hadn't anticipated. Teachers lingered after class to discuss his insights, while fellow students gravitated toward him during meal times and training sessions. His ethereal features, combined with his merchant family's natural charm, created an almost magnetic effect that drew people into conversation. Female students blushed and giggled when he passed, while male students sought his friendship and advice.
He leveraged this unexpected advantage carefully, steering discussions toward trade routes, family businesses, and local customs. Each interaction built his understanding of how common folk thought about commerce and value. A baker's daughter shared her father's struggles with grain prices. A blacksmith's son complained about metal quality from different mines.
Even the academy's quartermaster began consulting him on supply logistics, impressed by his grasp of market forces. This web of relationships provided exactly the kind of grassroots market intelligence his merchant family needed - not just prices and products, but the human elements that drove trade.
The transformation that could have marked him as different instead made him more approachable, turning what might have been a weakness into a powerful tool for gathering commercial insights.
Xiao Wu, in particular, seemed fascinated by his changing appearance. "You're becoming quite handsome," she said one evening as they studied together. "Much more interesting to look at than when we first met."
Tang San, ever analytical, noticed the changes but attributed them to their friend's obvious dedication to cultivation and physical training. "Your dedication to improvement shows in everything about you," he commented approvingly.
The Elven bloodline also granted Lin Tianyu improved magical affinity and an instinctive connection to forest environments. When combined with his Space Dragon heritage, the dual bloodlines created unique synergies that improved his overall capabilities far beyond what either would provide alone.
His fourth simulation of the first two years upgraded his previous Basic Cooking Knowledge to Cooking Mastery, a blue-grade knowledge set that proved more valuable than expected. The skill allowed him to prepare spirit beast meat in ways that maximized its nutritional and spiritual benefits, making his secret hunting expeditions even more effective.
During his second year at the academy, Lin Tianyu reached level twenty and knew it was time to obtain his second soul ring. Rather than organizing a group expedition, he decided to handle the hunt alone. His various abilities made solo hunting not only possible but preferable - he could move faster, hunt more selectively, and avoid questions about his methods.
Using his Sword Control technique, Lin Tianyu flew southwest toward Sunset Forest, his Merchant's Blade serving as an efficient aerial platform. The journey that would have taken days on foot was completed in mere hours, demonstrating the remarkable utility of his telekinetic sword mastery.
Sunset Forest was known for its diverse population of shadow and illusion-type spirit beasts, making it an ideal hunting ground for finding abilities that would complement his existing shadow-based soul skill. Lin Tianyu activated his Desire Compass, focusing his thoughts on finding 'the safest path to a three-thousand-year shadow spirit beast suitable for my second soul ring.'
The compass needle pointed steadily deeper into the forest, guiding him through increasingly dangerous territory while somehow avoiding the most lethal threats. After several hours of careful navigation, he found his target: a Phantom Tiger with distinctive translucent markings that indicated approximately three thousand years of cultivation.
The battle was intense and required every technique at his disposal. The Phantom Tiger could phase between solid and incorporeal states, making it incredibly difficult to land decisive strikes. However, Lin Tianyu's Shadow Step ability allowed him to match its mobility, while his strengthened physical capabilities from the Space Dragon bloodline provided the strength needed to overcome the creature's defenses.
When he finally absorbed the soul ring, the spiritual pressure was manageable thanks to his exceptional physical conditioning. His second soul skill manifested as Shadow Doppelganger, allowing him to create multiple shadow copies of his Merchant's Blade. Combined with his Sword Control technique, this meant he could manipulate up to four floating shadow swords simultaneously at his current cultivation level, creating a devastating multi-directional attack capability. More importantly, he could launch shadow swords as high-speed projectiles at enemies, then dissipate them back into shadow energy and instantly summon new ones, creating an endless barrage of sword projectiles limited only by his spirit power reserves. As his cultivation advanced, the number of swords he could control simultaneously would increase correspondingly.
Lin Tianyu returned to the academy after consuming the Phantom Tiger's remains, his strength improved once again through the Space Dragon bloodline's unique metabolism. To his friends and teachers, he had simply disappeared for a weekend training retreat and returned with his second soul ring acquired through "family connections" who had helped arrange appropriate hunting opportunities.
The next four simulations during his third and fourth years provided increasingly sophisticated abilities. Mirage Shuffle granted him unpredictable movement techniques that made him nearly impossible to track during combat. Elven Magic provided extensive knowledge of nature-based magical theory and applications. Elven Blacksmithing allowed him to combine his Divine Craftsman talent with magical crafting techniques. Finally, the last simulation took advantage of all of his crafting talents and knowledge to craft a set of ethereal magical armor he named The Astral Shroud.
The Astral Shroud was a masterpiece of elven craftsmanship, appearing as a translucent, mist-like covering that improved agility while providing spiritual protection. The armor was nearly invisible unless viewed from specific angles, creating an otherworldly appearance that complemented his increasingly ethereal features.
During his fourth year, Lin Tianyu reached level thirty and undertook another solo expedition, this time to Star Dou Forest. His Desire Compass guided him to an eight-thousand-year Earth Crusher Bear, a massive creature whose dense bone structure and incredible physical power made it an ideal source for his third soul ring.
The battle required every technique he had developed over the years. The Earth Crusher Bear's strength was overwhelming, capable of shattering trees with casual swipes of its paws. However, Lin Tianyu's mobility advantages, combined with his multiple floating shadow swords, allowed him to gradually wear down the creature through precision strikes and evasive maneuvering.
His third soul skill, Density Multiplication, allowed his swords to dramatically increase the weight and impact force of anything they struck. Each successful hit would multiply the target's effective weight for a limited time, creating cumulative effects that could eventually immobilize even massive opponents.
Throughout these years, Lin Tianyu continued his regular hunting expeditions, carefully concealing them from his friends while steadily growing stronger through spirit beast consumption. His Desire Compass made these trips remarkably safe and efficient, allowing him to avoid dangerous encounters while finding exactly the prey he needed.
However, Lin Tianyu deliberately moderated his cultivation pace to avoid surpassing Tang San by too large a margin. Despite his tremendous advantages through the simulation system and bloodline improvements, he recognized the importance of maintaining their partnership for the challenges ahead. He could have easily gone beyond level 40 by this point, but chose to focus on refining his techniques and accumulating knowledge rather than purely advancing his spirit power rank.
The Lin family's merchant caravan continued its regular circuit, visiting Notting City once each year. These reunions were precious opportunities for Lin Tianyu to reconnect with his parents and share carefully edited accounts of his progress. Lin Qiang and Chen Lan were consistently amazed by their son's development, though they attributed his remarkable growth to the quality education at Notting Academy rather than suspecting the true extent of his abilities.
During their sparring sessions, Lin Qiang was astounded to discover that by the time Lin Tianyu reached level thirty, their matches had become evenly matched contests despite the significant gap in their cultivation levels. By level thirty-eight, Lin Tianyu consistently held the upper hand in their duels, his superior technique and strengthened physical capabilities overwhelming his father's greater spirit power reserves. This prompted Lin Qiang to take his own training more seriously than he had in years. Lin Tianyu shared his intensive physical conditioning routine with his father, including the extreme weight training and endurance exercises that had served him so well. The merchant was eager to adopt these methods, determined not to fall too far behind his prodigious son's development.
Tang San, following Lin Tianyu's cultivation advice, focused on developing his Blue Silver Grass as a control system spirit. His progress was remarkable, particularly when Tang Hao emerged from hiding during Tang San's second year to help guide his soul ring acquisitions. With proper guidance, Lin Tianyu's theoretical framework, and the intensive physical training regimen they had maintained since childhood, Tang San's development far exceeded his original potential. By their sixth year, he had reached level thirty-three, significantly stronger than he might have been following more conventional cultivation methods.
The rigorous training routine that Lin Tianyu and Tang San maintained also benefited Xiao Wu tremendously. Initially reluctant to participate in their extreme physical conditioning exercises, she gradually found herself drawn into their training sessions. The heavy weight training, endurance runs, and combat drills that the boys treated as normal routine proved incredibly effective for improving her natural agility and strength. Her spirit beast physiology adapted well to the intensive regimen, and her cultivation speed increased notably as a result.
Xiao Wu's progress was steady if less spectacular, reaching level thirty by their sixth year. Her relationship with both boys had developed into deep friendship, though Lin Tianyu noticed subtle signs of romantic interest that she seemed to direct primarily toward Tang San, just as he remembered from the original story. Lin Tianyu took considerable amusement in teasing both of them whenever he caught glimpses of their growing attraction - commenting on how Tang San always seemed to find excuses to help Xiao Wu with her training, or how Xiao Wu's cheeks would flush whenever Tang San complimented her technique. His good-natured ribbing left both of them stammering denials while their faces turned increasingly red, much to his entertainment.
The final four simulations during years five and six provided the combat expertise Lin Tianyu needed to fully utilize his accumulated abilities. Tactical Leadership gave him the knowledge to coordinate complex battles and manage group dynamics effectively. Survival Instincts improved his ability to detect and avoid danger during his solo hunting expeditions. Advanced Swordsmanship elevated his blade techniques to master level and also replaced his original Lin Family swordsmanship, while the Spatial Awareness talent gave him a much better awareness of everything happening around him.
By the end of his sixth year at Notting Academy, Lin Tianyu had reached level thirty-eight, an achievement that would have been considered impossible for someone his age under normal circumstances. His appearance had transformed completely from the ordinary merchant's son who had first arrived at the academy. The dual bloodlines had given him an otherworldly handsomeness that drew attention wherever he went, while his accumulated abilities made him perhaps the most capable twelve-year-old spirit master on the continent.
The graduation ceremony at Notting Academy was a bittersweet affair. Master Mo Hen spoke proudly of their unprecedented class, noting that three working students had achieved such remarkable cultivation levels while maintaining excellent academic performance.
"In thirty years of teaching," Mo Hen said during the ceremony, "I have never seen such dedication and talent combined in a single group of students. Lin Tianyu, Tang San, and Xiao Wu represent the very best of what spirit masters can achieve through hard work and mutual support."
Yu Xiaogang attended the ceremony as well, his expression complex as he observed the three students who had politely declined his tutelage years earlier. Their obvious success without his guidance had forced him to fundamentally reconsider many of his theoretical positions, though he still struggled to fully accept how completely they had exceeded his predictions.
"Congratulations on your achievements," Yu Xiaogang said as he approached them after the ceremony. "Your development has been... educational for me as well. Perhaps my theories about optimal cultivation paths were more limited than I had realized."
Lin Tianyu responded diplomatically, "Master Yu, your theoretical knowledge has been valuable to us throughout our time here. We've simply been fortunate to have access to resources and opportunities that allowed us to push certain boundaries."
After the ceremony, the three friends gathered in their old dormitory room one final time. Wang Sheng and the other working students had graduated in previous years, leaving them with a space full of memories and the weight of impending separation.
"So," Xiao Wu said, settling onto the edge of the bed she had shared with Tang San for six years, "what are our plans for the future? We can't stay at Notting Academy forever."
Tang San looked thoughtful. "I've heard stories about an academy called Shrek Academy. They accept only the most exceptional students and provide training that supposedly surpasses even the imperial academies."
Lin Tianyu nodded, having anticipated this conversation. "Shrek Academy is definitely worth considering. Their entrance requirements are extremely strict, but their reputation for producing powerful spirit masters is unmatched." He paused thoughtfully. "Though I should mention, I've heard from merchant contacts that the academy is quite... rustic. The facilities are apparently rather run-down since they spend most of their budget on instructor salaries rather than building maintenance. And their standards are so demanding that they often have very few students enrolled at any given time - sometimes entire years pass without accepting anyone new."
"Shrek Academy?" Xiao Wu asked, her eyes lighting up with interest. "That sounds exciting. Are you both planning to apply there?"
"I think we should all go together," Tang San said firmly. "We've trained alongside each other for six years. Our techniques complement each other perfectly, and I can't imagine pursuing advanced cultivation without my closest friends."
Lin Tianyu smiled, genuinely touched by his friend's loyalty despite knowing this outcome was likely. "I agree completely. We work well as a team, and Shrek Academy values practical ability over political connections. Our combined skills should be impressive enough to gain admission."
"Then it's settled," Xiao Wu declared, clapping her hands together in delight. "The three of us will travel to Shrek Academy together. This will be such an adventure!"
Over the following days, they made final preparations for their departure from Notting City. Lin Tianyu's parents had returned for the graduation ceremony, and they were delighted to learn about their son's plans to attend the legendary Shrek Academy.
"Shrek Academy has an excellent reputation," Lin Qiang said approvingly as they discussed the journey. "Your mother and I have heard stories about their graduates throughout our merchant travels. They seem to produce spirit masters who think independently and solve problems creatively."
Chen Lan smiled warmly at her transformed son. "You've grown so much during these six years, Tianyu. Not just in cultivation, but in wisdom and character. We're proud of the person you've become."
Lin Tianyu felt genuine warmth at his parents' approval. Despite all the advantages his reborn knowledge and cheat system provided, their unconditional love and support remained one of his most treasured possessions.
"Thank you for everything you've given me," he replied sincerely. "The resources, the education, the freedom to pursue my own path - none of my achievements would have been possible without your support."
The final evening before their departure, Lin Tianyu checked his latest status through the system interface, marveling at how dramatically he had changed since his awakening six years earlier.
[System Status]
[Host: Lin Tianyu]
[Age: 12]
[Soul Power: 38]
[Martial Spirits:
* Myriad Tools (Gold Tool Spirit)
* No Rings
* Desire Compass (Purple Tool Spirit)
* No Rings
* Merchant's Blade (Blue Weapon Spirit)
* Ring 1: Shadow Cat (Purple 1,000), Shadow Step
* Ring 2: Phantom Tiger (Purple 3,000), Shadow Doppelganger
* Ring 3: Earth Crusher Bear (Purple 8,000), Density Multiplication]
[Bloodlines:
* Elven (Purple)
* Space Dragon (Purple)]
[Talents:
* Comprehension (Gold)
* Divine Craftsman (Gold)
* Analytical Mind (Purple)
* Sword Control (Purple)
* Memory Database (Blue)
* Spatial Awareness (Blue)
* Survival Instincts (Blue)
* Minor Pain Tolerance (Yellow)]
[Techniques:
* Advanced Swordsmanship (Purple)
* Mirage Shuffle (Blue)]
[Knowledge:
* Elven Magic (Purple)
* Soul Guide Crafting (Purple)
* Cooking Mastery (Blue)
* Elven Blacksmithing (Blue)
* Tactical Leadership (Blue)]
[Simulation Points: 43]
* * *
As dawn broke over Notting City, the three friends gathered at the academy gates with their traveling supplies. Lin Tianyu's storage ring contained everything they might need for the journey, while Tang San had prepared with the practical efficiency that characterized all his endeavors. Xiao Wu bounced with excitement, clearly viewing their departure as the beginning of a grand adventure.
"Ready?" Tang San asked, adjusting his travel pack and looking toward the road that would take them away from the city that had been their home for six years.
"Ready," Lin Tianyu confirmed, feeling the weight of his accumulated abilities and the anticipation of new challenges ahead.
"More than ready!" Xiao Wu declared, practically vibrating with enthusiasm. "Let's go find this Shrek Academy and show them what Notting Academy students can accomplish!"
Together, they walked through the gates and onto the road leading south toward Shrek Academy, their friendship strengthened by years of shared growth and their individual powers developed far beyond what conventional cultivation should have allowed. The next chapter of their journey was about to begin, and Lin Tianyu looked forward to seeing how his careful preparations would serve them in the trials ahead.