Di Tian placed his hand on the teleportation anchor, revealing a map displaying the four active anchors.
One was in the Elf Tribe, another at the entrance to the Spirit Beast Paradise, and a third beside Gu Xun's hut in the core area of the Spirit Beast Paradise.
"Lord Brother, you're back!"
Yuan Enhuihui rushed out to greet Gu Xun the moment he returned. After Gu Xun started attending classes, Yuan Enhuihui also began studying the fundamentals of soul cultivation. Her schedule mirrored Gu Xun's—daytime classes, afternoon playtime after school, and evening meditation and cultivation.
"Mhm."
Gu Xun nodded, then fixed his gaze on another girl with golden hair and crimson eyes.
"Master."
Indeed, this figure was the three-eyed golden lion in its human form. The three-eyed golden beast, Wang Qiu'er, had also changed her name to Di Qiu'er.
"Hmm, come here."
"Yes, Master."
Gu Xun motioned for Di Qiu'er to approach. She responded immediately, drawing curious stares from everyone present.
Gu Xun placed his hand on Di Qiu'er's forehead. She offered no resistance, and as he stroked her, she even rubbed against his hand with obvious pleasure.
"I too wish for you to seek vengeance. This is yours. Do not disappoint me."
As he spoke, Gu Xun placed the divine artifact, the Eternal Eye, into Di Qiu'er's secondary martial spirit slot.
Instinctively, a dazzling phantom of the Eternal Eye appeared on Di Qiu'er's forehead, radiating terrifying psychic energy outward.
"Thank you, Master. Qiu'er will not disappoint your expectations."
Di Qiu'er solemnly pledged to Gu Xun that she would not let him down. Hearing this, Gu Xun nodded. Since Di Qiu'er desired vengeance, he would aid her—especially since his side was short on manpower.
With only Di Tian, who had just ascended to God King, his side was indeed stretched thin.
Now, Di Qiu'er's growth ceiling was at least God King level. Setting aside her God King-tier Golden Dragon King bloodline as her primary martial spirit.
The mere presence of the divine artifact Eternal Eye as her secondary martial spirit was already beyond extraordinary.
His team desperately needed reinforcements, and gaining another God King—one with a vendetta against the Great God Circle—was a welcome addition.
Later, Di Tian would personally guide Di Qiu'er's cultivation. Meanwhile, Gu Xun continued venturing into areas rich with life energy, steadily accumulating experience points for leveling up.
[The Next Day]
Gu Xun activated the map and used the anchor point teleportation to arrive at the Heaven Duo Elementry Spirit Master Academy for class.
He granted teleportation permissions to Di Tian, Yuan Enhuihui, Di Qiu'er, Bi Ji, and Zi Ji.
However, they could only teleport by touching the anchor points, while Gu Xun could directly open the map for teleportation. Moreover, Gu Xun could view the teleportation records of Di Tian and the others.
Arriving at the classroom, Gu Xun took his usual seat alone in the back row by the window. Soon, the seats filled with students, and the teacher entered to begin class.
"Students, today we'll have a combat training session. Please follow me to the training grounds."
The class responded in unison and headed toward the training area, Gu Xun among them.
"Now, let's have the two highest-ranked students in our class kick things off. Gu Xun, Dong Qianqiu, please step forward."
Gu Xun walked onto the grassy field. Soon, a delicate blue-haired girl appeared opposite him.
"You two are the highest-ranked in the class. Let's have a friendly spar."
"Alright."
"Mhm."
Gu Xun and Dong Qianqiu each took a few steps back, facing each other. All the classmates watched the two stand opposite one another.
"So, who do you think will win?"
"No idea. Dong Qianqiu is so strong—she's never lost a fight yet."
"Wonder how good this new kid is."
Whispers rippled through the crowd as the teacher stepped forward to announce the rules.
"As classmates, avoid intentionally crippling your opponent. Friendship comes first, competition second. Begin!"
The moment the teacher gave the signal, a yellow spirit ring glowed around Dong Qianqiu. She raised her small hand and fired several ice spikes toward Gu Xun.
Gu Xun didn't even bat an eyelid. As Dong Qianqiu's ice spikes neared their target, Gu Xun seized control of them, halting them directly before him.
"How?! My ice spikes!"
Dong Qianqiu was stunned to see her attack so effortlessly intercepted—no, completely subjugated—by Gu Xun.
"Go."
Gu Xun glanced at the three ice spikes before him and issued a command. Instantly, the spikes turned and flew toward Dong Qianqiu.
Dong Qianqiu braced for the worst, raising her hand to form a thin ice shield. But Gu Xun simply manipulated the ice spikes to bypass her defense.
Dong Qianqiu stared dumbfounded as the ice spikes curved around him, all three finally coming to rest against his pale neck.
"The outcome is decided. I'm leaving."
Gu Xun addressed the teacher before seeking out a shady spot to cool off.
The ice spikes hovering at Dong Qianqiu's throat vanished. Watching Gu Xun walk away, Dong Qianqiu felt a sense of helplessness for the first time.
"Dong Qianqiu, it's just one match."
The teacher patted her head soothingly, and she nodded obediently.
"I know, Teacher. I just didn't expect to lose so quickly."
"Victory and defeat are common in battle. Go now. Next match: Tai'an versus Yunfu."