The Grandmaster's Doubt

Grandmaster's Questions and the Invitation to Spirit Hunting Forest

The small disturbance in the library seemed to have passed just like that. Over the next few days, Xiao Wu's attitude toward Lin Kun was somewhat hot and cold. Sometimes she joked and played around with him; other times, she would inexplicably glare at him a couple of times, or deliberately cut in whenever he was talking to other girls. Tang San, meanwhile, continued cultivating steadily as usual, but his attention toward Lin Kun had noticeably increased. He often seemed to casually ask about Lin Kun's cultivation progress and his thoughts on martial spirits.

Lin Kun kept himself on high alert, behaving neither too distant nor too warm. He devoted all his energy to cultivation and exploring his Book Spirit. His spirit power steadily advanced toward Level 3, and the Book Spirit recorded more and more information. Although its analysis of advanced information remained slow, its speed in analyzing common spirit beasts and low-level spirit masters had improved.

That afternoon, Lin Kun had just finished his cleaning duties and was about to return to the Seventh Dormitory to cultivate when someone called out to him.

"Lin Kun."

Lin Kun turned around, his heart tightening slightly. The person who had called him was none other than Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang. He was still dressed in those simple clothes, his face somewhat weary, but his eyes as deep as ever.

"Grandmaster." Lin Kun bowed respectfully. Before this master whose theories were considered unmatched, he did not dare show the slightest negligence. At the same time, he instinctively activated his Book Spirit and focused on the Grandmaster—though he knew there was a high chance he would not be able to analyze anything.

Yu Xiaogang, Level: 29 (???), Martial Spirit: Three Beat Cannon (???), Spirit Rings: Yellow, Yellow (???) A mass of question marks followed the information, especially regarding his martial spirit and spirit rings, which were almost completely shrouded in mist. Yet the Book Spirit's light crystal gave off a faint warmth, conveying a vague sensation of "extreme complexity" and "encrypted information."

As expected, he could not see through him. Lin Kun put those thoughts away and waited quietly for the Grandmaster's questions.

The Grandmaster looked at Lin Kun with a scrutinizing gaze. "I heard from the theory instructor that a few days ago, you raised doubts about the theory of spirit ring limits in class?"

Here it came! Lin Kun thought. As expected, it had reached the Grandmaster's ears. He answered cautiously, "Yes, Grandmaster. This student was merely indulging in some wild thoughts and made a fool of himself before the teacher."

"Oh? Then tell me, what sort of 'wild thoughts' did you have?" The Grandmaster's tone was calm, revealing neither pleasure nor anger.

Lin Kun roughly repeated what he had told the teacher at the time, emphasizing that it was speculation "based on the countless strange varieties of martial spirits." He once again stated, "This student knows that these are merely fantasies. Taking risks to break through one's limits is far too dangerous."

The Grandmaster listened quietly, his fingers unconsciously tapping against the table. After Lin Kun finished, he fell silent for a moment before slowly saying, "Your thoughts are not entirely without merit."

Lin Kun froze for a moment and looked up at the Grandmaster.

The Grandmaster's gaze became somewhat distant, as though he had recalled something. "Theory is the foundation, but in the world of spirit masters, miracles and exceptions do indeed exist. Physical strength, martial spirit quality, compatibility with spirit beasts, even willpower... all may affect one's limits. Your line of thinking is quite interesting."

He paused, then changed the subject. "However, as the teacher said, exceptions cannot serve as universal rules. Without absolute certainty, following theory is the safest choice. Your martial spirit is a Book Spirit, which is quite unusual. Although Innate Spirit Power Level One is a low starting point, it may not mean you lack potential. Do not aim too high. The key is to keep your feet on the ground and build a solid foundation."

"Yes, this student will remember the Grandmaster's teachings." Lin Kun lowered his head in acknowledgment. Yet something stirred in his heart. The Grandmaster seemed to have developed a bit of interest in his martial spirit?

Sure enough, the Grandmaster continued, "That book martial spirit of yours—other than assisting meditation, have you made any other discoveries?"

Lin Kun became wary, but he showed a trace of confusion and helplessness on his face. "In reply to the Grandmaster, this student is slow-witted. Other than feeling that my spirit power gathers slightly faster when I meditate with it, I have not discovered any other uses. It cannot turn pages, nor does it react when spirit power is infused into it." He spoke with a mixture of truth and falsehood, concealing its core abilities of recording and analysis while revealing only the most insignificant detail.

The Grandmaster nodded thoughtfully. "Book-type martial spirits are mostly related to spiritual power and support. Improving meditation efficiency is only natural. Perhaps you will make new discoveries as your spirit power increases. Cultivate well, and do not waste this special trait."

"Yes."

The Grandmaster seemed to hesitate for a moment before finally saying, "In a few days, I will take Tang San to Spirit Hunting Forest to obtain his first Spirit Ring. You... although your spirit power level is not high enough yet, it would still be good for you to come along and gain some experience. Perhaps it may inspire your future choice of Spirit Ring. Are you willing to come with us?"

Lin Kun's heart suddenly leapt!

Spirit Hunting Forest! The place where Tang San obtained the Mandala Snake Spirit Ring! The Grandmaster was actually inviting him along?

This was an enormous opportunity! Not only could he witness the plot unfold with his own eyes, but he could also familiarize himself with spirit beasts in advance and let his Book Spirit record a vast amount of information! Perhaps... he might even find an opportunity to obtain points?

But it also came with tremendous risk. If he observed Tang San's process of obtaining a Spirit Ring at such close range and showed any abnormality whatsoever, it would inevitably arouse deeper suspicions from both the Grandmaster and Tang San. Besides, Spirit Hunting Forest itself was dangerous.

Should he go? Or not?

Lin Kun made his decision almost instantly.

"Thank you, Grandmaster! This student is willing to go!" He raised his head, showing an appropriate amount of surprise and gratitude. "Having the chance to witness spirit beasts and the acquisition of Spirit Rings would be this student's honor! I will stay close to you and Tang San and absolutely will not cause any trouble!"

Danger and opportunity went hand in hand. If he wanted to grow quickly, he could not keep hiding away in the academy forever! This was undoubtedly the perfect chance to gain a deeper understanding of this world and the protagonist group, while searching for opportunities!

The Grandmaster seemed somewhat surprised by Lin Kun's straightforward reply, but he nodded. "Good. Make your preparations. Tang San will inform you of the exact time. Do not speak of this matter to anyone."

"This student understands."

As he watched the Grandmaster's departing figure, Lin Kun's heart raced with excitement and nervousness.

Spirit Hunting Forest... would that place become the first important stage on his true path of ruin?

He could feel it: his peaceful academy life was about to end, and the real turbulence was about to begin.