Life at Nuoding Academy officially began.
For a transmigrator like Lin Kun, the cultural courses posed no difficulty at all; they were even somewhat boring. But he showed nothing unusual, merely completing his schoolwork quietly and keeping a low profile. Most of his time was spent silently observing, especially Tang San and Xiao Wu.
Tang San studied with extreme diligence. Whether it was cultural classes or Martial Soul theory, he was meticulous and focused. From time to time, he raised rather profound questions, earning frequent nods from the instructors. The Grandmaster occasionally came to sit in on classes, his gaze toward Tang San filled with approval.
Xiao Wu, on the other hand, was the exact opposite. She had little interest in cultural classes, often dozing off on her desk or secretly playing with her braid. But whenever the lessons involved spirit beasts or practical Soul Skill training, she became instantly alert. Quick to react and sharp in understanding, she could often give instinctive answers that even surprised the teachers.
Caught between the two of them, Lin Kun did his best to play the part of an untalented, quiet boy. But he found it difficult.
Especially during Martial Soul theory classes.
That day, a teacher was explaining the key points and limit theory behind Spirit Ring absorption. He mentioned the generally accepted limit: a first Spirit Ring could be around 423 years old at most.
Xiao Wu listened drowsily from below. Tang San, however, took careful notes, his eyes gleaming as he clearly recalled his own Mandala Snake Spirit Ring, which had exceeded the limit.
After finishing his lecture, the teacher asked as usual, "Does anyone have any questions about Spirit Ring absorption?"
The classroom fell silent.
Just then, the system notification in Lin Kun's mind sounded without warning:
Ding! Side quest triggered: Questioner of Theory. Quest requirement: Publicly raise a reasonable, well-supported question about the Spirit Ring limit theory. (No need to reveal specific figures; merely guide others to think.) Quest reward: 30 Plot Breakdown Points. Failure penalty: None.
Lin Kun's mouth twitched. This system really never missed a chance to make him stir up trouble! Questioning authority? That was practically asking people to hate him, especially since the Grandmaster would likely find out soon!
But 30 points... that was quite tempting to him. And there was no penalty for failure, so perhaps it was worth trying?
He took a deep breath. Just as the teacher was about to dismiss class, he hesitantly raised his hand.
The teacher looked at him in surprise. This work-study student named Lin Kun almost never spoke in class, and his Soul Power was only Rank One. "Lin Kun, what is your question?"
The entire class, including Tang San and Xiao Wu, turned to look at Lin Kun.
Tang San's eyes held a trace of curiosity. Xiao Wu blinked her large eyes, apparently surprised that this "bad guy" would actually ask a question.
Lin Kun stood up and tried to make his tone sound humble and confused. "Teacher, the Spirit Ring limit theory you just mentioned was summarized by the Soul Master world through extensive practical experience, correct?"
"Yes." The teacher nodded. "This is a truth bought with the blood and experience of countless predecessors, intended to protect the lives of Soul Masters."
"But..." Lin Kun paused, as if organizing his thoughts. "Could this limit be... the limit for most people? Or perhaps the limit for ordinary Soul Masters under ordinary circumstances? Could there be special cases—for example, if a Soul Master's physical constitution far surpasses that of normal people, or if their Martial Soul is of exceptionally high quality, or if they possess a special cultivation method, or even... if the type of spirit beast they absorb is especially compatible with them—where this limit could be appropriately exceeded?"
He did not mention any specific age, only raised the possibility of "special circumstances."
Whispers immediately broke out in the classroom. Most of the students thought he was indulging in wild fantasies.
The teacher frowned. "Your idea is bold. But a theory is a theory because it is universal. A few exceptional cases cannot overturn a general rule. Risking one's life to exceed the limit is an extremely irrational act, with nine chances of death for every chance of survival. I do not recommend that any of you entertain such fantasies." His tone carried a warning.
"I understand. Thank you, Teacher." Lin Kun sat down respectfully, having achieved his goal. He did not need to convince the teacher. He only needed to raise this "question" and make certain people hear it.
Ding! Side quest Questioner of Theory completed. Reward: 30 Plot Breakdown Points.
The points were his! Lin Kun felt slightly relieved.
He did not notice that Tang San beside him was suddenly looking at him very differently!
A raging storm churned in Tang San's heart! Physical constitution...
Before you continue