On Sea God Island

Mu En's sudden appointment clearly startled everyone, but on second thought, it seemed there was nothing unacceptable about it.

Back then, this couple had stood among the very best of the Inner Court students. The Phoenix Perching on Wutong Tree duo had been hugely famous in the Inner Court. Otherwise, Elder Zhuang and Yan Shaozhe would never have considered taking them as disciples, though neither had succeeded in the end.

It was only because Lin Qingxuan had been injured that he had been unwilling to remain at the academy. Yet after his injury, he had not given up on himself. Instead, he had switched to studying Soul Tools. In ten years, he had risen from nothing to a Level 7 Soul Engineer. Even in Mingdetang, hailed as the holy land of Soul Engineers, such people were exceedingly rare.

It could only be said that geniuses were geniuses wherever they went...

Shrek's Soul Tool Department was weak. It relied on Qian Duoduo and Fan Yu, its two Level 8 Soul Engineers, to hold things up, while Level 7 Soul Engineers were already considered its backbone.

Moreover, Lin Qingxuan's inability to advance to Level 8 Soul Engineer was only due to the limitations of his Soul Power. Qian Duoduo knew very well that once Lin Qingxuan broke through to Soul Douluo, he could advance to Level 8 Soul Engineer at any time.

Otherwise, why would Qian Duoduo have said that an uninjured Lin Qingxuan had a chance of becoming a Level 9 Soul Engineer?

If he succeeded, he would be the first Level 9 Soul Engineer in the Three Kingdoms of Douluo!

Furthermore, Lin Qingxuan had helped the Soul Tool Department craft all manner of Soul Tools. The department's money and rare metals did not grow on trees, so how could they possibly let Lin Qingxuan practice making Soul Tools for free, merely as compensation?

To compensate someone from a complete Soul Tool novice all the way to a Level 7 Soul Engineer was far too great a compensation.

It was simply because Lin Qingxuan was worth it.

On top of that, the two of them were orphans with spotless backgrounds. They were deeply attached to the academy, exceptionally talented, and now had a monstrous son as well. It was merely a vice dean position. Giving it to them was no issue; in the end, the benefits would remain within the academy anyway.

Naturally, Lin Qingxuan and Ouyang Xi repeatedly tried to decline.

After the customary refusals, Mu En made the final decision. Ouyang Xi was formally appointed Vice Dean of the Martial Soul Department, while Lin Qingxuan became Acting Vice Dean of the Soul Tool Department. Once he broke through to Level 8 Soul Engineer, he would automatically become the full vice dean.

Mu En continued, "Once Lin Qingxuan and Ouyang Xi break through to Titled Douluo, they will enter Sea God Pavilion."

No one objected to this. The vice deans of every department were entitled to seats in Sea God Pavilion; it was only that this couple's Cultivation Level was insufficient for now, so the matter had been postponed.

Finally, Mu En said solemnly, "In my capacity as Pavilion Master of Sea God Pavilion, I command..."

The elders immediately rose to their feet and stood with lowered heads.

"From this day onward, vigorously develop the Soul Tool Department while promoting the integration of the Martial Soul Department and the Soul Tool Department. Given the Soul Tool Department's immense funding requirements, sixty percent of all academy income shall be allocated to the Soul Tool Department. Furthermore, admission requirements may be appropriately lowered for students with talent in Soul Tools."

"Yes!" the elders answered respectfully in unison.

After saying all this, Elder Mu seemed to feel a trace of weariness. His eyes half-closed as he reclined in his chair.

"I know that you may not understand my actions today. You may think I am acting too hastily. Originally, I thought the same way: to live steadily and peacefully, then wait until I passed away and the next Pavilion Master took office before doing these things."

"But!"

Mu En's voice suddenly rose. "I have suddenly come to understand that some matters cannot be delayed. If this generation can finish something, there is no need to leave it for the next generation."

"Xiao Linyi read a principle in a book and told it to me. Today, I will tell it to all of you as well."

"The best time to plant a tree was ten years ago. The second-best time is now!"

"Let us all take this to heart!"

As though he had spent the last of his strength, Mu En closed his eyes. "Dismissed."

Everyone departed one after another, but before Qian Duoduo left the room, Mu En's voice suddenly came from behind him.

"Duoduo, I have given you the man and arranged the funds for you. Do not disappoint me, or the academy."

Qian Duoduo's tall frame paused. He turned back and flashed Mu En a brilliant smile. "Rest assured, Teacher!"

No response came. Qian Duoduo then left.

After leaving Sea God Pavilion, Lin Qingxuan and Ouyang Xi wandered around Sea God Island for quite some time before finally finding Lin Yi, who was playing wildly with Lin Yao's family.

They did not tell Lin Yi that they were about to become vice deans of two departments. There was no need.

The two merely took Lin Yi around Sea God Pavilion. They were both helping their son familiarize himself with the place and reminiscing about their own younger days.

However, after being away for over a month, returning to fight a Soul Ancestor, and then playing around with Lin Yao's family for quite a while, Lin Yi's mental energy had already reached its limit.

Lin Qingxuan and Ouyang Xi suddenly felt the weight in their hands. Lin Yi, whom they had been holding hands with, had fallen asleep just like that.

Exchanging a glance with his wife, Lin Qingxuan smiled softly, picked up his son, and carried him into Sea God Pavilion.

As the personal disciple of Mu En, the Pavilion Master of Sea God Pavilion, Lin Yi had been allotted a room in Sea God Pavilion from the moment he became Mu En's disciple.

The next morning.

The dense power of Radiance and life blended together into an exceptionally comfortable aura. The warm, familiar feeling made Lin Yi reluctant to open his eyes, and he curled himself up along with his blanket.

Yet the exhaustion from before had vanished completely after a night of deep sleep. The relaxed feeling throughout his body made Lin Yi want to get up and move around.

The conflicting feelings of wanting to get up and not wanting to get up combined into the most comfortable activity from his Otherworld Memories—sleeping in.

However, Lin Yi was out of bed in less than the time it took to drink a cup of tea. Human cubs really were full of energy!

After stretching himself out with a huge yawn, Lin Yi felt a little hungry.

When he opened the door, he found breakfast placed outside. A wisp of Light Attribute Soul Power still lingered around it, and the wrapped meal was still steaming hot.

The familiar aura and familiar method told Lin Yi that this was his mother's early-morning love.

A moment later, after finishing breakfast, Lin Yi arrived at the entrance of Sea God Pavilion. Just as he was about to head out for a stroll, an aged voice stopped him.

"Xiao Yi, come to the third floor of Sea God Pavilion."

It was Mu En's voice.

Following the guidance, Lin Yi arrived at Mu En's room on the third floor. Before he could knock, the wooden door opened on its own.

Lin Yi entered and saw Mu En reclining in his chair.

"Good morning, Master."

Mu En smiled. "Good. How was your rest here last night?"

"Very good!" A hint of satisfaction appeared on Lin Yi's face. "This place feels very comfortable to me."

"Hehe, Sea God Pavilion was built atop the Golden Ancient Tree. For you, there is no more suitable Simulated Training Environment in the world than this place."

"Starting today, you will live here. The room you stayed in last night will be your permanent residence from now on. You may arrange it as you wish, with only one condition: do not damage the room itself."

"Yes, Master."

After their casual conversation ended, Mu En had Lin Yi find a place to sit. Only then did Lin Yi have time to inspect the room of the Pavilion Master of Sea God Pavilion.

The room was not large, roughly thirty square meters. It contained only a simple wooden table, wooden chairs, and a wooden bed. The only conspicuous feature was a bookshelf that occupied an entire wall, filled with books.

There was also the window on the wall. Through it, he could see the birds and flowers of Sea God Island outside, like a living mural.

"Xiao Yi, since I have accepted you as my disciple, I naturally must teach you properly. But geniuses have their own paths. You are already intelligent, so do you have any plans for your future cultivation?"

Lin Yi thought for a moment. "Master, I won yesterday's assessment. Do you still remember that you promised to grant me one reasonable request?"

Mu En did not understand what Lin Yi wanted to say, but he still smiled. "Of course I remember. What is it? Have you decided what you want?"

Lin Yi nodded. "Master, I want to go to the Library Pavilion."

A trace of surprise flashed through Mu En's eyes as he asked curiously, "May I ask why?"

"Master, I will enter the Soul Tool Department in the future, but there is no denying that Martial Souls are the foundation. Over ten thousand years, the academy's research into Martial Souls, Soul Masters, and even Soul Beasts has surpassed that of the entire continent. There are also all kinds of rare and isolated texts. Whether for broadening my horizons or determining my future direction, they would be greatly beneficial."

Unconcealed gratification filled Mu En's eyes. "Very good. Qingxuan said that you have loved reading since childhood. That is very good. Though the times are indeed progressing, the experiences of those before us still have their merits. To understand this at your age, you truly are exceptional."

"But I cannot grant that request."

"Why?" Lin Yi asked anxiously.

Mu En laughed heartily. "Entering the Library Pavilion is already the right of an Inner Court Disciple. If you rely on your own ability to enter the Inner Court, then naturally you may come and go from the Library Pavilion as you please."

"My promise is not so cheap. If you cannot think of anything else, keep it in reserve for now. Tell me when you think of something in the future."

Looking at the old man before him, Lin Yi felt a little more genuine recognition in his heart. "All right. Thank you, Master."

"Now then, since you thought of this, it seems you already have a clear plan. Tell me."

"Yes. For the time being, this disciple does not plan to enter the Soul Tool Department."

Mu En did not question him upon hearing this, merely gesturing for Lin Yi to continue.

"This disciple is still too young, so there is no need to rush these things. I plan to first lay a solid foundation, read more books in the Library Pavilion, and temper my Soul Power further while I am at it."

After hearing him out, Mu En nodded with a smile. "Since you have already made your decision, do as you say. If there is anything you do not understand, you may come here at any time to ask me."

"Yes."

Lin Yi saluted and was about to leave when Mu En seemed to remember something and called him back.

"The gift I gave you earlier is called the Soul Ascension Pill. It is precisely suited to your current needs. After taking it, it can help you save some time cultivating Soul Power."

Lin Yi nodded in acknowledgment, then left.

In the days that followed, Lin Yi began living an exceptionally regular life.

Every morning after breakfast, he would bring along a lunchbox filled with the various dishes his mother had personally prepared. The ingredients were all specially supplied to the Inner Court. Different Soul Beast meats, spirit herbs, and spirit fruits were provided in rotation, never repeating from day to day. They tasted quite good and could nourish a Soul Master's body, blood, qi, and Soul Power.

Ouyang Xi had originally wanted to deliver Lin Yi's meals every day, but Lin Yi was afraid of tiring his mother out. Moreover, he had learned about her appointment as vice dean, making him even less willing to let her work so hard.

Lin Yi had not even intended to accept the lunchbox at first, but Ouyang Xi insisted repeatedly, so he finally agreed.

His days in the Library Pavilion were exceptionally fulfilling. The countless strange Martial Souls, Soul Beasts, Soul Skills, and various theories greatly expanded Lin Yi's store of knowledge. Lin Yi also developed a rough plan for his future Soul Rings.

While enriching his theoretical knowledge, Lin Yi had not neglected his Soul Power cultivation too much. Of course, the main reason was that Soul Ascension Pill.

After casually getting two Storage Soul Tools from his father and obtaining the Soul Ascension Pill, Lin Yi finally saw the medicinal pills of this world.

He was somewhat disappointed. Though it was called a medicinal pill, it was actually merely concentrated life energy. Still, it suited Lin Yi very well. After taking it, Lin Yi's Soul Power reached Level 27. By his estimate, Level 28 was not far away either.

Sure enough, half a month later, Lin Yi successfully broke through to Level 28. At that time, he was only six and a half years old.

Thus, he spent his days in the Library Pavilion and his nights cultivating Soul Power in Sea God Pavilion. Only at dusk would he go play with Lin Yao's family for a while.

Lin Yi's life was regular, yet never lacking in laughter.

Time flew by. Half a year later, Lin Yi had read more than half the books in the Library Pavilion, and his Soul Power Level had reached Level 30. That was only because he had been somewhat lax in cultivating Soul Power over the past six months; otherwise, he could have reached it two months earlier.

Even so, Lin Yi's cultivation speed had broken the records of Shrek Academy and even the entire continent.

This was something not even the god-tier Martial Soul, the Six-winged Angel, had accomplished ten thousand years ago.

And at this moment, Lin Yi was still two months away from turning seven!

A Quasi-Soul Venerable not yet seven years old!