Not Going to the Junior Academy

After the Martial Soul Awakening ceremony ended, Liu Qing brought Liu Feng home.

The moment they entered, they saw that Grandpa Liu Bai had already prepared a lavish feast. The steaming dishes gave off an enticing aroma, as if celebrating Liu Feng's entry into a new stage of life.

"Xiao Feng, starting tomorrow, you will officially embark on the Cultivation Path. I'll teach you the cultivation methods of the Blue Silver Grass without holding anything back. You must study them carefully." Liu Qing patted Liu Feng on the shoulder, his eyes full of encouragement and expectation.

Liu Feng stood straight, nodded firmly, and declared resolutely, "Dad, don't worry. I'll give it everything I have. I definitely won't let you down."

Liu Qing smiled with satisfaction. In his heart, his child was gifted and diligent. In the future, Liu Feng would surely become the pride of Liu Family Village and carve out a world of his own on the Douluo Continent.

Night fell, and Liu Feng lay in bed, his heart full of peace and security.

Possessing Innate Soul Power meant that he had already stepped onto a new starting point. No matter what he achieved in the future, at least he would not live an ordinary, mediocre life.

As he thought about it, the corners of Liu Feng's mouth lifted slightly. Carrying dreams of the future, he gradually drifted into a sweet sleep.

Second Day Early Morning, dawn gently spilled over the jujube tree in the Liu Family courtyard, and scattered patches of light swayed softly across the bluestone slab.

Liu Feng walked out of his room. Because he had been too excited to sleep the night before, tossing and turning for most of the night, he had unusually slept in today and risen half an hour later than usual.

As soon as he reached the doorway, he saw Grandpa sitting in a bamboo chair he had made himself. His rough hands unconsciously rubbed the armrests, and he seemed deep in thought.

Liu Feng keenly sensed that today's atmosphere was Completely Different from usual. There seemed to be an unusual feeling lingering In the Air.

At that moment, his father, Liu Qing, came out of the house carrying a pot of freshly brewed tea. The rich Tea Fragrance mingled with the Sweet Fragrance of sophora flowers outside the courtyard, instantly spreading through the yard and lifting everyone's spirits.

Grandpa Liu Bai Stood Up and went over to sit on a Stone Stool. He idly played with a copper coin in his hand, but his gaze remained fixed on Liu Feng, full of affection and satisfaction.

"Not bad, truly not bad." Liu Bai stroked his grizzled beard, his face brimming with a smile. "Though it's only a Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul, awakening Innate Level 2 Soul Power is rare throughout the generations of our Liu Family. It's enough to show that the fortunes of our Liu Family are about to change in your generation."

Liu Qing stepped forward, set the teapot on the table, and patted his son's shoulder. "Xiao Feng, come sit down. We have something important to discuss with you."

The three sat around the Stone Table in front of the main hall. A pot of clear tea sat on the table, and the rising steam carried its fragrance, adding a touch of warmth to the serious conversation.

"Xiao Feng," Dad said, setting his teacup steadily on the Stone Table. His voice was gentle, yet carried an unquestionable gravity. "Today, we need to discuss something vital to your future."

At those words, Liu Feng Sat Up Straight at once and looked at his father with complete focus. He vaguely guessed that what he was about to hear was closely related to his future plans.

"Your grandpa and I have discussed this carefully," Dad said slowly as he Poured himself a cup of tea. Steam drifted before him, blurring his features. "We've decided not to send you to the Junior Martial Soul Academy."

Liu Feng froze the moment he heard that. The decision had completely caught him off guard.

As far as he knew, every child in the village who awakened Soul Power would go to the Martial Soul Academy in the city to study and receive a systematic education.

"Why?" Liu Feng could not help asking, his voice full of confusion and incomprehension.

Dad set down his teacup, his gaze turning deep and firm as he explained seriously, "The Junior Martial Soul Academy teaches nothing more than basic reading and writing, along with some superficial knowledge of Soul Beasts and cultivation. We can teach you the same things carefully at home, and we can tailor the lessons to your actual situation."

"Besides, you come from an ordinary family. Once you enter the academy, you will inevitably face trouble and exclusion from noble children. In such a complicated environment, it will be incredibly difficult to cultivate wholeheartedly without distractions."

"Most importantly, you possess Innate Level 2 Soul Power. Your talent Far Exceeded mine and your grandpa's when we were your age."

"These few years of youth are the golden period for cultivation. Every minute and second is incomparably precious and must not be wasted lightly."

"Only by firmly seizing this opportunity and cultivating with all your strength will you have a chance to break through Level Thirty. Otherwise..." Dad shook his head lightly, unable to hide the concern and helplessness in his eyes.

Grandpa Liu Bai spoke as well. His voice was somewhat hoarse, yet it carried an authoritative weight that inspired trust. "Xiao Feng, you may not know this, but your father and I both attended the Junior Martial Soul Academy in Longxing City."

"During those entire five years, we spent most of our time learning that basic, outdated knowledge."

"Many of the academy's teachers merely followed the textbooks and lacked genuine passion or depth in their teaching."

"Also, one of the Junior Academy's important duties is to help students obtain their first Soul Ring."

"But in reality, most teachers do not give it their all. When the time comes, it often comes down to luck—whatever Soul Beast you encounter is the Soul Ring you obtain."

"If I hadn't racked my brains and spent all our family's savings to form a Soul Hunting Squad separately back then, your father's choice of Soul Ring would likely have been quite arbitrary as well."

Liu Feng noticed that as Grandpa said this, Dad's eyes flickered slightly. He seemed to have recalled that unpleasant past, and a trace of undisguised desolation showed on his face.

"Studying at home allows us to flexibly adjust the content and methods of teaching according to your learning progress and talent," Dad continued.

"I can teach you more detailed knowledge about Soul Beasts, as well as the unique properties and uses of all kinds of Herbs. These are valuable experiences that are difficult to learn at the academy."

"Furthermore, the Martial Soul Meditation Method you will cultivate next is an Intermediate Meditation Method. Compared to the Junior Meditation Method, it is more complex and profound, placing extremely high demands on the cultivator's inner calm and external environment.

These conditions are clearly impossible for the Junior Academy to provide."

Grandpa set down the copper coin in his hand and slowly Stood Up from the Stone Stool.

The Early Morning sunlight fell over his slightly Stooped yet still upright back, outlining a scene of steadfast warmth. "When I was young, I served in the military and accumulated abundant combat experience. I can teach you practical Fist Techniques, precise Archery Skills, and fierce Spear Technique."

"These combat skills are far more useful than the flashy but impractical tricks taught at the academy."

Liu Feng felt his heart suddenly race, filled with an unprecedented excitement.

He looked at Dad and discovered an unfamiliar light shining in his eyes. It was an earnest hope for Liu Feng's future and unwavering confidence in him.

"Most importantly," Dad suddenly lowered his voice, his expression turning solemn, "your Martial Soul is Blue Silver Grass. In the eyes of the world, it is an inherently Trash Martial Soul. Even if you enter the academy, it will be difficult for you to receive attention or training."

"An ordinary academy's Educational Model will not only fail to uncover your potential, but may even restrict your development."

Liu Feng instinctively lowered his head to look at his palm. As he Circulated the Soul Power Inside the Body, a small blue blade of grass instantly appeared.

It looked utterly ordinary, without the slightest sign of mutation. It was no different from the Blue Silver Grass that could be seen everywhere by the roadside.

Liu Feng knew that if he wanted to become strong with such a Martial Soul, he had to be cautious with every step. There was no room for even the slightest mistake.

"Starting tomorrow," Grandpa's voice pulled Liu Feng's Thoughts back to reality, "you will get up On Time at Mao Hour every morning. First, run around the village to train your body. Afterward, come back for breakfast, then practice Fist Techniques with me."

"At Si Hour, follow your father in learning about Soul Beasts. After lunch, continue practicing Spear Technique."

"At Shen Hour, practice Bow and Arrow. At You Hour, study Herbal Knowledge and medicine-making techniques."

Dad added from the side, "At night, I'll personally guide you in meditation and Spirit Power Circulation.

On weekends, we can go together into the depths of the forest on the Back Mountain to identify various ordinary Soul Beasts and Rare Herbs in person, combining theory with practice."

Liu Feng felt his heart pounding like thunder. He clearly realized that his future would be different because of this choice.

The leaves in the courtyard drifted down in the breeze, as though dancing for this important decision and heralding a new beginning.

Just then, a crisp bark suddenly rang out from the courtyard.

Liu Feng turned his head curiously and saw a small Slender Dog obediently Squat Down behind the tree.

Its coat was sleek and glossy, shining with healthy luster in the sunlight. Its eyes were sharp and lively, as if it could see through everything. Its Tail swayed lightly, making it appear especially clever and alert.

Its ears stood high as it listened intently to the sounds around it. Its nose twitched slightly as it carefully sniffed the scents In the Air.

Though it was not large, every movement it made revealed an innate agility and strength.

"This is a puppy from Old Li's Hunting Dog," Grandpa explained with a smile. "I specifically asked for it. You may feel lonely studying at home, so it can keep you company."

"And when you go hunting or gathering Herbs in the forest later on, it can be a great help. It'll be a capable little assistant."

Liu Feng could not help smiling faintly. Raising a Hunting Dog really is a good idea. This little fellow looks full of spirit. It will surely become a good companion in the future.

He Squat Down, held out his hand, and called softly, "Come here, little fellow."

The Slender Dog tilted its head, seeming to carefully examine the unfamiliar yet friendly boy before it.

After a moment, it slowly Stood Up and trotted lightly toward Liu Feng. Its Tail wagged even more happily, as though expressing its friendliness and joy.

Liu Feng gently stroked its head. The Slender Dog's fur was soft and smooth, and it felt wonderful to the touch.

It seemed to enjoy the petting immensely. It narrowed its eyes comfortably and let out a low rumble from its throat, looking especially docile and adorable.

"Listen, your little belly is going Gulu Gulu. From today on, your name will be Gulu." Liu Feng smiled as he spoke, gently lifting Gulu with one hand while tenderly rubbing his Round and Rolling belly with the other.

Dad took a yellowed notebook from his robes and handed it In Front Of Liu Feng. "These are my experiences from gathering Herbs over the years. They record in detail the properties and growing environments of various Herbs, as well as the recipes for Nourishing Decoction that I developed."

"These are precious experiences I have accumulated over many years. I hope they can help you."

"And this is a book related to Soul Beasts." As he spoke, Dad took out another thick volume from beneath the table and carefully placed it In Front Of Liu Feng.

Liu Feng sat at the table, watching without blinking as Dad slowly turned the pages of the Soul Beast Knowledge Compendium.

The compendium densely recorded the physical characteristics, living habits, and special abilities of various Soul Beasts. Every page seemed to open a door into the mysterious world of Soul Beasts.

"Today, we'll start with the basics." Dad's Fingers lightly traced across the illustration as he explained earnestly, "This is a Ten-Year Soul Beast, the Blue-Eyed Rabbit. Its distinguishing feature is its blue eyes. It is swift and mainly inhabits..."

Liu Feng listened with rapt attention. He could truly feel the uncontainable enthusiasm and focus in Dad's voice as he explained.

This love of knowledge and earnest expectation for him was something Liu Feng had never seen in any of the other adults in the village.