There are only two days left until the planned Small Nest eradication operation.
Lin Yi was processing documents in his office.
Just then, there was a knock on the door.
"Enter."
Lin Yi didn't look up and spoke directly.
Liu Yuan pushed open the door and entered, his face beaming with undisguised joy.
" Principal, good news!"
Liu Yuan's voice was filled with excitement, "Everyone in the training course has advanced to the Stardust level!"
Lin Yi put down the documents in his hand, looked up at Liu Yuan, and a hint of approval flashed in his eyes. "Two days ahead of schedule, not bad."
His tone remained calm, but those who knew him well could hear the satisfaction in it.
"In that case," Lin Yi thought for a moment, then continued, "Tomorrow I'll give a long lecture and talk to everyone about the rules! After reaching the Stardust level, it's time to get involved in these things."
rule?
Liu Yuan was overjoyed and immediately replied, "Yes! I'll go and inform everyone to prepare."
Lin Yi watched Liu Yuan's departing figure, a smile playing on his lips.
The trainees in the special training program did not disappoint him; their progress even exceeded his expectations.
On the training field, the trainees were even more excited after learning that Principal Lin would personally explain the rules the next day.
They all knew that every lesson Lin Yi taught contained valuable cultivation insights and practical experience.
"The rules! Finally, I can hear Principal Lin's personal guidance again!"
"I've been looking at that stone tablet at the school gate for a while now, and I'm starting to get a feel for it. I'd definitely learn more if I could just listen to the lectures directly from there."
"I'm still a little short of merit points to exchange for a special skill, and I'm really torn. After listening to the Principal's explanation, I'll see if I have the talent."
--
The next morning, the large lecture hall at the East Peak Military Academy was packed to capacity.
The trainees arrived at the venue early, and any instructors who were available also came to listen in.
Liu Qiying, and even Nie Chang, were among them.
Lin Yi slowly walked onto the podium, his gaze sweeping over the students below.
The entire classroom fell silent, and all eyes were on him.
Today, I'm going to explain the rules to you.
A slight commotion arose from the audience.
"First," Lin Yi continued, "What are the rules?"
"I need to tell everyone that rules are not specific techniques or fixed training methods. Rules are an understanding of the laws of the universe."
He paused for a moment, allowing the students to process the meaning of his words.
"When you learn to utilize the rules," Lin Yi's voice became serious, "Your source energy attack power will increase dramatically. This is not a simple accumulation of energy, but a qualitative change."
"And the forms in which rules are expressed are not limited to one style."
Lin Yi explained, "As long as you like it and can accept it, any form is fine. Of course, some established forms are more compatible with specific rules."
He raised his right hand, and a wisp of energy shone from his fingertips.
"For example, I am the rule of the metal element."
As Lin Yi spoke, the energy at his fingertips began to change.
Purple lightning danced at his fingertips, constantly changing shape.
Sometimes it condenses into spheres, sometimes it stretches into filaments, and sometimes it spreads into a net.
"I prefer to express my Rule Comprehension through the form of lightning," Lin Yi said calmly, "Because I believe that this form of expression easily incorporates the Sharpness, violence, and destruction inherent in the metal element."
The trainees below the stage held their breath, afraid of missing a single detail.
"Watch closely," Lin Yi's voice echoed in the auditorium, "The purple lightning is the basic form without any added meaning."
The purple lightning at his fingertips suddenly turned golden, radiating a chilling sharpness.
"Gold, imbued with Sharpness edge."
The lightning changed again, this time turning a fiery red, and the violent aura seemed to be felt in the air.
"Red, a color that embodies violence."
Lin Yi withdrew his anger and continued, "Of course, I can also use other forms of expression."
He raised his hand again, and this time the source energy condensed into a golden short spear, the tip of which gleamed with a cold light and exuded a chilling sharpness.
For example, a spear.
The short spear spun slowly in his hand, every inch of it exuding a dangerous aura.
"The way the rules are presented depends on your understanding of them and your personal preferences."
Lin Yi looked around at the students below the stage, "Some people like to use swords, some like to use fists, and some like to use elements. There is no right or wrong in these."
He made the golden spear dissipate and continued, "The important thing is that you find the form of expression that best suits you. This form should perfectly embody your understanding of the rules, and it should make you feel comfortable and at ease with them."
"Rules are not rigid dogma. They are alive, they have a life of their own. You must learn to engage with the rules, to understand their essence, rather than simply imitating their appearance. It's like water; it can turn into ice, it can turn into steam, but its essence is always water."
The trainees below the stage nodded, their faces showing thoughtful expressions.
Lin Yi withdrew all his source energy and looked around at the students below the stage.
"Remember."
His voice turned serious. "The way rules are expressed is not static. As your understanding of the rules deepens, your expression of them will continue to evolve."
"Now," Lin Yi's voice pulled the trainees back to reality, "I will demonstrate the application of the rules in actual combat."
He raised his hand and conjured a golden lightning longsword.
"Watch closely," Lin Yi said. "The same Gold Element Rule, the same lightning manifestation, but I will choose different combinations of meanings in different combat situations."
The longsword suddenly erupted with blazing red lightning.
"When facing a group of enemies, a violent connotation is more suitable."
The crimson lightning spread out, transforming into countless tiny electric snakes that hissed in the air.
"When facing a single, formidable opponent, Sharpness edge is more effective."
The electric snakes reformed, the longsword turned pure gold, and even the space at the blade's edge showed subtle distortions.
"When facing situations requiring precise control, the basic pattern is actually more suitable."
The gold faded, and the longsword transformed into pure purple lightning, stable and restrained.
Lin Yi concluded, "The key to applying rules lies in assessing the situation. You must learn to choose the most appropriate form of rule expression and combination of meaning based on the actual circumstances."
"Finally," Lin Yi's voice was very solemn, "I want to tell you an important principle."
"The way the rules are expressed actually reflects your inner state."
"A person with a violent temper is not suited to expressing rules in a gentle way, and a cautious person is also unlikely to express rules in a wild way."
"Therefore, while you are learning the rules, you must also cultivate your inner selves. Only when your inner self and your outward expression are in harmony can you truly master the power of the rules."
"This principle also applies to discovering which aspects of the rules you should focus on understanding."
The classroom was silent as the students digested the deeper meaning of those words.
That concludes today's lesson.
Lin Yi said, "Go back and think carefully about what I said today. Remember, rules are not tools; they are part of your being, an extension of your will."
It burned out... thankfully I kept my promise. Tomorrow's update will also be tonight.