The carriage traveled along the main road for a day and a night.
Yu Tiancheng spent most of the time meditating to recover, occasionally exchanging a few words with Liu Erlong.
With his Soul Saint aunt protecting him, he could finally relax completely. His meditation technique flowed especially smoothly, and not only had his Soul Power fully recovered, it had even improved slightly.
The next morning, as the first rays of sunlight streamed through the carriage window, the familiar voice sounded in his mind again.
[Calculating rewards...] [Basic Reward: Soul Power increased by one level] [Special Reward: Time Dragon Spear] [Legend has it that it was formed from one of the Time Dragon Emperor's ribs] [A life-bound weapon that can evolve as its host grows, containing Time-Space Power] [Current Skill: Space Penetration (Beginner)]
The text slowly faded away, and a rush of delight welled up in Yu Tiancheng's heart.
Time Dragon Spear!
He sank his consciousness into his storage space and saw a long spear, its entire length shimmering with silvery-gray light, floating quietly within.
The spear was about two meters long, its tip spiraling into a point. Fine ripples of time and space seemed to ripple faintly around it. The weapon radiated an ancient, mysterious aura, as if it could pierce the barriers of time and space.
Yu Tiancheng could feel the spear resonating with his Time Dragon Emperor Martial Soul.
It was more than a weapon; it was an extension of his Martial Soul.
"Space Penetration..." he murmured, his eyes shining with excitement.
Although the ability was only at the beginner level for now, its potential was limitless.
Space Penetration meant that his attacks could ignore most physical defenses and strike directly inside a target. Combined with his two Soul Skills, it would surely prove crucial in battle.
He suppressed the urge to take out the spear and try it at once. After all, he was still in the carriage, with Liu Erlong sitting opposite him.
Liu Erlong seemed to notice something and looked up at him. "Tiancheng, what is it? You look excited."
She had also just received a notification from the Diary Copy. Since she hadn't been mentioned, she hadn't received anything, but she could guess that her nephew had gotten a good reward.
Yu Tiancheng composed himself and smiled. "It's nothing. I was just thinking that we'll reach the academy soon, and I'm looking forward to it."
Liu Erlong nodded without asking more. She knew the system must have given him a reward, but since her nephew hadn't mentioned it, she wouldn't bring it up.
The carriage continued onward, and the outline of Heaven Dou City grew clearer.
As the capital of the Heaven Dou Empire, Heaven Dou City was far more prosperous than Yu Tiancheng had imagined. The broad streets were wide enough for eight carriages to travel abreast, and shops lined both sides as crowds of pedestrians streamed past.
Shouts of vendors, the clatter of carriages, and the sound of conversation blended into a lively urban symphony.
The carriage passed through the bustling main thoroughfare and turned into the quieter southern part of the city.
The buildings here were much more spread out, and the streets were wider. Most of the properties were enclosed by tall walls, clearly the residences of nobles or Spirit Master families.
After traveling for about fifteen minutes, the carriage stopped in front of a magnificent gate.
"We're here." Liu Erlong stepped down first and turned to offer Yu Tiancheng her hand.
Yu Tiancheng hopped out of the carriage and looked up.
Before him stood the imposing entrance to an academy. It looked much like the city gate of Heaven Dou City, though considerably less imposing.
Complex soul tool patterns were carved into the stone pillars, which stood ten meters tall. Faint waves of Soul Power flowed through them.
At the center of the lintel, eight bold characters carved in white marble gleamed brightly—
Blue Tyrant Advanced Soul Master Academy.
Four guards in dark blue uniforms stood on either side of the gate. They all had steady auras and sharp eyes, and every one of them was a Soul Elder.
As soon as they saw Liu Erlong, the four bowed in greeting. "Dean!"
Liu Erlong gave a slight nod and led Yu Tiancheng straight through the gate.
Beyond it, the view opened up dramatically.
A broad plaza came into view first, its smooth, level surface paved with bluestone slabs.
Beyond the plaza stood an orderly collection of buildings, including classrooms, training grounds, and dormitories. All were done mainly in dark blue, with clean, imposing lines that gave them an air of solemnity and resilience.
"What do you think?" Liu Erlong asked as she led Yu Tiancheng across the plaza, a trace of pride in her voice. "Blue Tyrant Academy may not be as large as Heaven Dou Royal Academy, but when it comes to training Spirit Masters, we're second to none."
Yu Tiancheng nodded sincerely. He could feel the vigorous, rising spirit that filled the academy—the energy and determination unique to young Spirit Masters.
"I'll take you to where you'll be staying first." Liu Erlong turned onto a tree-lined path on their left. "The academy has a dedicated residential area for teachers and their families. I've arranged a private little courtyard for you. It's close to my place and quiet, so it'll be good for cultivation."
They followed the tree-lined path for about ten minutes and arrived at a quiet cluster of courtyards.
The buildings here were noticeably more refined. Each courtyard was private, and the walls were covered in green vines. The surroundings were elegant and peaceful.
Liu Erlong stopped in front of a small courtyard with a plaque reading "Courtyard Seven" and opened the gate.
The courtyard was small, but thoughtfully laid out.
A two-story building stood at the front, with gray roof tiles and white walls, its windows bright and spotless. A small flower bed in the courtyard held some unknown flowers and plants, which gave off a faint fragrance.
In one corner stood a stone table and stools beside an old locust tree with lush, leafy branches.
"This used to be the home of a retired teacher. He went back to his hometown last year, and the courtyard's been empty ever since."
Liu Erlong led Yu Tiancheng into the building. "I've already had it cleaned, and everything you'll need has been prepared. If you think anything's missing, just let me know."
The interior was simply but comfortably furnished. The first floor had a living room, study, and kitchen; the second floor had a bedroom and a cultivation room. All the furniture was new, and several potted plants on the windowsill gave the place a lively feel.
Yu Tiancheng looked around, a warm feeling rising in his heart. His aunt had taken such thoughtful care of him, down to the smallest details.
"This place is wonderful. Thank you, Auntie," he said sincerely.
Liu Erlong smiled. "I'm glad you like it. Take some time to rest, wash up, and change your clothes. After lunch, I'll show you around the academy and help you get familiar with everything."
She paused, her expression turning serious. "Also, about your identity and background... Not many people at the academy know you're from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. I've only told the vice dean and a few core teachers. As far as everyone else is concerned, you're my distant nephew, admitted specially because of your talent. That should spare you unnecessary attention and trouble."
Yu Tiancheng understood his aunt's reasoning. The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's name carried too much weight. If his identity became public, it would inevitably attract countless stares and probing questions, making it harder for him to keep a low profile and cultivate.
"I understand. I'll do as you say, Auntie."
"Good. Get some rest, then." Liu Erlong patted his shoulder. "I live right next door in Courtyard Six. Come to me anytime if you need anything."
Before you continue