Time Dragon Spear

The carriage traveled along the official road for a full day and night.

Yu Tiancheng spent most of his time regulating his breathing and recovering, occasionally exchanging a few words with Liu Erlong.

With the protection of this Soul Saint aunt, he could finally relax his mind completely. His meditation technique flowed exceptionally smoothly, and not only did his soul power fully recover, but it even showed faint signs of improvement.

On the second morning, as the first rays of sunlight filtered through the carriage window, the familiar voice sounded in his mind again.

[Reward settlement in progress...]

[Basic reward: Soul power increased by one rank]

[Special reward: Time Dragon Spear]

[Legend says this was forged from one of the Time Dragon Emperor's ribs]

[A lifebound weapon that can evolve with the host's growth, imbued with Time-Space Power]

[Current skill: Space Penetration (Beginner)]

As the text slowly faded, a surge of delight welled up in Yu Tiancheng's heart.

Time Dragon Spear!

His consciousness sank into his storage space, where a long spear radiating a silver-gray glow hovered silently.

The spear was about two meters long, its tip spiraled, with faint ripples of time and space undulating around it. The entire weapon exuded an ancient and mysterious aura, as if it could pierce the very barriers of time and space.

Yu Tiancheng could sense a resonance between this spear and his Time Dragon Emperor Martial Soul.

It was not merely a weapon—it was an extension of his martial soul.

"Space Penetration..." he murmured, excitement flickering in his eyes.

Though this ability was still at the beginner level, its potential was boundless.

Space Penetration meant his attacks could ignore most physical defenses, directly targeting the interior of his opponent. Paired with his two soul skills, it would surely play a decisive role in battle.

He suppressed the urge to immediately take out the spear and practice, since they were still in the carriage, with Liu Erlong sitting across from him.

Liu Erlong seemed to sense something and looked up at him. "Tiancheng, what's wrong? You look pretty excited."

She had also heard the Diary Copy's notification sound just now, but since she wasn't mentioned, she gained nothing. Still, she could guess that her nephew had received a good reward.

Yu Tiancheng steadied himself and smiled. "Nothing much. I was just thinking we're almost at the academy. I'm a little eager."

Liu Erlong nodded without pressing further. She knew it must be a reward from the system, but since her nephew didn't bring it up, she wouldn't call him out on it.

The carriage pressed on, and the outline of Heaven Dou City grew clearer and clearer.

As the capital of the Heaven Dou Empire, Heaven Dou City was far more prosperous than Yu Tiancheng had imagined. Wide streets could accommodate eight carriages side by side, with shops lining both sides and pedestrians flowing like a river.

The sounds of hawking, carriage wheels, and conversation wove together into a lively symphony of the marketplace.

The carriage passed through the bustling main thoroughfare and turned into the quieter southern district.

Here, the buildings were noticeably sparser, the streets wider, and most were flanked by high walls and deep courtyards—clearly the residences of nobles or soul master families.

After another quarter-hour of travel, the carriage stopped before a grand gate.

"We're here." Liu Erlong was the first to step down, then turned and reached out a hand to Yu Tiancheng.

Yu Tiancheng jumped off the carriage and looked up.

Before him stood an imposing academy gate, similar in scale to the city gates of Heaven Dou City, though much thinner.

The ten-meter-tall stone pillars were carved with intricate soul guide patterns, faint soul power fluctuations rippling across them.

At the center of the white jade lintel, eight bold, vigorous characters gleamed brightly—

Blue Tyrant Advanced Soul Master Academy.

Flanking the gate stood four guards in deep blue uniforms, each with a steady aura and sharp eyes. All of them were Soul Elders.

Seeing Liu Erlong, the four immediately bowed. "Dean!"

Liu Erlong nodded slightly, took Yu Tiancheng's hand, and strode straight through the gate.

Passing through the gate, the scene opened up before them.

First came a wide plaza paved with smooth blue stone slabs.

Beyond the plaza stood a well-arranged cluster of buildings—classrooms, training grounds, dormitories, and more. All were dominated by deep blue tones, with a clean, grand style that exuded solemnity and resilience.

"What do you think?" Liu Erlong led Yu Tiancheng across the plaza, a hint of pride in her voice. "Blue Tyrant Academy may not match Heaven Dou Royal Academy in scale, but when it comes to training soul masters, we never fall short of anyone."

Yu Tiancheng nodded sincerely. He could feel a vibrant, upward energy permeating the academy—the unique vigor and fighting spirit of young soul masters.

"First, I'll take you to where you'll stay," Liu Erlong said, turning onto a tree-lined path to the left. "The academy has a dedicated faculty residential area. I've arranged a small independent courtyard for you. It's close to my place, quiet, and perfect for cultivation."

They walked along the shaded path for about ten minutes, arriving at a serene cluster of courtyards.

The buildings here were noticeably more refined. Each small courtyard stood alone, its walls covered in lush green vines, creating an elegant atmosphere.

Liu Erlong stopped before a courtyard with a plaque reading "Courtyard Seven" and pushed open the gate.

The courtyard was small but cleverly laid out.

Facing them was a two-story building with green tiles and white walls, its windows clean and bright. In the yard was a small flower bed planted with unknown blossoms, releasing a faint, pleasant fragrance.

In the corner stood a stone table and stools, beside a flourishing old locust tree.

"This used to be the home of a retired teacher. He went back to his hometown last year, and the courtyard has been empty ever since."

Liu Erlong led Yu Tiancheng into the small building. "I've already had it cleaned, and daily necessities are all prepared. Take a look and see if anything's missing—just tell me."

Inside, the furnishings were simple yet comfortable. The first floor held a living room, study, and kitchen; the second floor had bedrooms and a cultivation room. All the furniture was new, and several potted plants sat on the windowsill, brimming with life.

Yu Tiancheng looked around, a warmth rising in his heart. His aunt had considered everything so thoroughly, even down to these details.

"This is perfect. Thank you, Aunt," he said sincerely.

Liu Erlong smiled. "I'm glad you like it. Rest for a bit first, wash up and change clothes. After lunch, I'll take you around the academy to get familiar with the place."

She paused, her expression turning serious. "Also, regarding your identity and background... not many in the academy know you're from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family. I've only told the vice dean and a few core teachers. To outsiders, you're my distant nephew, specially admitted because of your talent. That way, we can avoid unnecessary attention and trouble."

Yu Tiancheng understood his aunt's intent. The name of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family carried too much weight. If his identity were made public, it would inevitably draw countless eyes and probes, hindering his concealment and cultivation.

"I understand. Whatever you arrange is fine, Aunt."

"Good. Get some rest then." Liu Erlong patted his shoulder. "I live next door in Courtyard Six. Come find me anytime."