A Brief Separation Rekindles the Flames: The Major Announcement Liu Erlong Was About to Make

"Cough cough."

Lin Qingmo, breaking the awkward silence first.

"Teacher Er Long, I'm alright."

"I'm sorry I worried you and for leaving without permission."

He expressed his apology in a restrained tone.

"I successfully obtained my Fifth Spirit Ring during this Soul Hunting in the Star Dou Great Forest, and I am now a level 56 Spirit King."

When Lin Qingmo said those words, he was already prepared to make up his own words.

He had just broken through level 50 before he went out.

All told, I've only been away for less than two weeks.

A normal Soul Master can only increase their Soul Power by one or two levels at most when acquiring their Fifth Spirit Ring.

In one fell swoop, he jumped directly from level 50 to level 56, a full six levels.

If this gets out, it will definitely shock the entire Soul Master World.

Even the most outstanding geniuses on the continent could not possibly advance six levels of Soul Power within two weeks.

He had even prepared a complete explanation to deal with any possible follow-up questions.

To his surprise, Liu Erlong didn't show the slightest bit of surprise.

She didn't inquire about the Spirit Ring Age, nor did she ask why her Soul Power had increased so rapidly.

He didn't even utter a single question about the process of Soul Hunting.

She simply smiled, her eyes crinkling.

All the worry in my eyes vanished, replaced only by relief.

Liu Erlong gently patted his shoulder, trying her best to appear as a kind elder.

"Good, well done! You truly deserve to be the student I, Liu Erlong, have chosen. Congratulations, A-Qing."

"Um?"

Lin Qingmo felt a sense of surprise.

Does she really not doubt her own exaggerated improvement?

However, he quickly felt relieved.

Teacher Er Long might not be uninterested.

She simply trusted herself and didn't want to pry into things she wasn't going to talk about.

This unconditional trust warmed my heart.

In a world where everything is about the foundation of Soul Power and the origin of Spirit Ring, this lack of concern is exceptionally rare.

"By the way, Teacher Er Long."

Lin Qingmo changed the subject, asking, "During my absence, has anything unusual happened at the Academy?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Erlong's expression froze, and the smile on his face faded slightly.

She nodded, her tone becoming much more serious.

"There is something I really need to tell you, but not only you, but also the other kids in the Imperial Fighting Team."

"Oh?"

Lin Qingmo was somewhat surprised.

Something that makes Liu Erlong take it so seriously must be no small matter.

After all, Liu Erlong was known for her fiery and unrestrained nature, and very few things could make her take things so seriously.

"What is it that requires such seriousness from Teacher Er Long?"

Liu Erlong didn't say it directly, but kept it a secret.

"Come with me. I'll inform the others as well. This matter is of paramount importance to our Imperial Fighting Team and the entire Heaven Dou Academy."

That night.

The Imperial Fighting Team's exclusive Training Ground were lit up.

The Training Ground covers a vast area, with the ground paved with specially made impact-resistant black stones.

Traces of Soul Power impacts from past training are still visible on it.

Ning Rongrong leaned against the railing of the Training Ground, playing with her Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda in her hand.

The tower is translucent and shimmers with a faint, precious light. Its seven layers are stacked one on top of the other, making it exquisitely crafted.

She idly swung her legs, fiddling with the decorative patterns on the spire with her fingertips.

"What's wrong with Teacher Er Long today? He sent someone to notify all of us to come to the Training Ground so late at night."

Ning Rongrong was a little impatient, her cheeks puffing out slightly.

"I'm exhausted from training all day. I thought I could sleep in, but I was woken up as soon as I lay down."

Not far away, Zhu Zhuqing sat cross-legged in a corner of the Training Ground, quietly meditating and regulating her breathing.

Dugu Yan fiddled with a bottle of emerald green poison in her hand, occasionally exchanging a few words with Ye Lingling beside her.

Xiao Wu was also rubbing her sleepy eyes.

Yu Feng leaned against a pillar in the Training Ground, a blade of grass dangling from his mouth.

His gaze kept drifting towards the Training Ground gate, and he said impatiently, "Who knows?"

"Perhaps there's some new training assignment."

"After all, our new Imperial Fighting Team hasn't officially fought against other teams in Soul Fighting yet."

Zhu Zhuqing opened her eyes. "It's also possible that it's related to the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament."

"The competition will begin in about a year. Teacher Er Long contacting us at this time is probably related to this matter."

"That's right! How come I didn't think of that!"

Ning Rongrong's eyes lit up, and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda in her hand swayed.

"Are they going to give us extra training? I don't want to be watched and trained by Teacher Er Long every day, it's terrifying!"

She couldn't help but shudder as she recalled the days when Liu Erlong had kept a close watch on her and subjected her to special training.

"Extra training is fine, do you think I'm afraid of it?"

Yu Feng pursed his lips and spat out the foxtail grass from his mouth.

"As long as I can get onto the field and compete against real masters, I'll train however I want."

"Whatever it is, we'll know when Teacher Er Long arrives."

Ye Lingling spoke softly, her tone gentle and soothing.

"We can't guess anything here."

The group was talking.

"Click!"

The Training Ground gates were slowly pushed open.

The morning mist seeped into the Training Ground through the cracks in the door, carrying the fresh scent of grass and trees, and a hint of cool dampness.

Liu Erlong was the first to walk in.

She changed into a sleek red cheongsam dress, her long burgundy hair tied up high, exuding a sharp and commanding aura.

Following closely behind was a tall and upright figure, Lin Qingmo.

The morning light pierced through the morning mist and fell on his shoulders, making his dark outfit appear even more upright.

The eyes of everyone in the Training Ground turned to Lin Qingmo, and they were all stunned.

The noise in the Training Ground suddenly stopped.

Ning Rongrong's mouth opened slightly, and she exclaimed in surprise.

"A-Qing? You're back?!"

The most intense reaction came from Xiao Wu, who was standing on the innermost side.

These days, she waits for him to return every day at the Academy gate.

Every day I went in with anticipation, only to leave disappointed.

The moment she saw Lin Qingmo, her eyes immediately welled up with tears.

Without the slightest hesitation, she rushed over and threw herself into Lin Qingmo's arms.

She wrapped her arms tightly around his waist and buried her face deep in his chest.

"A-Qing! You're finally back!"

Xiao Wu's voice was choked with sobs, filled with deep longing.

Do you know how worried I was about you? You didn't even tell me before you left.

Her shoulders trembled slightly; all the longing and worry that had been building up for so long erupted at this moment.

Lin Qingmo was gentle as he patted Xiao Wu's back softly, soothing her emotions.

With an apologetic tone, she said, "I'm back. I'm sorry I made you worry."

The soft touch of her hair came through my palm, along with her slightly trembling back.

He slowed his movements, gently patting her back to soothe her turbulent emotions.

Leaving without saying goodbye is indeed one's own fault.

However, he didn't expect Xiao Wu's reaction to be so intense.

It seems Xiao Wu also misses him.

Right now, it's just a release of some pent-up emotions.