Applying to Go Out for Training

In the Martial Arts Arena of Qinghui Hall, the whistling of a spear cut through the air, accompanied by the ceaseless clashing of metal against stone.

Morning light fell upon the youth standing in the center of the arena.

Half a year had passed.

Ling Xiao's frame had grown increasingly tall and straight.

The long spear in his hands danced like a dragon emerging from the sea, a cold glint flowing along its tip.

Thrust, sweep, parry, hack—every single move was executed with masterful precision.

The Seven Forms of Breaking the Formation had also been thoroughly mastered by him.

When the spear struck, wind and thunder followed in its wake; offense and defense were unified, marking the realm of a true spear-wielding expert.

"Sheathe!"

With a low shout, Ling Xiao retracted his spear and stood firm.

His posture was as steady as Mount Tai, his breathing calm and unhurried.

"Boss, your spear technique has improved once again."

At the edge of the arena, Ling Xi hurried forward.

Her eyes were gentle, and her tone was filled with admiration.

In the past half-year, she had grown significantly as well.

Her Soul Power had steadily climbed to level 18, and she was not far from level 19.

Ling Xiao's gaze swept toward the other side of the arena.

Linglong was gripping a sword, practicing basic sword stances over and over again.

Dressed in a martial arts uniform, her figure looked sharp and spirited, her expression cool and detached.

Her pale golden slit pupils occasionally leaked a trace of dragon might, her aura steady and restrained.

Half a year ago, after she consumed the Azure Dragon Fruit, her Innate Soul Power had settled at the peak of level 9, and she broke through to level 10 in less than half a month.

Ling Xiao had personally taken her, under the protection of Shi Jian, to the Soul Hunting Forest to hunt a 500-year-old Sub-dragon Beast for her soul ring.

The soul ring had a high compatibility with her Martial Soul, granting her the first soul skill, Dragon's Roar Break, which combined dragon might intimidation with both offense and defense.

Now, half a year later, Linglong's Soul Power had steadily risen to that of a level 13 Soul Master.

Her control over the Azure Dragon Martial Soul was becoming increasingly proficient.

To the outside world, Ling Xiao only claimed that Linglong was an orphan he had found in Maple Leaf City, and taking pity on her, he had kept her by his side as a maid.

Everyone in Martial Soul Hall simply assumed that the Pope's personal disciple was being compassionate and had taken in a maid with a tragic background, so they thought nothing more of it.

Even Bibi Dong only knew that Linglong was a talented subordinate Ling Xiao had taken in; the protagonist had not said anything further.

"Linglong's basic sword stances have become very solid."

Ling Xiao looked at the figure in the corner and spoke indifferently.

"It is because Linglong herself is willing to put in the hard work."

Ling Xi said with a smile.

"For the past half-year, she has been studying soul master knowledge with me, rising before dawn to train her body and practice her sword, never slacking for a single day."

Ling Xiao nodded slightly, a look of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.

He had indeed not misjudged her.

The potential of the Azure Dragon Fruit was being unearthed in her, bit by bit.

Over the past six months, his life had been disciplined and fulfilling.

Every morning, he practiced his spear to hone his physical techniques.

In the morning, he meditated to cultivate his Soul Power.

In the afternoon, he would go to the Pope Palace to seek guidance from Bibi Dong or visit the Library Pavilion to browse through ancient texts.

In the evening, he would guide Ling Xi and Linglong in their cultivation and foster their bond.

Occasionally, Hu Liena would storm in, full of energy, to drag him into a sparring match.

Facing Ling Xiao, Hu Liena felt increasingly out of her depth.

Ling Xiao was now a level 24 Soul Grand Master with a mastery of spear techniques and an unfathomably strong mental power.

In their one-on-one spars, she lost far more often than she won.

Every time she lost, she would return to seclusion in a huff, only to be left speechless by Ling Xiao's endless array of techniques the next time they fought.

This competitive cycle of chasing and being chased had become the norm for the two of them.

Bibi Dong saw all of this.

Her favoritism and trust toward Ling Xiao had reached a point where even Hu Liena paled in comparison.

As long as it was a request from Ling Xiao, she had almost never refused.

His foundation within Martial Soul Hall had already been firmly established.

The timeline of the original work was advancing step by step.

Tang San had already begun systematic cultivation at Nuoding Academy.

The opportunities that belonged to him were appearing one by one.

He could no longer remain trapped in Martial Soul City, watching idly as Tang San grew and gathered his opportunities piece by piece.

It was time to step out.

That afternoon, Ling Xiao changed into a formal spirit master uniform and headed to the Pope Palace.

The interior of the hall was quiet and solemn.

Bibi Dong was resting on her throne.

Her long hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her papal robes accentuated her peerless beauty, carrying a cold, distant majesty that kept others at bay.

As Ling Xiao walked in, Bibi Dong's expression softened into a gentle smile.

"Ling Xiao is here? Sit."

Bibi Dong gestured toward him, her tone mild.

"Why have you come at this hour today? Didn't you just finish sparring with your senior sister? I heard you made Hu Liena cry again, and she's gone back into seclusion."

Ling Xiao smiled helplessly at these words:

"This disciple did go easy on Senior Sister, but she is simply too competitive; it is inevitable that she throws a tantrum when she loses."

"I know her temperament all too well."

Bibi Dong shook her head with a smile.

Her gaze then settled on Ling Xiao.

"Looking at your aura, you've reached level twenty-four?"

"Replying to Master, I broke through not long ago."

Ling Xiao replied respectfully.

"I have come today because there is a matter I wish to request of you, Master."

"Oh? What is it?"

Bibi Dong raised an eyebrow, looking at him with interest.

"Speak freely. As long as it is within my power, I will grant it."

"This disciple wishes to apply for permission to head out for training."

Ling Xiao's voice fell.

The smile on Bibi Dong's face faded slightly.

She frowned, looking at her disciple, and said earnestly:

"Head out for training? Ling Xiao, you are not even eight years old yet. This is a critical period for your spirit power to increase rapidly; you should focus on calm cultivation."

"The outside world is a mix of good and bad, with various factions watching like tigers, it is too dangerous."

Ling Xiao was the disciple she valued most; his talent was once in a millennium. He would surely inherit her mantle in the future, perhaps even surpass her to stand at the pinnacle of the Douluo Continent.

She did not want Ling Xiao to encounter any danger before he had fully matured.

"Master, this disciple understands your concerns."

Ling Xiao stepped forward, his tone sincere and firm.

"It is precisely because my spirit power is rising too quickly that I need to head out for training."

He looked up at Bibi Dong.

"This disciple is not yet eight, yet my spirit power is already at level twenty-four."

"While such speed is a good thing, it also brings great hidden dangers. My spirit power is rising too fast, but my practical combat experience is far behind, leaving my foundation quite hollow."

"If I remain trapped in Martial Soul City, building a cart behind closed doors, even if my spirit power reaches the Spirit King or Spirit Emperor level, my actual combat effectiveness will be greatly discounted."

Once these words were spoken, Bibi Dong was momentarily speechless.

Ling Xiao was not yet eight, and he was already level twenty-four.

At this rate, he would certainly step into level twenty-five before turning eight.

He was a full two years ahead of Hu Liena, and even earlier than she or Tang Hao had been at that age.

Such heaven-defying cultivation speed was, in her memory, absolutely unique.

The path of a spirit master was not merely about piling up spirit power.

Practical combat experience, the mastery of spirit skills, and the control of the battlefield were all keys to determining a spirit master's combat power.

Ling Xiao had always stayed in Martial Soul City, where his only opponents were Hu Liena and a few instructors; his practical experience was far too lacking.

If this continued, it would inevitably affect his future growth.

She could not refute Ling Xiao's words, for what he said made perfect sense.

Watching Bibi Dong remain silent, Ling Xiao continued:

"Master, this disciple knows you are worried about my safety. But a towering tree cannot grow in a greenhouse."

"If this disciple wishes to truly help you in the future and stand at the pinnacle of the continent, I must step out, see the real Douluo Continent, and hone myself through actual combat to solidify my foundation."

"Furthermore, this disciple will not be venturing into danger alone."

Ling Xiao added.

"I request that you allow an elder to accompany me, so you will not have to worry about my safety."

Bibi Dong looked at the determination and composure in his eyes.

She did not know how to refuse him.

Her disciple not only possessed heaven-defying talent but also a clarity and maturity far beyond his peers.

After a long while, Bibi Dong finally sighed and nodded:

"Very well, this master grants your request."

Joy flickered in Ling Xiao's eyes, and he immediately bowed in salute:

"Thank you, Master!"

"Do not be happy too soon."

Bibi Dong looked at him, her tone stern.

"I will arrange for an elder to follow you the entire time."

"If you dare to slip away without permission to those dangerous places, this master will immediately drag you back and confine you for a year. Do you hear me?"

Her final words carried a hint of severity, yet they were also an expression of Bibi Dong's concern.

"This disciple understands! I would never dare to cause you worry, Master!"

Ling Xiao responded immediately, his tone incomparably solemn.

"Mm."

Bibi Dong nodded in satisfaction.