Unlocking a New Map to Farm Reputation!

Mu En's ruling brought this sparring match to a close as a "draw."

Lin Ciyan was noncommittal about it; a draw was a draw. Leaving some face for his childhood friend was just basic operation, no need to make a fuss.

However, Mu En's next words made him perk up slightly.

"Ciyan, Bei Bei, both of you are over ten years old, yet you have already reached the realm of Soul Elder. Your talent and foundation are already sufficient." Mu En looked at the two youths before him, his tone calm but carrying an unquestionable decision.

"There is no need to wait for the standard enrollment age of twelve."

"This June, when the Outer Court begins its term, you shall enter directly to begin your studies."

It was currently March, which meant there were three months left.

They were about to bid farewell to their relatively free life on Sea God Island and become "official" students of the Shrek Academy Outer Court.

Lin Ciyan's mind immediately began to calculate the affairs of the Outer Court.

Cultural courses? Douluo history, martial soul theory, soul beast encyclopedia...

He had already flipped through these so many times while lying on his Golden Tree Hammock that they served as his "bedtime reading."

Physical education?

Endurance running, basic combat... for his current physical fitness, it was about the same as a warm-up.

Elective courses?

Introduction to Soul Tool, herb identification, mineralogy, continental geography...

It sounded somewhat interesting, but it was likely just the basics of the basics.

Going to the Outer Court was purely a dimensional strike in terms of knowledge and a complete waste of time!

With this kind of free time, wouldn't it be better to lie down a bit more and secretly level up using the [Slacking Accelerator]?

Moreover, speaking of the origin of the Shrek Academy Outer Court.

Four thousand years ago, the Douluo and Sun Moon Continent collided, and war broke out.

In the face of danger, Shrek Academy raised a call, and followers gathered in droves; a large number of Title Douluo responded to the summons and joined forces to repel the powerful enemy.

This battle made the three great empires realize with horror that the influence of Shrek Academy had become terrifyingly immense!

Those top-tier existences who were difficult to invite even within their own countries had gathered together simply because of a single summons from Shrek!

A sense of wariness sprouted.

Thus, as a product of compromise and balance, the Shrek Academy Outer Court was born.

It opened its doors to the entire continent, absorbing geniuses from various countries; in a sense, it also provided the three great empires with a channel to "insert sand" and for their descendants to "gild" themselves.

Therefore, the Inner Court was the soul and core of Shrek, while the Outer Court was more like a super genius preparatory camp and a buffer zone for various forces.

Lin Ciyan subconsciously wanted to go find Mu En to "discuss" whether he could get special approval to skip the Outer Court and go straight to the Inner Court once he reached the age.

After all, if one could take a shortcut, why bother squeezing in with the people in the novice village?

But the moment this thought arose, it was suppressed by another, louder voice in his mind.

No! Must go!

Before his eyes, he could already see the thousands of students crowding the Shrek Academy Outer Court!

Those were walking sources of "slacking influence" and potential treasure troves of "Slacking Value"!

"The [Slacking Accelerator] is powerful, but who would complain about having too much influence?" Lin Ciyan's inner abacus clicked away.

"Besides, my Slacking Value is only over seven thousand; the next level of the shop is still a long way off."

"If I want to accumulate it quickly, how can I not go where there are many people?"

The Outer Court had many people and relatively loose rules; it was the ideal stage for me to practice my 'philosophy of relaxation' and perform 'invisible showing off'!

Sea God Island, after all, had too many big shots; one couldn't really let loose.

Thinking of this, the reluctance on Lin Ciyan's face vanished in an instant, replaced by a glow of cunning and anticipation.

"Yes, Teacher, we understand." He replied respectfully, his heart already beginning to sketch a beautiful blueprint for "slacking and cultivating without interference" in the Outer Court.

Shrek Academy Outer Court?

That wasn't a shackle; it was a vast "new map" about to open up for me!

Three months passed in the blink of an eye.

During these three months, Lin Ciyan did not deliberately go into the city to "farm" influence.

After all, moderate effort leads to pleasing cultivation speeds.

Excessive effort makes one feel uncomfortable all over.

Under the steady bonus of the [Slacking Accelerator], he felt that his current progress already met his expectations for "relaxed cultivation," focusing on sustainable development and a steady flow.

He spent most of his time still on the Golden Tree Hammock, engaged in his "deep meditation" (which looked no different from sleeping to others).

The results were significant.

Three months passed, and through the natural progression of his cultivation, his soul power broke through once again, reaching level thirty-four!

Bei Bei, relying on his own diligent efforts in private, coupled with the blessing of the [Winning-by-Lying-Down Aura] while by Lin Ciyan's side, had also improved in sync, likewise reaching level thirty-four.

"It seems that with all these bonuses, the cultivation speed of my ultimate attribute has finally started to approach the level of a normal Soul Elder," Lin Ciyan remarked, satisfied with this progress.

"Grinding is impossible, but being able to keep up with the pace while lying down is quite comfortable."

With the start of the school term approaching and registration procedures to be handled, Lin Ciyan lay in his soft hammock, his thoughts drifting away.

"The outer courtyard arc is about to begin... which 'original NPCs' will I encounter?"

"Tang Ya? Jiang Nannan? Or that Xu Sanshi with the Black Tortoise martial soul? I hope there won't be too much trouble; staying low-key and slacking off is the way to go."

Just as his mind wandered, a familiar ripple emanated from his Sea of Consciousness.

Light swirled around him as Xiyao's figure shifted from ethereal to solid, landing lightly by his side.

The moment the girl of light appeared, she was like a weary bird returning to the forest, naturally leaning over to rest her upper body gently against his chest.

She rubbed her exquisite, flawless cheek against the crook of his neck in a display of reliance, taking a deep breath of the pure, holy radiance that made her feel safe and infatuated, letting out a satisfied, faint sigh.

"Ciyan..." Her voice carried a soft drowsiness and absolute trust.

Regarding these increasingly intimate gestures from Xiyao, Lin Ciyan had long since moved from initial surprise to habitual indulgence.

Living together day and night over these past few months, their soul connection had grown tighter, and Xiyao's dependence on him—especially the light-attribute aura on his body—increased with each passing day.

Sometimes, he even needed to actively condense highly concentrated light-attribute energy to feed her.

At this moment, feeling the cool and soft touch of the girl in his arms and watching the satisfaction and peace flowing within her pure golden eyes, Lin Ciyan's heart couldn't help but soften.

He raised his hand, gently stroking Xiyao's silver hair, which looked as if it were condensed from moonlight; the texture was cool and smooth, like flowing light.

Xiyao squinted her eyes in enjoyment, like a cat being petted.

She lifted her head slightly, leaning close to Lin Ciyan's cheek, and her cool, glowing lips brushed against his face like a feather, leaving behind a faint, cool, and moist sensation.

"Like... this." She murmured, her light-forged arms wrapping around his neck, pressing herself closer to him as if she wanted to merge into his aura.

Lin Ciyan's body stiffened for a moment before completely relaxing, feeling the intimacy and reliance.

He lowered his head, looking at this soul that was as pure as light yet completely open to him, and a strange, warm ripple stirred in his heart.

He extended his arm to gently embrace her slender waist, while his other hand patted her back soothingly, rhythmically.

"Mm, I know," he replied in a low voice, his tone carrying a gentleness and doting quality he hadn't even noticed himself.

The leaves of the Golden Ancient Tree rustled in the evening breeze, casting mottled and soft shadows.

The two of them, embraced in each other's arms, were enveloped in an atmosphere that was quiet, warm, and slightly ambiguous.

Life in the outer courtyard might bring new challenges and unknowns.

But for now, this unique bond and tranquility served as the warmest anchor in his relaxed cultivation.