Tang Wulin led Gu Yue along a familiar route, away from the academy's bustle and into a secluded corner. With a slight stir of his spiritual power, ripples spread through the air, and the illusory gate radiating rich life energy quietly appeared.
This was not Gu Yue's first time entering the Life Gate. Her expression was calm, a trace of composure in her violet eyes as she stepped inside as naturally as if she were coming home.
Beyond the gate lay the same vast green ocean, the air filled with sweet, refreshing Life Energy. The phantom of the towering tree at its center flickered in and out of view, only a few hundred meters from the "limit" Tang Wulin had set, seemingly within reach.
"Let's begin." Tang Wulin sat cross-legged. His Golden Dragon King bloodline resonated with the Life Tree, and the surrounding Life Energy surged toward him like a tide.
Gu Yue sat opposite him. Her Silver Dragon King's bloodline affinity for the elements allowed her to absorb the energy more efficiently. Nourished by the Life Energy, her soul power climbed steadily, gradually closing the gap between her and Tang Wulin.
Time slipped quietly by as they cultivated.
When they opened their eyes again, Tang Wulin's soul power had settled firmly at rank seventy-eight, while Gu Yue had reached rank sixty-nine, only one step from the threshold of a rank-seventy Soul Saint.
"We made quite a bit of progress this time." Feeling the power surging within him, Tang Wulin nodded in satisfaction.
Gu Yue stood as well and flexed her wrists. "Yes, cultivating in the Life Gate really is effective."
They left the Life Gate, and Tang Wulin immediately contacted the others through his Communication Soul Tool.
Before long, Tang Wulin's companions had gathered in the training room.
"Boss,