Only when Lin Mo had nearly finished packing his luggage did he finally speak up, unable to hold back the question on his mind:
"Lin Mo, you... what are you doing? Packing?
There are still several days before the term ends and the holidays begin. Are you planning to leave the academy early and start your vacation?"
At Wang Sheng's question, Lin Mo's hands paused briefly. He turned to look at Wang Sheng, first nodding, then shaking his head.
This only left Wang Sheng more puzzled. He scratched his head and asked, "You're nodding and shaking your head. What exactly do you mean?"
"But it's not to start my vacation. It's... I've already applied to the dean for early graduation, and he's approved it."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over Dorm Seven, where he had lived for over a year. His voice remained calm. "Once I've finished packing, I'll be leaving Nuoding Academy right away."
"Early graduation?!" Lin Mo's answer made Wang Sheng spring up from his bed, disbelief written all over his face.
"You... you're graduating early? Why so suddenly?"
He had thought Lin Mo would keep studying at Nuoding Academy like Tang San and Xiao Wu, graduating normally at around twelve before moving on to an intermediate academy.
He had never imagined Lin Mo would leave so soon.
Less than a year after enrolling, Lin Mo was already graduating and leaving!
The news came so suddenly that Wang Sheng found it hard to accept for a moment.
He opened his mouth as though he wanted to say something, but did not know where to begin.
Continuing to pack his other odds and ends, Lin Mo slowly explained, "It's been almost a year since I left Soul Emperor Village to study.
I'd like to take advantage of this vacation to go back and let the village chief who adopted me know I'm doing well."
His voice was even. "I've become a true Soul Master now. It's time I went back and told him the good news in person, so he can be happy too."
Hearing this, the shock on Wang Sheng's face gradually faded, replaced by understanding.
He nodded vigorously and managed a smile. "So that's it... then you really should go back for a visit! Congratulations, Lin Mo! You're officially a Soul Master!"
He was genuinely happy for Lin Mo, but he also secretly steeled himself and said:
"Once I go with the academy's Soul Hunting team and successfully obtain my first Soul Ring, I'll become a Soul Master too!
Then I'll train hard and try... try to catch up to you, even just a little!"
Wang Sheng spoke with little confidence.
He knew very well how vast the gap in talent between him and Lin Mo was. Catching up was easy to say, but as hard as ascending to heaven to do.
But that did not stop him from making Lin Mo his goal and using it to spur himself onward.
A gentle smile appeared on Lin Mo's face at Wang Sheng's words.
He stopped packing, looked at Wang Sheng, and said sincerely, "Congratulations in advance to you too. I hope your Soul Hunting goes smoothly and you successfully obtain a Soul Ring that suits you."
After a moment's thought, he added, "By the way, I have a suggestion about choosing your first Soul Ring. Would you like to hear it?"
Wang Sheng's eyes immediately lit up, and he nodded eagerly. "Yes! Of course! Tell me, Lin Mo!"
Lin Mo's strength and knowledge were now acknowledged as the greatest in Dorm Seven.
Looking at Wang Sheng, Lin Mo asked seriously, "Have you decided on your future cultivation path? The Power Attack System or the Agility Attack System?"
Almost without hesitation, Wang Sheng proudly puffed out his chest and answered in a ringing voice, "I've decided! A Power Attack System Battle Soul Master!
My War Tiger Martial Soul was born to make me a Power Attack System Battle Soul Master!"
Lin Mo nodded, unsurprised by Wang Sheng's choice.
He considered it for a moment before saying slowly, "Since you've chosen the Power Attack System, when you go to obtain your Soul Ring, try to hunt feline Soul Beasts, like your Martial Soul, if possible.
Soul Rings produced by Soul Beasts of the same lineage often have attributes that match your Martial Soul better, and the Soul Skills they produce will suit you better too."
He continued explaining, "Of course, if you can't find a particularly suitable feline Soul Beast, settle for the next best thing and try to choose a Soul Ring from a strength-type Soul Beast.
Strength is the foundation of a Power Attack System Battle Soul Master.
A Soul Ring that directly boosts your strength or comes with a decent offensive effect would improve your abilities considerably at this stage."
Wang Sheng carefully pondered Lin Mo's words, his tiger-like eyes growing brighter. The more he thought about it, the more sense it made.
Feline Soul Beasts, strength-type Soul Beasts... both directions did indeed suit his War Tiger Martial Soul quite well.
"I understand!" Wang Sheng slapped his thigh hard, gratitude appearing on his face. "Thank you, Lin Mo! Once we reach the Soul Hunting Forest, I'll look for a suitable Soul Beast along those lines!"
Seeing Wang Sheng accept his advice, Lin Mo smiled too. This was all he could do to help Wang Sheng.
In the end, a Soul Master had to walk his own path, step by step.
Once he had finished packing all his luggage, Lin Mo slung his bundle onto his back.
He glanced at Dorm Seven, where he had lived for over a year, and could not help feeling a faint trace of reluctance to leave.
He took a deep breath, fumbled inside his clothes, and pulled out a Gold Soul Coin. With a casual toss, he sent it toward Wang Sheng.
Wang Sheng instinctively reached out and caught it. Looking at the heavy Gold Soul Coin in his palm, he appeared puzzled again. "Lin Mo, what's this...?"
Looking at him, Lin Mo explained calmly, "I won't wait for everyone in Dorm Seven to come back from class.
I'll be leaving the academy in a moment."
He paused, his voice lowering slightly. "Parting always makes people reluctant to leave. I don't really like those sentimental scenes of saying goodbye face-to-face.
So..."
He pointed at the Gold Soul Coin in Wang Sheng's hand and continued, "Sorry for the trouble, but please organize a farewell meal for me and treat everyone to something good.
Consider it... a small token of my thanks for everyone's care over the past year."
Of all the work-study students in Dorm Seven, aside from Xiao Wu, who was in the same year, Wang Sheng was the closest to Lin Mo and spoke with him the most in their daily lives.
That was why Lin Mo had entrusted Wang Sheng with this task for after his departure.
Wang Sheng lowered his head and looked at the Gold Soul Coin in his hand, remaining silent for a long while.
At last, he nodded heavily, his voice somewhat muffled but utterly firm. "All right! Don't worry! Leave it to me!
I'll make sure to get everyone together for a lively meal!"
"Mm, sorry for the trouble." Lin Mo nodded, a relieved smile appearing on his face.
Everything that needed explaining had been explained, and the people he needed to say goodbye to... he had said goodbye to in this indirect way.
Lin Mo hesitated no longer. He settled his luggage on his back and gave a soft sigh. "I'm off."
Then he turned and strode away without hesitation.
Wang Sheng stood where he was, watching Lin Mo's retreating figure disappear through the dormitory doorway.
He opened his mouth, but in the end, no sound came out. He only waved his hand vigorously, seeing Lin Mo off.