Years Gone By

His meeting with Huo Wu had been nothing more than a minor interlude. After returning to the academy, Xiao Yu, having broken through to rank twenty, was immediately transferred to Elite Class One under the special care of Headmaster Gao Huan. With the sheer strength of his martial soul and his exquisite control over Soul Power, he soon became the academy's top student.

Time flew by like a fleeting steed, and three years passed in the blink of an eye. Since Xiao Yu had added a year to his age when enrolling, it was now time for him to graduate.

The night was dark as ink, moonlight spilling softly over the academy paths. Beneath the shade of the trees, a young man and woman strolled together.

The young man was Xiao Yu. Because Spirit Masters developed much faster than ordinary people, Xiao Yu, whose actual age was only a little over eleven, already stood over 1.8 meters tall. He was sturdily built and well-proportioned, with sword-like brows, starry eyes, and refined features—an unquestionably handsome young man.

The female student beside him was Ye Lingling. She wore fitted black clothes that accentuated her slender figure. Her waterfall-like blue hair flowed down her back, while her deep-blue eyes were lively and adorable.

As the sole inheritor of the Nine Hearted Begonia, Ye Lingling's cultivation was also quite impressive. Although auxiliary-type cultivation progressed more slowly, she had broken through to the Soul Grandmaster realm a year ago and was now around rank twenty-three or twenty-four in Soul Power.

"Lingling."

After walking together for some time, Xiao Yu broke the silence. "Today, I submitted my graduation application to the academy. I'll be leaving no later than the day after tomorrow."

"Mm."

Ye Lingling nodded gently. Xiao Yu had mentioned such an important matter to her several times before, and she also knew the rules of the Junior Spirit Master Academy. It truly was time for Xiao Yu to graduate.

Over the years, the two could not be called inseparable, but after class, they could often be seen chatting and exchanging ideas warmly. As time passed, unusual feelings had arisen in Ye Lingling's heart. Still a young girl, she did not understand what those feelings were. She only knew that she was somewhat reluctant to see Xiao Yu leave.

"Brother Xiao Yu, you could consider applying to Heaven Dou Royal Academy."

Ye Lingling suddenly thought of a way that would satisfy both sides. The corners of her lips curved up slightly as she revealed a faint smile. "Our Nine Hearted Begonia Family has always had a good relationship with the Heaven Dou Empire. I can ask my grandfather and father to help secure you a recommendation for admission. With your talent, passing the assessment definitely won't be a problem."

After a brief pause, a blush rose to Ye Lingling's cheeks, and her voice grew softer. "Actually, my grandfather has already made arrangements for me. After I graduate next year, I'll also attend Heaven Dou Royal Academy. Then we can be together again."

This little girl!

Looking at Ye Lingling, who was somewhat shy yet also excited, Xiao Yu smiled faintly to himself. Perhaps at first, he had approached Ye Lingling solely to build a good relationship with the family behind her. But as time passed, he had gradually been drawn to her as well. Her kindness, and that timid, bashful look she wore whenever they talked, all tugged at his heartstrings.

Unfortunately, this time, he could only disappoint Ye Lingling's good intentions.

Xiao Yu sighed helplessly and shook his head. "I'm sorry, Lingling. I know you mean well. But Heaven Dou Royal Academy isn't suitable for me."

"Ah? Why?"

Ye Lingling had finally thought of a solution, only to have a bucket of cold water dumped over her head. She could not help feeling resentful as her blue eyes blinked at Xiao Yu. "Brother Xiao Yu, Heaven Dou Royal Academy is the largest Soul Master Academy in the Heaven Dou Empire. Its facilities are beyond imagination. Why don't you want to go?"

"But after all these years, have you ever heard of any outstanding Soul Master with a great reputation on the continent who graduated from Heaven Dou Royal Academy?"

Xiao Yu answered Ye Lingling with a question before continuing, "Heaven Dou Royal Academy is backed by the Heaven Dou Empire. Although it has obtained abundant teaching staff and equipment resources, that has also restricted the academy's development. As I recall, aside from people like you, Lingling, who have family recommendations, anyone wishing to apply to Heaven Dou Royal Academy must possess a noble title.

"With so many nobles enrolled, the entire academy's atmosphere has become a complete mess. There are countless cases of bullying men and women, seizing people and property by force, and all manner of wrongdoing. Lingling, your family has a good relationship with the Heaven Dou Empire, so you must have heard about these things too, right?"

Ye Lingling fell silent. She did know something about such matters. In particular, Xue Beng, the Fourth Prince who had enrolled two years ago, had displayed his debauched nature to the fullest. Relying on his uncle, Snow Star Prince, being in charge of academy affairs, he had committed no shortage of outrageous misdeeds.

"And besides."

Xiao Yu thought for a moment before ultimately deciding to tell Ye Lingling about founding an academy. "Lingling, I also come from a sect. It's just that the sect has remained hidden for a thousand years and has long lost its former glory. But now, the sect intends to emerge from seclusion. To establish its name, it plans to first open an academy."

"Brother Xiao Yu, you want to stand out in the Spirit Master Competition and leave an impression of your sect on the Soul Master world, making it easier for you to recruit independent Spirit Masters afterward."

Ye Lingling was extremely intelligent and instantly understood Xiao Yu's intentions.

"Exactly!"

Xiao Yu affirmed her words, giving Ye Lingling an apologetic look. "So I'm sorry, Lingling. This time, I really can't accompany you to Heaven Dou Royal Academy."

"I understand, Brother Xiao Yu."

Ye Lingling lowered her head, her expression dim as she bit her lip. "They all say that men should prioritize their careers..."

"Silly girl!"

Xiao Yu laughed and raised a hand to rub Ye Lingling's small, delicate head. His voice was affectionate as he said, "I'm only choosing not to attend Heaven Dou Royal Academy. It's not as though I'm cutting off contact with you. We can keep writing to each other, and when I have the chance, I'll come visit you too."

"Really?"

Ye Lingling excitedly raised her head. Her eyes darted about, once again filled with light.

"Of course!"

Xiao Yu nodded firmly. Whether because of his unusual feelings for Ye Lingling or for the sake of future development, he would certainly come to find her.

"Silly girl, we're still young. We'll have plenty of time in the future. Once we graduate from an advanced Soul Master Academy, outstanding Spirit Masters will choose to travel across the continent to train their combat abilities and broaden their horizons. When that time comes, we can travel together."

"Alright!"

Ye Lingling agreed excitedly, then suddenly seemed to think of something. Her face reddened, and she lowered her head.

Two days later, after bidding farewell to Headmaster Gao Huan, who had always looked after him, Director of Studies Gao Jue, Ye Lingling, and several classmates with whom he was close, Xiao Yu left the academy.

At the same time, in Holy Soul Village of Notting City, a thousand miles away from Mingjing Academy, Blind God King Su Yuntao stared in shock at the boy before him. "A useless martial soul, Blue Silver Grass, actually has Innate Full Soul Power."