Fourteen Years Old
Four years have passed in the blink of an eye.
Ning Buhui had grown to fourteen years old. His figure had shrunk dramatically in the past four years, like a willow tree sprouting new branches. His shoulders had broadened, his limbs had become longer and more defined. The lines of his jawline were gradually emerging, and the curve of his profile was now clearly visible. His eyebrows had softened, growing from soft, downy hair into slightly heroic, sword-like brows, and his eyes were deep and bright. His nose was straight, and his lips were of moderate thickness. The unique naiveté and sharp features of youth clashed together, already subtly revealing a handsome profile, though that youthful air hadn't completely dissipated. His handsomeness was clean and understated. Standing there, he was already a tall, well-developed young man with budding features.
In these four years, he stopped running off to the outskirts of the city so frequently as he used to. He heeded Bibi Dong's advice and stopped pushing his potential too hard, lest he force growth. He began to slowly "make his mark" within the Spirit Hall. His name frequently appeared on the high-level mission board of the Mission Hall: hunting Ten-Thousand-Year Soul Beast, clearing out Soul Beast lairs, escorting important supplies—all the missions he took on were significant. He always completed his missions efficiently and neatly, with complete materials, never dragging his feet. Over the years, when people in the hall talked about Ning Buhui, it was no longer just "the Pope's personal disciple"; more people would nod and say, "That reliable young prince."
The pace of cultivation has also slowed down. He no longer goes into seclusion as desperately as he did in his early years, but his daily basic exercises remain unchanged—early morning laps, physical training, honing his Heart Separation Control, and meditation in the tower—he hasn't missed a single one; he just no longer pushes himself to the limit. His Soul Power Level is rising steadily, and he recently reached level fifty-eight, only two levels away from becoming Soul Emperor.
The biggest change in these four years was in Xie Yue. He had grown taller, and the coldness in his eyes had faded somewhat, replaced by an inexplicable composure. The Moon Blade in his hand still resembled a crescent moon, but the timing and angle of his strikes were far more cunning than before. Although his Soul Power hadn't caught up with Ning Buhui's, it had steadily reached level fifty-five. The older Xie Yue got, the more he resembled a sword sheathed in its sheath—unsheathed until it was deadly.
Yan is still the same as ever. He's loud and boisterous, the one who shouts the loudest on the training field, and the one who grabs meat the fastest in the cafeteria. He's now reached level 54, just one step away from level 55. His fire-attribute Soul Power is even more explosive than before, and when he activates his Lava Body, he's like a small, walking volcano.
In recent years, Hu Liena has been helping Bibi Dong manage affairs, which has taken away some of her cultivation time, but she has still reached level 53. She is more composed than before, and her mental control skills have become increasingly advanced. Her Charm, illusion mist, and mental impact have reached a high level of proficiency. She has also grown up, and her features are much more refined than when she was a girl.
The three of them have already surpassed their Soul Power Level during the original novel's grand competition, so they should be even more stable in the grand competition a year from now. However, nothing is certain, and it's too early to draw conclusions. After all, they are not the protagonists of this world, and no one knows Ning Buhui the changes brought about by Ning Buhui's butterfly will also bring more opportunities to the protagonists.
The four of them have gone on many missions together over the years, big and small, dangerous and trivial, and their teamwork has become increasingly seamless. When Yan charges forward, he doesn't need to look back to know when Ning Buhui's rattan armor will be on him; when Xie Yue cuts into the enemy formation, he doesn't need to warn Ning Buhui, Ning Buhui's chains will automatically clear away any interference on his flanks; when Hu Liena controls the battlefield, she doesn't need to shout, Ning Buhui's speed-boosting Soul Skill will land on her. This kind of tacit understanding is honed through countless hard battles, not something that can be gained through sparring and counter-sparring in the training ground.
That evening, Bibi Dong summoned the four of them to a side hall.
"There's still a year until the competition." Bibi Dong cut to the chase, holding a document in her hand. "The Spirit Hall is going to form a nine-person team, seven regulars and two substitutes. Your four Soul Power Level are right here; you don't need to participate in the selection process, you'll be directly on the regular list."
The four exchanged glances. Yan grinned, about to interject, but Xie Yue silenced him with a look.
"The remaining five spots will be chosen from the young Soul Master recommended by the Spirit Hall Academy and its branch halls across the country." Bibi Dong handed over the document, "This is the shortlist. The selection process is handled by the Spirit Hall Academy; you don't need to worry about it. Just continue your training and other activities. Once everyone is selected, someone will contact you."
Ning Buhui took the list and glanced at it. There were about twenty names on it, including Auxiliary System, Agility Attack System, and Defense System, with Soul Power ranging from forty-five to forty-nine. He didn't look at it closely and handed it to Xie Yue.
"Of the seven starting players, you four have taken four spots. Bibi Dong team, the remaining three starting players and two substitutes will be decided after the selection process. In the meantime, focus on getting into good shape and don't falter before the big competition."
"Ning Buhui.
Emerging from the side hall, it was already completely dark. The four walked along the corridor towards the training ground. Yan led the way, taking long strides, muttering to himself, "Finally something to do! I've been so bored lately, my bones are practically rusting."
Xie Yue followed beside him without saying a word, but her steps were lighter than usual. Hu Liena and Ning Buhui walked side by side behind them.
"Junior brother, what kind of people do you think will be selected?" Hu Liena asked.
"It's hard to say," Ning Buhui said. "But with their Soul Power at that level, those above level 45 should have decent basic skills. What's really important is teamwork. If you really want to know, Senior Sister, we happen to be free recently, so we can go watch the selection competition together. It'll help pass the time."
Upon hearing this, Yan immediately interjected, "Go, go, go! It's a good opportunity to see how strong our future teammates are."
"Anyway, no matter who's chosen, with the strength of the four of us, crushing them won't be difficult, will it?" Hu Liena chuckled softly.
Ning Buhui to that, her tone carrying a deeper meaning. "Senior Sister's words may not be entirely accurate. We are stronger than previous generations, genuine Soul King level, but who can say there are no heavens beyond heavens, or people beyond people?"
Ning Buhui knew in her heart that although they were strong now, who could say for sure whether the world's consciousness would give the main characters special treatment?
The night breeze blew along the corridor, and four promising young men were about to take the stage.