Chapter Seventeen: Years Gone By

The meeting with Huo Wu was nothing more than a brief interlude. Upon returning to the academy, Xiao Yu, who had just broken through to level twenty, was immediately transferred to the Elite Class One under the special attention of Principal Gao Huan. Thanks to the strength of his martial spirit and his exquisite control and mastery of soul power, he swiftly became the top student of the academy.

Time flew by like a fleeting horse; three years passed in the blink of an eye. Because Xiao Yu had reported himself a year older upon enrollment, he had now reached graduation age.

Night was as dark as ink, and moonlight poured softly down. Along the academy road, under the shade of the trees, a young man and woman strolled side by side.

The young man was Xiao Yu himself. Due to the accelerated development of soul masters compared to ordinary people, Xiao Yu, who was just over eleven years old, already stood taller than a meter eighty. He was robust, with a well-proportioned physique, sword-like brows and star-bright eyes, and a strikingly handsome face—undeniably a first-rate young man.

His companion was Ye Lingling. Dressed in tight black attire that accentuated her slender figure, her waterfall of long blue hair cascaded down her back, and her deep blue eyes gleamed with a lively, endearing light.

As the sole inheritor of the Nine-Heart Begonia, Ye Lingling’s cultivation was not lacking either. Although support-type soul masters advanced more slowly, she had broken through to the Grand Soul Master level a year ago, with current soul power between level twenty-three and twenty-four.

“Lingling.”

After walking together in silence for a while, Xiao Yu broke the quiet, saying, “Today I’ve submitted my application for graduation to the academy. At the latest, I’ll be leaving in two days.”

“Mm.” Ye Lingling nodded gently. Xiao Yu had already mentioned this important matter to her several times before, and she was well aware of the rules of the Junior Soul Master Academy. Indeed, Xiao Yu had reached the time for graduation.

Over the years, although they weren’t inseparable, it was common to see them engaged in warm conversation after classes. As time passed, a strange feeling had taken root in Ye Lingling’s heart—a feeling the young girl didn’t fully understand, only that she was reluctant to see Xiao Yu go.

“Brother Xiao Yu, you could consider applying to Heaven Dou Royal Academy instead.”

Suddenly struck by an idea, Ye Lingling’s lips curved into a faint smile as she continued, “Our Nine-Heart Begonia family has always maintained good relations with the Heaven Dou Empire. I could ask my grandfather and father to arrange a recommendation for you. With your talent, you’d have no problem passing the entrance exam.”

She paused, her cheeks tinged with a shy blush and her voice softening. “Actually, my grandfather has already made arrangements for me. I’ll be attending Heaven Dou Royal Academy after I graduate next year. That way, we could be together again.”

This little girl!

Looking at the shy yet excited Ye Lingling before him, Xiao Yu smiled inwardly. Perhaps, at first, his interest in Ye Lingling stemmed simply from a desire to forge ties with her influential family. But as time went on, he found himself genuinely drawn to her—her kindness, and her bashful, reserved demeanor during their conversations, never failed to stir his heart.

Unfortunately, this time, he would have to disappoint her.

Xiao Yu sighed helplessly and shook his head. “I’m sorry, Lingling. I appreciate your kindness, but the Heaven Dou Royal Academy isn’t suited to me.”

“Huh? Why?” The solution she had just thought of was doused like a cold bucket of water. Ye Lingling’s blue eyes blinked at Xiao Yu, a hint of grievance in her voice. “Brother Xiao Yu, Heaven Dou Royal Academy is the largest soul master academy in the Empire, with facilities beyond compare. Why wouldn’t you want to go?”

“After all these years, have you ever heard of a truly outstanding soul master—one renowned across the continent—who graduated from Heaven Dou Royal Academy?” Xiao Yu countered, then continued, “The academy, backed by the Empire, certainly has abundant resources and faculty, but that also stifles its growth. I recall that aside from those like yourself who have family recommendations, the only way to enroll is with a noble title.”

“The influx of nobles has corrupted the academy’s atmosphere. Bullying, exploitation, and all manner of abuses abound. Lingling, given your family’s close ties to the Empire, I’m sure you’ve heard of these things.”

Ye Lingling fell silent. She was well aware of such matters—especially after the enrollment of the Fourth Prince, Xue Beng, two years ago, whose debauchery and abuses were notorious, taking full advantage of his uncle, Prince Xue Xing, who oversaw the academy’s affairs.

“Moreover—” Xiao Yu hesitated, then decided to share with Ye Lingling his plans regarding the academy. “Lingling, I also come from a sect, though it has remained hidden from the world for a thousand years and lost its former glory. Now, the sect plans to reemerge and make a name for itself. To that end, we intend to establish an academy.”

“Brother Xiao Yu, you wish to stand out in the Soul Master Tournament, to make your sect known to the world and attract free soul masters afterward.” Ye Lingling, quick-witted as ever, immediately understood his intention.

“Exactly.” Xiao Yu confirmed, giving her an apologetic look. “So I’m truly 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, biting her lip, her voice tinged with sadness. “They all say that a man must put his career first…”

“Silly girl!” Xiao Yu laughed softly, reaching out to gently ruffle Ye Lingling’s delicate head, his tone indulgent. “I’m not cutting off contact with you—just not attending Heaven Dou Royal Academy. We can still write to each other, and I’ll visit when I can.”

“Really?” Ye Lingling looked up excitedly, her eyes bright and shining once more.

“Of course!” Xiao Yu nodded firmly. Whether it was for the feelings he now harbored toward Ye Lingling, or for future plans, he was determined to see her again.

“Silly girl, we’re still young. There’s plenty of time ahead. After graduating from the Advanced Soul Master Academy, most outstanding soul masters travel the continent to hone their skills and gain experience. When that time comes, we can journey together.”

“All right!” Ye Lingling replied enthusiastically, then, as if suddenly remembering something, blushed and lowered her head.

Two days later, after bidding farewell to Principal Gao Huan, Dean Gao Jue, Ye Lingling, and a few other close classmates, Xiao Yu left the academy behind.

Meanwhile, in Saint Soul Village near Notting City, a thousand miles from Mingjing Academy, the blind Divine King Su Yuntao stared in shock at the young boy before him. “A useless Blue Silver Grass martial spirit, yet innate full soul power…”