"Stop talking!" Xiao Wu's body trembled, her face turned even paler, and she bent over to vomit again.
"Alright, Xiao Wu, this really isn't Zhu Wu's fault," Tang San said helplessly. He had eaten stinky tofu himself before. As a disciple of the Tang Sect who had studied pharmacology, he truly didn't think it was a big deal. "If it's really that bad, let Zhu Wu go buy you something else later to make up for it."
Only then did Xiao Wu straighten up and glare fiercely at Zhu Wu. "You hear that? Get your butt back to the cafeteria and buy me a pound—no, three pounds of carrots, plus five meat skewers, and two steamed eggs to compensate your boss here! Or else, I swear you're not getting off easy tonight!"
Seriously… Zhu Wu thought to himself, but quickly let it go. It's just one silver soul coin—I'll make it all back soon enough. With a blank face, he turned and left. "No problem, I'll go right now."
Fatten up the rabbit before you slaughter it!
"Hmph!" Xiao Wu snorted and walked off with Tang San's help, heading back to the dormitory.
Fifteen minutes later, Zhu Wu delivered the food to Xiao Wu. She glared at him again, snatched it in silence, and began eating.
As expected of a hundred-thousand-year soul beast in human form—her appetite is amazing... Zhu Wu glanced at her belly. Judging by how much she ate, she should be several months pregnant by now, but her stomach was still flat and normal-looking.
He quietly marveled at the mysteries of the world, then called out to his roommates and headed out for a night run, looking for a place to practice the Longevity Technique.
"Perfect chance to examine the soul power circulation route within my body," he thought, quickening his pace.
After jogging a lap, he reached the familiar, deserted forest. Bathed in moonlight, he began practicing.
With the continued movements of his limbs, a cool sensation gradually rose within him. At this point, he could clearly feel the chill from the outside entering his meridians, guided by his bodily movements and circulating along a specific path.
At the same time, his forehead felt increasingly cold.
Zhu Wu instinctively slowed his movements, making the circulation more gentle and smooth.
His consciousness gradually sank into the process. As his soul power followed that path naturally, his awareness immersed deeper, and the soul power began to accelerate like a trickling stream in his meridians.
Under the bright moonlight above, specks of silvery light began to emerge on Zhu Wu's body, cloaking him in a faint glow.
"This technique really is incredible," Zhu Wu muttered in amazement after completing several rounds.
He couldn't continue practicing anymore. With his soul power accelerated by his intent following the path, he soon felt his limbs go cold, and the chill in his forehead grew piercing—almost numbing his brain.
If he kept going, he feared he'd freeze.
"Balance of yin and yang... what a profound concept. If practicing the Longevity Technique draws in yin energy, then the Vajra Technique must bring in yang energy. Only by accumulating enough yang energy to temper and fortify my body can I sustain longer sessions of the Longevity Technique. Though the progress is slow at first, once the foundation is built, the improvements will skyrocket."
"So, if I use the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass and Fiery Apricot Fruit like Tang San did in the original story to undergo an ice-fire body refinement, boosting my cold and heat resistance, wouldn't that let me skip the hardest early stages entirely?"
The thought ignited a fiery gleam in his eyes.
"Tomorrow I'll apply for early graduation, then go home to train and spend time with Grandpa. Once I get my second soul ring, I'll head to the Sunset Forest."
"And when I go out with Xiao Bai to search for herbs, I can also look for the cave of the Blue Silver Empress. The original story mentioned it was near Saint Soul Village—at most a few days' journey. Not far. Plus, there's a waterfall several hundred meters tall there—a very distinctive landmark. I can have Xiao Bai fly up and search from above. That'll make the search much easier."
"Once I absorb Ah Yin's soul bone, reaching level 20 will be much faster."
"The only concern is whether Tang Hao will see through my cultivation level when he returns to the village. A sudden leap might attract attention and suspicion."
"Well, worst-case scenario, I'll have Xiao Bai hold onto the soul bone and absorb it later."
"Time to head back to the dorm. Tomorrow, I'll study my martial soul transformation again after returning home." With that, he turned and ran out of the grove.
---
Fifteen minutes later, after a proper warm-up, Zhu Wu returned to the dormitory and sat on his bed to practice the standard meditation technique.
No discomfort occurred.
Through internal observation, he confirmed that the standard meditation method simply accelerated soul power circulation along its natural paths using intent—it didn't alter the routes. That's probably why it became the universally adopted method among soul masters.
---
The night passed without incident. The next morning, Zhu Wu got up as usual, went running, and practiced the Vajra Technique.
Just like with the Longevity Technique, this technique also gave him a new soul power circulation route. And as he had guessed, practicing the Vajra Technique helped draw in yang energy. After just a short time, he was already drenched in sweat.
Actively channeling soul power proved more efficient than just performing the movements, though the body movements themselves were clearly helpful in training both techniques.
With so much sweat, Zhu Wu had to return to the dorm to wash up. He then packed his belongings and headed for the academic office. Since it was breakfast time, none of his roommates were there—they had all gone to the cafeteria.
He didn't plan to say goodbye individually, having already shared a final meal with them the night before.
---
"Zhu Wu, what's this about?" Director Su frowned when he saw Zhu Wu carrying a bundle.
"Has the Spirit Hall recruited you?"
Zhu Wu shook his head. "No, Director Su. I haven't joined the Spirit Hall."
"Then what's going on?" Su looked puzzled.
"You know my martial soul is unique," Zhu Wu replied. "To be honest, I'm not sure how to continue cultivating. I feel like I've learned everything the academy can offer."
"So, I'd like to apply for early graduation."
"I want to go home—keep training while also taking care of my grandfather. His health hasn't been great, and I've been away for so long. It's time I spent some time with him. Later, I plan to head to the capital and try my luck there."
"The capital, huh," Director Su nodded. "Lots of talented people there—definitely more opportunities."
"But getting into those academies might not be easy," he added, thinking Zhu Wu's silkworm martial soul would be looked down on.
"Still worth a try, right?" Zhu Wu smiled. "Worst case, I'll just come back."
"True, young people should venture out more." Director Su smiled back. "Still, I suggest you wait a bit. The outside world is dangerous. You're still too young—going to the capital alone could be risky."
"It's fine. I can wait a few years before heading out," Zhu Wu replied. "My martial soul is a silkworm, and my house is right by the mountains—basically a natural mimicry environment. It's perfect for me."
"Sigh... in that case, I won't stop you," Director Su sighed. "But I still have to check with the principal. Wait here for a moment."
He left the office briskly.
Before long, he returned with the principal, both of them walking in quickly.
After a discussion and seeing Zhu Wu's firm resolve, the principal eventually agreed to the early graduation.
With all the procedures completed, Zhu Wu didn't waste any time and walked straight out of the academy.
---
"What?! Xiao Zhu applied for graduation?" That noon, when they got the news, Wang Sheng and the others were stunned.
"Hmph! Bet he ran off because he was afraid I'd beat him u
p!" Xiao Wu said, clenching her fists and huffing.
"..." Tang San shook his head but didn't say anything.
(End of Chapter)
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