Ultimately, Xue Ren decided that Increased Atmospheric Spiritual Energy was, in fact, not an external resource. After all, to cultivate, one had to naturally absorb Spiritual Energy from the atmosphere. A Spiritual Energy Array was no different; it merely took things a step further and gathered more Spiritual Energy in one spot.
With Xue Ren's troubles over this topic fully resolved, he turned toward Headmaster Jiang. Yi Xu was a bit startled by his sudden movements, causing her to go back to hiding behind her Master, occasionally sneaking peeks at the extraordinarily handsome youth.
"I'm ready, Master." Xue Ren clenched his fists, his resolve as tough as steel. "Let's begin this training regimen. One that won't end until success… or death."
"Uhmm… Okay?" Jiang Hao was really freaked out by this new disciple, but at least his heart was in the right place. "We can depart for the Academy right away. And you needn't concern yourself with the Bloodring Assassin's; I'll ensure they won't bother you until you're prepped and ready to take them on yourself."
"Thank you, Master." Xue Ren cupped his fists in thanks.
But before he could leave this place, he had to conclude unfinished business.
Approaching Bo Lou's position in a few phantom-like steps, Xue Ren reached down. If the Regional Official were conscious right now, he'd definitely shout, "Devil!!". When, in actuality, Xue Ren was just claiming his spoils of war.
"Hey, Master." Yi Xu spoke in a low, melodic voice, peeking out from his robes. "What is Junior Brother doing right…?"
"Ah, that's…" Jiang Hao was embarrassed. "He's just… making sure that his opponent is okay."
"Wow…" Yi Xu's big round eyes sparkled, a dreamy glow reflecting within them. "Junior Brother is so kind, hehe."
"Yes… Kind indeed."
Jiang Hao was back to being conflicted about how wise a decision it was to take such a shameless disciple in. He could already foresee all the trouble this disciple would get him in.
Suddenly, while stripping Bo Lou of literally everything he had on him, the Regional Official finally woke up on Xue Ren.
For a couple seconds, the two just stared into each other's eyes.
That was until Bo Lou looked down and saw… that only his underwear remained.
"You…" Fury and mortification bubbled up inside him, unsure if he'd ever been so humiliated in his entire life. "Not only have you beaten me, you've also gone this far to make sure I can never show my face here again…"
Bo Lou was seething, his face covered in shadows.
Xue Ren's eyes narrowed.
'If he asks for money as compensation, kill him on the spot.'
"For these disgraces, I'll return from the Royal Capital with unimaginably powerful Experts that'll teach you a lesson that you'll never forget!!"
Xue Ren went silent.
Bo Lou smirked. "What? Are you scared?? Haha!!"
"That's it?" Xue Ren asked. "You're not going to charge me?"
"Huh? No, why would I do that?" Now it was Bo Lou's turn to be confused, as this was in no way the reaction he expected. "But I will be taking your life when I return—"
"Okay, that's fine." Xue Ren rose from his crouching position, a large sack of goodies lobbed over his shoulder. "You can come back as many times as you want, and with however many people you want to come with. Just make sure you bring more money when you do."
"...Huh…? Okay…"
Bo Lou wasn't sure his Young Master dialogue options were working anymore.
"Are you done doing what you need to do?" Jiang Hao eyed the large sack hanging over Xue Ren's shoulder. "And the bag…?"
"You do trades?" asked Xue Ren.
Jiang Hao felt like he had no other choice but to say yes.
In the end, Xue Ren left the area several tens of thousands of Lowest Spirit Stones richer. With it, he wouldn't need to worry about his protein intake for the next period of time.
On the way to the Academy, all the way up to passing a few envious young Masters and being given a tour, Xue Ren's mind had been filled with nothing but potential sources for protein. As this was a World of Cultivation, there were far more choices than just chicken or beef.
Even Phoenix meat was not totally off the table!
Maybe specialized protein powder shakes!?
Xue Ren was conflicted.
This confliction lingered for the following few months, during which he adjusted to his life here at Starling Academy.
Cultivate for weeks at a time. Take a stroll. Encounter a Young Master. Slap the Young Master to another universe. Avoid fangirls. Fight an ignorant fool every once in a while.
Then repeat the cycle.
Unknowingly, this was how whole months flew by in a flash, with Xue Ren no longer the same person he once was…