Chapter 11: Three Months of Bonds and the Upcoming Examination
The next three months passed swiftly.
During this time, Ji Lin's bonds with Wang Dong'er and Ma Xiaotao grew stronger and warmer.
With Ma Xiaotao, it was no longer just about simple embraces; their connection deepened into something far more intimate. As for Wang Dong'er, their relationship took a different path. She had yet to reveal her true identity as a woman, carefully keeping her secret, yet her closeness to him was becoming increasingly evident.
Meanwhile, Ji Lin continued to steadily enhance his spiritual power, gradually learning to master and control spiritual tools.
Despite all this progress, two main obstacles stood between him and obtaining a new Spirit Ring to become a great Spirit Master:
The first was that his spiritual power had surged at an extraordinary rate, nearly reaching Level 10 within just a few days. While the mysterious water pill and the Spirit Pills had accelerated his growth impressively, this power still required time to stabilize and solidify. True advancement relied on a solid foundation; without it, progress would be like building on loose sand.
Additionally, Ji Lin was waiting for the awakening of the Ice Silkworm, Tianmeng. Since helping him defeat Ma Xiaotao, it had fallen into a deep slumber. He hoped it would awaken soon to guide him in obtaining his second Spirit Ring.
Moreover, based on his memory of the original story, it wouldn't be long before Tianmeng led him to the Ice Emperor, where he would acquire his second combat spirit. For these reasons, Ji Lin had no rush at all.
As the days passed, the first-year exam drew near.
Zhu Yi stood on the platform, her gaze sharp and unyielding. Her mere presence sent waves of fear and awe through the students.
Over the past three months, they had endured all sorts of harsh "training tortures" under her supervision, often bordering on inhuman cruelty. Yet, there was no denying that those who had persevered had made remarkable progress, clearly surpassing students from other classes.
"In two days, the first-year exam will begin," Zhu Yi said coldly, her piercing eyes sweeping over the faces before her. "I hope every one of you will pass successfully.
Otherwise, not only will you be expelled from the academy, but I will ensure that anyone who fails receives a lesson they will never forget as long as they live!"
Her words sent a shiver through many students. The thought of being expelled from the academy, especially under someone as strict and authoritarian as Zhu Yi, was terrifying—they knew that such an opportunity might never come again.
Yet deep in her heart, Zhu Yi genuinely hoped that all of them would succeed. Her words were meant to push them, to test their resolve.
"Now… I want to see your performance. Everyone will be divided into groups, and the exam will follow a three-stage format. Write your major on the papers in front of you. Begin!"
As soon as she spoke, the classroom filled with the rustle of paper and the scratch of pens. Despite their young age, Zhu Yi's commands had them moving with speed and precision.
Soon enough, everyone finished writing and handed their papers to her.
"Very well. Return to your preparations. Ji Lin, Wang Dong'er, and Xiao Xiao… stay here!"
Ji Lin could already guess why Zhu Yi had singled them out: it likely had to do with choosing their main specialization.
Indeed, once they were alone, Zhu Yi could no longer contain her anger and burst out:
"Have you three agreed among yourselves?! How is it possible that all three of you chose the Control System?! Give me a single convincing reason for this choice!"
The three of them spoke at once, each trying to justify their decision.
Ji Lin possessed the Spirit Eyes, so naturally, the path of control made sense for him. Xiao Xiao had a second spirit, the "Nine Phoenix," which primarily revolved around mastery and control, so her choice was understandable.
But the strange case was Wang Dong'er. Her spirit was the "Butterfly of Light," whose core specialty was offense, making her choice of the Control System difficult to comprehend!
After analyzing the situation, Zhu Yi finally decided to assign them distinct directions and specializations.
"You three are the students on whom I place the highest expectations in this class. I want you to win the Freshmen Examination Championship!"
Zhu Yi looked at them with utmost seriousness, her voice full of authority.
Ji Lin responded confidently, "Rest assured, Teacher, I will definitely take first place!"
Since his only goal in the Freshmen Exam was the top rank—and knowing that both the Freshmen Exam and the Graduation Exam offered the most generous rewards in the Partner Academy—it was natural that he would give everything he had.
Xiao Xiao smiled in turn and said, "I feel capable of it as well!"
Wang Dong'er pursed her lips and said confidently, "I can do it too!"
"Even better!"
Zhu Yi nodded, clearly satisfied.
Then she turned to Ji Lin and said, "Ji Lin, although you possess the Spirit Eyes and have specialized in the Control Division, your goal is still to achieve first place.
Moreover, among the three of you, the Control Division is decisive for the fate of the entire team. You must seize this opportunity and lead them to victory."
Ji Lin nodded earnestly. "Teacher, we will give it our all."
Zhu Yi continued seriously, "Alright, all three of you are highly capable, but I still hope you can claim first place, as it will shape your future.
Each of you is independent, yet together you form a unified whole. You must understand this."
She smiled as she added, "My meaning is simple. You are all students of the Partner Academy, and I, Zhu Yi, have nurtured you. The first-year evaluation will be your first true battle here, so I hope you face it boldly and excel!"
"Thank you, Teacher."
Ji Lin took a deep breath and bowed respectfully to Zhu Yi.
Wang Dong'er and Xiao Xiao felt the same way; they clearly understood that Zhu Yi's words were meant to encourage and motivate them to exert their utmost effort.