"Yes, what Yao Xuan said is very true!" Lin Ximeng agreed, her expression turning serious. She looked at the class with approval before continuing. "For the next three years, we are all classmates. Even if Wulin's martial soul requires more dedication, we should offer help, not ridicule. We must support each other and progress together." She carefully avoided the term "useless martial soul," speaking with deliberate tact.
The small incident passed quickly. The remaining students introduced themselves. Of the sixteen Soul Master students, there were two with level 5 innate soul power, seven with level 4, six with level 3, and one with only level 2.
Due to his high innate soul power, Yao Xuan was naturally appointed class monitor by Lin Ximeng. The vice-monitor was Wan Yun, the other level 5 student, a chubby boy whose martial soul was a short sword.
"Today is our first day. This morning, I will introduce you to the basics: the classifications of martial souls and soul masters, soul spirits, and other foundational knowledge. This afternoon, I will begin teaching you preliminary meditation techniques."
"For you, meditation is the only path to train your mental strength and increase your soul power. Do not become complacent just because you have talent. You must cultivate diligently."
"Remember, if you do not reach level 10 by the time you graduate in three years, you will not be able to continue to an intermediate Soul Master academy unless you pay your own way. You would have to transfer to an ordinary intermediate academy, and your path as a Soul Master would essentially end."
"At Red Mountain Academy, only about thirty to forty percent of students qualify for intermediate Soul Master academy each year. You must feel a sense of urgency and make the most of your time. To gain more, you must付出更多."
After her solemn speech, Lin Ximeng began the lesson in earnest, explaining the classifications of martial souls, the tiers of soul masters, soul beasts and spirits, soul skills and rings, and the history of soul guidance technology. The children listened, rapt, their eyes filled with a yearning for the magnificent and mysterious world that was now opening to them.
Yao Xuan listened just as intently. Despite his transmigrator's knowledge, he was still lacking in the practical specifics of this world and drank in the information thirstily.
*Ding-a-ling!*
The cheerful school bell rang, signaling the end of the first class.
"Alright, students, class is over. Take a break." With that, Lin Ximeng left the classroom.
"Hi, Tang Wulin! I'm Yao Xuan. It's nice to officially meet you." Yao Xuan stood and walked over to Tang Wulin's desk, extending his hand.
"Hello, Class Monitor! Thank you for what you said earlier," Tang Wulin said, his gratitude evident as he shook Yao Xuan's hand firmly.
"You know, Wulin, I felt a connection with you the moment I saw you," Yao Xuan continued, his tone warm and friendly. "How about this? From now on, I'll be your older brother. If anyone ever gives you trouble, you tell me. I'll have your back."
"But... isn't that like forming a clique? Is that allowed?" Tang Wulin asked, a flicker of hesitation in his eyes.
"This isn't forming a clique; it's following Teacher Lin's advice about mutual help," Yao Xuan explained with a reassuring smile. "I'm stronger, so it's natural for me to help you. If you're okay with it, just call me Brother Xuan."
"Well then... Brother Xuan!" Tang Wulin felt a surge of warmth in his chest and gripped Yao Xuan's hand tighter. "Thank you for being willing to help me!"
The system's notification was like sweet music. 'Five points! Six points in just half a day—enough to increase my Ancestral Dragon Bloodline by 0.6%. This Chosen One is indeed a treasure trove,' Yao Xuan thought, his smile widening as he looked at Tang Wulin with renewed appreciation.
"Brother Xuan, why are you looking at me like that? It's making me a little nervous," Tang Wulin said, confused by the intense gaze.
"It's nothing," Yao Xuan quickly averted his eyes, his expression returning to normal. "I'm just really happy to have you as a friend." He made casual small talk until the bell rang again.
As Lin Ximeng resumed her lecture, Yao Xuan turned his focus inward.
A look of determination flashed in his eyes. 'System, use all six Golden Evolution Points to enhance my Ancestral Dragon Bloodline!'
While these points could boost his soul power, mental strength, or skills, Yao Xuan understood that the true source of his future dominance was the bloodline itself. It was the foundation upon which everything else was built.
'Confirm!'
Yao Xuan gave the mental command without hesitation. A profound, warm energy instantly bloomed within him, far more intense than before. It was a trickle of the primordial power that had forged the universe, and it was now forever becoming a part of him. He felt his connection to the majestic dragon slumbering in his soul deepen infinitesimally, yet perceptibly. The path was long, but he had taken his first, deliberate step. And he had the perfect tool—a grateful and destined younger 'brother'—to help him take many more.