After returning to Spirit Hall Academy, Li Changan didn't head straight home. Since it was still early, he made his way directly to the Pope's Palace.
Thanks to the personal token Bibi Dong had given him, Li Changan entered the palace without issue and soon found her in her office.
"Teacher! I have some great news for you!" Li Changan dashed to Bibi Dong's desk with excitement, putting on an air of mystery.
"Oh? What good news?" Bibi Dong tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and looked at Li Changan with a warm smile, setting her pen down casually.
What she didn't realize was that her expression naturally softened whenever she was with Li Changan, and she would unconsciously smile. After all, this disciple of hers was outstanding in every way and brought her immense satisfaction.
"By the way, you've been on leave from me these past few days. What have you been up to?" Bibi Dong suddenly remembered and asked offhandedly.
She wasn't strict with Li Changan and didn't restrict his movements much. Plus, she had been quite busy lately and hadn't looked into what he was doing. However, the fact that he'd still prepared her favorite snacks as usual showed he had everything arranged beforehand.
Li Changan didn't answer immediately. Instead, he summoned the Pangu Axe. At the same time, one purple and one black-purple spirit ring slowly rose from beneath his feet, along with the aura of a 24th-level Spirit Grandmaster!
"This..." Bibi Dong leaned forward slightly, her lips parting in shock. She stayed like that for a full three seconds.
No one knew better than her that barely over a month ago, Li Changan had just obtained his first spirit ring. How had he already broken through to the Spirit Grandmaster level, and with a nearly ten-thousand-year second spirit ring no less?
[Ding! Mission complete: show off your strength in front of Bibi Dong. Reward: One storage wristband, with 10,000 cubic meters of space and absolute time stasis inside.]
[Ding! Mission complete: Make a major Show off before Bibi Dong. Bonus reward: 10,000 Points!]
Clearly, since Li Changan had advanced to Spirit Grandmaster, the system's offerings had improved significantly, and every Show off mission now came with a hefty point bonus!
Ten thousand points—this was exactly what Li Changan needed.
"Teacher, I actually went out to hunt spirit beasts. I don't know why, but my cultivation speeds up when I absorb the energy around me, so... I leveled up," Li Changan said, scratching his head and feigning innocence with a naïve look.
Though shocked, Bibi Dong didn't lose composure. Instead, she fell into thought, considering Li Changan's cultivation.
"Changan, among spirit masters, there are some whose cultivation progresses rapidly because their bodies are naturally in tune with the world. Clearly, you are one of those rare types."
"I have a training method that might suit your situation. Would you like to hear it?"
Li Changan, of course, knew he wasn't born with such a constitution. But he was still intrigued by what Bibi Dong had to say.
"Please, Teacher, go ahead."
"Compress your spirit power. Condense a Spirit Core."
"Every spirit master has limited spirit power in their body. But for those who reach Titled Douluo level, their spirit power seems nearly limitless. Do you know why that is?" Bibi Dong asked seriously.
"Is it because they compress their spirit power to form a Spirit Core?" Li Changan responded. He had heard of the concept, but his understanding was vague.
"Exactly. Titled Douluo compress their spirit power to form a Spirit Core within their bodies, creating a self-sustaining loop that continuously generates power," Bibi Dong nodded in approval. This disciple's comprehension was indeed exceptional.
"In fact, aside from Titled Douluo, some exceptionally gifted Spirit Saints can also form a Spirit Core. But those with a deep affinity to the world—like you—can do it even earlier."
"Forming a Spirit Core requires willpower, physical resilience, and talent—none of which you lack. So if you're willing, I suggest you try to condense a small Spirit Core of your own. Even if it's only a tenth the size of a Titled Douluo's core, it'll still benefit you greatly."
"After condensing a Spirit Core, your cultivation speed might slow down a bit, but your overall spirit power, its depth, and durability will increase dramatically."
"But you should know—it comes with risks. If you fail, I'll protect you, but it's normal for your spirit power to drop by two or three levels."
By now, Bibi Dong had laid everything on the table. The choice was Li Changan's to make.
Li Changan understood the idea of a Spirit Core—essentially installing a small "engine" inside the body that could continuously convert the energy of heaven and earth into spirit power.
As for losing a few levels? He didn't care. He could just eat a few fruit-like items from the system and recover in no time. That wasn't even an issue.
And once he had the core, he wouldn't have to worry about the Pangu Axe draining all his spirit power every time he used it. That was the real benefit. The axe demanded far more than he could provide right now.
But with a Spirit Core? No problem. He could fuel it as often as needed.
"Teacher, I've decided. Please help me condense a Spirit Core. I'm not afraid of failure!" Li Changan said firmly, bowing with resolve.
"You're sure?" Bibi Dong asked again.
"Absolutely!" he replied.
"Then follow me to my room. I'll assist you," Bibi Dong said, stretching lazily before standing up and heading for the door.
'—Wait, Teacher's room?!'
Li Changan's eyes went wide with surprise.
Bibi Dong's room was on the second floor. She didn't treat Li Changan like an outsider at all. After instructing those outside not to disturb them, she opened the door and entered. Li Changan followed obediently, like a well-behaved child.
Her room was spacious and elegantly decorated, dominated by shades of purple and pink. A soft fragrance unique to Bibi Dong lingered in the air. The whole setup could only be described as refined.
There was a rare and beautiful soul-powered chandelier, pearwood flooring, a massive purple bed, several large wardrobes, a makeup table...
'Wait—what's that?'
Li Changan's gaze was drawn to a small item on the bed. It looked like... a piece of clothing?
And it was white...
_____
T/N:
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