They would never tell these people that they were practicing the Azure Lotus Sword Manual. Aside from Feng Piaoling, even though the others had only practiced the first layer—and some had not even mastered that yet—the sheer density of soul power it bestowed far surpassed that of soul masters at the same rank.
As for physical reaction speed, with the Heaven-Reaching Demon Eye, testing it was as easy as child's play.
"Alright, the testing concludes here for today. Shortly, a teacher will lead you to the dormitories. Your school uniforms will be issued tomorrow; I hope you like them."
Lin Jiayi gave Feng Piaoling and the others a look as if he were staring at monsters before hurriedly departing.
Feng Piaoling and his group were arranged into dormitories located behind the teaching area. Compared to Shrek Academy, the dormitories here were significantly better. Not only was everyone provided with a single room, but each room also came equipped with a private bathroom.
However, rather than focusing on their accommodations, the group spent more of their energy on cultivation.
In particular, Xiao Xiao, Nanmen Yun'er, Zhu Lu, Cui Yajie, Huang Chutian, and Wang Gang—who had yet to break through the first layer of the Azure Lotus Sword Manual—were practicing so hard they forgot to eat or sleep. They hoped to master the first layer soon to obtain the more advanced levels of the technique.
...
Hall of Virtuous Brilliance, Discussion Hall.
Lin Jiayi was reporting the test results to an elderly man.
"Hall Master, the most outstanding performer was the student recommended by the Crown Prince, Feng Piaoling. His physical strength reached the level of a Rank 70 Soul Saint."
"Furthermore, according to him, his martial soul is a Talisman. With the cultivation of a Soul Elder, he has achieved the physical constitution of a Soul Emperor. He broke the freshman testing records in all three categories. I fear even among the sixth-grade students, few can rival him."
The elderly man was not tall and was quite portly—even stouter than Lin Jiayi. He wore a magnificent black robe embroidered with golden patterns. Who else could this be but the Dean of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy and the Hall Master of the Hall of Virtuous Brilliance, Jing Hongchen?
After hearing Lin Jiayi's report, Jing Hongchen nodded. "Though it is startling, he is, after all, someone the Crown Prince values. It stands to reason. What about the others?"
Lin Jiayi replied, "They are also extraordinary. While their physical strength and reaction speeds are far inferior to Feng Piaoling's, they still far exceed soul masters of the same level."
Jing Hongchen smiled slightly. "It seems this fellow named Feng Piaoling truly did abduct a group of remarkable geniuses from Shrek Academy."
"They came from Shrek Academy?" Lin Jiayi showed a shocked expression.
Jing Hongchen shared the information he had received from Xu Tianran. "Yes. Due to a conflict with an Outer Courtyard teacher at Shrek Academy, they were collectively targeted and expelled."
"Originally, given their talent, Shrek Academy would never have let them go. But because that kid Feng Piaoling used his dissatisfaction with Shrek's teaching policies as a pretext, he incited the group to withdraw together. Because of this, they were even pursued by Shrek Academy."
Lin Jiayi came to a realization and then said gloatingly, "I was wondering why so many geniuses suddenly appeared at once. So they all came from Shrek. This time, Shrek tried to steal a chicken only to lose the rice because of an unscrupulous teacher. If the Shrek higher-ups knew their geniuses were lured to the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy, they would probably be fuming."
Jing Hongchen thought of this as well, an unkind smile appearing on his face.
One large and one old, the two stout men chuckled sinisterly, the fat on their faces trembling. After they had finished laughing, Lin Jiayi bowed respectfully to take his leave.
"Wait a moment, Jiayi."
"Hall Master, do you have further instructions?" Lin Jiayi asked respectfully.
"During this period, show more concern for the geniuses Feng Piaoling brought over. They are currently being pursued by Shrek, so you should offer them more care in their daily lives. It would be best to arrange for some upperclassmen to build good relationships with them and look after them. Let them feel the warmth of the Academy so they can better integrate into our Sun Moon Empire."
Speaking to this point, Jing Hongchen thought for a moment and continued, "In that case, list them as substitutes for the team participating in the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Fighting Elite Competition a year from now."
Seeing that Jing Hongchen actually intended to let them participate in the Soul Master Competition, the fat on Lin Jiayi's face twisted into another smirk. "The Hall Master is wise. When they eventually clash with Shrek's team, they will have completely severed their ties with Shrek."
Jing Hongchen laughed and cursed, "Wise my foot. I am simply providing them an opportunity for revenge."
...
Beneath a secluded waterfall, there was a massive rock within the pool's waters.
Feng Piaoling sat cross-legged, the Azure Lotus Sword and its scabbard resting on his knees. He had entered a profound, ethereal state of emptiness, forgetting both himself and the world. The thunderous roar of the falling waterfall did not affect him.
In his perception, the world was no longer what it once was. Sound had completely vanished. The speed of the falling water became slower and slower, eventually moving in slow motion.
When the waterfall reached a state of complete stillness in his mind, Feng Piaoling opened his sharp eyes. He gripped the sword and slashed.
The movement was fluid and instantaneous, without a trace of hesitation.
Silently, the waterfall in front of him split down the middle, unable to rejoin for a long moment.
Rumble...
The roar returned, and water splashed in every direction.
"The power to sever nothingness... could this be the 'Sword Intent' you spoke of?" Electrolux's surprised voice echoed in Feng Piaoling's mind.
Phew!
A breath as sharp as a sword mist escaped his lips as Feng Piaoling slowly stood up. "Just now, I should have only touched the edge of Sword Intent. It cannot be considered true Sword Intent yet."
Half a year had passed since he entered the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy.
Originally, his plan was to spend the first few months learning about soul tools. However, on the second day, while he was meditating to sense Sword Intent as usual, Electrolux asked him why he spent an hour every day neither cultivating soul power nor practicing combat techniques.
Thus, Feng Piaoling told him about his concept of Sword Intent.
Sword Intent was a manifestation of one's own will, and the soul was the carrier of that will. As long as one could manifest their will and comprehend Sword Intent, they would possess the power to enhance their attacks and sever all factors unfavorable to themselves.
After a moment of silence, Electrolux suggested that if he wished to comprehend it, he should not do so behind closed doors in populated areas. It was better to stay away from crowds and get closer to nature.
Feng Piaoling followed Electrolux's advice and found this abandoned soul tool testing ground. He hadn't expected to actually make progress. Now that half a year had passed, he had not only touched the edge of Sword Intent but had also raised his soul power to Rank 38.
The harvest was significant.
After admiring the scenery for a while, Feng Piaoling headed toward the cafeteria. Unlike Shrek's cafeteria, the one at the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy had tables and chairs, and the quality of the food was much better.
-----------------------------------------------
I handpick only the finest and most captivating novels for you. Don't forget to check out my other novels!
p@treon HongMengZi