Translator: CinderTL
Tianhai City was vast beyond measure.
Its urban area alone was dozens of times larger than Qingyang City, and the surrounding suburbs stretched even further.
Although White Dragon University and Penglai University were both located in the same city, they were separated by hundreds of kilometers.
Even a flying vehicle required a considerable amount of time to traverse the distance.
Inside the flying vehicle, Jiang Ye and Zhu Honglie were alone in a private compartment.
"When you arrive at White Dragon University and meet Qiu Cang, simply address him as 'Teacher,'" Zhu Honglie instructed. "He's been very interested in your advanced studies."
"Yes," Jiang Ye replied, his heart stirring.
Qiu Cang? Chen Zilu's teacher.
Interested in me?
He now knew that Teacher Qiu held a prestigious position at White Dragon University as a senior professor.
"Don't underestimate yourself," Zhu Honglie chuckled, noticing Jiang Ye's surprise. "You were the top freshman at Penglai University, after all. You'll do just fine at White Dragon University."
Jiang Ye nodded.
Yet inwardly, he knew his teacher's words couldn't be taken at face value.
The highest score on Penglai University's College Entrance Examination was around 950 points.
White Dragon University, on the other hand, had a minimum admission threshold of 1000 points.
In every past cohort, peerless prodigies who achieved the perfect score of 1200 had entered White Dragon University.
The gap between the two universities was undeniable.
However, Jiang Ye knew his own unique qualities. Even if he were to attend White Dragon University, he was destined to stand out from the crowd.
"Make the most of this advanced study opportunity," Zhu Honglie said with a smile. "If you truly manage to obtain a Heaven-Tier Inheritance, you'll become famous. Who knows, even Qiu Cang might want to take you as his disciple."
"Teacher Qiu take me as his disciple?" Jiang Ye asked, his face filled with astonishment. "But Teacher, I'm already your student."
"What's wrong with that?" Zhu Honglie replied calmly. "I'll be your Grand Master, and he'll be your Second Master."
"Uh..."
Jiang Ye was speechless. His teacher certainly had the nerve to say such things.
Judging by this, the relationship between Teacher Zhu and Old Qiu must be even closer than he had imagined. Otherwise, he wouldn't have spoken so casually.
"Teacher," Jiang Ye suddenly asked, "what are the requirements for obtaining an inheritance in the White Dragon's Court?"
The primary goal of this advanced study was to train in the White Dragon's Court. Whether he could obtain an inheritance depended entirely on his performance there.
But what exactly would the training entail? Jiang Ye had no idea.
"The White Dragon's Court has different evaluation criteria for each person," Zhu Honglie said, shaking his head. "It could be combat prowess within your cultivation realm, exceptional performance against higher-ranked opponents, or simply the strength of your Martial Dao Will."
"But you excel in all three areas."
"There's no need to worry," Zhu Honglie said with a smile. "Just maintain your usual performance."
"With your capabilities, even if you don't secure a Heaven-Tier Inheritance, obtaining an Earth-Tier Inheritance will be effortless."
Jiang Ye nodded.
An Earth-Tier Inheritance meant the potential to cultivate to the fifth breakthrough, or even the seventh.
For Jiang Ye at his current stage, this was already an extraordinary inheritance.
Yet Jiang Ye harbored his own ambitions.
Having come this far, it would be a pity not to obtain at least a Heaven-Tier Inheritance.
A few minutes later, the aircraft landed on the aerial landing platform of White Dragon University.
Stepping out of the aircraft, Jiang Ye gazed down at the vista below.
"How magnificent," he murmured.
White Dragon University was composed of majestic, star-like floating structures that glowed with a soft, celestial radiance. Interconnected, these buildings formed a colossal white dragon-shaped skeletal armor, an awe-inspiring sight.
At the heart of the university stood a colossal structure resembling a dragon's head, its jaws wide open, radiating the overwhelming might of a true dragon.
"The White Dragon's Court," Jiang Ye murmured, his gaze fixed on the dragon-headed edifice.
"Follow me," Zhu Honglie said, striding forward and flying into the heart of the university.
Jiang Ye tapped his wristband, and the Cosmic Battle Armor enveloped his body.
Whoosh! He transformed into a streak of Flowing Light, trailing closely behind.
White Dragon University was eerily quiet.
As Jiang Ye flew through the campus, he didn't spot a single soul.
"White Dragon University's curriculum is far more rigorous than ours," Zhu Honglie explained. "They require students to achieve at least the fifth breakthrough within seven years."
"A-grade students must reach the sixth breakthrough."
"That's why you rarely see students around here. They're either in secluded cultivation or out braving life-or-death trials," Zhu Honglie added.
Jiang Ye nodded in understanding.
At Penglai University, while the cultivation atmosphere was intense, students could still be seen strolling the streets or relaxing. There were even occasional holidays for travel and leisure.
But at White Dragon University? None of that existed.
So Senior Sister's training is this demanding, Jiang Ye thought, a strange feeling stirring within him. He realized that his previous interruptions had likely cost her valuable time.
Chen Zilu had already spent over half a year delayed in Ancheng. Now that she was back at the university, her cultivation schedule would undoubtedly be even more grueling than before.
Over the past few months, Jiang Ye had sought out Chen Zilu in the Independent Cosmos multiple times, and she had never refused.
"We're almost there," Zhu Honglie announced.
Whoosh!
Moments later, they entered a silver-white structure resembling a celestial body.
As they stepped into the grand hall on the first floor, Jiang Ye immediately spotted a black-robed figure standing nearby.
It was Qiu Cang, whom he had met once before.
"Old Zhu," the black-robed elder greeted with a smile. "I've been waiting for you."
"Sorry to keep you waiting," Zhu Honglie chuckled, gesturing to Jiang Ye. "This is my student. You two have already met, haven't you?"
"Student Jiang Ye greets Teacher Qiu!" Jiang Ye stepped forward and clasped his hands in a respectful bow.
"Welcome," Qiu Cang replied.
"It's been half a year since we last met. You've changed quite a bit," Qiu Cang observed with a smile.
"I'm grateful for your concern, Teacher," Jiang Ye replied.
Without further pleasantries, Qiu Cang cut straight to the point:
"Are you familiar with the procedures for this advanced study program at White Dragon University?"
"Yes, I am," Jiang Ye answered immediately. "For the first six days, we choose a teacher to attend lectures and classes."
"On the seventh day, we enter the White Dragon's Court."
Before their arrival, Zhu Honglie had already explained the detailed procedures for the advanced study program.
Penglai University's position as the leader of the twenty-five school alliance was largely due to its close ties with White Dragon University.
Every year, a large group of Penglai University students would spend seven days at White Dragon University for advanced study, immersing themselves in the cultivation atmosphere of a top-tier institution.
However, the official study period hadn't yet arrived. Jiang Ye's rapid progress far surpassed that of his peers, prompting Zhu Honglie to accelerate his participation.
"Hmm," Qiu Cang said calmly. "White Dragon University currently has over thirty faculty members, each with a distinct teaching style."
As he spoke, Qiu Cang waved his hand.
Beep! A projection materialized, displaying the thirty-plus faculty members of White Dragon University.
"Which one do you plan to choose?" Qiu Cang asked, looking at Jiang Ye.
"Can I choose Teacher Qiu?" Jiang Ye inquired.
"Of course," Qiu Cang replied with a smile. "But wouldn't you like to consider the others? We have several vice-deans among them, while I'm just a professor."
Jiang Ye said solemnly, "I'm studying spearmanship. Those vice-deans might not be more skilled in the Spear Dao than Teacher Qiu."
"Hahaha!"
"You little rascal, you're quite amusing," Qiu Cang chuckled, nodding. "Very well, since that's the case, you'll follow me for the next seven days."
"Yes, Teacher," Jiang Ye replied, bowing respectfully.
Beside them, Zhu Honglie wore an inscrutable expression, a hint of jealousy flickering across his face.
"Jiang Ye," Qiu Cang said with a smile, "go wait for me in the training room on the 108th floor. I'll come to instruct you shortly."
"Yes, Teacher."
"Teacher Zhu, I'll see you later," Jiang Ye said, turning to Zhu Honglie.
Zhu Honglie nodded and waved him off.
After Jiang Ye left, Qiu Cang turned to Zhu Honglie, laughing. "What's with that face?"
"Hmph," Zhu Honglie snorted coldly. "That brat never praised me like that!"
"Hahaha!" Qiu Cang clapped his hands in amusement, sighing. "It seems he truly does favor me more."
"Just take him as your disciple already!" Zhu Honglie said, his tone still tinged with jealousy.
Qiu Cang shook his head. "I'm far too busy these days. I have no time to take on a disciple."
"So you're saying... after this busy period, you might consider it?" Zhu Honglie raised an eyebrow.
Qiu Cang paused, momentarily taken aback.
A moment later, he burst into laughter. "You sly old fox, Zhu!" he exclaimed, chuckling. "So you've been trying to get me to take him all along, haven't you?"
Zhu Honglie's expression returned to calm. His earlier jealousy had been entirely feigned.
He wanted Qiu Cang to take Jiang Ye under his wing.
Though both were high-ranking professors, Zhu Honglie knew deep down that there was a gap between them.
Qiu Cang could nurture true peerless prodigies.
For Zhu Honglie, Jiang Ye might well be the pinnacle of his career.
Jiang Ye's progress in recent months had far exceeded Zhu Honglie's expectations. He was even unsure how to adjust Jiang Ye's training plan.
"Take him," Zhu Honglie said, grinning. "I've already made arrangements for the kid. I'll be his Grand Master, and you'll be his Second Master. We'll train him together."
"Get lost!" Qiu Cang retorted with a laugh, shaking his head. "I'm serious. It's too early to take on a disciple. After all, my teaching methods might not suit him."
"Besides," Qiu Cang added, shaking his head, "that kid might not be able to handle the intense pressure at White Dragon University."
He knew Jiang Ye's achievements at Penglai University:
First place in the Freshman Competition. Second breakthrough within six months. * Major Success in the Great Sun Spear Technique.
Within the twenty-five school alliance, these achievements would have been dazzling. Even among the ten great schools, they would have been considered "excellent" by the lower-ranked institutions.
But at White Dragon University? They were utterly unremarkable.
White Dragon University students achieved their second breakthrough upon admission. How could Jiang Ye possibly compare?
"Let him experience this training session thoroughly," Qiu Cang said with a smile.
"Mm," Zhu Honglie replied, knowing further discussion would be futile. Only Jiang Ye's performance could impress Qiu Cang.
108th Floor.
Jiang Ye stepped out of the elevator into a training hall spanning hundreds of meters in length and width, resembling a golden jade palace crafted from Cosmic Fluid.
Several students were already practicing within the hall.
As Jiang Ye entered, an Elegant Lady approached him. "Excuse me, are you looking for someone?" she asked.
"I'm Jiang Ye, a visiting student from Penglai University," he introduced himself. "Teacher Qiu told me to wait here."
"Penglai University?"
"A visiting student?"
"They usually come in March or April. Why so early this year?" The students in the hall turned to stare at him in surprise.
"Oh, you're a visiting student from Penglai University," the Elegant Lady said with a smile. "Are you here alone?"
"Yes," Jiang Ye nodded.
"Come in. We're waiting for the teacher too," the Elegant Lady said, stepping into the training hall.
Jiang Ye quickly followed.
The training hall, as spacious as a grand hall, was filled with students radiating formidable qi prowess. Some sat cross-legged in meditation, while others practiced with swords and spears.
Each student possessed an exceptionally profound Martial Dao Aura.
Moreover, their auras were remarkably distinct. Even the Elegant Lady carried a presence unlike anything Jiang Ye had sensed from Penglai students—calm yet imbued with a sense of vastness, as if they could shoulder the weight of the heavens themselves.
Is this due to their innate talent? Jiang Ye wondered inwardly.
Geniuses with Dao Bone Aptitude possessed Substantial Domains, which inherently granted them extraordinary abilities.
He opened his interface and scanned the students in the hall.
[Physique: Profound Physique (Mid-B)]
[Physique: Profound Physique (High-B)]
[Physique: Profound Physique (Low-A)]
No wonder it's White Dragon University.
"The lowest physique here is B-tier profound physique," Jiang Ye thought, secretly astonished.
At Penglai University, apart from himself, even Shen Changxi, the student with the highest innate talent, only possessed a mid-C-tier profound physique. Liu Wanxiao and Yun Qing'er were both lower C-tier.
Yet at White Dragon University, even among the few students he'd seen, there were several with A-grade profound physiques. However, none possessed an Upper A-tier physique like Chen Zilu's.
"Senior sister isn't here either," Jiang Ye suddenly realized. "This must be a public training hall."
At Penglai University, students below A-grade all trained in public halls. Only top-tier students received one-on-one guidance from teachers. White Dragon University likely followed a similar system. Chen Zilu probably belonged to the latter group.
"Time to train," Jiang Ye muttered, shaking his head to clear his thoughts.
He retrieved the Black Dragon Spear from his back, walked to a deserted corner, and began practicing spear techniques.
Having experienced a century-long dream realm, Jiang Ye was no longer easily influenced by his surroundings. In an instant, he entered a Profound State, completely immersed in his spear practice.
Moments later, Qiu Cang entered the training hall.
"Hmm?"
"That kid," Qiu Cang murmured, his eyes flashing with surprise as he noticed the young man silently practicing spear techniques in the corner.
With his discerning eye, Qiu Cang immediately recognized that Jiang Ye was in an extraordinary state—a rare enlightenment realm that even geniuses with Dao Bone Aptitude seldom achieved.
Qiu Cang walked to the podium but didn't begin the lecture, instead silently observing Jiang Ye.
The other students initially wondered why the teacher wasn't starting the class. But when they saw what was happening, they quickly realized.
Every gaze in the room turned toward Jiang Ye.
"He's entered the enlightenment realm."
"This guy just arrived at our school and already achieved enlightenment?"
"Is he serious? Adapting to the environment this quickly?" The students whispered among themselves, their voices filled with astonishment.
Normally, one could only enter such a state of enlightenment in an extremely comfortable environment.
But Jiang Ye?
A visiting student from Penglai University, barely arrived, and already achieving enlightenment?
Did he think White Dragon University was his own home?
Time flowed on.
Qiu Cang led the other students to another classroom for their lesson.
Jiang Ye remained alone in the training hall, completely immersed in practicing his spearmanship.
An hour later, with a whoosh, Jiang Ye finally emerged from his trance.
"What was that?"
In just a second, he realized: "Profound State, combined with dao resonance?"
The two states had overlapped with remarkable coincidence.
Jiang Ye checked his status panel.
Great Sun Spear Technique: Major Success (18%) → (19%)
"Just shy of 20%."
"The difficulty of cultivation increases exponentially as you progress," Jiang Ye mused. "If not for that, the Profound State might have lasted longer."
Every 10% marked a minor bottleneck.
Earlier, he had encountered such a bottleneck during his spear practice, facing numerous blockages that forced him to exit the Profound State.
"Minor bottlenecks, while not as daunting as major ones," Jiang Ye sighed inwardly, "still require at least several days, if not weeks, to overcome. Unless I encounter an opportunity like the one my senior sister provided to help me break through."
Once one achieves Major Success in spearmanship, progress becomes exceedingly difficult.
Even a century of accumulated enlightenment realm experience offers little assistance.
After all, that century-long dream realm had primarily served to solidify his foundation, with minimal advancement in his actual spearmanship.
"Without a special opportunity, further improvement will only become slower and slower," Jiang Ye mused. "I need to adjust my mindset."
Cultivation, by its very nature, requires gradual accumulation over time.
As Jiang Ye pondered this, a telepathic message suddenly echoed in his mind:
"Come to the adjacent practice room."
"Teacher Qiu?" Jiang Ye immediately grabbed his spear and hurried out of the practice room.
In the adjacent practice room, Jiang Ye bowed respectfully to Qiu Cang, who stood on the platform. "Teacher, I apologize for being engrossed in my practice."
"It's fine," Qiu Cang replied. "Come in."
"Yes, sir."
Once Jiang Ye entered the room, Qiu Cang began pointing out his mistakes. "There are several issues with your spearmanship. In the thirty-sixth form of the Great Sun Spear Technique, the focus should be on your legs."
"After thrusting the third spear, you must channel a large amount of stellar energy to amplify the spear's momentum."
"The fortieth form of the Great Sun Spear Technique has multiple energy pathways. You need to use hidden channels for assistance." Qiu Cang continued to pinpoint his errors.
Jiang Ye listened silently.
After Qiu Cang pointed out several flaws in his technique, Jiang Ye's mind buzzed with a deafening roar.
The very bottlenecks he had encountered during his solitary practice were now being laid bare by Qiu Cang, one by one.
These were problems Jiang Ye had struggled with alone, some so subtle he couldn't even articulate them himself.
Yet Qiu Cang had dissected their essence and offered him direct solutions.
"Alright, have you understood all 120 issues I've raised?" Qiu Cang asked, his gaze fixed on Jiang Ye.
Jiang Ye took a deep breath and nodded emphatically. "Understood!"
Qiu Cang had identified 120 errors in a single breath.
For someone of ordinary talent, even memorizing them would be a challenge, let alone comprehending them deeply enough to devise improvements.
Fortunately, Jiang Ye was no ordinary person.
"Since you understand," Qiu Cang said coolly, "you have three minutes to digest this information. Then we'll begin live combat."
"Huh?" Jiang Ye blinked in surprise.
So soon? Only three minutes to digest?
That's 120 issues!
Qiu Cang ignored Jiang Ye's thoughts and turned to a young man. "Tang Wuji, you'll spar with him shortly."
"Yes," the muscular young man replied, cupping his fist in salute.
"Unleash your full strength and completely suppress him," Qiu Cang said calmly. "But you're forbidden from using your innate ability."
"Yes," Tang Wuji replied.
Jiang Ye was speechless.
Teacher Qiu's domineering style made him feel quite uncomfortable.
But at that moment, Jiang Ye didn't dwell on it.
He only had three minutes.
He needed to digest the information quickly.
But three minutes was definitely not enough time to practice.
Huff... Jiang Ye closed his eyes, his mind racing through cultivation scenarios and energy circulation pathways.
Myriad Manifestations Spear Soul: Comprehension of spearmanship increased by 100%. When attempting to improve spearmanship, comprehension is further increased by 100%.
At that moment, Jiang Ye's comprehension seemed to skyrocket, his mind becoming crystal clear.
The three minutes passed in a flash.
Before long, Tang Wuji strode to the center of the training hall, to a silver-white arena spanning dozens of meters in length and width.
"Jiang Ye," Tang Wuji said from the arena, "let's begin."
"Alright," Jiang Ye replied, opening his eyes and leaping onto the arena, spear in hand.
Many students in the training hall paused their practice to watch.
"Tang Wuji versus Jiang Ye?"
"Tang Wuji's Frost Ice Spear Technique is nearing Perfection, and he's already in the mid-second breakthrough stage. This is hardly a fair match."
"How many moves can Jiang Ye withstand?" The students watched with curiosity.
On the arena, Tang Wuji looked at Jiang Ye earnestly. "Jiang Ye, I'm going to give this my all. Be careful."
He disliked bullying the weak, but he couldn't disobey his teacher's orders.
"Alright," Jiang Ye replied, his gaze steady. "Please instruct me!"
His eyes scanned Tang Wuji's attributes:
[Physique: Profound Physique (Mid-B Tier)]
[Innate Talent: Dao Bone]
Boom!
In the next instant, Tang Wuji erupted into motion, charging at Jiang Ye with lightning speed, spear in hand.
He practiced the Frost Ice Spear Technique, a profound tier, upper-grade cultivation technique. Despite its ordinary-sounding name, it was a formidable art.
Its rank is no lower than the Great Sun Spear Technique!
Clang!
Clang! Clang! In an instant, the two figures on the arena clashed fiercely.
But the moment they exchanged blows, Jiang Ye sensed something was amiss.
Each strike of his spear carried far greater power than he had imagined.
Boom! Boom! Every clash of spears erupted in thunderous roars.
[Pinnacle of the Spear Dao: When facing martial artists with lower Spear Dao cultivation than yours, spearmanship damage is increased by 50%. Damage against non-spear practitioners is further increased by 25%.]
A 50% damage boost!
"Tang Wuji's spearmanship is already nearing Perfection. How could his Spear Dao cultivation be lower than mine?"
Could it be... Jiang Ye thought in astonishment, that Spear Dao cultivation refers to one's comprehension of the Spear Dao itself?
With this realization, Jiang Ye suddenly felt relieved.
In terms of spearmanship, he was indeed far inferior to the burly young man before him.
But in terms of comprehension of the Spear Dao? After a century of accumulation, his understanding naturally far surpassed that of ordinary practitioners.
At that moment,
Boom! Jiang Ye unleashed a spear thrust, slamming into Tang Wuji with starlight blazing.
This single strike forced Tang Wuji to stagger backward a step.
[Tilting at Windmills: When facing an opponent with a higher cultivation realm, there is a chance to increase damage by 100% and inflict continuous bleeding.]
"This guy?" A flicker of surprise flashed in Tang Wuji's eyes. "Is his spearmanship really only at the Major Success stage?"
With a burst of speed, he unleashed his full power and thrust his spear again.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Deafening clashes echoed across the arena as the two warriors clashed fiercely, unleashing terrifying waves of power.
Fortunately, an energy shield surrounded the arena, absorbing the shockwaves from the battle.
Without it, the residual force alone would have riddled the entire classroom with holes.
"What?"
"Jiang Ye is actually holding his own against Tang Wuji?"
"Is he really that strong?" The students around the arena were utterly astonished.
Tang Wuji, while not the strongest among them, was still a student of White Dragon University.
His College Entrance Examination score had exceeded 1,000 points.
He should have been able to crush any student from the twenty-five school alliance.
Yet here he was, not only failing to quickly defeat Jiang Ye, but actually growing stronger as the battle raged on?
In the crowd, the Elegant Lady's expression shifted.
"This guy... he's improving so fast?"
"If I'm not mistaken, he's already corrected most of the flaws Teacher Qiu pointed out earlier," she mused inwardly. "Is his comprehension really this absurd?"
On the arena stage:
Boom! Boom! The battle between the two had reached a fever pitch.
Tang Wuji, being at the mid-stage of the second breakthrough, possessed formidable strength.
Although Jiang Ye's sudden burst of power initially caught him off guard, Tang Wuji gradually gained control of the situation, completely suppressing Jiang Ye.
Time passed.
Several minutes later:
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Hundreds of spear shadows enveloped Jiang Ye, each strike carrying an icy chill capable of threatening even early-stage second breakthrough experts.
Whoosh! Jiang Ye finally couldn't hold out any longer. His body swayed, and he tumbled off the arena stage.
"I lost."
'The gap in cultivation realm and spearmanship was just too great.' Jiang Ye wasn't discouraged. He had already pushed himself beyond his limits by fighting for so long.
"Jiang Ye, are you hurt?"
Tang Wuji leaped down from the arena. "I got a little carried away just now."
"I'm fine," Jiang Ye replied with a shake of his head and a smile. "I should be thanking you. My spearmanship just broke through."
He glanced at his status panel.
Thanks to Teacher Qiu's guidance and the recent battle, the Great Sun Spear Technique—which would have taken days or even weeks to overcome its minor bottleneck—had instantly broken through, reaching the 20% mark!
(End of the Chapter)
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