Chapter 21: The Second Floor of the Library
7 days passed in the blink of an eye.
Early that morning, Lin Mo packed his luggage carefully. After checking that he had not forgotten anything, he headed straight for the dean's office.
He stood outside the door and knocked lightly.
"Come in." The dean's familiar voice sounded from within.
Lin Mo pushed the door open and stepped inside. Dean Wang was seated behind his desk, a document in hand.
When he saw Lin Mo, he smiled and set the papers aside.
"Ah, Lin Mo, perfect timing. I was just about to send for you." Dean Wang beamed. "All packed? Then let's go."
"Everything's ready, Dean." Lin Mo nodded.
"Good." The dean rose, walked around the desk, and patted Lin Mo's shoulder. "Come along. The carriage is waiting at the gate."
"Just the 2 of us this time. Makes things simpler."
The 2 left the office one after the other and headed for the main gate.
Outside, a handsome carriage was already waiting.
It was far grander than the donkey cart Lin Mo had ridden into Nuoding City with the village chief, larger cabin, better build, and sleek horses that looked spirited and strong.
The driver, a simple looking middle aged man, bowed respectfully the moment he saw Dean Wang.
Dean Wang only waved, then led Lin Mo aboard.
The compartment was roomy, with cushioned seats that were soft and comfortable.
At the driver's shout, the carriage gave a gentle lurch and rolled smoothly forward, faster than Lin Mo expected, yet with far less jolt than he had feared.
They left Nuoding City behind and followed the post road toward the northeast.
Dean Wang sat opposite Lin Mo, smiling kindly. He asked, "Lin Mo, this trip to the Spirit Hunting Forest is for your first Spirit Ring."
"Do you have any definite ideas about what you want for Charmander's first ring, or what kind of Spirit Beast you want it from?"
Hearing the question, Lin Mo did not answer immediately. He lowered his head and thought carefully.
He had already considered this many times.
Over the past half year in the library, he had not wasted his time. He had learned a great deal about Spirit Beasts and Spirit Rings.
Coupled with the advantage of being a transmigrator, he had long mapped out the cultivation route for his twin Martial Souls.
After a moment, he raised his head and calmly stated the requirements he had already settled on.
"Dean, I've thought it through. Charmander is fire attributed, and in form it should count as a draconic Spirit Beast, something close to a land dragon type."
He organized his thoughts and continued, "So what I want most is either a fire attribute Spirit Beast, or one with a land dragon bloodline."
"In terms of compatibility, Spirit Rings from either should suit Charmander best."
"Oh?" The dean's eyes gleamed with interest. "Explain your reasoning."
"It's simple." Lin Mo replied. "A fire attribute Spirit Ring will likely strengthen Charmander's flames, or make flame control easier."
"A land dragon ring might raise Charmander's bloodline quality, or improve my physical abilities."
"Either way, whether it boosts the element or the quality, it will help my future cultivation."
He paused, then added, "Of course, Dean, I also understand that hunting Spirit Beasts depends on luck. We can't always choose."
"If we can't find a suitable fire type or land dragon, then as a fallback, any Spirit Beast with a strong Spirit Ability is fine."
"A powerful Spirit Ability can also greatly increase combat strength."
Dean Wang Zongchang's face broke into an openly delighted smile. He looked thoroughly pleased.
Lin Mo's answer was clear and logical. It showed he understood his Martial Soul traits and potential, and more importantly, he already had a plan for his path as a Spirit Master.
Most children who had just reached Rank 10 either followed their elders blindly, or only chased immediate combat power.
Very few thought it through as carefully as Lin Mo.
To the dean, this clarity of purpose was even more valuable than simply having knowledge of Spirit Beasts.
It meant this boy could go farther, perhaps to heights even he himself could never reach.
In a good mood, the dean could not resist testing Lin Mo further.
He asked several routine questions about basic Spirit Master cultivation, and about common Spirit Beasts, their habits and weaknesses.
Lin Mo thought briefly, then answered smoothly.
His replies were not showy, but the fundamentals were solid, and the details were precise.
All of it came from spending almost every free moment of the past half year in the first floor library.
He had read and reread those basic books until they became instinct.
Seeing how steady Lin Mo's foundation was, the dean's admiration deepened.
He laughed and patted Lin Mo's shoulder.
"Good, excellent. That old Su really had a wise eye this time, letting you roam the library freely. And you certainly didn't waste the chance."
Then he said something that made Lin Mo's eyes widen.
"When we return from the Spirit Hunting Forest, the second floor of the academy library will be opened to you as well."
"The second floor?" Lin Mo blinked.
Nuoding Academy's second floor held books a level above the ones downstairs. Normally, only teachers had access. Ordinary students were barred.
To Lin Mo, it was a tremendous windfall.
The first floor books were already close to exhausted. Even if he kept reading, there would not be much new to gain.
Right now, the only thing in Nuoding Academy that could still truly attract him was the collection on that forbidden second floor.
.....
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