I returned to the academy with a lingering sense of dissatisfaction. After counting the number of students, the academy dismissed us for free activities. Everyone unanimously returned to their dorms to recuperate. It seemed we were all exhausted; about half of the returning students were visibly injured.
When I got back to the dorm, Qiong and Jian appeared immediately. Qiong asked, "Miss, how are you? Are you hurt? Is it serious?"
I shook my head. "I'm just a bit tired, nothing serious. Thank you both for your concern. Please tell Grandpa Ronda that I'm fine."
"Yes, Miss. However, the old master has already come to see you and will arrive shortly. He just went to meet with the dean; they have some matters to discuss."
"Alright, I'll rest for a bit. Let me know when Grandpa Ronda arrives."
"Yes, Miss. Please take a rest."
I closed my eyes. Although these past few days were short, I had gained a lot. The accumulated combat energy was circulating within me. The 'Purity of Heart' was given to me by the prisoner, and it had helped me greatly during this time. It could be used to circulate my Soul Energy within my body, working in conjunction with Pure Sound to help me operate my Soul Energy. Suddenly, the blue sphere inside me became very hot; this sphere was my inner elixir, as vital as a human heart. Here, if the inner elixir were to disappear, it would mean my soul would be lost. My muscles began to tense painfully, but gradually, a refreshing sensation seeped into my body, and the color of the sphere inside me started to deepen. I succeeded; I had advanced to a higher level as a warrior.
Feeling much more comfortable, I slowly opened my eyes, unsure how much time had passed.
"Congratulations, Xi Meng! Your abilities have improved again," said Grandpa Ronda, who was looking at me with a broad smile.
"Grandpa Ronda, why didn't you let me know you were coming? You've been waiting for a long time, haven't you?" Seeing him felt like being with family in my human world; my mood lifted significantly.
"It's nothing. I saw you were about to level up, so I didn't want to disturb you. Wow, you've made a breakthrough in just a few days."
"Just lucky, by the way, Grandpa Ronda, why are there so many Soul-Eating Ants at the edge of Beast Forest?"
"This is strange. Although Beast Forest is dangerous, the level of danger varies depending on how deep you go. You just entered, so you should be in a relatively outer area. With your strength, it shouldn't be too dangerous. However, this time the Ant Beasts' mutation and riot were unexpected for the academy. Before we understand the cause, the academy decided to recall everyone temporarily to prevent mass casualties. An investigation is currently underway."
"I see. I actually gained quite a bit from Beast Forest this time, except for one thing." Sighing, I felt a headache coming on. I might as well ask Grandpa Ronda if there’s a chance to exchange it.
"What’s wrong? Just tell Grandpa if something happened. Did you get hurt or bullied?"
"Neither, Grandpa Ronda. I caught a magical beast."
"Really? I was planning to take you to catch one myself. But you managed to catch a magical beast on your own right after arriving; that's impressive! What is it? Let me see."
"It was unintentional; can I exchange it for another?" I looked at him with hope.
"No way, there's only one chance. Let me see what it is first."
I nodded, "Come out." I extended my hand to summon the Pink Caterpillar. In an instant, the Little One appeared in my hand, looking at me in confusion.
"This is the Little Bug; I'm really unlucky. What should I do, Grandpa Ronda?" I looked at Grandpa Ronda helplessly, but he remained still, staring at the caterpillar.
"Grandpa, what's wrong?"
"Ah? Oh, it's nothing. You can't exchange it now, but Xi Meng, why don't you try raising it? I've never seen such a magical beast before. It's in its juvenile form, probably only about a week old and a mutant at that. Its intelligence seems quite high; even at such a young age, it can already understand your emotions. I'll have someone look into it when I get back. Don't be sad; who knows, this Little One might surprise you when it grows up. Alright, I'm leaving now; take care of yourself."
"Thank you, Grandpa Ronda."
Just after Grandpa Ronda left, my door rang again. "Xi Meng, it's Nian. Come out and let's go meet a few elders."
It's the mentor. I opened the door. "Mentor, why do we need to meet the elders?"
"I’m not sure either, but you'll find out once we go. Let's head out."
Comment 0 Comment Count