Chapter 15) Study

Upon returning home, I found solace in the unwavering support of my parents. They said I could still become a spiritual master. Also, I can always do a family business and spend a quiet life doing business.

Although they made no mention of private tutors or financial contributions to the esteemed Spirit Masters Academy, it mattered little to me. I knew that from the ages of 6 to 12, the junior academies accepted children with varying degrees of talent, as long as the fees could be paid. Inspired by this revelation, I engaged in a heartfelt conversation with my parents, expressing my desire to enroll in the elementary school of the Hall of Spirits.

The financial burden was manageable, but the real challenge lay in proving my talent to the stringent standards of the academy. However, fortune smiled upon me as I forged a connection with one of the teachers from the academy. Through my insatiable thirst for knowledge and the articulation of my theories, I was able to secure their support and guidance. With their assistance, I believed I had a genuine chance of gaining admission to the school, granting me six precious years to immerse myself in the vast library of the Hall of Spirits.

My primary objective was not solely to become a powerful master of spirits, but rather to deepen my understanding of spiritual power and the enigmatic nature of spirits themselves. During my time at the academy, I aimed to refine my theories, expanding and enhancing my knowledge to unprecedented levels. Regardless of my eventual proficiency as a master, this foundation in theory and understanding would open doors to a multitude of opportunities upon graduation.

My main weakness was not a small amount of spiritual power, but a weak spirit that could not allow me to break through above level 30 strength. So I have to look for an opportunity to improve it. All I know is that spirits have the opportunity to become stronger when a spirit master eats a precious and rare resource or receives a spirit ring far above his level of capabilities.

The wrong way is not suitable for me, because I am too poor to try to get the resources I need and too weak to hunt a strong spirit beast.

Therefore, I resorted to working with the standard meditation method. My understanding of it was limited to the fact that through this practice, the body absorbs spiritual power from the world, thus bolstering the abilities of a spiritual master. However, I couldn't help but wonder if there were more efficient meditation techniques used by prominent clans and empires to accelerate spiritual growth. It seemed unlikely that throughout the empire's extensive history, no geniuses had attempted to refine the art of meditation. I yearned to delve into the library's records, hoping to find corroborating evidence for my theories.

Recording my observations and theories in my journal, I reached a disheartening conclusion—the standard meditation methods were lacking. They failed to harness an adequate amount of spiritual power, resulting in significant wastage. The inefficiency perplexed me, considering the long-standing existence of the empire and the venerable Hall of Spirits. Surely, there must have been individuals who sought to enhance and optimize meditation techniques. I remained optimistic that the library would hold valuable insights that could confirm my suspicions.

Days turned into weeks, and before long, I made my way to enroll in the academy. As expected, the cost of education was within my means, but admission required a minimum spiritual strength of 5. Thankfully, with the teacher's recommendation, I secured a place. However, I faced the daunting challenge of increasing my spiritual strength to at least 6 by the end of the year; failure to do so would result in expulsion. Given my modest talent, it posed a significant hurdle. Nevertheless, I refused to succumb to despair. Instead, I diligently applied myself to my studies, determined to unlock the secrets of meditation and improve its efficacy.

While I lacked immediate access to the library, I knew it was only a matter of time before I would be granted entry. Until then, I immersed myself in the teachings and guidance of my instructors, absorbing every morsel of knowledge they imparted. I practiced diligently, seeking to refine my meditation technique and uncover any hidden potential within. Each day brought me closer to a deeper understanding of spiritual power and the art of channeling it.

I was driven by a thirst for knowledge and a burning desire to uncover the mysteries that lay within the realm of spirits. The road ahead would undoubtedly be arduous, but I remained resolute. With every passing day, my resolve grew stronger, fueled by the anticipation of the day when I would finally step foot into the vast repository of wisdom and knowledge—the library of the Hall of Spirits. There, I was certain, I would find the answers I sought and the means to fulfill my potential as a master of spirits.

After diligently training for half a year, I made remarkable progress, advancing to the 4th level of spiritual power. The consistent efforts in refining my body and subsequent meditation yielded results, as I noticed a slight acceleration in my cultivation speed. Although the gains seemed insignificant in the short term, I recognized that they would accumulate over time, ultimately leading to a substantial increase in spiritual power.

Upon gaining access to the library, a vast trove of knowledge unfolded before me. To my dismay, I discovered that the method I had been practicing was already widely employed in senior academies and esteemed clans. Many geniuses had endeavored to enhance it, only to reach an impasse. The multitude of spirit types and variations, coupled with the diverse physiques and bloodlines of practitioners, rendered it challenging to devise a universally effective meditation method that could cater to all.

Undeterred, I shifted my focus to studying the attributes of ice spirits. While I couldn't tailor the meditation method to suit my physique, I realized I could tailor it to harmonize with my spirit. This approach yielded promising results. However, I also discovered that to optimize the effect, I needed to meditate in a cold environment. This revelation prompted an epiphany—I began to shift my focus from absorbing mere spiritual energy from the world to attuning myself to the essence of ice, the attribute of my spirit.

Seeking colder areas, I conducted my meditation experiments in shadows and chilled rooms, aiming to maximize my chances of success. After a couple of months of persistent practice, I began sensing profound changes in my meditation, ultimately breaking through to the 5th level of spiritual power.

Encouraged by this breakthrough, I knew I had a mere three months remaining to achieve the 6th level of spiritual power. However, I refused to succumb to despair, for I had found a path that held promise for a brighter future. Nonetheless, I acknowledged that this method was still rudimentary, and the long-term consequences remained uncertain.

With renewed determination, I resolved to continue my arduous journey, pushing the boundaries of my abilities and striving for excellence. The pursuit of knowledge and the mastery of spirits had become my life's purpose, and I eagerly embraced the challenges that lay ahead.