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Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, more than three months had passed.
During these three months, Lin Ye's life had been calm and peaceful. His days were filled with a simple routine—cultivating and studying, over and over again, keeping him productive and content.
Perhaps it was due to Lin Ye's extraordinary talent.
In just a few months, even though he was still in his first year, Lin Ye had already mastered all the courses at the academy. Of course, part of the reason was that the material wasn't particularly difficult.
The main reason Lin Ye had come to Notting Academy was to learn these foundational courses. Now that he had finished them, it was time for him to apply for graduation.
…
It was a bright and breezy day, with sunlight filtering through the trees, and birds chirping amidst a fragrant bloom of flowers. During his morning class, Lin Ye wrote his application, and after class, he headed straight for the first-floor office of the academic building.
Standing outside the door, he knocked softly.
Knock, knock, knock.
"Come in!"
A voice sounded from inside the office. Upon hearing the response, Lin Ye pushed the door open and stepped inside. Seated behind a desk was Director Su, who looked up in surprise when he saw Lin Ye enter.
"Lin Ye? What brings you here?"
As one of the three students in the first year to have already become a Soul Master, and with his exceptional talent in mastering foundational knowledge, Lin Ye was known by almost every teacher at Notting Academy.
"Director Su, I'm here to apply for graduation."
Lin Ye walked up to the desk, took out his application form from his robe, and handed it to Director Su.
At Notting Academy, due to a shortage of teachers, many instructors wore multiple hats. Director Su, for instance, not only handled new student admissions but also oversaw graduation matters.
"You want to apply for graduation?" Director Su was stunned. "Lin Ye, you're only six years old. Isn't it a bit early for you to graduate?"
"It's not too early, Director," Lin Ye replied, shaking his head. "I've already completed all the academy's foundational courses, and I've learned everything about becoming a Soul Master that the academy offers. If I stay any longer, it would just be a waste of time. I'd rather graduate now and go explore the world."
Director Su hesitated. "But have your family members agreed to this early graduation?"
"Don't worry, Director. My grandfather will approve. I've been thinking about this for a while now. After graduation, I plan to return to my village and discuss it with him. You don't need to worry," Lin Ye explained.
The director sighed. "You've always been so mature for your age, Lin Ye. We all know that about you. And since Notting Academy's graduation requirement is simply to become a Soul Master, which you've already achieved, we don't really have a reason to stop you from graduating."
He took Lin Ye's application form and sighed again before nodding. "Your graduation is approved. Go say goodbye to your friends, and you can leave whenever you're ready."
"Thank you, Director Su." Lin Ye bowed respectfully before turning to leave.
…
After leaving the academic building, Lin Ye went to the dining hall for lunch before heading back to Dorm Seven, where he announced his departure to the other children.
His announcement was met with sorrow and reluctance from his dormmates. Ever since Lin Ye had become their "big brother," life had improved for all of them. Now, with his departure imminent, everyone was saddened by the news.
"When are you leaving, Lin Ye?" Tang San asked.
"Tonight, I'll treat you all, as well as Xiao Chenyu and his group, to a meal on the second floor of the dining hall. Then I'll leave tomorrow," Lin Ye said after some thought.
Tang San nodded silently after hearing Lin Ye's plan.
That evening, as promised, Lin Ye treated everyone in Dorm Seven, along with Xiao Chenyu's group, to a farewell banquet on the second floor of the dining hall.
The next morning, after waking up and washing, Lin Ye prepared for one last meal at the dining hall before heading off.
But before embarking on his journey to explore the continent, Lin Ye planned to return to Holy Soul Village to visit his grandfather, Old Jack.
However, as he descended from the dormitory building, he unexpectedly ran into Grandmaster.
"Lin Ye, have you already applied for graduation?" Grandmaster asked, as though he had been waiting for some time.
"Yes, I have," Lin Ye nodded.
Upon hearing Lin Ye's answer, Grandmaster exhaled a quiet breath. After a brief pause, he said, "Come with me. I have something to give you."
Without further explanation, Grandmaster started walking upstairs, and Lin Ye followed after a moment's thought.
They climbed the stairs and entered Grandmaster's quarters, where the older man retrieved a slightly worn, black leather-bound book from a bookshelf overflowing with texts. He handed it to Lin Ye.
"I heard you plan to travel around the continent. This is a notebook I kept during my own travels. It contains descriptions of many places and notes on things to watch out for. I hope it proves useful to you."
Lin Ye hesitated for a moment before accepting the book. "Thank you, Grandmaster."
"You don't need to thank me. It's just a simple notebook. Besides, you saved my life once. Consider this a small token in return."
At these words, Lin Ye felt more at ease and accepted the notebook with a grateful smile.
"By the way, have you decided where you'll go after graduation? Which Intermediate Soul Master Academy will you attend?" Grandmaster asked, seemingly remembering something.
"I haven't thought about it yet," Lin Ye admitted with a shake of his head.
"In that case, I have a suggestion. If you're still undecided, consider heading to Soto City in the Barak Kingdom. There's an academy there called Shrek Academy. I think it might be a good fit for you."
Lin Ye was quiet for a moment before nodding slightly. "If I get the chance, I'll check it out."
"That's all I have to say," Grandmaster said.
"Goodbye, Grandmaster," Lin Ye replied, bowing slightly before leaving Grandmaster's quarters, the notebook tucked safely into his bag.
With the help of his Phoenix Dance Six Illusions technique, Lin Ye made quick time, returning to Holy Soul Village in under an hour.
"Xiao Ye! What brings you back so soon?" Old Jack asked, a hint of worry in his voice. He hadn't expected Lin Ye to return in less than six months and feared that something might have gone wrong at the academy.
"Grandfather, I've already become a Soul Master and graduated from the academy," Lin Ye explained before Old Jack could ask. To prove his words, Lin Ye summoned his Nine-Spirit Heavenly Lotus martial soul, revealing his first soul ring.
Seeing his grandson's soul ring, Old Jack, who had been worried just moments before, was overwhelmed with joy.
"You've really become a Soul Master, Xiao Ye?"
"Yes, Grandfather," Lin Ye confirmed with a smile.
"That's wonderful! Our Holy Soul Village has produced another Soul Master! The ancestors must be watching over us!" Old Jack exclaimed, his joy overflowing.
"Oh, by the way, Grandfather, Tang San also became a Soul Master."
Old Jack was even more delighted upon hearing this news. Two new Soul Masters in one year—this could greatly increase their chances of producing a Soul Saint in the future!
After Lin Ye's return, Old Jack spread the news of his grandson's achievement throughout the village. Becoming a Soul Master was a momentous occasion on Douluo Continent, akin to winning first place in ancient imperial exams in our world. It was a cause for celebration, one that the whole village would share in.
That very afternoon, Old Jack made sure the entire village knew of Lin Ye's success. People flocked to congratulate him, and Old Jack was practically beaming with pride. He declared a grand feast would be held to celebrate, inviting everyone in the village.
Because of this, Lin Ye, who had originally planned to leave the next day, ended up staying in the village for another three or four days to attend the celebratory banquet.
It wasn't until the feast had ended that Lin Ye finally bade farewell to Old Jack, leaving Holy Soul Village and embarking on his journey to explore the continent.
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