Chapter 23: Next Destination

During the extensive half-year cross-level special training, Yan, Xie Yue, and Hu Liena demonstrated remarkable strength.

Throughout this training, the trio faced countless challenges, persisting each time regardless of victory or defeat, and growing with every experience.

However, unlike the sibling duo, Yan did not reveal his full potential, as he had never used his Flames Wings.

Even without deploying the external spirit bone, Yan managed to defeat multiple opponents at the Spirit King level through his exceptional mastery of both fire and earth elements.

Over these six months, Lin Zhendong, serving as their mentor, spent day and night with Yan and the others.

He witnessed firsthand the significant transformation in Yan.

Yan's temperament became increasingly composed. No matter what kind of challenge he faced, he maintained a calm and steady demeanor, carefully strategizing and executing his attacks and counterattacks without arrogance or impatience.

Lin Zhendong felt deeply gratified by Yan's growth and progress.

He genuinely admired Yan's talent and dedication. At the end of the special training, he called Yan aside for a more in-depth conversation.

Yan followed Lin Zhendong as they walked and talked.

Lin Zhendong began:

"Over the past six months, all three of you have performed well and made significant improvements, especially you."

"Teacher Lin, we owe it all to your training plan and the diverse opponents you arranged for us to spar with," Yan responded humbly.

Lin Zhendong chuckled.

"Alright, there's no need to be so modest. You've truly changed, and I'm pleased to see you channeling your energy into cultivation."

Yan smiled awkwardly, knowing exactly what Lin Zhendong was referring to.

Previously, Yan's infatuation with Hu Liena was common knowledge throughout the Spirit Hall Academy.

Hu Liena, who was Bibi Dong's chosen successor and known for her pride, had always ignored Yan.

But over these past six months, Yan overturned his previous image, focusing entirely on his training and not sparing a thought for Hu Liena.

"Teacher Lin, I was immature before and embarrassed myself. I will continue to train diligently to enhance my strength."

"That's the right attitude. You possess a top-tier ancient beast spirit and dual attributes of fire and earth. Among the younger generation of the Spirit Hall's Golden Generation, you have the greatest potential. With dedication, your future achievements will be immeasurable."

"Yes, Teacher Lin. I will remember your teachings."

Lin Zhendong nodded in satisfaction and then slowed his pace.

"I heard you obtained an external spirit bone?"

Yan paused, a flash of surprise in his eyes.

"Teacher Lin, so you knew?"

"Yes, I learned about it the day after you returned to the academy. I didn't expect that you hadn't used it at all during the six months of training. I hear it's a pair of wings?"

"Yes, I call them the Flames Wings."

Yan speculated that Bibi Dong must have informed Lin Zhendong, but it no longer mattered.

Lin Zhendong continued:

"With your current combat skills combined with the ability to fly, you need not fear any Spirit King-level opponent."

Lin Zhendong's affirmation boosted Yan's confidence, and he wondered what kind of training lay ahead.

"Teacher Lin, will more special training be arranged for us?"

Lin Zhendong nodded and replied:

"Now it's time to test the results of your training. You will face more brutal and realistic challenges."

"What kind of challenges?" Yan asked curiously. Lin Zhendong stroked his gray beard and smiled faintly.

"I can't predict what kind of opponents you will encounter, as they come from all corners of the continent. They all share one goal: to prove their strength in the Spirit Arena."

Yan immediately understood.

"Teacher Lin, you mean we're going to participate in Spirit Arena battles?"

"Yes. Only in the Spirit Arena can you fully unleash your power and display your true strength. It is also the best place for you to accumulate combat experience and refine yourselves."

Hearing Lin Zhendong's explanation, Yan felt a surge of excitement.

As a reborn individual, he was well-acquainted with the rules and brutal nature of the Spirit Arena.

The Spirit Arena had one-on-one, two-on-two, and team battles. Each format was filled with uncertainty and danger, making them highly challenging.

"Teacher, will we still be together as a group?"

Lin Zhendong gently shook his head.

"No, having you three together would draw too much attention. I will separate you, which will also allow for competition among you."

"Separate us? You mean different teachers will take each of us to different Spirit Arenas?"

"Exactly."

Yan, now even more enthusiastic, said:

"Teacher Lin, when will the new training start?"

"Don't rush. You three are the future hope of the Spirit Hall and cannot afford to take unnecessary risks. I need to report to the Pope before finalizing the plan."

Yan saw this as a perfect opportunity.

"Teacher Lin, if possible, I would like to invite Elder Yue to accompany me. I have many things I wish to learn from him."

"Elder Yue?"

Lin Zhendong's brows furrowed slightly at the suggestion.

In his view, Yue Guan was an eccentric and difficult figure to approach.

Moreover, as one of Bibi Dong's trusted confidants, Yue Guan was often occupied with various missions, making it challenging to secure his assistance.

"Inviting Elder Yue might be difficult."

"Don't worry, Teacher. I will approach him personally, and I believe he will agree."

Seeing the confident look on Yan's face, Lin Zhendong's doubts eased slightly.

He nodded, tacitly approving Yan's plan.

"If you're that confident, give it a try. However, I must remind you, your martial soul has a fire attribute, so in the Spirit Arena, you should challenge water-attribute Soul Masters whenever possible. Doing so will enhance your combat experience and improve your fire attribute."

"Yes, Teacher Lin. Thank you for the advice."

Lin Zhendong added:

"On the continent, the highest concentration of water-attribute Soul Masters is in Skywater City, located in the northeastern part of the Heaven Dou Empire. There is a major Spirit Arena in the capital of the Tokes Province near Skywater City called the Tokes Grand Spirit Arena. You might encounter many formidable water-attribute Soul Masters there."

"Understood, Teacher. I will remember."

Yan felt even more thrilled.

He knew the Sunset Forest was located east of Heaven Dou City, in the same direction as the Tokes Grand Spirit Arena, making it a convenient route.

After Lin Zhendong left, Yan did not return to the academy but instead headed straight for Yue Guan's residence.