Chapter 15: First Entry into the Spirit Ascension Platform 

In the blink of an eye, half a month had passed. This afternoon, Jing Shaoyu wasn't in class; instead, he was called to the office by Ms. Liu Yun, along with Xu Xiaoyan.

"Get ready. We're leaving soon," Ms. Liu instructed.

"Yes, ma'am," they replied in unison.

As the top primary academy in Donghai City, Xuankong Academy received a limited number of slots each month for entry into the primary Spirit Ascension Platform—a privilege other primary spirit master academies could only dream of.

Since Jing Shaoyu and Xu Xiaoyan were innate full spirit power, they received access to the primary Spirit Ascension Platform after only half a month of enrollment. In the entire first grade, they were the only two granted this opportunity.

Following Liu Yun, they arrived at the square where a bus was parked beside a middle-aged man.

"Director Cheng, here they are," Liu Yun said as she approached him.

"Good." The middle-aged man, Cheng De, Xuankong Academy's teaching director, nodded. "Jing Shaoyu, Xu Xiaoyan, get on the bus."

Without hesitation, the two boarded the bus.

Inside, they saw other students who had earned this opportunity. Including Shaoyu, there were only seven in total. While Xuankong Academy had slots each month, only students in grades three and below with spirit power above level 10 were eligible.

"Are these the new first-grade innate full spirit power students?"

"They must be."

As Shaoyu and Xiaoyan entered, they quickly attracted the curiosity of the five older students, who whispered and exchanged glances.

"Settle down, everyone," Cheng De said as he boarded, scanning the bus. "We have two newcomers this time, so you upperclassmen need to look out for your younger peers, understand?"

"Yes!" the five older students responded promptly.

"Alright, let's do some quick introductions so everyone can get acquainted," Cheng De said, smiling.

"I'll start," said a handsome boy who stood up. "I'm Zhu Ziguang, third grade, spirit: Golden Scythe, level 15 assault-type spirit master."

"Bai Yu, third grade, spirit: Sharp-tailed Swallow, level 13 agility-type spirit master," said a girl with braided hair.

"Hello, freshmen! I'm Yi Yi, but you can call me Sister Yi. Third grade, spirit: Snow White Ferret, level 13 assault-type spirit master," said a cheerful girl.

"Ma Zhiyuan, second grade, spirit: Green Spirit Vine, level 11 control-type spirit master," said a boy with a warm expression.

"I'm He Jie, second grade, spirit: Dual Blade, level 12 assault-type spirit master," said a fierce-looking girl.

With the introductions complete, all eyes turned to Shaoyu and Xiaoyan.

"Hello, seniors." Shaoyu introduced himself confidently. "I'm Jing Shaoyu, first grade, spirit: Origin Elf, level 13 healing-type spirit master."

"Level 13! A healer!" The five older students were visibly surprised, struck twice by Shaoyu's words. Level 13 was already the second highest among them, and he was only in first grade. The innate full spirit power certainly stood out. But what caught their attention even more was that he was a healer—quite the rarity.

"I'm Xu Xiaoyan, first grade, spirit: Star Wheel Ice Staff, level 12 control-type spirit master," said Xu Xiaoyan with a hint of shyness.

"Alright, since we're all introduced, let's head out!" Cheng De said.

The bus roared to life and drove toward the Donghai Spirit Pagoda.

"Shaoyu, how is your spirit power already so high? You've only just awakened your spirit a month ago, right?" Yi Yi, the energetic girl, took the seat behind Shaoyu and Xiaoyan, leaning over their seats, her tone lively and friendly.

The others perked up, also curious.

"It might be due to my spirit," Shaoyu replied with a smile.

"Oh? Your spirit must be exceptional then," Yi Yi remarked. "What kind is it?"

"It's alright, I guess," Shaoyu replied, keeping his explanation brief.

"Hehe, my spirit and spirit beast are the same—a cute little ferret!" Yi Yi said enthusiastically.

"Oh, by the way, Shaoyu, you're a healer. You might have a tough time in the Spirit Ascension Platform, but don't worry! I'll protect you!"

"Shaoyu…"

Amid Yi Yi's chattering, the bus finally reached the Donghai Spirit Pagoda.

The seven students followed Cheng De into the pagoda's hall, then took an elevator descending to a spacious lobby before boarding another elevator further down, eventually arriving in a circular room with large screens on the walls.

This was one of the primary Spirit Ascension Platform control rooms.

The Spirit Ascension Platform was an advanced virtual space created by the Spirit Pagoda, replicating the ancient environment of Douluo Continent. It was filled with various spirit beasts, and with luck, spirit masters could experience "ascension," a process of upgrading their spirit beasts. In simple terms, a ten-year spirit beast could evolve into a hundred-year beast.

For spirit masters, this was an irresistible lure. After all, a spirit beast's level was directly tied to their spirit rings. Who wouldn't want deeper, richer spirit ring colors? A full set of black rings would certainly be impressive!

However, entry into the Spirit Ascension Platform came at a high price. The primary platform was limited to a thousand entry slots per month, each entry costing 500,000 federal coins. Note, this was the base cost of entering—not a guarantee. Each slot was far more valuable, making the Spirit Pagoda one of the wealthiest entities in existence.

"For this session, there are seven entry slots with no time limit. If you encounter any danger you can't handle, press your emergency signal device to return here," explained a staff member. Shaoyu and Xiaoyan, as first-timers, paid close attention to the instructions.

"Now, let's go over the precautions. Please listen carefully…" the staff member continued.

When he finished, Shaoyu was eager to begin. A staff member pressed a button, revealing seven metal pods embedded in the wall. These were the login devices for the primary Spirit Ascension Platform.

"Lie down in the pods."

Shaoyu entered the second-to-last pod and lay down. Various suction devices emerged, attaching to his body, making him feel slightly uncomfortable. But as he heard the staff's instructions, the discomfort soon faded.

"We're ready to begin. Relax and let your mind go blank. You may feel a slight sensation as the light scans you; it'll only be mildly uncomfortable, so just bear with it."

As the staff finished speaking, Shaoyu's vision darkened as the pod slid into the wall.

A tingling, electric sensation coursed through him, as if something was trying to penetrate his body. His spirit power and blood reacted, surging instinctively. The tingling only intensified, until his entire body felt numb, and a wave of drowsiness overcame him. Just as he was about to drift off, he thought, So this is how they get you into the Spirit Ascension Platform? Shocking you with electricity?

He didn't know how much time passed, but suddenly Shaoyu felt a jolt, and his consciousness snapped back. The light around him signaled that he had entered the Spirit Ascension Platform. On the back of his right hand was a red button—the emergency signal device. Taking in his surroundings, Shaoyu's eyes widened.

A sprawling forest stretched out as far as he could see, with towering trees and lush undergrowth. It was a vibrant, breathtakingly beautiful sight, like a scene from a primordial jungle. Shaoyu felt a deep connection to this place, as if his spirit was coming to life. He couldn't help b

ut let his Origin Elf spirit flow out.

An ancient forest—truly the perfect realm for his Origin Elf!