Chapter 17: Special Training

Yan carefully accepted the thick book, 'Compendium of Rare Flowers', from Yue Guan's hands.

A quick glance at the book's contents revealed its extraordinary value. Skimming through a few pages, Yan was struck by its detailed records of rare plants. Each page seemed to overflow with a wealth of knowledge that was both new and fascinating to him.

This compendium wasn't just a simple catalog of plants. It represented the culmination of countless years of exploration and meticulous research by predecessors.

Every plant was described with unparalleled precision, from its growth habits, ideal soil and climate conditions, to its uses in medicine, alchemy, and even poison-making.

What surprised Yan the most was the detailed guidance on distinguishing similar-looking but fundamentally different species. This knowledge would prove invaluable for future expeditions into the wild.

Yan realized that by thoroughly studying this book, he could gain the skills needed to identify all kinds of spiritual herbs in the future.

"Elder Yue, words cannot express the value of this book. I'm truly grateful," Yan said earnestly.

Yue Guan waved his hand dismissively, a warm smile on his face.

"If you genuinely have an interest in plants, consider this book my support for your endeavors. May it serve you well."

"I will. I promise to study it diligently and live up to your expectations."

Yue Guan's soft gaze fell on Yan, his satisfaction evident. It wasn't every day that he found a younger generation so keen on learning about flora.

"Take the book with you. Study it at your own pace. If there's anything you don't understand, feel free to consult me anytime."

"I will," Yan replied.

Yue Guan's gaze shifted toward Yan with curiosity as he brought up a recent acquisition.

"I've heard that during your last trip to Death Canyon to hunt soul beasts, you acquired an external soul bone?"

Yan nodded, a faint smile on his lips.

"Yes, I was fortunate. I came across an injured Skyfire Flame Fox with 6,000 years of cultivation. After defeating it, I unexpectedly obtained an external soul bone. When absorbed, it transformed into Flaming Wings."

"Impressive," Yue Guan said, his eyes lighting up with intrigue.

"A 6,000-year-old soul beast dropping a soul bone is already a rare event, and an external soul bone is even rarer. Your luck is extraordinary."

Yue Guan couldn't help but recall his own years of hunting soul beasts.

Soul bones, much like rare herbs, were priceless treasures that could only be found by chance. Despite having hunted even beasts nearing 100,000 years of cultivation, Yue Guan had never been as fortunate as Yan.

Still, Yue Guan felt more joy than envy, pleased to see Yan benefit from such a fortuitous encounter.

"Your external soul bone is invaluable, but you must be cautious. Until your strength grows, avoid revealing it lightly."

"I understand. I will heed your advice."

Yue Guan nodded approvingly.

"You, Xie Yue, and Nana have all grown remarkably, surpassing the 40th level. Seeing your maturity reassures me. This year's Soul Master Tournament holds great significance for Her Majesty the Pope. Train hard and do not disappoint her."

"Rest assured, Elder Yue. We will give it our all and claim the championship."

"Good. That's what I like to hear."

With these words of encouragement, Yan left Yue Guan's residence, feeling deeply fulfilled.

That night, Yan couldn't calm his excitement. He skimmed through Compendium of Rare Flowers again, admiring the intricacies of the Icegrass Pearls he had received earlier, before finally drifting to sleep.

The next morning, sunlight bathed the training ground of the Spirit Hall Academy. The wide space shimmered under its glow as seven team members stood in neat formation, ready for the day's challenges.

Yan, Xie Yue, and Hu Liena stood together, their faces alight with anticipation. They knew today's training would be unlike anything they had done before.

Soon, their instructors, Lin Zhendong and Liu Can, arrived.

The training ground, once serene, became charged with tension the moment the two teachers stepped in.

Lin Zhendong scanned the group with a piercing gaze before addressing them:

"Yan, Xie Yue, Hu Liena, come with me. The rest of you will train under Teacher Liu for the day."

"Yes, sir!"

Their voices were unified and powerful.

Without another word, Lin Zhendong turned and led Yan, Xie Yue, and Hu Liena out of the academy.

Curious, Hu Liena couldn't resist asking, "Teacher Lin, are we not training in the academy today?"

"No," Lin Zhendong replied curtly, a cryptic smile playing on his lips.

"I'm taking you somewhere special."

"Where?"

"You'll see soon enough."

His mysterious tone and slight smirk only fueled their curiosity and excitement.

The carriage they rode in left the bustling Spirit City behind, traveling across uneven paths until the scenery grew increasingly desolate.

Eventually, the carriage stopped in a secluded valley surrounded by dense forests. The air was thick with tranquility and a hint of mystery.

As they stepped out, Hu Liena scanned their surroundings and asked again, "Teacher, are we training in the wilderness today?"

"Yes," Lin Zhendong confirmed, before elaborating.

"Today's training is a cross-level challenge."

"A cross-level challenge?"

The three of them chorused, their faces a mix of surprise and intrigue.

Before they could ask more questions, three figures appeared in the distance, gradually making their way toward the group.

Lin Zhendong explained:

"I've arranged for each of you to face an opponent at the Soul King level. Your task is simple, defeat them.

"This isn't a typical arena match. It's far more grueling. There are no boundaries here, only the raw battlefield. You must treat these opponents as real enemies and use the terrain to your advantage.

"Until you succeed, this training won't end."

Hearing this, the three exchanged determined glances.

A Soul King opponent meant they would be fighting someone over ten levels higher than themselves. The challenge was immense, yet their eyes shone with excitement.

Facing a stronger opponent was an opportunity to push their limits and unlock their hidden potential.

Still, they understood the difficulty. A ten-level gap in soul power wasn't easy to bridge.

The three approaching figures soon stood before them.

One was burly, another tall and lean, and the last short but shrewd-looking.

Judging by their appearances, all three seemed to be in their late twenties or early thirties.

Yan didn't recognize any of them.

It was clear these weren't Spirit Hall Academy instructors but individuals recruited specifically for this task.

Unfamiliar opponents meant unknown martial souls and soul techniques, adding another layer of difficulty to their challenge.