Chapter 253: Life at the Academy
While Yang Potian was alone at the peak of the Almos Mountains, others at the academy began to notice unusual changes. Over the past few days, their cultivation had inexplicably accelerated, and their comprehension of skills seemed heightened, as if something had fundamentally shifted in the atmosphere.
Feng Xuan, Huo Lie, Feng Xiaotian, and others watched the distant figure on the snowy mountaintop, lost in thought. With most of Heaven Traversing Academy's leaders away in the Extreme North, they were the few left holding down the academy.
Feng Xiaotian looked puzzled. "Dad, what is His Excellency Qingtian doing up there? It doesn't feel like cultivation—there's no soul power fluctuation around him at all."
Feng Xuan looked toward Yang Potian's silhouette, his expression full of admiration. "I'm not sure, but his level is far beyond ours. It's something we can't even begin to comprehend."
Just then, Yang Potian opened his eyes. The snowflakes around him slowly melted, and the ice coating his body cracked and fell away. His entire presence now seemed to blend seamlessly into the world, without a trace of soul power—it was as if he had transcended to a natural, pristine state.
Yang Potian guessed that he had glimpsed the threshold of godhood, achieving what was likely a semi-divine state. Each Limit Douluo had unique abilities—Sea God Douluo Bo Saixi could tap into the power of the sea, while Qian Daoliu could wield the strength of the sky. Yang Potian sensed a budding connection with the natural forces around him, and now he felt confident he could stand his ground even against Di Tian. Without Di Tian's Dragon God Claw, Yang Potian might even be able to prevail.
As Yang Potian descended from the peak, the others quickly bowed in respect. He nodded briefly, prepared to leave, as these so-called prodigies no longer held much significance for him.
Unexpectedly, Ning Rongrong spoke up. "Brother Yang, what level of strength have you reached? I can barely sense your aura at all."
Yang Potian smiled. "You'll understand once you reach the Titled Douluo level."
Feng Xiaotian took the opportunity to ask, "Your Excellency, since we're now members of Heaven Traversing Academy, could you give us some guidance in our cultivation?"
Yang Potian looked at Feng Xiaotian with mild amusement, noting that he seemed different from the one in the original story—not the sycophant he had expected. Since joining the academy, these young soul masters had shown impressive diligence, especially Feng Xiaotian, who had already reached the Soul Emperor level.
Considering they were now part of the academy, Yang Potian decided a few pointers wouldn't hurt. "Some of you may think that our group progressed so quickly because we're monsters with extraordinary talents. But you're wrong. Rapid growth requires talent, dedication, opportunities, effective methods, and resources."
"Take Yang Ping'an and his group, for example. Except for Tianyue, their innate soul power levels were only seven. Yet with my training methods, they constantly pushed their limits, which is why they achieved what they have today."
"These years have required unrelenting discipline, and they've made use of resources beyond what most people can imagine. Each of their soul rings was chosen meticulously, surpassing conventional limits."
The others fell silent, digesting his words.
Feng Xiaotian spoke up again, puzzled. "I've absorbed soul rings that match my limits, each carefully chosen to suit my martial spirit, yet I haven't progressed nearly as quickly."
Yang Potian shook his head, a slight sigh escaping him. "You're following the soul ring age chart devised by Yu Xiaogang. While it's not exactly wrong, it's far from complete. The capacity for a soul ring's age depends on each individual's physique, tolerance, and martial spirit. The chart was made with average soul masters in mind, but for an innate full-level soul master like yourself, it's inadequate."
"For Yang Ping'an and the others, I've subjected them to rigorous physical training from an early age, using the finest medicinal baths available. This enhanced their physical endurance, allowing each of their soul rings to exceed standard limits."
"This process requires countless hardships and personal insight. Take Tai Long and Bai Xiaofei, for instance—they were at a similar level to Niu Meng when they left Tiandou Academy's second team, but look at the difference now."
Shui Bing'er then asked, "Your Excellency, does this advice apply to all soul masters? Even those of us with flawed martial spirits?"
Yang Potian nodded. "A martial spirit is a living entity with its own mind. Take your Ice Phoenix spirit, for example—it's among the pinnacle of beast spirits. While it may have some flaws, these can be addressed by absorbing compatible soul rings."
"If each of your soul rings carries ice attributes and a phoenix bloodline, and you surpass standard ring age limits, you should be able to compensate for the Ice Phoenix's deficiencies, at least before reaching level 70."
"You may know of Yu Xiaogang. His spirit is Luo San Pao, but his true spirit should have been the Golden Holy Dragon. If he'd obtained soul rings with a strong enough dragon bloodline, or found other ways to strengthen it, his achievements would have far surpassed the rank of Grandmaster."
Everyone recalled Yu Xiaogang's spirit and their own soul ring absorption experiences, their expressions subtly shifting.
Then Ning Rongrong spoke up seriously. "Brother Yang, what about us Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda bearers? How can we overcome our spirit's limitations?"
Yang Potian pondered her question for a moment. "The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda is a top-tier spirit, which makes its deficiencies that much harder to remedy. Ideally, you'd seek out high-quality earth-element soul beasts. The Pagoda has a gemstone nature, so it might respond well to earth attributes."
"But since your Pagoda requires rings to boost seven different attributes, finding suitable high-quality beasts would be challenging. For example, you'd need an earth-element beast that could boost speed for your second ring, or one that enhances soul power for your third. Those kinds of soul beasts are extremely rare."
"However, if you were able to find dragons with earth elements—perhaps an Earth Dragon or even an Earth Dragon King—that would likely help you tremendously. Dragons have the strongest bloodlines among all soul beasts."
Everyone looked frustrated—Earth Dragons were rare, virtually unheard of for generations.
A bit discouraged, Ning Rongrong asked, "Is there no other way?"
Yang Potian shook his head slightly. "There are always ways, but the higher the quality of a spirit, the harder it is to improve. If you could obtain a set of high-quality, high-age earth-element or gemstone-type soul bones, that would help. You could also look for heavenly treasures."
Seeing her disappointed face, Yang Potian addressed the group. "That's all for now. I'll be around the academy for a while, so feel free to consult me. Just don't interrupt my cultivation."
With that, he turned and left. Although he didn't mind guiding the new students from the Elemental Academy, he had no intention of going beyond the basics.
In the days that followed, Yang Potian enjoyed a relaxed routine. Occasionally, he gave advice to those who sought him out, but most of his time was spent resting or exploring the academy grounds. Now and then, he would even give a lecture to some of the students, a way of passing the time. For amusement, he sometimes teased a few of the young women at the academy.
Yang Potian estimated that it would take a month or so for the group in the Extreme North to obtain a spirit ring for Yang Tianyue. The Snow Empress and Ice Empress would likely be in hiding, so they would have to search thoroughly. It would be an opportunity to see if Yang Tianyue could demonstrate wisdom and independence.
Only a few days later, Yang Potian's routine was interrupted. While he was resting, Huo Wushuang arrived to inform him of a guest.
Seeing Yang Potian's curious expression, Huo Wushuang explained, "Your Excellency, the guest is a Titled Douluo. My father and the others felt it best if you met him directly, as his status is beyond our level to handle."
Yang Potian sensed a powerful aura nearby, confirming the arrival of a Titled Douluo. Judging by the energy, it appeared to be Chrysanthemum Douluo.
He was puzzled. The Spirit Empire had only recently been established, and Chrysanthemum Douluo was no doubt busy with official duties. Why would he take the time to travel so far to Almos Mountain?
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