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Judging from the light blooming on the crystal ball, there was no doubt: Wang Li's soul power had reached level 10.
This fact was even more shocking because Wang Li was only a first-year student—a first-year!
However, after thinking about it, the staff and students felt a sense of relief, even numbness. There were already 2 first-year Soul Masters—Tang San and Xiao Wu—both with innate full soul power. Another one wasn't so surprising.
The only one still truly stunned was probably Wang Sheng. He shared a dormitory with Wang Li. How could Wang Li suddenly have level 10 soul power without giving any hint beforehand?
Director Su also had a bright smile on his face. The academy had another genius who could become a Soul Master in the first grade. This was a good thing, no matter what. But he couldn't help but ask:
"Wang Li, when did you break through and reach level 10 soul power?"
Wang Li retracted his hand. Facing Director Su's inquiry, he smiled honestly and told a small lie:
"It was just recently. Maybe because my Martial Soul is a Mutated Martial Soul, my cultivation is faster."
Director Su nodded. Wang Li had been cultivating under their watch. He must have worked very hard to possess level 10 soul power at this stage.
He asked the teacher responsible for recording to add Wang Li's name to the list of those who passed the assessment. This meant Wang Li would join the sixth-grade students on their trip to the Hunting Soul Forest to hunt Soul Beasts under their teachers' leadership.
Then Director Su announced loudly:
"Unfortunately, even with Wang Li from the first grade, we only have 13 students who have reached level 10 soul power. Students who have not reached level 10 can notify their parents to come to the academy and complete withdrawal procedures within the next 2 months."
"As for the students who have reached level 10 soul power," he continued, "if your parents believe they have the ability to help you hunt a Soul Beast, then the Academy will never stop you."
"If you don't have that ability and want to hunt a Soul Beast under the leadership of a teacher, then you must follow the arrangements. After class today, prepare your luggage. Bring enough dry food and water. If possible, bring protective gear and weapons."
"Even the captive Hunting Soul Forest is very dangerous. I believe your teachers have all discussed this in class, so I won't list all the dangers one by one."
"We will officially set off in 2 days. This is the only way to become a Soul Master, so don't have any wishful thinking or take any chances."
As soon as he finished speaking, the classroom filled with mixed emotions. Some were happy, and some were sad. The happy ones were naturally the students who had reached level 10 soul power. The sad ones were definitely those who had not.
After class, Wang Sheng rushed over to Wang Li, slinging an arm around his shoulders. He said with a mix of envy, jealousy, and admiration:
"How did you cultivate your Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul so quickly? It's only been so long, and you've already reached level 10 soul power!"
Wang Li chuckled. "I have Mutated Blue Silver Grass. Compared to ordinary Blue Silver Grass, there will definitely be some differences. Perhaps it's just that cultivation is a little faster for me."
Hearing this explanation, Wang Sheng felt even more exasperated. As a roommate, he was happy that Wang Li's cultivation was fast. But he truly wanted to cry knowing Wang Li's cultivation was even faster than his own.
In 8 months, he had cultivated from level 9 soul power to level 10. Wang Li, however, had cultivated from level 3 soul power to level 10 in the same amount of time. It was simply outrageous.
In the end, Wang Sheng could only comfort himself: Blue Silver Grass is Blue Silver Grass, after all. No matter how mutated it is, it's still a famously trash Martial Soul. After I obtain a Soul Ring, my War Tiger Martial Soul will definitely be stronger than Wang Li's Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul.
The other grades were mostly still in class, and there was no food in the cafeteria yet. Wang Li and Wang Sheng first went back to the dormitory. Wang Li took out his purse and said:
"I want to go outside the academy to buy some of the things the teacher mentioned. Are you going?"
Wang Sheng nodded firmly. Now was not the time to be stingy. As long as he successfully hunted a Soul Beast and obtained a Soul Ring, he would be a Soul Master. He replied immediately:
"I'll go. Wait for me."
Wang Sheng also took out his moneybag from under his mattress. His family wasn't wealthy, but his parents had still given him some savings before he left—this was the time to use it.
The two of them left the school grounds together and first went to a blacksmith shop. Their time was tight, so they couldn't have weapons forged. They went directly to look at the finished weapons.
Large spears and greatswords were not within their consideration—not only because they were difficult to use, but also because they simply couldn't afford them.
They could only consider short daggers as weapons to protect themselves and hunt Soul Beasts in the Hunting Soul Forest.
A strong, middle-aged man with a bare upper body, wearing a leather apron, walked over. Seeing Wang Li and Wang Sheng, both wearing Nuoding Academy uniforms, his eyes filled with envy. He said very enthusiastically:
"If you two little brothers want to see daggers, these are all top-quality goods. And to be honest, these daggers were made by a student from your Nuoding Academy."
"Although he's young, the way he swings the hammer is no worse than ours. His name is Tang San—you may know him."
Wang Sheng heard this and replied loudly:
"Yes, yes! He's also our roommate."
A glint flashed in Wang Li's eyes. Setting aside Tang San's personality for the moment, his craftsmanship was indeed very good. He also spoke up:
"Boss, we want to buy weapons to hunt Soul Beasts in the Hunting Soul Forest. The weapons must not have any flaws. Please choose two excellent daggers for us and give us a discount. We'll buy them here."
Hearing about hunting Soul Beasts, the strong middle-aged man looked impressed. He couldn't risk his shop's reputation. And judging from their tone, they were very familiar with Tang San. So, he picked out two short, sword-like daggers, handed them over, and said:
"Just these two—the best of the best. They usually sell for more than 12 silver soul coins each. But today, since you really need them, take them for 7 silver soul coins each."
Wang Li took the short sword. From its heavy weight, he knew the man was telling the truth.
"Not bad," he said. "We'll take them."
Wang Sheng also liked it very much. Although he felt a pang of regret spending the money, he gritted his teeth and paid. Was life more important, or money? He knew the answer.
After buying the weapons, they didn't look at protective gear. They couldn't afford the truly useful items, and they didn't want shoddy ones.
In addition, they each bought a water bag that could hold 3 pounds of water and then some dried meat. Dried meat was filling and could provide more energy.
They didn't buy dry rations yet; it wouldn't be too late to prepare those before departure.
Two days later, Wang Li—fully prepared and full of energy—came to the designated location on the playground. He gathered with the other 12 sixth-grade students.
Soon, all the teachers leading the team appeared. This included Dean Zhang Wei, Director Su Mo, and 6 other teachers—a total of 8 people.
Zhang Wei was slightly overweight; after all, he had been living a comfortable life for a long time. But his strength as a 4-ring Soul Elder was undoubtedly the strongest in the team. At this time, he shouted:
"Departure—to the Hunting Soul Forest!"
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