NOVEL WEB Chapter 33: Observations at the Academy
In a previous life, Ling Yi had come across this phrase in a novel, and at that time, he merely chuckled. Now, however, it evoked a multitude of emotions.
At present, it had already been three days since he reported for enrollment at the Green Leaf Primary Soul Master Academy.
During these three days, Ling Yi took it upon himself to explore every part of the academy, except for the two dormitory buildings designated for self-financed students.
As one of the four primary Soul Master academies in the capital city of Shuimu Principality, Wood-Plant City, the Green Leaf Academy was not particularly large. Its main sections consisted of the main teaching building in the east, a central playground, the north-side dormitories for self-funded students, dormitories for work-study students in the west, and the staff residential district in the south.
The academy's cafeteria was located on the second floor of the main teaching building, carved out into a separate area.
Additionally, the academy had a library—well, more accurately a book archive—situated at the top floor of the main teaching building. The volume of books contained there was remarkably modest.
Through his polite manners, charm, and renown for his bright eyes and handsome appearance, Ling Yi had managed to learn more about the internal workings of the academy from some approachable and amicable teachers.
The academy employed a single headmaster, by the name of Mu Yunfu, whose martial spirit was the "Green Vine"—a Level 41 Control System Battle Soul Emperor.
Beneath him were the Director of Education, Liu Mingzhao, and the Director of External Affairs, Ye Jincang, who handled internal and external matters respectively. Both were high-ranked Soul Masters, with the former's martial spirit being "Water Cloud Shield," a Defensive System Battle Soul Master, and the latter's "Purple-Eyed Lynx," an Agility Attack System Battle Soul Master.
Beyond this, the academy spans across six grades with a single class in each, and every class has its own head teacher. The subjects taught by these head teachers vary, and they also take on teaching responsibilities for other classes accordingly. Additionally, there are nine other instructors responsible for the relevant courses.
The curriculum primarily consists of five core subjects, which students study progressively according to their grade level.
These five subjects are: "Types and Attributes of Martial Spirits," "Types and Ages of Soul Beasts," "Techniques for Soul Power Cultivation," "Combat Practice," and "Comprehensive History of the Continent."
Clearly, among the fifteen teachers, there is some overlap in their areas of expertise, but no direct conflict. Some specialize in theoretical knowledge, others in supportive methodologies, and still others in the combat-oriented path, following the Battle Soul Master route.
Yet for nearly all students, the academy's mechanized approach to teaching leads them to drift passively through classes, receiving a sweeping and somewhat superficial educational experience from their instructors.
Upon learning this, Ling Yi had to admit that when it came to teaching the fundamentals of martial spirit theory and knowledge about soul beasts for low-level Soul Masters, Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang from the original narrative could indeed outshine over ninety percent of the institution-affiliated educators on Douluo Continent.
It's not that he was necessarily a more talented teacher, but his wealth of knowledge was so extensive that it catered to the cultivation needs of most low-level Soul Masters.
Whether it was mastering martial spirits, refining attributes, or choosing the appropriate soul ring types and ages of soul beasts, with the resources of both the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and the Spirit Hall at his disposal, Yu Xiaogang was in a uniquely advantageous position!
……
"So, how can ordinary people compare to those aristocrats?"
Inside Room 304 of Building No. 3, Ling Yi stood in the far corner by the wall, channeling a thread of his soul power into a pale blue shoot just breaking through the soil. It was about a mere one percent of his soul power, after which he moved his fingers away to the next young shoot.
Ling Yi's actions were gentle and methodical, as he felt the gaze of four or five pairs of eyes behind him—some curious, some peculiar. He continued to analyze the current situation in his mind.
"Leaving aside the lead roles on the grand stage, right here in the duchy, the children of those nobles not only have the advantage of an innate martial soul lineage but also enjoy daily nourishing diets. Even in their studies, they have meticulously crafted paths for advancement and receive one-on-one elite education..."
At this thought, Ling Yi squinted his eyes, suddenly recalling some not-so-pleasant memories.
"A decade of hard study can't compare to generations in business; it can't even match the old man wielding a rifle..."
These words, sharp and cold, once made the Ling Yi of a past life extremely disheartened and despondent.
Yet, life goes on. If comparison is futile, it's better not to compare; at least one can make their comfort zone a bit more comfortable, which is always a good thing...
Now, having arrived in this extraordinary world, where class divides are even more distinct, he relies on knowledge from another world and foresight of this world.
Ling Yi felt like a character reborn from a past life novel, returning to a pivotal moment at the turn of the century. It seemed inevitable he would have to play the part of "riding the good winds to ascent," vying for recognition on this grand stage called "Douluo Continent."
"Even though I'm just a number among the backdrop, one face among the many of some eastern principality…" Ling Yi stood up, sensing the emptiness left by his diminished soul power, now only a third remaining, but his eyes shone with light as he gazed at the rapid growth of each young "Blue Silver Grass" seedling.
"From a background figure, to an unnamed extra, then to a minor character with few lines, a small supporting role with specific chapters, to an important supporting character with his own side story… until finally standing at the center stage as the protagonist… or perhaps, the ultimate villain?"
Lifting a watering can, he slowly watered each "Blue Silver Grass," silently pondering:
"Whether you can accompany me on this journey depends on your potential and fortune~"
Just as he sought to enhance his foundation and status on the stage, these "Blue Silver Grass" also needed to break free from the shackles of their own potential, to transcend years, becoming hundred-year, thousand-year, or even ten-thousand-year king-level "Blue Silver Grass" that earns the world’s recognition, no longer mere weeds discarded like old shoes, symbolic of wasted martial souls.
Unfortunately, the vast majority of "Blue Silver Grass" are simply the most ordinary of grasses.
In spring they sprout, summer they flourish, autumn they wither, and winter sees their leaves fall, leaving only roots buried in the soil.
Year by year the grass withers and thrives, flourishing in the field only to cycle through life once more.
In the endless cycle of nature, 'Wildfires can never destroy it completely; with each spring breeze, it thrives anew.'
Certain Blue Silver Grass reserves its vitality within its roots, ready to emerge once more after the harshness of winter fades, repeating the cycle.
Eventually, however, the vitality approaches its limit, halting indefinitely. One day, the roots will wither and die.
Ling Yi's observations show this limit often caps at ten years. A year ago, he tasked Zhang Lei and his team to select three thousand Blue Silver Grass seeds. These seeds have successfully been planted and cultivated by Ling Yi.
Utilizing his weak soul power, bolstered by enhancements that replenish both spirit and health, Ling Yi has accelerated the growth of these three thousand Blue Silver Grass plants tenfold. In just one year, two thousand seven hundred and ninety-six of these plants reached an age resembling three to ten years. At this point, they ceased accumulating vitality, having exhausted their potential and unable to grow further.
Yet, two hundred and four plants continue to absorb Ling Yi's soul power, carrying on with their growth.
The pressing issue now is ensuring optimal soul power absorption and growth efficiency. Ling Yi must infuse the Blue Silver Grass with soul power every three days for those under ten years of age. Those surpassing this age require larger infusions but can last up to ten days between soul power supplements.
At this moment, Ling Yi had already left Shanhai Village for four days.
(End of Chapter)
