The setting sun was low in the west, painting the sky with a swath of orange-red twilight.
The silhouettes of the Nuoding Academy buildings were outlined with an exceptional softness.
Tang San had just returned from his work at the blacksmith's.
He was about to wash up when Zhao Liuyun called him over. Bouncing around, Xiao Wu was also summoned.
"I'm leaving," he informed the two of them, sharing his decision to depart.
The moment the words fell, both Tang San and Xiao Wu looked surprised, but Xiao Wu was the first to react.
"What did you say!"
Xiao Wu's eyes were wide, and her voice was a gasp.
"You're graduating early? Why so sudden?"
Xiao Wu had long grown accustomed to falling asleep inhaling the scent of the Moon-Dark-Tuber.
She never expected Zhao Liuyun to suddenly bring up the idea of early graduation.
Yes, becoming a Rank 1 Soul Master technically fulfilled the graduation requirements.
Early graduation was justifiable, but what about them, who were now used to the scent of flowers?
Zhao Liuyun merely nodded gently: "There's nothing left for me to learn at Nuoding Academy."
[Universal Experience: 9098]
The Universal Experience had increased from 4917 before the Soul Hunt to 9098 now, a total gain of 4181 points.
Of this considerable amount of Universal Experience, apart from the extra 20% gained from various professional experiences through [Ingenious Idea], more than half was accumulated through his diligent study and hard work!
"You..." Xiao Wu still wanted to say something.
Zhao Liuyun replied with composure: "I've finished reading all the books in the library."
"All of them?" Tang San was stunned.
Zhao Liuyun affirmed: "All of them!"
"Soul Beast illustrated guides, biographies, travel notes, miscellaneous tales of mountains and rivers, and records of local customs everywhere!"
His gaze softened as he looked at them: "I hate to leave you too, but there's no choice. The academy really can't teach me anything more."
Only 'Grandmaster' was the exception.
Yu Xiaogang's own writings were not worth mentioning, purely misleading.
But the documents and classics he possessed, coming from the Spirit Hall and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, were all carefully selected and would surely provide ample Universal Experience.
The only pity was that 'Grandmaster' would never take out his personal collection of materials.
Even with Tang San's help, it wouldn't happen.
Moreover, Zhao Liuyun didn't want to get involved with Yu Xiaogang.
As for—
Stealing?
Leaving aside the fact that it wouldn't count as Universal Experience, did they really think Tang Hao was joking?
Even if he probably wouldn't intervene, Zhao Liuyun was unwilling to take such a risk.
They were just books and materials; where couldn't he find them?
Those with grand ambitions must remember that losing sight of the bigger picture for a minor gain is never wise.
"Have you... chosen the Intermediate Academy you'll attend?" Tang San was also reluctant to part with the floral scent that aided cultivation.
But seeing the determination in Zhao Liuyun's eyes, the thought of persuading him faded.
Geniuses had their own personalities, especially someone with such firm conviction.
The decision he made was not one that ordinary people could shake!
Zhao Liuyun's lips curved into a slight smile:
"I won't go to an Intermediate Academy. My Martial Uncle says only mediocrities go there."
"I plan to go to the Soul Hunting Village for experience, and then head to Heaven Dou City once I become a Great Soul Master."
"Go to Heaven Dou City?"
"Ah, that is the Imperial Capital of the Heaven Dou Empire, a place where heroes gather," Zhao Liuyun's eyes burned with a fierce light, and he spoke passionately, "I'm going to join a powerful Advanced Soul Master Academy directly!"
The anticipation was genuine, but the academy was secondary.
The focus was the Treasure Land of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well!
Obtaining knowledge of poisons, herbs, and medicines from Tang San was primarily for the immortal herbs, with their initial use being the refinement of defensive poisons.
Physical transformation, talent leaps, spiritual power surging...
Everything Zhao Liuyun hoped for was there.
"Are you really going?" Xiao Wu looked slightly teary, seeming genuinely reluctant to part.
She was indeed a person of strong emotions, and her feelings were sincere at this moment.
Zhao Liuyun sighed and nodded softly: "Sister Xiao Wu, there is no banquet that never ends, but our destined bond hasn't reached its conclusion yet."
"Neither you nor Tang San are people to be contained in a pond; the shallow waters of Nuoding Academy cannot hold true dragons. In the future, you will both certainly step onto a broader stage."
"And Heaven Dou City is the Imperial Capital of the Empire, brilliant with stars, a must-go place for all geniuses."
Finishing his words, Zhao Liuyun paused, looking up toward the future: "We will meet again eventually!"
"I only hope that by then, we can still stand side-by-side, sharing laughter."
As long as you don't know what I've done in secret, we will definitely still be friends.
"Of course, we'll always be friends." Tang San stepped forward, giving him a firm hug in return.
Xiao Wu's nose was slightly red, and she also wanted to step forward for a hug.
"Oh no, this won't do, this really won't do." Zhao Liuyun quickly sidestepped, only high-fiving Xiao Wu.
He nudged Tang San, "A gentleman doesn't take what others cherish."
Developing steadily was the best course of action. He didn't want to court death prematurely.
"She's just my younger sister," Tang San's face flushed with embarrassment.
Xiao Wu raised her hand and delivered an elbow strike, causing Tang San to stagger slightly.
Zhao Liuyun took in this small gesture, glanced at the beds that had been pushed together since they enrolled, and said sincerely, "I believe you, Tang San."
The moment the words left his mouth, he burst into hearty laughter.
In an instant, the room was filled with a joyful atmosphere.
The faint sadness that had lingered due to the imminent separation was somewhat dispersed by the laughter.
Tang San, feeling a bit awkward, quickly finished washing up and hurried to Grandmaster's dormitory.
His restless state did not escape Yu Xiaogang's eyes.
"Xiao San, what happened?"
Tang San recounted Zhao Liuyun's plans for the future, never expecting to receive praise.
"Intermediate Academies are indeed only for mediocrities. I wouldn't let you go to an Intermediate Academy either, but Heaven Dou City is not the only choice."
Yu Xiaogang's voice was extremely confident: "I have another academy I recommend for you."
"What is it?" Tang San was pleasantly surprised.
Since it was personally recommended by his teacher, the undefeated theoretician, it must be extraordinary.
It must have its unique merits.
Yu Xiaogang said, "It's the Shrek Academy, located outside Soto City in the Balak Kingdom."
"This is an Advanced Soul Master Academy. It only accepts monsters who can become Great Soul Masters before the age of twelve; it does not accept ordinary Soul Masters."
"Your classmate, Zhao Liuyun, has decent cultivation talent. You might want to inform him of this."
Tang San took note of it, and the moment he returned to the dormitory, he eagerly told Zhao Liuyun about it.
"'Grandmaster' recommends me to Shrek Academy?" Zhao Liuyun almost thought he had misheard.
Tang San's eyes still held respect for his teacher:
"That's right. This is a Monster Academy that only accepts monsters who become Great Soul Masters before the age of twelve and not ordinary Soul Masters. As long as you meet the requirements, you can go and register."
"Thank you for the suggestion. I will seriously consider it," Zhao Liuyun said calmly, despite a twitch in his heart.
Consider my foot!
Forty geniuses enrolled, more than twenty died, and only fourteen graduated...
A survival rate of 35%!
Even a battlefield isn't this absurd.
Only a lunatic or an idiot would go.
Zhao Liuyun didn't think he was that stupid.
Time flew quickly, and the end of the academic year arrived in the blink of an eye.
Enrolling at Rank 6, graduating at Rank 14.
After one year and eleven months of cultivation, the moment of farewell had come.
In front of the school gate, Zhao Liuyun stopped, turning to wave at Tang San, Xiao Wu, and the other work-study students who came to see him off.
"This is far enough. I should go," he reminded them gently, "I hope that even without the aid of the floral scent, you won't forget diligent cultivation and will soon become independent Soul Masters."
This was a blessing for everyone.
"Goodbye..." Xiao Wu rubbed her reddened eyes.
"Liuyun, take care," Tang San said solemnly, cupping his hands.
The two of them were special.
Zhao Liuyun looked at them, the smile in his eyes deepening:
"Tang San, Sister Xiao Wu, hurry up and cultivate."
"When we meet again, don't let me surpass you in Soul Power rank!"
With that, he turned sharply, his clothes fluttering, and he did not look back.
He rested for only a day at the Spring Return Hall, receiving earnest guidance from his teacher, Bai Hong.
Then, Zhao Liuyun went to the Spirit Hall.
The Soul Master certification had, naturally, been done the moment he acquired his Soul Ring.
In this regard, he was the same as Tang San; who would refuse the free gold Soul Coins?
His visit this time was simply to bid farewell to Su Yuntao.
After saying goodbye to Su Yuntao, Zhao Liuyun went alone to the grave of the old man who had adopted him, set up offerings, and poured two cups of wine.
The mountain breeze swept through the woods, blowing his fringe.
After a long time, Zhao Liuyun murmured:
"Old man, I'm leaving!"
His silhouette gradually faded into the distance, just as it did when he left the academy—unfettered and free, without the slightest hesitation.
Zhao Liuyun returned home, gathered his prized gold Soul Coins, packed the refined poisons in the medical clinic, and then once again boarded the carriage heading to the Soul Hunting Village.