Zhu Zhuyun, 24 years old, Spirit Hell Civet, spirit power level 54, arrogant and cold-blooded, with a tendency for personality change, innate talent rating: S-.
Zhu Zhuyu, 15 years old, Spirit Hell Civet, spirit power level 35, introverted and well-behaved, innate talent rating: S-.
On the way to the Artifact Cultivation Pavilion, Xin's mind quickly reviewed the talent information of his two newly accepted disciples, and he had pretty much decided on their cultivation path—similar to Zhuqing's Grand Dao, with slight deviations based on their own Spirit Abilities and personalities.
This way, Zhuqing could also teach on behalf of her master in the future, ensuring their cultivation wouldn't be delayed.
With the disciple acceptance rewards distributed, combined with the rewards from the Slaughter City trip, Xin had gained a lot. His current strength was roughly as follows:
Xin
Spirit: Cleaver of Shamash
spirit power: Level 95 Super Douluo → Level 96 Super Douluo
Spirit Bone: 200,000-year external Spirit Bone — Cloud Dream Immortal Wings, 180,000-year Right Arm Bone — Heavenly Craftsmanship, etc.
Domain: Key of Destruction, Divine Show Sky, Master of Glory, Magic Ban Domain, Slaughter God Domain…
First Spirit Ability Year Limit: Void Style — Upgraded to 18,000 years.
Second Spirit Ability: Blade Style— Upgraded to 25,000 years.
Third Spirit Ability: Qi Style — Upgraded to 35,000 years.
Fourth Spirit Ability: Scarlet Moon Bloom — Upgraded to 50,000 years.
Fifth Spirit Ability: Burning Flower Thousand Slash — Upgraded to 88,000 years.
Sixth Spirit Ability: Burning Judgement, Awakening Skill 2 Blazing Sky Star — Upgraded to 150,000 years.
Seventh Spirit Ability: Sacrificial Hero (100,000-year accompanying ring Domain, Heavenly White Jade Capital) — Upgraded to 230,000 years.
Eighth Spirit Ability: Skill 1 — Falling Moon, Skill 2 — Falling Sun. Upgraded to 250,000 years.
Ninth Spirit Ability: Skill 1 — Extreme Intent Freedom, Skill 2 — Immortal's Guidance · Myriad Flowers Bloom. 400,000-year limit!
The accumulation of power did not manifest as reckless expansion, but as something far more refined—compressed, controlled, and terrifying in its restraint. Each ability was not merely stronger; it was more complete, as if it had been tempered repeatedly until it reached a state beyond ordinary comprehension. Even the concept of "spirit rings" felt almost insufficient to describe the scale of his development.
Outside the pavilion, a beautiful woman in a plain cherry-colored dress, holding a broom, looked back from afar, staring blankly at the Dean's back.
Her gaze lingered for a moment longer than necessary, as if she wanted to say something but ultimately chose silence. Then, with a faint shake of her head, she resumed her quiet sweeping. The falling cherry blossoms drifted across her path, briefly catching in the air before settling again like snow that refused to melt.
Before long, Xin brought Zhuqing and Meng Yiran to the third floor of the pavilion.
The interior of the Artifact Cultivation Pavilion was noticeably different from the rest of the academy. It was not ornate, nor did it attempt to impress with excessive decoration. Instead, it carried a clean, almost clinical orderliness—rows of shelves, worktables, and sealed compartments arranged with deliberate precision. Every object had its place, and every space had a function.
Normally, no one other than Xin was permitted to enter this level. Even within the Heart of Fire Academy, this place remained one of the most restricted zones. It was not out of arrogance, but necessity—what was stored and studied here could not be casually exposed.
On the shelves of the third floor were many artifacts that even Zhuqing and Meng Yiran, who had studied the netherworld instrument Thousand Cry blueprints, did not recognize.
Some were small, intricately carved components that seemed to contain compressed spiritual energy. Others were segmented mechanical constructs with unfamiliar inscriptions running along their surfaces. A few even appeared incomplete, as though they were still in the middle of evolution rather than finished tools.
Meng Yiran, who usually loved studying Hidden Weapons, was immediately captivated. Her eyes moved from one object to another with growing curiosity, her steps unconsciously slowing as she tried to understand their purpose. Each unfamiliar structure only deepened her fascination.
After looking around, her gaze finally settled on her teacher. Her small face flushed slightly, and a sudden wave of nervous excitement rose within her chest. For a brief moment, her grandmother's teachings echoed in her mind, reminding her of manners and restraint.
"Teacher, you just returned. Are you going to teach us new Hidden Weapons right away? Won't you rest a bit? Your disciple recently learned a massage technique from Grandma. Would you like your disciple to help you relax first?"
There was sincerity in her offer, but also the nervous eagerness of someone hoping to be useful.
"No need."
Xin walked calmly toward a movable blackboard positioned at the center of the room. With practiced ease, he picked up a pointer and tapped it lightly against the surface once, the sound sharp in the quiet space.
His expression remained indifferent, but his words carried unmistakable weight.
"The reason I called you here this time is that, although Zhuqing's current strength can hold her own even against a Spirit Douluo, it will be very dangerous for her to face the strong individuals of the Star Luo Royal Family alone if she wants to return and deal with her family's affairs. I'm still a bit worried, so I have some things I want to give you."
The atmosphere in the room shifted instantly.
This was no ordinary lesson.
It was preparation—for a confrontation that would reach far beyond the academy walls.