"And what is the limit of a Spirit Master's Spirit evolution? Perhaps it has no upper limit, but based on the current Spirit Master system, I have set the upper limit of a Spirit Master's Spirit evolution at the ultimate standard, which is the final form that is closest to what an attribute or a Spirit can present on a Spirit Master, having absolute suppression over similar attributes and Spirit categories. We can call it the Ultimate Attribute or the Ultimate Spirit."
As Xin spoke, his calm voice carried clearly across the courtyard.
The students listened with rapt attention. Many of them had never considered such a possibility before. To them, a Spirit's quality at birth largely determined its future. While cultivation could strengthen a Spirit, few had ever imagined that it could evolve toward a higher life form.
"Therefore, my cultivation of you is also leaning in this direction. You should all be aware of this."
The students exchanged glances.
Some immediately recalled the extraordinary changes that had occurred to the Spirits of the academy's top disciples. At first, they had assumed those transformations were unique opportunities or fortunate coincidences. Now they understood that those changes were actually part of a complete cultivation system designed by their Teacher.
"For this Named Disciple assessment, the Core Disciple promotion spots will go to the three disciples with the highest combined scores in Heart of Fire Academy's school motto examination and Spirit knowledge assessment, whose Spirits are also closest to the ultimate state."
The announcement instantly attracted everyone's attention.
Many students subconsciously straightened their backs.
Core Disciple status represented honor, resources, and opportunities that ordinary disciples could only dream of. More importantly, it symbolized recognition from the Teacher himself.
"The Named Disciple promotion examination will be proctored by Teacher Dong, and I will make the final decision personally."
The students nodded seriously.
Although the assessment standards sounded demanding, nobody felt they were unfair. On the contrary, after hearing the theory of Spirit Evolution, many of them felt a newfound sense of purpose. The path ahead was no longer limited by the quality of the Spirit they were born with.
Instead, there was now a clear direction toward improvement.
"…"
"Alright, today's lesson ends here. Students, you can think more about it after class."
The cherry trees swayed gently in the breeze, scattering pink petals through the air.
As Xin's final words fell, the students remained seated in silence for quite some time.
No one seemed eager to leave.
The impact of today's lesson was simply too great.
It was the first time they had heard that Spirits could possess a defined path of evolution.
Many students began connecting various examples they had witnessed over the years.
No wonder Senior Sister Rongrong's Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda had evolved into the Nine Treasure Golden Body Glazed Tile Pagoda.
No wonder Senior Sister Zhuqing's Hell Civet had transformed into the Nine Nether Spirit Cat.
No wonder Senior Brother Bell's ordinary tiger Spirit had become the mighty Storm Fiend Sky Tiger.
Everything suddenly made sense.
These transformations were not accidental miracles.
Nor were they simple mutations.
They were the result of deliberate guidance and years of careful cultivation.
The realization sent waves through the crowd.
Their Teacher had quietly created an entirely new cultivation theory without most of them even realizing it.
Teacher... just how many more surprises are you hiding?
Many disciples couldn't help asking themselves that question.
Every time they thought they understood a portion of his abilities, he would reveal something even more astonishing.
Yet amidst the sea of thoughtful faces, one disciple appeared completely different.
While everyone else was reflecting deeply on the lesson, she had already leaned back beneath the cherry blossoms and closed her eyes.
"Sister Xue'er, why are you lying down again?"
A playful voice sounded nearby.
"The theory Teacher spoke of is very interesting! I've never heard such a theory in Spirit Hall before. Could it be that Sister Xue'er doesn't like theory classes and got sleepy?"
Hu Liena moved closer and looked curiously at Qian Renxue's expression.
Sleepy my ass!
Do I look sleepy to you?
I'm feeling miserable!
Qian Renxue nearly exploded on the spot.
Her beautiful face remained composed on the surface, but inwardly she was already grinding her teeth.
It's Bibi Dong again!
Isn't that woman practically my natural enemy?
The moment she heard that Bibi Dong would be supervising the assessment, her mood had plummeted straight to the bottom.
With that woman acting as the proctor, did she even have a chance of being promoted?
One had to know that Qian Renxue was currently a Named Disciple as well.
The competition directly concerned her future position within the academy.
The more she thought about it, the more aggrieved she felt.
I, Qian Renxue, came to Heart of Fire Academy to study happily under Teacher.
I didn't come here to watch that woman spend time with him!
Every time she saw Bibi Dong and Xin together, her heart felt uncomfortable.
The feeling was even worse than losing a fight.
This is more unbearable than killing me!
Just as Qian Renxue was sinking deeper into her frustration, a familiar voice suddenly sounded from ahead.
"Hu Liena, Qian Renxue, both of you, come with me for a moment."
The moment those words entered her ears, Qian Renxue's gloomy mood vanished completely.
Like a flower blooming after rain, her eyes instantly brightened.
Qian Renxue's figure instantly rose proudly from among the cherry blossoms: "I'm coming, Teacher!"