9 Eastsea Academy

Through the passage of spring to autumn, two years slipped away. Anping, in the midst of his daily meditation routine, devoted the rest of his time unraveling the intricacies of various magical models. He delved into dissecting their structures, deciphering the effects, and unraveling the internal connections that made them tick.

In this span, Anping took a detour into the world of mecha design, acquiring a second-level mecha designer certificate. Surprisingly, his foray into the library unveiled striking parallels between the spirit tool system and alchemy, leading him down the rabbit hole of alchemical exploration.

The prestigious Red Mountain Academy witnessed the ascent of eight students, soaring beyond level 10 to become official spirit masters. Anping, standing at the second rank of level 23, showcased the fruits of his relentless dedication.

Lin Ximeng, adorned with a smile, graced the podium. Her words echoed congratulations to the newly anointed spirit masters and, with a touch of symbolism, encouragement for those still striving to reach the coveted level ten.

The academic landscape burgeoned with growth and achievement, painting a vibrant tapestry of Anping's journey at Red Mountain Academy.

"Alright, the moment is here. Your names will be called next as you step forward to claim your letters of recommendation," declared Lin Ximeng from the podium.

Anping and his peers rose in unison as their names resonated in the room. They made their way to the stage, where Lin Ximeng personally handed each of them the coveted recommendation letter. In the modest confines of Glorybound City, where Red Mountain Academy stood as the solitary institution, these letters were golden tickets, opening doors to intermediate colleges in other cities.

For those like Anping, this letter signaled the culmination of their junior academy journey.

"Anping, which college awaits you?" inquired Tang Wulin, turning to his fellow graduate.

"Eastsea Academy," replied Anping.

Excitement twinkled in Tang Wulin's eyes. "I'm heading to Eastsea Academy too! I thought I was the lone traveler to Eastsea City."

Eastsea City, Spirit Tool Train Station

The train rumbled to a stop, and its doors slid open. Anping joined the bustling crowd, making his way towards the exit. Once off the platform, he navigated through the sea of people until he finally located the reception desk of Eastsea Academy.

Approaching, he caught the attention of a black-haired girl among the assembled students. She greeted him, "Little brother, here to report?"

Anping extracted his recommendation letter from his backpack and handed it over. "Yes, hello senior. I'm here to report, and this is my letter of recommendation."

"Hello, I'm Liu Yuxin, a first-year student at Eastsea Senior Academy. I handle the reception for new students. Let's start by filling out this form." Liu Yuxin accepted Anping's recommendation letter and handed him a form.

Observing as Anping completed the form, Liu Yuxin read aloud, "Anping, nine years old, graduated from Glorybound City Red Mountain Junior College, level 23 weapon spirit master, the sky of truth Martial Spirit?"

Witnessing the impressive level of twenty-three at the tender age of nine and encountering the unfamiliar name of Anping's Martial Spirit, Liu Yuxin couldn't help but express her astonishment, "This is incredible. A weapon spirit master at level twenty-three, and what's this Martial Spirit of yours called?"

Anping replied, "It's called The Sky of Truth."

"Ah, I see." Liu Yuxin nodded, scrutinized Anping's recommendation letter, found it in order, and stamped it before handing it back to him.

A senior student from Eastsea Academy, present at the reception, overheard the conversation and couldn't contain his surprise. "Twenty-three levels as a weapon spirit master? Is that for real?"

Snatching the recommendation letter from Liu Yuxin, he quickly perused its contents. After confirming its authenticity, he returned the letter to Anping, muttering under his breath, "Who would've thought that a relatively unknown city like Glorybound City could produce such a formidable student."

Liu Yuxin shot him an annoyed look. "Does the city's size determine the potential of a powerful spirit master?"

With her words, Liu Yuxin retrieved a metal plate from a nearby box and handed it to Anping. "Wear this around your neck. It serves as your pass for entering and exiting the academy before enrollment. Once you arrive, report in, and collect your supplies. Head to the spirit car at the back. It'll transport you to the academy when more students gather."

Anping boarded the bus, choosing a seat by the window. He settled in, leaning back, gazing out as his mind meandered through thoughts.

"Anping! You're here early, didn't expect that," came a familiar voice.

Turning around, Anping found Tang Wulin. "Oh, it's you. No idea when we'll reach the academy. Take a seat and relax for now."

In the midst of his contemplation, Anping felt a tap on his shoulder, jolting him awake. Tang Wulin informed him, "Anping, don't doze off; we've arrived."

Anping responded with a groggy acknowledgment, "Yeah, I know."

Exiting the bus, Anping and Tang Wulin followed Liu Yuxin, who shared insights into the sprawling Eastsea Academy. "Welcome to Eastsea Academy, a institution with both intermediate and advanced college qualifications. It's divided into the intermediate Academy department and advanced Academy department," she explained along the way.

Pointing to a diversion road, Liu Yuxin continued, "For safety reasons, vehicles aren't allowed inside. If they enter, they're directed to the underground parking lot. Our senior academy is on the west side, and everything beyond this road belongs to your intermediate college."

Under Liu Yuxin's guidance, the duo reached the Academic Affairs Office. She gestured towards the sign and advised, "That's the Academic Affairs Office. Hurry up and register, and your middle school dormitory is behind the teaching building. If you need anything, find me in the Upper School, Class 1, Grade 1. Work hard, juniors!"

Stepping into the Academic Affairs Office, Anping and Tang Wulin smoothly navigated the admission procedures, securing their places in Class 1, Grade 1, and Class 5, Grade 1, respectively.

Assigned to dormitories 205 and 206, they received keys and school uniforms before strolling towards the dormitory building together.

Amidst the journey, Tang Wulin remarked, "I can't help but envy your rapid progress in cultivation."

Inwardly, Anping reflected, 'I envy you for having a good father.' He waved off the thought and replied, "There's no need for envy. Practice for yourself, not for comparison."

"True, I'll focus on my own cultivation," Tang Wulin affirmed.

Arriving at the dormitory building, the corridor presented a chaotic scene, littered with remnants of the previous class's neglect—discarded items and overlooked garbage.

The middle school dormitories at Eastsea Academy boasted a straightforward layout—two bunk beds, four chairs surrounding two rectangular tables, and mirrored cabinets on both sides.

Rooms 205 and 206 faced each other. Upon opening their respective doors, Anping and Tang Wulin stepped inside.

In Anping's dorm, perhaps owing to his early arrival, solitude reigned, and a layer of dust coated various surfaces.

Contemplating the dusty floor, Anping shut the door and invoked a cleaning spell. A gentle breeze, under his control, swept through every nook. Dust in its wake was gathered and skillfully tossed into the nearby trash can. With the evolution of magical prowess and a deepening understanding of spells, Anping effortlessly wielded magic, whether at level zero, one, or two.