Chapter 38: Chapter 38: Graduation Gift
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The soul master competition at the Intermediate Soul Master Academy was a thrilling event, showcasing a wide variety of martial souls that made it especially exciting.
Without a doubt, the biggest dark horse in this competition was Wang Li. All the other participants were seasoned students, and their abilities were well known.
But Wang Li, as a newcomer, used his Blue Silver Grass martial soul to continuously win, dominating his opponents and securing a spot in the finals as one of the two remaining competitors.
His opponent in the final was Bai Chen, who was undeniably the top contender, as his toxic Hidden Threads had already defeated one opponent after another.
As the final began, Wang Li immediately summoned a large number of Blue Silver Grass vines. Confident in his physical strength, he nonetheless preferred not to test the toxicity of his opponent's soul skills on himself.
The vast expanse of Blue Silver Grass swept across the arena, triggering the Hidden Threads in the air and on the ground, clearing them away.
The paralyzing poison had little effect against the vibrant Blue Silver Grass. With this advantage gone, Bai Chen was left with no choice but to surrender after being struck by Wang Li's vines, which were used like whips.
The final victor: Wang Li!
On the arena, under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Ling Lao, the head of the Academy's Internal Affairs Department, expressed his admiration for Wang Li's performance. He was delighted to have recruited such a genius, and with a warm smile, he said to Wang Li:
"Wang Li, you've surprised me time and again. Now that you are the student council president, I hope you will take on this responsibility. At the same time, don't neglect your cultivation. I am very eager to see how far you'll advance by the time you graduate. Now, please say a few words to everyone."
Wang Li nodded in response:
"Okay, Ling Lao!"
Looking at the panel displaying the two hundred experience points he had accumulated over the three days of competition, Wang Li decided it was time to make a bold statement.
Turning to face the crowd, Wang Li raised his voice:
"I, Wang Li, have been told since I awakened my martial soul that my Blue Silver Grass would never allow me to become a great soul master, even though mine is a mutated version of it."
"But I refused to accept that. When I entered the Junior Soul Master Academy, I practiced day and night, eventually reaching level ten, obtaining a soul ring, and graduating early."
"Here, I want to say, I want to become a great soul master. I want to grow stronger through battle with all of you."
"I welcome any challenges. I'm not sure if this is proper, but if any of you can defeat me, I will willingly relinquish my position as president. I, Wang Li, only seek one defeat!"
After making his bold declaration, Wang Li was confident that someone would eventually take him up on his challenge. After all, every challenge would bring him more experience.
Even the smallest gains would add up over time.
As soon as his words fell, thunderous applause erupted from the crowd. Bai Chen, Meng Du, Qing Yi, Neil, and the others, filled with fighting spirit, couldn't help but feel a sense of respect for Wang Li.
Ling Lao's eyes sparkled with admiration. Regardless of whether it was proper or not, Wang Li's charisma alone made him the ideal candidate for president.
No wonder Wang Li had been able to rapidly increase his soul power in such a short time. Ling Lao now understood. With such talent and character, even though his martial soul was just Blue Silver Grass, Wang Li might one day reach the realm of a Soul Emperor or Soul Saint, surpassing even the dean to become a truly powerful soul master.
This kind of student must be nurtured with all efforts. Ling Lao had already decided to give Wang Li special attention. As the head of the Internal Affairs Department, he had the authority to do so.
After the event concluded, Wang Li followed Ling Lao to the dean's office.
Upon entering the room, Wang Li first saw a tall figure. The person turned around and, smiling at Ling Lao, said:
"Ling Lao, I must thank you for bringing in such a talented new student."
Ling Lao sighed with emotion and replied:
"It's what I was meant to do!"
Gorfah, the dean, then turned his gaze to Wang Li. His eyes were sharp and his expression warm, clearly aware of what had happened earlier. Smiling, he said:
"Wang Li, you are truly remarkable!"
Wang Li recognized that the person before him was the dean of the Lijia Academy, Gorfah. With a martial soul of the Flame Leopard, Gorfah was a 54th-level Battle Soul King, and he was the main reason Wang Li had decided to come to this academy.
At this moment, Wang Li still didn't fully understand Gorfah's personality—what he liked to hear and what he didn't. So, he responded in a formal and respectful manner:
"Thank you for the compliment, Dean. Although I'm a new student this year, I will definitely take on the responsibilities of the student council president."
"Hahaha..."
Hearing this, Gorfah burst out laughing. His smile was free of malice and even carried a hint of playful teasing. He said:
"That's not what you were saying outside. I prefer that rebellious side of you—the president's position, given up willingly, you, Wang Li, only seeking one defeat..."
Wang Li's lips twitched. His dramatic declaration had reached Gorfah's ears, and he quickly conceded:
"Dean, I'm a soul master, and I aspire to become a great soul master. Please forgive me for this little bit of youthful arrogance."
Gorfa wasn't angry at all, so there was no need for forgiveness. He waved his hand casually and said:
"The responsibility of the student council president is to be the strongest among the students, to serve as an example, a benchmark for everyone."
"You haven't done anything wrong. In fact, you've done very well. Focus on your cultivation. I will personally help you hunt the soul beast for your second soul ring."
"Also, if you can reach level 25 in soul power before graduation, I will give you a special graduation gift."
Wang Li was pleasantly surprised to hear this. Level 25 soul power? That didn't sound difficult at all. It seemed like the dean's special graduation gift was already within his grasp.
However, he still played it cool on the surface, responding with enthusiasm:
"Thank you, Dean. I will definitely work hard and strive to reach level 25 in soul power as soon as possible."
Gorfa nodded with satisfaction. Wang Li was only seven years old, and by the time he graduated, he would only be thirteen. To have level 25 soul power at that age would make him an extraordinary genius in the entire Fasno Province.
After leaving Gorfah's office, Wang Li followed Ling Lao. Ling Lao glanced at Wang Li and said:
"Wang Li, make sure to train hard. The dean is personally preparing a graduation gift for you, and that's truly one-of-a-kind!"
Wang Li smiled in response:
"I understand, Ling Lao. I've never once been lazy in my efforts to become a great soul master!"
Ling Lao smiled and nodded, continuing:
"Classes officially start tomorrow, but with your strength as the student council president, the first-year curriculum will just be a waste of your time."
"Don't go to class tomorrow. Instead, come to the garden behind the academy. I'll personally guide you!"
Wang Li was a bit surprised but accepted calmly:
"Okay, Ling Lao."
(End of Chapter)