Douluo Continent: I, the world's greatest immortal master, have taken Ning Rongrong as my disci

Chapter 69 Peach Blossom Spring Students' Annual Evaluation, Gathering for Participation

As the first rays of dawn pierced the clouds, the peach trees of Peach Blossom Academy were the first to awaken, swaying gently in the sunlight, which dappled the thousands of branches as if they were plated with a thin layer of gold.

Ye Lingling pushed open the dormitory door, welcoming the first rays of morning sunlight, and immediately felt the vibrant life of Taoyuan Academy.

Perhaps at this moment, even she herself felt like she was dreaming.

This Soul Master Academy, which is much smaller than the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, is filled with peach trees and red maple leaves, and it is extremely beautiful.

It gave her a sense of security and comfort, a feeling rarely found elsewhere.

Several of her senior classmates who enrolled before her had already started their morning exercises.

Morning exercise is not about pursuing high-intensity physical exertion, but about awakening the body after a night of sleep and meditation, and stimulating energy for the day—this is what the teacher taught.

Teacher Su Ran and his students encouraged each other, and they all practiced a set of sword techniques at dawn.

The swordsmanship Su Ran practiced today was so slow that Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, and Meng Yiran couldn't understand it. Xiao Wu, however, stared at it with surprising interest and exclaimed:
"Teacher's swordplay today is very similar to my Tai Chi. Did you apply Tai Chi techniques to your swordplay?!"

Ye Lingling didn't understand the mysteries of martial arts, only feeling that they were mysterious and unpredictable. These senior brothers and sisters all seemed to have their own cultivation paths, which were different from what she had learned at the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy and from the masters.

Whether it's the Royal Academy, the Grand Academy, or any other academy, they all have a set of templates for Soul Masters. Teachers follow the rules and teach step by step. But they take an unconventional path. Soul skill training is not their priority. Instead, they prioritize these unique skills and martial souls.

At the beginning of Chen Shi (7-9 AM), it is time for morning reading and lessons at the school.

"Tian Xingjian, the gentleman continues to strengthen;

"Don't do evil because it's small, don't do good because it's small."

"Where there's a will, there's a way; with a do-or-die spirit, the mighty Qin Pass will ultimately fall to Chu."

"Heaven helps those who help themselves; with perseverance and determination, three thousand Yue soldiers were able to conquer Wu."

Ye Lingling heard the clear, loud voice of dawn, though she couldn't quite understand its meaning.

As I approached, I was surprised to find the school's environment remarkably elegant and rustic, exuding a scholarly atmosphere—a stark contrast to the luxurious and austere atmosphere of the Royal Academy. Furthermore, more than ten framed copies of the school motto, which instructs students in moral conduct, hung between the pillars surrounding the school.

Respect for teachers and the importance of teaching

Wealth and status do not corrupt.

Unwavering in the face of poverty and hardship

[Unity of Knowledge and Action]

Consider righteousness when faced with profit.

[Striving for Self-Improvement]

Respect the elderly and care for the young

【settle down】

【…】

This is a school motto that you won't see in any other Soul Master academy.

Although Ye Lingling did not understand the profound meaning of these school mottoes, she was still greatly amazed by their superficial understanding based on their literal interpretations.

In the world of Soul Masters, where the strong are respected and the weak are preyed upon by the strong, it is an absolute exception that they teach morality.

It was late morning, after breakfast.

Ye Lingling was still staring blankly at those ancient sayings, incredulous.

This college is so civilized.

"Lingling, stop daydreaming and come to the assembly point."

Dugu Yan, holding Ye Lingling's hand, arrived at the white jade slab in front of the school. As they stepped onto the slab, fragrant peach petals gently rose, carrying away all their worries.

Teacher Su Ran put away the peach blossom branches, counted the number of students, and said:

"You should already know about Lingling's enrollment, and you should all know each other, so I won't introduce you individually today. You can chat with each other after class. From now on, you will be a team, so be united, friendly, and helpful to each other."

"Today, all classes are suspended, and I have something important to announce."

Su Ran stood on the steps of the school, a gentle breeze carrying the fragrance of peach blossoms blowing by, making her feel refreshed.

Last night, the other students had heard Ning Rongrong and Dugu Yan talk about what happened in Sunset Forest. They roughly understood that those shameless Shrek academy students had once again provoked their teacher, and they were all indignant on their teacher's behalf. Today, they figured it would probably be about the Soul Master Competition. Sure enough, Su Ran said calmly:

"After a year of learning and practice, you have made your teacher angry and made me happy. Overall, you have all made great progress."

"The All-Continent Elite Soul Master Tournament is about to begin, and I have already registered everyone to participate. The Soul Master Tournament brings together the young geniuses of the entire continent. This is not only a test of your learning achievements over the past year, but also to fulfill a little selfishness of your teacher—a bet. I'm ashamed."

"Similarly, the Soul Master Competition is also the final assessment of your first major stage of cultivation. I will pay attention to your performance in every match of the Soul Master Competition and give you a final rating. If you can pass the assessment, then congratulations, you can enter the second major stage of learning that I have set and complete the transformation from a beginner to an elite student."

"This is the teacher's annual summary score for your performance this year. After receiving it, go back to your dormitories and pack your luggage. We will head to Tiandou City tomorrow."

Su Ran distributed the six annual evaluation cards in her hand to the six students who had entered the program first.

"Yay! Teacher, love you~"

"We definitely won't let the teacher lose!"

Ning Rongrong winked at Su Ran after receiving her score; she had finally passed the excellent grade mark!
[Ning Rongrong: Level 45 Soul Master, Martial Soul Nine Treasures Golden Body Glazed Glass, Golden Bell Shield Fifth Level Perfection, Inch Punch Mastery, Seven Apertures Exquisite Mind Fully Mastered, Command Ability Improved—Annual Performance Score 82 points.]

[Wang Sheng: Level 45 Soul Master, Martial Soul Storm Fiend Tiger, Tiger Form Fist Mastery, Subduing Tiger Fist with some achievement, cultivating Gengjin Technique—Annual performance score: 83 points.]

[Zhu Zhuqing: Level 46 Soul Master, Martial Soul Nine Ghost Cat, Ten Kings of Hell Opening Three Halls Perfected, Movement Technique Crossing the Yellow Springs Excellent, Netherworld Artifact Thousand Rings Minor Mastery - Annual Performance Score 83 points.]

[Meng Yiran: Level 44 Soul Master, Martial Soul: Undead Serpent Staff, Opens Three Undead Heavenly Gates, Master of the Crossing the Yellow Springs Movement Technique, Minor Mastery of the Netherworld Artifact Thousand Rings – Annual Performance Score: 82 points.]

[Xiao Wu: Level 45 Soul Master, Martial Soul: Yin-Yang Soft Bone Rabbit, Excellent flexibility from yoga training, Proficient in Tai Chi, Proficient in Yin-Yang Fist, Cultivating Jade Moon Heart-Cleansing Technique - Annual Performance Score: 83 points]

[Dugu Yan: Level 47 Soul Master, Martial Soul: Azure Phosphorous Serpent Queen, Mastery of Serpent Fist, Proficiency in Dragon Fist, Tribulation Poison Technique: Three Splendors and Four Colors—Annual Performance Score: 84 points.]

"Yanzi, you're already level 47?"

Upon seeing Dugu Yan's annual performance review summary, Ye Lingling's face showed some emotion.

Dugu Yan nodded: "Yes, the teacher used immortal flowers and herbs to transform my body. In addition, my cultivation technique and physique were perfectly combined, and I also had the Nine-Section Jadeite with me to refine poison, so my soul power has improved quite well. However, the other students are not worse than me. Everyone is already over level 40."

"They're all over level 40?! I remember a little over a year ago, they were only level 30..."

Upon hearing this, Ye Lingling's pretty face was filled with surprise:
"They...are all Soul Masters now?!"

Although Ye Lingling had prepared herself for a gap between herself and other students after entering Taoyuan Academy, she did not expect the gap to be so large.

A year ago, their soul power was several levels lower than his.

In just one year, they not only surpassed him in soul power, but also directly advanced to the intermediate Soul Master level, breaking through more than ten levels!

What opportunities did I miss a year ago?
Ye Lingling felt some regret for her past ignorance.

What if she had joined Peach Blossom Academy a year ago?
Moreover, winning the Soul Master Competition is only the first major stage of teaching?

In other academies, achieving a good ranking in the Soul Master Competition would already qualify one for graduation.

Seemingly seeing through Ye Lingling's thoughts, Dugu Yan comforted her:
"Lingling, it's alright. Since your teacher has accepted you as a disciple, he must have already tailored a cultivation plan for you. As long as you practice according to what your teacher teaches, you will catch up with us soon."

"Well, I'll try my best."

Ye Lingling bit her lip. Her Nine Heart Begonia Martial Soul was unparalleled on the continent. Back in the Royal Academy, she was the center of attention. This was the first time she had ever experienced the feeling of being at the bottom of the class.

"That's all for now. You're free to do as you please."

"Lingling, come with me."

After settling the other six students, Su Ran glanced at Ye Lingling and said.

"Lingling, go ahead."

Dugu Yan smiled faintly.

"Ling Xiaoqi, focus on your studies with your teacher and don't let your mind wander!"

"The match is about to start, we can't afford to lose, let's cheer each other on!"

Ning Rongrong also cheered Ye Lingling on.

She was encouraging, but what she feared most was the wet nurse spilling cream.

Teacher, you're also a support character, but you can't give your favors to the super healer—Nine-Heart Begonia!

I am a nine-treasure golden body made of crystal. I am flesh, more durable, more powerful, and more resilient!
Come at me!
(End of this chapter)