After all, they came here representing their city this time.
If they returned too early, they would be laughed at.
As time passed, more than ten hours went by.
Lin Chen and Xiaobai’s steps finally halted at thirty-six.
"The last stage, finish it and we’re done." Lin Chen didn’t want Xiaobai to endure further.
Xiaobai nodded, mustering courage once again.
Actually, Lin Chen could tell that Xiaobai’s Spiritual Power had significantly improved through the battles in the previous six stages.
But Qin Shaoshao had once advised Lin Chen that it’s unwise to overtrain Spiritual Power, risking a mental breakdown, especially for non-Major Practitioners.
Although Lin Chen also knew that Xiaobai might reach thirty-nine by pushing a bit further, it seemed to be more harmful than beneficial.
Reaching thirty-seven would be about enough.
"Let’s go." Lin Chen spoke as he stepped into level thirty-seven.
This time, after Xiaobai opened its eyes, the whole ox didn’t feel well.
The ox horns trembled as it followed Lin Chen into thirty-seven.
At this, the crowd burst into a commotion.
Below Lin Chen, there were two people, now at level thirty.
At twenty-nine, eight people. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ ɴovᴇl(F)ɪre.ɴet
At twenty, thirty people.
All others were below level twenty.
Yet it’s crucial to understand that these people weren’t weak; the vast majority were prodigies of their cities.
Otherwise, they wouldn’t have earned a spot to come here.
However, most people stopped at fifteen and sixteen.
"There are three more hours, students," Daoist Zhang announced.
Once everyone heard the time, they held their breath, preparing for a sprint.
Lin Chen, however, proactively asked, "Mentor, is it possible to forfeit early?"
Daoist Zhang was taken aback, frowning.
Typically, students would try as long as they could.
Lin Chen’s thirty-seven levels were only two short of the record, yet he didn’t plan to give it a go?
Daoist Zhang directly pointed this out, to which Lin Chen replied, "I’m tired, can’t climb anymore."
"Alright then." Daoist Zhang nodded and said, "You may come down."
Upon hearing this, Xiaobai felt as if a heavy burden was lifted, the whole ox instantly relaxed.
It would rather battle the Bull Demon King three hundred times than be tormented by a Spirit-Type Demon Beast.
Lin Chen and Xiaobai returned the way they came, passing each step with people looking on in speechless envy.
Some sighed, thinking Lin Chen taking an early rest was just for show, but they couldn’t argue against it.
After all, he had the ability.
He was already the top freshman.
Back on the ground, Lin Chen saw the Little Fox leap onto Xiaobai’s head, babbling away.
The Iron Palm Bear curiously inquired about the interior, roaring repeatedly.
Xiaobai mooed in response, creating a chaotic scene.
Daoist Zhang walked over at this moment and asked, "How do you feel?"
"The further I got, the harder it was," Lin Chen replied.
"The Path to Immortality and Cultivation are alike; once you’ve got the knack, it’s not hard to reach the top."
Lin Chen suddenly thought of something and asked:
"Dare I ask, Mentor, has anyone climbed a hundred levels?"
"Naturally, there have been."
"And what happens after they reach the top?"
"For those who reach it, the Spirit Beast would mostly enter the ranks of Immortal Beasts," Daoist Zhang said, "Thus, a high start doesn’t equal a high finish; Beast Taming is about being grounded."
Lin Chen was astonished.
Immortal Beasts are no joke.
"Here’s your student card." Daoist Zhang handed it to Lin Chen, with the number three written on it.
Simply put, Lin Chen now had a Level 3 Resource Card.
"Spirit Academy doesn’t have too many rules; everything is outlined in the Spirit Academy Manual in your dormitory, or you could ask senior students, they’ll be willing to help. If you’re exhausted, just go rest," Daoist Zhang said.
Lin Chen cupped his hands in thanks and then left.
Daoist Zhang watched Lin Chen’s back intently, thinking, "Since when did the Spirit Ruins Ox become so remarkable?"
Lin Chen returned to the dormitory, Xiaobai took a quick wash and fell into a deep sleep.
A day’s battle was truly tiring.
Lin Chen was fine but also took a nap.
Upon waking, he saw the Little Fox curled up on the Iron Palm Bear’s head, asleep.
The Iron Palm Bear, with its big eyes wide, dared not move a muscle; it slept little, fearing that the loud noise of weightlifting would wake the soundly sleeping Xiaobai.
Lin Chen picked the Little Fox off its head and tossed it onto the ox’s belly; Xiaobai squinted open its eyes, seeing it was Xiao Hong, and instantly drifted back to sleep.
Lin Chen picked up a book, signaling the Iron Palm Bear to take its iron to the courtyard for exercise.
Before long, the Iron Palm Bear was lifting weights; for now, it was merely for physical conditioning, as cultivating Beast Power wasn’t much use.
This was what Lin Chen hoped for.
After Law Evolution, physical strength is extremely crucial.
However, lifting too much iron wasn’t good either, so Lin Chen joked, "Xiao Hei, with so much time on your hands, why not read more books?"
Xiao Hei froze, thinking what use learning would be to a Spirit Beast?
"If not knowledge, then tactics at least," Lin Chen said.
Xiao Hei the bear roared a response, implying, isn’t having you enough?
Lin Chen replied, "When time comes for a group battle of Spirit Beasts, I can’t possibly manage them all. Among the three Spirit Beasts, I think your mind is the best."
He had said this to both Xiaobai and Xiao Hong...
The ordinarily insecure Big White Bear scratched its head, willing to give it a try.
Lin Chen handed it a book, and as Xiao Hei opened it, it quickly became engrossed...
Then, it instantly fell asleep.
Lin Chen gave up, this Xiao Hei wasn’t cut out for studying either.
He picked up the Spirit Academy Manual and started reading.