Tang Wulin smiled and shook his head. I dont know either, but I think its probably within the next few days.

Teacher wont give her permission for me to go. Naer pouted her red lips, discontent written all over her face.

Tang Wulin chuckled. Its not like Im never coming back. Ill only be away for a year.

Naer said sadly, Youre willing to leave me here alone? I dont even know anything about the Star Luo Empire. Im worried about you.

Tang Wulin caressed her long hair. I know, but its already been decided. We cant do anything to change it. Naer, have you completed your one-word battle armor?

Naer shook her head. Im still short of one final component.

Work hard okay? Maybe, just maybe, when I return after one year, itll be as a one-word battle armor master, Tang Wulin said with a smile.

Naer smiled as well. I dont believe you. You only have one piece of battle armor right now. How can you possibly progress that quickly?

Tang Wulin said, Dont you know that Im exceptionally gifted?

Naer hardly stifled her laughter. Brother, since when have you become so full of yourself? By the way, youre not even at rank 40. I see that youve been busy every day. So busy that you have no time for me. How much further are you from your goal?

Tang Wulin smiled bitterly. Im at rank 38 now, so two ranks more. Tang Wulin sighed. Some exceptionally gifted person I am. The increase in my soul power has been proceeding at an extremely slow pace.

He was also troubled by his own condition. Six months have already passed, and his soul power was only at rank 38. Although he was very close to reaching rank 39, it was obvious that he would not be able to reach rank 40 before they departed for the Star Luo Continent. If he could not reach rank 40, it meant that he could not become a rank 6 blacksmith and could not obtain his second spirit soul, or fourth soul ring for that matter.

All these were factors that restricted him from developing his power.

How could he not feel depressed when he was the team leader but had the lowest cultivation base? Yuanen Yehui, who had the highest soul power, was already at rank 45. Gu Yue and Yue Zhengyu were both at rank 44, while Ye Xinglan was at rank 43. Xie Xie, Xu Xiaoyan, and Xu Lizhi were all at rank 42. He was the only one who was still at rank 38.

After reaching rank 40, everyones strength improved quickly. Tang Wulin had been working hard to cultivate his soul power, but he made little headway in other aspects. Only his blood essence became more powerful. If this went on, he would soon fall behind the others.

Dont give up. Im sure youll have a breakthrough very soon. Maybe youll be able to catch up to the others after youve reached rank 40, Naer said with a smile.

Actually, Tang Wulin was not too depressed. Ever since he continuously broke the Golden Dragon King bloodline seals, his soul power had changed somewhat. Although he could not increase its amount, his soul power had grown in vigor. When he first started cultivating in the Mysterious Heaven Method, his soul power was pure white. Now, it had transformed into a faint golden liquid. His cultivation base was only at rank 38, but his endurance was in no way inferior to his companions. Because of his lower rank, he could not move on to a higher status, but his foundation was rock solid.

Thanks for the wishes. Lets hope it turns out that way. Tang Wulin had longed to reach rank 40 for quite some time now. Once he reached rank 40, all his abilities would improve, albeit to varying degrees. If he wished to become a one-word battle armor master, the lowest requirement was rank 40!

At this moment, his soul communication tool rang.

Teacher. Tang Wulin smiled as he recognized the number. It was Teacher Mu Chen.

Are you in the academy? Mu Chens gentle voice could be heard.

I am, sir, Tang Wulin replied politely.

Can you come to the gate? Mu Chen asked.

Certainly, Ill be right down. Tang Wulin turned to Naer and said, Teacher Mu Chen has come. Im going to meet him. Why dont you return to the inner court?

Oh, Naer replied reluctantly.

Tang Wulin almost flew as he sprinted toward the academys gates.

Its impossible, you know? Him and you.

At this moment, a voice reached Naers ear. She turned around abruptly and saw Gu Yue standing not far from her, looking at her with fiery eyes.

Naer pushed against the stone bench with her right hand, leaped, and stood on it.

Why are we impossible? Do you even know how it feels to like someone? Naer said angrily.

Gu Yue only looked at her silently and said nothing.

Naers emotions calmed down gradually. She shot Gu Yue a spiteful glare before turning and leaping away. Her silver hair fluttered in the wind and she disappeared in an instant.

After Naer was out of earshot, Gu Yue muttered to herself, Do I know how it feels to like someone?

Tang Wulin reached the gates of Shrek Academys outer court in no time. His eyes quickly registered shock. Mu Chen was not alone as he stood beyond the gates. Beside him was another familiar figure.

It was Zhen Hua.

When Zhen Hua saw him, he could not repress his smile.

Tang Wulin ran over hastily. He bowed politely. Teacher, uncle-master.

Mu Chen smiled. Youre fast. I thought youd be held up a little.

Tang Wulin chuckled. What brings the two of you here? You could have just called me and Id come to meet you both.

Mu Chen said, If were going through the back door, its best not to do it at the Association.

Back door? Tang Wulin looked at his teacher in confusion.

Mu Chens gaze was on Zhen Hua beside him. Zhen Hua smiled. Weve brought you something. As he said this, he stretched out his right hand and opened his palm.

On his palm was a badge. It had a white base, and six purple stars on the top that flickered with a noble luster.

This is Tang Wulin looked at Zhen Hua with shock. Uncle-master, Im not at rank 6 yet!

Zhen Hua smiled. Well, you practically qualified for rank 6 long ago. The only thing that you lack is your soul power cultivation base. Once your soul power is brought up to speed, it wont be much difficulty for you to Spirit Refine spirit alloy seeing how sturdy your foundations are. Youll be going to the Star Luo Continent for one year, and your cultivation base is bound to break through rank 40 within that year. Im giving you this badge in advance. When you return, youll have almost certainly become a true rank 6 blacksmith already.

Mu Chen said, Take it. Your uncle-master made this for you himself. When he said this, there was clearly a tinge of jealousy. He had to admit that there was still a huge gap between him and Zhen Hua in terms of forging. After all, Zhen Hua was one of the generations Divine Craftsman!

Thank you, uncle-master. Thank you, teacher. Tang Wulin accepted the badge. It must have been unprecedented for the Blacksmiths Associations president to go through the backdoor to give him the rank 6 blacksmith badge in advance.

Mu Chen said with a deep voice, Be mindful of your safety throughout this trip, and achieve a breakthrough in your soul power cultivation base as soon as possible. Your foundations are firm, but youre still a bit slow in improving your soul power. If youre still unable to raise it faster after you return from the Star Luo Continent, well find a way to help you out.

Thank you, uncle-master. Naturally, Tang Wulin understood what he meant by a way, but inwardly he still wished to improve his soul power through his own hard work.

Throughout this year, although he had made little progress in his soul power, the experience he got from cultivating gave him a clearer grasp of his soul power and a deeper understanding of his Bluesilver Grass martial soul.

If he improved his cultivation base by using heaven and earth treasures, he could be certain that the effects would be as good as this.

Zhen Hua looked at Tang Wulin with a smile and said, I expect that youll have a few surprises throughout your trip to the Star Luo Continent.

Surprises? Like what? Tang Wulin inquired curiously.

Zhen Hua spoke with a mysterious tone, Since its a surprise, how can I spill the beans? Youll know when you get there.

Tang Wulin looked toward Mu Chen for help, but Mu Chen only smiled at him and shook his head.

Alright, well be going off. I wish you a safe journey. Zhen Hua waved at Tang Wulin. The master-siblings turned around and left.