Chapter 17: Early Graduation

Three years later.

On a towering peak several dozen miles outside Nottingham City, a boy of about ten sat cross-legged at the summit. Not far from him, a large bird the size of a sparrow kept a vigilant watch on its surroundings, as if wary of some unseen threat.

The wind howled across the mountaintop like slicing blades, bending the blue-silver grass that grew there under its relentless force.

Yet, despite the fierce gale, the boy remained unmoved. A faint azure glow emanated from him, counteracting the harshness of the environment.

After a long moment, the boy opened his eyes and murmured, “My soul power at level 22 is now stable. It’s time to leave Nottingham City.”

This boy was none other than Mo Hui. After three years of cultivation, his soul power had finally surpassed level 20. Recently, with the help of his uncle, Mo Hen, he successfully hunted a nine-hundred-year-old Azure Rainbow Falcon, claiming it as his second soul ring.

How Mo Hui convinced Mo Hen to trust him in absorbing a nine-hundred-year-old soul beast as his second soul ring involved a rare treasure known as Whale Gel, which only appeared in the Dou Er (Battle Second) level.

After absorbing his first soul ring, Mo Hui entertained the thought of prematurely absorbing his second soul ring. He intensified his physical training to prepare for this challenge.

However, Mo Hui quickly realized that the strength gained through training had its limits, and without proper restorative aids, he risked damaging his body during the refinement process.

In this predicament, Mo Hui naturally thought of treasures that could directly enhance physical fitness—such as soul bones, immortal herbs, and Whale Gel.

Soul bones were out of the question; even the most ordinary soul bone commanded a market value of at least a hundred thousand gold soul coins.

Immortal herbs were even more unattainable—not only were most controlled by Du Gu Bo, but he also lacked the knowledge to properly harvest or use them. Misuse could be fatal.

Eliminating those options left only Whale Gel as a viable choice.

Currently, Whale Gel was regarded merely as a rare aphrodisiac similar to Viagra. Though uncommon and somewhat expensive, its cost paled in comparison to the thousands or tens of thousands of gold soul coins typical for Battle Second level treasures.

If it truly worked, Mo Hui’s physical constitution could improve significantly in a short time, allowing him to withstand the strain of prematurely absorbing a second soul ring.

Yet, this was merely Mo Hui’s hypothesis, and he did not want to trouble his caring uncle without confirming its effectiveness.

After saving gold soul coins for a year, Mo Hui finally acquired a small piece of century-old Whale Gel from a pharmacy within the city to test it.

Though only a small portion of century-old grade, after consuming it, Mo Hui noticeably felt an enhancement in his physical strength.

Confirming Whale Gel’s efficacy, Mo Hui informed Mo Hen and prepared to borrow some gold soul coins to purchase more.

At first, Mo Hen was skeptical, but after buying a small piece of century-old Whale Gel and conducting experiments, he became ecstatic.

Who would have thought that a product once accumulated as an aphrodisiac could actually strengthen a soul master’s physique? This was a groundbreaking discovery.

Whether reported officially or kept as a secret family legacy, it promised immense profit.

In the end, Mo Hen emptied his savings—fifteen hundred gold soul coins—to buy Mo Hui a substantial supply of century-old Whale Gel and a small amount of millennium-old Whale Gel.

As for why they did not purchase ten-thousand-year-old Whale Gel: first, no one currently needed such a potent product; second, merchants did not stock it; and even if they did, Mo Hui could not afford it.

“Bobo, let’s go back,” Mo Hui said, standing and calling toward the not far-off Bobo.

“Bobo~”

Hearing Mo Hui’s call, Bobo instantly transformed into a streak of azure light and swiftly flew to Mo Hui’s side, gently landing on his shoulder.

Bobo had just used the second soul skill Mo Hui obtained from hunting the nine-hundred-year-old Azure Rainbow Falcon—Electric Flash.

Electric Flash boosts its host's speed by 300%, essentially quadrupling their normal velocity, allowing a rapid assault on enemies that lasts three seconds. Both the duration and effect strengthen as soul power increases.

This skill’s effect lies between ordinary acceleration soul skills and teleportation. Compared to standard acceleration abilities, Electric Flash’s boost is brief; compared to teleportation, no matter the speed, it cannot match the instantaneous movement.

Nevertheless, Mo Hui regarded Electric Flash as an excellent soul skill. Battles between soul masters hinge on the slightest margin, and three seconds is ample time to accomplish much.

Moreover, Electric Flash consumes little soul power and has a relatively short cooldown between uses.

Soon, Mo Hui returned to Nottingham Academy, with Bobo faithfully accompanying him.

Previously, Mo Hui’s soul power was insufficient to keep Bobo outside his body for long.

But now, Mo Hen was a Battle Second rank soul master. As long as no combat ensued, having Bobo remain in the external world was not a significant burden for Mo Hui.

After all, Bobo possessed autonomous consciousness, unlike other martial souls requiring constant control; Mo Hui only needed to supply soul power.

Upon entering Nottingham Academy, Mo Hui headed straight to the Academic Affairs Office. After knocking, he opened the door and stepped inside.

“It’s you, Xiao Hui. What brings you here?” Director Su smiled upon seeing Mo Hui.

Other teachers in the office also smiled and nodded at him.

After four years of interaction, nearly every teacher at Nottingham Academy held Mo Hui in high regard. Who wouldn’t appreciate such a diligent and reasonably gifted student?

“Director Su, I’m planning to graduate early,” Mo Hui said.

Director Su paused, then sighed, “That makes sense. You’re already level 19. Staying at Nottingham Academy longer won’t benefit you.”

He then asked, “Do you have a preference for which intermediate soul master academy you want to attend? The dean and I can provide recommendation letters!”

“Thank you, Director Su, but I intend to enroll directly in an advanced soul master academy,” Mo Hui shook his head.

Director Su was taken aback again: “But the entrance requirement for advanced soul master academies is Battle Second rank, and you…”

“Not long ago, my soul power broke through level 20. Uncle Mo Hen took me hunting for a soul ring. I am now a Battle Second rank soul master.”

As he spoke, two yellow soul rings, each representing a century of age, rose from the ground beneath Mo Hui and circled his body.

“Wow~”

Seeing this, the teachers present all gasped in astonishment.

A ten-year-old Battle Second rank soul master—this was a record for Nottingham Academy. Even the prodigy with innate soul power at level five only reached Battle Second at age twelve.