Over the next three months, Wang Feng studied and practiced hammer techniques until his physical fitness improved significantly. Now, he could swing the hammer 64 times in a single breath!
The increase in his speed and strength was truly beyond imagination! Without the falling star that granted him good fortune, this achievement might have taken years to accomplish!
In other aspects, his progress was also remarkable.
As an analogy, imagine Wang Feng as a small river that could initially only move tiny stones at its bed. However, after two months of relentless training, that river had transformed into a powerful current capable of crushing large rocks and breaking through dams.
Now, even when using only 10% of his current strength, its impact was far greater than 50% of his past strength—just like a powerful torrent that could destroy something that an earlier, weaker flow could not budge.
The long-awaited day had arrived.
Today was the day Wang Feng would leave for the Junior Soul Master Academy.
"The Junior Soul Master Academy will teach important fundamentals such as the history and culture of our land, an introduction to martial arts, and a basic understanding of soul beasts. Its education system lasts for six years. If, by the age of twelve, a student has not reached a certain level of achievement, they will remain an ordinary Soul Master and have to pursue another profession," Wang Feng's grandmother explained as they traveled.
She then continued, "But you don't need to worry. You naturally possess full soul power. Fate has destined you to become a great Soul Master one day. It doesn't matter if your martial soul is considered dead…"
Wang Feng listened intently.
"The Intermediate Soul Master Academy is much more challenging than the junior academy," his grandmother added. "To graduate, you must reach level 20, obtain a second spirit ring, and earn the title of Grand Soul Master."
"Level 20? That's easy," Wang Feng said casually. He felt that his energy had already surpassed level 20, but without a spirit ring, he couldn't fully display his power.
Seeing Wang Feng's expression, his grandmother chuckled and ruffled his hair. "You sly boy! Do you think it's that simple? Although the academy can help you obtain your first spirit ring, for the second one at level 20, you'll have to hunt a soul beast yourself!"
"Soul beasts are extremely dangerous! Many Soul Masters get injured, and some even lose their lives while hunting. Noble children have family warriors to protect them, but we commoners must rely on ourselves. That's why many Soul Masters get stuck at this stage."
Wang Feng grimaced. He had never seen a soul beast in person, but his curiosity was piqued.
"Grandmother, after the Junior and Intermediate Academies, there's the Senior Soul Master Academy, right?" he asked.
His grandmother fell silent for a moment before sighing. "The Senior Soul Master Academy is not a place for ordinary people. It's extremely difficult to get in. Throughout the entire Douluo Empire, there are only a handful of such academies. Each year, they accept fewer than a hundred students, most of whom come from noble families. However, those who successfully graduate become highly respected Soul Masters and even receive noble titles."
Wang Feng fell silent, imagining the immense level of power required to reach that stage.
"But graduating from the Senior Soul Master Academy is no easy feat," his grandmother continued. "One of the greatest challenges a Soul Master faces is obtaining spirit rings. Without family support or a powerful organization behind them, hunting soul beasts alone is incredibly difficult."
"Some people are born rich, as if everything is laid out for them. Meanwhile, we commoners must struggle at every step…" His grandmother shook her head gently.
"To graduate from the Senior Soul Master Academy, one must reach level 30 and obtain a third spirit ring. If someone passes this stage, they will earn the title of Soul Master and begin to be recognized as an Earth Soul Master. But don't think it's easy—even spirit rings have age restrictions. Not just any ring will allow someone to graduate."
Wang Feng listened carefully.
"Even after entering the Senior Soul Master Academy, only about one-third or one-fourth of the students actually graduate," she continued. "And as for those who go beyond that, there's no need to discuss them now. They are too far ahead. The higher one's level, the stronger the spirit rings needed, and hunting soul beasts becomes even more perilous. That's why there aren't many who can reach the rank of Titled Douluo. You could count them on one hand."
Wang Feng clenched his fists.
Inside his heart, he felt a blazing ambition.
He wanted to see how far he could go!
After saying this, Wang Feng's grandmother said nothing more.
After all, she didn't know much, so she could only pass down basic knowledge to her grandson. The rest was up to Wang Feng to explore on his own.
Before long, they arrived at the gate of the Junior Soul Master Academy.
A tall arch made of solid stone stood majestically, with four large characters inscribed in the center: "Aolai College." Beneath the arch, two sturdy iron gates stood firm, exuding an air of elegance and authority.
In front of the gate, several students were gathered, all wearing the academy's distinctive uniforms. Some looked excited, while others appeared nervous—likely new applicants arriving for enrollment.
Two armored guards stood upright on either side of the iron gate. Their sharp gazes swept over every individual entering the academy. They weren't just ordinary guards but Soul Masters of a certain level, ensuring that only those who were qualified could enter.
"So this is the academy I'll be attending..." Wang Feng murmured softly.
Before long, a middle-aged man with a neatly trimmed beard, dressed in a deep blue academic robe, approached them. His gaze was sharp, yet his expression remained welcoming.
"Welcome to Aolai College," he said in a calm yet authoritative voice. "Are you new applicants?"
Wang Feng nodded lightly. "Yes, I would like to enroll."
The man studied him for a moment before giving a faint smile. "Alright, follow me to the admissions hall."
"In that case, Wang Feng, Grandma will head home now. Just follow this gentleman to complete your registration," his grandmother said, gently stroking his head.
"Alright, Grandma. Take care on your way back," Wang Feng replied with a nod.
As they passed through the gate, the academy grounds became more visible. Tall buildings with curved rooftops stood proudly in the center of a vast courtyard. To the right, there were training areas where groups of students were practicing their techniques. On the left, a neatly maintained garden lined with statues of legendary Soul Masters decorated the walkway.
"This academy is quite large..." Wang Feng thought as he observed his surroundings.
They continued walking toward the main hall, where several instructors were busy handling the admissions process. The atmosphere was filled with the chatter of students and the lively hustle of new applicants waiting for their turn.
"Fill out this form and demonstrate your spirit power," the man in the blue robe said, handing Wang Feng a piece of paper.
Wang Feng took it, gave a small smile, and carefully filled out the form before returning it to the man.
The man read the contents carefully. "Name: Wang Feng... Martial Soul: Lotus of Harmony... Innate Soul Power: Level 10..."
"What?!" The man was stunned.
He looked at Wang Feng in disbelief. "Kid, answer me honestly. Is it true that your innate soul power is level 10?"
"Yes, sir. My innate soul power is indeed level 10," Wang Feng replied proudly, puffing out his chest slightly.
The man still seemed doubtful. "Is that so? Then test it using this crystal ball," he said, pointing to the crystal sphere beside him.
Wang Feng placed his hand on the crystal ball.
In an instant, a dazzling light burst forth from the sphere.
The man's eyes widened. "It's true! His innate soul power really is at level 10!"
Wang Feng smirked slightly. "Well, sir? I wasn't lying, was I?"
The man finally nodded. "Alright, you're accepted. You will be placed in Class 1-1. Tomorrow is the first day of lessons. Make sure you're not late."
"Understood, sir! Thank you!" Wang Feng replied enthusiastically, ready to begin his journey at Aolai College.