"Whatâs the rush?"
"Pick it up."
Qin Qianyu looked speechless. Why was Zhang Lingfeng so cowardly? Itâs just a Realm Traveler, whatâs there to fear?
"Oh."
Zhang Lingfeng picked up the pencil, recalling what Qin Qianyu had said earlier and the rumors about him. He couldnât help asking, "Can you really awaken an upper-grade spiritual root?"
The leading members of the four great families are all Realm Travelers, with their spiritual root levels between lower-grade and middle-grade. As a newcomer, Qin Qianyu could only defeat them if his spiritual root level surpassed theirs.
Zhang Lingfeng had heard more than once that once Qin Qianyu awakened his root, its level would be upper-grade.
His compatibility with the power of heaven and earth would far exceed others of the same rank.
"So what if I canât awaken? My Qin Family has dominated the world, never relying on spiritual root levels to win."
Qin Qianyu said dismissively.
"So, can you awaken an upper-grade spiritual root or not?"
Zhang Lingfeng was skeptical, feeling that Qin Qianyu might be bragging.
"Young Master Qin, long time no see."
"I heard a fourth-line martial arts student broke your Qin Family swordsmanship, forcing you to use the power of your Dantian Sea of Qi to eliminate him."
"I assume you are that fourth-line martial arts student, Zhang Lingfeng!"
"Qin Wanrong actually activated the South Heaven Gate Array for you, you really are something."
One of the leading members of the four great families said.
They were Zhao Zihao, Qian Bo, Sun Dehua, and Li Xiaoshuang.
All four were Realm Travelers.
Li Xiaoshuang led them because his spiritual root level had reached the middle-grade. He was also the first to develop a spiritual root.
The four approached oppressively, their gazes sweeping across Zhang Lingfeng multiple times.
Zhang Lingfeng wasnât encountering Realm Travelers for the first time.
He had even faced off against the Demon God Giant Axe from a distance and was thus considered experienced. Calmly, he said, "Thanks to the Qin Family, Iâm honored to meet you all."
"Arenât you afraid that the Qin Family will get you expelled from the academy early?"
Li Xiaoshuang laughed.
"The academy is fair and just. If Iâm expelled, itâs because Iâm not skilled enough. What does that have to do with the Qin Family?"
Zhang Lingfeng replied calmly.
"What do you want?"
Qin Qianyu scoffed, not wanting Zhang Lingfeng to get too entangled with Li Xiaoshuang and the others, fearing their schemes might get him expelled early.
"No need to worry, Young Master Qin. Zhang Lingfeng was rightâthe academy is fair and just. We canât do anything to you. We just wanted to remind you that the spots for this yearâs state examination martial arts students have been decided by the four great families. You two should wait until the next session!"
Li Xiaoshuang laughed.
"Hahaha!"
The group of veteran students behind Zhao Zihao, Qian Bo, Sun Dehua, etc., burst out laughing.
The new students treated Qin Qianyu with great respect, but these older students mostly followed the four great families and paid little attention to Qin Qianyu and his family members.
Especially since Li Xiaoshuang and the others were all Realm Travelers.
Unsurprisingly, becoming a martial arts student for this yearâs state examination was certain. Only Qin Qianyu had the qualifications to compete with them.
"Go to your room."
Qin Qianyu didnât bother arguing with them but instead went to Zhang Lingfengâs place, saying, "Did you bring the Dantian Secret Manual my second brother gave you?"
"I brought it."
Zhang Lingfeng had placed it under his pillow.
"Take it out."
Qin Qianyu said.
Zhang Lingfeng pulled it out from under the pillow.
"Why did you put it under the pillow?"
Qin Qianyu frowned. Was Zhang Lingfeng sleeping on this manual?
"I read this manual over a dozen times a day. I canât sleep without it. For easy access, I kept it under my pillow so I could grab it easily if inspiration struck."
Zhang Lingfeng explained.
"You sure are diligent."
"Whatâs this?"
Qin Qianyu expressed appreciation, suddenly attracted by a mahjong table.
"Mahjong, helps in thinking, offers a slight boost to Sea of Consciousness Value."
Zhang Lingfeng explained.
"Oh really? Teach me how to play someday."
Qin Qianyu nodded.
Carefully observing Zhang Lingfengâs room, apart from the extra mahjong table and some tea sets and a stove, he didnât see much else.
"Okay."
Zhang Lingfeng secretly wiped his brow.
"My second brother became a Realm Traveler at seventeen, the first Great Xia Kingdom martial arts student since the Great Crossing River Era to reach the fourth round.
He is one of the few in our Qin Family who can awaken spiritual roots on their own.
His cultivation insights are priceless. I often consult him. If you have any questions, you can ask me or connect with my second brother for guidance on your cultivation."
Qin Qianyu returned the Dantian Secret Manual to Zhang Lingfeng.
"Oh, okay."
Zhang Lingfeng quickly placed it back under his pillow, and Qin Qianyu nodded secretly.
"Nurturing a spiritual root is just the first step in becoming a Realm Traveler. Understanding how to use the Spirit Root Power and fully integrating with the world, grasping the power of heaven and earth, is a crucial practice for Realm Travelers."
Qin Qianyu said with his hands behind his back.
"Oh, could you elaborate?"
Zhang Lingfeng eagerly asked.
"Of course, thatâs why I came to you."
Qin Qianyu nodded.
"Zhang Lingfeng, oh, Young Master Qin."
At this moment, Ming Cheng returned.
Knowing that Qin Qianyu and Zhang Lingfeng were in the room discussing cultivation matters, he pretended ignorance, hoping to pick up some important insights.
"His name is Ming Cheng, a martial arts student from Jiangbei Province, and a good brother of mine."