Three months passed in a flash.
During that time, Lin Jie had done nothing but train and temper his body with lightning daily. He didn't neglect his soul skill development either. Now, his soul power had reached rank 30—a staggering 7-rank increase in just three months. Who would believe that?
His rapid improvement was due to the increasing affinity and resilience of his body's cells toward soul power.
As his physique grew stronger, Lin Jie found that the activity level of his cells had become increasingly intense. This elevated cell activity dramatically improved his body's compatibility with soul power, resulting in a significant boost to his cultivation speed.
Lin Jie firmly believed that as long as he continued strengthening his body and pushing his cells to their peak, his cultivation rate would one day rival—or even surpass—those born with innate full soul power. Perhaps, in time, his body could evolve into a spirit body. Of course, that was a term from another world. In this one, people would simply think of him as an innately gifted genius.
And that—becoming stronger through body refinement—was one of Lin Jie's primary cultivation paths.
But the biggest breakthrough?
He had finally developed the Lightning Release Armor Mode.
Yes, Lightning Release Armor—a move used by successive Raikage in Naruto, cloaking the body in lightning to drastically enhance both speed and defense. And it wasn't just a minor boost—it was a game-changer.
After all, that move was strong enough to go head-to-head with Sasuke's Susanoo. While not a fully manifested version of Susanoo, it was still ridiculously powerful. Of course, Lin Jie's success also owed much to his increasingly durable and lightning-tempered physique.
Now that he'd mastered Lightning Release Mode, he had another life-saving trump card at his disposal.
And with his soul power at rank 30, it was time to hunt his third spirit ring.
Honestly, Lin Jie couldn't help but complain a little about how soul power progression worked in the Douluo Continent. Every time you reached a multiple of 10, you had to hunt a soul beast and absorb a spirit ring—or else you couldn't advance at all. Only after doing so would you gain a new soul skill.
It was just like leveling systems in games—a bit rigid, if you asked him. But that was his opinion; readers could take it or leave it.
Over the years, Lin Jie hadn't left home much, aside from occasionally purchasing cultivation-related books. He had even read quite a few of Yu Xiaogang's publications. And to be fair, despite Lin Jie's personal grudge, Yu Xiaogang's theories on soul master cultivation were pretty solid. That said, much of his knowledge had been derived from Spirit Hall.
Heh, Lin Jie sneered to himself. That wasn't praise—it was just stating facts.
Ever since being rejected by Yu Xiaogang, Lin Jie's prejudice against him had only deepened. What started as a minor resentment had grown the more he thought about it—until it became a full-blown grudge. He admitted he could be a bit petty, but hey, who wasn't?
As the saying goes: The prejudice in one's heart is like a mountain—no matter how hard you try, you can't move it.
Since then, Lin Jie never returned to any other elementary soul master academies. He trained alone, relying entirely on his own intelligence and talent. Fortunately, he was both sharp and resourceful.
At first, his mother thought he'd given up on himself. But after rounds of persuasion and sweet talk, Lin Jie eventually convinced her otherwise. She no longer pushed him to enroll in primary or intermediate soul master academies.
And now, Lin Jie had made up his mind—to enter the nearby Soul Beast Forest and find a suitable third spirit ring.
With his current strength, hunting a thousand-year soul beast posed no problem.
He also wanted to explore the outside world a bit. Training alone all the time was so dull. This world had its charms—especially the women. Very easy on the eyes.
Yes, very easy on the eyes.
In about two months, most Advanced Soul Master Academies would begin their student intake.
Lin Jie began to wonder if he should apply. He was nostalgic for school life.
If he recalled correctly, Tang San and Xiao Wu would soon be enrolling in Shrek Academy around this time.
While Lin Jie was confident in solo cultivation, he knew schools still had their benefits—resources, knowledge, and… more eye candy—uh, friends. Yes, friends.
But which advanced academy should he choose?
Tianshui Advanced Soul Master Academy came to mind. High beauty standards, refined elegance… truly a feast for the eyes.
Unfortunately...
They only admitted female students. So that was a no-go.
Unless their dean is a man… Lin Jie thought. Now that would be interesting!
Heaven Dou Imperial Academy was definitely out. They only accepted nobles. Plus, Lin Jie held a grudge against that Xue Beng prince. He wasn't strong enough to settle it now, but someday—hmph—Xue Beng would get what was coming to him.
As for Shrek Academy... he wasn't sure if they'd accept him.
Yu Xiaogang and Flender were like brothers, after all. If he got in, would they just kick him out?
Weren't they known for only accepting monsters? Well, Lin Jie figured he qualified. Even if Yu Xiaogang ended up mentoring them, Lin Jie could just grit his teeth and tolerate it. For the greater good—he needed to get close to Tang San and extract all the secrets of the immortal herbs.
And Shrek Academy had Zhu Zhuqing, Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong… all stunning girls.
Not that he was going for the beauties, of course. He just wanted the herb directory. Totally for the greater good. Absolutely.
Even if Yu Xiaogang showed up, most of his time would be spent preparing for team battles anyway. He wouldn't teach much directly.
And Lin Jie certainly wasn't going to beg for instruction. Who had no pride?
The real question was—would Shrek even accept him?
Tianshui was out. Spirit Hall's academy? No connections. Heaven Dou's was off the table. The others… well, options were limited.
"Ugh," Lin Jie groaned inwardly. "This one won't work, that one's impossible. The decent ones are few and far between."
Screw it. The cart will find its way around the hill. I'll figure it out when the time comes.
After bidding farewell to his mother, who looked reluctant to let him go, Lin Jie felt a pang of guilt—but he knew this world was ruled by strength. If he wanted to protect his family, he had to grow stronger. He wouldn't let tragedy strike them again like it had when he was a child.
He learned from his mother that Lin Ran had already returned to her academy.
And so, Lin Jie set off—alone—through the streets of Heaven Dou City. Though it lacked the modern world's bustling traffic and skyscrapers, it had its own charm.
The air was crisp and clean—no pollution, no toxins. The food was all organic and natural.
Though this world lacked the peace and stability of his previous one, it was filled with limitless potential.
He swore he wouldn't live another mediocre life, wasting away like he did in his past existence.
Lin Jie had made a vow when he witnessed his father's death as a child—he would accomplish something great in this life. And to achieve greatness, he needed power. Even if it meant using every possible method. Even if it meant becoming the enemy of the world.
After over half an hour of walking, Lin Jie finally left the gates of Heaven Dou City, heading south.
His destination: the Star Dou Great Forest.
Although it was several hundred kilometers away, it wouldn't be a challenge for him now.
Blue lightning crackled around his body, dancing across his skin like armor.
"Lightning Release Mode—Activate."