In the following days, the first-year students' lives in the academy gradually settled into a steady rhythm.
As class monitor, Chen Junting took responsibility for the smooth running of Class 1. Though he once claimed he'd be a hands-off leader, his overwhelming strength quickly silenced any troublemakers. Among them, Dai Huabin, who remained bitter and defiant, stirred up ripples beneath the surface—always challenging Chen Junting in the combat arena and always being defeated in return.
"Stand up and lie down" became the unofficial motto for Dai Huabin's battles. His resentment only grew, but to Chen Junting, it was barely worth a glance.
In the classroom, Wang Yan and Mu Jin began focusing more on foundational theory. Lessons covered tactical strategies for both solo and team battles, soul beast identification and behavior, martial spirit evolution, and techniques for enhancing one's cultivation. Each lesson was followed by actual practice—sharpening the students' instincts and reinforcing their understanding.
Though the days were quiet, this was the most crucial period for growth. The students matured quickly, learning how to seek breakthroughs even during times of calm.
Huo Yuhao in particular was thriving. Though juggling both the Martial Soul and Soul Guidance departments, his cultivation was just shy of level 20, and in soul tools, he was already halfway to mastery.
Chen Junting remained equally disciplined. He used soul beast gold to cultivate both soul power and spiritual power and devoted his nights to studying formation arrays—specifically, the design and inscription of magical rune structures.
Time flew. Seven months passed like a blink.
Now, with only one month left before the break—
Dormitory Building, Room 161.
The night wrapped Shrek Academy in silence. But Chen Junting wasn't asleep. He sat cross-legged on the floor, focused entirely on the Seven Killing Sword floating before him.
Dugu Xin watched quietly from the bed, barely breathing. He knew how important this was.
Tonight, the Seven Killing Sword wasn't a weapon. It was a brush.
"Let's begin," came Electrolux's steady voice within Chen Junting's spiritual sea. It was filled with hope.
"Okay."
Chen Junting focused, releasing every stray thought. He gripped the sword hilt lightly, guiding its tip like a pen. His spiritual energy surged forward. The blade moved with elegant precision, tracing glowing runes into the air.
The symbols shimmered faintly as they rotated, connecting into a larger structure. Slowly, they formed a glowing diagram—complex, graceful, and alive.
Sweat gathered on Chen Junting's brow. But he didn't blink.
One mistake would ruin everything.
As the final rune clicked into place, the entire structure hummed. Spiritual energy swirled inward. Lines of light wove together into a shimmering net, then solidified into a full array—a massive formation hovering in the air.
He exhaled sharply.
But then the center of the formation trembled.
He tensed.
Dugu Xin stood immediately, entering martial spirit possession mode. Two soul rings rose around him, ready for anything.
Chen Junting pushed more soul power into the array, trying to stabilize it. But the tremor intensified, and the formation's glow flickered.
Gritting his teeth, he adjusted the sword's tip again, reinforcing the outer runes. Light burst outward, the formation trembled—and then went still.
A long silence.
Then:
"Congratulations," said Electrolux in his mind. "You've succeeded. Your first array."
Chen Junting's shoulders sagged with exhaustion, but a small smile formed.
"Only because of your guidance, Elder Yi."
He gazed at the diagram hovering above the floor.
The first successful creation:the
Essence Convergence Array.
Though its effective range was only a meter, it was a working formation. It pulled in ambient energy and doubled its concentration inside the boundary. It would slightly thin the surrounding spiritual density, but the effect was subtle—almost unnoticeable without careful testing.
Dugu Xin dropped his possession and stepped closer, curiosity in his eyes. He unknowingly stepped inside the array's radius and immediately felt the dense spiritual flow around him.
"This... is what you've been working on for months?"
Chen Junting nodded. "Yes. I call it the Essence Convergence Array."
----
(End of this chapter)
----
Stones me moree ~~