Chapter 63: The Riot Phase

Xia Yi had high hopes for the Spirit Ascension Platform. His first spirit ring had a cultivation period of about 400 years, naturally formed when he took human form.

With a spiritual power of 183, reaching the Spirit Connection Realm, he was fully capable of withstanding a thousand-year spirit ring. His physical body, even more formidable, needed no further elaboration—how else could he possess such monstrous strength?

To prepare for the upcoming Spirit Ascension Platform adventure, Xia Yi even declined Mu Xi's invitations to the Blacksmith Association to practice forging. Instead, he immersed himself entirely in cultivation.

Unfortunately, since the night he first met Wu Jin, Xia Yi hadn't been able to re-enter a state of deep meditation. While he could still absorb the resentment within Wu Jin to accelerate his cultivation, it was far less efficient than in a deep meditative state.

Nevertheless, Xia Yi's innate full soul power talent, though hampered by his subpar martial soul, allowed for rapid cultivation during the early stages—at least until his martial soul reached its limit.

Mu Xi, understanding that Xia Yi's priority was to enhance his soul power, did not disturb him. It wasn't until the afternoon before the Spirit Ascension Platform's turbulent period began that she sought him out in the cafeteria, where he was eating.

"This is for you." Mu Xi handed Xia Yi a metal card.

At first glance, the card's surface bore intricate and densely packed patterns. When flipped, three familiar characters stood out: Spirit Ascension Platform.

"A Spirit Ascension Platform entry card!" Xia Yi exclaimed in surprise.

Mu Xi nodded. "Tomorrow marks the start of the turbulent period in the Spirit Ascension Platform, the best time for training. This is an entry card. While the platform is more dangerous and demanding during this period, the opportunities it offers are equally abundant. With only one spirit ring, and given your strength, multiple entries could very well elevate your first spirit ring to the thousand-year level."

"I already have one of these. You should keep this for yourself," Xia Yi replied, shaking his head and handing the card back.

"You have a turbulent period entry card? You're not fooling me, are you?" Mu Xi looked skeptical. These cards were priceless, and she found it hard to believe Xia Yi had obtained one.

"The academy gave it to me," Xia Yi said with a smile.

"The academy? I heard only students in the Special Zero Class get those. Don't tell me you joined the Zero Class?" Mu Xi furrowed her brows.

"Why? You don't seem too fond of the Zero Class," Xia Yi said, intrigued by her expression.

"Not at all. I just think the Zero Class doesn't suit you." Mu Xi shook her head and continued, "Wulin told me that joining the Zero Class requires signing an agreement. According to the agreement, you're not allowed to leave Eastsea Academy before completing both middle and high school."

"That sounds about right." Xia Yi recalled how Long Hengxu had attempted to recruit Wu Jin into the Zero Class and had indeed mentioned such an agreement.

"You have no idea. Eastsea Academy's middle school lasts six years, and high school lasts three. Signing that agreement means you're stuck here for nine years. If you leave early, you'll be labeled untrustworthy, and if Eastsea Academy pursues the matter, it might even affect your record. With your talent, being confined to Eastsea Academy for nine years would be a waste." Mu Xi's tone was serious, knowing that it would jeopardize Xia Yi's agreement with Zhenhua.

If Xia Yi stayed in Eastsea Academy for nine years, he could forget about becoming a Soul Douluo before the age of 30.

Mu Xi suddenly looked at Xia Yi sharply. "Don't tell me you signed the agreement without reading it?"

"No, I didn't join the Zero Class, nor did I sign anything," Xia Yi reassured her.

"That's good." Mu Xi sighed in relief, then added in surprise, "Still, I can't believe the academy gave you a turbulent period entry card without joining the Zero Class."

"I brought so much honor to Eastsea Academy. If they didn't reward me, how could they win over the others?" Xia Yi chuckled.

"That's true." Mu Xi nodded but didn't take back the card. Instead, she said, "I don't lack entry cards. Since I gave it to you, there's no reason to take it back. Having an extra card means you can enter the platform more than once. If you get eliminated early, having a spare allows you to re-enter and gain more experience."

Multiple entries! Xia Yi's heart raced.

He wasn't familiar with the Spirit Ascension Platform, nor could he guarantee success in one attempt. An extra card essentially provided him with a safety net.

"Tomorrow's the day. You should prepare well tonight. Who knows? We might run into each other in there. If so, I might need your help," Mu Xi teased before leaving.

Her father was a Holy Craftsman, and her mentor was one too. Even the Spirit Pagoda had Soul Masters vying for their forged battle armor. While turbulent period entry cards were rare, obtaining two was not a problem for her.

Early the next morning, Eastsea City was shrouded in dense mist, obscuring visibility. However, the Spirit Pagoda's Eastsea Tower bustled with activity.

Under the staff's guidance, Xia Yi and Wu Jin entered a circular chamber within the pagoda. The room was entirely constructed of metal, its walls adorned with massive soul-guided screens displaying images reminiscent of the Star Dou Forest from 10,000 years ago.

At the press of a button, five metal cabinets slid out horizontally from the walls. Each cabinet contained a human-shaped groove, resembling coffins.

"Lie down."

The two complied, feeling the cold metal against their bodies, which heightened their alertness.

A series of suction pads emerged, attaching to various parts of their bodies.

"It's about to begin. Relax completely. During the scanning process, there might be slight discomfort. It'll pass quickly."

These were the last words they heard from the staff before the metal cabinets slowly retracted into the walls, plunging them into darkness.

Xia Yi felt a tingling sensation spreading throughout his body as though something were penetrating him. His soul power and bloodline stirred, responding to the stimulus. The tingling intensified, leaving him numb and slightly drowsy.

Time seemed to blur until he was jolted awake by a sudden tremor. As he opened his eyes, light flooded his surroundings, and he realized he was in an entirely different world.

The metal box was gone, and the tingling sensation had completely disappeared. However, a metal device resembling an instrument now rested on the back of Xia Yi's hand. It had a prominent red button on it.

Over the past few days, Wu Jin had already explained all the details about the Ascension Platform to Xia Yi.

Xia Yi knew that this was the emergency signal device.

As long as the button was pressed, he would instantly exit the Ascension Platform.

Xia Yi gently pinched his cheek. The sensation of pain was there. Everything around him, when touched, felt entirely real.

"Amazing indeed!" Xia Yi sighed softly. Around him were towering trees, their trunks thick and sturdy. Beneath them was a vast expanse of shrubs, with no clear path in sight.

With a light leap, Xia Yi instantly landed atop a towering ancient tree and began observing his surroundings.

He had lived in the Star Dou Forest for ten years. Although his range of activity had been somewhat limited, he was still very familiar with the forest.

Even though this was the Star Dou Forest from ten thousand years ago, a single glance was enough for him to roughly determine whether there were soul beasts nearby.

(Chapter End)