Chapter 16

C16 – The Interpersonal Relationship Changed

“Bro, you’ve hit the big time.”

Bai Tian grinned and gave Xie Yang’s arm a playful pat, taking in the buzz around them.

Xie Yang just rolled his eyes, tuning out the stares as he made a beeline for the teaching block.

Their classes were on different floors.

Parting ways at the staircase, Xie Yang was soon at his classroom door.

Stepping inside, he was once again the focus of everyone’s attention.

A wave of shock, envy, and curiosity washed over the faces of his classmates.

“Xie Yang.”

A boy he was on good terms with approached him, his expression a mix of bemusement and awe.

“I heard you took the Apprentice Assessment and passed. Is it true?”

“Yes.”

Xie Yang’s response was straightforward. There was no point in hiding it.

“Was it the superior grade Apprentice Assessment?”

“Yes.”

A collective gasp rippled through the room.

They had heard the rumors, but hearing Xie Yang confirm it himself sent a jolt of surprise through them.

They weren’t just outsiders; they were Xie Yang’s classmates.

They had been studying together for nearly three years.

Throughout that time, Xie Yang had been nothing special, even underwhelming.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

Xie Yang nodded. To any student, one hundred thousand credit points was a fortune. Yet, for Xie Yang, it was far from meeting his ambitions.

“Oh, and take this,” the teacher added, handing over a book.

Xie Yang examined it closely—it was a tome on Soul Technique, titled Basic Soul Technique Collection.

“This book outlines the foundational practices and skills of Soul Technique, an essential subject for apprentice Beastmasters.”

“You’ll study this at Beastmaster Academy, but I advise you to get a head start. It might just give you an edge in Nightbay Academy’s entrance assessments,” the teacher advised with a measured tone.

Xie Yang nodded, signaling his understanding. Becoming a Beastmaster apprentice was his ticket to apply to Nightbay Academy, but it certainly didn’t mean he could ease up on his studies.

Nightbay Academy, renowned as one of the top ten beastmaster academies in the commonwealth, is notorious for its fierce competition. The recruitment process itself incorporates a competitive edge, requiring candidates to take part in an entrance exam on the day and be sorted into classes based on their performance. The higher-ranked classes receive a greater share of resources, prompting many hopefuls to strive for excellence during the recruitment assessment.

Xie Yang was among those aiming high. After expressing his gratitude to the homeroom teacher and receiving a book, he was advised, “There’s only half a month left before the college entrance exam. Stay focused, and aim to master Soul Technique as soon as possible.” With a reassuring pat on the shoulder, the teacher offered a few more words of encouragement before sending Xie Yang on his way.

No sooner had Xie Yang stepped out of the classroom than he was swarmed by a group of girls. “Xie Yang, you’re incredible! You passed the Apprentice Assessment!” one exclaimed. “And it was the superior grade, no less! Share the details with us!” another chimed in. “Hey, Xie Yang, got any plans later? We should grab a drink together,” suggested a third, the group buzzing around him with relentless energy and undeniable charm. Envious glances from numerous boys followed him, while a handful of his usual male friends kept their distance, their faces etched with complex emotions and a discernible detachment.

This shift in dynamics was hardly surprising. As the old adage goes, birds of a feather flock together. They had all been inconsequential, like mud in a swamp, naturally sticking close to one another. But when one among them breaks free from the mire, transforming into an eagle soaring high above, feelings of inferiority and jealousy inevitably drive a wedge between old companions. The vast divide in talent and strength becomes an impassable gulf, isolating them from one another.

Catching this change in the periphery of his vision, Xie Yang, whose mental maturity far surpassed his years, quickly grasped the underlying reasons. Yet, it didn’t bother him. After extricating himself from the persistent girls, he made a swift exit from the classroom. He then sought out a secluded, tranquil spot on campus, where he opened the Basic Soul Technique Collection and began to immerse himself in study.

Soul Techniques are arguably the most vital combat skill for Beastmasters, second only to their pet beasts.

A skilled Beastmaster, adept in Soul Techniques, could effortlessly dispatch a ferocious beast using just these abilities.

Yet, for the most part, Beastmasters employ Soul Techniques primarily for defense.

Given that Beastmasters, despite their command over formidable pets in battle, are inherently fragile, they struggle to vanquish ferocious beasts on their own.

In the throes of wilderness combat, Beastmasters frequently rely on Soul Techniques to safeguard themselves.

Hence, mastering defensive Soul Techniques is essential for any Beastmaster.

“Can I enhance my physical and Soul Strength with achievement points? And is it possible to improve my Soul Techniques the same way?” Xie Yang pondered while browsing through the Basic Soul Technique Collection.

The selection of defensive Soul Techniques in the book was limited.

Among them, Soul Protection stood out as the most effective and favored technique.