Li Wei sat in his quiet room, the candlelight flickering softly as his gaze fell upon the letter in his hands. The paper was crisp, the ink dark and deliberate. It was an invitation, written in the familiar handwriting of Meng Yiran.
"I hope this letter finds you well. I have decided to venture into the Star Dou Forest to hunt for my third spirit ring, and I would like to invite you to join me on this journey. You are no stranger to the perilous nature of the forest, and I believe your strength would be invaluable. We may also have the chance to further explore certain matters we discussed in the past. My family awaits your arrival at Cryptid Academy, and I hope we can travel together to the forest. There are more than just spirit rings at stake here, I believe."
Li Wei read the letter twice, taking in the subtle hints. The mention of their previous encounter at a club, the unspoken details of his guidance to her on improving her physique with a modified version of his system manual—all of it stirred a sense of something deeper. Meng Yiran had grown since their meeting, her resolve as steady as ever. Yet, he could not shake the feeling that this journey would uncover more than just a hunt for a spirit ring.
He had agreed to accompany her to get the spirit ring. He think that Meng Yiran should get the Man Face Demon Spider, the very same creature Tang San sought in the canon. This will prevent the monster wearing human face from becoming too strong and reduce his trump card.
Li Wei placed the letter down on the table. It was clear now—this journey was inevitable. The weight of the decision pressed upon him, the quiet hum of destiny reverberating in the air. He had to go. But it was not just for the spirit ring.
He silently prepared for his departure, ensuring he inform Flender in person that he will be gone for a few days, keeping the matter private. His departure had to be low-key, something he preferred to maintain in the quiet privacy of his life.
The journey to Cryptid Academy felt strangely uneventful. As Li Wei traveled through the winding paths, the world seemed to grow quieter, as though the air itself was holding its breath. He couldn't shake the feeling that beneath the calmness, something ominous lingered, a sensation that prickled at the back of his mind. The cryptic nature of Cryptid Academy, hidden deep within the forest, added to the unease. This was no ordinary school; it specialized in the study of spirit beasts—an institution known for its secretive nature and a focus on the hidden aspects of spirit beasts' lives and powers.
Even though this academy is not that popular, there must be something he can learn from them as Spirit Douluo and Spirit Saint stay over at this academy.
Their have the name Unrivaled Dragon Serpeant because of their martial fusion skill. It can be said it able to rival even Title Douluo.
Li Wei couldn't help but wonder what sort of legacy Meng Yiran's family had in the world as their existence in the story was not elaborate much. There was an aura of danger about the academy, and it seemed to be a place where only the most powerful—or the most secretive—resided.
Upon reaching the academy, Li Wei was greeted by Meng Yiran, her presence as calm as ever, yet there was something different in her demeanor. A certain weight, a deeper sense of responsibility had settled into her. With a respectful nod, Li Wei followed her inside, taking in the grand yet foreboding structure that housed her family.
The main hall was impressive, adorned with dark wooden beams and ancient tapestries depicting a variety of spirit beasts, their eyes fierce and watchful. As they walked deeper into the academy, Li Wei couldn't shake the feeling that each step brought him closer to a hidden truth.
Meng Yiran led him into a spacious room where her grandparents, Meng Shu and Chao Tianxiang, awaited. The room was suffused with an ancient aura, as though it had witnessed countless years of history unfold.
Meng Shu, her grandfather, was a figure of immense presence. His posture was impeccable, his eyes sharp and calculating. He studied Li Wei with a discerning gaze, his voice steady but filled with the weight of experience. "Welcome, Li Wei. It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person."
Li Wei bowed deeply, his tone filled with the respect he felt. "It is an honor, Senior Meng. I have heard much of your work with spirit beasts."
Meng Shu lips curved into a small smile. "I trust you'll find your stay here enlightening. Yiran always talk about you, so it intrigue us a little about it."
Li Wei's gaze shifted slightly to Chao Tianxiang, Meng Yiran's grandmother. She stood in the corner, her eyes soft but sharp, taking in every word. There was an unspoken understanding in her gaze as she spoke, her voice calm and welcoming. "First and foremost we want to thank you for teaching the technique to Yiran. Using the technique that you have given, Yiran already reach the limit of Spirit Grandmaster and she will advance to Spirit Elder after this. So we wish that you can accompany us and see this moment."
Then Meng Shu then added. "But it look like Meng Yiran really downplay that talent of yours. A Spirit Ancestor already at the age of thirteenth it really unprecedented. How about you join our academy? It more known than the academy you join right now."
Hearing this Li Wei felt a smile tuck in the corner of his lips. "Senior Meng, thank you for the invite but I am sorry that I must decline it. There a strong reason that I must stay at Shrek academy."
"Is that so. Is that so. Alright, look like the plan to recruit you has failed." Seeing that the plan to recruit Li Wei has failed, Meng Shu just dismiss it. "Seeing that you are already here, let us depart to Star Dou forest. The carriage that we rent already waiting here. Let us go now."
Li Wei's thoughts briefly flashed to the past, the training he had shared with Meng Yiran—the subtle differences in her abilities, the way she had learned to enhance her body. This wasn't just a spirit ring hunt. There was more beneath the surface. A plan to make sure the future of ordinary people can be preserve.
Meng Yiran, sensing the shift in the air, spoke, breaking the tension. "Li wei let us go, let me guide you to the carriage." Meng Yiran then hold the hand of Li Wei and pull him outside. For her, Li Wei is like her little brother as she is older than Li Wei.
Taking the carriage toward for sometimes they reach it near afternoon. Then they disembark and Meng Yiran led Li Wei toward the edge of the Star Dou Forest, the dark trees looming in the distance, their presence both inviting and menacing. The weight of the journey settled heavily on Li Wei's shoulders. He wasn't just a participant in this hunt; he was a part of something far greater.
And as they stepped into the forest's shadows, he couldn't help but feel that the answers to many of his questions were waiting for him, hidden deep within the heart of the forest.