379 - Rebirth of a Star: Another Day, Another Drama

Chapter 379: Provocation in the Classroom In the tome of formations, Ye Ling Long discovered a unique cultivation method known as "integrating formations into the body." As the name suggests, it involves embedding a formation within oneself, making it part of the body. Once a lethal array is refined into the body, one's offensive power increases exponentially, and a qualitative leap in strength occurs in a short time. Similarly, refining a defensive formation into the body drastically enhances defensive capabilities. If both attack and defense are assimilated, the results are extraordinary. Ye Ling Long's eyes gleamed brighter as she read on. Though the enhancement doesn't last long, in battle, such differences can shift the tides dramatically. However, a prerequisite for practicing this method is possessing a strong physical constitution, as the body must endure the intense pressure of the formation. This technique opened a new world to Ye Ling Long. However, she first needed to craft some formation discs to facilitate embedding the formations into her body. Bursting with excitement after grasping the content of this method, she began gathering materials to craft the discs. As she worked, her eyes shone with a crystalline radiance, and lines of concentration flowed within them. Her hands moved with practiced ease as though she had done this countless times, without the slightest hesitation. As golden light bathed the earth, the first rays of sunlight crept into the previously dim room, casting a glow on Ye Ling Long's delicate face. By now, numerous formation discs were laid before her, most of which were of the Profound Grade. After nearly working through the night, she rubbed her temples. The incessant circulation of her immortal energy had nearly depleted it, but after replenishing with immortal crystals, she found that her cultivation had unknowingly advanced to the late Golden Immortal stage, a welcome surprise. The dense immortal energy of the Celestial Realm complemented her Ice Spirit Physique, allowing her a cultivation speed many times that of others. Standing and stretching, the little black creature at her feet was accidentally flipped over. It wobbled to its feet, letting out sleepy whines. Gathering the little creature in her arms, she tapped its wet nose with her slightly hoarse voice, "You always find the best spots to sleep." With a simple cleansing spell, Ye Ling Long tidied herself before leaving her small courtyard to head to the Formation Academy. It was time for morning classes; she hadn’t attended any since the start of school. Following Zou Guan Qing's directions from the day before, she found the classroom already filled with people. Her entrance brought the room to a sudden hush. She surveyed her surroundings, unfazed by the attention. Spotting a demure young girl, her eyes lit up, and she approached. Stopping beside the girl, she pointed to the empty seat next to her, asking, "Is anyone sitting here?" The young girl, initially taken aback, quickly shook her head, her face turning a cute shade of pink, "No, no one is." Ye Ling Long smiled and sat down. Moments later, whispers filled the room, with glances frequently darting toward Ye Ling Long and the girl, their curiosity evident. The young girl usually went unnoticed like an invisible presence in the Formation Academy, now felt uneasy under so many gazes, sneaking glances at Ye Ling Long’s refined side profile, envying her beauty and exceptional talent. She was coveted by two prestigious academies and was Master Zou’s last disciple. This thought darkened her gaze; unlike herself... Noticing the timid glances, Ye Ling Long turned and gently smiled, "Let me formally introduce myself. I'm Ye Ling Long. We met at the Academy entrance last time, do you remember?" The young girl's face turned crimson, recalling her awkward expression from last time, "I'm sorry for what I said then, it was so..." Her words trailed off, her embarrassment so palpable it could cook an egg. Ye Ling Long chuckled, "No problem. What’s your name?" "Mu Mian Mian." "Let me call you Mian Mian then." The young girl shyly nodded. After a brief conversation with Mu Mian Mian, Ye Ling Long gained insight into the Formation Academy's basics. Soon after, the teacher arrived, and the room fell silent. The teacher paused upon seeing Ye Ling Long, nodded with a smile, and began the lesson. Most of the lecture covered basic formations, content Ye Ling Long was already familiar with, given her understanding far surpassed everyone here. The teacher seemingly wished to gauge the abilities of the legendary prodigy and Master Zou's disciple, frequently calling on her to answer questions. Having absorbed almost all the formation texts in the archives, Ye Ling Long effortlessly answered, capturing everyone's admiration. In the afternoon, the practical session involved a challenging high-level Yellow Grade formation, more complex than the simple Golden Light Array used in the previous assessments. After the teacher's explanation, the students began setting up their formations. For Ye Ling Long, the formation was simple, executed quickly. The teacher, upon inspection, couldn’t help but exclaim, "Truly worthy of being Master Zou's disciple." Admiring gazes surrounded her. Ye Ling Long merely smiled, exchanging a look of envy with Mu Mian Mian. After a brief focus on Ye Ling Long, the students returned to their tasks, while Ye Ling Long helped guide Mu Mian Mian. Suddenly, an arrogant voice rang out, "Teacher, my formation is complete too." Ye Ling Long turned to see a handsome young man, his posture smug. Noticing her attention, he shot her a provocative look. Ye Ling Long: “...” With Ye Ling Long's guidance, Mu Mian Mian managed to successfully complete her formation, whispering to Ye Ling Long, "That's Chen Zi Kun, the young master of the renowned Chen Family from the Lower Celestial Domain, famous for their formations. He joined Celestial Spirit Academy seeking Master Zou as his mentor. It upset him greatly when Master Zou chose you instead.” Understanding dawned on Ye Ling Long, explaining the hostile demeanor. Just then, the same arrogant voice challenged, "Ye Ling Long! I've heard your formation talent is extraordinary. How about a competition!!!"