After leaving Tianshui City, Bai Mu took a carriage and headed straight south toward the great forest.
But as he drew closer, as if guided by fate, his gaze gradually shifted toward another direction.
A few days later, Nuoding City.
After a long absence, this small border city was still as quiet and simple as he remembered.
"It really brings back memories."
Walking along the familiar stone-paved streets, Bai Mu felt as though a lifetime had passed.
The boy who once had Innate Rank 1 spirit power and cultivated tirelessly had now become a Rank 30 Spirit Grandmaster.
"Yo—big brother, still guarding the gate?"
The entrance to Nuoding Academy looked exactly the same, and the gatekeeper was still that same young man, just a bit more mature.
"You are… Lord Bai Mu?!"
The gatekeeper froze, then hurriedly greeted him with restrained respect.
"I heard you became a Spirit Master and graduated early a year ago. That's… truly amazing…"
His posture was extremely humble, completely different from the arrogance he usually showed toward ordinary people.
Exactly like a textbook chameleon.
"Is the Dean in the academy?"
Bai Mu didn't bother with small talk and asked directly.
"He is. Sometimes the Dean even mentions you during his speeches,"
the gatekeeper replied respectfully.
"Alright, I'll go see him."
Bai Mu walked into the campus with a smile. Students were training on the field, and noisy chatter drifted from the dormitory building.
Everything felt familiar—yet distant.
Just as he entered the office building, Bai Mu ran into an old acquaintance.
Yu Xiaogang.
Grandmaster was wearing his usual gray robe, his brows tightly furrowed, his aged face tense as if pondering some difficult problem.
When he saw Bai Mu, he froze on the spot.
"Bai Mu?"
"Yes, it's me. Long time no see, Grandmaster."
Bai Mu greeted him warmly.
"I wanted to speak with you properly after you became a Spirit Master, but I didn't expect you to apply for early graduation."
A look that mixed reserve and superiority appeared on Yu Xiaogang's face.
"So? After traveling outside for so long as a Spirit Master, have you seen the cruelty of the outside world?"
"Cruelty?"
Bai Mu paused, countless images flashing through his mind—
The scattered corpses of spirit beasts, the Immortal Herbs he had eaten, the prince he personally kidnapped, the endless defeated opponents in the Great Spirit Arena…
He nodded solemnly, his tone sincere.
"You're right. The outside world really is cruel and harsh."
Those Spirit Masters were so weak yet loved to cause trouble—sending him money and Immortal Herbs nonstop. Going out was like going home; he absolutely loved it.
Unaware of Bai Mu's inner thoughts, Yu Xiaogang straightened his back, pride flashing in his eyes.
"I told you long ago—on this path, strength and background are extremely important. Having a famous teacher is completely different from having none!"
"Well? Have you realized it now? Do you want to take me as your master? With my guidance, your future will certainly be bright!"
Bai Mu looked at the "Grandmaster" standing proudly before him and suddenly found the situation rather amusing.
"I already knew long ago that following you leads nowhere, Grandmaster."
"As long as you break through Rank 29 and become a Spirit Elder, I'll definitely consider taking you as my master. So there's no need to say anything more."
He smiled with the utmost sincerity.
"With your level, Grandmaster, becoming a Spirit Elder should be as easy as reaching into a bag for something."
"The reason you haven't broken through must be because you're not interested in becoming stronger—preferring to support the younger generation with humility."
"It surely has nothing to do with those rumors spreading across the continent that you're unable to break through to Spirit Elder."
"You… what did you say?"
Yu Xiaogang's expression froze, his complexion cycling through several shades.
He felt Bai Mu was clearly being sarcastic—but he had no proof.
"I'm not nagging, but you're not a child anymore, Grandmaster."
"Even children know they need to cultivate diligently. Why don't you put more effort into your cultivation?"
"I'm still waiting for you to become a Spirit Elder so you can take me as a disciple."
"Please—grow some backbone."
Bai Mu spoke with disappointment on his face, while sneering inwardly.
Once I've taken all the Immortal Herbs, let's see if this old man can still reach Rank 30 relying on his so-called 'own efforts'.
"You… I…"
Yu Xiaogang was short of breath, his finger trembling as he pointed at Bai Mu, trying to say something.
His lips quivered for a long time before he finally forced out a sentence:
"If you don't acknowledge me as your master now, you'll regret it later!"
"Ah, right, right. Everything you say is correct, Grandmaster!"
"I still have things to do, so I'll take my leave. Good luck!"
Bai Mu stepped around Yu Xiaogang and walked toward the Dean's office, afraid that if he stayed even one second longer, he'd burst out laughing.
Yu Xiaogang stared at Bai Mu's retreating back with hatred, fists clenched, muttering to himself:
"As long as I train Little San into a Titled Douluo, the whole continent will know my greatness!"
"When that time comes, it'll be too late for you to regret!"
Inside the Dean's office.
When the Dean of Nuoding Academy saw Bai Mu, he examined him carefully for a long time before smiling in relief.
"Good, good. You've grown taller and stronger."
The Dean patted Bai Mu's shoulder.
"Someone asked about you before. I heard you went to Heaven Dou Royal Academy and later withdrew… You must have suffered."
"It's all in the past."
Bai Mu shook his head, unwilling to dwell on it.
The two talked for a long time—from Bai Mu's days as a work-study student to his experiences over the years.
"It's getting late, Dean. I should be going."
Several hours later, Bai Mu stood up to leave.
"Why the rush? Since you're here, why not share some cultivation experience with your juniors? Or go see Tang San and the others?"
The moment Tang San's name was mentioned, Bai Mu's intention to stay vanished completely.
He couldn't be sure whether Tang Hao might be nearby. To be safe, it was best to keep distance from Tang San.
"No, no. I have urgent matters to attend to. I'll leave now—maybe next time."
"Well… alright then."
Seeing he couldn't persuade him, the Dean personally saw Bai Mu off.
When the Dean returned to his office, he noticed a small booklet placed on the chair where Bai Mu had been sitting.
Opening it, the first page read—
[Dean, these are some of my cultivation insights. I hope they can be of help to you and the academy.]
"Is this… a meditation method?"
The Dean flipped through a few more pages, his eyes gradually widening.
This wasn't merely cultivation insights.
It was a complete, systematic, and universally applicable meditation method, with perfected spirit power circulation paths and techniques!
Though not exceedingly profound, it was far superior to the self-derived methods most Spirit Masters relied on.
"Good child… this is far too precious…"
The Dean's eyes reddened, his voice trembling slightly.
When Bai Mu walked out of the academy, the sunset was just right.
After leaving the school, he went to the small restaurant he used to frequent.
The owner still remembered him and greeted him warmly.
"Young Bai! Long time no see. The usual—Little Huo Roasted Fish?"
"One garlic-flavored, one spicy."
Bai Mu sat down with a smile.
When the roasted fish was served, the aroma was rich—exactly the taste from his memories.
He ate slowly, listening to the chatter of nearby diners, enjoying the lively atmosphere of the small city.
Finished eating. Paid the bill. Left.
Stepping into the night, Bai Mu departed Nuoding City without hesitation, heading straight toward the Star Dou Great Forest.
He didn't look back.