Chapter 19: Graduation

Yunluo Li year 9999, April 1st.

The graduation test for the sixth-year students of Ernst Institute was held in the grand hall on the top floor of the teaching building.

Aikesi stood in the center of the hall, surrounded by seven or eight examiners—all senior Mofa Shishi of the institute, with at least seven patterns on their cuffs. Vice-Dean Delante sat in the head examiner's position, holding a document in his hand.

"Aikesi Yan, Fire-type," Delante glanced at the roster, "Are you ready?"

"Ready."

"Begin."

Aikesi took a deep breath and raised his right hand.

The Fallen Heart Flame trembled slightly within his body, and the Fire Spirit Bead rotated simultaneously. He did not exert his full strength—seventy percent was enough. A wisp of milky-white flame condensed in his palm, growing brighter and denser.

The examiners around him narrowed their eyes. This book is first published on Tiantian Kan Xiaoshuo Chao Geili, ttkk. tw Book Library, providing you with error-free chapters and non-disordered reading experiences.

"This is..." an old man whispered.

The flame in Aikesi's hand constantly changed forms—fireball, fire snake, Fire Wall, fire bird. Every spell was precise to the extreme, with temperatures far exceeding those of the same level. Finally, he waved his right hand, and the flame exploded in the air, turning into countless sparks that slowly drifted down.

The hall fell silent for a few breaths.

Delante closed the roster and looked at the other examiners. Several exchanged glances and nodded.

"Aikesi Yan," Delante stood up, "Congratulations, you have passed the graduation assessment."

Aikesi bowed slightly: "Thank you, Vice-Dean."

When he walked out of the hall, Linlei was leaning against the window in the corridor waiting for him.

"Passed?" Linlei asked.

"Mm." Aikesi walked over, "What about you?"

"Just passed."

The two exchanged a glance and said nothing.

Sunlight poured in through the window, casting long shadows on the ground. Nine years. From nine to eighteen, from Level 1 to Level 7. They had walked this path together.

"Let's go," Aikesi said.

The two walked down the stairs side by side.

The news spread quickly.

The next day, the entire Fenlai Cheng was talking about Ernst Institute producing its two youngest graduates—Linlei at seventeen years and five months, and Aikesi at seventeen years and seven months. One was a dual-type Level 7, the other a Fire-type Level 7. In the over five-thousand-year history of Ernst Institute, they ranked second only to that first genius who graduated at nineteen.

On the third day, the first batch of recruiters arrived.

They were envoys from Fenlai Kingdom, carrying a letter in King Clade's own handwriting. They stayed at the institute for half a day and spoke separately with Linlei and Aikesi. Linlei indicated he would consider staying in Fenlai Kingdom, while Aikesi politely declined, citing "not yet decided."

On the fourth day, people from the Radiant Church arrived.

It was an old acquaintance—Red Cardinal Gilmore. He first met with Linlei and talked for a long time. After coming out, he met with Aikesi.

"Aikesi." Gilmore sat opposite him, smiling warmly, "We meet again."

"Lord Gilmore." Aikesi bowed slightly.

Gilmore waved his hand: "No need for courtesy. I came to ask about your plans."

Aikesi pondered for a moment: "I might go to Yulan Empire."

"Yulan Empire?" Gilmore raised an eyebrow slightly, "Why?"

"The magical atmosphere there is better, and resources are more abundant," Aikesi said, "And I have friends there, so we can look out for each other."

Gilmore nodded without pressing: "Very well. Yulan Empire has good relations with our Radiant Church; if you go there, you won't be considered an outsider."

Aikesi was somewhat surprised.

Gilmore smiled: "Don't misunderstand. I'm not here to recruit you into the Church. You, my child, are clearly not the type who likes being bound. I just came to check in, and to tell you—no matter where you go in the future, the Radiant Church welcomes you as a guest."

"Thank you, Lord Gilmore."

Gilmore stood up and patted his shoulder: "Cultivate well. With your talent, in a few decades, you might even spar with that old fellow, Luo Ye."

Aikesi paused for a moment, then smiled.

On the fifth day, people from the Dark Church arrived.

Of course, they came secretly.

That evening, Aikesi was cultivating alone at Hou Shan. When he finished, he found someone sitting on a rock not far away—an old man in a gray robe, with a thin face and deep eyes.

"Young Master Aikesi," the old man spoke, his voice hoarse, "I have been waiting for you for quite a while."

Aikesi did not panic, simply looking at him: "Who are you, sir?"

"I come from the Dark Church," the old man said very directly.

Aikesi's heart stirred, but his expression remained calm: "People from the Dark Church coming to the Radiant Church's territory, aren't you afraid of being discovered?"

The old man smiled: "What if we are discovered? I'm not here to cause trouble, just to say a few words to you."

"Please speak."

The old man stood up and walked to face him: "Young Master Aikesi's talent, I have heard of long ago. A seventeen-year-old Level 7 Fire-type Mage, ranking in the top five in the entire continent's history. If you are willing to come to the Dark Church, we can provide the best resources, the most top-tier mentors, and even directly admit you into the Church's core."

Aikesi fell silent for a moment: "Why choose me?"

"Because you are worth it," the old man said, "The Radiant Church has Luo Ye and those old fellows. Our Dark Church also needs fresh blood. Who wouldn't want a genius like you?"

Aikesi shook his head: "Sorry, I have no intention of joining any Church."

The old man looked at him, his gaze deep: "Because of the Radiant Church?"

"Because of myself," Aikesi said, "I don't like being bound."

The old man was silent for a while, then smiled: "Interesting. Very well, I won't force you. But I have one sentence for you—no matter where you go, the doors of the Dark Church will always be open for you."

Having said that, he turned and left, disappearing into the woods in a few steps.

On the sixth day, people from Aobulaien Empire arrived.

It was a burly middle-aged man who claimed to be the Vice-Dean of the Royal Magic Academy of the Empire. He talked with Aikesi for an hour, detailing the magical resources and treatment of Aobulaien Empire.

"If you are willing to come, you can directly enter the Royal Magic Academy for advanced studies, with an annual scholarship of fifty thousand gold coins, an independent cultivation room, and the opportunity to contact Saint Domain experts." The middle-aged man patted his chest and said, "How about it? Consider it?"

Aikesi Yan shook his head: "I might go to the Yulan Empire."

The middle-aged man paused for a moment, then sighed: "The Yulan Empire... that place is indeed good. But our O'Brien is not bad either; consider it again?"

Aikesi Yan smiled: "Alright, I will consider it."

After the middle-aged man left, Aikesi Yan leaned back in his chair and rubbed his temples.

These past few days, he had already met no fewer than ten groups of people. Envoys from the Fenlai Kingdom, the Radiant Church, the Dark Church, the O'Brien Empire, and several duchies. Everyone brought generous conditions; everyone hoped he would join.

"Being a genius is quite tiring," he muttered to himself.

On the seventh day, people from the Yulan Empire arrived.

It was an elder from the Royal Magic Academy, and—Qiaozhi.

"Third Brother!" Qiaozhi shouted as soon as he entered the door, "I'm here!"

Aikesi Yan smiled: "Why have you come?"

"To accompany the elder." Qiaozhi pointed to the old man beside him, "This is Elder Feilun, a Level 7 Wind-type Mage."

Elder Feilun nodded to Aikesi Yan, his attitude very polite.

The three sat down and chatted for over an hour. Feilun introduced the situation of the Royal Magic Academy in detail—curriculum, teaching staff, cultivation resources, and future development. Aikesi Yan listened very seriously, asking a few questions from time to time.

Finally, Feilun said, "Young Master Aikesi, if you are willing to come, we can provide the most generous treatment. A separate cultivation room, an annual scholarship of eighty thousand gold coins, and the opportunity to enter the core area of the Imperial Library."

Aikesi Yan pondered for a moment: "I want to go."

Feilun's eyes lit up: "Really?"

"Mm." Aikesi Yan nodded, "I decided long ago."

Qiaozhi clapped his hands beside him: "Great! From now on, we two can meet every day again!"

Feilun was also very happy: "Then good, we welcome you anytime. After graduation, you can come to Yulan City whenever you like."

After seeing off Feilun and Qiaozhi, Aikesi Yan returned to the courtyard.

Linlei was sitting there; seeing him return, he looked up.

"Decided?" Linlei asked.

"Decided." Aikesi Yan sat down beside him, "The Yulan Empire."

Linlei nodded: "Very good."

"What about you?"

"Staying in Fenlai." Linlei said, "King Clade has given me a position as a Court Mage."

Aikesi Yan knew the reason.

"Keep in touch often in the future," Aikesi Yan said.

"Mm."

April 15th, the graduation ceremony.

The grand hall of the Ernst Institute was filled with people. The sixth-grade graduates, wearing academic gowns, went up to the stage one by one to receive their graduation certificates. But everyone's gaze was focused on the two people at the very front.

Linlei Baluke. Aikesi Yan.

Seventeen years and five months, seventeen years and seven months. The second and third youngest graduates in the history of the Ernst Institute.

Vice-Dean Delante personally presented the certificates to them.

"Linlei Baluke." Delante looked at him, his eyes full of gratification, "You are the pride of Ernst."

Linlei bowed slightly: "Thank you, Vice-Dean."

When it was Aikesi Yan's turn, Delante patted his shoulder: "Aikesi, work hard. In the future, there will be a place for you on the continent."

Aikesi Yan nodded: "I will."

Loud applause erupted from the audience.

Yale sat in the corner, clapping vigorously. Reynolds wanted to stand up and shout but was grabbed by Qiaozhi.

"Keep a low profile!" Qiaozhi lowered his voice.

"Keep a low profile for what! My brother graduated!"

Qiaozhi helplessly rolled his eyes.

After the ceremony ended, the five of them went to Huadeli to drink.

It was still that old spot, still those same people. They ordered a table full of dishes and opened several bottles of wine.

"Cheers!" Yale raised his wine glass, "Congratulations to Third Brother and Fourth Brother on their graduation!"

"Cheers!"

The five clinked glasses and drank it all in one gulp.

Reynolds, his face flushed red from drinking, hugged Aikesi Yan's neck and said, "Third Brother, you are going to the Yulan Empire; will you come back later?"

"Of course I will come back." Aikesi Yan said, "You are all in Fenlai; how could I not come back?"

"That's good, that's good." Reynolds hugged Linlei again, "Fourth Brother, stay well in Fenlai; when I graduate, I will come to find you."

Linlei nodded: "Good."

Qiaozhi laughed beside them: "You two, one goes to Yulan, one stays in Fenlai; I and Yale will run back and forth between the two places later."

Yale waved his large hand: "Run back and forth for what? My merchant guild has branches wherever we go; we can go wherever we want."

The group laughed together.

Drinking until midnight, the five of them staggered back.

Returning to the dormitory at night, Aikesi Yan lay on the bed, looking at the ceiling.

From next door came the sounds of Yale and Qiaozhi talking, and Reynolds' snoring. Linlei's side was very quiet; he didn't know if he was asleep.

【Ding—Detected that the host has completed their studies and graduated from the Ernst Institute. This is an important milestone in life.】

【Do you wish to check in?】

Aikesi silently thought in his heart: Check in.

【Check-in successful.】

【Reward obtained: Primordial Chaos Record · Nuwa Diagram — a visualization diagram left by the ancient divine being Nuwa. Visualizing this diagram can temper spiritual power, increase soul strength, and accelerate cultivation speed after spiritual power liquefaction. Long-term visualization carries a probability of comprehending a trace of the mystery behind Nuwa's creation.】

A scroll appeared out of thin air within Aikesi's mind.

On the scroll was the back view of a woman; she stood amidst chaos, hands vaguely supporting, with countless light points gathering around her. Though the image was static, it gave a feeling of creating all things. That back view seemed very close, yet as if far beyond the horizon; though it was merely a silhouette, it made one feel infinitely sacred.

Aikesi immersed himself in it, and unknowingly, his spiritual power began to circulate slowly, more active than usual.

"A good thing," he praised inwardly.

After spiritual power liquefaction, the cultivation speed slows down. From Level 7 to Level 8, from Level 8 to Level 9, every step requires a long time of accumulation. With the Nuwa Diagram, the speed can increase by at least thirty percent.