C17 School Ceremony

"Hey kid, you've had the whole day off. Isn't it about time you did some training?"

Aotian, lost in thought, was startled as Dark Night Zhan's voice suddenly echoed in his mind.

"Okay, fine, let's get started," Aotian replied, resigned to his fate, and nodded in agreement.

After a solid six hours of cultivation, Aotian mopped the sweat from his brow and glanced out the window to find the night had deepened. Fresh from a shower and ready to wind down, he was once again greeted by his master's voice.

"Aotian, that gun you picked up today is pretty decent, suits you well. But you can't seriously be planning to lug it around everywhere, can you?"

He had a point. It wasn't practical to tote the gun around all the time. Aotian acknowledged the logic.

"So what should I do? I didn't buy this gun just to keep it as a decoration in my dorm, right?"

"Kid, when are you going to get a clue? Have you forgotten about the Divine Level ring you're wearing? It's got a storage space, remember?!"

Dark Night was on the verge of frustration. She had explained the ring's storage capabilities before, but since Aotian hadn't needed to store anything at the time, she hadn't pressed the issue. Now, it seemed he had completely forgotten.

"Oh! Right! Oops, my bad, I forgot! So how do I use the ring? I still don't know how," Aotian said, suddenly enlightened and eager to learn.

"Even though you're the ring's owner, its use still hinges on your spiritual energy. The stronger your spirit, the greater your power, and the more functions of the ring you can access. Your spiritual energy might not be that strong yet, but it's sufficient for some of the ring's features, including the storage space."

"How do I use it, then?" Aotian pressed, growing impatient.

"Just try channeling your spirit into the ring and see what you feel," his master instructed.

With cautious optimism, Aotian focused his spirit, threading it gently into the ring. As soon as he made contact, a powerful force pulled his spiritual energy in, revealing a vast expanse within. He looked around and noticed an assortment of clothes, weapons, and materials. "Master must have used these materials to make my clothes before!"

Upon witnessing the scene, Aotian couldn't help but think to himself.

"How does it feel? Notice anything?"

As Aotian withdrew his energy, Matt eagerly inquired.

"I've discovered a vast space, and there are some items before you!"

"Good, that's the space within the ring. It will serve as your storage space from now on! Try using your mental power to place that gun inside the ring."

Motivated by his master's instruction, Aotian concentrated on the gun. In no time, the gun vanished with a flicker! Glancing at the space again, he saw his "Ray of Thunder" had indeed appeared.

"Master, I did it! I really did it!"

A jubilant Aotian exclaimed to Dark Night.

"Good to hear! Time is short, so you'd better rest up."

After several attempts at retrieving and stowing the gun, Aotian felt his mental energy wane and remarked, "It's truly a Divine Level item; it's quite a challenge to use without ample strength."

With nothing else pressing, and classes awaiting him the next day, Aotian decided to turn in early.

Come morning, Aotian rose at dawn for his cultivation routine. After completing his physical training and realizing time was slipping away, he quickly showered off the day's grime, grabbed a bite at the cafeteria, and made his way to the academy's square. They were set to hold the opening ceremony there that morning.

The square was already bustling with people by the time he arrived. Aotian chose not to jostle for position but instead found a quiet spot to sit in a corner to the left.

Soon, the plaza was packed with both newcomers and returning students. The stage at the forefront was occupied by six academy teachers, who looked to be the leadership.

"Ladies and gentlemen, students and faculty, greetings! It's a pleasure to once again usher in our academy's opening ceremony! On behalf of all the staff and students, I extend a warm welcome to you all!"

The elderly man seated at the center began. As soon as he finished, a wave of applause erupted from the students below, with the freshmen clapping with particular vigor.

At Black Tortoise Academy, we hope that each of you finds joy and happiness here. We aspire for all of you to achieve outstanding results over the next three years!"

The old man concluded his lengthy introduction of the academy's history and various matters, followed by a burst of applause that seemed to please him enough to take his seat.

Aotian glanced around at Zhou Wei's classmates, who were clearly too drained to show any enthusiasm for the ceremony. Some were even nodding off, meeting with the 'Duke of Zhou' in their dreams. Shaking his head in resignation, Aotian couldn't help but find the whole event dreadfully dull.

"Hey, did that old guy finally stop talking?"

The question came from a student who had been dozing off next to Aotian, now suddenly awake.

"Yeah, he just wrapped up."

"Thank goodness, that was tedious! Why all the pointless chatter? I'm Rohlin Elton, 13 years old, a first-year student in Swordsman Class 3. And you are?"

"Loong Aotian," Aotian replied, a touch of impatience in his voice. 'Rohlin Elton? Could he be from the Elton family?'

"Whoa, seriously? That's pretty cool! Wait, what? You're Loong Aotian?"

Rohlin, taken aback by his own realization, was visibly startled.

"Yes, that's me. Is there a problem?"

Curious about Rohlin's reaction, Aotian couldn't help but inquire.

"No, no problem! Just... you wouldn't happen to be from the Loong family, would you?"

"And why do you ask?"

"Well, your last name is Loong. I was just curious, that's all," Rohlin replied with an uneasy chuckle.

"Ah."

Aotian gave Rohlin a brief look, noting his peculiar expression, then nonchalantly turned his attention back to the stage.

"Hey, you're not going to talk?"

Rohlin, clearly trying to engage Aotian for the fourth time, pressed on.

"Do you ever listen? What is there to talk about?"

Aotian, growing increasingly irritated by the questioning, finally responded with a hint of resignation.

"Ladies and gentlemen, that concludes our opening ceremony for today! We hope you all have a wonderful three years at the academy!"

Watching the speaker on stage, Aotian let out a relieved sigh, thankful the graduation ceremony was finally over. What a snooze-fest. He rose to his feet and made his way to his dormitory.

"Why are you tailing me?" Aotian inquired, noticing Rohlin Elton trailing behind him.

"Where's your room? I'm in Building 4, Room 306. How about you?" Rohlin Elton asked with patience.

"Why on earth would I tell you?" Aotian was thoroughly exasperated with Rohlin Elton at this point. If he revealed that his room was just next door, could he ever expect to have peace again?

"Come on, just let me know!" Rohlin persisted.

In a sudden burst of speed, Aotian darted into the woods beside the path, weaving a wide loop before he finally made it back to his dorm.

"I've finally shaken off that guy!" Aotian exhaled a weary sigh, muttering to himself in resignation.

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