372: Chapter 372 A Letter from the Teacher!

However, the 'Dragon Whale Clan' in the Zhenhai region has been unusually active recently, launching attacks far more intense than in previous years.

The elite military forces stationed at the 'Zhenhai Defense Line' are under immense pressure and have already drawn reinforcements from coastal defense sectors.

But according to the latest battle reports, there remains a significant shortage of mid-level combat power, specifically Fourth Rank Martial Artists.

He paused, looking toward another instructor responsible for liaising with the military: 'Has the military sent us another request for reinforcements?'

That instructor immediately nodded, his expression serious: 'Yes, Dean. The military has requested that our Modu University of Martial Arts dispatch another group of students or instructors at the Fourth Rank, preferably with relatively rich combat experience, to the 'Zhenhai Defense Line' for rotational garrison duty and practical combat training, to compensate for the shortage of mid-level combat power at the front lines.'

Upon hearing this, the instructors in the conference room began murmuring and discussing in low voices.

'Fourth Rank Martial Artists... At this stage, our university doesn't have many Fourth Rank students currently enrolled.'

A senior instructor said with a frown.

'Indeed. The graduation season just passed. A large batch of excellent Fourth Rank graduates has left the school, either joining the military, the Martial Association, various institutions, or pursuing further studies.

'Those Fourth Rank students remaining in the school now are either outstanding seniors who just broke through recently or top-tier prodigies among the juniors. The numbers are limited.'

Another instructor added.

As a top-tier institution, Modu University of Martial Arts naturally boasts high student quality.

Generally, prodigies with monstrous talent can reach the Fifth Rank by graduation.

Fourth Rank Martial Artists are already considered excellent graduates at Modu University.

Su Zhiming fell silent for a moment, the rhythm of his fingers tapping the table slightly quickening.

He deeply understood the pressure on the front lines and the severity of humanity's overall defense situation, and he was also well aware of the university's difficulties.

'Alright then.'

Su Zhiming finally made a decision, his voice steady and forceful. 'Lin Jian, draft a coordination letter in my name later and send it to the president's offices of Modu Jiaotong University, Mingzhu Academy, Donghai Martial Institute, and other institutions.

'Explain the urgent situation at the front lines to them. Ask them, based on their own actual circumstances, to dispatch a group of outstanding students or teachers at the Fourth Rank stage to form a joint support team.

'This team will be uniformly deployed by the military to reinforce the 'Zhenhai' Defense Line.

'Shared responsibility, shared risk. This is the kind of collaboration that should exist among our human martial universities.'

'Yes, Dean!' Lin Jian immediately acknowledged.

Su Zhiming continued the deployment: 'Also, the next batch of instructors preparing for rotation into the 'Zhenhai' Defense Line should get ready to depart ahead of schedule.

'They must set off within one day to replace the previous batch of instructors who have been holding the line for over two months and are physically and mentally exhausted, allowing them to rest and recuperate.'

'Understood, Dean!'

The meeting continued for about another half hour, discussing other internal university affairs and teaching arrangements for the new academic year before finally adjourning.

The instructors filed out one after another, each going about their busy tasks.

Su Zhiming remained seated alone in his chair, his gaze directed out the window at the lush, verdant campus.

The glory and turbulence of the Hidden Dragon Assembly had not yet fully subsided, and new challenges and responsibilities were already arriving one after another.

As the dean of the First Institute, he had to navigate these complex affairs and steer the direction for the university, for the students, and for the future of humanity in the entire Modu coastal region.

...

Over the next few days, Qin Yan's life returned to a state of extreme routine and tranquility.

Every day, aside from necessary meals and rest, he spent his time in the manor courtyard, keeping company with his long spear.

He simultaneously carefully contemplated the subtle changes brought by the newly acquired two ten-thousandths of Spear Dao Profundity in his mind.

He was waiting, waiting for the vast batch of cultivation resources promised by Her Highness Anya to arrive.

Once the resources were complete, he could formally begin the foundational cultivation of the *Five Elements Primordial Scripture* and use it to charge towards the Fourth Rank, achieving another leap in his life's level.

Time passed swiftly in the midst of focused training.

July 25th, morning.

The smart bracelet on Qin Yan's wrist vibrated gently, displaying a concise message.

The moment he saw the sender's name, a flicker of joy passed through his eyes.

The message was from — Xiao Huo.

The content was simple: 'Qin Yan, come to my Alchemy Room in the Sixth Institute.'

'The teacher finally has news!'

Qin Yan's heart settled. He immediately replied that he received the message, then quickly tidied up and left the manor, walking briskly towards the direction of the Sixth Institute.

Familiar with the route, he arrived at the Sixth Institute and found the large Alchemy Room exclusively used by Instructor Xiao Huo.

Qin Yan paused briefly at the door, steadying his breath, then raised his hand and knocked.

'Come in.' From inside the room came Xiao Huo's familiar voice, slightly low yet full of vigor.

Qin Yan pushed the door open and entered.

Looking around, the Alchemy Room was brightly lit. The massive dark-red Pill Furnace in the center had its fires extinguished, but residual warmth remained.

And beside the wide wooden table laden with various medicinal herbs and ancient texts, two familiar figures were clearly in sight.

One was naturally Xiao Huo, wearing a deep red instructor's robe, his hair slightly disheveled but his eyes sharp and bright.

He was holding an ancient jade slip containing a Pill Formula, seemingly studying something.

The other was Lu Youyou, dressed in a goose-yellow dress with her hair in twin tails. She was resting her chin on her hand, looking somewhat bored as she fiddled with a few medicinal herbs on the table.

When she saw the visitor was Qin Yan, her lively, large eyes instantly lit up, and a brilliant smile bloomed on her face.

'Little Junior Brother! You're back!'

Lu Youyou sprang up happily and came before Qin Yan, looking him up and down, her eyes filled with concern. 'Little Junior Brother, how was the trip to the secret realm? Were you injured?'

Feeling the sincere concern from his little senior sister, warmth spread in Qin Yan's heart. He smiled and replied, 'Little Senior Sister, I'm fine. I returned safely. Actually, I've been back for several days, resting and cultivating at the manor.

'It's you and Teacher I was worried about. I couldn't reach you for the past few days.'

As they spoke, the two walked together towards Xiao Huo.

'Teacher.'

Qin Yan bowed respectfully to Xiao Huo.

Xiao Huo gave a slight nod, his gaze falling on Qin Yan as he scrutinized him carefully from head to toe.

Then, a trace of a satisfied smile appeared, and he nodded again. 'Hmm, it's good that you're back.'

With his strength at the Sixth Rank and the discerning eye of an Alchemy Master, he could naturally see that Qin Yan had now steadily broken through to the Third Grade Limit.

Reaching the Third Grade Limit just one year after enrollment was a speed that could be considered top-tier even at Modu University of Martial Arts, a place teeming with geniuses.

It should be known that among their current year, besides Qin Yan, the only one publicly known to have reached the Third Grade Limit was that equally extraordinarily talented and well-connected Xiao Wangshu.

Xiao Huo felt quite gratified in his heart at Qin Yan's achievement.

'Third Grade Limit...'

Hearing the teacher's assessment, Lu Youyou, standing to the side, slightly opened her small mouth. The look she gave Qin Yan was filled with amazement and a tiny hint of 'defeat'.