102: Chapter 12: The Pass to the Thunder Pool - Prelude to Intensive Training!
After washing up and changing into a clean, sharp training suit, Zhou Heng stepped out in high spirits and headed straight for the faculty residential area.
He walked through a tree-lined path and arrived at an upscale residential area filled with secluded, detached villas.
This was where the professors and senior mentors of Donghuang Military University resided.
Zhou Heng easily found Villa No. 7, the residence of his teacher, Thunder Spear Saint Hong Yuanhai.
The villa had its own small courtyard, and the gate was left slightly ajar.
Zhou Heng could sense a peaceful yet unfathomable aura within the courtyard, like a quiet thundercloud.
He adjusted his collar, took a deep breath, and lightly knocked on the door.
"Come in, kid," a deep and familiar voice called out from the courtyard, carrying a hint of a smile that was hard to detect.
Zhou Heng pushed the door open and entered.
The courtyard was simply decorated with several ancient, vigorous pines, a stone table, and a few stone stools.
Hong Yuanhai was sitting on a stone stool with a set of purple clay tea tools before him, leisurely sipping tea.
Today, he wore a loose grey training suit. He didn't intentionally release his aura, but the invisible pressure belonging to a Saint-level powerhouse still instilled a deep sense of reverence in Zhou Heng.
"Teacher!" Zhou Heng bowed respectfully.
"Mhm, sit." Hong Yuanhai pointed to the opposite stool and poured him a cup of tea. "Spirit Nurturing First Star, with a solid foundation and condensed aura. Not bad. You're no worse than I was when I was at this realm."
Zhou Heng chuckled and didn't stand on ceremony, sitting down and draining the tea in one gulp.
The tea was warm and slightly bitter at first, but it quickly transformed into a stream of pure energy that flowed through his body, refreshing his spirit. "Great tea! Thank you, Teacher!"
"Casting pearls before swine," Hong Yuanhai teased, though his eyes were full of appreciation. "Tell me, how do you feel after the breakthrough? Have you figured out the ropes of that new domain skill?"
Zhou Heng set down his teacup and said seriously, "To answer Teacher, I feel great! The Spirit Nurturing Realm is an entirely different world from the Spirit Awakening Realm; my yuan energy, blood qi, and mental strength have all undergone a qualitative change. I have preliminary mastery over the [Annihilation Thunder Domain] and tested it in the simulation pod. Its suppression effect on same-element and high-speed targets is significant, though the consumption is a bit high."
"Mhm, domain skills are like that. They are trump cards, not meant to be used like basic attacks."
Hong Yuanhai nodded. "Your luck is truly something else. To randomly draw a skill upon breaking through a major realm and get the rarest domain type, and one that perfectly matches your Divine Seal... It seems even the heavens want you to succeed in this path."
Zhou Heng scratched his head and grinned. "Hehe, maybe it's because I'm handsome?"
Hong Yuanhai was amused and pointed a finger at him. "Stop being cheeky! Let's talk business. I called you here for two things."
Zhou Heng immediately sat up straight and listened intently.
"First, regarding one of your rewards for winning the Freshman Competition—the [Thunder Pool] cultivation qualification."
As Hong Yuanhai spoke, he took out a palm-sized, purple-gold token from his robe. It was engraved with complex lightning runes and the words 'Donghuang,' and he handed it to Zhou Heng.
The token felt slightly heavy and warm to the touch, yet one could feel the surging thunder yuan and supreme authority contained within.
"This is the [Thunder Pool Secret Realm] pass. With this, you can enter the core area of the Thunder Pool to cultivate for seven days within the next year."
Hong Yuanhai's expression turned serious. "The Thunder Pool is one of the foundations of our Donghuang. The Thunder Essence Liquid in the core area is incredibly pure and contains Oblivion Thunder Law Fragments. It is of immense benefit for tempering the body, condensing yuan energy, and comprehending the path of thunder! It even has miraculous effects on the subsequent breakthroughs of the [Myriad Tribulations Thunder Prison Body]! You must cherish this opportunity and strive for the maximum gain!"
Zhou Heng took the token, feeling the throbbing sensation coming from it, his heart filled with excitement.
He had already benefited greatly from cultivating in the peripheral pools of the Thunder Pool; one could only imagine the effects of the core area!
"I understand! I will not disappoint your expectations, Teacher!" Zhou Heng solemnly put the token away.
"Good." Hong Yuanhai nodded with satisfaction. "The second thing is about the National Training Team."
Zhou Heng's eyes narrowed as he became even more focused.
"The official notice for the training team is expected to be issued in the next day or two. It's tentatively scheduled to assemble in half a month at the [National Talent Training Base] in Jingdu."
Hong Yuanhai took a sip of tea and continued, "This training camp brings together geniuses recommended by the top universities across the country. The competition will be extremely fierce. Your opponents will no longer just be the likes of Ji Cang and Lu Chenxin from within Donghuang."
"The 'Sword Lunatic' Nuo Wuji from Modu University, the 'Tyrant Fist' Wang Zhan and 'Saber Demon' Li Chenyuan from Kyoto University, the 'Spirit Butterfly' Bai Qianer from Jiangnan University... these are all renowned monsters."
There are also some promising talents recommended by hidden families and the military whose strength should not be underestimated."
Hong Yuanhai looked at Zhou Heng. "Your goal is not just to enter the training team, but to strive for an official spot to represent Donghuang in the World Youth Competition! And even... to aim for the position of captain!"
Battle intent burned in Zhou Heng's eyes. "Don't worry, Teacher! I will definitely give it my all!"
"Having confidence is good, but do not underestimate your enemies," Hong Yuanhai warned. "The training team is a place of crouching tigers and hidden dragons, and the training content will be extremely brutal, designed to push limits and eliminate the weak. You must be mentally prepared."
"I understand!" Zhou Heng nodded. He knew that it would be an even larger crucible.
"These next two weeks are your final preparation time."
Hong Yuanhai mused, "My suggestion is that you go to the Thunder Pool first. Use those seven days to increase your strength with all your might. Thoroughly consolidate the third stage of the [Myriad Tribulations Thunder Prison Body], and even try to push for the fourth stage!"
"At the same time, further familiarize yourself with the [Annihilation Thunder Domain] and your new spear techniques. After you come out of the Thunder Pool, you'll still have about a week to use the simulation pod for high-intensity actual combat to adapt to various opponents."
"Yes! Teacher!" Zhou Heng was completely convinced by his teacher's arrangements. Cultivating in the Thunder Pool was undoubtedly the fastest and most effective way to improve his current strength.
"Right," Hong Yuanhai seemed to remember something and added, "Entering the core area of the Thunder Pool comes with immense pressure. Remember to act within your capabilities and do not be overly ambitious. If you feel any discomfort, withdraw immediately. Safety first."
"I will keep that in mind!"
"Alright, I've said everything that needs to be said." Hong Yuanhai waved his hand. "Go on, hurry up. I'm waiting for you to make a name for yourself in the World Youth Competition, to bring honor to Donghuang and to me!"
Zhou Heng stood up and gave a deep bow. "I will not fail your mentorship!"
With that, he turned and strode out of the courtyard. The sunlight shone on his straight back, which was filled with soaring fighting spirit.
Watching his disciple's departing figure, a gratified smile tugged at the corner of Hong Yuanhai's mouth as he picked up his teacup and took a small sip.
"Kid, the stage has been set for you... How high you can fly depends on yourself!"
Zhou Heng left the faculty residential area. Instead of returning to his dormitory, he headed straight for the Secret Realm Area deep within the school. He touched the warm Thunder Pool pass in his robe, his eyes full of anticipation.
"The Thunder Pool core... seven days... it's enough!"