Mr. Cooper explained only the most basic principles, which many people found dull and useless. However, for Ethan Brooks, they answered many of the questions in his heart. The sword cultivation methods he was familiar with—whether grand orthodox paths or unconventional techniques—were as numerous as the stars, but without the foundation of spiritual power, none of them had any value. Even the sword embryo seed he had been working on—if it hadn’t sprouted after three years, he would have long since given up hope.

Reading countless sword manuals had still helped broaden Ethan Brooks’s horizons. Ancient sword cultivation theory had already reached its peak, vast and profound, as boundless as the sea. Even in the wild era, it was so. His use of many techniques was different from others, to the point that even the powerful Yuan cultivators marveled at him.

The fact that he survived the wilds was not just luck.

What he had learned before were just scattered fragments, but now he was gradually piecing together the threads. This excited him; he had always had some vague ideas, and now it seemed those ideas might actually be possible.

He suppressed his eagerness—now was not the time. He needed more accumulation.

Coming to the Induction Ground this time was the right choice. He gained so much from the very first class, which surprised him greatly. Now, he was full of anticipation for the other courses to come.

The days of classes were simple yet fulfilling, but for Ethan Brooks, they were as beautiful as sunshine. He cherished every day and every class. For someone of average talent, getting this opportunity was no easy feat. Like a sponge, he greedily absorbed every bit of nourishment.

Mr. Cooper’s elementary course was very short, only ten lessons, leaving Ethan Brooks wanting more. There were many other courses, but he found that only Mr. Cooper’s elementary class covered the principles of Yuan power cultivation. The other teachers mostly taught practical techniques or cultivation methods, and rarely explained the underlying theories.

Perhaps, in the teachers’ eyes, for newcomers like them, just knowing how to cultivate was enough.

Ethan Brooks had now gradually gotten used to life and study in Pine City, and no longer reacted as strongly as he had at the entrance to the Induction Ground. The learning environment in Pine City was very relaxed, with no strict rules. For any course, as long as you met the requirements—such as reaching a certain level—you could choose to take it.

But he still had his own class, with classmates being those he met on the first day, and the teacher in charge was that same Mr. Bennett.

Everyone’s cultivation level and strength varied greatly, and they chose different courses, so it was rare to see each other. Only during the weekly class meeting did he see his classmates.

No one paid attention to Ethan Brooks.

Most students probably didn’t even remember Ethan Brooks’s name. As someone who was neither strong nor active, he had no sense of presence at all.

When Mr. Bennett saw everyone had arrived, he began, “The reason I called everyone here this time is about selection for the Yinghua Wind Society.”

At the mention of “Yinghua Wind Society,” the students from Five Elements Heaven immediately perked up, while those from Old Earth looked confused.

“The Yinghua Wind Society is actually about selecting some students who are strong and talented. The society not only has dedicated teachers to guide your cultivation, but also offers a lot of practical experience. For example, handling some school affairs, organizing competitions with schools from other cities, and so on. There’s even a chance to follow teachers into the wilds and get a taste of that environment in advance.”

The chance to enter the wilds instantly excited the students, and they began chattering among themselves.

In everyone’s eyes, the wilds were mysterious and full of the unknown. What’s more, with teachers accompanying them, there was no need to worry about safety. The chance to experience the wilds firsthand made the students yearn for it.

Among the excited students, Ethan Brooks remained indifferent, unmoved by the so-called Yinghua Wind Society. The teachers’ guidance was nice, but for him right now, what mattered most was accumulating enough Yuan power to open his natal Yuan Palace.

As for the wilds, he’d had enough to last a lifetime.

Mr. Bennett saw the excited students and smiled slightly before continuing, “Of course, the selection criteria for the Yinghua Wind Society are quite strict. Since you’ve just entered the Induction Ground, if we go by previous years, the minimum requirement is to have opened at least two palaces.”

A chorus of groans followed—by that standard, only three or five people in the class would qualify. Those who thought they could make it couldn’t help but look excited.

“That’s the minimum, and it’s not set in stone. Everyone should give it a try.” Mr. Bennett continued, “As for how to get selected, you’ll find out when you go. What I want to say now is, for any student who gets selected, Pine City will also offer rewards—resources that are very beneficial for your cultivation. So do your best. Hmm, Logan Smith, please hand out these materials.”

Logan Smith was the elegantly dressed young man Ethan Brooks had seen at the school gate, and also the strongest student in the class.

Ethan Brooks remained indifferent. The rewards were probably nice, but thinking of all the trivial matters involved, he found it unappealing. Besides, his strength was far from enough.

His thoughts turned back to cultivation. The training environment in Pine City was so superior, it was like paradise. He was working out his cultivation plan, pondering it carefully.