With the Fire elements at Intermediate Mage 3 and Lightning reaching intermediate 2, relying on the magic power of his four magic elements, he truly succeeded in reaching the fourth yer.

  Only after reaching the fourth yer did Mo Fan begin to cultivate.

  However, even on the fourth yer, the initial multiplier was not as high as when he first entered.

  But still, even if it wasn't as good as the initial entry, the energy contained within was incomparable to what was outside.

  After exiting the Three Step Tower, Mo Fan's Fire Element cultivation reached near perfection. His Summoning Element which his biggest focus FINALLY reached the Intermediate 1 realm. This was the best thing for Mo Fan because he knew that Wolfie's progression was the biggest thing in his developmenet and also being able to let his Lightning Belle break out of its fruit and become a true elemental spirit.

  A few days after leaving the Three Step Tower, before Mo Fan even had a chance to rest properly, he received a call from Zhao Manyan. Learning that he had become an exchange student, Mo Fan immediately followed Zhao Manyan to Dean Xiao's office.

  The old man chuckled, “How was st night? Did you enjoy yourself? It’s fine to rex once in a while, but don’t get lost in indulgence.”

  Hearing this, Mo Fan immediately understood that Dean Xiao was subtly reminding him to stay grounded. Touched by the concern, he responded sincerely, “I understand. I’ll be mindful.”

  “Haha,” Dean Xiao ughed. “Don’t be too restrained either. You can only truly let go of something after you’ve experienced it. Young people should bance work and rest. Come to my office.”

  Huh? Mo Fan agreed without hesitation, though he was inwardly puzzled. What could be important enough for Dean Xiao to personally summon him?

  After hastily saying goodbye to his sister, he stepped outside. There was no need for him to say much—Secretary Qing Yu was incredibly reliable, as if she could always anticipate when he needed a ride.

  Before long, Mo Fan arrived at Dean Xiao’s office.

  The old man leaned back in his chair, gazing at him kindly.

  And his first words completely stunned Mo Fan.

  “Would you like to be my disciple?”

  Mo Fan was stunned. Was Dean Xiao taking him as a disciple?!

  The old man chuckled, “What’s wrong? You’re unwilling?”

  “No, no!” Mo Fan grinned and immediately seized the opportunity, calling out, “Teacher, I would be willing but should it not be better to take Manyan here!”

  Dean Xiao was shocked even now he was thinking about his friend? He thought deeply "Mmmh.... I guess there are benefits he is a Light and Water intermediate mage he could definitely become a great mage"

  Manyan was shocked jaw dropped staring at Mo Fan and then Dean Xiao "Are u sure??????"

  He would be a fool to hesitate. Dean Xiao was a Forbidden Mage in the Water Element, one of the top-tier powerhouses in the country. With a background even stronger than Imperial Capital University’s Jiang Yu’s teacher, Pang Lai, the Chief of the Forbidden Curse Association in the Imperial City, this was a golden opportunity.

  Though Mo Fan couldn’t reveal his true strength just yet, having the recognition of a national powerhouse meant he now had invisible protection.

  “You brat, such a smooth talker.”

  Dean Xiao pyfully scolded him before speaking seriously, “The magic I specialize in is Water and Space, though not for combat. I excel in formation construction and defensive applications.”

  Hearing this, Mo Fan nodded, recalling what he knew about Dean Xiao.

  Back when Ding Yumian was forced to her death by Senator Zhuang and returned as a vengeful undead, Dean Xiao had used Spatial Magic to annihite Senator Zhuang on the spot. "Oh shoot Ding Yumian camaity I need her to be strong so she can be added to the team when the time is needed!"

  Moreover, the Water Circution Grand Formation, and ter his mentorship of Cao Qinqin, passing down knowledge on architectural defenses, all aligned perfectly with what he cimed to specialize in.

  Mo Fan wasn’t disappointed at all—on the contrary, he was thrilled.

  He had once envisioned a grand pn for Manyan's three-element path, involving the use of the violent monsoons from the Sea Monster Empire, guiding them into the western innd, reviving the pteau’s soil, and purifying the Yellow River.

  To accomplish such an unprecedented feat, aside from unimaginable magical cultivation, one needed deep mastery of formation magic.

  Without a doubt, Dean Xiao was the perfect mentor for him, someone at the very pinnacle of this field, even on an international level.

  “Since you’ve both formally acknowledged me as your teacher,” Dean Xiao mused, “I can’t be too stingy. Naturally, I have a gift for you. But don’t expect money—resources must be earned through your own efforts to ensure proper growth.”

  “However, if you officially join the National Team, I can personally secure a Star River Vein for you.”

  Mo Fan was overjoyed. Zhao Manyan even being the son of the richest man in china was suprised. Even if it wasn’t given to him immediately, just knowing it would be avaible in the future was enough. Once he reached High-Level, he would have six elements, requiring a massive amount of resources.

  The World College Tournament was essentially a contest of backing and support. Talents like Mu Ningxue and Mo Fan, who rose from the grassroots, were rare exceptions.

  But now, Mo Fan had his own powerful backing.

  “Come with me you two.”

  Buzz!

  With a mere thought from Dean Xiao, silver-white radiance enveloped them both, and in the blink of an eye, they teleported.

  Manyan was puzzled. Why had Dean Xiao brought him here?

  Dean Xiao said nothing, simply leading the way. Interestingly, they didn't take the usual training corridor but instead followed an entirely different path, one Mo Fan nor Zhao Manyan had never noticed before. It led directly into another space.

  Pushing open a heavy, enchanted door, the two disciples was met with a grand chamber filled with ancient bookshelves and relics.

  It resembled a museum, but it exuded an even greater sense of reverence—a pressure so profound that it instinctively slowed his breathing.

  Each of the dispyed artifacts emanated an aura of presence, carrying a weight that could be felt rather than just seen.

  Mo Fan’s breath hitched—these were all Soul-grade Magic Tools. They possessed sentience, meaning they were all High-Level and above.

  Dean Xiao casually remarked, "The true foundation of Pearl Academy is far beyond your Xuanming Turtle Shield and Azure Cloud Boots."

  Mo Fan understood. He recalled that Mo Fan had visited this pce once or twice in the original story.

  Remaining low-key, Mo Fan observed his surroundings, and sure enough, he spotted a mysterious crimson feather—a Phoenix Totem Feather.

  Nearby, an elderly man with an aged presence was guarding the area. Noticing their arrival, he yawned and muttered, "Old Xiao, are you... bringing a disciple this time?"

  "Yes not just one I have decided two would be better." Dean Xiao nodded in response. "I've brought one of them to retrieve something I left here long ago."

  Then, he walked over to another section of the room, where a sandalwood box sat atop the counter. He picked it up and gently handed it to Zhao Manyan, saying warmly, "This is a magic tool I used in my younger days. Try it out."

  "Thank you, Teacher." Zhao Manyan immediately accepted the box with both hands. Upon opening it, he found a crystal-clear, sky-blue orb, about the size of a fist.

  Gemini saidHere is the updated text from the provided images, with all mentions of Lu Jun (and the previous name Mo Fan) changed to Zhao Manyan.

  The Hidden Chamber of Pearl AcademyHe was puzzled. Why had Dean Xiao brought him here?

  Dean Xiao said nothing, simply leading the way. Interestingly, they didn't take the usual training corridor but instead followed an entirely different path, one Zhao Manyan had never noticed before. It led directly into another space.

  Pushing open a heavy, enchanted door, Zhao Manyan was met with a grand chamber filled with ancient bookshelves and relics. It resembled a museum, but it exuded an even greater sense of reverence—a pressure so profound that it instinctively slowed his breathing.

  Each of the dispyed artifacts emanated an aura of presence, carrying a weight that could be felt rather than just seen. Zhao Manyan’s breath hitched—these were all Soul-grade Magic Tools. They possessed sentience, meaning they were all High-Level and above.

  Dean Xiao casually remarked, "The true foundation of Pearl Academy is far beyond your Xuanming Turtle Shield and Azure Cloud Boots." Zhao Manyan understood. He recalled that he had visited this pce once or twice in the original story.

  Remaining low-key, Zhao Manyan observed his surroundings, and sure enough, he spotted a mysterious crimson feather—a Phoenix Totem Feather. Nearby, an elderly man with an aged presence was guarding the area. Noticing their arrival, he yawned and muttered, "Old Xiao, are you... bringing a disciple this time?"

  "Yes." Dean Xiao nodded in response. "I've brought him to retrieve something I left here long ago." Then, he walked over to another section of the room, where a sandalwood box sat atop the counter. He picked it up and gently handed it to Zhao Manyan, saying warmly, "This is a magic tool I used in my younger days. Try it out."

  "Thank you, Teacher." Zhao Manyan immediately accepted the box with both hands. Upon opening it, he found a crystal-clear, sky-blue orb, about the size of a fist. It was deep and vast like the ocean, radiating a thick, misty aura of water energy.

  Dean Xiao expined, "I call it the 'Water Pearl.' Its effects vary from person to person, adapting to the user's own affinity. The one who forged it is unknown, but its history is incredibly ancient."

  "I discovered it by chance in an ancient ruin during my travels in my youth. With it, I was able to roam freely, defeating countless powerful enemies. I no longer need it, but I am certain that the immense energy inside has yet to be fully unlocked."

  "Without a doubt, it is a priceless treasure for any Water Mage."

  Even without Dean Xiao’s expnation, the moment Zhao Manyan id eyes on the luminous, azure gem, his Water Element Nebu trembled slightly, stirring with an intense longing. A mysterious instinct told him that this pearl would bring him tremendous benefits, capable of triggering a profound transformation in his Water Element. Since its effects varied by individual, it likely encompassed all branches of water magic, making it an extraordinary relic.

  Seeing Zhao Manyan's eager, almost drooling expression, Dean Xiao chuckled and shook his head. He had initially intended to say something more but ultimately decided against it.

  He was no longer like Pang Lai, the Chief of the Forbidden Curse Association, who was entangled in the struggles of fame and power. He had long since retired from the political scene. His old friends had either passed away or lived out their remaining days in peace. With no real connections left, his only visitors were former students who occasionally came to check on him.

  Thus, he lived a simple life. Taking in a disciple didn’t require any grand ceremony—just a recognition of their bond was enough. The rest would depend on Zhao Manyan's own talent and diligence; he would do his best to pass on his knowledge.

  "Alright, I can see you’re itching to try it out. You should head back and refine the Water Pearl first."

  Dean Xiao then instructed, "From now on, come to me every day for two hours to study formation magic. Any objections?"

  "No problem! It's just..."

  Zhao Manyan scratched his head, feeling a bit embarrassed. He had just become Dean Xiao's disciple, hadn't done anything yet, and was already receiving such a valuable gift for free.

  Dean Xiao chuckled. "Why are you being polite with me now? Where's the sharp, calcuting attitude you had when you first enrolled, bargaining with me for every little benefit?"

  "If you can grow into a true powerhouse and contribute to the country and humanity, that will be the greatest gift you can give me."

  "Thank you, Teacher."

  Feeling deeply grateful, Zhao Manyan didn't overthink it anymore. He quickly carried the wooden box home, informed his sister, and immediately entered seclusion to refine it.

  Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!

  Inside his room, he held the sky-blue pearl in his palm, surrounded by a brilliant azure radiance. Streams of pure Water Element energy continuously poured into his body.

  Suddenly, the Water Pearl trembled. With a soft hum, it melted into a luminous, liquid form, flowing into his spiritual world. A moment ter, a vast surge of powerful energy rushed straight into the core of his Water Element Nebu.

  This sudden development left Zhao Manyan momentarily stunned. Unlike normal magic tools, which typically transformed into an imprint within the spiritual domain, this one was behaving completely differently—it was directly absorbed by his... Water element star nebu

  This sudden development left Zhao Manyan momentarily stunned. Unlike normal magic tools, which typically transformed into an imprint within the spiritual domain, this one was behaving completely differently—it was directly absorbed by his Water Element Nebu like a pure source of power.

  Boom! Boom! Boom!

  Soon, under the baptism of the azure liquid, the seven core stars within his Deep Water Whirlpool expanded once more, each growing rger and taking on the appearance of crystalline orbs, shimmering with radiant brilliance.

  Among these seven pearl-like cores, a new orb imprint began to float and rotate, much like the Sword Seal in his adjacent Metal Element Nebu. Then, a surge of information flooded his mind.

  Zhao Manyan suddenly understood.

  Fifth-Tier Water Control: [Water-Avoiding Pearl]!

  He quickly realized that this was no ordinary magic tool—it had fully merged with his Water Element Nebu. It could now only be separated if he died. It wasn't quite a Lifebound Magic Tool, nor was it a form of Dark Matter, but something in between.

  "This... must be a lot like Wu Ku's Water Buddha Bead. It was clearly a magic tool, yet it transformed into his own innate supernatural power."

  Deep in thought, Mo Fan realized that this Water-Avoiding Pearl had an extraordinary origin and was far from ordinary.

  After this development Mo fan disscussed with Dean Xiao and Zhou Zhenghua, the two school leaders, Mo Fan immediately grumbled with dissatisfaction, “I say, master and teacher, why did you put my name down without even asking for my opinion? I didn't say I wanted to be an exchange student. Besides, with my personality, I might just end up being trampled by those genius students there, wouldn't that be bad…”To put it bluntly, he wouldn't do anything without benefits.

  “Mo Fan, don't decline. I know there's a lot of pressure going to the Imperial Capital Academy as an exchange student this time, so we will provide additional rewards to the students who go. Here, I have a Concentration Magic Tool that can protect a mage from a mental attack once while controlling their stars, thus allowing them to fully cast their magic…” Dean Xiao, as expected of an experienced person, immediately saw through Mo Fan's character. He didn't waste words and went straight to the benefits!

  “Dean Xiao, you should have said so earlier! Don't worry, old master, I promise to grind those self-procimed geniuses from Imperial Capital Academy into the dirt!” Mo Fan cooperatively replied.

  “You've already accepted the item. This time, when you go to Imperial Capital Academy, do not disgrace our Pearl Academy!” Zhou Zhenghua, the department head, said with a stern face.

  Other students were all scrambling to become exchange students; he had never seen anyone like Mo Fan who haggled with the teachers! A Concentration Magic Tool wasn't cheap, you know, and he just gave it away!

  But no matter what, if Mo Fan was 'willing' to go, then this time, even if they cshed with Imperial Capital Academy, there was nothing to worry about.

  Imperial Capital Academy had some monstrous talents, but could their academy's monstrous talents compare to Pearl Academy's monstrous talents?

  Without using Magic Tools, let alone new students, how many of the older students in the Main Campus could even contend with Mo Fan?

  Even if the students of Imperial Capital Academy didn't ck Magic Tools, the exchange students were all new students. Their cultivation would certainly have a huge gap compared to Mo Fan's.

  Therefore, with Mo Fan going, Pearl Academy's reputation would certainly not be lost.