The transformation only lasted a short while before Wang Gang reverted, deflating like a punctured balloon.
Having spent every drop of his spiritual energy, he nearly dropped to his knees.
Yet his face still glowed with excitement, eyes brimming with gratitude as he gazed at Jiangnan.
He had truly become a spirit warrior. It all felt like a dream.
Jiangnan was equally stunned. Spending thirty marrow-cleansing fruits to push Wang Gang forward had not been wasted. If this ability fully developed, the combat power would be utterly terrifying.
Wang Gang’s expression was feverish with emotion. He clasped Jiangnan’s hand in his large grip. “I really do not know how to repay you. Is there anything I can do for you?”
“One word from South God, and I, Wang Gang, would walk through fire…”
Jiangnan patted his shoulder and flashed a bright smile. “You need not do anything. Today in the square, you saved many lives. Take this as your reward.”
“If you truly want to do something, then train hard to grow stronger, and protect more people. Spirit warriors of this era carry responsibility on their shoulders.”
“No matter how powerful you become, I hope you never forget that impulse to step forward today in the square.”
“This world needs more people like you.”
Wang Gang clenched his jaw, nodded firmly, and hot tears spilled from his eyes.
A tough man weeping.
No one knew of the countless days and nights Wang Gang had trained like a madman, driven by that burning desire to grow strong and make a difference.
Today, Jiangnan had given him a chance.
A completely new life.
Wang Gang’s tears actually embarrassed Jiangnan.
He had simply hated to see such talent buried, so he gave a casual pull.
This Wang Gang reminded Jiangnan vividly of his own past self.
Since he was doing a good deed, he decided to see it through properly.
With an expression of deep pain, Jiangnan pulled ten diamond-grade spirit beads from his alternate dimension and pressed them into Wang Gang’s hands.
“Keep these for cultivation. Consider them a loan. When you are truly formidable, remember to pay me back, with interest.”
“This is the contact for Longyuan’s chief captain, Red Dragon. If you want to join Longyuan, once your level is high enough, go to Red Dragon and say I sent you.”
Wang Gang was overwhelmed with emotion. He opened his mouth to speak, but Jiangnan waved a small hand and teleported away, vanishing instantly.
Staring in the direction Jiangnan had gone, Wang Gang gripped the spirit beads tightly, bowed ninety degrees, tears falling steadily to the ground.
“South God. Thank you. I will remember.”
Jiangnan had no idea that this casual act tonight would create what kind of miracle.
Grieving the loss of ten spirit beads, Jiangnan returned to the apartment in low spirits.
Xuexue and the others were already asleep. Jiangnan crept quietly back to his room.
The moment he entered, he saw little Mira in her pyjamas, sitting drowsily on the bed with Little Dimple cradled sweetly in her arms.
(๐⁼̴～⁼̴๐)
As soon as she spotted Jiangnan, her eyes snapped wide open. She stretched out her arms towards him, voice soft and spoiled. “Brother Jiangnan. Hold me while I sleep~”
Jiangnan’s heart melted. She had stayed up this late just waiting for him to come home?
How could she be so sweet?
He scooped little Mira up, tucked her in his arms, slipped under the covers, and grinned. “Tonight I will grant this little wish of yours.”
“But you are already grown up. You cannot always sleep with me. From now on, you must have your own room, understand?”
Mira gave a sweet smile and hugged him tightly. “Mm, just tonight.”
Ten or so minutes passed. Mira lifted her head, puzzled. “Brother Jiangnan? Why are you not sleeping yet?”
Jiangnan coughed lightly. “Your ribs are digging into me a bit…”
Mira paused, then spiritual energy flowed through her body. Her childish frame grew at a speed visible to the naked eye.
In a flash, she became her twenty-seven-year-old self.
Long golden hair tumbled down, her exquisite features beautiful like an angel descended to earth.
Her pyjamas strained and distorted, big eyes blinking rapidly at Jiangnan.
“How about like this? Still digging in?”
Jiangnan: Σ(๐ŏ口ŏ)
Who could endure this?
Mira, apologise to the pyjamas at once. The pyjamas are suffering terribly, alright?
“Quick. Change back now.”
Mira: (•̌～•̑๐)ˀ̣ˀ̣
Seeing Jiangnan squeeze his eyes shut, Mira hurriedly reverted to her small form.
She grew even more certain in her heart that Sister Nightingale had been talking nonsense.
Only then did Jiangnan relax. He resolved that once back at the academy, he would sew Mira some clothes from Hulk-brand shorts fabric.
That would make it much easier for her to switch sizes.
Early the next morning, Jiangnan and the others had packed and were ready to return to the academy.
Only, Jiangnan had rather prominent dark circles under his eyes.
The instant they stepped outside, they saw the hundred training cadets lined up neatly downstairs. Many clutched flowers and small gifts.
All had red eyes and faces full of reluctance. The catgirl triplets were already wiping tears and sobbing.
Jiangnan flashed a brilliant smile. “Oi, oi, oi, come off it. Anyone who knows would think you are seeing me off. Anyone who does not might assume you are attending a funeral.”
The remark made many laugh at once, though soon after some cadets cried even harder.
˚‧º·(˚˃̣̣̥᷄⌂˂̣̣̥᷅)‧º·˚
The fifteen days of training had been intensely fulfilling every single day.
They had not only learned how to take punishment, but also teamwork, combat techniques, perseverance.
At the same time, they had come to understand responsibility and duty.
Every cadet could feel that Jiangnan had been teaching them to grow stronger in his own unique way.
It was brutal, yes, but that made it unforgettable.
And then that explosive final lesson.
From initial resistance, to complete conviction, to outright worship.
Everyone had grown immensely.
Now that Jiangnan and his group were leaving, how could they bear to let them go?
Wang Zhan roared through tears. “Instructor. Beat us for another fortnight. We can take it.”
“Yes. Do not go. We beg you to beat us.”
Nightingale, who had arrived at the academy early that morning and witnessed the scene, was dumbfounded.
To train cadets into this state, Jiangnan was surely one of a kind.
Nearby, Xing Da’s face drained of colour. Another fortnight? You lot might endure it, but the academy’s little treasury certainly would not.
Jiangnan grinned, teleported forward, and flicked Wang Zhan sharply on the forehead. “Beat my foot. Keep crying and I will thrash you all to tears before I leave.”
The cadets’ faces paled, and they swallowed their sobs.
He then patted Wang Zhan’s shoulder. “The world is vast and wonderful. You are all the cubs I, Jiangnan, have trained. Do not waste the skills you have gained, clear?”
The cadets answered in unison. “Yes, Instructor.”
