Douluo Dalu: Sun Gauntlet

As Quan Yi entered the cave, he found that the only piece of furniture in the room was a simple futon—there wasn't even a light.

However, the room was not completely dark. The entrance was covered by a wooden door made of several long wooden slats with large gaps between them, allowing light from the passage outside to filter in. This design also ensured that air could circulate freely, preventing the cave from feeling stuffy.

Quan Yi sat down on the futon and was surprised to find that it wasn't hot. Curious, he ran his fingers over the material and discovered that it was woven from a special type of plant fiber. It was unlike anything he had encountered before. He made a mental note of its texture and color, planning to discuss it with Quan Ying later—perhaps the Quan family could find a use for this material.

After examining the futon, he quickly calmed himself and entered meditation, filled with anticipation.

Even in meditation, he could feel the intense heat surrounding him. However, he soon realized that his soul power was growing at a significantly accelerated rate—far faster than when he trained in the Quan family's underground cultivation chamber.

More importantly, this chamber was only about eighty degrees in temperature, and he hadn't even reached the deeper parts of the magma zone. This meant that as his strength increased, he could venture deeper into the cave, eventually meditating right next to the magma to further enhance his cultivation.

An hour passed in the blink of an eye.

Quan Yi opened his eyes, satisfaction gleaming in them.

Initially, he estimated it would take around one to one and a half years to reach the next level. However, the advantages of this mimetic cultivation environment surpassed his expectations—visiting daily, he could now shorten that time by nearly half a year.

At this accelerated pace, he would be able to break through in just about a year and proceed with his second soul ring absorption.

Feeling pleased with his progress, Quan Yi stepped out of the training chamber, only to find Huo Wu waiting for him at the entrance.

He immediately noticed her pale face and the heavy sweat soaking her clothes.

Without hesitation, he retrieved a water pouch from the Heart of Fierce Sun and handed it to her.

"Here, drink some water."

Gratefully, Huo Wu took it, opened the lid, and eagerly drank.

"Ha~ I'm alive again. Thank you," she sighed, savoring the much-needed refreshment. For the first time, she truly understood the value of water.

Seeing her regain her energy, Quan Yi felt relieved.

"Let's go. We came here in a hurry this time, but next time, we'll bring more water."

"Sounds good."

As they made their way back, Huo Wu couldn't wait to ask him about his experience.

"So? How was the mimetic training ground?"

"It was incredible—far beyond my expectations. I definitely came to the right place," Quan Yi said with genuine admiration, his words not only directed at the training chamber but also at Blazing Academy itself.

"Also, I'm growing more interested in Blazing Academy."

Huo Wu's heart swelled with pride upon hearing his praise. As the daughter of Blazing Academy's headmaster, she had a deep sense of belonging to the academy.

Hearing Quan Yi acknowledge its worth brought an uncontrollable smile to her face.

After all, when something you cherish is appreciated by a friend, the joy you feel is doubled.

"Of course, there's an even more luxurious mimetic training ground deeper inside. Blazing Academy is truly a paradise for all fire-attribute soul masters," Huo Wu introduced proudly, her tone filled with admiration.

However, Quan Yi shook his head slightly. "It's not just the mimetic environment that interests me. What I truly admire is the vision and strategic planning of Blazing Academy."

A sharp glint flickered in his eyes—he had seen something far deeper than just the surface benefits of the academy.

Huo Wu frowned slightly, puzzled. "Vision and planning? What do you mean?"

Quan Yi patiently explained, "What impresses me the most is that Blazing Academy dares to invest enormous resources into excavating tunnels and constructing mimetic training grounds, even for the primary academy."

"This decision benefits Blazing Academy in multiple ways."

"First and foremost, it attracts a large number of children with fire-attribute Martial Souls to this city. That alone is crucial—students are the lifeblood of an academy."

"Second, by nurturing young talents from an early stage, the academy can closely observe and guide them."

"This approach ensures that Blazing Academy cultivates soul masters to their fullest potential, steadily strengthening the academy's overall foundation."

"But what stands out the most is the academy's growth mindset. Blazing Academy is still expanding, and it maintains a progressive and ambitious atmosphere. This kind of environment is far more beneficial for a soul master's long-term development."

As Quan Yi elaborated, Huo Wu's expression gradually turned dazed.

She stared at him blankly, feeling as though she were listening to her father speak. These were the kinds of things her father sometimes discussed—things that were completely beyond her usual scope of thought.

Quan Yi noticed her dazed expression and hesitated, realizing that it might be too early to discuss such matters with someone who had yet to officially enroll in an academy.

He chuckled lightly and said, "Of course, these are just my personal thoughts. I can't say for sure if they're right. Just remember—when the time comes, make sure you choose Blazing Academy."

Although Huo Wu's presence here already indicated that her family intended for her to enroll in Blazing Academy, Quan Yi still reminded her—just in case.

"Mm, I understand."

Seeing that Huo Wu had taken his words to heart, a satisfied smile appeared on Quan Yi's face.

Through his observations over the past few days, he had gained a deeper understanding of Blazing Academy.

Overall, this was an academy still in the midst of development—one filled with ambition.

From the well-stocked library to the carefully designed mimetic training grounds, it was clear that Blazing Academy had a long-term vision. It was gradually integrating primary academies into its education system, aiming to directly nurture fire-attribute soul masters from a young age.

Even those with slightly weaker talent would receive better training here than elsewhere.

The existence of a mimetic training environment would also significantly increase the number of students who could break through to higher levels.

Reaching Level 20 before the age of twelve was a crucial milestone for soul masters.

Even if some students failed to break through, the academy could still train them as instructors for future junior academies, continuously expanding its talent pool.

Over time, this cycle would solidify Blazing Academy's foundation and ensure its continued strength.

More importantly, Quan Yi sensed that the academy had an even greater objective.

Blazing Academy was already renowned, and many talented fire-attribute soul masters naturally gravitated toward it once they reached the right age.

In theory, there was no need for the academy to invest so much effort into primary academies.

Yet, the fact that they were doing so meant one thing—they were dissatisfied with the quality of soul masters produced by other junior academies.

They wanted to personally oversee the training of soul masters who met their specific standards.

Although it was unclear exactly what those standards were, this level of ambition and strategic foresight made Blazing Academy's potential truly remarkable.

This was especially rare in the current climate, where both the Heaven Dou Empire and the Star Luo Empire were in gradual decline.

For example, the once-glorious Heaven Dou Imperial Academy had been declining for years, failing to produce any truly outstanding achievements.

In comparison, Blazing Academy was actively evolving, growing stronger with each passing year.

That was why Quan Yi reminded Huo Wu—he didn't want her to suddenly choose another academy, such as Heaven Dou Imperial Academy.

After all, Heaven Dou Imperial Academy boasted excellent facilities and held the prestigious title of the empire's number one academy.

But if Huo Wu chose to enroll there, her future growth would never match what she could achieve at Blazing Academy.