Chapter 50: Suddenly Taking on a Female Disciple

"That's right, she can continuously write spells at opponents to wear them down," Lin Yu continued. "Even if her opponent has the exact same amount of mana as she does, she only needs to expend a third of her mana to drain theirs completely."

"After all, when someone forcibly shatters a spell, they waste a massive amount of mana; it's impossible for them to be precise enough to use just twice the required amount."

"That is completely overpowered!" Liu Shiyun finally understood, realizing just how formidable this tactic was.

"I had no idea spells could even be used like this?"

Hearing Lin Yu's explanation, the others were struck with awe.

Ye Piaopiao felt as though a brand-new world had been unlocked for her. She had never once realized that her spells could be applied in such a manner.

"Barrier spells fall into two categories. The first is mandatory spells, like the one cast on me just now—you either break through it by brute force or wait for it to expire automatically."

"The second type is similar to that linear equation you used earlier. Aside from brute-forcing it, these can be solved through intellect by working out the answer, or simply by waiting it out."

"The duration of a barrier depends on the tier of your spell and the amount of mana you inject into it."

"The more mana you infuse when writing a spell, the longer the rule persists. As far as I know, a first-tier spell written with 500 mana can only last for one minute."

With that, Lin Yu looked over at Ye Piaopiao.

"That's correct. The most basic first-tier spell written with 500 mana lasts for one minute," Ye Piaopiao confirmed.

"If you consume 5,000 mana, a first-tier spell can last for ten minutes. If it's a second-tier spell, the duration doubles."

Lin Yu felt a tinge of envy toward spellcasting talents.

Higher-tier spells relied on an individual's comprehension ability. Once comprehended, one's innate talent would be enhanced.

Writing higher-tier spells did not consume any additional mana.

In other words, casting an eighth-tier spell consumed the exact same amount of mana as casting a first-tier spell.

The key was simply whether one had the capability to write it.

It was said that in her past life, when Ye Piaopiao comprehended the fifth-tier spell, it directly elevated her S-rank talent to the SS-rank.

Upon comprehending the eighth-tier spell, it evolved once more into an SSS-rank talent.

Such talent advancements were exceptionally difficult, relying entirely on one's potential and comprehension.

"By comparison, mine seems a bit simpler."

The progression of Lin Yu's talent was much more straightforward; he only needed to continuously absorb and fuse various high-grade fire essences to advance.

Comparing the two only served to highlight Ye Piaopiao's formidable nature.

"Piaopiao, as a spellcaster..."

Acting like a professional mentor, Lin Yu explained numerous abilities and techniques inherent to spellcasters.

As for how to comprehend and advance, however, he had no idea.

That was the personal secret of spellcasters, and no one had ever deciphered it in his past life.

"Does that mean an eighth-tier spell written with 500 mana can last for eight minutes, and an eighth-tier spell written with 5,000 mana can last for eighty minutes?"

Ye Piaopiao's eyes shone like the sun, filled with yearning.

Lin Yu smiled and nodded.

He remembered that during the Tianhai riot in his past life, the academic genius Ye Piaopiao had taken direct action, inscribing eighth-tier spells all around Tianhai and infusing them with a massive reservoir of three million mana.

That single act sealed off the entire city of Tianhai for thirty-three days.

Even the two mutant beast kings within Tianhai were unable to breach the barrier.

This was the terrifying power of an eighth-tier spellcaster.

They possessed the might to shatter heaven and earth.

"Lin Yu, thank you!"

Ye Piaopiao suddenly dropped to one knee before Lin Yu, her tone exceptionally solemn. "From this day forward, you are my master."

"..."

Liu Shiyun was completely dumbfounded.

Lin Yu was equally dumbfounded.

Everything was going smoothly just a moment ago—why did she suddenly drop to her knees?

And good grief, taking him as a master!

Big sister, I'm younger than you, alright!

Lin Yu hurriedly stepped forward to help her up. "Sister Piaopiao, stop messing around. You're older than me, taking me as your master is..."

He massaged his temples, feeling a headache coming on.

"I won't. When my grandfather was alive, I swore an oath that whoever could teach me in my field of expertise and truly convince me of their superiority would be my master."

She gazed intently at Lin Yu. "Clearly, you are that person, and besides, I am younger than you."

Dark lines etched themselves across Lin Yu's forehead.

What kind of logic was that?!

Wait, hold on.

"You said you're younger than me?" Lin Yu asked, looking skeptical.

"Of course, I just turned twenty."

"Impossible, I remember you're a university professor!" Lin Yu distinctly recalled that in his past life, Ye Piaopiao taught at a university.

"How do you know I'm a university professor? Did you foresee that through prophecy too?"

Ye Piaopiao looked at him suspiciously.

"Of course!" Lin Yu lied without a blush or a skipped heartbeat.

"I skipped grades all through school and went straight into a doctoral program during university. I only started teaching at the university after graduating with my PhD."

Ye Piaopiao didn't dwell on it and instead offered an explanation.

Hearing this, Lin Yu and the other two were frozen in place.

What kind of monster genius was this?

No wonder her codename was literally "Academic Genius."

She was simply extraordinary.

Put in that perspective, being called her master wasn't quite as difficult to accept.

"Get up first."

"No, if you don't agree, I won't get up."

Ye Piaopiao said stubbornly.

She lowered her head, a flash of shrewdness passing through her eyes.

She recalled what her grandfather used to say: "In the eyes of us martial artists, besides family, the most trustworthy relationship is that between master and apprentice."

Through their brief interaction today, Ye Piaopiao knew that Lin Yu's understanding of spellcraft far surpassed her own.

If she wanted to acquire that knowledge, taking him as her master was undoubtedly the optimal choice.

"Fine, I agree. Get up first." Realizing he couldn't win the argument, Lin Yu relented.

Taking on an apprentice wasn't a bad thing, especially since she was a female apprentice.

"Master."

Ye Piaopiao adjusted her glasses, her face slightly flushed. In truth, she felt a bit awkward herself.

"Well then, let's treat these ten first-tier crystals as a welcoming gift." After a moment of thought, Lin Yu produced ten first-tier crystal cores.

Ye Piaopiao was already at level ten, but she only possessed a single first-tier crystal.

Once she reached the first tier, her strength would undoubtedly surge dramatically.

"Thank you, Master!"

Delighted, Ye Piaopiao accepted the gift without a trace of coyness.

Hehe, so this was the welcoming gift from her master.

"Go ahead and advance now!"

"Mhm."

Ye Piaopiao began absorbing the crystal cores, and within seven or eight minutes, she successfully broke through to the first tier.

[Codename: Academic Genius]
[Level: First Tier, Level 0]
[Mana: 29,600]
[Strength: 312]
[Constitution: 163]
[Speed: 226]
[Spirit: 179]
[Talent: S-Rank Spell Rule]

These were Ye Piaopiao's basic attributes. Compared to Liu Shiyun's stats, her mana was considerably higher, while the rest were fairly similar.

With various thoughts swirling in their minds, the group found a room and turned in for the night.

Liu Shiyun pulled Ye Piaopiao along, bringing Ruke with them, and the three women shared a room together.

Leaving Lin Yu all by himself.

"What is even happening!"

He gave a wry smile, realizing the situation had taken a rather unexpected turn.