Chapter 661: Xiao Wu's Claim is Interrupted, Part 2
In the end, Xiao Wu hesitated and glanced at Huo Yu'er, visibly concerned. She might have won her scuffle with Tang San, but Huo Yu'er was still the true leader of the dormitory. And as much as she had her instincts as a soul beast, Xiao Wu was beginning to understand that human society didn't work quite like the wild, where the strong simply took what they wanted. Resolved, she turned to Tang San with a gentler approach.
"Tang San, can we work something out?" she asked.
Tang San quickly picked up on the fact that Xiao Wu had arrived with nothing but herself. He could guess she probably wanted to share the blanket he'd received. Thanks to his training in the Mysterious Heaven Technique, Tang San was already much tougher than an average child and could withstand some discomfort if he needed to. Though he was a little attached to the blanket his teacher had given him, he was more than happy to lend it to a cute girl like Xiao Wu.
Feigning innocence, Tang San replied, "Work something out? About what?"
Xiao Wu didn't bother with pretense. "I noticed your blanket is big enough for two, so what if we put our beds together and share it? That way, we'll both have something to keep us warm."
Tang San hadn't expected his innocent offer to turn into such a bold proposition, but he was thrilled by it. Sharing a bed with such a pretty girl? Though a bit shy, he couldn't deny the excitement it stirred in him. Planning to agree, he decided to play coy for a bit.
However, Huo Yu'er cut in with a sharp rebuke.
"What? Xiao Wu! You want to sleep next to that dark skinned boy? Don't you have any sense of self respect?" she called out.
Tang San's smile froze. He'd just been about to argue that propriety was important when Huo Yu'er beat him to it. Trying to talk human concepts of propriety with a soul beast like Xiao Wu was a challenge, but Huo Yu'er's words seemed to hit a nerve.
The mention of her parents made Xiao Wu's face fall. She didn't have parents in the human sense, and she was suddenly filled with a sorrow she couldn't explain. Without her martial soul activated, her eyes had become red, like those of a pitiful rabbit about to cry.
"I… I don't have parents," she murmured sadly, turning her eyes to Huo Yu'er. "Did I do something wrong, Big Sister?"
Xiao Wu's sad expression tugged at Tang San's heartstrings, but he had no idea how to respond. Huo Yu'er was taken aback as well, but she quickly regained her composure and walked over to pat Xiao Wu on the shoulder.
"I'm sorry, I didn't know you were an orphan," Huo Yu'er said gently. "But don't worry now you've got me to look out for you. Tonight, you can bunk with me, and tomorrow we'll get you a blanket of your own. Deal?"
Though Xiao Wu was tough, Huo Yu'er's comforting tone made her nod in agreement. In Huo Yu'er's kindness, she saw a glimpse of a mother's care and couldn't help feeling safe.
With the evening settled, everyone in the dorm quickly turned in. There wasn't much entertainment in those days, so people either trained or went to sleep early. Tang San, after some cultivation, felt inexplicably restless, as if he'd missed out on something important. Frustrated, he finally decided to sleep, hoping that a fresh start in the morning would clear his mind.
Meanwhile, Huo Yu'er and Xiao Wu, huddled together in a corner of the dorm, were whispering quietly, with Huo Yu'er teaching Xiao Wu the basics of human life. Ye Wen glanced their way, but soon lost interest. Though it was odd for an eye based Martial Soul like Huo Yu'er's to appear here when such things were supposedly introduced in the second series, he reasoned that this was a real world, with its own logic and possibilities. As long as he focused on his own journey, the rest was irrelevant.
The next morning marked the official start of school.
In all Soul Master academies, education spanned six years, split between two main courses. Morning sessions focused on theoretical knowledge, covering everything from basic Martial Soul concepts to soul beast lore and the laws and customs of the land, aimed at ensuring that graduates wouldn't stumble into trouble with the Empire. Afternoons were reserved for self directed cultivation.
While self paying students focused solely on training, work study students earned their meals and school fees by doing chores around campus. Though they only earned ten copper soul coins per day, it was actually a decent wage far better than a blacksmith's, who might only make two silver soul coins a month. It was clear that the academy valued even its poorest students.
On this first day, however, Tang San was notably absent.
Ye Wen, of course, knew where he was off to obtain his first soul ring. It was just that the timing felt… rushed. In the original story, he remembered Yu Xiaogang waiting a bit before taking Tang San to hunt for a soul ring. Was this another effect of the "butterfly effect"?
But in the end, Ye Wen didn't care to concern himself with Yu Xiaogang's choices. As a rare summoning type Martial Soul user, Ye Wen had nothing to gain from associating with someone like Yu Xiaogang. Despite his guidance to the Shrek Seven Devils, Yu Xiaogang was hardly diligent in his own cultivation, with his body so weak that even a strong breeze might topple him.
Ye Wen couldn't believe that a figure from the prestigious top three sects knew nothing about creating his own techniques. Yet here was Yu Xiaogang, supposedly the master of battle tactics, but in actual combat, only able to stand still and preach his theories. Such a teacher would hardly raise any kind of battle prodigy. Yu Xiaogang had simply lucked into Tang San, someone who came pre loaded with a host of hidden advantages.
Let others worry about Yu Xiaogang. For Ye Wen, his focus was on enjoying his own journey.
In class, even though the content was basic, he found himself constantly struck by new ideas as the teacher lectured. Puzzled, Ye Wen mused over his own capacity for insight. Was he really that much of a natural talent?
Regardless of his ideas, Ye Wen knew that without strength to back them up, they meant little. Douluo Continent was no place for idle theorizing. In this world, power ruled above all else.
(End of Chapter)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 40 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Cortez10
Chapter 662: The Protagonist Seems to Be Outmatched
After finishing up his cleaning duties, dusk began to settle, and Ye Wen returned to the dormitory to continue his training. Though he knew it wasn't ideal to push himself, his burning desire for strength in his weakest years kept him awake.
Two hours later, feeling mentally drained and unable to maintain his soul power circulation, he opened his eyes, exhausted, and dismissed his martial soul, Na Na. Despite his fatigue, Ye Wen's spirits were high he was on the verge of reaching rank three.
As he glanced outside, darkness had already fallen, and a thought came to mind. He wondered if Yu Xiaogang, the "master" who'd accompanied Tang San to acquire his first soul ring, had run into the Datura Snake as in the original story, receiving a brutal reality check in the process.
The 423 year old Datura Snake was indeed formidable. However, as someone close to rank thirty, Yu Xiaogang should theoretically be capable of taking on a thousand year soul beast, and he should have at least been able to face an eight hundred year one with a decent struggle. Yet, his immediate reaction was to flee upon recognizing it, and his weak excuses about survival proved just how fragile he was.
No matter what happened to Yu Xiaogang, Tang San would be fine. With his Tang Sect skills and possibly Tang Hao lurking in the shadows, he had enough protection. Still, Ye Wen was perplexed as to why Tang Hao, witnessing Yu Xiaogang's weakness, would willingly hand over his son to him as a mentor.
Did Tang Hao truly think that his son was better off with the discarded heir of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan rather than in the hands of the prestigious Haotian Sect? Or was Tang Hao just missing a few screws? Maybe he was actually a deeply insightful strategist who saw the potential in Yu Xiaogang's theories for developing Tang San's twin martial souls. Whatever the reason, a good bit of it had to involve luck.
In the end, Ye Wen concluded that this whole tale was one where the protagonist, blessed with unrivaled luck, beat the odds at every turn, overcoming powerful foes to achieve greatness.
With that, he finally succumbed to sleep, a last thought lingering in his mind: to avoid Tang San as much as possible, perhaps even hiding in the Far North during the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament. As long as he could train quietly, reach the rank of Titled Douluo, and gather enough faith to establish his godhood, he would be well positioned when Tang San left for the divine realm, leaving him free to advance without interference.
The next day, Ye Wen still didn't see Tang San in theory class. It seemed that things were going as expected; Yu Xiaogang had become an obstacle to Tang San's progress.
That afternoon, however…
The academy's large field was crowded with two opposing groups: the noble students who typically bullied others and the resilient work study students, each group glaring at the other with hostility. Although most of the work study students didn't yet possess soul rings, they had soul power and the potential to become soul masters. Despite the low likelihood of becoming high ranking nobles themselves, they were no longer ordinary folk and didn't need to fear the academy's noble class as much.
In the eyes of the nobles, however, they were still peasants who would never match a true aristocrat. Even if they became soul masters, they were still seen as lowly mud stompers. This arrogance led them to suppress the work study students continually.
The future wouldn't see Tang San helping these downtrodden peers either, for his upbringing and education made him inherently sympathetic to noble ideals.
A smug, blond boy who looked much like Deidara stepped forward from the noble crowd, taunting Huo Yu'er with a sneer. "Little girl, there's still time to reconsider. If you're willing to be my pet, I can promise you and that little rabbit beside you a life of luxury."
Although Wang Sheng had lost his role as the dorm leader, he bravely stepped forward to defend Huo Yu'er and the others.
"Shut your mouth!" Wang Sheng shouted. "What kind of trash are you talking?"
Yet the blond noble didn't lift a finger. Instead, his lackey, Liu Long, whose martial soul was a staff, stepped forward and struck at Wang Sheng.
It was a shameful sneak attack.
But then, something unexpected happened. The staff that should have hit Wang Sheng instead veered off course, striking the blond boy squarely in the back.
"Argh!" The blond boy screamed and summoned his shield martial soul to defend himself, shouting furiously. "Liu Long! What are you doing? Are you insane?"
Liu Long, equally stunned, froze in place. Blinking his eyes in disbelief, he quickly realized that although he saw Wang Sheng's appearance, he was hearing his best friend's voice.
Fearing something supernatural, Liu Long backed up and yelled, "Dick, check if someone's using their martial soul! I've been affected by a soul skill, and now I see you as Wang Sheng!"
"What?" Dick gasped, and panic spread through the noble group, all of them looking warily toward the work study students.
Somehow, without anyone noticing, a pattern of intricate designs had appeared on Huo Yu'er's face, as if she were wearing an elegant mask. Beneath her feet spun a low hovering yellow soul ring.
Dick, the blond noble, broke into a cold sweat, stammering, "A a hundred year soul ring!"
Hearing this, Liu Long shivered. As one of the star noble students, he didn't even have a soul ring yet, but Huo Yu'er had a hundred year one! It was a clear cut superiority.
Huo Yu'er looked on coldly, while Xiao Wu, with a smug smile, hooked her arm around Huo Yu'er's and taunted the noble students.
"What's wrong, nobles? Getting scared now?" Xiao Wu sneered, challenging them. "Haha! If you're so scared, kneel down and call my big sister Yu'er your boss. Maybe we'll let you off!"
Before Dick and Liu Long could react, a frigid voice sounded from the back of the noble group.
"A bunch of weaklings."
Though the speaker's soul power wasn't overwhelming, his voice immediately silenced the noble students, who parted to reveal the figure walking forward.
It was Xiao Chenyu, the son of Notting City's governor.
(End of Chapter)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 40 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Cortez10
Chapter 663: The Work Study Students' Comeback (Part 1)
Xiao Chenyu approached slowly, as if trying to make a grand entrance. To Ye Wen, though, his attempt seemed more like an absurd imitation, putting on airs that only made him look ridiculous. As the son of the city's highest authority, Xiao Chenyu exuded an overblown sense of superiority.
After what felt like ages, he finally stood at the front of the noble faction, arms crossed and chin slightly raised, staring down at two small girls only six years old yet already graceful beyond their years. With a self satisfied smirk, he declared, "Little girls, you can still reconsider your choices. I wouldn't mind taking on two more pets, given that you both look quite decent. And seeing as you've awakened your soul power, you seem talented enough that I might even marry you one day as a proper noble lady. So, have you thought it through? A chance like this doesn't come by for commoners."
Although Xiao Chenyu didn't use vulgar language, his insinuations were vile enough. Ye Wen was thoroughly disgusted. He thought, You're twelve, saying this sort of thing? Are you even fully developed yet? And speaking like this to two little girls barely six years old is that really appropriate? This is exactly what makes me despise the so called nobles in this world.
Huo Yu'er's face darkened, looking ready to burst with rage. But before she could respond, Xiao Wu stepped forward, quick with her retort. "Wow, what an ego! You must be a toad! And saying something like 'an opportunity to become a noble lady' who do you think you are?
"Since we're soul masters, let's settle this like soul masters! Or are you just all talk and no skill? Are nobles really all that impressive? Useless trash!"
Despite his initial trepidation at facing an opponent with a hundred year soul ring, Xiao Chenyu laughed to mask his unease. "Ha! Afraid? Are you out of your mind? Just because you have a soul ring, you think you're something?"
With those words, Xiao Chenyu began his soul possession transformation.
"Xiao Chenyu, sixth year student, martial soul: Wolf, eleventh ranked one ring Battle Soul Master."
He performed the ritualistic self introduction customary among soul masters, intended to display "noble" decorum. Of course, in real combat, such formalities were unthinkable, as any skilled fighter would avoid giving away vital information to the enemy.
As light shimmered around him, his body began to sprout dense fur, and his nails lengthened into sharp claws. However, given his low level martial soul and weak power, the transformation didn't bring about much physical change; he was merely a slightly hairier preteen boy with a few sharpened nails.
Standing in the crowd, Ye Wen scrutinized Xiao Chenyu, suspecting that he was not as confident as he appeared. He's hesitating… or maybe testing the waters?
Watching his gaze drift toward Huo Yu'er, Ye Wen quickly grasped the situation. He's afraid… or at least wary of her unknown martial soul and abilities. So he's relying on the pretense of polite introductions to glean information.
Ye Wen let out a quiet chuckle. This amateurish trick won't help him much; he's no match for Xiao Wu, let alone Huo Yu'er.
Huo Yu'er shrugged off Xiao Wu's hold and stepped forward calmly.
"Huo Yu'er, first year student. Martial soul: Spirit Eyes. Ten ranked, one ring Control System Battle Soul Master."
Her introduction was remarkably thorough, even disclosing her combat style. Xiao Chenyu's relief quickly vanished, realizing that she was far from an ordinary work study student. To have broken through to rank ten at her age was unheard of, and her poise and knowledge betrayed an upbringing no mere commoner would have.
She's not a typical work study student at all, he concluded. She's probably a direct descendant of a major clan, here for some reason.
Regretting his earlier behavior, Xiao Chenyu panicked inwardly, realizing he might have seriously offended her.
"Better focus," Huo Yu'er warned. "I'm coming."
Jolted back to the present, Xiao Chenyu knew he had to confront her head on. If I can overpower her, I might redeem myself, he thought.
He summoned his soul ring, the telltale white color revealing it as a mere ten year soul ring. Ye Wen shook his head at the sight. Despite being the son of a city lord, he has only a ten year soul ring. The poor guy must not be highly valued by his family.
"First Soul Skill: Wolf Soul Possession!" Xiao Chenyu shouted as a faint wolf shadow flickered behind him, and his already enhanced muscles seemed to grow slightly more robust.
Intrigued, Ye Wen watched closely. So I was wrong in my initial assessment of his family. His soul skill appears to provide an enhancement effect, though the exact boost and duration are unclear. Whoever chose this for him has some intelligence. After all, early stage soul skills can be replaced later with simulated techniques at higher levels.
Ye Wen clicked his tongue thoughtfully. Whoever planned this must have been someone with good intentions, but Xiao Chenyu squandered the opportunity. At twelve, he's only rank eleven and more interested in crude pursuits than improving his skills. If he keeps this up, the best he can hope for is to reach his father's level as a mere Soul Elder.
Ultimately, the ten year soul ring would likely only give him a ten percent increase. Against an opponent like Huo Yu'er who, even without her soul ring, had already bested Xiao Wu Xiao Chenyu's efforts were pitiful at best.
(End of Chapter)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 40 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Cortez10
Chapter 664: The Work Study Students' Comeback (Part 2)
With his enhanced strength, Xiao Chenyu lunged forward, throwing a straight punch aimed directly at Huo Yu'er's face. Although Ye Wen didn't consider himself a martial arts expert, even he could see this was nothing more than a clumsy "turtle punch." On closer inspection, he noticed that Xiao Chenyu's eyes were shut tight while throwing the punch.
Did he realize Huo Yu'er's soul skill affects vision, so he's chosen to abandon his sight, relying on his enhanced sense of smell or hearing to locate her instead? Ye Wen thought, slightly impressed by Xiao Chenyu's resourcefulness. But he knew that such tactics wouldn't be enough.
Huo Yu'er's earlier use of her first soul skill, he reasoned, was merely to avoid fighting directly and to protect Wang Sheng, showing she wasn't even serious yet. If she'd attacked him herself, no matter how adept Liu Long was with his wooden staff, she would've defeated him instantly.
Ye Wen suspected that even if Huo Yu'er wasn't a born ten rank talent, her innate soul power must have been quite high. In Douluo, it was well known that the quality of a martial soul usually correlated with innate soul power.
So, does Huo Yu'er possess one of those high quality martial souls with an innate skill? Ye Wen speculated. If he recalled correctly, "Spirit Eyes" was the name of the martial soul used by the protagonist Huo Yuhao in Absolute Douluo. Although Huo Yuhao's initial soul power had been limited due to an injury, his "Spirit Eyes" offered unparalleled visual acuity. Huo Yu'er's abilities likely involved something similar.
Though the world of Douluo wasn't explicitly based on "bloodline theory," it was obvious that only descendants of powerful lineages possessed outstanding martial souls. Common folk, by contrast, often needed fortunate mutations to achieve even modest abilities.
With such musings in mind, Ye Wen felt increasingly uneasy. Here he was, attending an average academy where characters of immense significance were gathering: the continent's most infamous failure, the son of the disgraced Douluo himself, a hundred thousand year old soul beast transformed into human form, and now Huo Yu'er with her mysterious "Spirit Eyes" martial soul.
As Ye Wen's mind wandered, Huo Yu'er's precise punches brought Xiao Chenyu down. When Ye Wen returned to reality, Xiao Chenyu lay sprawled out stiffly on the ground, looking like a defeated puppet.
Huo Yu'er stood with one foot on Xiao Chenyu's chest, arms crossed, coldly demanding, "Had enough?"
Beaten and bewildered, Xiao Chenyu grinned weakly. He'd thought he could easily crush Huo Yu'er, only to be thoroughly humiliated. Forcing a submissive smile, he stammered, "I... I give up, Sister Yu'er! From now on, you're the big boss of Notting Academy. We'll all follow you! Forgive my big mouth earlier I didn't mean to offend!"
Huo Yu'er simply nodded and lifted her foot. She was about to return to the work study students when she paused, as if remembering something.
"Forget the 'big boss' title," she said coolly. "Just remember this: if any of you dare to bully a work study student again, I'll make sure to personally deal with each and every one of you, no exceptions! Understood?"
Though her voice retained a childish pitch, the noble students, thoroughly cowed by her display of power, hurriedly nodded, pledging they wouldn't repeat their past behavior. Satisfied, Huo Yu'er finally joined her fellow work study students, who erupted into cheers, shouting, "Sister Yu'er is amazing! Sister Yu'er is unbeatable!"
Only Ye Wen stood silent, feeling slightly defeated. Wait a minute, Huo Yu'er! You forgot something! You didn't pass the cleaning work off to the noble students!
Ye Wen knew he couldn't voice his thoughts aloud. But after all his efforts to become a work study student to avoid chores, he was now stuck with the very tasks he'd hoped to evade. This is such a loss!
If he could, he'd consider transferring to a regular student, though he wasn't sure if such arrangements were allowed. Besides, switching would only attract unwanted attention, causing all sorts of potential complications. For now, he'd have to accept his fate in silence.
Resigned to his duties, Ye Wen was officially assigned to daily cleanup duty alongside Huo Yu'er, tidying up Notting Academy's grounds after classes. In the original story, this task had fallen to Tang San and Xiao Wu, who were now posted elsewhere.
Odd, Ye Wen thought, recalling how this arrangement should've been made the previous day. What changed?
With insufficient information, he decided to drop the matter and focus on blending in. Meanwhile, the other work study students voiced their envy, since this meant he'd get time alone with their "big sister." Ye Wen dismissed their insinuations with a sigh, feeling no such interest himself he wasn't Tang San, pining over a little girl.
Yet it became clear that Huo Yu'er had other intentions entirely.
(End of Chapter)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 40 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Cortez10
Chapter 665: Straightforward Approach (Part 1)
"Ye Wen, are you tired? I noticed you've been practicing diligently all afternoon. How about taking a break? I can handle this on my own."
"Ye Wen, are you thirsty? I happened to buy an extra drink outside. Here, have one."
"Ye Wen, I'm stuck on this question. Can you help me with it?"
Even if Ye Wen were as dense as a rock, Huo Yu'er's attention toward him was impossible to ignore. It was his first time, across two lifetimes, experiencing such obvious interest from a pretty girl, especially one as cute as Huo Yu'er.
But this wasn't going to work!
For starters, the idea of romance with a six year old girl was something Ye Wen found completely absurd. He could imagine a childhood friendship, perhaps, but this was clearly something else altogether! Besides, with some gentle probing, he'd learned that her innate soul power was a remarkable nine and a half ranks, just shy of ten. She had reached ten and obtained her first soul ring almost right after her awakening, and, coincidentally, they even shared the same birthday. Ye Wen couldn't help but wonder was she a fellow transmigrant?
Still, the likelihood felt slim. He couldn't think of any girl from his previous life who would have secretly held feelings for him. As an orphan, he'd poured most of his energy into studying and survival, leaving no room for grooming himself or dating. The more he analyzed, the more mysterious Huo Yu'er's behavior seemed.
When Ye Wen subtly inquired about her background, Huo Yu'er responded with cryptic vagueness. She merely stated that her family was from a nearby village and had sent her to the academy as a work study student to avoid raising her with "too much privilege." This seemed like some kind of "poverty education," Ye Wen thought a concept he found incomprehensible. To him, a life of hardship rarely created greatness; that was just a bitter lie.
But regardless of the reasoning, Huo Yu'er's exceptional talent was undeniable. As long as she didn't squander her potential, she'd almost certainly reach the rank of Soul Sage one day. Recognizing this, Ye Wen couldn't ignore the vast gap between their respective futures. There was no way to bridge their differences, and he couldn't shake an uneasy feeling about her intentions. His solution was simple: keep his distance. He made himself appear unremarkable and tried to coldly dismiss her advances. Surely, a girl with her pride would eventually lose interest.
Unfortunately, his strategy seemed to backfire. Huo Yu'er's persistent attentions weren't unnoticed by her admirers, who now turned their jealousy on Ye Wen, determined to "put him in his place." It was only a matter of time before they cornered him one afternoon, one of them grabbing his collar.
But just as he braced himself for a beating, a small foot flew through the air.
"Ada!"
The noble student flew three or four meters before hitting the ground. Dazed, he looked up and recognized his assailant with horror. "Sister Yu'er! Why… why did you kick me? I was helping you get back at him!"
Ye Wen had already prepared himself for a beating, thinking that Huo Yu'er would surely lose interest if she saw him as weak. He hadn't expected her to find him in this secluded corner, let alone swoop in to rescue him. How was he supposed to work with this now?
While he stood there in shock, Huo Yu'er turned her cold gaze on the rest of the students, her voice laced with venom. "If I like someone, even if they don't like me back, that's between us. What does it have to do with you? Now get lost. And if any of you dare to touch my Ye Wen again, I'll personally knock your teeth out!"
Huo Yu'er was already the most powerful student here, and with her imposing tone, she seemed even more fearsome. The other students, pale faced, quickly apologized and scattered.
Ye Wen watched the scene with mixed emotions. Being so firmly defended and chosen by someone how could he not be moved?
But… life had taught Ye Wen to be cautious, even coldly realistic. Their differences in talent alone were a massive gulf. Taking a deep breath, he spoke up at last. "Huo Yu'er, can we talk?"
Still fuming a moment before, Huo Yu'er instantly brightened at the sound of his voice. "Of course, Ye Wen! Whatever you want to say, I'm all ears."
Despite her enthusiasm, Ye Wen hesitated, pausing a long moment before finally voicing his thoughts. "I don't think I'm anything special, Huo Yu'er. I'm… ordinary, and honestly, pretty unremarkable. So, why do you keep treating me so well? I can't figure it out."
Huo Yu'er blinked, momentarily taken aback, before her face softened into a breathtaking smile. "Isn't it obvious? Maybe it was love at first sight. I like you, Ye Wen. Will you give me a chance?"
At that moment, seeing her radiant smile, Ye Wen felt an almost overwhelming surge of emotion. To be liked by such a beautiful girl how could he not feel the tug on his heart?
But life had instilled in Ye Wen a strong sense of pragmatism.
"We're just not meant for each other, Huo Yu'er. You know that. My innate soul power is only half a rank. I'll struggle just to become a Soul Master, let alone anything more. You, on the other hand… You have a chance to stand among the greats, maybe even reach Soul Sage or Soul Douluo, perhaps even become a Titled Douluo someday. So tell me, would someone like you really want to be with someone as… ordinary as me?"
Ye Wen's voice was calm, as if stating a simple truth. But no sooner had he uttered these painful words than Huo Yu'er stepped forward, seizing his hands tightly. Her gaze was filled with fierce determination as she declared, "To me, liking someone is liking someone. I don't care about all those other things."
(End of Chapter)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 40 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Cortez10
Chapter 666: Straightforward Approach (Part 2)
Ye Wen fell silent for a long while after hearing Huo Yu'er's declaration. In his previous life, he'd witnessed love transformed into a commodity, something almost inseparable from money a materialistic view that painted relationships in bloodstained, harsh realism.
But to like someone, to love someone, wasn't supposed to be about personal gain. It was an unconditional gift. And yet, he couldn't shake the surreal feeling that a six year old girl was the one giving him such a confession. This… was certainly the Land of Romance.
Still…
Seeing her unwavering gaze, Ye Wen couldn't help feeling a pang of emotion. Could he… really let himself fall for someone? He was a man who craved peace and stability, not conflict or endless battles. But back in his previous life, even that modest dream was out of reach. Life's pressures forced everyone around him into a brutal competition, and Ye Wen had been just one of the casualties.
Back then, his only escape was imagining a pure, selfless love a type of love so deep and sacrificial that it could transcend reality, like the kind he'd read about in the novels he was drawn to. Perhaps Douluo Continent felt naïve to some adults, but that kind of devotion was exactly what he longed for.
Now, his gaze steadied. For the first time, the usually quiet Ye Wen lifted his head proudly, his calm eyes meeting Huo Yu'er's bright, starry ones.
"I'll ask you one last time. Are you sure you won't regret this?"
Huo Yu'er's cheeks turned a lovely shade of pink as she held his gaze, her own resolve mirrored in her eyes. Feeling Ye Wen's grip strengthen as he took her hands, he spoke with new resolve.
"If that's what you want, then… I won't refuse. But if, one day, you realize you no longer like me, tell me right away. I'll let you go without hesitation, without holding you back. That's the only promise I can give you."
Huo Yu'er gave him a confident smile, her gaze as firm as his own. "You don't have to worry. When I choose someone, I'll stay with them no matter what. I've chosen you, Ye Wen, and I'm not going anywhere. Ever."
In that moment, the young boy and girl vowed a quiet promise, pure and simple. Ye Wen had hoped their budding relationship could remain low key, but that same evening, Huo Yu'er declared her feelings with zero subtlety, shooing Xiao Wu out of their shared bed.
"Xiao Wu, your sister has a boyfriend now, so you'll have to sleep alone," she announced proudly.
With that, she pushed her bed against Ye Wen's, arranging them to share a single blanket. The old one she had used with Xiao Wu was now left for her, while she took Ye Wen's. Though her bedding was softer, Huo Yu'er insisted on the one her beloved had used, unwilling to let anyone else touch it.
Xiao Wu, left with her isolated bed, pouted, her eyes welling with tears. "Sister Yu'er! Please, don't be like that… I don't want to sleep alone."
"No, you'll be fine alone. And look!" Huo Yu'er pointed out. "You've got a brother in law now, Xiao Wu! Stop trying to steal his spot."
"Please, Sister Yu'er, can't I at least sit by you? It's scary to sleep all alone…"
Huo Yu'er finally softened, glancing at Tang San out of the corner of her eye before reluctantly agreeing. "Fine, come over here."
Their conversation sent waves through the dormitory. The other students gaped, completely incredulous. The academy's top student this fierce, unmatched girl had actually chosen Ye Wen, the one everyone saw as weak, and she wasn't shy about it.
Ye Wen himself felt conflicted, inwardly kicking himself for agreeing to her confession so impulsively. Huo Yu'er might not be saying anything inappropriate, but her flirtatiousness made him wonder if he was dealing with a miniature master in the art of romance. If she didn't have an eye based Spirit, Ye Wen would've suspected she was a thousand year old soul beast like Xiao Wu, simply because her behavior seemed way too advanced.
Yet…
Their age difference aside, he couldn't shake his discomfort. No matter how mature Huo Yu'er might be in spirit, she was still, at the end of the day, a child. As someone who'd nearly reached thirty in his past life, Ye Wen refused to take advantage of such a young girl. He didn't want to turn into another version of Tang San, crossing boundaries without a second thought.
He tried to establish some distance, suggesting separate beds. However, Huo Yu'er's sheer persistence wore him down, and he eventually settled for sharing the bed frame but insisting on separate blankets.
Watching from the side, Tang San maintained a serene look, though something in his eyes hinted at envy. He, like Ye Wen, had aimed to keep a low profile. But as he observed this blossoming relationship, a faint bitterness crept into his heart.
"Hmph. His talent's lacking, yet here he is, getting entangled with a girl so young. It's clear he's destined for mediocrity. I'll surpass him eventually. For now, I'll focus on my own training."
He closed his eyes, attempting to focus on cultivation, but the romantic scene next to him kept disrupting his concentration.
Unsurprisingly, news of Ye Wen and Huo Yu'er's relationship spread like wildfire the next day. Try as he might to remain unnoticed, it was impossible when Huo Yu'er was practically the academy's top celebrity. And although many students gossiped, a few were met with her unforgiving punches, and, having received their "lessons," they grudgingly congratulated her choice. Most of the male students, however, were green with envy; a girlfriend who would proudly defend her boyfriend like this was rare and priceless.
Meanwhile, the teachers caught wind of the rumors, but seeing that Huo Yu'er's guardian hadn't objected, they were in no position to interfere.
Only one teacher, in his private study, gazed out the window with a wistful expression. Yu Xiaogang sighed as he watched Ye Wen, his own eyes clouded with memories.
"An innately weak soul power, yet hardworking and bookish… this boy reminds me so much of myself," he thought, granting himself a moment of unearned nostalgia.
Noticing his mentor's distraction, Tang San paused his reading. "Teacher, what's on your mind?"
Yu Xiaogang snapped back to his stern persona, regaining his usual impassive expression as he sat before Tang San with a stony face.
"Is it true what I've heard, Tang San? About that Ye Wen from your village?"
Tang San immediately understood what he meant and felt a flicker of irritation. Still, as his mentor, he answered Yu Xiaogang truthfully. "Yes, Teacher. It's true."
Yu Xiaogang's expression grew more complex.
A young boy with low innate soul power yet an exceptionally talented girlfriend it was an uncomfortable reminder of his own past.
(End of Chapter)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 40 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Cortez10
Chapter 667: Tang Hao's Grand Plan
In the end, Yu Xiaogang didn't reveal anything to Tang San, instead leaving him to study alone.
Late that night, he lay on a cot in his small study, gazing without enthusiasm at the hundreds of books stacked around him. "There's no such thing as a useless martial soul, only useless soul masters?" he muttered, letting out a bitter laugh. "If that theory were true, then why would I still be stuck like this?"
A wry smile crossed Yu Xiaogang's lips. Only someone who had been down this path knew the brutal truth: talent mattered. Without it, no amount of effort could bring greatness. Otherwise, the Douluo Continent would have more than a few dozen Title Douluo. Thinking about Ye Wen, a young student who had a background so similar to his own, Yu Xiaogang felt an odd, complex sympathy. He knew all too well that Ye Wen's talent was lacking, but he wanted to believe needed to believe that even someone born with only half a soul rank could one day become a great soul master.
Yet…
Yu Xiaogang glanced bitterly at his surroundings. He could barely survive off the meager subsidies he received from the Spirit Hall. If he himself had ended up like this despite his clan's resources, how could he ever help a talentless soul master reach greatness? In the end, it was his theories that would bring him fame.
The resolve in his eyes hardened as he thought, "Xiao San, I'll make sure you become a Title Douluo. I'll prove my theories are right."
But just as he silently vowed to achieve this, a deep, gravelly voice echoed through the small room. "Well said. I'm glad to see that Xiao San has you as his teacher."
Startled, Yu Xiaogang's heart raced as he looked up in shock. He quickly realized who must be standing there. The voice belonged to someone he'd long suspected, and now that suspicion was confirmed. Though cloaked and hooded, there was no mistaking him.
"It's you the Haotian Douluo!" he exclaimed, barely concealing his awe.
The figure paused, clearly caught off guard. "To think that after so many years, someone would still recognize me…" Tang Hao slowly lowered his hood, nodding with a glimmer of approval. "Impressive, 'Master.'"
Yu Xiaogang struggled to contain his excitement. "I'm honored, Haotian Douluo. I've admired you since my youth, and I once had the privilege of glimpsing you in person. I've also long suspected Xiao San's true background, so it wasn't difficult to recognize you."
Tang Hao accepted his praise with a slight nod, though social pleasantries weren't his strength. He quickly got to the point. "I've watched you. I see how you've been handling Xiao San's training, and I approve."
Yu Xiaogang felt elated. Nothing could compare to the thrill of having his idol acknowledge his abilities. But then Tang Hao said something that caught him off guard.
"You may continue teaching him, but there's something I want you to do: encourage Xiao San to grow closer to his classmate, Xiao Wu. This relationship will be vital to his future."
Had anyone else made this request, Yu Xiaogang would have dismissed it. After all, soul master training was more important than relationships. But this was the legendary Haotian Douluo. Nodding respectfully, he agreed, "As you wish."
Tang Hao nodded, turning to leave, but paused at the door, his tone carrying an implied promise. "Remember, Xiao San is my son. Help him grow, and when he rises to his potential, he will not forget your loyalty."
And just like that, Tang Hao vanished, leaving Yu Xiaogang marveling at the strength of a Title Douluo.
If Ye Wen had witnessed this exchange, he'd likely have scoffed. Tang Hao had just "hired" a devoted teacher for his son at no cost, even convincing him to help set up Xiao San's romance with Xiao Wu all without spending a single coin.
Meanwhile, Tang Hao slunk back into his hideout, picking up where he'd left off in his usual drunken stupor, albeit with one lingering thought. If Xiao San had even half the charm he'd had as a young man, he wouldn't have needed to pull strings to nudge the ten thousand year spirit beast girl into his life. Although, he admitted, his son's haggard look might be his fault…
Shrugging it off, Tang Hao figured he could always come up with a few more tricks later on. After all, the girl was just an immature spirit beast.
Back in his study, Yu Xiaogang felt an unexpected wave of anxiety. How was he supposed to set up this… match? While he was thrilled to have Tang San as his student, he knew the young girl, Xiao Wu, was also a soul master with innate full soul power, and unlike Tang San, she didn't have a so called "useless" martial soul. With his limited resources, supporting Tang San alone was already a challenge. He hadn't dared to approach Xiao Wu, assuming she would scoff at his offers. But now Tang Hao himself was pushing for this pairing, leaving him no choice.
Yu Xiaogang stayed up all night, straining his mind to devise a plan. At dawn, he had an idea, though he had little faith in it. It was unreasonable to push two kids with no understanding of romance toward each other. Instead, he would focus on cultivating their friendship. If they grew close as friends, perhaps their mutual talent and shared experiences would naturally lead to deeper feelings.
Satisfied with his own ingenuity, Yu Xiaogang put his plan in motion. The next time Tang San came to him for a lesson, Yu Xiaogang mentioned his idea, only to be thrown off by Tang San's reaction.
If it were possible to improve his bond with the adorable and soft hearted Xiao Wu, Tang San would have done so already. Unfortunately, she had no interest in him. She was clearly smitten with their dorm's leader, Huo Yu'er, who she trailed after constantly. Recently, she'd even seemed jealous of Ye Wen, competing with him for Huo Yu'er's attention. But the more she pushed, the more firmly Huo Yu'er supported Ye Wen, leaving Xiao Wu clinging stubbornly to her role as Huo Yu'er's sidekick. Tang San, meanwhile, could only watch in envy.
Yu Xiaogang hadn't expected his matchmaking plan to fall apart before it even began. But who was he, if not the "Grandmaster"? He quickly came up with a second approach.
After a moment's thought, Yu Xiaogang looked at Tang San. "Tang San, I need you to go and bring Ye Wen here to my study."
Tang San hesitated, unsure why his teacher would want to speak with that weakling. Before he could stop himself, he blurted, "Teacher, why do you want to see him?"
Yu Xiaogang smiled slightly, confidence returning to his face. "I've decided to take him as my disciple. That way, he'll be busy studying with me often, leaving Xiao Wu with no distractions, giving you the chance to build a relationship with her."
(End of Chapter)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 40 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Cortez10
Chapter 668: Becoming a Disciple?
Tang San's eyes lit up at Yu Xiaogang's plan. "Master, this is brilliant! I've never liked that Ye Wen anyway. He's such a slippery guy, always managing to charm all those girls even though he's a complete weakling."
As for whether Tang San would feel jealous if Ye Wen were accepted as Yu Xiaogang's disciple? Not in the slightest. After all, Yu Xiaogang's theories about innate talent had only cemented Tang San's belief that Ye Wen whom he had once envied was someone he would surely surpass. To Tang San, strength wasn't just about knowledge; it was also about talent, which he clearly had in abundance.
With that in mind, Tang San readily accepted Yu Xiaogang's request and went back to the dorm to find Ye Wen.
"Xiao Wu… Xiao Wu," Tang San muttered to himself, excitement flickering in his eyes.
Just as Ye Wen finished meditating, he opened his eyes to find Tang San approaching him purposefully. Slightly wary, he wondered, "What's he doing here? Does he plan to deal with me right here?"
But before Ye Wen could guess further, Tang San stopped by his bed and, surprisingly, raised his chin with an air of pride. "Ye Wen, my teacher wants to see you. Come with me," he said.
Ye Wen frowned, wondering why Yu Xiaogang would want to meet with him. "Master wants to see me? We barely know each other. What does he want?"
With his long standing grudge against being looked down upon, Tang San's response to Ye Wen carried a faint hint of superiority. "Don't ask so many questions. Just follow me."
Knowing Tang San's tendency to bring up "paths to death" whenever someone disrespected Yu Xiaogang, Ye Wen decided not to provoke him. After thinking it over, he cautiously replied, "Thank you, Tang San, but I'll have to decline. I respect your teacher, but since he holds no position within the academy, I'm under no obligation to obey him. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have more training to do."
Though Ye Wen's tone was calm, Tang San perceived an underlying insult toward his teacher, assuming that Ye Wen was just another one of those students who looked down on Yu Xiaogang. In a colder voice, he retorted, "Ye Wen, I'd advise you not to be ungrateful. This is an opportunity for you, one you won't find again."
Ye Wen held back a sigh, feeling baffled by Tang San's strange choice of words. "Here's someone who's fully embracing life in the Douluo Continent…" Ye Wen thought wryly. Out loud, though, he remained polite.
At that moment, Huo Yu'er returned to the dorm from a quick break and immediately sensed a tension between Ye Wen and Tang San. Seeing this, her mood darkened. "That Tang San is he harassing my future husband?" she thought.
Ye Wen, noticing Huo Yu'er's arrival, quickly improvised. "Apologies, Tang San, but I don't need your teacher's 'opportunity.' As you can see, my girlfriend's family is quite distinguished. They even have a Soul Sage level elder, so I have all the support I need," he explained with a sly smile. "Besides, if I'm going to rely on anyone's resources, it'll be Huo Yu'er's, not someone else's."
Though he had merely intended to brush Tang San off, Huo Yu'er's face lit up at Ye Wen's words, her golden eyes sparkling. Clinging to Ye Wen's arm, she proudly raised her chin and declared, "Did you hear that? Now leave. Don't interrupt my quality time with Ye Wen. And tell your teacher that we're not interested. Having Ye Wen is all I need."
After that, she clung to Ye Wen even tighter, like someone marking her territory.
At that very moment, Xiao Wu walked in, and upon seeing Ye Wen and Huo Yu'er so close, her cheeks puffed up in anger. She tried to hug Huo Yu'er, but Huo Yu'er simply blocked her and nudged her back onto her bed.
"You too, Xiao Wu! Girls shouldn't get too close to each other like that," Huo Yu'er said sternly.
"But Huo Yu'er! You don't love me anymore! I don't want things to be like this," Xiao Wu whined, looking both hurt and confused.
Immediately, the scene turned into playful chaos, with the three of them laughing and playfully tussling. Meanwhile, Ye Wen tried his best to avoid getting tangled up with Xiao Wu, feeling slightly exasperated. "Your soulmate is right over there dark and brooding. Why are you always bothering us?"
Tang San, forced to watch from the sidelines, felt a pang of jealousy as he looked at Ye Wen and Huo Yu'er. The whole scene only fueled his resolve to work harder. "Humph! Wasting time on relationships like that will only limit him in the future. I'll surpass him soon enough." He returned to Yu Xiaogang, determined to refocus on his training.
When Tang San explained Ye Wen's rejection of Yu Xiaogang's offer, he carefully avoided exaggerating, though he couldn't help noticing his teacher's displeasure. Seeing that his plan had failed, Yu Xiaogang's favorable impression of Ye Wen shattered.
In theory, Yu Xiaogang could have gone to Ye Wen personally, but, as a former heir to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, he felt that accepting him as a disciple was already a great honor. He couldn't stomach the idea of approaching a mere "half talent."
"Humph! Typical commoner," Yu Xiaogang scoffed. "Can't even recognize a great opportunity when it's right in front of him. Rejects a chance to study under me, yet goes running after that girl's small family fortune? Laughable!"
Yu Xiaogang had forgotten, of course, that he himself had once benefited from the Spirit Hall's generosity under…unusual circumstances. In his mind, he was always righteous, the most principled of them all.
Though his initial plans had failed, Yu Xiaogang wasn't discouraged. After all, as the former heartthrob who had once wooed talents like Bibi Dong and Liu Erlong, he still had a trick or two up his sleeve.
And so, alongside Tang San's studies, Yu Xiaogang began to teach him the finer points of courtship though, looking at Tang San's less than charming appearance, Yu Xiaogang realized his disciple would need some help in other areas to boost his charisma.
(End of Chapter)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 40 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Cortez10
Chapter 669: Defining the Path, Part One
Ye Wen was completely unaware of Yu Xiaogang's schemes or efforts in the background, and truthfully, he wouldn't have cared even if he knew. At the moment, Ye Wen's only focus was on his training and strengthening himself as much as possible.
Though he couldn't understand why Huo Yu'er had taken such a strong interest in him so quickly and even more puzzling, why he himself had reciprocated her feelings he felt something genuine between them. (Even if there was a nagging feeling in the back of his mind that he might be turning into a "Tang San 2.0" without realizing it.)
Yet Ye Wen knew, from his past life experience, that maintaining a relationship required effort on both sides. Relying solely on Huo Yu'er's dedication wouldn't sustain them. All things in life could change over time if they weren't nurtured. His previous life had taught him that ideals alone couldn't ensure a happy relationship, especially if there were significant differences in background or intentions. Relationships between people with clashing values or imbalanced family situations could lead to heartbreak or worse, no matter how hopeful they began.
So, although he longed for love, he also feared it. Having had so little to call his own in his previous life, he now treasured everything that came his way. And while love was undeniably precious, it was also fragile; it could vanish just as suddenly as it appeared. For the first time since starting at the academy, Ye Wen now held a goal greater than survival. He wanted to become someone worthy of standing beside Huo Yu'er.
Luckily, Ye Wen had an ace up his sleeve a hidden potential and a unique talent that he was only just beginning to understand. Along with his spirit's innate abilities, he found his mind sharper and more intuitive than it had ever been. The lessons he studied seemed to unlock countless ideas and possibilities, as if an endless stream of inspiration surged through him.
Almost before he knew it, a year had passed since he started at Notting Academy. Tang San, as in the original story, had gone back to his village for the holidays. However, unlike in the original timeline, Xiao Wu's attention was now entirely on Huo Yu'er, likely blocking any romantic subplot for Tang San altogether.
That said, Ye Wen did have one lingering worry. Would Tang Hao, lurking in the shadows, eventually get frustrated watching his son struggle to bond with Xiao Wu and drag him and perhaps even himself and Huo Yu'er into his schemes? The thought sent a chill down Ye Wen's spine. But he quickly dismissed it. After all, even with Tang San's talent, he was still many years from reaching the level needed to acquire a 100,000 year spirit ring. By then, he, Huo Yu'er, and Xiao Wu would have likely gone their separate ways.
Not planning on returning to his village, Ye Wen chose to stay at the academy for the break, focusing on his cultivation. As expected, Huo Yu'er stayed with him, naturally causing Xiao Wu to stay as well. It seemed the 100,000 year old spirit beast had fully committed herself to following Huo Yu'er.
Over the past year, Ye Wen had managed to reach the tenth rank in his cultivation. Once Xiao Wu was distracted, he found a quiet, hidden corner and took out a device he had carefully prepared in advance.
Huo Yu'er's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she looked at the roughly crafted piece of metal. She feigned interest as she asked, "Ye Wen, what is this?"
Though Huo Yu'er had sealed away most of her own cultivation, her time in this world had given her ample knowledge about Ye Wen's potential past. If she wasn't mistaken, this crude object was an early version of a spirit power attribute detector a crucial invention that would later play a significant role in advancing the Douluo Continent's understanding of spirits.
Though its construction seemed simple, lacking intricate spirit guide markings, Huo Yu'er recognized that its fundamental functionality should remain intact. Its core purpose was to determine a spirit master's attribute by detecting how their spirit power resonated with specific metals. Even without added features, it could perform its basic function well, albeit with some limitations.
As Ye Wen explained the tool to her, Huo Yu'er's eyes filled with admiration. As expected of her teacher, he had managed to recreate this invention despite his sealed memories.
Inwardly, she marveled at his wisdom, but a hint of worry crept into her thoughts. How she wished she could quickly grow stronger and claim her teacher's heart. She knew that if Ye Wen reached the Soul Sage level, he might start to recover his memories. At that point, his past self would begin to resurface, potentially complicating everything. For now, she had to ensure that she was the only one by his side.
Ye Wen, oblivious to Huo Yu'er's hidden thoughts, continued his own musings. Although he had long suspected that his spirit had an elemental affinity, he was cautious about drawing any conclusions. His spirit power was strong and versatile, but he had yet to determine if it aligned with specific elements.
He had two reasons for using the spirit power attribute detector. First, he wanted to accurately identify his spirit's elemental properties before seeking a suitable spirit ring. He certainly didn't want to end up like Yu Xiaogang, haphazardly acquiring rings that only served to hinder him.
His second reason was more personal he wanted to show Huo Yu'er what he was capable of. Over the past year, despite her continued interest, he knew that her abilities far exceeded his own, and he was determined not to lag behind. He wanted to prove his worth, to show her that he could one day be the man she deserved. After all, outstanding people were naturally drawn to each other, lifting each other to greater heights.
(End of Chapter)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 40 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Cortez10
Chapter 670: Defining the Path, Part Two
As expected, Huo Yu'er's eyes sparkled with excitement, almost like she had stars in them, as she watched Ye Wen prepare his spirit power attribute detector.
"Now it's time to witness a miracle," Ye Wen murmured.
With a steady flow of his spirit power, he activated the detector. But as he watched the device's reaction, his eyes filled with disbelief.
"This doesn't make sense… I've lit up all six attributes?"
Although Notting Academy's knowledge of spirit beasts couldn't compare to the vast archives of major clans or the Spirit Hall, it had the basics. Standard spirit beasts never held more than three attributes. Even among rare cases, six attributes were nearly unheard of. In Ye Wen's memory, there were only two known spirit beasts with six attributes the Dark Devilgod Tiger of Star Dou Forest and the Silver Dragon Beast from the time of the Absolute Strength Continent. Both were rare to the point of near myth, and their strength was equally formidable.
But his Na Na spirit didn't seem to match those creatures at all. Could it be that this spirit was truly a unique prodigy? Or was it just another anomaly?
Meanwhile, Huo Yu'er seized the opportunity to praise him. "Incredible, Ye Wen. Your spirit has truly impressive attributes."
Ye Wen nodded in a daze, still uncertain what to make of this discovery. Having multiple attributes was certainly advantageous, but as a beginner, he had no clear direction for how to channel this potential.
Unable to shake his suspicions, he handed the detector to Huo Yu'er. "Rain, try it out."
He needed to confirm the device's accuracy. If Huo Yu'er's spirit power triggered every attribute too, it might mean something was wrong with the detector itself. Yet, as Huo Yu'er funneled her spirit power into it, the detector remained completely inert, nothing lighting up.
Feigning disappointment, Huo Yu'er handed the device back to Ye Wen. "Ye Wen, do you think this means I don't have talent? Not a single attribute responded."
But to Ye Wen, this was proof that the detector was functioning. Huo Yu'er's spirit was one of the rare Body Spirits with unique properties and minimal interference from external attributes. Her spirit's sole attribute seemed connected to her mental power, which wasn't detectable by his current version of the device.
He reassured her with a light pat on her shoulder. "Don't worry. You're a nine rank genius. If you lack talent, what does that make me? The detector is still in its early stages. Your spirit specializes in mental power, and this model doesn't respond to that attribute. Once I'm able to afford better materials, I'll make you a detector specifically for mental attributes."
Instantly, Huo Yu'er's mood brightened. The two continued chatting happily, and Ye Wen decided to give her the device as a keepsake, explaining its significance and warning her not to share it with others lightly.
Huo Yu'er agreed without hesitation, and soon they both returned to their training. With no further distractions, Ye Wen set his mind back to developing his abilities.
Without Xiao Wu bonded to Tang San, Huo Yu'er's drive to train had influenced Xiao Wu as well. Under Ye Wen's example, the three of them found themselves pushing each other in a cycle of motivation, an intense regime of practice that hadn't existed in the original timeline.
As he watched the once unmotivated Xiao Wu training with fervor, Ye Wen felt an odd sense of disorientation. Wasn't this world meant to follow a different path?
However, he quickly reminded himself not to get overly involved with them. His path would eventually diverge from theirs, so there was no need to waste his energy on others' choices. All that mattered was that they didn't interfere with his own progress.
Although he had reached the tenth rank and could no longer advance in cultivation, he knew that continued practice would allow him to accumulate hidden reserves of spirit power. This additional energy would ultimately benefit him when he acquired his spirit ring, so he saw no reason to stop training.
Still, Ye Wen also took time to review spirit beast guides, hoping to identify suitable spirit beasts for his unique abilities. While he had confirmed six attributes, he knew that variations existed, like hybrid or secondary attributes. Douluo Continent also held unique properties such as spatial attributes, and who knew what else his spirit might reveal.
However, these very options added to his confusion. The current spirit master culture on Douluo Continent followed two main paths for selecting spirit rings.
The first was the generalist approach, where masters gathered a range of abilities to handle diverse challenges, much like Zhao Wuji, whose formidable strength was bolstered by skills like gravity control. This versatile path was ideal for one on one combat, though it might lack some synergy in group battles.
The second path was the rare specialization approach. Here, masters honed a single attribute to an extreme level, maximizing its impact. The Four Great Clans associated with the Tang Sect's ancestor, the Clear Sky Clan, were prime examples. Each clan member specialized in one skill so intensely that they often surpassed others of the same rank. However, specialization also left most of them vulnerable to specific counters, forcing them to rely on their clan to cover these weaknesses.
Originally, Ye Wen had envisioned focusing on elemental attributes, maximizing his spirit's potential in that realm. But now, with six attributes confirmed, he realized his spirit wasn't purely elemental. If he only had two or three attributes, he could have worked to synchronize them. But with so many, Ye Wen was uncertain how to prioritize them in his selection of spirit rings.
The complexity of his spirit attributes left him wondering if there were even more hidden aspects within his spirit's power.
(End of Chapter)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 40 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Cortez10