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#16
Chapter 16 Practical Application
The morning mist enveloped the Soul Hunter Forest like a light veil, and the dewdrops condensing on the branches and leaves sparkled in the morning light.
The distant chirping of birds added a touch of life to the tranquil forest.
Chu Xinghe had already woken up and was practicing his martial arts in the open space outside the camp.
His movements were clean and crisp, each move accompanied by the sound of air being cut, clearly the result of long-term hard training.
Sweat trickled down his forehead, gleaming faintly in the morning light.
"Getting up so early to practice martial arts?" Yang Yaozong walked over slowly, his eyes filled with approval.
Upon hearing this, Chu Xinghe immediately stopped his stance, clasped his hands in a salute, and said, "Good morning, Dean! I'm just trying to warm up my muscles and bones to prepare for today's training."
Yang Yaozong stroked his beard and nodded with satisfaction: "Diligence is a good thing. Today we're heading east, where most of the soul beasts have been cultivating for ten years, which is perfect for you to practice."
After a simple breakfast, the group headed east.
Sunlight filters through the dense canopy of trees, casting dappled shadows on the forest path.
Chu Xinghe walked at the front of the group, his muscles taut like a bow, his sharp eyes scanning the surrounding bushes.
Suddenly, team leader Yang Yaozong abruptly raised his right hand: "Stop!"
Everyone immediately stopped in their tracks.
The dean crouched down and carefully examined the ground: "Look at these claw marks."
He pointed to several shallow ditches in the mud, "These are the footprints of the Soft Bone Rabbit. Judging from their size, they should be less than a hundred years old. This kind of soul beast is extremely fast, but not very aggressive."
As he spoke, he turned to look at Chu Xinghe, his eyes asking, "How about it? Do you want to use it as your first real-world opponent?"
A fierce fighting spirit ignited in Chu Xinghe's eyes, and a confident smile curved his lips: "I couldn't be happier!"
"Remember," Yang Yaozong's expression suddenly turned serious, and he lowered his voice, "Safety first. We will be there to support you, but you will have to rely on yourself to handle things."
"The student understands!" Chu Xinghe nodded solemnly.
...
As they continued their pursuit, the bushes ahead suddenly began to shake violently.
A white shadow darted out like lightning. It was a soft-boned rabbit, about half the height of a person, with snow-white fur that shimmered silver in the sunlight. Its hind legs were muscular and its scarlet eyes flashed with ferocity.
"They're here!" Yang Yaozong warned in a deep voice, while signaling the other trainees to step back.
Chu Xinghe took a deep breath, and his soul power surged along his meridians.
He shouted in a low voice, "Martial Soul Possession!"
In an instant, a burst of scorching energy erupted from his dantian.
Fine orange scale patterns appeared on the surface of his face, his fingernails grew long and hardened, turning into three-inch-long sharp claws, and three white bone spurs grew on the outside of his forearms.
"Is this the power of Agumon?" Chu Xinghe clenched his fists, feeling the surging energy within his body.
He could clearly sense Agumon's power flowing in his blood, every inch of his muscles brimming with explosive power.
The Soft-Boned Rabbit suddenly pushed off the ground with its hind legs, transforming into a white afterimage as it pounced.
Chu Xinghe's pupils contracted slightly; his dynamic vision, honed in the slaughterhouse, allowed him to accurately track the soul beast's trajectory.
He dodged to the side, his right paw slashing at the soft-boned rabbit's side with a whooshing sound.
"Bang!"
With a dull thud, the Soft-Boned Rabbit was sent flying several meters like a rag doll, crashing heavily into a tree with a pitiful "squeak".
Yang Yaozong's eyes gleamed: "This power... has surpassed the scope of ordinary beast martial souls. Is it a power amplification unique to dragon-type martial souls?"
The students watching the match gasped in surprise.
Pan Peng rubbed his eyes hard and turned to look at Ye Weihai: "Ah Hao, if I remember correctly, Chu Xinghe became a Soul Master just yesterday, just like us, right?"
Ye Weihai's face turned pale: "How...how dare he directly engage in hand-to-hand combat with a soul beast?"
Just then, the injured Soft-Boned Rabbit struggled to its feet.
Its eyes gleamed with even greater ferocity, blood trickled from the corner of its mouth, and the muscles in its hind legs tensed once more.
"Whoosh—"
The soul beast pounced at an even faster speed, its sharp teeth aimed straight for Chu Xinghe's throat.
At the critical moment, Chu Xinghe's lips curled into a cold smile.
Two years of working in a slaughterhouse gave him an intimate knowledge of the vitals of living organisms.
He lowered his body slightly, and his right claw extended like a venomous snake.
"laugh!"
The sharp claws pierced the soft-boned rabbit's throat with precision, and blood gushed out like a fountain.
Chu Xinghe spun around and slammed the soul beast heavily to the ground.
The soft-boned rabbit twitched a few times, its snow-white fur quickly turning red with blood, and it was on its last breath.
"Xu Chuanzhou!" a teacher suddenly shouted, "Quickly kill that Soft Bone Rabbit and absorb its spirit ring!"
A small, thin student strode out from the crowd.
His martial soul is that of an ordinary house cat, which is not a good match for the Soft Bone Rabbit.
But as a commoner, Xu Chuanzhou knew he had no right to be picky; obtaining a spirit ring was already a great stroke of luck.
He trembled as he raised the dagger and plunged it into the soft-boned rabbit's throat.
The white spirit ring slowly rose, gleaming faintly in the sunlight.
"Beautiful!" Yang Yaozong led the applause, his loud voice echoing through the forest. "Decisive action, perfect timing!"
Yang Yaozong's gaze remained fixed on Chu Xinghe; the boy's fighting style had shocked him.
Without using any soul skills, relying solely on the physical strength gained from the possession of his martial soul and the combat skills honed in the slaughterhouse, he cleanly and efficiently dealt with the ten-year-old soul beast.
Although the Soft-Boned Rabbit is not very aggressive, its fighting talent is truly astonishing.
Chu Xinghe let out a long sigh of relief, only then realizing that his back was already soaked with sweat.
If it weren't for those two and a half years of slaughtering livestock day after day in the slaughterhouse, which honed his instinct to accurately judge the movements of his prey, he probably would have been caught red-handed by the Soft-Boned Rabbit in the very first encounter.
"How are you feeling?" Yang Yaozong asked as he approached, his eyes filled with inquiry.
Chu Xinghe wiped the sweat from his forehead: "I have benefited greatly. The students' movements are not smooth enough, and their control over their strength needs to be improved."
"Hahaha!" Yang Yaozong laughed and patted him on the shoulder. "To have such awareness in your first real battle is already remarkable! You're no worse than I was back then!"
Upon hearing this, the teachers behind him all lowered their heads to hide the strange expressions on their faces.
They had followed the dean for many years and naturally knew what level the dean had reached when he was young.
The team continued deeper into the forest.
Chu Xinghe silently sensed the changes within his body and was pleasantly surprised to find that his soul power had increased by nearly one percent after the battle.
This discovery made his heart race.
Even if you slaughter a lot of livestock in the slaughterhouse, the increase in soul power is negligible.
"As expected..." He clenched his fist, a sudden realization flashing in his eyes, "The system won't let me take advantage of it. Only by fighting powerful opponents can one find the true path to cultivation."
This realization both excited and made him uneasy.
The road ahead was destined to be full of dangers, but he had no choice but to become stronger.
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#17
Chapter 17 Challenging a Hundred-Year-Old Soul Beast
The midday sun scorched the Soul Hunter Forest as the team continued their journey, treading on the soft fallen leaves.
Suddenly, Yang Yaozong, who was in charge, raised his right arm, and everyone immediately stopped in their tracks.
"There's something going on in the northeast," Yang Yaozong said in a low voice.
Following the direction, Chu Xinghe looked through the gaps in the bushes and saw a huge creature drinking water by the stream.
The behemoth was entirely black, its three-meter-long body resembling a mobile fortress, its back covered with a thick layer of keratin that gleamed with a metallic sheen in the sunlight.
What is most striking is the single horn on its forehead, which is half a meter long, with a sharp tip that gleams with a chilling sharpness.
"An armored rhinoceros with a hundred years of cultivation." Yang Yaozong lowered his voice, each word carrying a solemn aura. "This kind of soul beast has one of the best defenses among its peers, but it is relatively slow. It's perfect for you to practice on."
Chu Xinghe unconsciously clenched his fists, and fine beads of sweat seeped from his palms.
He could clearly feel his heart racing, but he felt an overwhelming sense of excitement and anticipation.
"I understand," he replied in a deep voice, his tone revealing an barely suppressed fighting spirit.
Yang Yaozong pressed his withered hand heavily on his shoulder: "Listen carefully, kid. Its fatal weaknesses are in its abdomen and eyes."
Yang Yaozong's eyes were sharp. "Never confront it head-on. Find the right opportunity and strike decisively!"
Chu Xinghe nodded solemnly and took a deep breath. As his thoughts raced, his soul power surged within him like a tidal wave: "Martial Soul Possession!"
In an instant, scorching energy swept over his entire body.
Fine orange scales appeared on the surface of his face, and his fingernails grew wildly, transforming into three-inch-long sharp claws.
"Is this the power of a dragon-type martial soul?" Chu Xinghe flexed his wrists, feeling the surging energy within his body.
With a light leap, he jumped more than two meters, yet landed as lightly as a feather.
Yang Yaozong's eyes gleamed: "Go, but be careful."
Chu Xinghe nodded in acknowledgment, then lowered his body and silently approached the armored rhinoceros like a cheetah.
Amidst the babbling of the stream, the armored rhinoceros suddenly raised its head alertly, exhaling two plumes of white vapor from its large nostrils.
It seemed to sense danger, its thick hooves pawing nervously at the damp earth.
The armored rhinoceros's scarlet pupils suddenly contracted, and its thick neck muscles tensed like iron.
With a deafening roar, it stomped its front hooves heavily on the ground, sending fallen leaves within a ten-meter radius flying into the air.
"Just what I wanted!" Chu Xinghe grinned, and the yellow soul ring beneath his feet shone brightly.
The phantom of Agumon solidified behind him, its dragon scales gleaming with a metallic sheen in the sunlight.
"First Soul Skill, Crimson Flame Dragon Claw!"
"boom!"
His arms were instantly enveloped in crimson flames. Chu Xinghe leaped up from the ground, leaving a trail of afterimages behind him.
Not to be outdone, the armored rhinoceros lowered its head, aimed its single horn at the attacker, bulged its hind leg muscles, and charged forward!
"clang--!!!"
The moment the claw blades collided with the unicorn horn, dazzling sparks exploded like fireworks.
Chu Xinghe's tiger's mouth burst open, and blood flowed down his wrist, but he used the recoil to flip in mid-air.
The armored rhinoceros lunged forward several meters due to inertia, its powerful limbs carving deep furrows in the ground.
"It's not over yet!" Chu Xinghe sprang up again the moment he landed, his burning right claw slashing at the exposed belly of the armored rhinoceros.
The armored rhinoceros sensed danger and hastily turned to the side.
"Sizzle!"
Three charred claw marks appeared on his side, the skin and flesh at the edges of the wounds were torn up, and they gave off a burnt smell.
The armored rhinoceros roared in pain, suddenly stood up, and slammed down with its two front hooves like heavy hammers!
"boom!"
Chu Xinghe retreated rapidly, leaving a half-meter-deep crater in the ground where he had been standing.
A streak of flying pebbles grazed his cheek, drawing blood. He licked the blood from the corner of his mouth, his fighting spirit intensifying.
"The dean is right, the eyes are indeed a weakness…" Chu Xinghe suddenly changed direction and moved quickly around the armored rhinoceros.
The armored rhinoceros turned its heavy body, its single horn thrusting out repeatedly, but always a beat too late.
"Now!" Seizing the moment when the armored rhinoceros turned around, Chu Xinghe leaped up.
Its left claw plunged deep into the wound it had previously inflicted, while its right claw aimed straight for the scarlet right eye!
"Pfft! Pfft!"
Two muffled thuds sounded almost simultaneously.
The armored rhinoceros let out a heart-wrenching howl and frantically shook its head.
Chu Xinghe was thrown several meters away, his back slamming heavily against a tree trunk, and a metallic taste immediately rose in his throat.
"Cough cough..."
He forced himself to look up despite the excruciating pain, only to see that the armored rhinoceros's right eye was a bloody mess and that blood was gushing from the wound on its side abdomen.
But the vitality of the hundred-year-old soul beast far exceeded expectations, and it launched another attack!
"The final blow!" Chu Xinghe gritted his teeth and stood up, his soul power surging wildly within him.
The phantom of Agumon roared to the sky, and crimson flames reappeared on its claws.
"Crimson Dragon Claw!"
"Boom—"
Two pillars of crimson fire pierced through the wound in the armored rhinoceros's abdomen and emerged from its back.
The armored rhinoceros's charge came to an abrupt halt, its massive body crashing to the ground, sending leaves flying everywhere.
Chu Xinghe knelt on one knee, breathing heavily.
The two full-force use of the Crimson Flame Dragon Claw consumed most of his soul power, but the surge of soul power within him invigorated him.
This time, the harvest was more than double that of the previous battle against the Soft Bone Rabbit!
"Indeed, challenging stronger opponents is the key to rapid improvement..." He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
Yang Yaozong strode over and patted him heavily on the shoulder with his rough hand: "Well done! Especially that last strike, the timing was perfect."
Chu Xinghe looked up and gave a shy smile: "Thanks to the Dean for pointing out the key points."
"Hahaha!" Yang Yaozong's hearty laughter echoed through the woods. "Courageous and resourceful, a promising talent!"
At the back of the group, Pan Peng gripped his companion's arm tightly, his voice trembling: "He really... just got his first spirit ring yesterday, like us?"
The armored rhinoceros lay on the ground, barely alive, and could die at any moment.
Yang Yaozong looked around the group and his gaze fell on a burly student: "Niu Dali, your Yellow Ox Martial Soul is compatible with the Ironclad Rhinoceros attribute, so this Soul Ring is yours."
Niu Dali was so excited that he was trembling all over, and his hand holding the dagger was shaking.
He cautiously approached the armored rhinoceros and delivered the final blow to the vital spot that Chu Xinghe had deliberately left untouched.
"Thank you, Brother Chu..." Niu Dali stammered as he thanked Chu Xinghe after absorbing the soul ring.
Chu Xinghe shook his head and pointed to Yang Yaozong: "No need to thank me. If you want to thank someone, thank the dean. He's the one who gave you this opportunity."
Upon hearing this, Yang Yaozong's wrinkles smoothed out.
He looked at Chu Xinghe with satisfaction, secretly praising him: Knowing how to be grateful and not taking credit, this kind of mentality is truly rare among young soul masters.
...
As night deepened, Chu Xinghe sat cross-legged by the campfire, his fingertips unconsciously rubbing the wound on his waist.
Having successfully obtained the first spirit ring, it's time to consider the next step.
"Notting Academy is no longer suitable for me…" He stared at the flickering flames, his thoughts churning.
In the entire junior academy, apart from Tang San and Xiao Wu, who both possessed innate full soul power, no one else could put pressure on him.
Those two guys' soul power is almost at level 20, and I'm no match for them now.
In the firelight, his gaze grew even more resolute.
The intermediate Soul Master Academy offers a broader stage and more formidable opponents, which is the training environment he needs.
"Brother Chu, what are you thinking about?" Niu Dali came over, his newly acquired hundred-year soul ring making him look radiant.
"I'm thinking about what to do next." Chu Xinghe smiled and didn't say anything more.
Five days passed in the blink of an eye.
When the last student successfully absorbed the soul ring, the entire Soul Hunting Team was filled with a joyful atmosphere.
After counting the number of people, Yang Yaozong nodded in satisfaction: "Very good, everyone has become a true Soul Master. We will set off back to the academy early tomorrow morning."
Chu Xinghe looked in the direction of Nottingham City, having already made up his mind.
It's time to say goodbye to this starting point and go after even stronger opponents.
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#18
Chapter 18 Tang San: I'm doing this all for your own good
Nottingham College, Dean's Office.
Chu Xinghe stood in front of Yang Yaozong with his back ramrod straight.
Choosing an intermediate academy is crucial, but Chu Xinghe didn't know which intermediate academies could meet his needs, so after returning to the academy, he immediately sought out Yang Yaozong.
"Xinghe, what brings you here so early?" Yang Yaozong put down the file in his hand, his eyes filled with admiration.
The boy came to find him right after obtaining his first spirit ring, so he must have some new plans.
"Dean, I would like to ask you to recommend an intermediate-level Soul Master academy," Chu Xinghe said, getting straight to the point.
Yang Yaozong nodded slightly and gestured for him to sit down: "Obtaining your first spirit ring does meet the graduation requirements. However, each intermediate academy has its own unique features. Tell me your requirements?"
Chu Xinghe settled into the leather chair, placing his hands flat on his knees: "I hope the academy excels in combat instruction, especially the combat system of beast spirits. In addition, the city where the academy is located must have a large spirit arena."
"Oh?" Yang Yaozong raised an eyebrow. "So obsessed with practical combat? There are no academies in Fasno Province that meet your requirements. You'll have to go to other provinces or even kingdoms."
"Both conditions are indispensable." Chu Xinghe's eyes were burning. "Only in real battles can I grow rapidly."
Yang Yaozong leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping lightly on the table.
It's rare to find an intermediate academy that requires both mastery of the Beast Soul combat system and proximity to the Great Soul Arena.
"Let me think..." Yang Yaozong took out a yellowed map from the drawer and slowly unfolded it on the table.
Yang Yaozong suddenly slammed his finger heavily on the map, making a muffled sound: "Got it! Battle Frenzy Academy!"
Chu Xinghe's eyes lit up: "Battle Madness Academy?"
"That's right." Yang Yaozong stroked his beard, a look of reminiscence flashing in his eyes. "Ten years ago, when I was traveling through the Heaven Dou Empire, I stopped there. The academy is located in Hope City of the Kingdom of Sylves, which is the second largest city in the Kingdom of Sylves."
"Hope City…" Chu Xinghe repeated softly, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Yang Yaozong continued, "The War Maniac Academy is famous for its practical teaching. Their motto is 'Born to fight, until death do us part.'"
"This idea is exactly what I'm looking for!" Chu Xinghe couldn't help but interject, his fist clenching unconsciously.
Yang Yaozong smiled and added, "Moreover, the Hope City's Great Soul Arena is incredibly large. It's said that it can host ten matches simultaneously, with Soul Master level battles every day."
Chu Xinghe's breathing quickened: "Dean, this academy is practically tailor-made for me!"
Yang Yaozong's tone suddenly became hesitant: "However..."
"Is there a problem?" Chu Xinghe pressed.
"Unlike the academies in this province," Yang Yaozong stroked his beard, "to enter the War Frenzy Academy, one must pass their entrance combat assessment. And…"
He gave Chu Xinghe a meaningful look. "Their assessment is one of the most difficult among all intermediate soul master academies, with an extremely high elimination rate."
Upon hearing this, Chu Xinghe's lips curled into an excited smile: "Combat assessment? Just what I wanted!"
A fighting spirit ignited in his eyes, as if he could already see himself clashing with geniuses from all walks of life.
This kind of academy where merit speaks volumes is the place he truly yearns for.
Compared to those academies that are all show and no substance, such as Shrek Academy hidden in the countryside, which claims to only accept monsters but is actually just using students' talents to maintain a facade.
Seeing Chu Xinghe's reaction, Yang Yaozong nodded in satisfaction: "How about this, I'll personally take you to participate in the assessment."
"This..." Chu Xinghe was somewhat surprised, "Wouldn't this be too much trouble for the dean?"
"Hahaha!" Yang Yaozong laughed heartily, "Notting Academy rarely produces such a promising talent as you. Tang San and Xiao Wu..."
He waved his hand, not continuing, but the meaning was clear: although those two were nominally students of Notting, they were actually training alone with Yu Xiaogang.
"Thank you for your guidance, Dean!" Chu Xinghe bowed deeply, his voice firm. "I will certainly live up to your expectations."
"Remember," Yang Yaozong suddenly said seriously, "the students of the War Maniac Academy are all practical fighters, and their fighting style is extremely dangerous."
"The more dangerous, the better." Chu Xinghe raised his head, his eyes blazing with fighting spirit. "I'm just worried about not finding an opponent of enough caliber."
Chu Xinghe walked with unusually light steps as he left the dean's office.
The sunlight was perfect outside the corridor, and he could almost hear the shouts coming from the Hope City Arena.
A new journey is about to begin, and he can't wait to meet those so-called "combat elites".
...
Inside Dormitory 7, the midday sun streamed through the windows, casting golden light across the floor, yet it couldn't conceal the warm atmosphere inside.
Chu Xinghe stood in the center of the dormitory and clapped his hands to attract everyone's attention: "Everyone, today I'm treating you all to a meal on the second floor of the cafeteria. I haven't been up there to try anything in my three years at Notting College."
"Wow! Really?" Xiao Wu jumped out of bed with a leap. "Let's go, let's go now!"
In the corner, Tang San, who was wiping his hidden weapons, looked up, his brows furrowed slightly: "Xinghe, are you really determined to graduate early?"
He put down the parts he was holding and said sincerely, "How about we wait another three years? Then we can go together..."
"Third Brother," Chu Xinghe interrupted with a smile, but his eyes were exceptionally firm, "You and Xiao Wu are exceptionally talented, I can't compare. How many three-year periods does one have in a lifetime? For me, going to the intermediate academy now is the best choice."
Do you want to recruit him to Shrek Academy?
Chu Xinghe sneered inwardly. His meager talent was probably no match for the torment of that "theoretical master" Yu Xiaogang.
Moreover, given his current strength, even if he barely reaches Shrek Academy's threshold in three years, why not choose the more well-resourced Heaven Dou Royal Academy?
At least if I go to the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy, I'll still have a chance to curry favor with that rich woman, Dugu Yan.
Tang San stood up, his face contorted with pain: "Xinghe, I'm doing this for your own good. The teacher's theories..."
"Third Brother." Chu Xinghe turned around and pushed open the dormitory door. "It's such a downer to talk about this during dinner. Brothers, let's go!"
He waved to his other roommates, and they cheered and rushed out.
Tang San, lagging behind, had a face so dark it could drip water. Xiao Wu tugged at his sleeve: "Brother, what's wrong?"
"Ungrateful!" Tang San spat out the words through gritted teeth. "I thought he had some potential and wanted to give him a chance, but he actually..."
Of all the mediocre talents at Notting Academy, only Chu Xinghe could barely catch his eye.
He had hoped to cultivate a capable assistant, but to his surprise, the other party was not grateful to him and instead rejected him outright.
"Oh dear~" Xiao Wu swung her braids nonchalantly, "Who cares! I've been craving the honey-glazed roasted rabbit leg on the second floor for ages anyway."
As she spoke, she skipped and hopped after him.
In the corridor, Chu Xinghe listened to the faint conversation behind him, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
Under the guise of "doing what's best for you," you want to decide your life?
He detests this kind of manipulation that uses the guise of "for your own good" to actually control others, as if they should arrange other people's fates. It is more disgusting than blatant malice.
In the cafeteria, the students from Dormitory 7 followed Chu Xinghe up to the second floor.
The waiter at the door saw the group of boys dressed as work-study students and was about to step forward to stop them when Chu Xinghe had already revealed the Soul Master badge at his waist.
"Give us a window seat." Chu Xinghe surveyed the opulent dining area, a smug smile playing on his lips, then turned to his companions and announced loudly, "Today's entire bill—"
He deliberately dragged out his words, and snapped his fingers amidst everyone's expectant gazes, "I'll pay!"
"Brother Chu is awesome!" Niu Dali exclaimed excitedly, his face flushed red as he waved his thick arms.
"I want honey-glazed roasted rabbit leg!"
"Ten baskets of crystal shrimp dumplings, please!"
The boys from Dormitory 7 started ordering food all at once, their voices so loud that they drew the attention of other diners.
Xiao Wu snatched the menu, her pink scorpion braid swaying excitedly from side to side: "This, this, and this! I want them all!"
Tang San sat in the corner, looking at the noisy scene before him, his brows slightly furrowed.
He whispered to Xiao Wu beside him, "Enough is enough, don't go too far."
"Mind your own business!" Xiao Wu stuck out her tongue. "Xinghe already said to order whatever you like!"
Chu Xinghe leaned back in his carved chair, his fingertips lightly tapping the table.
Three months ago, this feast, worth more than five silver coins, would have been unthinkable.
But now, as long as you register at the Spirit Hall, you can receive a subsidy of one gold spirit coin every month.
This amount of money represents several months' worth of expenses for an average family.
"Brother Chu," Niu Dali leaned closer and whispered, "This must have cost a lot of money, right?"
Chu Xinghe picked up the celadon teacup, took a sip, and smiled, "It's fine to splurge once in a while."
His gaze swept over the table full of delicacies, then looked at his jubilant companions, and said softly, "Consider this... a parting gift."
Sunlight streamed through the stained glass windows, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow on the teak floor.
As Chu Xinghe gazed at the changing lights, he seemed to see a new journey about to unfold in Hope City.
Niu Dali suddenly raised his juice glass: "Brothers, toast to Brother Chu! May you shine brightly at the Intermediate Soul Master Academy!"
"To Brother Chu!" everyone responded in unison, and even Tang San had to raise his glass.
Chu Xinghe drank it all in one gulp, and the sweet and sour taste in his throat reminded him of all the little things that had happened over the past three years.
This meal was worth it.
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#19
Chapter 19 Goodbye to Model Worker Su Yuntao
The midday sun shone through the windows of Dormitory 7, casting dappled light and shadow on the beds.
Chu Xinghe deftly stuffed a few changes of clothes into his bundle, and then took one last look around the place where he had lived for three years.
"Brothers, take care." He slung his bag over his shoulder and waved to the crowd.
"Brother Chu, remember to come back and see us!" the students of Dormitory 7 shouted, their eyes red with tears.
Xiao Wu bit her lip, hesitating to speak, but finally waved her hand and said, "Hey, don't get beaten up at the new academy, or you'll embarrass your sister Xiao Wu!"
Chu Xinghe grinned, turned around, and pushed open the wooden door to the dormitory.
Meanwhile, in the attic on the top floor of the dormitory building, Tang San was standing in front of Yu Xiaogang, his fists unconsciously clenched.
"Teacher, do I really have to wait three years?" His voice was filled with suppressed resentment. "Even someone like Chu Xinghe dared to graduate early..."
Yu Xiaogang put down the book in his hand, slowly stood up, and placed his withered hands on Tang San's shoulders: "Xiao San, why do you care about a guy whose innate soul power is only level three?"
Outside the window, Chu Xinghe's figure was crossing the playground, heading towards the Spirit Hall.
Yu Xiaogang's gaze followed that figure, a hint of gloom flashing in his eyes.
"Even if his martial soul mutates again…" Yu Xiaogang's voice suddenly became sharp, and the fingers on Tang San's shoulder tightened involuntarily, "this kind of accidental luck cannot change the essence of things!"
He would always remember the mocking looks he received when he awakened his Luo Sanpao form.
Decades have passed, and his martial spirit has never shown any sign of evolution.
Yu Xiaogang had his back to Tang San, his withered fingers tapping lightly on the table, producing a dull sound.
"His path ends here." Yu Xiaogang's voice was low and hoarse. "At the third level of innate soul power, even a mutated martial soul cannot change his fundamental nature. But you—"
He suddenly turned around, a strange light flashing in his cloudy eyes, "Innate full soul power, awakening the martial soul and becoming a soul master, this is the true genius!"
Tang San's breathing became rapid involuntarily.
"Stay by my side." Yu Xiaogang stepped forward, his withered fingers pressing on Tang San's shoulder. "I will teach you the most advanced martial spirit theories on the continent, and the most comprehensive knowledge of soul beasts. You have the potential to become a Title Douluo, but…"
He changed the subject, a complex look flashing in his eyes: "That academy only accepts true monsters. You're not qualified yet."
Tang San's pupils suddenly contracted.
He reached level 20 soul power at the age of nine, which would have allowed him to graduate directly from an intermediate academy. Yet he still couldn't meet the admission standards.
"Teacher..." Tang San's voice trembled slightly.
Yu Xiaogang suddenly pulled Tang San into his arms and gently patted his back: "Xiao San, you have to believe me. I've always treated you like my own son. In these three years, when have I ever lied to you?"
Tang San's dissatisfaction gradually subsided as he smelled the worn-out scent of books on his teacher.
Yes, from the day he enrolled, the teachers treated him like their own son...
"Disciple understands." Tang San bowed deeply, concealing the resentment in his eyes.
After Tang San left, Yu Xiaogang stood alone by the window.
His expression shifted between light and shadow in the sunlight.
"Chu Xinghe…" he gritted his teeth as he uttered the name.
Both have mutated martial souls, so why is that kid able to advance so smoothly all the way?
And his Luo Sanpao...
Yu Xiaogang looked down at his trembling hands.
The Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex family spent countless resources, but they could only get him to level 29.
Over the years, he could only place his hopes on theoretical research and on Tang San.
"Bang!"
He slammed his fist on the windowsill, startling the sparrows that were pecking at scraps outside.
The midday sun shone directly on his distorted face, and every wrinkle held the resentment and bitterness he had accumulated over the decades.
...
Notting City, a branch of the Spirit Hall.
The midday sun shone on the stone steps in front of the Spirit Hall branch hall, making the white stone steps shine brightly.
Chu Xinghe walked steadily up the steps, his Notting College uniform swaying gently in the breeze.
Although he was only nine years old, his diligent training over the years and the nourishment from his century-old soul ring had made him as tall and upright as a twelve or thirteen-year-old boy.
"Excuse me, what brings you to the Spirit Hall?"
At the entrance of the hall, two guards dressed in the uniforms of the Spirit Hall bowed respectfully.
They sized up the young man before them with practiced eyes. His Notting Academy uniform, composed demeanor, and the faint fluctuations of his soul power all indicated that he was likely a prospective Soul Master who had come to register.
Chu Xinghe stopped and nodded slightly: "Greetings, both of you. I have successfully obtained my first spirit ring and have come to register my spirit master status."
The guards exchanged glances, and warm smiles immediately appeared on their faces.
The older guards quickly stepped aside to make way: "Just as I thought! Please come in. Several students from Notting Academy have already come to register today. It truly lives up to its reputation as the best Soul Master Academy in Notting City."
The younger guards respectfully pushed open the door: "The registration office is on the right side of the main hall, and there is a dedicated steward in charge of this matter."
Chu Xinghe nodded his thanks and stepped into the hall.
Behind me, I heard two guards talking in hushed tones:
"The quality of Notting College's graduates this year is indeed quite good..."
"Yes, I heard that some students even obtained century-old spirit rings..."
Although these two guards also possessed soul power, they were unable to break through to level ten and become true soul masters due to limitations in their talent.
Serving in the Spirit Hall is their only hope for obtaining their first spirit ring in the future.
If they can cultivate to level 10 soul power in the future, the Spirit Hall will help them obtain their first soul ring. This is why they are willing to guard the gate even though they have soul power.
As Chu Xinghe stepped into the main hall of the Spirit Hall, a familiar figure dressed in a white butler's uniform walked towards him.
"Master Su Yuntao," Chu Xinghe greeted him respectfully with a bow.
"Who are you?" Su Yuntao frowned slightly, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes.
As a model worker in the Spirit Hall, he awakens the spirits of hundreds of children every year, so naturally he can't remember what each person looks like.
Chu Xinghe smiled slightly: "Master, I am Chu Xinghe from Xiaoyuan Village. When you awakened my martial soul three years ago, my initial form was an egg."
"Egg-shaped Martial Soul?" Su Yuntao was taken aback at first, then suddenly realized, "Ah, it's that mutated Martial Soul!"
He scrutinized the boy before him. "I remember your innate soul power was..."
"Level three," Chu Xinghe replied calmly.
"What?" Su Yuntao's eyes widened. "Level three innate soul power, and he cultivated it to level ten in just three years? And he even successfully obtained a soul ring?"
His voice unconsciously rose a few decibels, "What age was your first spirit ring?"
"Three hundred years," Chu Xinghe told the truth.
"Three hundred years?!" Su Yuntao's voice suddenly rose, attracting the attention of several nearby Soul Masters.
He was born with a level two soul power, and it took him six years of arduous training to barely reach level ten, and he only obtained a ten-year soul ring.
This young man before me has such talent?
"Just lucky." Chu Xinghe lowered his head humbly.
A look of satisfaction flashed in Su Yuntao's eyes. He was also from a commoner background, and seeing the child whose martial spirit he had awakened become so outstanding made him feel extremely proud.
"You're here to register as a Soul Master, right?" Su Yuntao asked kindly.
"That's right. I wonder if you are in charge?"
"No." Su Yuntao shook his head, a rare smile on his face. "Such talent should be registered by Lord Matthew Nuo himself. Come, I'll take you there."
After passing through the corridor, Su Yuntao led Chu Xinghe to an elegant office.
Upon entering, one sees an elderly man with white hair reviewing files at his desk.
He was dressed in a neat deacon's robe, his silver hair was combed meticulously, and his kind face carried a gentle smile. He exuded a reassuring aura of righteousness.
"Lord Matthew." Su Yuntao bowed respectfully. "This is Chu Xinghe from Notting Academy. He has reached level ten in just three years since awakening his martial soul and has also obtained his first soul ring."
"And his first spirit ring is three hundred years old," Su Yuntao emphasized. "He's here today to register as a spirit master at the Spirit Hall."
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#20
Chapter 20 Registering Soul Masters, Matthew's Recruitment
"A three-hundred-year-old spirit ring?" Matthew suddenly stood up, his white beard trembling slightly. "Are you sure it's the first spirit ring in three hundred years?"
Su Yuntao nodded respectfully: "It's absolutely true, I've already confirmed it."
Matthew quickly walked around the desk, subtly releasing his soul power to probe.
When he sensed the powerful soul energy fluctuations within Chu Xinghe's body, his eyes immediately lit up.
"Great! Great! Great!" Matthew exclaimed three times, patting Chu Xinghe's shoulder excitedly. "Notting Academy has actually produced a talent like you this year!"
He turned around eagerly and took a gold-embossed document from the bookshelf, saying kindly, "Child, the Holy Radiance Intermediate Soul Master Academy, under the Spirit Hall, possesses the most comprehensive cultivation resources in the Fasno Province. If you wish, I can personally write a letter of recommendation..."
"Thank you for your kindness, Master Matthew." Chu Xinghe bowed respectfully, "but I have already decided to study at the War Maniac Academy."
Matthew's smile froze on his face, and the document in his hand stopped in mid-air.
After a long pause, he sighed softly, "The War Madness Academy is indeed quite good... but if you change your mind, you can come to me anytime."
Matthew adjusted his crystal glasses and said gently, "Child, now you need to demonstrate your martial spirit and spirit rings so we can make a detailed record."
Chu Xinghe nodded, his soul power flowing through his body.
"Martial Soul Possession!"
As a flash of orange light appeared, fine scale patterns emerged on the surface of his panel, and his fingernails quickly extended, transforming into three-inch-long sharp claws.
A bright yellow spirit ring rose from beneath his feet and pulsed slowly around him.
"This..." Matthew's quill pen fell to the table with a "clatter." He stared wide-eyed at the boy in front of him in disbelief. "According to the records, your martial soul is a mutated ball beast from an egg martial soul. It should be a pink spherical creature, right?"
Chu Xinghe withdrew from his Martial Soul Possession state and explained, "When I absorbed the first Soul Ring, my Martial Soul evolved again. Now it's called Agumon."
"Agumon?" Matthew hurriedly picked up his quill and quickly wrote it down on the parchment. "What kind of spirit beast did your first spirit ring come from?"
Chu Xinghe replied, "A three-hundred-year-old Crimson Fire Wolf."
"Crimson Fire Wolf?" Matthew suddenly stopped, his brows furrowing. "Not a dragon-type soul beast?"
He looked Chu Xinghe over again. The characteristics he had when his martial soul was possessed earlier clearly showed the shadow of a dragon-type martial soul. How could his first soul ring not be a dragon-type soul beast?
Chu Xinghe nodded firmly: "It is indeed a Crimson Fire Wolf."
Matthew stroked his beard thoughtfully.
Although it didn't go as expected, he still carefully recorded this special case: "A martial soul that mutated twice in a row, absorbing ordinary soul beasts but exhibiting dragon-like characteristics... This case is of great research value."
As he wrote, he muttered to himself, "Perhaps this can serve as a reference for Soul Masters who encounter similar situations in the future..."
Matthew put down his quill pen, a hint of reluctance flashing in his eyes: "Child, are you really not going to reconsider? With your talent, if you study at the Spirit Hall's intermediate academy, you will very likely have the opportunity to go to the Spirit City headquarters for further studies in the future."
His voice carried a hint of urgency, "That's an opportunity that countless Soul Masters dream of!"
Chu Xinghe's gaze was firm, and he bowed slightly: "Thank you for your kindness, Master Matthew. The Spirit Hall is certainly desirable, but the Battle Maniac Academy... may be more suitable for students to spread their wings and soar."
"Sigh…" Matthew sighed, his white beard trembling slightly, his eyes full of regret. "Well, everyone has their own ambitions. Now you can put away your martial spirit."
As Chu Xinghe's thoughts stirred, the dragon scale patterns on his body gradually faded, and the sharp claws retracted to his fingertips.
Matthew took out a crystal ball from the drawer, its surface shimmering with a faint glow. "The last item, let's test your soul power level."
The moment Chu Xinghe's palm touched the crystal ball, a dazzling light burst forth, illuminating the entire office as if it were daytime.
"Level 12 soul power," Matthew murmured to himself, his fingers unconsciously stroking the crystal ball. "The first soul ring in three hundred years is indeed extraordinary..."
His voice held both admiration and deep regret.
Chu Xinghe withdrew his hand, and the light gradually dissipated: "Master Matthew, is this considered the registration complete?"
"Almost there, just one last step." Matthew turned and walked to the sandalwood cabinet behind him, taking out a jade-white token that emitted a faint fluctuation of soul power.
The token appeared ordinary, but it had faint golden patterns flowing around it, a counterfeit-proof mark made by a Soul Saint expert.
Matthew solemnly handed the token, which emanated a faint fluctuation of soul power, to Chu Xinghe: "Now, you are officially a registered Soul Master of the Heaven Dou Empire. This certificate indicates your place of registration: the Spirit Hall Branch of Notting City, Fasno Province, Heaven Dou Empire."
He stroked his gray beard and continued, "In the future, within the territory of the Heaven Dou Empire, as long as it is not a military restricted area, all city gates and checkpoints will allow you, as a Soul Master, to pass."
Chu Xinghe accepted the pure white jade-like token. Its smooth texture gave him a sense of familiarity, reminiscent of receiving his ID card in a past life.
The Soul Saint Mark circulating on the token is like the highest level of anti-counterfeiting mark. Those who have the ability to counterfeit it disdain to do so, while those who want to counterfeit it do not have the ability.
"Thank you, Master." Chu Xinghe carefully put away the certificate, but did not leave immediately. Instead, he smiled and asked, "I heard that you can receive a subsidy after registering as a Soul Master?"
"Exactly." Matthew nodded and took out a booklet with a gold-embossed cover from the drawer. The cover was stamped with the words "Record of Soul Master Subsidy Receipt in the Heaven Dou Empire".
He dipped his brush in ink, carefully recorded Chu Xinghe's information, and then handed over the booklet.
"These two items must be kept safe." Matthew said solemnly, "From now on, no matter which city's Spirit Hall you go to to collect your subsidy, you will need to have your Spirit Master certificate checked first, and then register in this booklet."
He opened the booklet and pointed to the table, explaining, "Each time someone receives a copy, the local Spirit Hall will note the date and stamp it to prevent duplicates."
Chu Xinghe flipped through the booklet, secretly admiring it.
With such a comprehensive management system, it's no wonder that the Spirit Hall has become the leading spirit master organization on the continent.
"If it is lost…" Matthew added, "you have to go back to the place of registration to replace it, which is quite a complicated process, so you must keep these two items safe."
"I understand, thank you for your guidance, Master." Chu Xinghe carefully put the two items away from his body, bowed respectfully, and took his leave.
Chu Xinghe slowly descended the spiral staircase and arrived at the spacious and bright first-floor service hall.
On the left side of the hall, there were more than a dozen service windows, with two or three Soul Masters standing in front of each window.
Chu Xinghe glanced around and walked straight to the window labeled "Subsidy Issuance".
Behind the window sat a middle-aged female deacon wearing gold-rimmed glasses. On the table in front of her were several stacks of ledgers and an exquisite metal safe.
"Hello, I'm here to collect my Soul Master subsidy." Chu Xinghe handed two documents into the window.
The female deacon adjusted her glasses, first carefully examining the Soul Saint mark on the Soul Master's token, then flipping through the subsidy record book to verify the information.
Her fingertips gently traced the registration form, a faint fluctuation of soul power sweeping across the paper—this was to verify its authenticity.
"Chu Xinghe, nine years old, level twelve Soul Master, registered in Notting City..." The female deacon looked up and sized up the boy before her, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes, "So young and already a Soul Master..."
She didn't continue speaking, but instead turned around and opened the safe behind her.
With the sound of a mechanism turning, the neatly stacked gold soul coins in the safe gleamed under the light.
The female deacon took out a brand-new gold coin, carefully wiped it with a velvet cloth, and then solemnly handed it to the viewing window.
"Please sign here." She pointed to a blank space in the subsidy record book.
Chu Xinghe took the gold soul coin, which was still warm from his body. Its heavy weight made him truly feel the benefits of being a Soul Master.
"Next!" The female deacon's call brought Chu Xinghe back to his senses.
He carefully put the gold coins into his inner bag, and as he turned around, he noticed the envious glances cast by several young Soul Masters in the corner of the hall.
One of them whispered to his companion, "Look at that kid, he's so young and he's already getting a Soul Master subsidy..."
Stepping out of the Spirit Hall gate, Chu Xinghe took a deep breath on the steps.
The midday sun felt warm on his body, and he couldn't help but touch the gold soul coin in his pocket again.
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