By the time Wang Yan and his companions returned to the academy gates, the afternoon sun cast long shadows across the courtyards. The forest behind them lay silent, as if holding its breath after the chaos of the hunt. Instructor Qiu walked just ahead, calm and steady, his presence alone lending reassurance.
"Today, your soul power will be officially measured," Qiu said, his voice low but firm. "It is important to verify that the ring has integrated properly and that your spirit is stable. Absorbing a 400+ age Soul Ring is rare at this age, and your progress must be monitored."
Inside the Spirit Master Records Hall, the elder in charge of cultivation adjusted his spectacles and examined Wang Yan's records. A tense silence filled the hall before he finally spoke, almost to himself. "Level… Thirteen? After a first Soul Ring, most Spirit Masters increase only one level. Yet… you have already reached thirteen. Extraordinary."
Chen Yu staggered slightly. "Thirteen?! That… that can't be real! You just got your Soul Ring today!"
Liu Ming's calm expression held a faint smile. "The energy from that Red Demon Bear was quite powerful. It was enough to push Yan from ten to thirteen — a rare occurrence, but not impossible given his control and training."
Wang Yan nodded slightly. "I sensed the energy's flow within me, but even I did not expect the increase to be this rapid."
Instructor Qiu's gaze swept over him. "Level thirteen… excellent. Show me the skill this Soul Ring grants you, take me as target"
Wang Yan stood at the center, his first Yellow Soul Ring rising from beneath him, orbiting his body and the sword spirit he had just summoned.
A faint crimson aura flickered around him. His hands moved in precise, disciplined gestures, and the tip of his spirit sword glowed as if molten energy coursed through it. The floating Yellow Soul Ring pulsed rhythmically, feeding the weapon with raw, concentrated power.
Wang Yan's eyes sharpened. He swung the sword.
A roaring arc of crimson energy shot forward, coiling into a concentrated spiral aimed directly at Instructor Qiu. The air itself seemed to tremble under the force.
Qiu stood perfectly still, summoning his Hammer Spirit to intercept. He pressed against the strike, every motion precise, energy focused to resist the onslaught. Still, the weight of the attack pressed against him like a mountain.
As the crimson arc threatened to overwhelm him, Qiu activated his first Soul Ring skill. A yellow ring flared around his hammer, channeling its energy into a single, devastating counter. The two forces collided with a tremendous roar.
The hall shuddered; dust fell from the beams. The crimson wave twisted and shrieked as it met the golden energy of the hammer. Finally, Qiu stabilized, forcing the attack to a halt. The two energies dissipated into the air, leaving a faint shimmer.
He stood panting slightly, expression unreadable, then slowly looked at Wang Yan.
"Unbelievable…" Qiu murmured. His voice low but heavy with astonishment. "A child… nine years old… with level 13...yet having first soul skill which power made even my Soul Ring skill struggles to fully block."
Wang Yan lowered his sword, the crimson energy fading as the Yellow Soul Ring resumed its gentle orbit beside him. His breathing was steady, his stance calm, as though nothing had happened — yet the hall still vibrated faintly from the unleashed force.
He exhaled, energy settling, and spoke quietly, eyes fixed on the floating ring.
"This skill… reflects the ferocity and strength of the Red Demon Bear. I will call it… Demon Roar Slash."
Instructor Qiu allowed a nod of approval. "Demon Roar Slash… a fitting name. You have taken the first step in your soul Master journey now you are officially Soul Master. Remember, discipline will make this power limitless. Careless use, however, will bring disaster."
After the demonstration, the elder hall's formalities concluded. The boys left together, the atmosphere lightening with each step.
Chen Yu nudged Wang Yan, voice playful but genuine. "Level thirteen… with a strong 1st soul ring skill which could make a Spirit Grandmaster to struggle .You're going to make the rest of us look like amateurs during training."
Zhao Qing chuckled softly. "Relax, Chen Yu. Surviving the forest hunt was already impressive enough."
Liu Ming smirked. "Yes, survival counts more than bragging. You'll live to spar another day."
Chen Yu groaned dramatically. "I'll have nightmares about Yan's level tonight… and tomorrow… and the day after!"
Wang Yan allowed a faint smile. "Exaggeration will not help your nightmares, Chen Yu. Focus on your own cultivation instead."
By the time they reached their courtyard, the afternoon had deepened. Sunlight poured across the training grounds as Wang Yan set down his bag and stretched lightly. "Let's start training," he said calmly, voice carrying quiet authority tempered by friendship. "We cannot waste time."
Drills, sparring, and spirit circulation exercises resumed, forming a rhythm that would become second nature over the next two months.
Finally, vacation arrived. Wang Yan stood at the academy gates, gazing toward the path leading to his village. For the first time since enrollment, he would return home — the promise he had made to his grandfather, that he would come back stronger, weighing heavily in his heart.
Chen Yu's expression was serious, a rare solemnity in his usual humor. "I don't have family waiting for me, so I'm coming with you, Yan. I want to see this village of yours."
Zhao Qing grinned. "Yes, and don't let Chen Yu get into trouble with the villagers. That's all I ask."
Chen Yu groaned. "Trouble? Me? I'll behave… probably." He glanced at Wang Yan.
Wang Yan allowed a faint smile. "Don't worry, we'll travel carefully."
Chen Yu puffed out his chest. "Yes! Don't worry. I will handle any trouble that comes our way… politely, of course."
Liu Ming raised an eyebrow. "Politely, huh? That's reassuring."
Zhao Qing chuckled. "Just focus on walking and reaching the village."
Wang Yan shook his head, smiling faintly. "Let's just focus on getting there safely. The rest will follow."
Liu Ming gave a small nod. "We'll head home first. Make sure you don't get lost along the way, Chen Yu."
Zhao Qing added, "Yes, enjoy the walk. Keep out of trouble… and bring back a report of how your trip went."
Chen Yu waved enthusiastically. "Report? Consider it done! And don't worry, we'll be fine."
As Liu Ming and Zhao Qing turned off toward their homes, Wang Yan and Chen Yu continued down the sunlit path. The afternoon was calm, the conversation light, and the laughter between them easy. Ahead lay Wang Yan's village.
End of Chapter.