Chapter 17 – Eight Months Later: The Forge, the Spear, and Celestial Energy
All rights reserved to the respective authors.
"Dialogue": Represented in double quotes for conversations between characters.
'Thoughts': Represented in single quotation marks, indicating the characters' internal reflections.
[Diary]: Represented in square brackets, used for messages intended for the heroines or entries written by Tenshin.
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His life revolved around training, forging, studying, and cultivating.
Over these eight months, he steadily advanced—not at a constant rate but gradually accelerating as he began improving the cultivation method he "borrowed" without permission and started using it as a base to create his own technique. His daily physical training and work in the forge also enhanced his physical strength, and he continued training with the spear to hone his skills, further reinforcing his abilities.
After the second month, he rarely attended classes, choosing instead to read the books he had scanned into the Celestial Library, having already scanned all the books from the academy and Yu Xiaogang. Since he was already familiar with most of the knowledge the teachers taught in class, he only attended occasionally to listen to the advice they gave—insights usually gained through experience. Spending two or three hours each day studying Soul Master knowledge was the closest thing he had to relaxation.
Yet, despite all his efforts, he had barely kept pace with geniuses like Tang San and Xiao Wu, leaving him with a lingering sense of frustration. After all, the cultivation technique he was developing was not entirely focused on cultivation speed or the absorption of ordinary heaven and earth energy. Moreover, he had not yet discovered the positions of all the meridians in the human body. He had been trying to probe them with his mental power, hoping to locate them all, but unfortunately, he had only managed to find a few.
Even with all his hard work, the gap between him and Tang San had only grown—albeit by a small margin. Eight months had passed, and he had just broken through to Level 10, while Tang San had already reached Level 15.
Tenshin didn't head straight to the Spirit Hall to get the certificate necessary to enter the Hunting Soul Forest near Notting City. Instead, he spent the morning in the blacksmith's workshop before anyone else arrived.
"Clang, clang, clang."
In the forge, Tenshin was hard at work on a piece of metal. He was crafting his own spear because the wooden training spear he had been using wouldn't be suitable for real battles. There was another reason he chose to make the spear himself rather than asking one of the more experienced blacksmiths in the workshop: he was aiming to achieve a centuries-old refinement technique.
This level of refinement was considered the pinnacle of blacksmithing in the current era, with only a few divine blacksmiths capable of performing it by today's standards. However, in the future, it would be the minimum requirement to be classified as a Rank 2 Master Blacksmith. Tenshin could attempt this technique because of his exceptional physical strength and advanced refining methods, but he wanted to avoid attracting unnecessary attention.
Since dawn, he had been refining the metal. This process wasn't just about striking the metal hundreds of times; it required the gradual elimination of impurities while preserving its structural integrity, ultimately increasing the metal's density.
A few days ago, Tenshin had purchased various materials to use for the spear and borrowed one of the forges from the blacksmith staff. Normally, as a blacksmith's apprentice, he was required to work under supervision. However, the staff was satisfied and impressed with his progress over the past few months, so they allowed him to use his own forge for personal projects.
After some time, the sound of striking metal stopped, and Tenshin finished assembling his spear.
After paying the remaining balance, he thought, 'It's good enough for a first attempt. Unfortunately, I couldn't achieve Thousand Refinements or Spirit Refinement,' he lamented. "If I had managed it... it would be much easier to accomplish what I'm planning..."
With his new weapon strapped to his back, Tenshin went to the Spirit Hall branch in Nuoding City.
"Stand still, little friend. This is the Spirit Hall. You can't just barge in here."
As he approached the entrance, Tenshin was stopped by the guards stationed on either side.
"Big brother, I'm a student of the Nuoding Primary Soul Master Academy. My soul power has reached level 10, so I'm here today to apply for a warrant to go to the Hunting Soul Forest to hunt a Soul Beast and obtain my first spirit ring." Tenshin pointed to his school uniform and spoke politely.
"I see. In that case, you may enter. Deacon Matthew Nou, who is responsible for soul power authentication and issuing warrants, is in the reception room on the first floor. You can find him there."
Although the guard was somewhat curious as to why Tenshin, just a young child, hadn't sought help from his academy teacher to hunt soul beasts and had instead come to the Spirit Hall alone, he followed protocol and pointed the way.
"Thank you, big brother." Tenshin bowed slightly before walking straight in.
"What a polite child." The guard smiled, straightened his posture, and resumed his duty.
Upon entering the hall, Tenshin was met with the sight of grand murals covering the dome and huge crystal windows surrounding the space. Sunlight refracted through the crystals, shimmering with dazzling golden light, and the marble-paved white floor was bathed in vibrant colors, giving the place an elegant and noble atmosphere.
'Where am I? This hall is so grand and magnificent... Just as expected from the most powerful organization of this era. But... where's the staircase?'
Looking around the vast hall, where only a few servants were quietly cleaning, Tenshin felt like a country kid stepping into a massive shopping mall for the first time.
Without further hesitation, he hurried over to the nearest servant to ask for directions.
After some inquiries, he finally learned where the staircase was located.
Making his way to the first-floor corridor, Tenshin found the reception room with the help of the door plates embedded beside each door.
Stretching out his right hand, Tenshin knocked lightly on the edge of the door.
"Please come in!" A voice promptly responded from within.
Tenshin pushed the door open and entered. The room was simple and clean, spacious and bright. Long sofas were neatly arranged on both sides, and a long wooden table was placed at the front. Behind it sat an elderly man in his sixties, dressed in white. Despite his age, he appeared energetic and healthy, his demeanor exuding a sense of well-being.
At a glance, it was clear he had lived a comfortable life.
Seeing a child about 1.35 meters tall wearing a Nuoding Academy uniform, Matthew Nou couldn't help but stand up and ask, "Little friend, is something the matter?"
"Deacon Matthew Nou, my name is Tenshin. I'm a first-year student at Nuoding Primary Soul Master Academy. I've just reached level 10 in soul power, and I've come to apply for a warrant to enter the Hunting Soul Forest." Tenshin bowed slightly and spoke politely.
"Oh? Doesn't Nuoding Academy possess a permanent token? And, as far as I know, Nuoding Academy arranges for its instructors to help new students hunt spirit rings every month. Why not wait a little longer and let an instructor take you?" Matthew Nou asked curiously.
"Because I want to hunt an optimal hundred-year-old Soul Beast," Tenshin stated directly. "But even when my soul power was at level 7, my martial soul had no combat power or practical application."
He deliberately avoided mentioning the type of Soul Beast he was targeting – specifically, a power-type or one with a first-line elemental attribute. If he did, the other party might think he was crazy.
Most Power Attack System Soul Beasts are carnivorous and extremely aggressive. Even two-ringed battle Soul Masters with optimal experience wouldn't necessarily be able to overpower them. Usually, it takes several two-ringed battle Soul Masters or assistance from a higher-level Soul Master to safely suppress the beast, allowing someone to deliver the final blow.
Similarly, Soul Beasts with first-line elemental attributes are exceptionally powerful within their respective elements. Without a counter-element or being a three-ringed Soul Master with optimal experience, it would be nearly impossible to overpower them.
"Hunting a hundred-year-old Soul Beast!?"
Matthew Nou's face showed shock. The instructors at Nuoding Academy generally had soul power around level 25 and average spirit ring configurations, so hunting a hundred-year-old Soul Beast would indeed be very risky for them.
Moreover, with a level 7 innate soul power, such talent would be considered outstanding among commoners, but among nobles, it would only be regarded as decent. Still, that alone shouldn't make it difficult to convince the dean to help. Could it be his martial soul that's making it difficult to persuade him?
If you have connections, you might stand a chance.
If you don't have connections, no background, and are just an ordinary civilian, then it's simply impossible.
Even a noble child would struggle to get the dean's help in hunting a hundred-year-old Soul Beast, let alone an ordinary civilian with only moderate talent.
'Could it be that this child is thinking of resorting to group hunting?' Matthew Nou couldn't help but wonder.
"Tenshin, do you understand how dangerous it is to hunt a hundred-year-old Soul Beast? Does your family know about this?" Matthew Nou frowned slightly. "Moreover, the people who form teams to go to the Spirit Forest are mostly Soul Masters who have already obtained their spirit rings. You don't even have your first spirit ring yet. No one will let you join their team. Even if a team did allow you to join, they likely wouldn't risk their lives to help you hunt a hundred-year-old Soul Beast."
"Deacon Matthew Nou, I'm an orphan," Tenshin whispered.
"An orphan..." Matthew Nou immediately felt a heaviness in his chest. His mouth opened as if to speak, but no words came out. This wasn't just about hunting a Soul Beast; it was like going on a suicide mission. Success would depend on sheer luck, and failure meant certain death. Either way, Tenshin had nothing to lose.
Looking at Tenshin with compassion, Matthew Nou suddenly asked, "Little friend, you said your martial soul doesn't have any combat application. What exactly is it? And if it truly lacks any combat power, how do you plan on hunting a Soul Beast?"
"A book. And to hunt, I have a spear and have been training my body these past few years," Tenshin answered truthfully.
'Book.' Matthew Nuo suddenly fell silent. If Tenshin's martial soul were a rarer food system martial soul, or if it had any auxiliary abilities or combat applications, he could have persuaded Tenshin to leave Nuoding Academy and transfer to an academy under the banner of Spirit Hall.
Food system and auxiliary system martial souls were always highly sought after by major academies and the imperial army. Even if their soul power was weak, they would still be prioritized and cultivated. But with a martial soul like Book, even if he joined an academy under Spirit Hall, it would be difficult for him to be taken seriously. No one would be assigned to help him hunt a hundred-year-old spirit ring.
"Have you thought about what kind of Soul Beast you want to hunt?" Matthew Nuo asked again.
After all, Tenshin was a student of Nuoding Academy. Spirit Hall didn't have a tradition of poaching students like him, nor did it have the responsibility or obligation to help non-Spirit Hall-exclusive Soul Masters hunt Soul Beasts. However, out of personal concern, Matthew Nuo didn't want Tenshin to hunt an overly powerful hundred-year-old Soul Beast and end up losing his life.
If he chose to hunt hundred-year-old Soul Beasts that weren't very aggressive, Matthew Nuo could at least feel at ease, knowing there was still hope for the boy's survival.
However, if he chose to hunt the ferocious and aggressive Power Attack System or Agility Attack System Soul Beasts, Matthew Nuo would have to decide whether to send the boy to his death or to send him back to Nuoding Academy and inform the instructors about his situation. This way, the decision would be in the hands of the academy's instructor or dean, allowing Matthew Nuo to at least have a clear conscience.
"The academy's Master Yu Xiaogang once suggested that I hunt venom-type Soul Beasts," Tenshin said, almost blurting it out.
Although Yu Xiaogang's suggestion was a trap, it was indeed a good way to disguise the type of hundred-year-old spirit ring he truly wanted.
'Yu Xiaogang… Venom-Type Soul Beast…'
Matthew Nuo's expression clouded as he nodded thoughtfully. There were many venom-type Soul Beasts, ranging from harmless to highly aggressive ones. For instance, a hundred-year-old hardwood plant had almost no aggression aside from its thick, rough shell. If Tenshin could find one, it would be relatively safer to hunt.
However, it was still risky, especially since Tenshin had no combat skills and would have to rely solely on his spear, physical strength, and finding a trustworthy team.
"Depending on the venom-type Soul Beast you hunt, your martial soul might gain a venom-related ability... but that's rare," Matthew Nuo explained. "I suggest you consider hunting a mental-type Soul Beast, like a fox. They're known for their charm and illusion abilities, which could complement your martial soul well."
Matthew Nuo then asked, "Tenshin, did you bring the certification paperwork signed by three nobles? This is a requirement that must be prepared in advance. If you don't have it, it would be best to return to the academy and ask the instructors for help, or get the parents of the noble students in your class to assist you."
To receive a warrant from Spirit Hall, one needed to pass a soul power test to confirm that they had indeed reached level 10. However, the empire also required approval from three nobles. The nobles didn't have to be present in person. They just needed to write a letter and stamp it with the special seal issued by the empire.
"I brought it." Tenshin nodded and quickly pulled out three papers from his robe. Ever since his fight with Xiao Chenyu, he had gained some recognition at the academy. Additionally, his dorm mate, Xiao Wu, was quite influential, and the noble students treated him with respect. As a result, getting three students to ask their families for the certification letters wasn't difficult at all.
One hour later...
Tenshin rented a carriage and set off for the Hunting Soul Forest, located four hundred miles away.
During the past hour, he had completed all the necessary procedures, documentation, and tests required to acquire the Spirit Hall certificate, granting him permission to enter the forest. Before heading to the Spirit Hall's branch, he had also informed the academy staff that morning about his advancement to level 10 and his plan to hunt for his spirit ring. However, due to the nature of his martial soul, the academy didn't make much of a fuss or arrange for a teacher to accompany him.
The process of hunting a soul ring was anything but simple.
Low-level soul beast forests were controlled by the Spirit Hall, kept relatively safe by preventing the presence of high-level soul beasts. If a soul master wanted to hunt stronger prey, they would have to venture into the untamed wilderness, where no guarantees of safety existed.
At only level 10, with no soul skills to rely on, Tenshin wasn't foolish enough to take such a reckless risk. He wasn't afraid of ten-year-old soul beasts. He wasn't even afraid of hundred-year-old soul beasts. But facing a thousand-year-old beast with his current strength? That would be suicide.
Tenshin began writing in his diary:
[Over the past few months, after extensive studying and theorizing, I have finally decided on the path I will take to develop my martial soul: I will absorb soul rings from Soul Beasts that possess the strongest elemental attributes I can find. Since my martial soul already possesses the mental/spiritual attribute, I have chosen to discard rings of that type.]
[Anyone who knew my thoughts would probably wonder why, right? After all, soul masters usually seek rings that enhance their martial soul's strengths or compensate for its weaknesses.]
[I based my decision on three key points:]
[1 - Soul beasts of the mental/spiritual type are either rare or highly skilled at hiding and escaping.]
[2 - Absorbing rings from mental/spiritual-type soul beasts would not significantly impact my development because there is no "Ultimate" version of mental power like the other elements. Besides, my martial soul is already superior in this regard due to its connection to the Celestial Library. Any abilities I obtain from such rings would likely be redundant, as I could probably develop them on my own.]
[3 - The first version of my cultivation technique is nearly complete. All that remains is for me to map out the rest of the meridians to form a complete cycle. I plan to use the qi of the celestial stars as my energy foundation. This energy is both neutral and unique—it benefits all living beings in various ways, yet it is distinct from other forms of energy.]
[During my studies, I came across an old book detailing a theory proposed by a soul master with immense mental energy. His heightened sensitivity allowed him to perceive various energies in the air, leading to a remarkable discovery: energies originating from celestial bodies such as the Sun, Moon, and Stars had profound effects on mental power, soul power, the cultivator's body, and their martial soul. This insight reinforced my belief that celestial qi is the ideal foundation for my cultivation technique, as it harmonizes with my martial soul's nature while enhancing my overall development.]
[This reminded me of two significant concepts from the novel:
- Tang San's Purple Demon Eye technique, recorded in the Tang Sect's Mysterious Heaven Treasure Record, requires absorbing the purple qi that appears at sunrise. This technique refines vision, strengthens spiritual power, pierces illusions, and—when mastered—can even dominate opponents with a single glance. In combat, direct eye contact can disorient an enemy, rendering them vulnerable. However, its primary function is to enhance mental power. In the novel, Tang San used this technique to overcome the Martial Soul Fusion of Hu Liena and Xie Yue.
- The Beautiful Silk Tulip immortal herb, which has absorbed the quintessence of heaven and earth by basking in the sun and moon's radiance. After Ning Rongrong absorbed it, her Martial Soul evolved into the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.]
[These key points, especially the third, led me to make this decision. Since celestial qi enhances so many aspects of cultivation, replacing my soul power with it—while complementing it with soul rings of the strongest elements—will likely allow me to evolve my martial soul further. Additionally, this approach could resolve my current lack of combat power, ensuring a more balanced and powerful development.]
At first, the heroines were merely curious as they read through the entries. However, when they reached the part about Ning Rongrong's martial soul evolution, shock and disbelief spread among them.
Ning Rongrong was especially stunned—she could hardly believe that her martial soul evolved in the original timeline, realizing that her father's dream was actually achievable.
Bibi Dong's eyes gleamed with intrigue. Without hesitation, she ordered her subordinates to search the Spirit Hall's archives for any information related to this discovery.
After writing this, Tenshin began meditating until he arrived at the Hunting Soul Forest.
Upon reaching the forest, he planned to practice on weaker soul beasts first before making his move.
This time, he would claim his first soul ring.