Possession

Well, with my martial soul being evolved there is one issue left that is registering in Martial Soul Hall for an identity. As I am already a soul master and I also grew a lot, I can fabricate my identity easily. And also I can also present my martial spirit as an ordinary martial spirit. The thought had been plaguing me since we'd entered Suotuo city's outer districts, the imposing stone buildings and busy streets a stark contrast to the wilderness we'd traversed. Registration was mandatory for all soul masters seeking to participate in the Great Spirit Arena, but it also meant scrutiny—unwanted attention from those who might recognize the uniqueness of my abilities.

I found a quiet corner in a small teahouse, ordering a pot of fragrant jasmine tea while I contemplated my options. The establishment was dimly lit, perfect for remaining inconspicuous while observing the flow of people outside through the slatted windows. Soul masters of various ranks moved through the crowd, their distinctive badges catching the sunlight as they passed.

I first thought to register as martial spirit gun, but denied my idea because it might catch attention for being an unique martial soul. The existence of firearms was virtually unknown in this world—even the most advanced weapons were limited to crossbows and ballistae. Presenting a gun as my martial soul would not only draw unwanted curiosity but potentially the attention of higher-ranking soul masters or even the Spirit Hall itself.

"What are you thinking about so intently?" Xiao Wu's voice echoed in my mind, her spiritual form remaining dormant rather than materializing in the public space.

"Registration," I replied silently, the connection between us allowing for mental communication. "I need to decide how to present my martial soul."

So, I thought that to register my martial soul as a Katana and why katana?? Due to two reason, I got little foundation over kendo and another is that because katana is more cool, I will not deny that it is my fantasy created by anime. The memory of my previous life flooded back—hours spent in dojos, the disciplined movements of kendo practitioners, the gleaming blades that featured in countless stories and films. A katana would be unusual in this world, but not unheard of; exotic weapons from distant lands were rare but accepted.

And about Katana being impractical weapon, it doesn't apply to me, because I can modify and repair katana properties and I only need effectiveness and sharpness of katana to deal good damage. With my ability to analyze and replicate on a molecular level, I could create a blade that transcended the limitations of traditional forging techniques—a perfect fusion of form and function, enhanced by my soul power.

But I thought that I still have time to register, and before that I should find some other person with sword martial spirit and copy it. I can also try to replicate DoA: Truth Continuity but I can't do that now, knowing how complex it is to make. That's why I thought of collecting soul guides for better foundation and its complex feature. The tea had grown cold as I deliberated, the sun casting longer shadows across the teahouse floor. I left a few coins on the table and stepped back into the bustling street, my senses alert for any sign of sword-wielding soul masters.

"We should visit the training grounds," Xiao Wu suggested. "Soul masters often practice there, displaying their martial souls freely."

I nodded in agreement, adjusting my course toward the city's eastern district where, according to the information I'd gathered, where small spirit arena is situated. The streets grew wider as I progressed, the architecture more imposing—a reflection of the district's importance in a city that prided itself on martial prowess.

As you know main element of Herrscher of Truth is Ice. Because of that my Martial spirit changed into spiritual, ice and space element. The connection wasn't immediately obvious to those unfamiliar with the concept of Herrschers. And according to game I know that Herrscher of Truth is the Ice DPS.

I first thought about combing every element. so that my Martial spirit will gain affinity to each element but because of evolution that restriction was removed, now I have to worry about taking taking Martial Soul to ultimate level in elemental. Another function of Herrscher of Truth is that it provides elemental breach. So it is the most best elemental support. This aspect alone would make me formidable in combat, allowing my attacks to penetrate elemental defenses that would otherwise nullify them.

And space element, I don't know much about it but because of Xiao Wu soul skill, I got extra attribute added, may be in higher level I might get more sophisticated control over it. The possibilities were tantalizing—spatial manipulation, teleportation, perhaps even space-time deceleration or fracture tech if my understanding of the Herrscher core's capabilities was accurate. But such abilities would require extensive research and multiple high-quality soul rings to manifest fully.

But main and core function of my Martial Spirit is creation. And as you know there's no god position related to creation which may make difficult for me in future but that is left to my future self, because there's still more to Achievement System. The lack of a clear path to godhood based on creation abilities was concerning, but not insurmountable. The Achievement System had already proven itself capable of providing options beyond the traditional cultivation paths of this world.

The spirit arena came into view as I rounded a corner—a sprawling complex of open fields, obstacle courses, and combat rings, all surrounded by high walls inscribed with reinforcement spells to contain the effects of soul abilities. Soul masters of various ranks were scattered throughout, some engaged in pvp battle, others in team battle that drew small crowds of spectators.

I found a secluded spot in the arena that offered a clear view of the many soul masters, settling down to observe with my enhanced perception. The Herrscher Eye of Truth allowed me to analyze each technique, each movement, each fluctuation of soul power in microscopic detail. Within an hour, I had cataloged the martial souls of seventeen sword users, ranging from crude broadswords to elegant rapiers, each with their own unique properties and combat applications.

One particular soul master caught my attention—a young woman perhaps about 18 years older in age, wielding a curved blade more similar to talvar. Her movements were fluid and precise, her soul power manifesting as a subtle blue aura around the blade that extended its effective cutting range. I focused my analysis on her martial soul, dissecting its structure and fundamental properties with the Herrscher Eye.

"Found something interesting?" Xiao Wu inquired, sensing my focused attention.

"Potentially," I replied. "Her martial soul has water element properties to what I'm looking for. With some modifications, it could serve as a convincing disguise. And I could make sword of ice attribute."

After another hour of observation, I had gathered sufficient data to replicate a convincing facsimile of a sword-based martial soul—one that would pass cursory inspection while concealing the true nature of my abilities. Satisfied with my research, I departed the training grounds, my mind already calculating the necessary adjustments to my own energy signature to maintain the deception.

Other than that what I necessarily need to do is gaining more combat experience and refined soul power control. As I took out my water skin, I took out some water and created an transparent ball, with half of it filled with water. The afternoon sunlight refracted through the crystalline structure, casting prismatic patterns across the surface of the water.

So, now this is my stress ball, instead of relieving stress I would be putting stress in my capacity to control soul power. I have first start with controlling water inside to form a sphere then slowly to more complex shapes like helix, spring etc. Not only it will most efficient way to learn soul power control, it would also save my time as I could try this anywhere anytime. The exercise was deceptively challenging—maintaining the perfect structure of the ball while simultaneously manipulating the water within required precise control over multiple aspects of my soul power simultaneously.

I spent the next several hours departing from this city to Suotuo city, gradually increasing the complexity of the water formations within my created sphere. By the time the sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, I had progressed to creating a tornado that rotated slowly within the confines of the transparent ball and most difficult forming a floating sphere concentric to the traansparent sphere. A easiest accomplishment, perhaps, but one that represented significant improvement in my fine control.

And now something more for my physical body training, I decided to create weight bracelet. Two at my ankle and two at my wrist and one weight vest under my clothes. As I slowly adapt to the weight I will keep increasing it. The weights materialized around my limbs, the metal bands deceptively slim given their considerable mass. I calibrated them carefully, ensuring they were heavy enough to provide resistance without impeding my movement entirely.

The effect was immediate—each step requiring greater effort, each gesture demanding more conscious control. But the strain was precisely what I needed to accelerate my physical development, to push my body beyond its current limitations in preparation for the challenges ahead.

After some hours of walk I finally reached Suotuo city. As I walked and went inside city I encountered many shop and hotel filling the streets. The central districts were a riot of color and sound—vendors hawking their wares, street performers displaying minor soul abilities to attract crowds, the enticing aromas of street food wafting from crowded stalls. Despite the weight bands encumbering my movements, I maintained a steady pace, my enhanced perception allowing me to navigate the crowded thoroughfares with ease.

I then came in front of most popular hotel of Soul Land, Rose Hotel. The establishment was impossible to miss—a five-story structure of gleaming white stone, its façade adorned with climbing rosebushes that bloomed in every shade from deepest crimson to palest pink. The sign above the entrance was crafted of burnished gold, the letters elegant and flowing.

[Bronze rank achievement: Visit Rose Hotel || Claim: Expert Rank Masseur skill.]

The notification appeared in my field of vision, unexpected but not unwelcome. I suppressed a smile at the peculiar nature of the reward—a masseur skill. It's okay because even I didn't expect to get this achievement.

I booked for 1 room, and I quickly got a room. The interior of the hotel was even more impressive than its exterior—marble floors polished to a mirror sheen, crystal chandeliers casting prismatic light across the lobby, uniformed staff moving with practiced efficiency. The cost of a room was substantial, but my accumulated funds from previous ventures were more than sufficient to secure comfortable accommodations.

On entering the room, I observed there's a red heart shaped bed filled with flower and other decoration just like any love hotel. But just by lying down on bed I can feel sleep catching upto me. The day's exertions—the prolonged practice of soul power control, the weighted training, the mental strain of maintaining constant vigilance in an unfamiliar city—had taken their toll. Despite my best intentions to review my plans for the coming days, my consciousness began to fade almost immediately, the weight bands still attached to my limbs as I drifted into exhausted slumber.

Just as I woke up, I noticed that Qingxue has already sleeping on the bed. It might be first time I have seen her being this relaxed. The usually guarded expression had softened in sleep, the perpetual tension in her shoulders released. It was a rare glimpse of vulnerability from someone who maintained such rigid control over herself.

But suddenly I encountered something, I can move Qingxue body. I woke up and even felt that I can easily control everything, it seems she is still sleeping. The realization sent a jolt of excitement through me—somehow, I had gained temporary control over our shared physical form. I flexed Qingxue's fingers experimentally, marveling at the sensation of solidity after existing as a spiritual entity for so long.

More than being physically tired she seems to mentally tired, I suppose this is result of her always maintaining weight bracelet with her creation ability, which seems to consume her mental strength. The metal bands were still attached to her wrists and ankles, and I could feel the strain they placed on the muscles—a constant, unyielding pressure that required conscious effort to manage. No wonder she had fallen into such a deep sleep; maintaining these weights while performing her other activities must have been exhausting. And it seems I only have control to only my spirit ring, so to remove weight band I have to teleport out and for metal band they will disappear after exiting its range.

So, now I can do anything with this body. Without wasting any time, I put the new dress brought for Qingxue and went out. The garment was far more elaborate than anything Qingxue would have chosen for herself—a flowing dress of azure silk with silver embroidery along the hem and sleeves, complementing the blue streaks in her predominantly black hair. I took a moment to admire the reflection in the mirror, turning this way and that to see how the fabric caught the light.

The hotel corridors were quiet at this late hour, most guests having retired for the night. I moved with careful steps, still acclimating to the sensation of physical embodiment after so long as a spirit.

Just as I was looking for I found a shop with braised rabbit. Last time Qingxue gave me sensation of taste of this which seems to be, no no no, what I am thinking there's no way I could like eating my own species. The memory of that shared sensory experience had lingered, a forbidden temptation that both repulsed and intrigued me. The shop was small but welcoming, lanterns casting a warm glow over the handful of occupied tables.

That's why I have to check whether something wrong with me. Just as I order the dish, I wasn't able to look at it, I am feeling sorry for it. The conflict was visceral—a deep-seated revulsion at the thought of consuming what was, in essence, a distant relative of my true form, warring with an undeniable curiosity and hunger that stemmed from Qingxue's influence.

But I can taste a little bit, I took my fork and took out a piece and tasted it AAHHH, How delicious. The flavor was extraordinary—rich, savory, with a depth that I had never experienced before. My initial hesitation evaporated as culinary pleasure overwhelmed ethical concerns, each bite more satisfying than the last.

After fully completing my food, I came to only conclusion, this is what Qingxue like, I just came to help her fill her stomach, yes definitely it is what it seems. I was helping Qingxue grow better for our goal. The justification was flimsy, but I clung to it nonetheless, unwilling to confront the implications of my actions—that perhaps my time bound to Qingxue was changing me in ways I hadn't anticipated.

With the meal completed and paid for, I decided to explore the city while I had the chance. Suotuo at night was a different creature from its daytime incarnation—quieter, more mysterious, with pockets of activity centered around taverns and late-night establishments. I managed to navigate the streets with growing confidence, savouring the sensations of embodiment that had been denied to me since becoming Qingxue's soul ring. And finally I returned to hotel, so that Qingxue can't find out about my ability to take over her body.