Chapter 8: A New Path for Martial Soul Development and Guang Ling’s Excitement

Chapter 8: A New Path for Martial Soul Development and Guang Ling's Excitement

Sensing the growing tension in the room, Han Li was about to say something when a knock on the door interrupted the silence.

"Young Master, may I come in? Master Matthew Nuo and Brother Su are here. They said they need to speak with you." Xiu'er's voice came from outside.

Han Li glanced at Guang Ling. Seeing no reaction from him, he simply replied, "Come in, Sister Xiu'er."

The door swung open, and the first thing Xiu'er saw was Guang Ling seated nearby. Her smile vanished instantly. In just a few quick steps, she rushed to Han Li's side, shielding him behind her as she barked, "Who are you? What do you want? The people from Spirit Hall are right outside I suggest you leave immediately."

Guang Ling scanned Xiu'er up and down, only recognizing her when his gaze landed on the raccoon like ears atop her head.

His memory of Xiu'er was actually clearer than that of the case he had handled years ago.

He watched her stand protectively in front of Han Li, resembling a mother hen guarding her chick. His expression turned playful as he glanced at his disciple, amusement flickering in his eyes.

Han Li hadn't expected such a dramatic reaction from Xiu'er. He quickly grabbed her hand, and as she looked at him in confusion, he pointed at Guang Ling and said, "Sister Xiu'er, this is my teacher His Grace, Guang Ling of Spirit Hall."

"…Huh?"

Xiu'er's face instantly turned crimson. Forgetting to pull her hand away, she hurriedly bowed and apologized. "I'm so sorry, Your Grace! It was a misunderstanding. Please don't punish the Young Master for my recklessness."

Han Li was momentarily stunned, then tightened his grip on her hand as he looked at Guang Ling. "Teacher, stop teasing Sister Xiu'er. You're scaring her."

Guang Ling looked at the two children and smiled. "Alright, get up. I'm not blaming you. Your devotion to this little troublemaker… deserves a reward."

Hearing this, Han Li's eyes lit up. He immediately pulled the still dazed Xiu'er into a bow. "Thank you, Teacher, for your generosity."

Then, he looked up, staring directly at Guang Ling without saying a word his intent was clear.

Guang Ling tapped Han Li's forehead with a finger, exasperated. What a cunning disciple seizing every opportunity to take advantage of his master. But honestly, he liked that kind of personality.

"Most of my valuables are in Spirit City. When we go back, take her to pick something."

"No problem! Sister Xiu'er, hurry, thank Teacher."

Han Li nudged Xiu'er and winked at her. It took her a second to catch on before she hastily bowed again to express her gratitude.

Guang Ling glanced at Xiu'er and then instructed, "Leave us for now. Tell the others to wait I have more to discuss with this brat. I'll join you shortly."

Xiu'er didn't hesitate, turning to leave. But Han Li stopped her, instructing her to have the kitchen prepare food and send word to the city lord's residence before finally letting her go.

"Summon your martial soul. Let me take a look."

Once Xiu'er had left and shut the door, Guang Ling spoke again.

"Yes, Teacher."

Han Li responded, and in an instant, twin curved blades radiating opposing energies materialized in his hands. He stepped forward and presented them to Guang Ling.

Guang Ling took them with curiosity, unbothered by the elemental energy. After closely examining them, he returned them with a subtle glance. Han Li immediately understood and manipulated the blades, transforming them into their bow form before passing the magnificent Ice Fire Bow to Guang Ling.

Before even touching it, Guang Ling's eyes gleamed with appreciation. This martial soul… is excellent.

After admiring it for a moment, he tossed it back.

"Not bad. Even better than the report suggested.

In their dual blade form, they rank as mid tier among high level martial souls. However, considering the opposing elements and their ability to be wielded simultaneously, they can barely qualify as high tier.

When transformed into a bow… it's hard to believe, but the two conflicting elements have merged flawlessly. Even among top tier martial souls, this is one of the strongest. In terms of raw power, it's nearly on par with mine."

Guang Ling analyzed carefully, clearly pleased with his disciple's talent.

Although Han Li had always known his martial soul was extraordinary, he had never had a concrete comparison. Now, with Guang Ling's assessment, he finally grasped its true potential.

"But…"

Guang Ling suddenly changed his tone as Han Li dismissed his martial soul. The young disciple immediately focused, eager to hear what came next.

Guang Ling's expression turned serious as he spoke with gravity. "But your future soul ring selection will be a major issue. Your martial soul possesses both ice and fire attributes, but each soul ring can only enhance one. Furthermore, you must ensure that adding soul rings doesn't trigger another mutation due to imbalance. Have you considered this?"

Oh, that's what he was worried about?

Han Li relaxed upon hearing the concern. He had thought it was something worse.

After a brief moment of thought, he answered, "Teacher, I've already given this a lot of thought over the past few days. I do not intend to acquire ice or fire attribute soul rings."

"Oh?"

Guang Ling seemed to have an idea of what Han Li was suggesting, but his brows remained furrowed.

"Teacher, I plan to prioritize soul rings that provide amplification abilities." Han Li's voice was firm. "Only by doing this will the soul rings I obtain early on remain useful in my later stages."

"Even so, the available amplification skills are quite limited. Additionally, if you take this path, your elemental abilities won't improve further, and your offensive power in the early stages will be severely lacking. Have you truly thought this through?"

Guang Ling scrutinized him carefully.

"I have you, don't I? I am your disciple. Until I'm strong enough, why would I actively seek fights?"

Han Li grinned at Guang Ling.

That was when Guang Ling remembered his disciple was as slippery as an eel.

He was no obedient, naive child.

Han Li wiped the grin from his face and turned serious. "Teacher, beyond standard amplification abilities, I have another idea I'd like to discuss with you."

Seeing his disciple's solemn expression, Guang Ling straightened up.

"As I mentioned earlier, I don't plan to obtain soul rings with singular ice or fire attributes. Instead, I aim to acquire a unique type of soul skill one that ties directly to my future cultivation path."

Han Li paused before continuing slowly, "That skill is Elemental Affinity or Elemental Control.

Since my martial soul inherently possesses both ice and fire attributes, both the Ice Fire Blades and the Ice Fire Bow are merely vessels. If I learn to manipulate these elements through my martial soul itself, then once I master them, not only will I resolve the issue of elemental strength, but I'll also unlock new forms Ice Fire Hammer, Ice Fire Spear… the possibilities are endless."

"Of course, this is merely my theory. Additionally, this method would likely require a martial soul of at least high grade with elemental properties.

What do you think, Teacher? Is my development path viable?"

Han Li looked up at Guang Ling, awaiting his verdict only to find his master staring at him, eyes blazing with excitement.

"You little bastard… You're a damn genius!"

The ever composed Guang Ling, overwhelmed by emotion, actually cursed.

He hadn't expected it just as Golden Crocodile had predicted this was only his first day as a master, and already, his disciple had shown him a path toward greater heights.

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