Chapter 3: Journey Alone

Shanyang Village

A small settlement near Gu Yuncheng, was home to just over a hundred households. The villagers lived simple lives, rising with the sun and resting at dusk, sustaining themselves through farming and hunting. Life was peaceful, almost monotonous. But tonight was different.

The sun had long set, and the night sky was studded with stars. After dinner, the villagers gathered at the entrance of the village, lanterns in hand, their gazes fixed on the road. Whispers filled the air, all revolving around one name.

Outside the village, a lone figure slowly emerged from the darkness. Jun Ting's slightly weary eyes flickered with a smile. It had taken him half a day to return from Gu Yuncheng, and now, he was finally home.

At the forefront of the waiting crowd, the village chief stared into the distance, muttering under his breath, his voice laced with worry. "It's so late… Why isn't Jun Ting back yet? Could something have happened to him?"

A woman beside him, holding a kerosene lamp, patted his aged hand with a smile. "Don't worry, village chief. That boy has always been reliable. Maybe he even impressed some big shots in the Song Mansion—wait! Look! Isn't that him?"

Before she could finish, a short figure came into view, running swiftly towards them. The village chief's eyes sharpened, and relief washed over his face. But before he could step forward, Jun Ting had already sprinted to them.

"Village Chief! Aunt Hu!" He greeted them warmly, his chest rising and falling from exertion. Seeing the entire village waiting for him filled his heart with warmth. "Everyone, I'm back."

The villagers exhaled in relief. But then, the village chief's eyes fell on the cloth bag slung over Jun Ting's shoulder. His expression darkened. He reached out and took the bag, feeling its weight.

"You brat… Don't tell me you didn't even awaken your martial soul?!"

A heavy silence fell over the crowd. Disappointment flickered in their eyes.

Jun Ting blinked, then chuckled. "Village Chief, everyone, you've misunderstood."

With a flick of his wrist, a brilliant sword materialized in his grasp. The Seven Killing Sword gleamed under the lantern light, radiating a sharp and menacing aura.

"This is my martial soul," Jun Ting said, his voice steady. "And my soul power? It's innate full soul power."

For a long moment, silence stretched across the village. Then—

"Did he just say… innate full soul power?!"

"Little Jun Ting never lies! He really has innate full soul power!"

A wave of excitement erupted among the villagers. They all understood the significance of innate full soul power. It was a sign of extraordinary talent, a rarity that could lead to greatness.

For the first time in years, Shanyang Village was ablaze with hope.

Even after the excitement settled and the villagers prepared to retire for the night, the village chief pressed a small pouch into Jun Ting's hands. "Jun Ting, becoming a soul master requires soul rings. The village has little to offer, but these ten gold soul coins… They are all we can give you."

That night, in his dimly lit room, Jun Ting sat alone, the flickering kerosene lamp casting shadows on the walls. Sleep eluded him. His mind was filled with thoughts of the future. His next step was clear—his first soul ring.

He spread a map across the table, his fingers tracing the mountainous region near Shanyang Village. "Sword Bamboo…"

A plant-type soul beast known for its ability to release sword energy. A perfect match for his martial soul.

His decision was made.

At dawn, with the villagers' help, Jun Ting packed his supplies and set off towards the mountains. The journey, though not too far, would take over half a day. As he walked, he recalled the information about Sword Bamboo.

"It must be completely eradicated to be killed. The key is to cut the bamboo poles first, stripping it of its attack power."

The hours passed swiftly. By sunset, he reached the mountain's edge and decided to rest for the night before venturing deeper. Sitting by a crackling fire, he opted for meditation instead of sleep.

A sudden chill crawled up his spine.

His eyes snapped open. Slowly, he reached for his sword, every nerve in his body alert. Something was watching him.

A rustle.

Without hesitation, he swung his sword—blood splattered, and a small figure collapsed onto the ground.

A rabbit.

Jun Ting exhaled slowly, but he did not relax. His instincts screamed at him. The true predator had just abandoned its prey… and now, it had its sights set on him.

Then—

A blur of movement.

Jun Ting reacted instantly, dodging to the side and slashing his sword.

A sharp cry echoed through the night. Emerging from the shadows was a feline soul beast—a small civet cat with tiger-like stripes, its fur glowing a faint green, its eyes a deep crimson.

Blood dripped from a fresh wound on its side, but its gaze burned with killing intent.

Jun Ting tightened his grip. "A ten-year-old soul beast… Still dangerous."

Before he could move, the civet cat lunged, its body a streak of blue lightning. Its claws extended, its fur rippling with strange energy—

But before it could strike—

A blinding flash.

The beast collapsed instantly, its lifeless body hitting the ground. Above it, a white soul ring shimmered faintly.

Jun Ting ignored the soul ring. His grip on the Seven Killing Sword tightened.

His instincts told him one thing.

The real danger was still lurking.

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Does anyone know how to change the book cover on webnovel, for some reason every time I try to change it it won't install and fails, if anyone knows please tell me.

because honestly a book without a cover looks very unattractive😭