Chapter 55: Between Steel and Soul – Sharpening the Core

The early dawn cast a serene atmosphere over the training valley, with only the sound of Tang Yan's rhythmic breathing breaking the silence. Sitting cross-legged on a flat stone, his shirt off, vaporous soul power swirled around him like gentle fog. 

This moment was not about meditation. It was a battle—an intense struggle with his body, his soul, and the very technique he had chosen to extend beyond its established boundaries. 

The Xu Void Technique—his own innovation—vibrated through the deeper layers of his bloodline, resonating in his bones. Void energy not only flowed through his meridians; it enveloped his draconic-behemoth hybrid essence, challenging the limits of his endurance.

**System:** "Host status: Overdrive. Energy intake: 389% above tolerance. Mood: Confident optimist." 

**Tianmeng Bug:** "He's either going to evolve or explode. Should we grab some snacks?" 

Tang Yan clenched his jaw and entered another cycle of spiritual breathing. His mental landscape expanded, and his senses recalibrated. Life, Gold, and Killing attributes flickered across his skin like light reflected in a prism. 

This was not ordinary cultivation. This was a process of refinement.

**Bi Ji's "Wellness Routine"** 

Once his intense meditation concluded and he emerged drenched in sweat, Tang Yan was met by Bi Ji, who wore a bright smile in her soft green attire. 

"Today is a recovery day," she cheerfully announced. "We'll begin with barefoot runs across resistance-infused spirit grass." 

Tang Yan hesitated. "Isn't that the grass that bites back?" 

"Exactly! Isn't it delightful?" 

**System:** "Host, prepare for the 'Life attribute' of challenge." 

And so commenced the Body Reinforcement Training: 

- Sprinting barefoot over resilient spirit grass that tested his limits. 

- Carrying fist-sized spiritual herbs that felt much heavier than they were. 

- Executing movement techniques under gentle but firm water pressure. 

Tang Yan persevered, his face pale yet composed, while groans of effort occasionally escaped him at each turn. By midday, the twins lay side by side, visibly exhausted but glowing from their exertions.

**Mental Power Forge – Tianmeng's Lesson** 

Later, within his tranquil spiritual sea, Tang Yan floated in an expanse of soft light, where Tianmeng Bug relaxed atop a cloud-like lotus.

"You've made it through Bi Ji's rigorous session," Tianmeng observed, half-amused. "Now, let's sharpen your mind."

With a gentle motion, he ignited a series of illusions representing pressure, adversaries, and difficult choices across Tang Yan's mental horizon. 

"This is more than just energy flow," Tianmeng explained. "It's about maintaining clarity amid chaos. Master your mind, and you'll enhance your soul ring absorption, soul skill manifestation, and even your Martial Soul evolution." 

The training unfolded with challenging subtlety. The illusions didn't confront him directly; they whispered doubts. 

"Why do you try so hard?" 

"You'll never match Tang San." 

"You're unworthy of the name Trident." 

In response to the challenges, Tang Yan chose to laugh. "If I'm going to challenge sanity, I'm taking the world along for the ride."

**Twin Clash – Fire and Flow** 

That evening, after taking recovery herbs and soothing medicine from Ah Yin, Tang San approached his brother in the training field. 

"No armor. No soul rings. Just you and me," he stated firmly. 

Tang Yan grinned. "Ah, the classic method of bonding through hardship. A solid choice." 

The two engaged in a duel. Spear versus Trident. Precision versus fluidity. Each clash felt like a silent conversation between two skilled spirits. Their deep understanding of each other's rhythm transformed the battle into a harmonious dance. 

Despite the sweat and bruises, they laughed at missed strikes and encouraged one another to push harder with every encounter. As the final exchange concluded, both lay back on the ground, panting and smiling. 

"I needed that," Tang San acknowledged, his voice quiet. 

"Me too," Tang Yan agreed. 

**Parental Observations** 

Above the field, Gu Yuena, Ah Yin, and Bi Ji observed the twins with a mixture of pride and concern. 

Gu Yuena remarked, "Their coordination is exceptional." 

Ah Yin added, "And they're not even at their second ring yet." 

Bi Ji pondered aloud, "Do you think we're nurturing heroes… or instruments of power?" 

From a distance, Tang Hao stood with his arms crossed. "They're learning control. That's what truly matters right now." 

**Closing Scene – Twilight and Tranquility** 

That night, Tang Yan found himself leaning against the dorm balcony, sipping from a small vial of Bi Ji's custom potion, feeling the warmth spread through his veins. He took a deep, satisfying breath. 

**System:** "Host evolution: 73% complete. Confidence: 102%. Mission accomplished." 

**Tianmeng:** "Prepare yourself. The next step is not training; it's acceptance." 

Inside, Tang San had already drifted into a peaceful sleep. And as the stars twinkled brightly above, Tang Yan smiled to himself. He was ready to dive even deeper into this journey.