An hour later, Grandmaster came out of the cafeteria and met Tang San and Kyle.
"Sorry for making you wait so long, let's go," Grandmaster said.
They arrived at Grandmaster's residence. His quarters were a room in the corner of the dormitory's upper floor. The room wasn't large, only about thirty square meters. Inside, everything was very simple just two bookshelves filled with books. Grandmaster took two bundles of papers from his sleeve and handed them to Kyle and Tang San.
"First, eat. Even if it's cold, it's still good. After you're done, there are some things I want to discuss," Grandmaster said as he poured two glasses of water.
"You two, come here. Show me your other martial souls. Tang San, you first," Grandmaster said as he sat down.
Tang San nodded and raised his left hand. A black light appeared, enveloping a hammer. Grandmaster suddenly stood up from his chair when he saw the hammer in Tang San's hand and said: "Tang San, the Tang family name… Very well, you can keep it hidden. In the future, never reveal this martial soul to others lightly! Without my permission, never add a spirit ring to this martial soul either!"
Tang San looked at Grandmaster in shock. "Father also told me the same thing."
Grandmaster asked Tang San, "What does your father usually do?"
Tang San replied, "He's the village blacksmith."
Grandmaster sighed and said, "A blacksmith? A blacksmith and a hammer do fit together."
Tang San asked, "Why can't I add a spirit ring to this martial soul?"
Grandmaster replied: "It's not the right time to tell you yet, but this is all for your own good."
"I understand," Tang San answered.
"Now, show me all of your martial souls, Kyle," Grandmaster said, gazing at Kyle.
Kyle nodded and raised his right hand. A dense white light appeared, enveloping a spear. In his left hand, a black light emerged, enveloping a sword.
"Hmm, my guess was correct. Your martial souls are the Spear of Yang and the Sword of Yin. Yin and Yang are a duality that cannot be separated, while the sword and spear are indeed opposites. Very well, you can keep them hidden," Grandmaster said with a smile.
"But teacher, I haven't revealed everything yet," Kyle replied.
"What do you mean by revealing everything?!" Grandmaster asked curiously.
"Grandmaster is right, I do have twin martial souls, but I never said I only had two," Kyle replied innocently.
Tang San and Grandmaster, who were in the room, were both shocked.
"You mean your martial souls number three!?" Grandmaster asked, standing up from his seat.
"No, I have six," Kyle answered calmly and innocently.
"This is incredible!! Ahem, forgive me, I got carried away," Grandmaster tried to compose himself again.
"You said your martial souls number six. The rest are located in your head, both legs, and body?" Grandmaster asked after regaining his composure.
"Yes. I can show you one of them," Kyle replied, closing his eyes.
When Kyle opened his eyes again, above his head appeared a lotus that had no color.
"That!! Very interesting," Grandmaster said with a smile.
"Then what about the rest?" Grandmaster asked enthusiastically.
"About that, I can only say the rest are a land turtle, a sea snake, and a sky dragon. Their sizes are quite large, so I hesitate to summon them," Kyle replied.
"Hmm, three types of animals, two types of weapons, and one type of plant. Very well, in that case you can show them tomorrow. Just like Tang San, you must not add spirit rings to your other martial souls," Grandmaster said.
"Tomorrow morning, we will go find suitable rings for you both and help you advance to Spirit Master," Grandmaster said.
"But tomorrow is the opening ceremony," Tang San replied.
"I'll explain it to the academy, so don't worry. Tang San and Kyle, what are your thoughts about your martial souls?" Grandmaster asked.
"Everyone says it's a useless martial soul. But I think everything in this world has its own nature and uniqueness. That also applies to the most ordinary Blue Silver Grass."
"All of my martial souls have different branches, like plant roots that balance each other," Kyle replied.
"You're right. It's very rare to have such a wise perspective at a young age. You two are truly remarkable. Now, I will first talk with Tang San about the direction of martial soul development," Grandmaster said, nodding happily.
"The direction of martial soul development?" Tang San asked.
"Let's start with the types of martial souls. We divide martial souls into two types: Martial Soul Beast and Martial Soul Weapon.
Martial Soul Beast fuses the martial soul with its owner to achieve something like a beast-human form, gaining the power of animals. We call this martial soul possession. Kyle's martial souls in the form of turtle, snake, and dragon belong to the beast type.
Martial Soul Weapon type is different. Most of them must be summoned outwardly to use their power. Weapon type martial souls generally have more supportive properties compared to beast type martial souls.
In addition, there are also martial souls that can be consumed."
"Martial souls can also be eaten?" Tang San asked.
"All types of food type martial souls can be consumed. You can think of soul power as a kind of energy. Living beings seek food and then absorb its energy," Grandmaster replied.
"Does that mean weapon-type martial souls function only as support?" Kyle asked.
"Not necessarily. Weapon type martial souls and beast-type martial souls share similarities. Some weapon-type martial souls can become battle soul masters. Every martial soul has its own development path. For example: food-type, scout, combat, healing, control, and so on. Once you confirm your development direction, you won't encounter problems with martial soul rings in the future," Grandmaster said.
"Teacher, which direction should we develop?" Kyle asked.
"For Tang San, many people think Blue Silver Grass is useless. But after years of my research, I discovered that Blue Silver Grass also has advantages. First, its soul power consumption rate is very low. Second, it's excellent for confusing enemies. Third, it can develop in many directions without rejecting spirit rings," Grandmaster said.
"Rejecting?" Tang San asked.
"Correct. If a martial soul and a spirit ring are incompatible, then trying to add that spirit ring to the martial soul will cause rejection," Grandmaster explained.
"The fourth point is just for you. Spirit Masters with Blue Silver Grass have weak soul power when awakened. Naturally, their cultivation speed is very slow. That's why no Blue Silver Grass Spirit Master has ever appeared on the Douluo Continent. You are different, you were born with innate full soul power. That is an advantage no one else has. In short, I recommend you develop a control system," Grandmaster said.
"Control system? Using martial souls to restrict opponents, to take initiative?" Tang San asked.
"From my research, that grass is flexible and can grow into various forms. Without a doubt, developing a control system is the most beneficial path," Grandmaster said.
"But Blue Silver Grass is easily torn apart how can it withstand attacks?" Tang San asked.
"This is the direction of its growth. Your spirit rings should focus on two aspects: first, resilience, and second, poison. As your soul power increases, the spirit will grow stronger. If you pour more soul power into the Blue Silver Grass, it will become tougher than ordinary Blue Silver Grass. With the added effect of spirit rings, restraining enemies won't be difficult. Using poison to restrict opponents will allow it to evolve into an offensive path," Grandmaster explained.
"For Kyle, you have several different martial souls, so for now focus on the Spear of Yang. Because Yin and Yang are interconnected elements, what you can do is add opposing elements between the Spear of Yang and the Sword of Yin."
"Furthermore, since they are weapon-type martial souls, I suggest you obtain abilities that can replicate weapons, enlarge weapons, or control weapons. In short, I recommend you develop an offensive system when using the Sword of Yin or the Spear of Yang," Grandmaster said.
"Alright, teacher," Kyle replied.
"You may return now. Tomorrow morning I will take you both," Grandmaster said.
"Alright, teacher," Kyle and Tang San answered together.
That night at the academy
"You're leaving school? What about student chores? If you go, I'll have to work all day," Xiao Wu said angrily.
"For these few days, we'll be troubling you. After we return, half of our allowance will be yours. How about it, Sister Xiao Wu?" Kyle replied.
"If that's the case, I agree," Xiao Wu replied.
"Then it's settled. Let's go back," Tang San said.
"I want to spar with you again," Xiao Wu replied.
"Again?" Tang San asked.
"That's right. Earlier today I launched a surprise attack. That wasn't a true victory. You also seemed unsatisfied. I'll give you another chance," Xiao Wu said.
"Then let's," Tang San began.
"Sorry, Brother Tang San, I'd like to try it. You don't mind, Sister Xiao Wu?" Kyle interrupted and said.
"I don't mind, but I don't know about Xiao Wu," Tang San replied.
"No problem, I also want to see how strong you are, Kyle," Xiao Wu answered.
"Then let's begin," Kyle said.
Kyle then took his stance. The left side of his body leaned forward while the right side leaned back. His left leg stepped forward while his right leg moved behind. His left hand clenched into a fist, raised to guard the left side of his face, while his right hand was pulled back, also clenched into a fist.
Seeing that stance, Tang San said to Kyle: "Don't be too serious, Kyle."
Xiao Wu then walked closer to Kyle.
"What are you doing? Didn't you say you wanted to spar?" Kyle asked.
"That's right, I've already started," Xiao Wu whispered into Kyle's ear.
Suddenly, Xiao Wu's hair wrapped around Kyle's neck, but Kyle didn't budge at all from his position.
"You're really heavy, you know," Xiao Wu said, failing to pull Kyle, and decided to kick his body instead. Just like before, Kyle didn't move an inch.
"What's going on here? You're not doing anything at all?" Xiao Wu asked.
"Are you finished, Sister? Now it's my turn," Kyle replied.
Kyle then clenched his fist tightly, preparing to strike.
"Six Realm Technique: First Style: Speed Form: True Instantaneous Punch." Kyle focused his right hand, compressing his strength, then punched the air, releasing a powerful shockwave concentrated at a single point.
Xiao Wu instinctively leapt backward before the attack was unleashed and successfully avoided it.
"I surrender," Kyle said.
"Wait, what do you mean?" Xiao Wu asked angrily.
"I only wanted to spar for a moment. I've already lost. Besides, Sister Xiao Wu wanted to spar with Brother Tang San," Kyle explained.
"What are you doing!?" A harsh voice reached the three of them.
"Teacher, we were sparring," Xiao Wu said.
"Sparring?! It's already late at night, go back to sleep at once!" the teacher scolded.
"Alright," Kyle and Tang San replied.
"Wait! Kyle, our match isn't finished yet," Xiao Wu said angrily.
"I admit defeat. Now it's Brother Tang San's turn to spar with you," Kyle replied and left them.
"Enough, I'll spar with you. Are you ready?" Tang San tried to calm Xiao Wu.
"Hmph, then let's begin," Xiao Wu replied.
The next morning, while most teachers and students of Nuoding Academy were still asleep, three people left through the academy gates in a horse-drawn carriage.
"Why do you look so exhausted? Are you uncomfortable?" Grandmaster asked.
"That's because Brother Tang San sparred all night with Sister Xiao Wu," Kyle replied.
"I'm fine. Please continue with the knowledge about soul beasts," Tang San said.
"I see. Very well then. You must remember this: we divide soul beasts into five levels. Ten-year soul beasts are white, hundred-year are yellow, thousand-year are purple, ten-thousand-year are black, and hundred-thousand-year are red. The older they are, the stronger they become, and the greater the effect of their spirit rings," Grandmaster explained.
"Northeast of Nuoding City lies the Soul Hunting Forest. That's where the empire manages soul beasts. Most of them are between ten and a hundred years old. Very few reach a thousand years. However, for your current situation, a hundred-year soul beast will be sufficient," Grandmaster said.
"Teacher, what is the main purpose of a spirit ring?" Kyle asked.
"That's a good question. A spirit ring that matches a martial soul can be a blessing and grant special abilities. For example, Tang San obtained a ten-year spirit ring that matched his attributes. The control ability of Blue Silver Grass increased by ten. But if it were a hundred-year ring, its natural control would increase by a hundred. The attribute boost and special ability from a hundred-year spirit ring are normally far stronger than those of a ten-year ring," Grandmaster explained.
"So that means nobles rely on the strength of their clans to obtain powerful spirit rings?" Tang San asked.
"Correct, it seems you've already thought about it. Nobles indeed have certain advantages when hunting soul beasts. But the requirements for obtaining spirit rings are extremely difficult. First, the spirit ring of a soul beast appears only briefly after its death. The ring produced can only be absorbed by the one who killed it," Grandmaster explained.
"Next, soul beasts have great pride. They will not allow themselves to be captured. When gravely injured, they often choose to detonate their soul power to prevent Spirit Masters from absorbing their rings. Additionally, the absorption of a spirit ring requires sufficient resilience. If one cannot withstand the ring's power, their body will explode," Grandmaster said.
"We understand," Kyle and Tang San replied.
"Xiao San and Xiao Kyle, the world will not show favoritism. This is for you," Grandmaster said as he handed them something.
They received Grandmaster's gifts with respect.
Tang San received a black belt, with dark lines across its surface. Distributed evenly along the belt were 24 pieces of milky-white jade. Each piece was the size of an adult's thumb, round in shape, with a soft hue and the luster of rare, fine jade.
Kyle received a pair of armguards, each contrasting sharply in appearance. The right side bore patterns that looked majestic and sacred, while the left side carried patterns that appeared cursed and terrifying.
"These two items have been with me for thirty years, and neglected for thirty years as well. I hope that in your hands they can grow into what they were meant to be. Both are spirit tools."
"The belt functions as storage each jade piece can provide one cubic meter of space. The armguards, on the other hand, reduce the amount of soul power consumed. To use them, you only need to infuse them with soul power. For thirty years, these items have never had names. You may give them names," Grandmaster said.
"I'll call it the 24 Moonlight Bridges," Tang San said.
"I'll call mine Cancellation and Completion," Kyle said.
"The names you've given them truly represent your natures, even if they are a bit long," Grandmaster said.
After arriving at the outskirts of the Soul Beast Hunting Forest, they saw many shops along the edge, bustling with activity.
"Teacher, why is it so crowded here?" Tang San asked.
"Spirit Masters are a wealthy group. These people come here to profit from them," Grandmaster explained.
"Then what about those shouting over there?" Kyle asked.
"To absorb a Spirit Ring, the soul beast must be personally killed. But some soul beasts are not easy to kill. That's why teams are formed to cooperate. However, most of these are patchwork groups, not ideal teams. An ideal hunting team should at least consist of five parts," Grandmaster said.
"The food system is responsible for supplies. The healing system is responsible for restoring soul power. The agility system is responsible for scouting. The strength system is responsible for holding back enemies. The attack system is responsible for eliminating enemies. Only with the combination of these five parts can a group be considered complete," Grandmaster explained.
"But coordination among each part cannot be formed in just one or two days. Most importantly, every member must trust one another. Without trust, when facing danger, they will be easily defeated," Grandmaster said.
Grandmaster's words carried weight as they approached the steel border fence, towering more than ten meters high and guarded by armored soldiers with spears.
He continued, "In the future, you will have the chance to join a team. When choosing, don't just look at the strength of the members. Remember this: in the team you choose, you must be able to entrust your back to others."
Past the bustling marketplace, the atmosphere shifted to one of discipline and authority.
"No ordinary person can enter the Soul Beast Hunting Forest. Only Spirit Masters with tokens issued by the Spirit Hall are permitted to enter and hunt soul beasts. These soldiers are border guards. And within the forest itself, there are enforcement squads from the Spirit Hall. Each time they inspect tokens, they pay close attention to sentiment," Grandmaster explained.
"Outside, don't ask such questions again. As for the relationship between the Spirit Hall and the empire, I'll explain it to you later," he said firmly.
"Obtaining a command token from the Spirit Hall is not difficult. First, you must gain approval from the Spirit Hall that you truly need a spirit ring. Next, you must have at least the guarantee of three nobles," Grandmaster explained.
He then pointed to a symbol etched into the token. "Remember this symbol, it is the hallmark of the Spirit Hall. Within the Spirit Hall there are six insignias. Distinguishing them is simple. The lowest-class token bears a sword, representing Spirit Masters of the Spirit Hall. Above that is the sword with an additional mark, representing the elders of the Spirit Hall."
Grandmaster's explanation carried a sense of authority as he continued walking with them toward the guarded forest.
"People often say martial soul beasts are stronger than martial soul weapons. But that understanding is incomplete. Any martial soul depends on two crucial factors: how much soul power it possesses at awakening, and the process of cultivation. True strength lies in personal cultivation," he said firmly.
Then, with a slight gesture, he revealed his token. "Let's go. My command token is a level-three order, valid for life. Unlike the two lower-level tokens that must be returned after obtaining a spirit ring, this one grants free entry into the Soul Beast Hunting Forest of the Heaven Dou Empire. My token also bears the symbol of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon. Among soul beasts, it is considered a high-level existence. Even though its owner is not from the Spirit Hall, the clan's representative is respected by the Spirit Hall," Grandmaster explained.
"Yes, the rest are higher than this, each representing one of the six spirit symbols. These six insignias correspond to six powerful Spirit Masters and six formidable clans. Three reside within the Heaven Dou Empire, and the other three within the Xing Luo Empire," he explained.
As they reached the border gate, the captain in charge noticed the token bearing three symbols. Immediately, he ordered the soldiers to open the massive gate, allowing them entry into the forest.
Kyle, still curious, asked, "Teacher, what is the rank of the Spirit Masters who hold these tokens? Spirit Saints? Spirit Douluo? Title Douluo?"
Grandmaster's answer here would set the stage for revealing the hierarchy of Spirit Masters and the immense prestige tied to those insignias.
Grandmaster's voice grew heavier as he revealed the truth.
"Title Douluo… and not just that, but the six strongest Title Douluo. They stand at the same level, yet their martial souls and spirit rings differ, so their true strength varies. Even if another Spirit Master reaches the Title Douluo realm, they cannot shake these six from their positions. But this is still far beyond your reach. For now, we enter the forest."
His gaze sharpened as he turned to them. "From this moment on, you must not stray a single step away from me."
"Yes, Teacher," Kyle and Tang San answered in unison.
With a commanding gesture, Grandmaster summoned his martial soul. Two yellow spirit rings rose around him, glowing with power.
"Come forth, Luo San Pao," Grandmaster declared.
The creature looked like a dog, pale purple in color, with a protrusion on its head. It ran toward Grandmaster and rubbed itself against his leg.
"Kyle, Tang San, this is my martial soul. You may call it Luo San Pao," Grandmaster said.
Tang San asked curiously, "Teacher, this is your martial soul? Isn't a martial soul beast supposed to be one with its master?"
Grandmaster sighed. "That is because my martial soul mutated. San Pao is a mutated martial soul that became weak. When I first awakened it, I only had 0.5 levels of soul power. Otherwise, I would not have ended up like this. No matter how hard I cultivate, my soul power will never reach level 30. In the end, I could only devote myself to studying martial soul theory."
Tang San lowered his head slightly. "I'm sorry, Teacher, for reminding you of something unpleasant."
Grandmaster gave a faint smile, his eyes calm. "It's all right. I've long accepted this fate. What I lost in strength, I gained in knowledge."
"Don't worry, I'm already used to it. Let me introduce San Pao to you. He is called that because he roars with the sound luo and can only attack three times. San Pao, open the way," Grandmaster commanded.
"Luoluo… Luoluo…"
Luo San Pao looked delighted and moved forward. Though his body was somewhat plump, his movements were surprisingly agile. He shifted from side to side, sniffing the surroundings. Grandmaster's whole body glowed faintly as they followed Luo San Pao deeper into the forest.
Grandmaster then drew out a beautiful short sword and handed it to Tang San. The sheath of the short sword was transparent blue, adorned with seven pieces of blue jade. The hilt bore a piece of milky-white jade, and the blade itself measured 39 cm in length.
"Luoluo…" San Pao called again. Not far ahead, Luo San Pao suddenly stopped. His large eyes fixed on a direction, and his mouth let out two sharp cries of luoluo. From that direction, a creature resembling a cat appeared, lying on a tree branch, watching Grandmaster and Tang San warily.
Grandmaster gave a cold smile and said:
"This is a Ten-Year Colored Cat. San Pao, don't bother it. Move forward," Grandmaster said.
"Look ahead, do you see that solitary bamboo? That too is a type of soul beast a plant type soul beast. It is useful for Tang San. The solitary bamboo is resilient, and although its offensive ability is not strong, its defense is quite good. This one is a ten-year solitary bamboo, since its height does not exceed ten meters."
"Grandmaster, are we going to hunt that solitary bamboo?" Tang San asked.
The solitary bamboo did not particularly stand out, but because it was surrounded by large trees rather than other bamboo, it was easy to spot. Its body swayed gently, the top moving rhythmically with the wind.
"For now, we won't. If we don't find a more suitable choice, we'll return here," Grandmaster replied.
Kyle raised an important question. "Grandmaster, how can we distinguish the true strength of a soul beast or how many years it has cultivated?"
Grandmaster explained, "In general, soul beasts are distinguished mainly by observing the color of the soul power they use when attacking. The color of their soul power corresponds to their actual strength. Specifically, ten year soul beasts use white soul power, hundred-year ones use yellow, and so on. However, a hundred-year spirit ring and a nine hundred year spirit ring share the same color. The quality of the attributes they provide is vastly different.
Based on my research, the limit for the first spirit ring is less than four hundred twenty three years. I have carefully studied many Spirit Masters who experienced both growth and failure. Therefore, I hope your first spirit rings will be as close to that limit as possible. This is a fundamental principle every Spirit Master must know. Only with this understanding can you maximize the use of your spirit rings."
Grandmaster continued to guide them deeper into the forest, turning the journey into a survival class. With Luo San Pao's sharp sense of smell, one by one the hidden soul beasts lurking in dark corners were revealed. Most of these were only ten-year-class soul beasts, their desire to attack not particularly strong. Grandmaster patiently introduced each creature to Tang San and Kyle, explaining their names, specific traits, and the methods to distinguish their cultivation age.
Looking up at the sky, Grandmaster said, "It seems we'll have to spend the night in the Spirit Hunting Forest. First, we'll find a place to camp."
After searching for half a day, although several suitable soul beasts had appeared, Grandmaster remained patient, continuing the search. The campsite he chose was surrounded by complex terrain and tall trees, offering natural protection. From the circular spirit tool on his wrist, Grandmaster produced a large glass bottle and handed it to Tang San.
"Scatter it around, and remember, you must spread it evenly."
"Alright."
Tang San and Kyle took the bottle. Inside was a kind of medicinal powder, its smell rather pungent. Tang San's nose wrinkled as he recognized it; it resembled the realgar powder from his former world.
"Do you know why I asked you to scatter this?"
Grandmaster's expression was very serious, he was testing his students. Without hesitation, Tang San replied:
"It should be to conceal our scent, and to drive away insects and animals?"
Grandmaster nodded with satisfaction. "Correct, exactly so. This is called snake-repelling powder, an essential tool for adventures. Remember, in the forest especially in a forest filled with soul beasts, you must avoid using fire as much as possible. While most wild animals and soul beasts fear firelight, there are some very powerful soul beasts that are drawn to it. If you encounter them, unless your cultivation is strong enough, you will surely die."
The color of the sky gradually dimmed. Inside the forest, it was anything but peaceful, calls of insects and birds echoed, while the roars of wild beasts rose and fell one after another. Without lighting a fire, the surroundings were completely dark. They ate a simple dinner, and both master and disciples rested against a large tree.
Grandmaster was clearly a qualified teacher, paying close attention to Tang San and Kyle. Even though they should have been resting, he continued to question them about their understanding of the soul beasts they had encountered during the day, reinforcing the lessons to leave a deeper impression.