Beyond the academy walls, the vast Douluo Continent stretched out. Whether in the Heaven Dou Empire or the Star Luo Empire, the Spirit Hall stood as the symbolic heart of every city. Following Grandmaster's instructions, Tang San casually asked a passerby and quickly found the location of Nuoding's Spirit Hall.
Helping the working students had delayed them, so Tang San and Kyle hurried at full speed, unwilling to waste more time.
"Stop. Little ones, this is the Spirit Hall, you cannot rush in."
The guards at the entrance barred their way. Before them rose the immense dome structure of Nuoding's Spirit Hall. Its front alone spanned more than a hundred meters, towering twenty meters high, divided into three levels.
The entire building was a solemn brown, and above the gate hung a single emblem: a long sword. As Grandmaster had explained, a symbol with only one design meant that Nuoding's Spirit Hall was of the lowest rank.
The two entrance guards looked to be in their twenties, their spirit power fluctuations barely noticeable none of them had even reached the level of Spirit Master. It seemed Nuoding City was indeed remote; from the rank of its Spirit Hall, one could tell this city held little importance within the Heaven Dou Empire.
"Uncle, we are first‑year students of Nuoding Primary Spirit Master Academy. Our teacher told us to come here to measure our spirit levels," Kyle explained, showing his school uniform to the guards.
When the guards saw the Nuoding Academy emblem on Tang San's chest, their eyes unconsciously revealed a glimmer of envy. The first guard said, "So that's how it is. Then go inside. Head to the reception hall on the first floor and look for Grandmaster Ma Xiu‑Nuhe can help you."
"Thank you," Tang San replied, hurrying into the Spirit Hall.
The guards' envious gazes followed them. One muttered, "If only I could have entered Nuoding Academy, maybe I'd already be a Spirit Master by now. Hey, doesn't the academy have its own way to test spirit power? Why did this kid come running to our Spirit Hall?"
The other shrugged. "Who knows? It doesn't matter. Maybe his teacher sent him with some message and he couldn't explain clearly."
Inside, the twenty‑meter‑high dome radiated grandeur. The entire hall was covered with murals, each small panel depicting different martial souls. At the base, golden light shimmered brilliantly, giving the impression of jade and gold—majestic yet simple, magnificent without excess.
The Spirit Hall was surrounded by large crystal windows. Sunlight streamed through them, refracting across the murals, and the golden light shimmering there gave an even more dazzling and awe‑inspiring feeling.
The reception hall—where was it?
Inside the Spirit Hall there were not many people, only a few attendants cleaning. Since they did not know how to find the reception hall, as they prepared to approach someone to ask, they noticed people moving about.
They climbed the stairs to the second floor of the Spirit Hall, reaching the landing. From here, one could also directly see the first‑floor hall. Without needing to ask, this had to be the office area of the Spirit Hall.
Tang San reached the door of a room and knocked.
"Please come in."
A somewhat hoarse voice sounded from inside. It was a fairly bright office, and behind a wide desk sat an elderly man, dressed neatly in the robes of a Spirit Master. The emblem of three swords marked his rank, showing that he was a Battle Spirit Grandmaster.
Tang San and Kyle stood before Ma Xiu‑Nuo's desk, hearing him mutter to himself with a trace of impatience in his heart.
"Hello, Grandmaster Ma Xiu‑Nuo," they said in unison.
Ma Xiu‑Nuo smiled faintly at Tang San and Kyle, replying:
"Children, there's no need to call me Grandmaster. Just call me Grandpa Ma Xiu‑Nuo."
The old man's warm and friendly voice immediately gave a good impression. Tang San and Kyle quickly greeted again in unison, "Hello, Grandpa Ma Xiu‑Nuo."
Ma Xiu‑Nuo smiled slightly and said, "Come, I will take you to undergo the advancement assessment. You are very polite children."
As he spoke, Ma Xiu‑Nuo led them out of the office, holding Tang San and Kyle's hands as though they were his grandchildren. They walked along the second floor toward the side of the Spirit Hall. Just as they reached the end of the landing, three tall arched doors appeared before them.
Ma Xiu‑Nuo spoke with a faint smile:
"This is the true spirit testing room, where advancement assessments are carried out. Come, childrens."
As he spoke, he pushed open the door on the far left, leading Tang San and Kyle inside.
The room was vast and tall, covering nearly two hundred square meters, with a large window providing ample light. Along all four walls were countless black stones the size of fists, seemingly made of the same material that Su Yuntao had once used to awaken spirits.
On the floor was a large tiled emblem: a long sword pointing downward, aimed directly at the entrance. It was the same symbol displayed outside the Spirit Hall.
Grandmaster Ma Xiu‑Nuo noticed Tang San and Kyle observing the pattern on the floor, and said with a slight smile…
"We here are the lowest‑ranked Spirit Hall, also known as a Branch Spirit Hall. Across the Continent, even the smallest cities all have Spirit Halls like ours. Above the branch halls are Child Spirit Halls, and one level higher are Lord Spirit Halls."
"Lord Spirit Halls are located in the major cities. In the two imperial capitals, there are fourth‑rank Saint Spirit Halls. The fifth level is the Papal Hall, which is the most exalted of our Spirit Halls. Above the Papal Hall, there is only the legendary Douluo Consecration Hall."
"Only Spirit Masters who have reached the rank of Douluo are qualified to enter there, and it is also the ultimate goal of Spirit Masters registered in the Spirit Hall above Douluo. It is the place longed for by all Spirit Masters."
The six levels of Spirit Hall that Ma Xiu‑Nuo spoke of corresponded exactly to the six types of emblems Grandmaster had described.
"Thank you for telling me this, Grandpa Ma Xiu‑Nuo. Can we begin?" Tang San asked.
Ma Xiu‑Nuo smiled. "Young people these days, ah, their temperaments are all so impatient. Very well. Then let us begin now. Young man with black hair, show me your spirit and release your spirit ring."
Tang San stepped forward to stand at the center of the emblem. Raising his right hand, with full concentration and calm breath, thick and sturdy blades of Blue Silver Grass surged forth.
In the blink of an eye, they spread across the floor. From beneath Tang San's feet, the bright hundred‑year Datura Snake spirit ring rose, encircling his body, moving up and down.
Ma Xiu‑Nuo had worn a faint smile at first, but when he saw the Blue Silver Grass martial spirit erupt from Tang San's hand, his expression froze in shock.
"This… this is Blue Silver Grass?"
Tang San's eyes glowed with a faint blue light, the characteristic effect of using the Blue Silver Grass spirit.
"Is there a problem, Grandpa Ma Xiu‑Nuo?" he asked.
Ma Xiu‑Nuo rubbed his eyes, but of course he had not seen wrong. At this moment, his attention shifted to the yellow spirit ring surrounding Tang San's body…
"A hundred‑year spirit ring… it's actually a hundred‑year spirit ring. No wonder such a great change could occur even in Blue Silver Grass. Child, I still don't know your name."
"My name is Tang San."
Ma Xiu‑Nuo let out a long breath, calming the unease in his heart.
"I can be certain you have a very good teacher at Nuoding Academy. However, for the academy's tutors to help you complete the hunt for a hundred‑year spirit beast is already extremely difficult."
"It's a pity… the growth potential of Blue Silver Grass is too poor. Otherwise, perhaps you truly could become a formidable Spirit Master. After all, your spirit was only awakened a few months ago."
Ma Xiu‑Nuo picked up a yellow crystal ball from the desk beside him and walked in front of Tang San.
"Channel your spirit power into this, let me see what level you've reached. According to theory, you should be at the eleventh…"
The word rank had not yet left his mouth, because the crystal ball in Tang San's hand was already glowing with a misty yellow light. The radiance was not extremely strong, but it was very clear.
"This… this… spirit power rank thirteen!"
Ma Xiu‑Nuo looked at Tang San as though he were staring at a little monster.
"Could it be that the spirit ring itself is so powerful that your spirit power happened to increase? But even so, it should not surpass two ranks, ah? Child, can you tell me, what kind of spirit beast did you hunt to obtain this ring?"
Tang San did not hesitate and answered directly:
"It was the Datura Snake."
Ma Xiu‑Nuo was stunned.
"No wonder, no wonder! So it was the Datura Snake, one of the most troublesome among low‑level spirit beasts. And it was even a hundred‑year Datura Snake, which explains why it had such an effect."
"But… no, that's not right. Your spirit belongs to the plant system, how could it use a spirit ring from the beast system? Child, you cannot be lying."
Earlier, Boss Xiao had only been a child, his understanding of spirits still incomplete. But Ma Xiu‑Nuo, who had served in the Spirit Hall for several decades, was very clear about the rules of spirit rings. At once, he realized the core of the issue.
Tang San shook his head and said firmly:
"Grandpa Ma Xiu‑Nuo, I am not lying at all. Why can't a plant‑type spirit use a beast‑type spirit ring? Under certain conditions, it can be done. My teacher calls it the principle of spirit mimicry."
Ma Xiu‑Nuo's expression changed drastically.
"May I ask, who is your teacher?"
Tang San replied:
"Everyone calls him Grandmaster."
"Grandmaster? Could it be the Grandmaster who once published the theory of the Ten Core Competencies of Spirits, and was later expelled from the Spirit Hall? He suddenly appeared in Nuoding City?"
Hearing Ma Xiu‑Nuo's words, Tang San and Kyle realized for the first time that Grandmaster had originally come from the Spirit Hall. For a moment, he did not know how to respond.
Ma Xiu‑Nuo's expression suddenly grew serious.
"Tang San, would you be willing to join the Spirit Hall?"
Tang San was stunned for a moment.
"Grandpa Ma Xiu‑Nuo, haven't I already registered with the Spirit Hall?"
Ma Xiu‑Nuo shook his head and explained:
"No, that is different. Registering with the Spirit Hall is something the majority of Spirit Masters do, so they can receive national stipends."
"But joining the Spirit Hall means becoming an exclusive Spirit Master of the Hall. Your cultivation would then be carried out directly within the special institutions of the Spirit Hall."
Tang San shook his head and said:
"That may not be possible. I have already begun studying at Nuoding Primary Spirit Master Academy."
Ma Xiu‑Nuo sighed and replied:
"Indeed, it is too late now. Our Spirit Hall cannot unjustly force someone away from the academy. Forget it. This is all Su Yuntao's fault, he should have brought you directly to the Spirit Hall. Perhaps Grandmaster would not have approved of you joining us anyway…"
Tang San smiled faintly and said:
"Don't speak like that. If I had come to Spirit Hall, perhaps I would not have obtained such a good spirit ring. What do you think, Grandpa Ma Xiu‑Nuo?"
Ma Xiu‑Nuo was momentarily stunned, then smiled and said:
"What you say is true. Well then, your advancement assessment is complete. From now on, you are an honored Spirit Master of the Heaven Dou Empire, officially recognized among the ranks of Spirit Masters."
"Each month, you may use your issued badge to collect your stipend from the Spirit Hall. The stipend for a Spirit Master is one gold spirit coin per month. When you reach the rank of Grandmaster Spirit Master, that allowance will increase to ten gold spirit coins."
"As for the matter of a plant‑type spirit using a beast‑type spirit ring, I will report it to the higher authorities as soon as possible."
Kyle stepped forward to stand at the center of the emblem, raising his right hand with calm breath and focused concentration. From his palm, a gleaming white spear emerged, solid and sharp, its aura radiating a cold brilliance.
From beneath his feet, a bright hundred‑year spirit ring rose, the Light Tiger's ring, moving rhythmically up and down. The golden light of the ring contrasted with the pale spear, giving Kyle an imposing presence.
Ma Xiu‑Nuo, who had worn a faint smile, froze once again. His eyes widened in disbelief, just as they had when Tang San revealed his Blue Silver Grass. He rubbed his eyes, unwilling to trust them, yet the truth was undeniable, the hundred‑year ring glowed clearly around Kyle.
"A hundred‑year spirit ring… it's truly a hundred‑year spirit ring," Ma Xiu‑Nuo murmured, his voice trembling with awe. "Child, I still don't know your name."
Kyle answered calmly, "My name is Kyle."
Ma Xiu‑Nuo exhaled deeply, steadying the unease in his heart.
"I can be certain you also have an excellent teacher at Nuoding Academy. But for the tutors there to help you complete the hunt for a hundred‑year spirit beast… that is already extremely difficult."
He then picked up the yellow crystal ball from the desk and stepped before Kyle.
"Channel your spirit power into this, let me see what level you've reached. According to theory, you should be at the eleventh…"
Before he could finish the word rank, the crystal ball in Kyle's hand began to glow with a misty yellow light, clear and undeniable.
Kyle's hand tightened around the crystal ball, and before Ma Xiu‑Nuo could finish the word rank, the sphere was already glowing with that misty yellow light. It wasn't blinding, but it was steady, undeniable.
"This… this… you too are rank thirteen!" Ma Xiu‑Nuo's voice trembled, his gaze flicking between Tang San and Kyle as though he were staring at two little monsters standing before him.
"Could it be that the spirit rings themselves are so powerful, causing spirit power to rise unnaturally? But even so, it should not surpass two ranks… ah? Child, tell me—what spirit beast did you hunt for this ring?"
Tang San answered without hesitation:
"It was the Light Tiger."
Ma Xiu‑Nuo was visibly shaken, his voice carrying both awe and regret.
"No wonder, no wonder… so it was the Light Tiger, one of the most troublesome among low‑level spirit beasts. And even a hundred‑year Light Tiger, that explains why it had such an effect."
His expression shifted again, becoming grave.
"Are you also a disciple of the Grandmaster?"
Kyle answered firmly, "Yes."
Ma Xiu‑Nuo was momentarily stunned, then smiled and said:
"I am already too old to be surprised. Well then, your advancement assessment is complete. From now on, you are an honored Spirit Master of the Heaven Dou Empire, officially recognized among the ranks of Spirit Masters."
"Each month, you may use your issued badge to collect your stipend from the Spirit Hall. The stipend for a Spirit Master is one gold spirit coin per month. When you reach the rank of Grandmaster Spirit Master, that allowance will increase to ten gold spirit coins."
"Thank you."
When Tang San and Kyle left the Spirit Hall, within the Twenty‑Four Moonlit Bridges and Cancellation and Completion TheY already carried the specially forged Spirit Hall badge.
The badge was round, engraved with his name on the back, and on the front two interwoven thorns symbolized the rank of Spirit Master.
After leaving the Spirit Hall, Tang San quickly ran toward Nuoding Academy. Following Ma Xiu‑Nuo's directions, he took a shortcut this time, cutting his travel time by at least half.
As he was about to reach the academy, Tang San suddenly heard a familiar voice. His steps unconsciously came to a halt.
"Kyle, you go back first. I'll return later."
"See you at the academy."
Kyle returned to the workers' dormitory. Room Seven was no longer quiet; the working students were all there, chatting animatedly with bright faces.
"Little Kyle, you're back. Where's Xiao San?"
"Brother San has something to do. He'll be back later."
"I see."
Xiao Wu was sitting, leaning against her bed.
"Brother Xiao Wu, take me to the place we're supposed to sweep. I'll keep my promise. Starting today, I'll take over the sweeping duty."
Xiao Wu glanced at him and said:
"There's no sweeping anymore. From now on, none of us need to sweep."
Kyle was startled.
"Why?"
Xiao Wu said with a hint of pride:
"Do you think I, Big Sis Xiao Wu, would do something without reason? That fellow Xiao Chen‑Yu arranged for others to take over the chores of our working‑student group. From now on we don't need to do them, but we still receive the same pay as before."
Kyle's eyes lit up.
"That's actually quite good. From now on, you're the boss of all Nuoding Academy, Big Sis Xiao Wu."
Xiao Wu sat upright, hugging her knees. Her small pink face flushed as she looked curiously at Kyle.
"How did the Spirit Hall assessment go?"
Kyle replied:
"It's done. We are now Spirit Masters."
The working students around them revealed looks of envy. Of course, it was only envy, nothing more. The scene of Kyle defeating Xiao Chen‑Yu earlier was still vivid in their minds especially Wang Sheng, who admired him endlessly. He concluded that even after obtaining a spirit ring, he might still not be able to win against Kyle.
Xiao Wu asked curiously:
"What's the use of being a Spirit Master? It can't just be an empty title."
"There are still some benefits. At the very least, in the future I'll be able to eat better things. Spirit Masters receive one gold spirit coin every month."
"One gold spirit coin? That much?"
Xiao Wu now also understood the importance of money. Even though Xiao Chen‑Yu had said that in the future all the food expenses of the working‑student group would be covered by him, having money in her own hands was always better than relying on others.
As they spoke, Xiao Wu jumped off her bed and ran out excitedly.
"Big Sis Xiao Wu, where are you going?"
"I'm going to register at the Spirit Hall. One gold coin can buy so many delicious things!"
"There's no need to rush like this."
"How could I not be in a hurry? Did you forget today is the end of the month? If I go now, including next month, I might be able to get two gold spirit coins."
"But at least put on your shoes before you go."
"Eh…"
And so, Xiao Wu finally dashed off with great enthusiasm toward the Spirit Hall.
A school year had passed, and Tang San and Kyle were finally able to return home. In the early morning, Tang San and Kyle set off with a spirited and lively young girl. Dressed in their Nuoding Academy uniforms, they left Nuoding City and headed toward Holy Spirit Village. This past year, in Kyle's view, had been rich and deeply fulfilling. Based on his spirit power calculations, he was at the sixteenth rank, nearing the seventeenth.
At the academy, the only ones who could compare to him in spirit power were Tang San and Xiao Wu. Although they never saw Xiao Wu cultivate, their ranks were always close. Sometimes Tang San was stronger, sometimes Xiao Wu, and sometimes Kyle. Therefore, while Xiao Wu was the "boss" of the Nuoding students, in practice, even Xiao Chen-Yu's group called Tang San "Brother San" and referred to Kyle as "Brother Kyle."
Perhaps because Kyle, Tang San, and Xiao Wu acted as sparring partners, they pushed each other forward, advancing side-by-side. The teachers had essentially left them to their own devices; though they were only first-years, they were already the renowned geniuses of Nuoding Academy.
"Is it still far?" Xiao Wu asked, looking around restlessly.
"We're almost there. See that hilltop? Our village is at the foot of it." Tang San pointed to a dilapidated roof on the edge of the village and smiled. "Look, that's my house."
As he approached, Tang San's excitement grew. He quickened his pace and reached the door. Everything looked exactly as he had left it, a typical habit of Tang Hao. After all, there was nothing in the smithy worth stealing.
"Dad, I'm back!" Tang San shouted eagerly.
Xiao Wu stood behind him, curious. In her mind, Tang San was a gentle, busy friend who rarely showed agitation. Seeing him this excited was a first. Tang San stepped inside. The forge was in even more chaos than before, messy and worn, yet the sight filled Tang San with nostalgia.
"Oh, Little San, Little Kyle, you're back." A soft voice called out.
Kyle excited. "Grandpa Jack!"
Tang San was stunned. "Grandpa Jack! Long time no see! Where is my father?"
Old Jack, the elder of Holy Spirit Village, walked out with a wry smile. He handed a piece of paper to Tang San. "Look, this is a message from your father. I came to find him earlier, thinking we would go meet you together, not realizing you'd be back today."
Tang San hurriedly took the paper. The handwriting was messy but bold. As he read, his excitement instantly turned into a hollow sense of loss.
"Tang Hao left without warning," Old Jack said with a sigh. "I came by yesterday to ask him to make some farm tools, and he was gone. So irresponsible."
Tang San slowly looked up. "Grandpa Jack, you mean he only left in the last two days?"
Jack nodded. "He must have. Little San, don't feel bad; a father like that isn't worth it. Come with me and Kyle to my house."
Tang San shook his head quietly, carefully folding the letter and placing it against his chest. "Thank you, Grandpa Jack, but I need to stay and tidy up the house."
Back at Nuoding Academy, the Grandmaster was reading in his room. With Xiao San and Kyle gone, he felt a certain emptiness. Over the year, his bond with the two boys had deepened significantly.
A sudden knock at the door broke his thoughts. A large figure in a simple grey robe entered. The man had messy black hair and a weathered, scarred face that made him look much older than his fifty years.
"Hello, Grandmaster," the visitor said in a raspy voice. The Grandmaster instinctively tensed, circulating his spirit power.
"Who are you?"
"We haven't met in twenty years," the man said coldly. "In my current state, it's no wonder you don't recognize me. I am Tang Hao."
The Grandmaster's expression shifted violently. "You... you are the Hao..."
Tang Hao cut him off. "Past titles don't need to be mentioned. I know you took him as a disciple. As his father, I should have come sooner. I must leave, and my only concern is him. I entrust Little San to you."
"You're leaving? He is your son!" the Grandmaster protested.
"He is also your student," Tang Hao replied flatly. "Following me will not bring him happiness. His life must be his own choice."
Before leaving, Tang Hao tossed a jet-black token onto the desk. It looked like the one Grandmaster used to enter the Hunting Forest, but this one bore six patterns. With a click of the door, Tang Hao vanished.
At sunset, three small figures sat outside the smithy. The light painted them in hues of gold and red.
"Xiao Wu, Kyle, thank you," Tang San said, clutching a forging hammer. "Thank you for staying with me."
Kyle gripped Tang San's shoulder firmly. "Don't be sad. Your father is only gone for now. One day, you'll meet again. Maybe this is just to help you grow. Don't let his efforts go to waste."
Tang San smiled weakly. "Maybe. But home without a father isn't a home anymore."
Xiao Wu tossed her long braid forward. "Without a father, you still have me. I don't mind being your big sister. Come on, call me Xiao Wu Sis!"
Tang San laughed. "I don't mind having a sister, you guys are several months younger than me."
"I'll only be the big sister!" Xiao Wu huffed.
"I don't care either way," Kyle added, "I've known Brother San since we were kids."
Tang San led them to the hilltop where he usually trained. His expression turned solemn. "Xiao Wu, would you really be my sister? I truly hope to have a family again. I am just a poor commoner, but I promise, I will always protect you. I won't let you come to any harm."
Xiao Wu's eyes reddened. "What if many people want to kill me and you can't beat them?"
Tang San smiled thinly. "Then let them step over my corpse first."
"Ge (Big Brother)," Xiao Wu whispered, finally letting a tear fall. Tang San took her hand. "Thank you, my sister."
"I'm in too," Kyle joined. "I'll be your little brother."
As the stars appeared, Tang San pulled a device from his sleeve the Silent Sleeve Dart. He demonstrated its precision by pinning a mosquito to a tree by its wing without killing it.
"I call these hidden weapons," Tang San explained. "I want you guys to have this to protect yourself. I have the strength to protect my family."
As Xiao Wu and Kyle excitedly practiced with her new gift, Tang San looked up at the stars, his hands glowing like white jade and his eyes shimmering with a purple light.