The invigorating morning breeze swept across the meticulously arranged, smooth stone tiles of the Tang family's expansive training yard, carrying with it the vibrant, pulsating essence of soul power. Under the golden rays of the sun, two formidable silhouettes stood facing each other—silent yet charged, poised to unleash their formidable abilities.
Tang Yan, embodying sheer confidence, expertly twirled his impressive Blue Gold Warlord Trident with practiced ease. The trident's three gilded tips sparkled brilliantly in the sunlight, each tip humming softly with a restrained yet potent energy. Beneath Tang Yan's skin, a faint red-gold glow began to radiate, a clear indication that he had activated his formidable Blood Echo Surge soul skill, its energy simmering eagerly in his veins like a volcano ready to erupt. Opposite him stood his twin brother, Tang San, exuding an aura of serene determination. His Blue Silver Spear rested steadfastly at his side, unwavering and resolute like an ancient tree, firmly rooted and silently awaiting the ideal moment to strike.
Gathered at the sidelines, their family watched with rapt attention, each member absorbed in the unfolding drama. Tang Hao stood with arms crossed over a broad chest, face inscrutable as he surveyed the tense scene, a stern guardian of their legacy. Beneath the dappled shade of a sprawling tree, Ah Yin sat gracefully, her ethereal spiritual vines extending delicately from her fingertips, intertwining with the ambient energies to monitor the fluctuations in their soul power. Bi Ji, ever the pragmatist, leaned forward, a medicinal salve ready in hand—a precautionary measure, should the clash turn dangerous. Above them, Gu Yuena perched like a celestial guardian on a high beam, her demeanor radiating both pride and a fierce interest in the duel below.
Flitting just above Tang Yan's shoulder, the ever-mischievous Tianmeng Bug floated like a shimmering noodle, its vibrant translucent body pulsing with glee and anticipation.
"Alright, Host," the System chimed in with an urgent tone. "Enough of the theatrics—show the academy exactly what it means to wield plot armor infused with technique."
"Mmm. Do you smell that?" piped up Tianmeng, an impish tone coloring its voice. "It's the scent of potential mixed with a side of roasted self-esteem."
"I really wish you two had a mute button," Tang Yan grumbled, his muscles coiling with the readiness of a coiled spring, prepared for the imminent clash.
**Soul Skill Mastery: Trident vs. Spear**
As the tension in the air thickened, Tang Yan made the first move, his golden energy surging around him like a glowing aura as he summoned his powerful soul skill, Radiant Laceration. A focused beam of Ultimate Gold energy shot forth, slicing through a nearby training pillar effortlessly, leaving behind a trail of shimmering decay and brilliance in its wake—a deadly blend of Killing and Life energies swirling together in a magnificent display.
Undeterred by the dazzling onslaught, Tang San deftly sidestepped, tapping into his own skill, Verdant Pulse Vein. Waves of revitalizing green energy cascaded across the training yard, grounding and harmonizing the surrounding space, filling it with an invigorating calm. He swiftly followed up with Golden Root Bind, calling forth intricate vines that expertly ensnared a nearby target, pinching pressure points upon contact, almost like a gentle embrace that held immense power.
A gleeful grin spread quickly across Tang Yan's face as the excitement of battle coursed through him. He flipped the trident deftly in his grip, striking the ground with resolute finality. "Thorn-Fused Detonation!" he called, and at his command, the earth erupted in a chaotic explosion of red-and-gold spikes, the area of effect expanding outward with alarming ferocity and flamboyant flair.
In a seamless and practiced response, Tang San invoked Nature's Grasp Field, conjuring a glowing dome made of wood-attribute energy that intercepted each thorn mid-air, nullifying their deadly trajectory before they could ever touch the ground with a gentle but firm grace.
"System: Synchronized dance of soul skills detected. Host, don't break formation trying to show off," the System warned matter-of-factly.
"Too late," chuckled Tianmeng, an amused spark in its tone. "He's already showing off again."
With a cocky smirk edging onto his lips, Tang Yan suddenly vanished, his speed morphing him into a colorful blur. "Crimson Hunt Lock!" he shouted, unleashing spiritual chains that shot forth from the aura of his trident, aimed directly at Tang San as he attempted to shift away from the barrage.
However, Tang San, unshakeable and entirely composed, pivoted with keen precision, deflecting the incoming chains with a practiced maneuver of his spear, the weapon cutting through the air with an elegance befitting a master.
From the sidelines, their family observed the brilliance of their duel with a mixture of pride and anxiety.
"Clean. Controlled," Tang Hao remarked, a flicker of approval lacing his voice as he watched the exchange unfold.
"The synchronization in their movements is becoming second nature to them," Ah Yin commented, her expression softening with pride, her eyes sparkling with a motherly warmth.
"I'm excited but also a bit anxious. They need to be cautious—too much brightness can often cast an unwanted shadow," Bi Ji added, her gaze darting thoughtfully over the battlefield, as she remained ever-vigilant.
Gu Yuena's eyes shimmered with intensity, watching the brothers with a fierce protective pride. "That's precisely why they must learn to wield their brilliance wisely, with both strength and wisdom," she asserted, her tone both serious and nurturing.
**Departure Preparations**
Later that day, as the sun climbed higher in the sky, casting a warm golden hue across the landscape, Tang Yan and Tang San meticulously gathered their belongings in preparation for their journey to Nuoding Academy.
Ah Yin made her way over to Tang San, her expression tender as she handed him a pendant crafted from delicate leaf-green threads, its intricate design pulsating with life and vitality. "Keep this close to remind you of your roots, my son," she advised softly, her voice steady yet filled with warmth and care.
Gu Yuena approached Tang Yan next, pressing a shimmering golden scale into his open palm, its surface glinting mysteriously in the sunlight. "This will help to suppress your aura, ensuring you don't reveal your true strength unless it's absolutely necessary," she instructed, her demeanor both authoritative and ever-watchful as she prepared him for what lay ahead.The cool breeze of early dawn whispered across the training grounds as Tang Yan and Tang San stood facing each other, soul power gently rising from their bodies like vapor. One held a majestic Blue Gold Warlord Trident, pulsing with a noble and deadly aura. The other gripped his Blue Silver Spear, calm as a quiet forest stream yet deadly as a viper beneath leaves.
For days now, their training had progressed without restraint. No more hidden talents. No more subtle tests. Every soul skill was used, every flaw burned away by relentless guidance from their elders—and relentless trolling from certain companions.
System:"Host, your new title is 'Unrestrained Glory in Training Mode.' Long, dramatic, and mildly embarrassing."
Tianmeng Bug:"Honestly, watching you two is like seeing a dance-off where the floor keeps breaking from the power levels. Entertaining."
Their mastery over their first soul rings was already evolving. The control, healing, and piercing soul skills of Tang San wove like thread through the battlefield. Tang Yan's soul skills roared like thunder—domineering, destructive, yet surprisingly surgical in execution.
From the sidelines, Tang Hao, Ah Yin, Bi Ji, and Gu Yuena watched with concealed pride.
"Even their footwork has matured," Tang Hao commented.
Ah Yin smiled. "Their Martial Souls are becoming extensions of their intent."
Gu Yuena's golden eyes narrowed slightly. "They'll be too dazzling. We'll need to teach them how to dim the light."
System:"Dim the light? They're basically soul-powered LED billboards at this point."
Departure for Nuoding
Later that morning, the twins packed modest bags. Bi Ji fussed over Tang Yan's clothes, Ah Yin slipped a jade leaf pendant into Tang San's robe, and Gu Yuena pressed a glowing golden scale into Tang Yan's hand.
"This will help suppress your aura. Use it when needed."
Tang Hao handed them each a scroll.
"Random Hammer Technique. Eighty-one strikes a night. No exceptions."
"We'll keep at it," Tang San nodded.
Tianmeng:"He says that, but he'll forget by day three."
Tang Yan: "I'll tattoo it on your forehead."
Arrival at Nuoding – The Gatekeeper Incident
As the morning sun climbed, Tang San and Tang Yan approached Nuoding Junior Soul Master Academy.
At the gate sat a bent old man, chewing dried seeds and eyeing the boys with disdain.
"What's this? More chicken dung trying to become phoenixes?"
Tang Yan's steps halted.
"You say that like chicken dung can't grow flowers."
The gatekeeper sneered. "Trash like you shouldn't waste the academy's breath. Even pigs dream of flying now."
Tianmeng:"Host, I vote we baptize this man in righteous trident justice."
System:"You break him, you pay tuition twice."
Tang Yan's fingers twitched dangerously. Tang San took a step forward, his spear's shadow faint in the dirt.
In the woods nearby, their hidden protectors stirred.
Gu Yuena clenched her folding fan.
"Calling my son chicken dung?"
Ah Yin narrowed her eyes.
"If he wasn't old and bald, he wouldn't be standing."
Bi Ji grumbled, "Can I poison his tea?"
Tang Hao cracked his knuckles.
"That idiot's lucky my sons didn't flex."
System:"Host, your fan club in the bushes is foaming at the mouth. How romantic."
Master Yu Xiaogang's Arrival
Before either twin could summon their Martial Souls, a calm voice echoed from within the courtyard.
"That's enough."
A lean, robed figure approached—the man's composure demanded attention. Yu Xiaogang, the Martial Soul Grandmaster, stepped through the gate and gave the gatekeeper a look that made the old man freeze.
"Their spirit certificates?"
Tang San stepped forward and offered his document. Yu Xiaogang's eyes lingered on the contents.
"Blue Silver Grass… innate full soul power?"
His gaze sharpened.
"Interesting…"
He briefly glanced at Tang Yan's document.
"A Blue-Gold Trident Martial Soul? Rare. Tool-type. High potential."
After a tense pause, Yu Xiaogang looked back at the gatekeeper.
"These documents are authentic. Let them in."
The gatekeeper, now pale, bowed deeply. "Y-Yes, Master Yu! Sorry for the misunderstanding!"
Yu Xiaogang turned and gestured toward the academy.
"Follow me. Orientation begins soon."
As they stepped inside, Tang Yan leaned toward his brother.
"Next time, we don't hold back."
"Agreed."
From the trees above, the hidden watchers faded into spirit mist, satisfied.