The sun had barely risen when Jin Yang found himself standing at the edge of Red Willow Village, his travel bag slung over one shoulder. Inside were a change of clothes, some dried food, and a carefully wrapped bundle—his old wooden practice bow from Uncle Ma.
The golden bow didn't need carrying, but Uncle Ma had insisted: "Even a divine weapon won't teach you discipline. This will."
The Spirit Master from before had returned the night before, his expression a mix of surprise and relief when Jin Yang finally said, "I'll go."
Uncle Ma stood beside him now, silent. The old man wasn't one for long speeches. Instead, he reached into his coat and handed Jin Yang a small pouch of coins.
"For emergencies," Uncle Ma said. "And remember, boy—strength is for protecting what matters, not for proving you're stronger."
Jin Yang nodded. "I'll remember."
The road to the city was longer than Jin Yang expected. Dirt paths gave way to cobblestone roads, and the smell of farmland shifted to the sharper scents of industry—iron, smoke, and something faintly metallic that he recognized from his previous life as the tang of city air.
Along the way, the Spirit Master introduced himself properly.
"My name is Master Ren Qi," he said. "Instructor at Northwind Primary Spirit Master Academy."
"Northwind?" Jin Yang echoed. He recognized the name from the original Soul Land stories—it was a modest academy, known more for producing steady graduates than legendary geniuses.
"That's right," Master Ren said. "You'll start there. We'll see how far you can go."
We'll see, Jin Yang thought privately. His path wouldn't end at some modest academy.
The city loomed ahead by midday. High stone walls surrounded it, banners snapping in the wind. Guards in fitted armor stood watch at the gate, their spears gleaming.
Inside, the streets bustled with merchants hawking goods, children darting between stalls, and the rhythmic clatter of carriage wheels. Jin Yang kept close to Master Ren, who walked with the ease of someone used to the city's chaos.
They reached the academy by early afternoon. Northwind was a cluster of stone buildings with red-tiled roofs, surrounded by training fields. Students in plain uniforms moved between classes, some carrying training weapons, others chatting animatedly.
"This will be your home for now," Master Ren said. "You'll start in the Beginner Class. Don't think your awakening yesterday makes you special here—every student is chasing strength."
Jin Yang gave a small, knowing smile. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
Before he could even unpack, Jin Yang was brought to a training hall. At the center stood a woman in her thirties, wearing a black instructor's robe and holding a clipboard.
"This is Instructor Wei," Master Ren said. "She'll test your abilities for placement."
Instructor Wei's sharp gaze swept over Jin Yang. "Summon your martial soul."
Golden light flared in his hand, and the bow appeared. Gasps rippled through the small group of observing students.
"A ranged martial soul," Wei said, making a note. "Soul power level?"
Jin Yang channeled his energy into the crystal sphere she held. The crystal glowed bright yellow—far brighter than an average six-year-old's should.
"Tenth level already," Wei said, her voice betraying surprise. "Without a spirit ring, that's your limit. You'll be placed in Class One."
Class One was a group of about twenty students, ranging from ages six to ten.
At the front sat a boy with neatly combed hair and a confident smirk, his white training uniform spotless. His martial soul—a gleaming silver spear—was displayed proudly in the rack beside his desk.
"That's Liang Fei," whispered the boy next to Jin Yang. "Top of the class. His father's a City Guard captain."
Liang Fei glanced over, eyes narrowing. "You're the new one? Don't think one fancy awakening makes you better than me."
Jin Yang smiled faintly. "I'll let my arrows speak for me."
A murmur spread through the class. The rivalry had begun.
Training in Northwind began with the basics—stances, breathing exercises, and spirit power circulation. Jin Yang went through the motions, but his mind was on something else.
The bow in his hand felt natural, but he knew from both Karna's story and Soul Land lore that mastery wasn't just about the weapon—it was about the soul skills. And for that, he needed his first spirit ring.
During a short break, he approached Master Ren. "When can I hunt my first spirit beast?"
Ren raised an eyebrow. "Impatient already? We'll go when you've proven you can survive the hunt."
Jin Yang simply nodded. He could wait—just not for long.
That evening, Jin Yang wandered the academy courtyard.
The sunset painted the sky in streaks of gold and crimson, and for a moment, he felt the warmth of the bow's energy resonate with the fading sunlight.
Then he noticed someone watching him from the shadows—a tall figure in a hooded cloak. When their eyes met, the figure turned and disappeared into the deeper shadows of the alley beyond the wall.
A faint voice echoed in Jin Yang's mind, like a whisper carried on the wind: "Child of the Sun… your path will burn brighter than you know."
His hand tightened on the bowstring. Whatever this world held for him, it was already moving toward him.