Chapter 4: Forging Bonds and Power
The spirit awakening ceremony had set Holy Soul Village ablaze with whispers, Tang San's innate full soul power and my Level 5 revelation fueling dreams long dormant in this quiet place. Su Yuntao, his task complete, handed us our martial soul awakening certificates—simple scrolls bearing the Spirit Hall's seal, confirming our potential. Tang San's certificate shone with the weight of his Level 10 soul power and Blue Silver Grass, while mine noted Level 5 and my King-grade Blue Silver Grass. The Clear Sky Hammer, hidden deep in my soul, remained my secret, locked away from the world and Tang Hao's piercing gaze.
"Three months," Su Yuntao said, his voice sharp as he packed his tools. "Nuoding Academy's admissions start then. Don't squander this chance." He gave Tang San and me a long, appraising look before striding out of the village, his Lone Wolf's aura lingering like a storm's echo.
Three months. Time to hone my body, sharpen my mind, and cement my place at Tang San's side. The Attribute Collection System thrummed in my mind, its potential vast and hungry. My status window was a testament to my growth, but I knew I could push further:
*Status Window:*
- *Name*: Fang Shen
- *Age*: 6 years, 0 months, 15 days
- *Race*: Human
- *Strength*: 1.1 (Average male strength: 1)
- *Speed*: 1.2
- *Endurance*: 1.3
- *Mental Power*: 2.0
- *Soul Power*: 5.4 (Level 5.4; 1.0 represents Level 1)
- *Martial Souls*: Blue Silver Grass (Grade: King, Awakened); Clear Sky Hammer (Hidden, Awakened)
- *Soul Ring*: None
- *Techniques*: Mysterious Heaven Technique, Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track, Purple Demon Eyes
With our martial souls awakened, the Blue Silver Grass felt alive in my core, its King-grade potential vibrant and waiting. The Clear Sky Hammer, though hidden, pulsed like a dormant volcano, its power a promise I'd keep buried until I was strong enough to wield it without drawing Tang Hao's attention.
The next morning, I found Tang San at the forge, the clang of metal ringing through the mist. He¾ He was assisting Tang Hao, his small hands steady as he wielded a forging hammer with uncanny precision. My Purple Demon Eyes caught the subtle ripple of power in his swings—a technique I recognized from my old world's knowledge: the Chaos Cloaked Hammer, a method of controlled, explosive force that shaped metal with devastating accuracy.
The system chimed: *Ding! Detected: Strength +0.3, Chaos Cloaked Hammer Technique. Do you want to pick up? Yes/No.*
"Yes," I whispered, feeling a surge of power tighten my muscles and a flood of knowledge settle in my mind. The Chaos Cloaked Hammer Technique unfurled like a scroll, its principles of layered force and precision sparking in my thoughts. My strength ticked up to 1.4, the panel updating silently. The forge was a treasure trove, and I'd make it my hunting ground.
"Hey, Tang San," I called, keeping my voice light as I approached with an armful of firewood. "Need a hand?"
He glanced up, wiping sweat from his brow. "Just stack the wood there," he said, nodding to a corner. His eyes were sharp, but he didn't question my presence.
I moved closer, stacking slowly, my senses alert for system triggers. Tang San's hammer strikes were a rhythm of power, each one a chance to collect more. Over the next three months, I became a fixture at the forge, hauling wood, fetching water, or sweeping ash, always near when Tang San practiced his Chaos Cloaked Hammer. The system rewarded me daily: *Strength +0.3. Endurance +0.2. Agility +0.2.* The attributes piled up—three strength boosts, three endurance, two agility, and even a mental power fragment from Tang San's focused concentration. The Chaos Cloaked Hammer Technique, now mine, grew clearer with each night's practice in the orphanage hut, my swings with a makeshift hammer gaining precision.
By the end of the third month, my status window reflected my transformation:
*Status Window:*
- *Strength*: 2.0
- *Speed*: 1.6
- *Endurance*: 1.9
- *Mental Power*: 2.1
- *Soul Power*: 5.8
- *Martial Souls*: Blue Silver Grass (Grade: King, Awakened); Clear Sky Hammer (Hidden, Awakened)
- *Soul Ring*: None
- *Techniques*: Mysterious Heaven Technique, Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track, Purple Demon Eyes, Chaos Cloaked Hammer
My body had changed. My arms, once thin, now rippled with lean muscle. I could carry heavy loads without strain, move faster through the village paths, and endure long hours of chores. The Chaos Cloaked Hammer Technique amplified my strength, each practice swing in the dark hut sending a satisfying jolt through my frame. The Mysterious Heaven Technique deepened my soul power, nearing Level 6. Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track made my steps silent and fluid, while Purple Demon Eyes turned the world razor-sharp, catching every nuance of Tang San's movements.
Tang San noticed my growth. "You're tougher than before," he said one day as we hauled buckets from the well. His tone was neutral, but his eyes probed, curious.
"Village life's no joke," I said with a grin, deflecting. "Gotta keep up with you, right?"
He nodded, but I could see the gears turning in his mind. I kept my secrets close, never hinting at the Clear Sky Hammer or the system. Tang Hao's presence at the forge was a constant shadow, his drunken slouch hiding a Titled Douluo's power. One wrong move, and he'd sense the hammer in my soul. I wasn't ready for that.
I also collected from the village kids—small boosts from their games and scuffles. A chase through the fields gave *Agility +0.1*. A tug-of-war yielded *Strength +0.2*. The system turned every moment into growth. By the third month's end, I was a different boy—stronger, faster, sharper.
On the day we left for Nuoding Academy, Old Jack gathered us at the village gate, his voice thick with pride. "Tang San, Level 10. Fang Shen, Level 5. You're our hope. Make us proud."
Tang San nodded solemnly. I grinned. "We'll do our best, Old Jack."
As we set off for Nuoding City, Tang San a step ahead, the system chimed: *Ding! Detected: Endurance +0.1. Do you want to pick up? Yes/No.* I whispered "Yes," my endurance ticking to 2.0. Tang San's every move was a gift, and I'd collect them all.
Nuoding Academy loomed ahead, where Tang San would hunt his first soul ring and begin his ascent. I'd be there, my King-grade Blue Silver Grass as my mask, the Clear Sky Hammer hidden, its power waiting for the day I could wield it without fear. For now, I was Fang Shen, host of the Attribute Collection System, forging my legend in the Douluo Continent's shadow, one attribute at a time.