After hours of meditation and careful observation, I finally stretched and rose, letting the shadows around my hands relax slightly. My stomach grumbled — I hadn't eaten since last evening.
I walked toward the dormitory's common area, moving quietly so as not to disturb Tang San, who was still absorbed in his cultivation with the Purple Demon Eyes. The faint glow of the amethyst qi swirled around him, but he didn't notice me slipping out.
The corridor was filled with early risers — students chatting softly, some heading to training, others heading toward breakfast. Shadows shifted subtly around my hands, still alert, though calmer than during meditation.
I took a bite of the porridge and immediately grimaced inwardly. It was gritty and bland — the steamed bun wasn't much better, dry and dense.
Pretty bad, I thought, pushing the tray slightly away. Shadows coiled lightly around my hands, as if echoing my silent complaint. At least I'm not relying on this for strength… Tang San's cultivation is something else entirely.
Xiao Wu carried a small tray of food, moving gracefully through the dining area. Her white eyes scanned the room calmly, finally settling on Jiang and Tang San.
Tang San, tray in hand, walked over and quietly took a seat next to me, placing his food down with deliberate care. He didn't speak, his expression unreadable, but there was a faint sense of quiet acknowledgment in the gesture.
Xiao Wu set her tray nearby, standing slightly to the side, her eyes flicking between us with a faint smirk. "I carry my own," she said softly, "but don't expect me to sit with either of you just yet." Her tone was light, playful, but carried a subtle air of authority.
I picked up my own tray, shadows coiling lightly around my hands as I observed both of them. Tang San… still calm and disciplined. Xiao Wu… observing and teasing. Interesting balance.
Tang San began eating methodically, taking small, precise bites, completely focused yet quietly sharing the space. Xiao Wu leaned slightly on the table edge, watching him and occasionally glancing at me, her calm gaze hinting at quiet curiosity.
Xiao Wu leaned slightly against the table edge, her white eyes calm as she spoke, her tone casual but informative. "Did you know," she began, glancing at Tang San and then at me, "that if you officially become a Soul Master in the Spirit Hall, they give you 10 coins?"
Tang San took a bite of his food, his expression unchanged, listening quietly. I paused mid-bite, letting the information sink in.
Xiao Wu continued, her voice soft but precise. "It's not just money. It's a symbol of status and recognition. Spirit Halls measure your strength and contributions… and if you pass, the coins are like proof that you've reached the next level."
Shadows coiled lightly around my hands, whispering subtle curiosity. So Spirit Halls actually have a reward system tied to cultivation rank… interesting. That could be useful to know if I ever deal with them directly.
Tang San simply nodded once, as if noting the information, then returned to eating calmly. Xiao Wu smirked faintly at his lack of reaction, her white eyes gleaming with quiet amusement.
Xiao Wu glanced down at the trays of porridge and buns, then back at us, her white eyes calm but sparkling with amusement. "You know," she said softly, tilting her head, "if you had 10 coins from becoming a Soul Master, you could probably get better food than this."
Tang San's sharp eyes flicked toward her, expression unchanged, as he continued eating.
I smirked slightly, shadows coiling faintly around my hands. She has a point… but even with better food, Tang San wouldn't be impressed. That's his style.
Xiao Wu let out a faint, quiet laugh, the sound soft but teasing. "Not that I mind this much," she added, "but some of you might appreciate a little upgrade." Her gaze flicked toward the rest of the students, then back at us, playful but still calm.