Qian Jue scratched his head, gave an awkward little laugh, and finally recited the opening line he had prepared.
"Hello, Grandmaster. Um… a few days ago I went through my spirit awakening ceremony, and I awakened a martial spirit. I want to know how I should train from here on. I heard you're a great scholar in the study of spirit theory, so I hoped you might be willing to guide me."
The Grandmaster let out a long sigh and began tidying the notes scattered across his desk.
"Very well. But why should I guide you? Give me a reason."
"Because… my spirit is very special. I'm sure you'll be interested."
Qian Jue knew exactly how to spark the Grandmaster's curiosity. Nothing was more tempting to a researcher than a unique spirit.
But instead of showing much reaction, the Grandmaster leaned lazily back in his chair.
"Special or not isn't for you to decide. Very well, release your spirit. Let me see it."
His posture all but said: 'Go on then, impress me.'
Qian Jue wasted no words. He released his Kindred Mask spirit. In an instant, an ancient, mysterious mask appeared, covering his face. From the hollow sockets burned two eerie blue flames that flickered and cast their glow straight at the Grandmaster.
The Grandmaster's heart lurched violently. A wave of deathly fear crashed over him, as though the reaper himself had set his eyes upon him. He shot up so suddenly his chair clattered to the ground behind him.
"This… what kind of spirit is this? A mask? A mask spirit that powerful… could it be a top-tier martial spirit?"
He muttered in disbelief, eyes locked on the mask that had formed on Qian Jue's face. From the ancient texture, the strange runes, and those chilling flames, he could already tell—this was no ordinary power. This was unquestionably a top-tier martial spirit. And judging from the suffocating aura of death, even among top-tier spirits, this one stood near the summit.
After steadying his breath, the Grandmaster slowly approached, eyes narrowing as he examined the mask.
"There have been mask spirits before, but never one of this caliber. Most mask spirits I've read about are spiritual in nature, leaning toward auxiliary abilities. And among auxiliary spirits, never once has there been innate full spirit power. But I can be certain—you not only hold a top-tier martial spirit, you also possess innate full spirit power. Am I correct?"
Qian Jue said nothing. He only smiled beneath the mask, then reached into his clothes and handed over the Spirit Hall's certificate.
The Grandmaster glanced over it, murmuring as he read.
"Kindred Mask Spirit… innate full spirit power… recorded ability: greatly enhances physical attributes. No. That can't be all. This spirit isn't limited to strengthening the body. At the very least…"
He recalled the bone-deep dread he had just felt.
"…at the very least, it carries a spiritual impact as well."
He fixed his gaze on Qian Jue.
"Child, can you tell me the true properties of your spirit? You were right—it is indeed very special."
At last, true interest lit the Grandmaster's eyes.
"Forgive me, Grandmaster. But with spirits like mine, the less others know about their exact effects, the safer I'll be. Isn't that so?"
With a thought, Qian Jue withdrew his Sheep Spirit, revealing his face once more.
The Grandmaster stared at him for a long moment before slowly nodding.
"…You're right. If your spirit's abilities are made public, they'll only become a weakness your enemies can exploit. But what a powerful, fascinating martial spirit this is… If I could study it, perhaps I could refine my theory of the Ten Core Competencies of Martial Spirits even further. What a pity."
"You're a clever child," he said at last. "Then tell me at least how your spirit enhances your body. That much I'll need to know in order to help you."
But before he could finish, Qian Jue cut him off.
"Unless it's someone closest to me—someone I can absolutely trust not to harm me—I can't reveal such things."
The Grandmaster blinked in surprise. Then, before he could even process the words, Qian Jue suddenly dropped to his knees.
"Please accept me as your disciple, and guide me in cultivation! I am willing to honor you as my teacher!"
The Grandmaster's composure cracked.
"You—child, what are you doing? Get up, quickly, I—"
Qian Jue felt embarrassed. After all, he had only borrowed his lines from dramas and novels, not knowing how a real disciple's bow was supposed to go. But while he felt awkward, the Grandmaster felt shaken. For a moment, his mind was in complete disarray.
It took him a long while before he spoke again to the boy kneeling before him.
"Child, don't be so hasty. Listen to me first. My theoretical knowledge is unmatched, yes. But theory is still theory. Because of the flaws of my own martial spirit, my soul power will never break through rank thirty. So you must think carefully."
His eyes softened, though his voice remained serious.
"It's not that I don't want to take you as a disciple. But you must understand—your talent is among the very highest. In hundreds of years, there have been many top-tier spirits, but truly unique ones? Only eight have ever appeared. And every one of those eight became a figure that dominated their era. Do you understand what that means for you?"
Qian Jue nodded firmly.
"I understand."
"Then even knowing this, you still want to take me as your master? My spirit power is only rank twenty-nine. Other than helping you obtain your first spirit ring, I may not be able to assist you in acquiring any more. Are you sure?"
The Grandmaster spoke honestly. Though he longed for a disciple to prove his theories, he would not deceive the boy.
But Qian Jue bowed his head to the floor once more.
"Teacher, I've already thought it through. Please accept me!"
"…Very well." The Grandmaster's voice trembled with emotion as he reached out to help the boy up. "Since you have decided, I will accept you as my disciple."
Excitement surged through him. His own cultivation had long since reached its limit, but through this child's growth, his research could finally be proven to the world. What he needed was a disciple with extraordinary talent—and fate had delivered him one.
"Thank you, Master!"
Qian Jue's heart raced. Today marked the beginning of his true cultivation path. And with the Grandmaster as his master, he had gained another advantage: any secrets he shouldn't reveal could simply be credited to his teacher's "vast knowledge." The perfect scapegoat.
The Grandmaster's stern face softened into a faint smile.
"Good child. Your certificate says your name is Qian Jue, correct? Then from now on, I'll call you Xiao Jue. Remember, your master's name is Yu Xiaogang. Most people call me Grandmaster—sometimes with respect, sometimes in mockery. Rarely does anyone use my real name. For you, simply calling me 'Teacher' will do."
"Yes, Teacher."
"Good. Now tell me what you can about your martial spirit's traits. I'll draft a cultivation plan for you. Also—are you familiar with your soul power yet? Has anyone taught you how to cultivate it?"
The Grandmaster sat back down at his desk, pulling out a notebook to record his disciple's information.
Qian Jue answered honestly.
"I've gotten used to my soul power, but my control is still rough. No one has taught me how to cultivate it."
"That's normal," the Grandmaster said. "You've only just awakened your spirit two days ago. The Spirit Hall usually holds awakening ceremonies two or three months before academies begin their enrollment. The time in between is for you to familiarize yourself with your spirit and practice basic control. Once the term begins, the academy teachers will guide you step by step."
He tapped his pen against the paper.
"Soul power cultivation has no shortcuts. It is built day by day through meditation. The stronger your spirit, the more energy you can draw from heaven and earth during meditation, and the faster your cultivation progresses."
"Ohhh, that makes sense," Qian Jue nodded. "When we had our awakening ceremony, my best friend awakened Blue Silver Grass. Even though he also had innate full spirit power, the officiating spirit master said he couldn't cultivate—that he couldn't become a spirit master at all."
He had casually slipped Tang San's situation into the conversation.
Sure enough, the Grandmaster's head snapped up.
"What did you just say? He awakened Blue Silver Grass, yet had innate full spirit power?"
"Yes. When Tang San tested his soul power, the crystal ball shone no weaker than mine."
"That's… impossible…" The Grandmaster pressed his fingers against his forehead, deep in thought. Then, suddenly, his eyes lit up.
"Unless… unless your friend has twin spirits! Yes, that must be it!" His gaze sharpened on Qian Jue. "If so, then his talent is no weaker than yours. In fact… it may surpass yours!"
He studied Qian Jue carefully, testing his reaction. Jealousy would be a dangerous trait.
But Qian Jue's face broke into a wide smile.
"Really, Teacher? That's wonderful! We were so worried about his Blue Silver Grass for so long. In that case, Teacher, why don't you come back to our village with me? You could meet Tang San yourself. If you find him suitable, please take him as your disciple too. That way, the two of us can stay together."
Qian Jue spoke plainly, eager to anchor Tang San and the Grandmaster's bond as soon as possible.
The Grandmaster hesitated only briefly before nodding.
"Very well. If he doesn't mind my limited cultivation, then I'll accept him as a disciple too."
Twin spirits were even rarer than unique top-tier spirits. If he could mentor both children, then one day, when they reached maturity, they would become the strongest of their generation—and his theories would be proven beyond doubt.
"Don't worry, Teacher," Qian Jue grinned. "Tang San will definitely accept you. A teacher's strength isn't something you pass down to a student. What you can pass on is knowledge. Even I can understand that—how could Tang San not? Honestly, he's even smarter than me. By the time you meet him, he'll probably be begging you to take him in."
The Grandmaster looked at Qian Jue, deeply moved. He had accepted him not just for his talent. Talent without intelligence meant little. But this boy was clever—clever enough to know when to speak and when to stay silent. Just like Yu Xiaogang himself. And now… another genius child awaited.
He shook his head, marveling at his luck, and smiled faintly.
"You and Tang San must be inseparable in your village. I doubt the other children play much with you."
Qian Jue chuckled.
"Mm, yes, Teacher. The others are too slow for us."
"Not slow," the Grandmaster corrected, eyes gleaming. "It's you two who are too clever. You are geniuses."
…