Chapter 1: 1 Awakening Spirit
Chapter 1: 1. Awakening Spirit
"Wow... Golden Legendary!"
"You require my assistance!"
Archmage Antonidas, a little old man with a beard reaching his waist.
The golden light could not even mask that eye-piercing snowy white, just like the young man's mood in front of the computer.
*Slap!*
He slammed the keyboard hard and stood up in impotent rage.
"Why is it this old man again! This is already the third one I've opened today!"
The next moment, he slumped back down dejectedly.
"Sigh, as expected, one shouldn't have expectations for free Classic Card Packs..."
"Ugh!"
The young man suddenly felt a pang of heart palpitations and a wave of weakness throughout his body, eventually collapsing directly onto the computer desk.
Am I... about to die from overwork?
The young man felt helpless and unwilling in his heart.
But suddenly, he came to terms with it: dying like this was better than eventually dying in a hospital bed.
*Click.*
The dormitory door opened, and several men walked in. A moment later... "Zhou Ting, what's wrong with you?"
"Zhou Ting, don't sleep."
"Zhou Ting, you can still be saved!"
Zhou Ting's heart was full of bitterness.
Saved... impossible!
The noisy sounds in his ears gradually faded away. Zhou Ting felt as if he were locked in a small dark room; it was so silent he could only hear his own "thump-thump" heartbeat, and it was... getting slower and slower.
Some say that in the final moments of life, one recalls their life's experiences, but he... only thought of the words he heard when he received that medical record.
"Who would have thought that at such a young age, you'd get this kind of terminal illness..."
"What a tragedy!"
"...Innate Full Spirit Power!"
"You actually have Innate Full Spirit Power?!!"
Douluo Continent, Saint Spirit Village, Spirit Hall Shrine.
Su Yuntao looked at a calm young boy with a shocked expression; it was as if their expressions were reversed.
Su Yuntao really couldn't imagine that a trash Spirit like Blue Silver Grass would actually have such a supreme talent as Innate Full Spirit Power. It was truly unbelievable.
"What a pity. Blue Silver Grass is a trash Spirit. Even with Innate Full Spirit Power, it's still..."
Su Yuntao looked at the determined six-year-old boy, feeling regret in his heart, yet he ultimately couldn't bring himself to crush the boy's Spirit.
"Forget it, let's leave it at that!"
Little did he know, the boy before him was no simple child. His name was Tang San, and his background was staggering: his father was the Clear Sky Douluo of the Continent's top Sect, the Clear Sky Sect, and his mother was a Hundred Thousand Year Spirit Beast... the Blue Silver Emperor.
Actually, plant types should be called Spirit Grass or Spirit Wood; those would be more appropriate than Spirit Beast.
Unfortunately, that's just how the setting is in Douluo Continent!
Not only that, Tang San himself possessed a deep foundation brought from another World: the Tang Sect's Hidden Weapons and Internal Skill. These were rare things that this World hadn't developed in millions of years.
Furthermore, Tang San was a one-in-a-ten-thousand possessor of twin spirits.
Truly worthy of being a heaven-sent protagonist, born with a protagonist's aura.
And of course, the lowly Su Yuntao knew none of these startling secrets.
"Let's go..."
Before Su Yuntao could finish his sentence, he heard an aged voice of protest from outside the hall.
"Wait!"
Who dares to stop me!
Su Yuntao frowned and looked over, seeing Old Village Chief Jack standing at the door with a hesitant expression.
Behind him was a middle-aged woman holding a young boy's hand, looking ill at ease.
At this moment, the young boy was restlessly squirming, trying to break free from the woman's grip.
Su Yuntao glanced at the boy and thought to himself: Looking at this boy's appearance, he has indeed reached the age for Spirit awakening.
But why come only now?
"This is?"
Old Village Chief Jack said with a bitter smile.
"Sigh, this is my unfortunate little grandson. His mind hasn't been right since birth—he's a bit silly. I wasn't planning on letting him come, but..."
The middle-aged woman pulled her son forward and pleaded.
"Spirit Master Adult, Tinger is also six years old this year. Please, Adult, awaken Tinger's Spirit."
"Maybe awakening his Spirit will cure him..."
Su Yuntao fixed his gaze on the boy the woman was holding. He had delicate features, but his eyes were dull and lifeless.
Even when they occasionally moved, they lacked the liveliness of a child.
Moreover, he couldn't even stand still... for such a silly child... is there really a need to awaken his Spirit?
Besides, he had already exerted himself a bit just now to awaken that child named Tang San. If he ran out of strength later, he would lose a lot of face.
Su Yuntao made up his mind and sighed.
"Sigh, this child..."
Old Village Chief Jack immediately saw the Spirit Master Adult's intent to refuse. He glanced at his little grandson, still harboring a glimmer of hope.
"Spirit Master Adult, please give it a try, if only to fulfill our family's wish. Regardless of whether it succeeds or not, our whole family will be grateful for your great kindness."
Looking at the earnest old village chief and the middle-aged woman, Su Yuntao ultimately softened his heart.
Besides, awakening Spirits for children of the right age was his duty. It was also a benefit brought to everyone on the Continent by Spirit Hall.
So, he agreed.
"Alright. Bring the child forward!"
The middle-aged woman wept with joy and thanked him repeatedly.
"Thank you, Adult! Thank you..."
Su Yuntao smiled slightly, but the next moment, a flash of surprise crossed his eyes.
At this moment, the young boy, perhaps sensing something, actually stood motionless within the awakening circle, being extremely cooperative.
He... isn't silly?
Su Yuntao felt suspicious but didn't take it too seriously.
After all, being cooperative was for the best; it saved him quite a bit of effort.
"Spirit... Awaken!"
The phantom of a Lone Wolf appeared behind him. Its fierce and cruel aura scared many of the children into backing away.
Although they had just experienced it once, experiencing it again so suddenly still made the children feel afraid.
Here, only Tang San hadn't retreated a single step.
He had lived two lives, and his cultivation in his previous life wasn't too weak. Moreover, he possessed an innate, inexplicable pride.
Thus, Su Yuntao really didn't amount to much in his eyes.
However, he was surprised to find that Zhou Ting, who had always been called a fool... was somewhat unusual.
"He... how can he have no reaction at all?"
Tang San frowned, feeling that things were somewhat beyond his expectations.
On the other side, a surge of gentle energy entered Zhou Ting's Sea of Consciousness.
Darkness, chaos, fractures... As the external spirit power reached the center of the Sea of Consciousness, the darkness receded.
The mental power within the Sea of Consciousness suddenly contracted, and the chaos no longer existed.
Only at the edges of the Sea of Consciousness could tiny cracks be faintly seen.
The next moment, under the influence of the external spirit power, all the mental power gathered together, finally condensing into a form.
Outside, the light dissipated, and Zhou Ting suddenly opened his eyes. He saw Su Yuntao possessed by the Lone Wolf, yet his gaze was indifferent, not finding it strange at all.
After all, although he had been in a daze every day, he actually knew everything that happened around him.
His body was too young to support his mental power.
There was no helping it; Zhou Ting didn't have a body like Tang San's.Chapter 2: Level One spirit power
Chapter 2: 2. Level One spirit power
"Hmm, why are this child's eyes..." Su Yuntao was secretly amazed when he saw Zhou Ting's eyes suddenly become lively.
Could it be... he's really cured?
Can the process of awakening a Spirit really cure idiocy?
Why had he never heard anyone mention this before?
It feels so good to be able to control my body freely! Zhou Ting raised his hands and stomped his feet, then turned back to look at Old Jack and the others, calling out naturally.
"Grandpa..."
Zhou Ting called out without any psychological burden. For six years, he had been reborn as a muddled child. To be able to live and jump around until now was all thanks to the family's meticulous care.
He owed the Zhou family... a lot.
When Old Jack heard his "silly" grandson call him grandpa, he was filled with surprise and joy.
"Tinger... you've really woken up!"
Mother Zhou was even more excited. Her long-held wish of many years was finally realized today.
Although the hope had been slim, she had persisted until now. Now that her son had truly woken up, all the hard work was worth it.
Mother Zhou couldn't restrain her emotions and wanted to rush forward to hug her son, but she was pulled back by the now-calm Old Jack.
"Don't be in a hurry. We've waited so many years. It won't be too late... after the Spirit Master Adult finishes the examination!"
These words also reminded Su Yuntao that it was time to finish the remaining work.
Besides, a fool waking up wasn't a big deal. In this World, after all, Spirit Masters were the dominant force. Without the talent of a Spirit Master, even if one woke up, they would just be an ordinary person.
And an ordinary person didn't need much attention.
Thinking of this, Su Yuntao no longer had any desire to investigate and said softly.
"Child, stretch out your right hand... sense your Spirit, and summon it."
Zhou Ting did as he was told, stretching out his right hand. With a thought, a Nine-Layered Black Pagoda appeared floating above his palm.
"Nine layers? Could it be... the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda?!!"
Su Yuntao was shocked beyond measure.
Among the group of children, the inconspicuous Tang San looked at Zhou Ting with a hint of suspicion, murmuring in his heart.
"Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King Li?!!"
Zhou Ting naturally couldn't hear Tang San's inner thoughts, but he could hear Su Yuntao's words, and he couldn't help but be speechless.
"Who said a nine-layered pagoda-shaped Spirit must be the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda?"
However, he couldn't show it.
After all, his current identity was just a six-year-old peasant child from a secluded mountain village. He shouldn't understand things about Spirit Masters.
Before Zhou Ting could continue acting, Su Yuntao himself dismissed his previous guess.
"No, the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda in the Spirit Illustrated Handbook doesn't look like this."
In order to recruit potential new Spirit Masters, every grassroots awakening worker in the Spirit Hall had seen the Spirit Illustrated Handbook, which collected the vast majority of Spirits in the World.
Actually, it wasn't just the Spirit Hall that had such a handbook; other forces had them too.
The Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda was known as the World's number one support Spirit. It was famous and naturally ranked among the top.
Su Yuntao had a deep memory of it, and recalling it now...
Even without an attached spirit ring, the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda was definitely not something this pitch-black iron tower could compare to.
So, this should just be a mutated Spirit!
Recalling his loss of composure just now, Su Yuntao felt a bit embarrassed. He gave a light cough.
"Ahem, alright, child, put your hand on the crystal ball. Let's test your spirit power level."
The less said, the fewer mistakes. Zhou Ting kept his mouth shut, playing the role of a child who hadn't yet adapted to his new state.
Hum!
The crystal ball burst with a faint light, like an incandescent light bulb. Although not bright, it couldn't be ignored.
"Ah, there's spirit power..."
"This fool actually has spirit power..."
The children began to get restless. One must know that they, as normal people, didn't have spirit power. Why should a little fool have it?
Old Village Chief Jack and Mother Zhou were full of excitement, completely ignoring the children's words.
Besides, they had to ignore it. What could even a village chief do against a group of children?
Of course, if the child is not taught, it is the father's fault!
The names of several adults flashed through the old village chief's mind. They were all acquaintances; he wouldn't remember them wrong.
Seeing the glowing crystal ball, Su Yuntao's eyes first lit up, then he looked at Zhou Ting with a trace of regret and said.
"A pity. It must be because of the mutated Spirit. Although there is spirit power, it's only level one. The potential is limited!"
Hearing this, Old Village Chief Jack asked with a nervous face.
"Spirit Master Adult, can Tinger... become a Spirit Master in the future?"
"Although his achievements won't be high, he can still be a Spirit Master."
"That's good, that's good!"
The old village chief was relieved.
It was enough for Saint Spirit Village to produce one Spirit Master. As for how powerful he could be... it was better than nothing.
Such things couldn't be forced.
Having completely calmed down, the old village chief noticed the other children on the side and couldn't help but ask with concern.
"Spirit Master Adult, what about them?"
"Only the child named Tang San has spirit power."
The village chief was overjoyed and pulled Tang San over to look him over for a while.
"Little San..."
"Although he has Innate Full Spirit Power, his Spirit is the trash Spirit, Blue Silver Grass."
... "Tinger, how do you feel?"
Mother Zhou caringly stroked her son's small head, her eyes full of maternal love.
For six years, she had provided meticulous care. Zhou Ting calmly accepted Mother Zhou's closeness.
"I'm fine. I could see everything that happened over these years, but I just didn't know what was trapping me... I couldn't do anything."
So that's how it was!
Su Yuntao's perked-up ears relaxed unnoticeably, and a look of understanding appeared on his face.
At the same time, Tang San also withdrew the Mysterious Heaven Skill internal energy he had applied to his ears. His face remained indifferent, as it always had been.
The temple doors closed again. Su Yuntao drifted away amidst the repeated thanks from Old Jack and Mother Zhou.
Although Saint Spirit Village had two children with Spirit Master talent, neither of them had much training value. They weren't worth him recruiting at any cost.
Regarding this, Tang San was the first to disagree, and Zhou Ting... was even more unconvinced, feeling emotional.
"As expected of the Blind Douluo. He couldn't even guess a single hint of trickery on Tang San. If it were really a trash Spirit, how could there be such strong spirit power?"
"But fortunately so, otherwise he probably wouldn't be able to leave Saint Spirit Village."
"After all, a level twenty-something Spirit Grandmaster is just an ant in the eyes of a level ninety-something Titled Douluo."
Zhou Ting kept complaining in his heart, but it didn't show on his face at all. He didn't even give Tang San a second look.
Tang San, a trainee assassin—Zhou Ting really didn't want to have too much contact with him.
Speaking of which, Zhou Ting was very curious. As an outer disciple of the Tang Sect, had Tang San... actually killed anyone?
If he hadn't, was the Tang Sect a charity?
If he had, then heh heh.
In short, Zhou Ting was still young and hadn't seen the many beauties of the Douluo Continent yet. He really didn't want to possess a "way to seek death" so early.
Speaking of which, he felt he was quite a failure. Like Tang San, he was a transmigrator, but his situation was a bit too miserable.
Right at the start, he had wasted six years for nothing.
Moreover, his Sea of Consciousness still needed patching up before it could be used.
Sigh, how tragic!
The old village chief was going to send Tang San home and talk to Tang Hao about his son going to school. Meanwhile, Zhou Ting unhesitatingly pulled Mother Zhou back home.
After dealing with the rest of the family, Zhou Ting sat alone in the courtyard, sensing the black pagoda Spirit in his Sea of Consciousness.
According to the lore of the Douluo Continent, Spirits are divided into Beast Spirits and Tool Spirits. In fact, it's just the difference between having life or not.
Obviously, Zhou Ting's black pagoda was a type of Tool Spirit. However, his Spirit was truly... special.
Feeling the information transmitted from the iron tower, a mysterious smile appeared on Zhou Ting's face, and he was even more ecstatic in his heart.
"Although it's not twin spirits, this pagoda of mine... it's not ordinary either!"
His consciousness delved into the first layer of the black pagoda. It was a small, empty space, ordinary and with nothing in it.
The second layer was the same!
The third layer was the same... all the way to the seventh layer, where the situation finally changed!
What came into view was a small study. A little old man with a white beard reaching his waist sat behind a desk, dozing off.
Seeing him, Zhou Ting's expression became very strange, as if he heard that familiar, magical voice again.
"Wow... Golden Legendary!"Chapter 3: The Little Old Man
Chapter 3: 3. The Little Old Man
Archmage... Anthony.
The Chief Archmage of the Kirin Tor, once one of the mage leaders of Dalaran, profoundly knowledgeable and immensely powerful.
"Who would have thought that the little old man... who appeared so often in card packs that I didn't even want him anymore, would actually transmigrate here with me."
"Moreover, he's on the seventh floor, which means his strength is equivalent to a Spirit Saint of over level seventy!"
"This actually matches his seven-mana cost stats."
Zhou Ting's mind scanned Anthony, but the little old man... showed no reaction.
After all, he was just a card; the Archmage's knowledge and skills... were almost entirely gone!
Even his wisdom was nearly non-existent; only his combat instincts remained!
As for the card's inherent effect, it hadn't been nullified and still worked: Whenever you cast a spell, add a [Fireball Technique] spell card to your hand.
Learning this information, Zhou Ting was initially a bit disappointed, but quickly felt fortunate.
"This is actually fine. If a real person were in my Sea of Consciousness, let alone whether I could adapt, living in fear every day wouldn't be good either. This way is quite nice!"
Zhou Ting's gaze swept across the bookshelves; as expected, the books were just for show, with no content inside.
Only on the desk in front of the old man Anthony lay a piece of parchment covered in writing.
With a thought, the words on the parchment immediately appeared one by one.
Upon seeing the content clearly, Zhou Ting was so pleasantly surprised he almost lost his composure, shouting aloud.
"This really is like getting a pillow just as I'm falling asleep!"
"I was just worrying about how to cultivate, and now a meditation method has been delivered right to my eyes."
"Natural Meditation Method," one of the fundamental cultivation methods for Dalaran mages, a Universal Meditation Method improved by Archmage Anthony.
The so-called "Universal" meant it was suitable for almost anyone to cultivate.
Of course, it had its drawbacks: the cultivation speed was slow, the technique itself had no special characteristics, and it didn't even come with any accompanying spells.
Naturally, compared to the crude cultivation methods here on the Douluo Continent, this meditation method was undoubtedly a divine secret manual.
Speaking of which, one couldn't help but criticize the Spirit Masters of the Douluo Continent. The Spirit Master system had developed for millions of years, and there were even many who had become gods, yet... they hadn't even created a decent cultivation technique.
They really just rely on talent to grind their way to the end!
...On the outskirts of the village, a tall wooden house stood alone on a small hillside, with no other houses nearby, making it seem exceptionally secluded.
In front of the wooden house, the Old Village Chief's back was even more hunched as he shouted angrily.
"Tang Hao, you need to think this through. Little San has the talent to become a Spirit Master; you can't hold him back!"
There was still no response from inside the house, just as always, as if there were no one there at all.
Seeing the Old Village Chief getting angrier, Tang San quickly took his hand and persuaded him.
"Grandpa Village Chief, please go back first. I'll talk to my father properly."
"Sigh."
The Old Village Chief sighed, his heart full of helplessness: Look at what a good child he is; how did he end up with such a father?
"Little San, don't worry about the tuition fees. The village still has one Work-Study Student quota..."
"Thank you, Grandpa Village Chief."
The Old Village Chief shook his head helplessly and slowly walked away, leaning on his cane.
Tang San turned and entered the house, seeing his father sitting at the table... drinking.
"Father..."
With messy hair and disheveled clothes, the current Clear Sky Douluo looked like nothing more than a slovenly middle-aged drunkard, showing none of his past dominance when he fought alone against the many Titled Douluo of the Spirit Hall.
Tang Hao looked at his son seriously, with an intensity in his gaze that had never been there before.
Tang San had never seen his father like this; feeling a bit flustered, he asked worriedly.
"Father, what's wrong?"
"Little San, show me your Spirit!"
"Okay!"
Tang San agreed, and a small blue blade of grass appeared in his palm. This was Blue Silver Grass, the most common weed on the Douluo Continent.
It was also the continent's universally recognized Useless Spirit; its form was fragile, and it excelled in neither attack, defense, nor control.
This was also the reason why Su Yuntao would give up on a genius with Innate Full Spirit Power.
Yet it was such a trash Spirit that made Tang Hao extremely excited. He gripped his son's hand tightly, staring tenderly at the little blade of grass, and murmured under his breath.
"So similar, so very similar!"
Tang San endured the pain without struggling, only asking curiously.
"Father, similar to what?"
Tang Hao didn't answer the question. Calming down slightly, he said.
"Little San, release your second Spirit."
Tang San extended his left hand, struggling to control his second Spirit, and asked.
"Father, how did you know I had a second Spirit?"
"Old Jack said you have Innate Full Spirit Power. Only a powerful Spirit can grant such powerful talent. If it were just... the current Blue Silver Grass, it would be impossible to achieve this, unless you have a second Spirit."
In the next moment, a small hammer appeared.
Tang Hao gripped his son's hand forcefully. Although he had anticipated it, seeing his son with Blue Silver Grass in one hand and the Clear Sky Hammer in the other still made him lose control of his emotions.
Tang San gritted his teeth and held on, but the internal energy of the Mysterious Heaven Skill within his body was the first to give out.
"Father..."
Tang Hao saw the problem at a glance and released his grip, saying.
"Put it away!"
"Little San, you must remember: from now on, use the hammer to protect this little blade of grass."
"Yes!"
"Also, do not attach any spirit rings to this hammer!"
Tang San nodded solemnly, engraving these words into his heart.
Perhaps it was because he was an orphan in his past life, or maybe he had been brainwashed by the idea of blind filial piety.
Most likely, it was a combination of both.
In any case, Tang San was very obedient to his father and other elders.
However, this contradicted his behavior of secretly learning the Tang Sect's Inner Sect Secret Techniques.
Truly a contradictory person!
After a moment of silence, Tang Hao looked into his son's eyes and said seriously.
"Little San, in two months, you will go to school!"
"I..."
Tang Hao waved his hand, allowing no refusal.
Tang San could only shut his mouth; besides, he did indeed want to learn more about Spirit Masters.
Speaking of which, he felt his father was very mysterious. Putting aside that expression from earlier, just take the matter of the twin spirits.
The Old Village Chief didn't know, and the Spirit Masters of the Spirit Hall didn't know either.
Yet his drunkard blacksmith father had guessed everything based solely on his Innate Full Spirit Power.
He knew his father... was by no means simple.
Thinking of this, Tang San suddenly remembered something and decided to ask his well-traveled father.
"By the way, Father, something strange happened when I awakened my Spirit today."
"Hmm, what strange thing?"
"Father, do you remember the Old Village Chief's young grandson?"
"Who?"
Tang San wasn't surprised; his father did nothing but forge iron or drink, not caring about the village's affairs at all.
"It's the young grandson named Zhou Ting, who has been foolish since childhood!"
"Oh, him!"
Tang Hao realized. The Old Village Chief had a foolish grandson who had once caused quite a stir in the village; even he had heard a bit about it back then.
"What about him?"Chapter 4: Not People of the Same World
Chapter 4: 4. Not People of the Same World
After Tang San finished recounting the strange occurrence that happened to Zhou Ting during the Spirit Awakening, he finally asked.
"Dad, can Spirit Awakening really cure idiocy?"
Tang Hao frowned. After a long while, he still couldn't recall any relevant information.
"I have never heard of such a claim, and there are no such records at... home!"
"However, the World is vast and full of wonders. It is possible for Spirit Awakening to cure idiocy. But that child only has Innate Rank One Spirit Power; his limit in the future will be reaching the rank of a Spirit Master of rank ten or so. You don't need to concern yourself with him."
"Oh."
Tang San nodded in relief, successfully persuaded, and completely put Zhou Ting's changes out of his mind.
He felt his father was right; he and Zhou Ting were destined to be people of two different Worlds, so there was really no need to waste energy on him.
The most important thing for him now was to craft the Hidden Weapons of the Tang Sect from his previous life for self-defense.
Meanwhile, the old village head, who had leisurely strolled around the village, also returned home and saw his young grandson sitting in the courtyard in a daze.
"Tinger."
Zhou Ting suddenly snapped out of it, a pure smile appearing on his face.
"Grandpa."
"Good!"
He really has recovered!
The old village head was filled with gratification. His little grandson had finally become a normal person. Not only did this cure a heartache for the whole family, but it also brought a huge surprise—his grandson actually had the talent to be a Spirit Master. It truly made him overjoyed.
One must know that since that Spirit Saint, Saint Spirit Village had never produced another Spirit Master. Now, two had come at once, and one of them was his own grandson.
It was truly something to be proud of; his back straightened quite a bit unconsciously!
"Tinger, you said you've known about everything happening around you all these years."
"Yes..."
...An hour later, Zhou Ting collapsed weakly onto the bed and said with a bitter smile.
"As expected, the older they get, the shrewder they become... he's really not easy to fool!"
"Fortunately, everything I said was true!"
"As for the things I can't say, I'll just respond with 'I don't know' across the board!"
Having dispelled the old man's suspicions, Zhou Ting's days finally returned to tranquility.
Although Saint Spirit Village wasn't wealthy, six-year-old children didn't have to work and could play freely.
Not to mention, Zhou Ting possessed the talent of a Spirit Master, so there was even less need for him to lift a finger.
However, Zhou Ting had been an adult in his previous life, so he naturally couldn't play along with children.
Thus, every day besides eating and sleeping, he would close his eyes and meditate.
Of course, in the eyes of others, he was just in a daze.
Because of this, the family had been worried that he might be becoming an idiot again, until Zhou Ting had a talk with the old man, explaining that this was a Spirit Master's cultivation method. Only then did the family feel at ease.
In this way, two months passed peacefully.
As for Tang San, Zhou Ting didn't even need to look to know he was following his father to learn the Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer Method!
Not because Zhou Ting knew the novel's plot, but... that "clang, clang, clang" sound of blacksmithing... rang out every single day.
Although Zhou Ting was somewhat curious about the Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer Method, he knew that stealing a technique was not acceptable.
After all, no matter how decadent Tang Hao was, he was still the youngest Titled Douluo on the Douluo Continent at present. A rank one shrimp like Zhou Ting... couldn't afford to provoke him!
"Today is the day to go to school!"
A smile touched the corners of Zhou Ting's mouth as he sat up and unhurriedly put on his clothes.
"Tinger, get up quickly, we're going to Nuoding City!"
"Coming."
Zhou Ting replied and then unhurriedly pushed open the door; the sky was just barely getting light.
The person who had called out just now was Zhou Ting's father, named Zhou You, a common farmer whose Spirit was a Scythe.
Probably because... most men aren't good at expressing their feelings, he just gave a dry instruction.
"Tinger, when you're away from home, be careful in everything and take good care of yourself!"
"I know."
Zhou Ting nodded solemnly, thinking to himself: Of course, I don't want to die young again. Early to bed and early to rise—that will be my motto from now on!
Unlike the somewhat dull Zhou You, Mother Zhou's emotions were much richer. She actually hugged Zhou Ting directly, her eyes welling up.
Her son, whom she had lived with and meticulously cared for for six years, was about to leave her. The more she thought about it, the sadder she became, saying with a sob.
"Tinger, when you get to school, you must get along well with your classmates. Don't get into fights. When you sleep at night..."
Seeing that Mother Zhou was going to go on endlessly, old village head Jack suddenly got anxious. The appointed time was drawing near; they couldn't be late.
However, as the father-in-law, for the sake of family harmony, he found it difficult to speak up to his daughter-in-law.
But while he couldn't speak to the daughter-in-law, his son could!
His old eyes glared, carrying an innate authority!
Zhou You suddenly felt flustered, especially when he saw the cane in his old father's hand.
He knew very well that being hit by it... really hurt.
Don't ask how he knew; if you ask... it's a guess.
Shuddering in his heart, he hurriedly stepped forward to embrace and comfort his wife.
"It's fine, Tinger will come back during the holidays. Besides, it's only six years..."
Upon hearing this, Mother Zhou was immediately displeased and glared at him like a little tiger.
"Fine, Zhou You, you actually dare to curse my son!"
Zhou You was stunned and instinctively retorted.
"I didn't!"
Next, he tried to make his wife believe him more and continued to explain.
"I definitely didn't. Tinger is my son too, how could I..."
Mother Zhou didn't want to hear such an explanation. She relentlessly pinched her husband's ear and scolded.
"Hah, you still dare to quibble! Don't think I can't hear the meaning in your words. Aren't you saying my son can only attend a Junior Spirit Master Academy!"
"Ah!"
Did I... mean that?
Wasn't I just comforting her?
Zhou You was now completely dumbfounded and also realized he had indeed said the wrong thing.
This time, even the old village head, who was originally prepared to mediate, was displeased. His eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at his "good" son with a face of "kindness."
Just as Zhou You wanted to seek help with his eyes, he saw his old father's "kind" gaze and that restless cane.
Instantly, his heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys were all trembling, and he hurriedly admitted his mistake.
"Wife... I was wrong, I was really wrong. I just said the wrong thing. Don't worry, our son will definitely be able to attend an intermediate... no, an Advanced Spirit Master Academy, and in the future, he will definitely enter the Spirit Hall!"
Only then was Mother Zhou satisfied, and the strength in her hand loosened slightly.
The old village head also had no intention of pursuing it further. As for the pleading gaze his son cast his way, he pretended not to see it.
He took his grandson's hand and strode outside, saying without looking back.
"Tinger, let's go..."
"Ah... Dad, Tinger!"
The grandfather and grandson were in perfect sync, pretending not to hear the cries for help behind them. Even the smiles at the corners of their mouths were identical.
Truly... a divine synchronization.Chapter 5: Who would walk if they could take a bullock cart?
Chapter 5: 5. Who would walk if they could take a bullock cart?
On the bullock cart at the village entrance, Zhou Ting sat obediently among the vegetables, like a shy child, quiet and reserved.
Originally, Old Jack had planned to walk to Nuoding City.
But bullock carts from the village often went to Nuoding City to sell vegetables and grain; since they could take a cart, who would want to walk?
After all, he wasn't like that thick-skinned little blacksmith Tang San; walking such a long distance was not very friendly to a six-year-old child.
Therefore, he had been nagging in Old Jack's ear long ago, which led to today's travel arrangements.
On the bullock cart, Old Jack spoke calmly to the middle-aged man driving the cart.
"Let's go!"
A village chief's authority might not necessarily control the villagers' tongues behind their backs, but face-to-face, it was still very effective.
The driver, Old Li, didn't dare say much. He sat up straight and shouted.
"Alright, hyah..."
"Tinger, Little San, you must remember..."
On the bullock cart, Old Jack tirelessly imparted his experience while the two little ones sat obediently.
It was unknown how Tang San felt, but as for Zhou Ting, it went in one ear and out the other; he didn't take it to heart at all.
After all, Old Jack himself had spent most of his life in Saint Spirit Village. His experience... wasn't necessarily useful.
Zhou Ting leaned against the wooden boards, inconspicuously observing the trees behind them, his mind racing.
"I remember that when Tang San went to school, Tang Hao followed behind to protect him. After all, he's his own cub; if he were discovered by Spirit Hall, the consequences would be unimaginable."
"Unfortunately, my current strength is too weak to discover the location of a Titled Douluo."
What Zhou Ting didn't know was that the person he was thinking about wasn't following behind them at all!
Zhou Ting was searching for Tang Hao's tracks, but Tang Hao's gaze was already fixed on him.
Ahead of the group, a broad figure stood within a tree canopy, looking at Zhou Ting with a somewhat curious expression, murmuring to himself.
"Is it this kid? Could it be that Spirit awakening... really has the effect of curing idiocy?"
"But if such a strange occurrence had happened before, the Sect's records would definitely have a mention of it!"
Although he had told his son not to worry about what happened to Zhou Ting,
Tang Hao himself still couldn't control his curiosity.
Of course, it was only a little bit.
As the bullock cart passed under the tree, a strange look appeared on Tang Hao's face, and it was clear that his interest had greatly diminished.
"This child's talent... is just too trashy."
It had been two months since his Spirit awakened, and his spirit power level was still only level one. What kind of garbage talent was this!
Back in his day, he had reached full capacity in two months and could hunt Spirit Beasts to obtain a spirit ring.
But Zhou Ting's cultivation hadn't budged an inch!
"Forget it, it's not worth researching. If I can return to the Sect in the future, I'll just add this case to the records."
Tang Hao shook his head and stopped paying attention, only letting out a faint sigh.
"Alas, the Sect... the family, can we father and son really go back?"
At this moment, even for the Clear Sky Douluo who stood at the pinnacle of the continent, his back appeared exceptionally lonely.
Rustle...
Leaves danced in the wind, and Tang Hao's figure had already vanished... "This is Nuoding City?"
Broad streets, roads paved with stone slabs, tall buildings, clean and bright houses... everything was vastly different from the dilapidated Saint Spirit Village, and even more different from the ancient World of Tang San's previous life.
"Yes, Little San, this is Nuoding City!"
Seeing the curiosity in Tang San's eyes, Old Jack smiled and thought to himself: This is the look a child should have; it's all the fault of... that useless Tang Hao!
Then, he looked at his own little grandson, who was just like Tang San, curiously taking in his surroundings.
"Alright, you will be studying at the Nuoding Junior Spirit Master Academy for many years, so you'll have plenty of time. The most important thing now is to report to the academy."
"Okay, (Village Chief) Grandpa."
The one elder and two youngsters didn't walk fast, but they were still earlier... than if they had walked the whole way.
Zhou Ting glanced at Tang San, thinking mischievously: I wonder if Tang San will still meet Yu Xiaogang. If I break up this pair of master and disciple who are like father and son, it might... not be good!
After all, letting these two somewhat abnormal people get together is for the best; at least they won't harm others.
Yes, exactly!
Only a cheater like Tang San could "handle" the theories of Yu Xiaogang, who was known as the Grandmaster of Spirit theory.
Thinking of this, Zhou Ting's gaze became increasingly strange: Speaking of which, many of Yu Xiaogang's theories were personally broken by this disciple of his, right?
For example, a Spirit Master must hunt a Spirit Beast and absorb a spirit ring every ten levels, yet the limit years given by Yu Xiaogang were broken by Tang San time and time again.
And most importantly, Yu Xiaogang guessed the twin Spirits, but didn't realize that how could the Blue Silver Grass that appeared alongside the Clear Sky Hammer be simple?
There were many other similar instances of being proven wrong, but even so, Tang San still trusted Yu Xiaogang implicitly.
Tsk tsk, as expected of a qualified... adopted disciple, both master and father!
While Zhou Ting was lost in thought, Old Jack had already brought the two of them to the entrance of the Nuoding Junior Spirit Master Academy.
How could the walking speed of an old man and children compare to a bull?
Thus, when the three of them stood at the academy gate, there were groups of students entering the school.
Zhou Ting recalled the plot at the academy entrance. With a thought—Old Jack was his biological grandfather after all, and he naturally wouldn't let his grandfather get hurt—he volunteered.
"Grandpa, give me the Spirit Hall certification. I'll go ask about the situation!"
"No..."
Since words weren't working, he could only take action directly!
Zhou Ting's small hand reached directly into his grandfather's sleeve and pulled out two pieces of paper at once.
"Grandpa, you have old arms and legs; it wouldn't be good if you got hurt."
Before he finished speaking, he ran off with the papers.
A flash of relief appeared in Old Jack's eyes, but he pretended to scold him.
"Sigh, you child, looking down on your grandpa..."
At the academy's main gate, all the students were wearing school uniforms. A young gatekeeper stood at the entrance with a smile on his face, appearing very humble.
Those students, however, all ignored him, acting as if he didn't exist.
Yet, faced with such an ignoring attitude, he didn't dare show even a hint of dissatisfaction.
This was the sorrow of ordinary people.
Zhou Ting suddenly felt a bit of understanding.
Guarding the gate for a Spirit Master academy was a good job, but after being suppressed for too long, an ordinary person's psyche would likely become abnormal.
But... what did that have to do with him!
Zhou Ting suppressed the stray bit of sympathy in his heart and stepped forward to ask.
"Hello, is this the Nuoding Junior Spirit Master Academy?"
Although he looked down on the rustic clothes on the child before him, because there were still students at the gate, the gatekeeper's attitude was very good.
At least, he didn't have an arrogant look on his face; his smile remained as he asked.
"That's right, and you are?"
"Oh, we are this year's new students. Here is the certification."
As Zhou Ting spoke, he was also secretly gathering strength. If the gatekeeper was unreasonable, he could let him taste the righteous iron fist of a level-one shrimp.
As for the "Way to court death," forget it!
Thinking about it this way, Zhou Ting suddenly realized that he really was a good person, saving this gatekeeper's life.
After all, without Yu Xiaogang to mediate, Tang San's sleeve arrows wouldn't care who he was.Chapter 6: 6 Nuoding Junior Spirit Master Academy
Chapter 6: 6. Nuoding Junior Spirit Master Academy
The guard looked at the certificate Zhou Ting handed over and immediately recognized the seal of the Spirit Hall, confirming that the certificate was authentic.
Then, the large words "Rank One" on the certificate caught his eye, and the guard's expression suddenly became peculiar.
As a guard at a junior Spirit Master academy, he knew a bit more about Spirit Master matters than ordinary people.
What did Innate Rank One Spirit Power mean? It was almost the absolute bottom of talent on the Douluo Continent.
He felt like mocking them, but even with rank one talent, they were still destined to be a Spirit Master; regardless, they would be much stronger than someone like him with rank zero!
As for the second certificate, he didn't even bother looking at it.
"Ahem, you may go in! The first building directly facing the main gate is where you report."
"Thank you!"
No trouble!
No conflict!
The matter was resolved just like that!
But on second thought, this should be the normal progression; how could there be so much showing off and face-slapping?
At the same time, Old Jack and Tang San had also reached Zhou Ting's side.
The guard's attitude remained friendly as he spoke.
"Family members are not allowed inside the school."
Old Jack looked troubled and a bit worried.
Zhou Ting quickly comforted him.
"Grandpa, we can go in by ourselves."
"Yes, Grandpa Jack, we can manage on our own."
Looking at the two children who acted like little adults, Old Jack felt a bit more at ease.
"Tinger, Little San, go on in. Once you're done reporting, come to the gate and let me know."
"Alright, Grandpa. Go sit over there and wait; we'll be out in a while."
Without the Grandmaster's involvement, everything seemed to have a fast-forward button pressed; the registration process was incredibly smooth.
Of course, Tang San was a Work-Study Student, and Zhou Ting... was too!
In fact, the Work-Study Student program was a benefit provided by Nuoding Junior Spirit Master Academy to the surrounding poor villages.
It was to give children who had talent but couldn't afford school a chance to work while they studied.
Although it was called work, there wasn't actually much to do; it was very light and wouldn't interfere with their studies or cultivation.
Since that was the case, only a fool would pass up such a bargain!
Old Jack had specifically made a trip to the neighboring village, where this year's Work-Study Student quota was still vacant.
Spirit Master talent... was just that rare!
Of course, this referred to ordinary people like Zhou Ting; descendants of Spirit Masters had a much higher chance of having talent.
In short, it only took Old Jack the time of a single meal—and that's not just a figure of speech!
And so, Zhou Ting became a legitimate Work-Study Student.
After Zhou Ting and Tang San finished the procedures, they saw off Old Jack together; their academy life was about to officially begin.
Zhou Ting's true cultivation was also about to start!
...Teacher's office.
"It's truly incredible when you think about it; that child with Innate Full Spirit Power... his Spirit is actually Blue Silver Grass!"
"Yeah, what a pity. Such talent, yet it's a Trash Spirit!"
"Innate Full Spirit Power, Blue Silver Grass!"
A short-haired man passed by the office door, his eyes flashing with a sharp light. He stopped and asked into the office.
"Who are you talking about?"
One of the teachers lowered his head slightly and said respectfully.
"Grandmaster, it's a child named Tang San. He's a Work-Study Student this year and is currently staying in Dormitory Seven!"
"Oh, thank you!"
The Grandmaster, also known as Yu Xiaogang, was Tang San's destined mentor.
He hurried away, turning a deaf ear to the discussions behind him.
"Why tell him so much? In my eyes, he's just a fraud living off others, with no real strength of his own. He spends all day tinkering with those ethereal theories of his; he's practically a joke in the Spirit Master's world!"
"What nonsense are you talking? The Grandmaster's theories are... actually quite reasonable. No one has been able to prove him wrong. Besides, he's a friend of the Dean, after all!"
"Heh, no one has been able to prove him right either..."
A moment later, at the entrance of Dormitory Seven, Zhou Ting looked at the empty bed beside him and sighed with emotion.
"It seems the inertia of the plot still cannot be changed!"
But then again, this was all logical.
After all, the academy was only so big; Tang San's abnormal situation would eventually become common knowledge, and Yu Xiaogang was bound to find out sooner or later.
Lying on the bed without a quilt, Zhou Ting felt the six silver coins in his bundle and felt a sense of relief.
"Since Yu Xiaogang has come looking for Tang San, then that money for the bedding can be saved."
These silver coins were given by Old Jack. Although Zhou Ting was a Work-Study Student and would receive a salary, he couldn't just buy nothing!
You have to realize, while Work-Study Students get paid, everything in Nuoding City costs money; even eating at school requires payment!
Additionally, Old Jack had specifically instructed Zhou Ting to build a good relationship with Tang San.
After all, Tang San's talent was much stronger than his; he was a 'thick leg' to lean on.
Zhou Ting understood his meaning, but he really didn't have any intentions in that regard!
Tang San was too dangerous; it wasn't wise to get too deeply involved with him!
Moreover, they belonged to different classes—one was a rootless commoner, while the other was a descendant of the upper class with a deep background. Their future paths were destined to diverge.
"Forget it, there's no point in thinking about this. I'd better go out and buy a quilt!"
The next moment, Zhou Ting thought of those two lively, long rabbit ears and changed his mind. He rubbed his chin with a mischievous grin.
"Wait, that's not right. I should buy two. Even though they're young, I definitely can't have anything... inappropriate for children!"
Recalling the plots he had seen in the anime in his past life, Zhou Ting felt a bit uncomfortable.
As the saying goes, boys and girls shouldn't sit together at seven. While modern thinking isn't that conservative, you still wouldn't let two young strangers sleep together!
Also, this mixed-gender dormitory is quite problematic. Boys and girls aged six to twelve living together—are they really not afraid of something happening?
Do the people of this World have some kind of misunderstanding about a child's morality?
"Sometimes, I really don't know what kind of worldview this is!"
Swaying with every step, Zhou Ting leisurely walked out of the empty dormitory.
On the other side, in the small woods.
"...So, Little San, you must have twin spirits!"
Tang San looked at the eloquently speaking Yu Xiaogang as if he were seeing a peerless wise man. He bowed down in respect and said.
"Master!"
This sudden kneel left Yu Xiaogang a bit stunned. He quickly helped Tang San up and said in confusion.
"Little San, what are you doing?"
Tang San said stubbornly.
"A teacher for a day is a father for a lifetime. It is only right to bow to one's teacher."
What a novel way of putting it, yet it struck Yu Xiaogang's sweet spot perfectly.
"Little San, there's no need for such grand ceremonies in the future. Come with me to get some books..."
"Thank you, Master..."
Yu Xiaogang's bedroom was also his study, filled with many books he used to research Spirit theories.
"Little San, here are some books and notes that introduce Spirits, Spirit abilities, Meditation Methods, and Spirit Beasts. You must read them carefully and commit them to heart!"
Recalling the techniques he had secretly learned in the Inner Sect in his previous life, and now easily obtaining so much valuable knowledge, Tang San was ecstatic.
He solemnly took the books and said with a serious expression.
"Alright, Master, I will definitely commit them firmly to heart."
Yu Xiaogang looked at his serious young disciple, feeling extremely satisfied.
With exceptional talent, a serious attitude, and his own guidance, this disciple of his was destined to become famous throughout the entire Douluo Continent in the future!
To plan out Tang San's future, Yu Xiaogang inquired.
"Little San, what is your second Spirit?"
Tang San didn't say a word, but without hesitation, he revealed the Clear Sky Hammer!
Yu Xiaogang looked at the hammer floating above Tang San's palm, his eyes filled with shock.
The Clear Sky Hammer—he recognized it!Chapter 7: Borrowing? No.
Chapter 7. Borrowing? No.
The Douluo Continent has Seven Great Sects, among which the Clear Sky Sect, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School are known as the Upper Three Sects. These three Sects are extremely powerful and have profound foundations.
In fact, though called three great Sects, the first two are purely Family forces.
Only the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, due to the nature of its auxiliary Spirit, recruited many battle-type Spirit Masters to protect itself.
And Yu Xiaogang is a direct descendant of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, while the Clear Sky Hammer in Tang San's hand comes from the Clear Sky Sect, so he naturally recognized it at a glance.
Coupled with Tang San's surname, he guessed many things.
However, he didn't say much, only sternly admonished him.
"Little San, you must remember, this second Spirit cannot be seen by others, and... do not add any spirit rings to the second Spirit."
Tang San was puzzled, wondering why everyone who saw his second Spirit admonished him this way. He asked doubtfully,
"My father also said that, but why?"
Yu Xiaogang didn't answer, but instead asked back,
"What is your father's name?"
"Tang Hao..."
A hint of shock flashed in Yu Xiaogang's eyes, and he murmured to himself,
"So it really is him!"
Tang San knew that Master must know about his father, while he himself knew nothing, so he quickly pressed on,
"Master, do you know my father? Can you tell me about him?"
Yu Xiaogang shook his head and refused.
"Since your father hasn't told you yet, there must be his reasons. These things, he can only tell you himself!"
Seeing this, Tang San could only give up helplessly.
Once a Master, always a father.
Tang San said this, and he acted on it.
However, if Tang Hao knew, one could only wonder what he would think.
He had clearly warned Tang San not to display the Clear Sky Hammer unless it was a matter of life or death, but now... tsk tsk!
A Master he had just acknowledged could now be compared in status to his biological father, with whom he had spent six years day and night!
...Even without being by their side, Zhou Ting knew how things would develop.
However, he simply didn't care.
Although Yu Xiaogang knew a lot about Spirit Masters, he wasn't an absolute authority.
Furthermore, due to his Spirit mutation, he couldn't Breakthrough to rank 30, so he naturally had no opportunity for practical experience.
In summary, Yu Xiaogang was not the best choice for a Master.
Let Tang San be the guinea pig alone; he has the Protagonist Halo and is an unkillable cockroach. Ordinary people can't endure the fate of a guinea pig.
Don't you see how many dead guinea pigs are processed in laboratories every day?
With spirit power in his body, his physical fitness was naturally not comparable to ordinary children. Zhou Ting carried two beds... a total of more than ten jin of quilts, still moving swiftly.
This quilt alone cost him one silver coin.
No choice, men, regardless of age, aren't very good at bargaining.
Anyway, if Zhou Ting felt the price wasn't right, he'd leave; if it was, he'd buy it, never wasting another word with the boss.
Walking to the dormitory entrance, Zhou Ting saw a classic scene: Tang San and a little girl with rabbit ears on her head were fighting fiercely.
This little girl was Xiao Wu, and the rabbit ears on her head were not decorations, but a part of her Spirit, real rabbit ears.
I have to say, those flexible rabbit ears, he really wanted to touch them.
Unfortunately, he couldn't beat her!
Zhou Ting leaned against the doorframe, watching the two exchange blows with relish.
Tang San and Xiao Wu both had Innate Full Spirit Power, so they were evenly matched in terms of spirit power.
However, Tang San had martial arts from his previous life, while Xiao Wu had 100,000 years of battle experience and Soft Technique from her Soft Bones Demon Rabbit Spirit.
The two exchanged blows, neither gaining an advantage, and were at a stalemate.
With a glance, Zhou Ting also saw other students inside the room, who should be Work-Study Students from previous years. They were watching the battle intently, their eyes filled with envy.
Perhaps it was because he saw Zhou Ting, or perhaps he intentionally went easy because his opponent was a cute little girl, but in any case, Tang San was quickly defeated.
Xiao Wu was overjoyed by her victory. She put her hands on her hips, striking a big sister pose, and loudly declared,
"From today onwards, I am the boss of Dorm 7!"
Everyone was very obedient and bowed in unison.
"Greetings, Sister Xiao Wu!"
Xiao Wu's little face bloomed with a smile; she loved hearing that.
The next moment, she looked at Zhou Ting by the door and asked,
"Who are you?"
Zhou Ting, holding the quilt, walked into the dormitory and casually replied,
"I'm this year's Work-Study Student, Zhou Ting."
Xiao Wu's eyes darted around, and she said,
"Come on, let's fight!"
Zhou Ting didn't want to get beaten up, so he firmly shook his head.
"No fighting!"
This is looking down on me!
Xiao Wu said indignantly.
"No, we must fight! This is the rule of our Dorm 7. Whoever is stronger is the boss!"
Zhou Ting placed the quilt on an empty bed and indeed saw a new quilt on Tang San's bed, which must have been given by Yu Xiaogang.
He said nonchalantly,
"My talent is too poor, I can't fight!"
The fight with Tang San wasn't satisfying enough, and Xiao Wu still wanted to play more, so how could she allow Zhou Ting to refuse?
"I don't believe you!"
"If you don't believe me, ask Tang San, he knows!"
Tang San saw Zhou Ting diverting the trouble to him, making him targeted by that belligerent little girl again, and couldn't help but say with a wry smile,
"It's true, his Innate spirit power is only rank one!"
"Ah, that low? I have Innate Full Spirit Power!"
Xiao Wu immediately became unhappy, knowing that she wouldn't be able to have a satisfying play this time!
"Oh, Innate Full Spirit Power!"
The many Work-Study Students erupted in excitement, and then naturally someone asked Tang San, after all, if his talent was too low, how could he have lasted so long before losing?
"Tang San, what rank is your Innate spirit power?"
"I also have Innate Full Spirit Power!"
Xiao Wu's eyes darted around, and she had a plan in mind, just as she was about to speak.
"Creak..."
The door of Dorm 7 was pushed open again, and a young man walked in.
"Tang San, Xiao Wu, Zhou Ting."
"Present."
The three immediately stood before the man.
The man nodded in satisfaction and said,
"My surname is Mo, and I am your teacher. You three are this year's Work-Study Students. From now on, you will be responsible for the sanitation of the garden south of the playground, earning ten bronze coins daily. If you slack off, you will be ordered to withdraw from school!"
"Yes, Teacher!"
The man was very satisfied with their attitude and turned to leave.
Xiao Wu temporarily abandoned her plan to fight again. She looked around and noticed something was wrong.
Everyone else had bedding on their beds, but she... didn't!
What should she do?
Originally, she should have gone to Tang San to "borrow" a quilt.
But, well, who told a certain someone to bring two quilts?
She walked past Tang San and said to Zhou Ting,
"Zhou Ting, lend me a quilt!"
Zhou Ting glanced at the quilt on Tang San's bed and said with a smile,
"Borrow? No..."
As soon as the three words were spoken, Xiao Wu's cheeks puffed up again, her hands clenched into fists, glaring at him indignantly.
Zhou Ting knew he couldn't provoke this battle maniac, so he quickly said,
"However, buying is an option!"
"Buy?"
Zhou Ting nodded and said,
"Yes, buy it. I just bought this quilt myself. I originally planned to sell it to Tang San..."
Tang San's mouth twitched, feeling that something was off. He had no money... he couldn't afford to buy it.
Xiao Wu was in the same situation and shook her head, saying,
"I have no money!"
Zhou Ting smiled wickedly and said,
"No money now doesn't mean no money later, right?"Chapter 8 – 8. Ulterior Motives
Chapter 8 – 8. Ulterior Motives
How much money can a single quilt fetch, anyway?
Even if the price is jacked up, the profit's still tiny!
Besides, if we push it too far, we'll never hear the end of it.
Zhou Ting's mind turned and a better idea surfaced.
"I don't want your money, though…"
His attitude flipped; the earlier coldness vanished. With almost excessive eagerness he scooped up a brand-new quilt and stuffed it into Xiao Wu's arms.
"This quilt is a gift."
Xiao Wu was stunned, Tang San was stunned, everyone in Room Seven was stunned.
The kid had been such a penny-pincher a moment ago—how was he suddenly this generous?
Xiao Wu was sure Zhou Ting had an ulterior motive; the new quilt in her arms felt almost scalding.
Eyes wide with alarm, she stared at him and demanded,
"What… what kind of scheme are you cooking up?"
Zhou Ting's smile stayed warm and friendly.
"It's like this—my talent is awful and my strength is pathetic. When I hit rank ten and need a spirit ring, I'd like to ask the brilliant Sister Xiao Wu for help."
Hearing that, Xiao Wu exhaled in relief and patted her chest.
"No problem. Once you hit ten, I'll personally take you to get a spirit ring."
She was confident about that; after all, with Zhou Ting's Innate rank-one spirit power, by the time he reached rank ten she'd probably already be past twenty.
Helping him hunt a ten-year ring would then be a trivial task.
As for the lopsided value, the magnanimous Sister Xiao Wu didn't care.
Reassured, she clapped Zhou Ting's shoulder and declared,
"Relax—Sister Xiao Wu keeps her word. I'll find a ring that suits you."
"Thanks, Sister Xiao Wu."
Zhou Ting beamed; a weight had finally lifted from his heart.
Although the little old man resided in his Spirit, the man was too powerful for Zhou Ting to summon.
In short, he currently had zero combat ability.
He had no background and no deep ties with academy teachers; what kind of Spirit Beast could an Elementary Spirit Master Academy find for him—a ten-year one?
And he wouldn't even get to choose the species.
Therefore, Xiao Wu was the perfect helper.
Tang San could also do it, but Zhou Ting preferred to keep his distance and avoid getting dragged into that vortex.
Night fell.
The Work-Study Students in the dormitory all began to Cultivate in unison.
The poorer your origin, the more you realize how rare a chance to grow stronger really is.
No one slacked off in their training.
Besides, the other students looked down on these grassroots Work-Study Students.
That was why Room Seven had the custom of fighting for the post of dormitory head—to pick the strongest Work-Study Student and unite everyone against bullying from the others.
So far, though, the results had been underwhelming.
This year, however, things were different: among the Work-Study Students were two freaks with Innate Full Spirit Power.
Natural Meditation Method—also called Universal Meditation Method—required no fixed posture; you could stand, sit, or even lie down.
And like Internal Skill at high levels, once Meditation reached the Late Stage you could Cultivate while walking, standing, sitting, or lying.
But Zhou Ting had not reached that level; he still had to concentrate fully to Cultivate.
Without trying anything fancy, he sat cross-legged on his bed like everyone else, closed his eyes, and his consciousness arrived in his Sea of Consciousness, beneath the black pagoda Spirit.
Looking around, the cracks were gone; the Sea had completely recovered.
That was the result of two months of cultivation.
Moreover, tormented since childhood by the vast mental force of his past life and the little old man, his Sea was far larger than average.
At the same Realm he therefore possessed more spirit power than others.
Universal Meditation Method, a Spell Cultivator's technique, trained mental force—and mana.
But on Douluo Continent there was no mana, only spirit power.
As Meditation revolved, Zhou Ting "saw" the energy around him: motes of light like playful sprites darting about randomly.
A thread of mental force shot out, became a big hand, deftly grabbed a dozen motes, and retracted.
The hand fed the energy into the black pagoda; it quivered for a second, then released a faint stream that merged into the ocean of spirit power.
He could feel his spirit power thicken slightly.
"At this rate I'll Break through tomorrow."
"Excellent."
Refreshed, he started the claw-machine game again.
Round and round, tirelessly.
An hour later he had to open his eyes.
Today's session was over.
His mental force was exhausted; his eyelids drooped like lead.
The best way to recover was sleep.
He glanced around—except for Tang San and Xiao Wu, everyone else was already asleep.
He didn't fight it; he lay down gently and pulled up his quilt.
Universal Meditation Method actually contained a way to restore mental force and spirit power while you slept, letting you recover faster.
Mysterious Heaven Skill… had one too.
"Hoo…"
The moment Zhou Ting fell asleep, Tang San and Xiao Wu opened their eyes simultaneously and studied him curiously.
Then they noticed each other and began exchanging silent messages.
Xiao Wu: He really has Innate rank-one spirit power?
Tang San nodded: Yes.
Xiao Wu: But something's off—he Cultivates far longer than everyone else. His talent shouldn't be this bad.
She couldn't figure it out, and neither could Tang San.
Yet he recalled what had happened to Zhou Ting: a dull-witted child restored to normal after Spirit Awakening.
Could there be another secret?
When Xiao Wu saw Tang San acting like a block of wood and not "answering," she gave a soft humph and lay down to sleep.
Among everyone in Room Seven, only two felt special to her.
The first was Tang San; on him she sensed a familiar, intimate aura that made her want to get close—as if she were back in Star Dou Great Forest, her home.
The other was Zhou Ting, who had just shown his scheming side.
Instinct told her this human boy with awful talent was not simple.
And he was probably hatching some sneaky plan.
Yet she felt no danger, so she played along, wanting to find out his real aim.
"Hmph—this Sister Xiao Wu didn't spend a hundred thousand years for nothing."Chapter 9: Phantom
Chapter 9: Phantom
"What? You're going to the Soul Hunting Forest to get your first spirit ring?"
In the garden, Xiao Wu held a broom, ears straight with surprise.
Tang San nodded and smiled.
"That's right. Tomorrow I'll head to the Soul Hunting Forest with my teacher. I'll leave the rest of the work to you."
"Good!"
Zhou Ting's answer was a single word—concise and clear.
Xiao Wu was different; she pouted defiantly.
"Go ahead, but I won't lose to you! When you get back... we'll see."
In truth, the two had already sparred in secret once; if the teacher hadn't barged in, Xiao Wu would have lost.
Her competitive spirit burned to settle the score with Tang San.
But Tang San kept refusing.
Night—time to Cultivate.
Zhou Ting "grabbed dolls" while pondering.
Using hands was the least efficient method—far too slow.
Yet hands are what humans know best, so shaping mental force into hands is the easiest skill to master.
To raise efficiency, however, he couldn't stop there.
Humanity's true strength lies in intelligence and tool use.
Zhou Ting already had a fine idea.
"Buzz—!"
His Sea of Consciousness shook; the ocean of spirit power surged, Bursting through its old limits and swallowing new ground.
Zhou Ting was delighted.
"Breakthrough!"
Level-two spirit power versus level one... well, the gain was tiny.
"Keep going!"
"But first, test the new idea!"
Hands are nimble, yet compared with proper tools they remain inefficient.
Those motes of energy were as slippery as fish and hard to catch.
For fish, a net works better!
He formed threads of mental force—no trouble at all.
The first thread appeared in a thought, effortless.
Then the second... and at last the tenth—Perfection!
Ten was his limit; any more and he lost control.
Less than half a minute passed, but Zhou Ting didn't grow cocky.
The first thread was dimmer than the rest and unstable, ready to collapse.
Spinning threads was easy; keeping them intact was the hard part.
One broken strand would leave a row of holes, and every fish would escape.
"Pop..."
The thread dissolved; Zhou Ting sensed he'd even regained a sliver of mental force.
"One minute—leave a thread alone and it lasts one minute."
"What if I keep feeding it mental force?"
He tried again.
Ten minutes later.
"Right now, maintaining nine threads at once is optimal; more isn't worth the drain."
A minute later, a "handkerchief" swooped on a cluster of motes and snapped back.
A few slipped through, but most were netted into his Sea of Consciousness and funneled into the Black Tower.
The tower absorbed the motes, trembling as energy streamed into the spirit power ocean.
Zhou Ting felt his spirit power strengthen—fulfilling and exhilarating.
As spirit power flowed, his body grew stronger too.
It cost some spirit power, but the trade was worth it.
A strong body is the foundation of all Cultivation and a requirement for absorbing spirit rings.
Another dusk; after a day's absence, Xiao Wu skipped into the garden, beaming.
"Zhou Ting!"
He knew why—she had condensed her first spirit ring herself.
Being a Hundred Thousand Year Spirit Beast had its perks: every Breakthrough produced a perfectly fitting ring near the limit of its age.
Hiding his envy, he asked innocently,
"Why so happy—find some money?"
She rolled her eyes.
"Still so money-grubbing!"
Then she burst out laughing.
"Haha! Your Sister Xiao Wu has advanced—I'm a real Spirit Master now!"
She patted his shoulder like a Senior giving advice.
"Work hard, Zhou Ting. Once I graduate, helping you will be tough!"
Zhou Ting glanced at his spirit power ocean—now several times larger, already at level five, almost one level every two days; level ten wasn't far off.
"Sister Xiao Wu, don't worry—it'll be sooner than you think."
Such confidence bordered on arrogance for someone of his Innate talent.
Yet Xiao Wu didn't mock him; she looked thoughtful.
She had seen his nightly practice.
He always caught only a little less than she did—far more than the others in Dorm Seven—nothing like the Trash with Innate level-one spirit power.
Zhou Ting had a secret!
Curious, she asked nothing.
"Glad you're confident!"
After sweeping, she sat on the flower-bed, listless.
"Sigh... when will Tang San be back?"
"Soon."
"Always that line!"
She glared, adding,
"Every time I ask, that's what you say!"
Zhou Ting smiled, put the tools away, and said,
"Time to Cultivate."
He headed for the dormitory.
"Practice again!"
She pouted, unhappy.
She hated training and loved fun.
Yet her fierce pride refused to let her fall behind.
So she always stopped only after he did.
In truth, she never reached her own limit.
When Tang San was around, he was her measuring stick.
The two were evenly matched, victories traded back and forth.
Zhou Ting ignored her and walked on.
Annoyed, she skipped ahead, walking backward.
"Zhou Ting, why so boring?"
He kept strolling, asking lightly,
"How am I boring?"
She counted on her fingers.
"Every activity—you skip. After class you're gone. Work, sleep, Cultivate—nowhere else! Everyone calls you a phantom!"Chapter 10 – Found
Chapter 10 – Found
"A ghost?"
Zhou Ting fell silent; he had to admit Xiao Wu was right—he'd barely interacted with any other students lately.
The moment classes ended he either buried himself in the library or slipped off to some quiet corner to Cultivate. Where was the time to hang out?
Zhou Ting suddenly stopped walking and stood frozen. Xiao Wu, startled, waved a hand in front of his eyes. "Hey, Zhou Ting, you spacing out again?"
"Hey, Zhou Ting, you spacing out again?"
Zhou Ting's old reputation wasn't exactly a secret—at least not in Dorm Seven.
All thanks to Tang San, who'd caved under Xiao Wu's charms and spilled every last one of Zhou Ting's secrets.
Forget that wretched guy.
Zhou Ting came back to himself and said meaningfully,
"I'm not spacing out, it's just… I can't afford to slack. I need to find a suitable spirit ring for my Spirit Beast in the library."
The way the kid looked at her… Xiao Wu had the uneasy feeling Zhou Ting knew something. Panic flashed through her and she demanded,
"What do you mean by that?"
Little Rabbit… in a hurry!
But Zhou Ting knew this wasn't the moment for full honesty.
He smiled and "explained":,
"Tang San has a 'good' teacher guiding and helping him, and you… found a suitable Spirit Beast and got your spirit ring in a single day. Obviously, I can't compare."
So that's all he meant—as long as her identity as a Spirit Beast stayed hidden.
Otherwise every Spirit Master on the continent would be her enemy.
Xiao Wu exhaled in relief, then thumped her chest confidently.
"Don't worry—since Sister Xiao Wu promised to help, I won't go back on my word. I'll definitely find you a perfect spirit ring."
One quilt in exchange for one promise—huge profit!
Zhou Ting thanked her sincerely.
"Then thank you, Sister Xiao Wu!"
Xiao Wu tossed her head proudly; she loved hearing that.
"Good that you know."
"Back to the dorm!"
Watching her skip away, Zhou Ting murmured, Actually… you'd be the best spirit ring of all!
…At the gate of Nuoding Junior Spirit Master Academy a carriage pulled up. A skinny figure leapt down, then reached back to help a middle-aged man alight.
At the same time he asked with concern,
"Teacher, how's your recovery?"
The pair were, of course, Yu Xiaogang and Tang San, back from a week-long trip to the Soul Hunting Forest to obtain a spirit ring.
Yet on that hunt the tenth-level Spirit Scholar came back unharmed while the twenty-ninth-level Spirit Grandmaster returned poisoned and injured.
Truly… Yu Xiaogang lived up to his name!
Even more than Zhou Ting did!
Yu Xiaogang looked at his composed Disciple Tang San and gave a bitter smile.
"Little San, I'm fine—just a bit of residual toxin left."
Straightening, still slightly weak, Yu Xiaogang thought back to the expedition and felt ashamed.
He'd done nothing beyond lecturing on theory.
When faced with the four-hundred-year Datura Snake, his Spirit Luo San Pao had been powerless.
Both Luo San Pao and he himself had been poisoned and collapsed.
In the end the Disciple killed the Spirit Beast and saved the teacher's life.
Everything had been Tang San's doing!
Frankly… humiliating!
Of course, having such an outstanding Disciple filled him with far more pride and hope.
In Tang San he saw his theories not merely possible but… inevitable!
Yu Xiaogang put on a kindly yet stern expression.
"Little San, I'll rest for a while. Study the books and notes I gave you!"
Tang San obediently nodded.
"Yes, teacher!"
They parted ways. Tang San returned to the dorm but found it empty and went looking.
"Come quick—the Work-Study Students of Dorm Seven are fighting Boss Xiao!"
"Why?"
"Word is Boss Xiao took a liking to this year's Work-Study Student Xiao Wu and wants her as his pet rabbit!"
"Really?"
"Absolutely…"
"Xiao Wu."
Tang San frowned, a sudden inexplicable irritation rising.
"Boss Xiao… you've already signed your own death warrant."
But then he remembered Xiao Wu's strength rivaled his own and relaxed.
He didn't believe any random student could beat him—he was confident of that.
The ruckus between Boss Xiao and Xiao Wu was so loud it drew not only the freshly returned Tang San but even Zhou Ting in the library.
Yet the moment Zhou Ting spotted Tang San from the second-floor window he sat back down.
"Forget it. No need to go—Tang San alone could handle Boss Xiao, let alone Xiao Wu herself."
Boss Xiao… Xiao Chenyu, son of Nuoding City's lord, a Spirit Master of barely over ten levels.
Oddly, his first spirit ring was white.
The usual colors: white, yellow, purple, black, red—
from slain ten-year, hundred-year, thousand-year, Ten Thousand Year, and Hundred Thousand Year Spirit Beasts.
A white ten-year ring… any Spirit Scholar can absorb it; it's the commonest, lowest-grade ring.
Any Spirit Master with even modest means avoids it.
Meaning those with power or money.
Commoner Spirit Masters choosing white rings is understandable, but for the city lord's son—rich and powerful—to pick one is suspicious.
Either Xiao Chenyu is a coward afraid to absorb a hundred-year ring… or there's something fishy going on.
None of that mattered to Zhou Ting, though.
His top priority… was finding a Spirit Beast suited to the Black Tower's traits.
Zhou Ting flipped through the spirit beast illustrated manual, volume two, at lightning speed.
"Not in this one—next!"
The Douluo Continent holds many known Spirit Beasts—and even more unknown ones.
No single book could list them all.
He opened volume three; the first page seized his attention.
Insect Spirit Beasts: Jade Emperor Bee
A colony-dwelling species… He read it twice, eyes sparkling, then slapped the table.
"This is it!"
According to the manual, Jade Emperor Bees are weak and struggle to survive, so high-year swarms are rare.
But they're widespread; nearly every uninhabited Spirit Beast forest hosts them—someone once spotted them in the Soul Hunting Forest!
"Perfect!"
"Once I get Jade Emperor Bees I can stop being useless."
Who knew how stifling it felt to be powerless?
Especially with two combat Geniuses around sparring constantly—Zhou Ting, a total novice, saw the gap up close.
All he could do was watch in envy.
Truly weak, pitiful, and helpless.
He was thoroughly sick of living like that!