The backyard of Nuoding Academy offered a quiet sanctuary, isolated from the clamor of classrooms and dorm corridors. Unlike the barren landscape twenty thousand years in the future, lush trees still ringed this school, providing a natural canopy. A wide expanse of green grass dominated the area, a haven for students seeking independent practice or simple peace.
It was difficult to imagine such a refreshing retreat existed within the city. Giant tree trunks with rough, mossy bark replaced cold brick walls. Sunlight pierced the canopy gaps, dappling the damp forest floor in shifting patterns.
The air tasted sweet, carrying the scent of wet earth and pine needles—far fresher than the stifling city dust. Birdsong filled the silence, creating the illusion of stepping into another world after only a few minutes of walking.
Grandmaster finally halted in the center of the clearing. He turned to face Xiao Wu and me. "Although a bit lacking, I think this place suffices."
I nodded. "What are we going to do, Teacher?"
"Before we start, explain that innate ability in detail," he commanded.
"It's called Soul Link," I answered, offering the name I just made up for Shroud's binding ability. "This ability allows me to form a spiritual bond with others. Through that connection, I can share a portion of my potential or talent, while simultaneously strengthening the link between us permanently."
"How does this power manifest?" Grandmaster asked, leaning forward.
"Perhaps because the Blue Silver Emperor is a ruler? He can share his talent with the Blue Silver Grass?" I said while looking at Grandmaster.
Grandmaster nodded, interest gleaming in his eyes. His hands clenched at his sides. "Sharing talent... from an owner with innate full spirit power. Even a small fraction is equivalent to two or three levels of additional potential."
He began to pace, his muttering accelerating. "A person with level 3 innate talent would become level 5 or 6. Meaning, someone stuck at Spirit Grandmaster gains hope to advance to Spirit Elder or even Spirit King." He tugged gently at his beard. "If any faction discovered this, they would fight over you... or kill you."
A heavy silence descended upon us for a moment.
"You two must promise never to speak of this to anyone. Discuss it only in my presence," Grandmaster stated, his tone grave. "Do you understand?"
Xiao Wu and I nodded in unison. "Understood."
"Good." A thin smile touched his lips. "Now, let's begin."
"Since you've already formed a Soul Link with Xiao Wu, we will start by analyzing her changes," Grandmaster said, focusing on the girl. "Unfortunately, Xiao Wu has already reached level 10, so we cannot observe changes in cultivation speed. However, we can measure improvements in physical strength and her Martial Soul. We must also determine if this connection provides other benefits."
Grandmaster instructed Xiao Wu to release her Martial Soul. With a firm nod, she closed her eyes. Soft pink light enveloped her body, warm and fleeting. Long, plush rabbit ears materialized atop her head, twitching to capture surrounding sounds.
"Attack that tree with your full strength," Grandmaster ordered, pointing to a massive trunk nearby.
Xiao Wu didn't hesitate. She blurred into motion.
Boom!
Her speed was shocking—a distorted shadow crossing the grass. When her leg struck the wood, a dull thud echoed. Leaves rained down as the trunk shook violently, the bark marred by a deep crack.
"Incredible," Grandmaster murmured. He inspected the impact site. "We cannot quantify the exact increase, but this far exceeds the average level 10 Spirit Scholar without a spirit ring."
"I feel lighter," Xiao Wu said, eyes sparkling. "My physical strength really increased! San-ge, thank you!" She threw her arms around me.
Huh, did she just call me by my first name with the "ge" suffix? It hasn't even been a day. Hehehe~
"You're welcome," I replied, patting her head and enjoying the texture of her rabbit ears.
"Next test. I want to see if this bond allows you to feel spirit power resonance," Grandmaster said, his voice laced with hope.
He likely wondered if resonance would enable Martial Soul Fusion. Unfortunately, Shroud's bond lacked that capability—at least for now. However, once I acquired it, I would perform that technique with all my waifus. Perhaps several at once.
"Too bad," Grandmaster sighed, though he didn't seem overly disappointed. "At least this bond grants general awareness of each other's existence. This will prove vital in emergencies. However, it also means you must choose your bond partners carefully, Xiao San."
Grandmaster conducted several additional tests to map our limits. We separated to determine the maximum range of our connection. Within a one-kilometer radius, I could sense Xiao Wu's faint emotions, though details blurred as distance increased. Naturally, I withheld this detail from Grandmaster. Xiao Wu remained oblivious to our emotional connection; I had blocked her from consciously sensing my feelings.
We also attempted dual meditation, yielding surprising results. I hadn't realized the Shroud bond possessed such utility. Our spirit power flow stabilized when in close proximity, the bond acting as a regulator to smooth energy circulation. Xiao Wu gained significantly more benefits than I did. I suspected she had become addicted to the automatic cultivation provided by the inner world core.
She looked reluctant when Grandmaster ended the session.
"So, this bond increases cultivation speed. The exact degree remains uncertain, as does the effect of adding more people," Grandmaster mused, stroking his beard.
I was also curious about that. This testing was more beneficial than I imagined. Initially, I intended to do fake testing, then trick Grandmaster to get credits.
"Time for the final test," Grandmaster said, fixing me with a sharp look. "Xiao San, add me to the Soul Link."
I nodded and raised my right hand. Blue Silver Grass erupted from the soil around me. Unlike the common variety, these plants resembled small bushes with silver-gold stems and stalks shimmering with azure foliage.
The plants crept across the ground, slithering like living serpents toward Grandmaster. They coiled around his legs, climbed to his waist, and gently wrapped his chest. Golden light pulsed within the stems. Yu Xiaogang stiffened as the flora touched his skin, but forced himself to relax.
I felt a familiar tug as Shroud Flora anchored Grandmaster's spirit essence into the network. Although stronger than me, his acceptance of the bond removed all resistance. The process finished in thirty seconds—much faster than binding Xiao Wu. I wasn't sure if he is too weak or because he actively accepted the bond.
A notification materialized on my HUD.
[Obtained 12 Credits]
Only Tier 4? I thought with his reputation and connections as the young master of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, he might reach Tier 5. Eh, I actually don't know if connections and influence can affect tier or not. Well, better than nothing.
Because we observed closely, Yu Xiaogang's transformation was undeniable. He appeared slightly taller; his hair and skin smoothed out. Facial wrinkles seemed to fade. Suddenly, a faint blue light radiated from his body.
A breakthrough?
Grandmaster's eyes widened in shock and joy. "Incredible! The binding process not only improves talent but creates a cathartic effect! Hidden injuries I didn't know existed are healing! It's enough to push me through to Level 30!"
I quickly withdrew the Blue Silver Grass. Xiao Wu and I stared at him. Amazed. Happy.
In my case, I was pretending... mostly. I wanted him to talk. Keep advertising that healing prowess!
"This is absolutely incredible!" Grandmaster exclaimed, clenching his fists. A complex mix of emotions crossed his face before settling into a feigned mask of loneliness. If I lacked Communication Talent, he might have fooled me. "What a pity Xiao San didn't appear sooner..." He shook his head, looking at me with gratitude. "I possess only level 0.5 spirit power talent. It has been a curse since childhood. Even with my hard work, I only reached level 29 and remained stuck there for years."
I suppressed the urge to mock him. 'My Hard Work'? Heh, if he wasn't the Clan Leader's only son, he never would have reached level 10.
Grandmaster stepped closer and gripped my shoulder. "Xiao San, you have realized one of my dreams. I promise to help you reach the peak of this world!"
Gosh, not even a thank you? Whatever. This person is hopeless.
More importantly, would Tang Hao take the bait? Hehehe~