"Xiaogang, step forward and remove your mask." The old man narrowed his eyes. Stepping forward, the youth removed his mask and much to Ja Sun's surprise, this was the youth with the nickname Luo San Pao. The youth with an enlightened martial soul.
Dusting himself, Ja Sun openly placed the mask inside the storage belt tool he looted from this man— Xiaogang. The corner of Xiaogang's lips twitched and Ja Sun nodded unhurriedly.
"I finally understand. Thank you for enlightening me. But, what kind of explanation would you like to hear?" Ja Sun inquired calmly. Even after being pressurized by the spirit of a Titled Douluo, he remained calm so by now, none of the men present took him as an easy target. Of course, Ja Sun was easy to kill. But in the eyes of every elder and the Supreme Pontiff, Ja Sun wasn't easy to break.
"I want to know why you were so malicious," The old man stated with a chill in his voice.
"My actions were not fuelled by maliciousness. They were triggered by curiosity. In my life, I have killed men and spirit beasts. Seeing a martial soul of such nature, I wanted to see if I can kill it, too."
His plain reasoning made everyone frown. Curiosity?
The middle-aged man sitting in the middle finally spoke up.
"Is that the only reason?"
"No, Elder. I did this for a certain situation."
"Oh?"
Seeing everybody's gaze focus on him, Ja Sun inquired with a smile. His gaze gave everyone a sense of ill omen.
"Elders, Lord Supreme Pontiff, please excuse my rudeness as I question everyone so.
In this room, has anybody ever killed a Martial Soul?"
Everyone fell stunned. Of course, the answer was no. If Martial Souls can be killed, wouldn't everyone's life become harder?
But no one answered. They already knew what Ja Sun meant and with a collected look, Ja Sun shook his head, "Because, I have. For me, it is an accomplishment. To test my own theory, I wasted the first seven years of my life. I believe myself to be a talent just as great as Ah Yin, however, I lagged in cultivation because of my greed to surpass others from the very beginning. The price I paid was the first few precious years of my life.
My hope in surpassing others as a martial talent is already crushed. But I wanted to achieve something that even Titled Douluos cannot easily achieve. Thus, I killed my very first Martial Soul.
You... what is your real name?" Ja Sun looked at the individual and he replied with a cold expression.
Nobody would feel well that their cultivation was destroyed for the sake of curiosity and accomplishment. Even if this act made him step onto heaven.
"Yu Xiaogang."
"Hmm, Yu Xiaogang, I have no personal hatred with you."
"This child is perceptive," before the Xiaogang's master could continue, the middle-aged man in the center spoke calmly, "He managed to identify us, probably because of a few hints we unintentionally left and not because of our spirit pressure.
Gui Mei, Yue Guan, from now on, in public, both of you are not allowed to pay your respects to our lot.
Now, Ka-ul. Reveal your spirit rings and martial soul."
Ja Sun nodded plainly.
His green eyes lit up as without a howl or growl, a beautiful phantom appeared behind him. Silver fur with glimmering green eyes and a slit for the third vertical eye actually pressuring the elders this time. The pressure was faint, but it was real.
Around Ja Sun, three purple spirit rings floated.
Ah Yin's lips twitched. She did not know this.
When she stated back then that Ja Sun could easily defeat her at the same level, she meant his techniques. But not this. At the same cultivation level, Ja Sun would really kick her ass.
Ja Sun didn't keep it exposed for long.
By now, he had completely shifted the focus of everyone off of himself to his spirit rings and martial spirit. He was a genuine Spirit Elder, so others wouldn't think he was a possessor of twin spirits but focus on the words Ja Sun led with from the start.
'For his own theory, he wasted his life. What theory?'
Everyone glanced at the middle-aged man. It would seem that none were willing to make a mistake while calculating the boy's worth. Even the old man who was Yu Xiaogang's master lost his previous animosity and closed his eyes. Yu Xiaogang's expression changed slightly and he reluctantly went back to the elder's side.
"Is this theory of yours not cultivating for a few years to train your body and then try to absorb a stronger spirit beast's spirit ring?" The middle-aged man opened his eyes.
"When I was tested to become a Spirit Master... I was pursued. I barely lost that evil spirit master in a forest but as a weak child, I couldn't possibly survive the forest. I didn't even know where I was."
"It was your martial soul that protected you," the middle-aged man nodded. This was a little out of the scope of Ja Sun's prediction but he nodded regardless.
"Yes. This is why I call myself equal to Ah Yin in talent. My Martial Soul allows me to befriend spirit beasts... and in the beginning, I had not thought of being a spirit master. How would I? I was chased into the forest. I knew nothing. But... I made friends. We lived together for years and in the wild, my body was forged. Not all Spirit Beasts are friendly, the same was the case for me. During my years of survival... one day, we faced a thousand-year-old beast. I had no way of defeating it and then..."
"Then what?" The middle-aged man's eyes were extremely bright. Even Xunji seemed to have understood something and he looked at Ja Sun strangely.
"She sacrificed herself for me. At that time, I didn't know anything about Spirit rings, but the information came to me instinctively. It was also then I realized that living in the wild made me more adaptive to stronger spirit rings. Seeing this, my other friends sacrificed themselves soon," a look of heartache flashed momentarily.
"A sacrifice?" One of the elders narrowed their eyes. All of them had severe expressions.
"Is there anything else special about your martial soul?" The middle-aged man seemed to have not heard or felt other's words and expressions.
"Yes. It increases the pace of personal cultivation by 5%."
"What is your martial soul called?"
"Three-eyed Silver Lion."
The middle-aged man nodded.
"Everyone except for Ah Yin and Ka-ul, leave."
Hearing his words, everyone frowned.
Seeing the reluctance on everyone's faces, the middle-aged man chuckled coldly, "Or are you going to challenge me? Let's do it then. Beside that Lord of Mountains, I want to see who can receive my strike."
"It's not a challenge. But an elder cannot have more than one disciple."
Xiaogang's master sighed. He didn't feel much for Ah Yin but Ja Sun... the more he looked, the more pleasing he felt to the eyes.
"I know the rules. Now, out."
"Father... I propose a simple test," Xunji finally spoke up once again.
He looked at Ja Sun and Ah Yin with a smile, "The both of you are certainly top talents. It is the Spirit Hall's fortune indeed. But, I want you to meet my personal disciple first. I want the two of you to stand in front of her for ten seconds without taking a single step back."
The middle-aged man this time didn't refuse and nodded calmly.
"That is acceptable. Bibi Dong, don't go easy on the two of them."
The masked woman nodded and disappeared. In the next instant, she stood in front of Ja Sun and Ah Yin, and before they could marvel at the woman's speed, the both of them were pulled into a world of icy cold killing intent.
With her domain not activated, when Ah Yin matched this killing intent, her body shuddered and her expression turned sharp. Despite cold sweat sweeping through her body, she resisted the urge to step back valiantly. Meanwhile, Ja Sun felt the illusion of himself being cut apart in several pieces, his guts pulled out and whatnot.
'Oh, this is... cute,' Ja Sun had to suppress his yawn. In sheer killing intent, Ja Sun was matchless in his world. Even his teacher didn't compare himself to Ja Sun because this is how he was raised and nourished— In a pool of bloody madness.
But after reaching this stage, Ja Sun had to reveal a slightly disgusted expression at the third second as if his stomach churned. But he didn't overdo it.
His ability to withstand the intent made the eyes of the middle-aged man shine. She nodded once the ten seconds were up and Bibi Dong reappeared behind the Pontiff.
"Hah!" Ah Yin gasped. Her breath shuddering but Ja Sun only inhaled and exhaled deeply once before returning to his previous calm.
'He did offer his arm quite easily so his view on bloodshed isn't normal,' Bibi Dong thought calmly.
"Almost 21 but a talented individual in the making," Xunji smiled, "It seems that another late bloomer will be joining the ranks of discipleship soon enough."
"You!" The old man growled and looked at Xunji but he easily stood up and walked out of the room with Bibi Dong, Gui Mei, and Yue Guan.
The other elders gave Ja Sun and Ah Yin a look before leaving themselves. Yu Xiaogang and his master were the last to leave.
"Sit down, both of you,"
Two chairs floated from his side and were placed on the opposite of the middle-aged man.
Ah Yin and Ja Sun glanced at each other before taking a seat.
When they sat, the middle-aged man spoke up with a gentle smile.
"You both have introduced yourself. It is my turn now. My name is Qian Daoliu. In the higher hierarchy of the Spirit Hall, others know me as the father of the current Supreme Pontiff."
Shock flickered in both of their eyes but Ja Sun's heart barely contained his excitement. He was sitting in front of that half-masked bastard's father!
"I have a question for you two. What is the difference between a master and a teacher?"
"A teacher is someone who imparts knowledge and experience." Ah Yin spoke carefully.
"Master is someone who does the same thing, but only for the truly talented individuals," Ja Sun smiled.
Qian Daoliu blinked. Although slightly unwilling, he nodded.
"It is exactly as the two of you explained. A Teacher's job is to cultivate students to their greatest possible extent regardless of their internal talents. So, a teacher may have a good student and a poor student.
A master looking for disciples will only look for talents. The relationship between a master and a disciple is selfish in nature. I am attracted to both of your potentials, and it is my promise that if you're my disciples, any Titled Douluo looking to harm you will have to cross me first. The other enmity you form will be taken care of by yourself.
With such strict terms, are you willing to cultivate under my methods?"
Ja Sun closed his eyes while Ah Yin silently waited.
This was a dangerous territory and Ah Yin herself didn't mind depending on Ja Sun's decision. In the Spirit Hall, because of their circumstances, both of them trusted and depended on each other.
Seeing this, Qian Daoliu felt at ease in heart. Two equally talented and stubborn disciples may cause friction in the future, but if it was a dependable relationship then the future will only be boundless.
"Um... okay," Ja Sun nodded.
Qian Daoliu smiled in satisfaction and seemed to be waiting for something. He continued to look at Ja sun, and Ja Sun continued to look at Qian Daoliu.
"What is it, master?" Ja Sun inquired.
"The... don't tell me, Ka-ul, are you not versed with the disciple acceptance ceremony?"
Ja Sun's expression was even stranger than Qian Daoliu.
"Do I have to gift something?" Ja Sun probed.
"No..." Qian Daoliu leaned back on his chair... a slightly lifeless look on his face. The first two disciples he accepted, one didn't know anything about the ceremony, the other one wasn't willing to partake in the ceremony unless the first one did. Never in his long life did Qian Daoliu expect that this is how it would end for him. In fact, he felt fortunate that he made the others leave or he would have lost all of his face today.
"Ehm, that ceremony is just a formality. Being a disciple and master is a bond cultivated slowly. Now, I want the two of you to understand a few things."
Qian Daoliu stated seriously.
"First, aside from the members present here, nobody is to know that you are my disciples.
Two, I won't teach you any theories. I will give you objectives and the completion of these objectives will come with a reward to strengthen you. So my goal in giving you tasks is to temper the both of you. Your future in Spirit Hall will be personally arranged by me and once every month, I will meet the two of your together to check your martial progress.
Third, I don't want the two of you absorbing spirit rings by yourself anymore. The spirit rings chosen for you will be the best of the best that you hunt yourself—"
"Master," Ah Yin suddenly spoke up when Qian Daoliu cut in between and stayed sharply, "Fourth, you two will never interject when I'm talking.
If the two of you think that only you have secrets then you are severely mistaken. Treasures give rise to greed. In future, any fortune you find for yourself will belong to you and not the Spirit Hall. Only the inheritances provided by the Spirit Hall will be your restraints.
As I promised, none above the rank of 90 will ever threaten your life even if they belong to Spirit Hall."
Hearing Qian Daoliu's sharp tone, Ah Yin nodded calmly. She wasn't the least bit flustered.
"Before I arrange anything..." Qian Daoliu's expression finally softened and a smile touched his lips, "How long have the two of you been partners?"
"For more than a year," Ja Sun spoke up.
"Hmm... Ah Yin, Ka-ul, I will send for your training schedules later in the night. But I can tell you one thing, from sixth to ninth spirit ring, each addition serves to rouse latent potential so before choosing a ring, you need to prepare yourself. For the next year, I will train the two of you whenever possible."
Seeing the two nod, Qian Daoliu exhaled softly.
"Master... I need to return to Balak City. Today, if possible."
"Why?" Qian Daoliu frowned.
"Do you know of Human-tongue Owls?" Ja Sun inquired.
"Know them? They are extremely slippery. Once, I almost caught it with a friend but..." Saying this, Qian Daoliu shook his head. This in itself revealed the worth of Human-tongue Owls and Ja Sun was willing to use the owls and test Qian Daoliu's promise.
"We both have one Human-tongue Owl hidden near Balak City. If possible, I want to retrieve them."
Qian Daoliu's expression froze slightly. Though valuable, he never explicitly looked for these owls and now seeing Ja Sun mentioning two of them, he couldn't help but place more importance on Ja Sun's martial soul.
---
"Confused?" Qian Xunji, the Supreme Pontiff, sat on his plain wooden chair and looked at his disciple, Bibi Dong, with an inquisitive expression.
Silently, Bibi Dong nodded.
"I'll ask you two things. Be honest.
One, if somebody demanded your arm for repayment of a debt, what would you do?"
"Take the opponent's arm instead," Bibi Dong replied.
Nodding, Xunji continued, "What did you feel while standing in front of Ah Yin and Ka-ul?"
"Ah Yin was slightly afraid. Her mental strength is great but... I didn't feel anything from Ka-ul."
"Let me tell you what I and the other elders felt.
It was bloodlust. Within Ka-ul's body hides a bloodlust. It may have naturally gathered over a period of his life but do you understand what it means?"
Bibi Dong nodded gravely.
"To accumulate my killing intent, I had to kill every day down there... if he has some achievement in this accumulation, it means that his life and death experiences aren't short in number."
Qian Xunji didn't look as troubled as Bibi Dong.
In reality, Bibi Dong didn't need to feel such pressure but because of her temporary situation, any threat would be taken personally.
"This reveals disposition. And with his martial soul, there is no doubt that everyone, including me, took a shine to him. If my guess is correct, Father wants to hold domination over Star Dou Great Forest," he smiled and looked at Bibi Dong.
"Go and prepare your teaching material. With Ah Yin, the pressure of other Empires will lessen greatly. Remember, this mission is extremely important for you. Your team doesn't only need to best the internal rivalries but also the external ones."
"Yes," Bibo Dong nodded and left the room.
"Hmm... his words were true for the most parts. If lower leveled spirit beasts can sacrifice their spirit rings then... it really can be considered an entirely new path to cultivation," Xunji leaned against his seat, silently cultivating. At his level, cultivation becomes a necessity like breathing. If they don't cultivate, they will feel slightly stifled. It is simply a psychological need at this point.
---
"Danger! Danger! Danger!"
Caihong instantly started screaming when Olivia flew over to Ja Sun's side and perched on his shoulder. Meanwhile, Caihong continued to fly around like a mad beast until he finally calmed down a few minutes later and settled over in Ah Yin's arms.
Standing behind them, Qian Daoliu had a strange expression. But his speculations were correct and so were Ja Sun's.
He revealed that he can befriend Spirit Beasts, how wouldn't he understand the implications of such a talent? But he had confidence that he can balance it out. After all, he was hugging the strongest thigh in Spirit Hall and this is what he wanted. This was the best-case scenario but in itself, this situation didn't mean anything. To make the best use out of this opportunity, Ja Sun now wanted to attain as much as he can.
"Let's go..." the space behind Qian Daoliu trembled and the group vanished.
Ja Sun had set the mission where it will only be completed once he enters his room so he wasn't afraid that his trait can be discovered by others.
It could be said that even if Ja Sun could only gain one S-ranked reward back then, he can gain plenty of similar items from Spirit Hall in time.
The title of being the holy land of Spirit Masters wasn't just for a show!
***
A/N: Ngl, I personally like Qian Daoliu. He just wasn't good enough of a father but then again... in Soul Land lore, who is?
***
A/N: If you like the fanfic, please leave a review stating your experience or expectations.
Oh, and Please Vote! So the novel can reach high in rankings and gain more exposure.