Ling knew that it was only a matter of time until Fang Zheng found out his secret.
However, he's also glad that the Blood Spear has evolved into a proper spear.
The deep red color was a testament of his unyielding spirit. No man could stop him from the bloody path that he will walk by.
Neither allies or his foes, his Blood Spear shall feast upon them in the battlefield.
"I didn't mean to hide this from you, shifu. I need an appropriate time to tell you. But, it seems like my Blood Spear had other thoughts of its own."
Fang Zheng felt sorry for Ling. He's but only a young boy and yet holding such a heavy burden on his shoulder.
"Listen close, kid. Martial Spirit doesn't have a will like humans do, it's the man's responsibility to use it wisely. Hence, whether you will use it for good or evil causes, it's entirely up to you."
"I truly understand, shifu."
Ling's eyes which filled the flame of determination made Fang Zheng to recall the memory in his younger days which filled with insanity and blood bath in his daily basis.
"To live freely in the world where strenght and power is the law, ones must have steeled their heart. Never grieve, lament, fear nor worry. Only focus on yourself, live according to your feelings. Slay all of your foes, show no mercy! Befriend your allies and yet don't let them know your weakness. Accept your flaws if you have any and be the strongest to stand above all!"
"Thank you for your profound words, shifu. I shall etched your words within my soul."
On the other hand, Qiqi's body shivered upon hearing Fang Zheng's words. It's sound tyrannical and yet taught her the truth without any sugarcoats in his words.
Fang Zheng took a sip of his tea, calming the atmosphere around them.
"Since both of you are strong enough to face the real world, I shall allow you to get outside the forest and attend the Academy Classes. And shall those students acknowledge what is the true meaning of absolute power!"
Ling and Qiqi were very excited after hearing it, their eyes widened and eager to have an ordinary life as a student in general.
However, before they got out from the forest, they had to demonstrate the result of their training for the past year.
***
Later that day, the two young disciple stood in front of the artifact that had been used to train their martial skills.
The Bell of Heavenly Dragon and The Eternal Spring Fountain.
Unbeknownst to both of them, the artifact also had their own Martial Spirit. If they could awaken the Martial Spirit, those spirits would be theirs to use as a secondary Martial Spirit.
Ling brandished both of his spears. The Blood Spear on his right hand began to hum in excitement. Meanwhile, he held tight the spear that was given to him by Fang Zheng on his left.
Fang Zheng always knew that the boy had the talent to wield two spears at the same time.
Qiqi, on the other hand, readied her stance in front of the Eternal Spring Fountain.
Ling and Qiqi took the first move.
"Heavens Defying Spear, First Movement; Thunderclap!"
Ling leaped to the air, holding both of his spear above his head, by channeling his Qi Energy into the tip of his spear, the crackling sound reverberated, summoning a series of lightning and thunder from the sky itself!
As the Qi Energy reached its critical, Ling unleashed all of the accumulated thunder onto the bell.
Duuongggg!
Hundreds of strikes merged into one point, causing the bell to sound so loud, even the Barrier Array that Fang Zheng had erected crumbled and broke into pieces.
Ling continued the combo attack, connecting the next strike with his Starfall Strike!
The next strike caused the bell to sound louder than before. The birds and all sorts of animals and beasts fled the forest after they couldn't withstand the sound and the vibrations that shook even the very fabric of reality!
"Hehe! How's that!" Ling stuck both his spear onto the ground, stood proudly with the result of his training.
"Don't be so cocky. Brother Ling!"
Qiqi drew her Soft Bone Sword, channeling her Frost Yin Qi into her sword.
With a swift and smooth movement, she executed the Seven Sword Strike with gracious display.
Every stroke of her sword sent a frigid energy that could freeze even the hell itself!
The Eternal Flowing Spring that had been said to never stop flowing endlessly was freezed into a huge crystal of ice for a while.
"Hehehe! Now you see how strong my ability is!"
Feeling underestimated, Ling unwilling to lose from her.
"Tch! You think I am losing from you?! Let's fight and find out who's stronger!"
"You!" Qiqi also doesn't want to be underestimated by him.
Both of them leaped forward, brandishing their weapons to each other.
Fortunately, Fang Zheng was there to break them up before they clashed with each other.
He hit each of their heads with his wooden staff so hard. Made them grimaced in pain while rubbing their heads.
"I don't remember allowing both of you to spar without my permission!" said Fang Zheng, his face was stern and dead serious. "If any of you dare to continue the fight, then I will be your opponent! And you have to fight to death!"
Ling and Qiqi sat cross-legged before him.
"We are regretting our act, Fang Zheng Shifu!"
"Hmph!" Fang Zheng snorted. "Now sit still and calm yourself. The Artifact will judge you whether you are worthy or not to obtain their Martial Spirit."
Both young disciples were askew. They never heard that an Artifact had their own Martial Spirit.
Few seconds later, the Artifacts tremble and shake violently. Something was trying to exit the artifact with such tremendous power.
Soon enough, the Heavenly Dragon's Spirit soared high from the bell.
On the other hand, the water pool in Eternal Flowing Spring shoots to the air for a hundred feet!
From that fountain water, a beautiful figure of Water Goddess materialized herself!
The sky around the Bramble Maze Forest darkened as the two ancient spirits had shown themselves upon the world to judge their new vessels!