Back in his small, sparsely decorated room, Lin Tian sat cross-legged on a worn meditation mat. The dim light from a single lantern cast long shadows across the walls, creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere. His breathing was slow and steady as he guided his soul power through his meridians, scanning for any lingering injuries or abnormalities left behind by the absorption of his soul ring.
Although the process had gone smoothly, Lin Tian was not one to take unnecessary risks. His ambitions as a spirit master demanded that he approach every aspect of his cultivation with caution and precision. As the energy circulated through his body, he exhaled, feeling the last traces of soreness dissipate.
For a moment, his concentration wavered as a memory surfaced. He chuckled softly, his lips curling into a faint smile. The image of his father's reaction was still vivid. The man who had faced countless dangers without flinching had been rendered speechless, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. Lin Tian had never seen his father so shocked. His mother, too, had been stunned, though she quickly masked her surprise, her expression shifting to one of pride.
"Well done, Tian'er," she had said with a warmth that he rarely heard. Yet, beneath her praise had been a trace of concern, as if she too understood the weight of his achievement.
Lin Tian couldn't blame them. The Steel Serpent's soul ring had not only granted him an exceptional skill but had also propelled him seven levels forward. By comparison, the famed Tang San of history had advanced to level 13 after absorbing a 400-year-old ring. Lin Tian's soul ring was estimated at 700 years old—an age that should have granted an increase of four levels at most.
The anomaly puzzled him. Reflecting on it, he theorized that his diligent meditation had played a role. He had maintained a meticulous cultivation routine even after reaching the bottleneck at level 10. Perhaps the Steel Serpent's essence had not only supplemented his power but also refined his meridians, purifying them in ways he hadn't anticipated. The leap in strength was exhilarating, but it also served as a reminder of the risks inherent in pushing beyond conventional limits. Future soul rings would need to be even stronger, their absorption far more dangerous.
Lin Tian's thoughts turned somber as he recalled his parents' repeated warnings. His father's voice echoed in his mind: "You can't let anyone know the true age of your soul ring. If word gets out, powerful forces—ones we can't defend against—will come looking for answers." His mother had reinforced the caution with an old adage: "An innocent man is guilty simply for possessing fine jade."
The truth weighed heavily on him. He had to hide his potential, even at the cost of being underestimated. To maintain the ruse, his family had taken an arduous route back to the city, deliberately slowing their journey to mimic the exhaustion of surviving a near-fatal encounter with a "500-year-old soul beast." His mother had intensified his spear training along the way, her strikes merciless as she drilled technique and discipline into him. By the time they reached Lanshan City, their weary appearance and Lin Tian's absence from school painted a convincing picture of hardship.
Still, the challenges of blending in extended beyond appearances. Lin Tian's academic achievements had always set him apart. Thanks to his past-life memories, he excelled in every subject, leaving his peers—including noble-born students—far behind. Yet he knew better than to openly share his knowledge or cultivate allies. Such actions would raise questions, endangering not only himself but his family. People weren't blind; they would notice if those around him suddenly gained an edge in strength or advanced faster than expected.
As Lin Tian considered the delicate balance he had to maintain, another realization struck him. In this world, authority was earned through power and reputation. As much as he wanted to help his two friends achieve the best possible foundation, he had no proof apart from himself. Their elders would most likely not risk breaking off from the proven path to follow him, an untested and untrodden trail. Without tangible achievements, his ideas and talents would hold no weight. He would need to reach at least the Soul Sage level before his voice carried any real influence.
Shaking off the heavy thoughts, Lin Tian returned his focus to his cultivation. The flow of soul power through his meridians felt smoother than ever, a testament to the Steel Serpent's lingering effects. With his strength now stabilized, he turned his attention to the training bet he had made with Elder Xin. The thought of proving himself to the elder brought a flicker of anticipation, though he knew it would not be easy.
Beyond personal gains, Lin Tian saw an opportunity to repay his parents for their sacrifices. He resolved to share his meditation method with them, a technique that refined the purity of soul power and strengthened the foundation of one's cultivation. The method wouldn't drastically increase their levels overnight, but it would improve their meridian flow and spiritual resilience, enabling them to safely absorb higher-age soul rings in the future. He owed them at least that much for their unwavering support.
However, implementing this plan posed its own challenges. Lin Tian had to be cautious about revealing the source of the technique. For now, he decided to attribute it to his growing understanding of advanced scrolls in the school library, which he had access to through his parents' connections. Even so, he knew this explanation wouldn't hold forever. Joining a major organization like Shrek Academy which had ancient knowledge could provide the cover he needed, but that step was still far in the future.
As night fell, Lin Tian leaned back against the wall, gazing at the flickering lantern light. His thoughts drifted to the future. The journey ahead would demand more than raw power; it would require careful planning, strategic alliances, and unyielding determination. The road to greatness was treacherous, but Lin Tian welcomed the challenge.
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