As a time traveler, Ye Feng clearly remembered how Yu Xiaogang had declared his "persistence" when taking Tang San as his apprentice. Now, hearing the same word from Jian Dao Chen Xin, Ye Feng couldn't help but wonder—was the legendary Sword Douluo planning to take him as a disciple?
"Are you planning to teach me about martial spirits?" Ye Feng asked cautiously, his mind racing. He hadn't forgotten that the system had promised him a master who was a Titled Douluo.
The timing couldn't be a coincidence—just as the system made its declaration, Jian Dao Chen Xin and Ning Fengzhi had appeared. Ye Feng couldn't help but connect the dots.
"You are indeed sharp," Jian Dao Chen Xin said, nodding in approval. His sharp gaze softened slightly as he looked at Ye Feng. "Not only are you gifted, but you also possess such intelligence. A rare combination indeed. In the last hundred years, only two others have awakened twin martial spirits, and now you've become the third. Become my disciple, and from today onward, you will be my direct apprentice."
"Will there be a name-change fee for becoming your apprentice?" Ye Feng asked, grinning mischievously.
"What?" Jian Dao Chen Xin blinked, momentarily caught off guard.
"I heard from the villagers that when someone becomes a disciple, the master gives a gift to commemorate the change in status. Is that true?" Ye Feng asked with a perfectly serious expression.
"A... gift for a name change?" Jian Dao Chen Xin repeated, his normally razor-sharp composure faltering as he processed the unexpected question.
"Don't tell me this only happens in storybooks," Ye Feng muttered, deliberately looking disappointed, as though he'd been shortchanged. His expression carried a hint of grievance, making it seem like he had suffered a great loss.
Seeing this, Jian Dao Chen Xin was momentarily speechless. The sight of Ye Feng's "disgruntled" expression made him feel as though it was somehow he who had gained the upper hand, not his new disciple.
"Uncle Jian, this boy is truly sharp," Ning Fengzhi said with a chuckle, his admiration for Ye Feng growing. As the Sect Master of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, he had seen countless disciples practically beg Jian Dao Chen Xin to accept them as students—only to be rejected. And yet here was Ye Feng, securing his position while casually asking for a "bonus."
"Hmph." Jian Dao Chen Xin gave Ning Fengzhi a sideways glance but finally relented, saying, "Fine. Since becoming my disciple is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, it is only fitting to mark the occasion with a proper gift."
The Sword Douluo raised his hand, and a silvery object glowing with a soft yet dazzling light materialized in the air before Ye Feng.
"Is this my name-change fee?" Ye Feng asked, his tone a mix of surprise and excitement. As a time traveler, he already recognized what it was.
"Yes, this is my gift to you... well, your 'name-change fee,' as you call it," Jian Dao Chen Xin said with a faint smile. "This is the Sky Tyrant Ape's Right Arm Bone. It is a high-quality soul bone with a lifespan of 90,000 years. Once fused, it grants you the skill Berserk State, which instantly doubles your attack power."
"The Sky Tyrant Ape's Right Arm Bone?" Ye Feng murmured in awe.
A 90,000-year-old soul bone! Though it wasn't a 100,000-year treasure, any soul bone with a lifespan over 10,000 years was considered incredibly rare. A soul bone like this could spark an all-out war if revealed in the outside world.
"The human body can host six soul bones: the skull, torso, right arm, left arm, right leg, and left leg. In addition, there are external soul bones, which are extremely rare," Jian Dao Chen Xin explained. "Now, sit cross-legged. I will guide you on how to absorb this soul bone."
"Yes, Master!" Ye Feng nodded eagerly, taking a deep breath to calm his excitement.
Not only had he managed to become the disciple of a Titled Douluo, but he had also received a 90,000-year-old soul bone as his first gift. His luck was simply extraordinary.
Following Jian Dao Chen Xin's instructions, Ye Feng began absorbing the Sky Tyrant Ape's soul bone. The process took place in the small plaza outside the Spirit Hall of Holy Soul Village, a usually quiet location. Even if someone passed by, Jian Dao Chen Xin and Ning Fengzhi were more than capable of protecting Ye Feng.
In less than half an hour, Ye Feng successfully fused with the soul bone. He could feel an explosive power coursing through his right arm. With just a thought, he realized he could activate the soul bone's ability to double his combat power. In his mind, he casually nicknamed the ability Double Combat Power.
"Ye Feng, come with us to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect," Jian Dao Chen Xin suggested after Ye Feng finished the absorption process.
"No, Master. I want to attend the Junior Spirit Master Academy in Notting City and learn the basics of soul masters," Ye Feng replied, politely declining.
Ye Feng had no intention of deviating from the familiar storyline, as his system rewards were tied to staying near Tang San. If he went to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, it would be no different from joining the Spirit Hall, and he would lose the benefits of following Tang San's journey.
Jian Dao Chen Xin tried to persuade him further, but seeing Ye Feng's resolve, he eventually relented. "Very well. However, you must promise me one thing."
"What is it?" Ye Feng asked curiously.
"Until you reach the level of Titled Douluo, you are forbidden from adding any soul rings to your second martial soul without my approval," Jian Dao Chen Xin said in a serious tone.
"Understood, Master," Ye Feng replied without hesitation. He knew Jian Dao Chen Xin was looking out for him, ensuring that the spirit rings on his second martial soul would be of the highest possible quality. However, Ye Feng paused for a moment, a playful glint in his eyes. "Master, you mentioned my second martial soul... but what about my third martial soul?"
"What?" Jian Dao Chen Xin and Ning Fengzhi exclaimed in unison, their expressions turning to shock.
"You… you have a third martial soul?" Ning Fengzhi asked, his voice trembling slightly.