Yuki sat cross-legged, the air tense as he absorbed the spirit energy from the spirit beast's core. Nearby, Yue Guan stood three meters away, his golden chrysanthemum spirit in hand, ready to fend off any interference.
Time trickled by, each second feeling longer than the last. Finally, after half an hour, Yuki opened his eyes, his energy steady but glowing with newfound strength.
Yue Guan raised an eyebrow. "Yuki, what's your third spirit skill?"
Yuki summoned his spirit, the gleaming firearm materializing in his hand. "Let me show you, Elder Yue Guan."
With a sharp motion, Yuki aimed at a spot on the ground some distance away. The gun's muzzle glowed brown, pulsating with energy. A loud bang echoed, and moments later, a thick, two-meter-high wall of earth erupted from the ground, solid and imposing.
Yue Guan's eyes widened as he observed. "Your spirit is fascinating, Yuki. A pure assault-type weapon, yet it produces a defensive skill as potent as this?"
Testing its strength, Yue Guan extended his hand, and his martial spirit surged forward, transforming into a sharp yellow line that struck the wall with precision. The impact shattered the wall, but Yue Guan nodded approvingly.
"The defense of this skill rivals that of a dedicated defensive spirit master's technique," Yue Guan said. "What's it called?"
"Enchantment – Rock Shield," Yuki replied, his voice calm but tinged with pride.
Yue Guan stroked his chin thoughtfully, repeating the name. "An impressive ability." He glanced at the setting sun and gestured toward the path. "It's late. Let's stay at the town near the Star Dou Forest tonight. We'll return tomorrow."
Yuki nodded, following Yue Guan as they left the forest. Despite visiting this town twice before, Yuki had never explored it.
The town came into view just as the last rays of sunlight dipped below the horizon. Lit by warm lanterns, the bustling streets contrasted with the dark shadow of the Star Dou Forest looming in the distance. Though not as grand as Spirit City, the place had its charm, bustling with soul masters and merchants.
As they walked, Yuki's eyes wandered, taking in the sights. It wasn't often he got to leave Spirit City, and the novelty of the place captivated him.
Yue Guan led him to the town's best inn, located on a hill overlooking both the forest and the town below. Inside, the air buzzed with conversation as soul masters and travelers dined. Yue Guan found a table and motioned for Yuki to sit.
After ordering a few dishes, Yue Guan turned to Yuki. "Holy Son, His Excellency the Pope didn't mention this to you, but after obtaining your third spirit ring, you'll be sent to train with one of the three great clans. You won't return until you've reached the rank of Spirit Ancestor."
Yuki froze, his chopsticks hovering in midair. "Why wasn't I told this?"
Yue Guan sipped his water. "It's tradition. As the Holy Son, you'll be sent to strengthen ties with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. It's an opportunity to learn from their unparalleled auxiliary techniques."
The mention of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan made Yuki's mind race. The clan was renowned for possessing the strongest support-type spirit in the world, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. If he went there, he would undoubtedly meet Ning Rongrong, the little princess of the clan, who was destined to be a key figure among the Shrek Seven Devils.
Lost in thought, Yuki imagined meeting Ning Rongrong as her mischievous, younger self. Before he could dwell on it, their food arrived, and the aroma jolted him back to reality.
Yuki, famished from the day's exertions, dug into the meal with gusto. When they finished, Yue Guan handed him a wooden token with the number "809" etched on it.
"That's your room," Yue Guan said, dabbing his mouth with a handkerchief. "Meet me here tomorrow morning after breakfast. We'll depart then."
Yuki nodded, pocketing the key before heading to his room. The simple quarters included a bed, a table, and a single window overlooking the forest. Exhausted, Yuki leaned on the balcony for a moment, admiring the faint glow of lanterns in the town below. The view was peaceful, but his body demanded rest.
After a long day of travel, fighting, and spirit absorption, Yuki barely managed to undress before collapsing into bed. Sleep came instantly.
---
Meanwhile, Yue Guan stood on his own balcony, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. "If the Holy Son continues to grow like this, his future will outshine even mine. The Spirit Hall is fortunate to have him," he muttered, his voice laced with quiet admiration.
He pulled a golden emblem from his robes, bearing the Spirit Hall insignia on one side and a chrysanthemum design on the other. Yue Guan tightened his grip on the badge, his expression unreadable as the moonlight bathed the town in silver.
---
Back in Spirit Hall, Bibi Dong sat in her grand throne room, her scepter resting casually against her shoulder. Before her stood a white-robed man, bowing deeply.
"Ensure Yuki's training with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan proceeds smoothly," Bibi Dong ordered. "He must reach Spirit Ancestor before returning."
The man nodded respectfully. "Rest assured, Your Holiness. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan will teach the Holy Son well."
Bibi Dong waved her hand, and a glowing, golden hand bone materialized before her. It floated toward the man, radiating immense power.
"Consider this ten-thousand-year-old spirit bone a gift to strengthen our alliance," she said coolly.
The man accepted the gift with gratitude, bowing deeply once more before leaving the chamber.