A Promise

"The prevailing belief across the continent is that whenever a Soul Master's soul power reaches a level-ten bottleneck, if they do not hunt a soul beast and obtain a soul ring to advance, their soul power level will never increase. No matter how much they cultivate, it will all be in vain.

"But my research has found that every bit of effort yields a corresponding reward. Even when one's soul power level has reached its limit and cannot advance, soul power can continue to accumulate. Through a Soul Master's cultivation, the total amount of soul power is not restricted by their bottleneck; it simply cannot be displayed directly through leveling up.

"If a level-ten Soul Scholar continues cultivating diligently before obtaining a soul ring and has actually accumulated soul power equivalent to a higher level, then once they obtain a soul ring and break through the bottleneck, their soul power level will immediately rise accordingly."

At this, a clear flash of joy appeared in Tang San's eyes, and he cried softly, "Really? Then all my previous efforts weren't a waste of time!"

Qian Bing nodded firmly, then suddenly turned to Tang San and said meaningfully, "Of course. And I suspect that due to the constraints of a Soul Master's bottleneck, if some Soul Masters cultivate special techniques apart from soul power, those techniques may also be affected and unable to advance."

Tang San froze at those words, his gaze flickering.

"So that's how it is..."

Qian Bing's latter remarks completely dispelled the greatest worry that had been lingering in Tang San's heart. His Mysterious Heaven Skill had been stuck at the first level, unable to advance.

Now that Qian Bing had cleared away that concern, Tang San instantly felt much lighter in both body and mind. At the same time, his desire to obtain his first soul ring became even more urgent.

Thus, he looked at Qian Bing even more eagerly and asked, "Boss, you know I also have Innate Full Spirit Power, and I urgently need to obtain my first soul ring. But Wang Sheng and the others said that Notting Academy only organizes students to hunt soul beasts and obtain soul rings when graduation is near. That's far too long for me—I can't wait any longer..."

Qian Bing understood what Tang San meant before he could finish. He reached out, patted Tang San on the shoulder, and cut off his remaining words. "Brother, I understand. It's just a first soul ring, right? I guarantee I'll find you the most suitable one. Let's lie low for a few days first. Once we've figured out the academy's daily requirements and schedule, I'll take you to the nearby Soul Hunting Forest to hunt soul beasts."

Of course, Qian Bing had more important words that he did not say aloud and could only mutter to himself inwardly.

San'er, your big brother here still isn't sure whether taking you to hunt a hundred-year soul beast now might end in disaster. Better wait until my strength improves a little more and Pidgeotto levels up a few more times. Ideally, it should evolve into Pidgeot before we head out—that'd be safer.

Qian Bing now had a very clear understanding of the persona he wanted to establish for himself: he had to play the role of a powerful, wise, yet low-key big brother in front of Tang San.

Since he had promised to help Tang San, he could not just find some trash soul beast to fob him off with.

Not only did he need to find Tang San a soul ring as close to his endurance limit as possible, he also had to make it look effortless when he helped him hunt the soul beast.

Only then could Qian Bing gradually establish—and firmly cement—his persona in Tang San's heart.

Thinking of this, Qian Bing silently sighed to himself.

Ah, if I want to look like I'm not even trying, then I have to work really hard every night. Just thinking about it makes my heart so tired...

Tang San had no idea about all the calculations and schemes in Qian Bing's head. Seeing him agree, gratitude immediately rose in his heart, and he felt a little closer to Qian Bing emotionally.

"Thank you, Boss! Ah, we've been talking for so long without realizing it. Look, the sun's already out. I'm sorry, I had too many questions and delayed your training."

Qian Bing had originally intended to exercise as well. Hearing Tang San say that, he pressed a hand on his shoulder and stood up.

"There's still time. You carry on; I'll go run a couple of laps around the field."

"Alright."

Over the next two days, Qian Bing began his daily studies at Notting Academy. Since they had only just enrolled, the academy's teaching still focused mainly on general subjects.

The knowledge about Soul Masters was limited to only the most basic introductions, and its depth was far inferior even to the information described in the novels Qian Bing had read in his previous life.

Therefore, he barely paid attention in class. However, he completed the in-class assignments for every subject exceptionally well.

It couldn't be helped. After all, he had accumulated more than a decade of knowledge in his previous life. Reading, writing, and basic arithmetic—things from elementary school textbooks—were practically impossible for him to be bad at.

Since studying required no effort, Qian Bing devoted all his energy to the Pokémon World. It was not that he favored the Pokémon World; he simply had no choice, because time was truly pressing.

Ever since Qian Bing confirmed that his soul rings could evolve alongside his Pokemon, and that the evolution of those soul rings could greatly enhance his strength, he knew he had to place greater importance on the Pokémon World—especially on training his Pokemon.

Recently, Qian Bing no longer avoided battles with wild Pokemon as he had before. He even actively sought trouble with wild Pokemon, making them contribute their meager experience toward leveling up his two Pokemon, especially Pidgeotto.

That day, after finishing Notting Academy's required classes and putting on a show of cultivating for a while in the afternoon, Qian Bing followed his usual routine. He finished dinner early, went to bed, and hurried back to the Pokémon World to get to work.

After two days of effort, he had successfully captured two Elite Grade Kakuna that met the mission requirements. However, he was still completely clueless about the sudden mission, "Viridian Forest's Mysterious Current."

The moment Qian Bing appeared in Viridian Forest, he summoned Pidgeotto and continued the carpet-style search.

After traveling through the forest for nearly two hours, he began to feel tired—not merely physically, but more so mentally.

He poked his head out and looked around. There was nothing nearby, no village ahead or behind. Aside from trees, there were only Weedle, Caterpie, Kakuna, Pidgey... He was utterly despairing.

Where's this so-called mysterious current? Come on, shock me already!

In the end, he helplessly shook his head and sighed. "We've walked for so long. Let's let the two Pokemon eat something first and restore their stamina. It's been two days already, and wandering around like headless flies can't go on forever. If we still don't find any clues today, then we'll just give up on this mission.

"Today, I have to go back to the Pokémon Center and hand the Kakuna over to Nurse Joy first. I've spent so much energy on these two missions—I can't let it all amount to nothing!"

Having made up his mind, Qian Bing's steps became much lighter. Before long, he and Bulbasaur found an open patch covered in dry grass.

Alertly, he stomped all over the grass pile with his feet. Only after confirming that no strange creatures were hiding within did he take out a tablecloth, two Pokemon lunch boxes, and some Pokemon food from his Storage Backpack.