Powerful Spirit Master

Two hours later, everyone had finished memorizing. As He Yanjun led them away, Zhou Le suddenly couldn't help but ask him.

"Senior He, what was that technique Instructor Lu used earlier that made us lose the ability to resist after just one glance? How is it so powerful?"

He Yanjun smiled slightly upon hearing this and explained, "Our Instructor Lu is not only a powerful late-stage Martial King, but also a very rare Spirit Master."

"Spirit Master?" Chen Lin's heart stirred.

When his previous life's self first joined the martial arts academy, the academy had sent out a cultivation technique called the Soul Strengthening Technique to test if new disciples had the potential to become Spirit Masters.

His previous life's self had also diligently practiced this technique for a period. Unfortunately, although his soul strength was somewhat stronger than the average person, it wasn't enough to meet the standard for awakening spiritual power and becoming a Spirit Master.

Therefore, after reaching the introductory level, he could no longer make any progress with the technique. This forced him to abandon the idea of becoming a Spirit Master and focus wholeheartedly on martial arts.

This was also why Chen Lin, after digesting the memories of his previous life, subconsciously didn't spend Slaughter Points to upgrade this technique.

Now that he had personally witnessed the power of a Spirit Master, envy sparked within him, and a bold idea suddenly surfaced.

If I forcibly upgrade the basic Soul Strengthening Technique, could I also forcibly awaken spiritual power and become a powerful Spirit Master? Chen Lin pondered the possibility in his mind.

Seeing their confused or thoughtful expressions, He Yanjun explained with a smile, "Spirit Masters are a relatively rare cultivation talent among martial artists. They require individuals with exceptionally strong innate souls to awaken. Their strength is not only unmatched among those of the same level, but powerful ones can even fight across levels. If you encounter a Spirit Master in the future, you must be respectful."

"Thank you for the reminder, Senior He!" The group's expressions turned solemn upon hearing this, and they quickly bowed in thanks.

"Alright, the entrance test is over. You should go home and prepare for the Demon Slayer Envoy assessment in a few days!"

"Yes!"

After cupping their hands to bid farewell to He Yanjun, the group turned and left the War God Temple.

Walking on the streets of the inner city, the four smiled as they introduced themselves.

"My name is Pan Ran, a captain in the Black Armored Guard of Nanqing City. Feel free to look me up for a drink anytime! Food and drink are on me!" Pan Ran said with a smile, cupping his hands.

"Chen Yu, a student from the middle courtyard of the Martial Academy, and a member of the Chen Clan from the outer city!" Chen Yu introduced himself.

"Zhou Le! The Zhou Clan's weapon forging shop in the outer city is my family's. If any of you brothers need weapons in the future, feel free to come to me!" Zhou Le said with a grin.

"Chen Lin, Chen Yu and I are from the same clan!" Chen Lin said, pointing to Chen Yu.

Pan Ran and Zhou Le's expressions immediately showed surprise.

It was known that although many people practiced martial arts in Nanqing City, very few had actually achieved cultivation. And those who could join the War God Temple were even rarer.

For two people from the same clan to pass this time was truly astonishing.

"Your clan is indeed full of talent, Brother Chen! Unlike my Zhou family, it's taken decades for someone like me to emerge who can practice martial arts somewhat decently. It's truly enviable!" Zhou Le sighed helplessly, shaking his head.

"Brother Chen Lin, at such a young age, you've already passed the initial selection for the War God Temple's Demon Purifier. Your future is bound to be boundless!" Pan Ran, despite being in the military, spoke with surprising eloquence.

"Hahaha! You flatter me, Brother Pan!" Chen Lin shook his head politely.

"Today is truly a great day for us. I propose we go to Yizilou Restaurant for a good meal today, chat while we eat, how about it?" Zhou Le suggested, a thought striking him.

"Okay!" Pan Ran immediately agreed with delight.

Chen Yu and Chen Lin exchanged glances and did not refuse.

The group found a restaurant in the inner city and chatted and ate until noon before parting ways to head home.

Although Chen Lin and Chen Yu both lived in the southern part of the outer city, one lived to the east and the other to the west. Thus, they parted ways shortly after leaving the inner city.

Upon returning home, only his mother, Song Qiaoyun, was there.

"Ah Lin, you're back! Are you hungry? I just finished lunch, and it's still warm! Come quickly and eat!"

Song Qiaoyun didn't proactively ask about Chen Lin's results in the War God Temple's Demon Purifier selection. Instead, her primary concern was whether Chen Lin had eaten enough.

"Mother, I've already eaten. I have some good news for you: I've passed the War God Temple's test and am now a member." Chen Lin said with a smile.

"Really?" Song Qiaoyun's eyes lit up, and she excitedly confirmed again.

"Of course, it's true! In a few days, when I pass the Demon Slayer Envoy assessment, we'll be able to move into the inner city." Chen Lin said with a smile.

Song Qiaoyun was stunned for a moment, then tenderly touched Chen Lin's face with a hint of heartache. "Ah Lin, you've worked so hard!"

She knew better than anyone how much effort her son had put in for this day and felt more heartache for him.

"By the way, Mother, why don't I see Ah Lan?" Chen Lin asked curiously, noticing his usually lively sister wasn't there to celebrate.

"We made dumplings at home today, and I sent some to your father with your sister!" Song Qiaoyun explained, wiping her eyes with a smile.

"I see! Since I have nothing else to do now, I'll go tell them this good news!" Chen Lin said with a smile, a thought occurring to him.

Song Qiaoyun happily replied, "Go! Go! Your father and sister will surely be very happy to hear this good news!"

"Okay! I'm going now!" Chen Lin said with a smile and turned to leave the house.

Chen Lin's mood was excellent as he walked out the door, his steps noticeably lighter.

The sights and sounds of Nanqing City passed before his eyes, but they no longer held any interest for Chen Lin.

After all, even the most novel things become tiresome after being seen for nearly half a month.

"Get away from me!"

Suddenly, a very familiar voice, faint yet distinct, reached his ears, causing Chen Lin to stop in his tracks.

Following the sound, Chen Lin's eyes widened in fury.

About a hundred meters away, Chen Lan, carrying a food box, was surrounded by five or six guards in gray short jackets.

Although they didn't touch her, their words were particularly vulgar.

The twelve-year-old beautiful girl, like a trapped white rabbit, with red eyes, dodged constantly while trying to break through the encirclement.

But every time she was about to succeed, the guards would force her back.

How could a young girl like her have experienced such a situation? Her face was full of fear, and she cried, tears streaming down her face.

Seeing this, the guards laughed even more unscrupulously.

Beside them, Duan Xingze, riding a tall horse, watched the scene unfold as if watching a play, with great interest and a look of satisfaction in his eyes.

Chen Hongbo, who was on his way to the slaughterhouse with his donkey cart after delivering goods, also discovered his daughter being bullied.

His face instantly turned ugly as he charged into the guards' encirclement, shielding his daughter behind him. He glared at the group and said, "You bullies, how can you act like this in broad daylight? Do you have any respect for the law?"

"The law? Hmph! Noisy. You guys, deal with this old man right now. I'm going to have my way with this little lady tonight!" A malicious glint flashed in Duan Xingze's eyes as he waved his horsewhip, giving orders to the guards.

Upon hearing this, the guards' faces turned fierce. The leader among them drew a short club from behind his back and swung it towards Chen Hongbo's head.

"Father, be careful!" Chen Lan cried out in terror, tears pouring down her face.