Soul Power Breakthrough: Both Souls Advance to Level Twenty

The ginkgo leaves of Nuoding Academy had fallen for three seasons. The three children who had first enrolled back then had long since shed their childishness. Tang San and Lin Zhixia had just turned ten and grown considerably taller, while Xiao Wu was now nine. Her pink short-sleeved top had been replaced by a fitted long dress, and her braid hung over her shoulder, as lively as ever.

The training ground was still shrouded in morning mist. Tang San carried a stone pack heavier than the one he had used three years ago as he jogged along the track. Blue Silver Grass flickered at his fingertips, swaying gently with his breathing—over the past three years, his Soul Power had steadily increased. Last night, while circulating his cultivation technique, the Soul Power within him had suddenly broken through its bottleneck and stabilized at level twenty.

Not far away, Lin Zhixia gripped a Starwood Arrow Shaft and condensed three Starlight Arrows in succession. The arrows lined up in the air and struck three marks on a distant tree trunk at the same time. A Light Burst flashed, leaving three small pits of equal depth. She withdrew her Soul Power and felt the abundant strength within her, her eyes brimming with delight—her Soul Power had also broken through to level twenty that morning.

"Tang San! Zhi Xia!" Xiao Wu's voice shattered the morning mist. She ran over carrying two food boxes, a fine sheen of sweat on her forehead. "I brought your favorite meat buns from the cafeteria. Come eat!"

Tang San stopped, took off his stone pack, and accepted the food box. "Thanks, Xiao Wu." He opened it, and steam carrying the scent of meat wafted out. "Oh, right. Zhi Xia and I both broke through to level twenty last night."

"Level twenty?!" Xiao Wu's eyes widened in surprise before she jumped excitedly. "That's great! Does that mean you're going to hunt for your second spirit rings?"

Lin Zhixia smiled and nodded as she picked up a meat bun. "Yes. Master said level twenty is an important threshold for spirit masters. The age and attributes of the second spirit ring will directly affect future cultivation, so we need to prepare carefully."

As the three spoke, Master Yu Xiaogang appeared at the entrance to the training ground. He looked more energetic than he had three years ago, and he carried a yellowed booklet in his hand. Walking up to them, he said, "Tang San, Zhi Xia, I already know that you've broken through to level twenty. I spent the past few days organizing information on spirit beasts in the Star Dou Great Forest and have selected suitable ones for you."

He opened the booklet and pointed to a page within. "Tang San, your Blue Silver Grass excels at control. For your second spirit ring, Ghost Vine would be the best choice, around six to eight hundred years old. Ghost Vine's Parasitize ability can work with your Entanglement to create layered control. It can also add Paralytic Toxin, increasing the power of your spirit skill. Zhi Xia, your Starfall Bow needs stronger attack power and area coverage. The Starlight Falcon is the best choice, at around seven hundred years old. Its Star Blade ability can split your Starlight Arrows into multiple arrows, creating an area attack while increasing their penetrating power."

Tang San took the booklet and carefully read the information on Ghost Vine. "Ghost Vine's venom is very potent. Will it be difficult to deal with?"

Master shook his head. "With your Entanglement holding it in place and Zhi Xia's Starlight Arrows interfering, dealing with a Ghost Vine won't be a problem. Besides, I'll be going with you to assess the spirit beasts' ages and attributes and ensure your safety."

Lin Zhixia leaned over to look at the information on the Starlight Falcon as well, her eyes full of anticipation. "Starlight Falcons are very fast. I need to practice predictive shooting in advance to make sure I can hit one."

"Yes, you can train specifically over the next few days." Master closed the booklet. "Tang San, practice releasing Entanglement quickly and controlling it precisely. Try to be able to bind a moving target in an instant. Zhi Xia, practice condensing and splitting multiple Starlight Arrows to increase your firing speed. Xiao Wu, your Soul Power is nearly level nineteen as well. Train your movement techniques with them over the next few days, familiarize yourself with spirit beasts' attack patterns, and prepare for your future spirit ring hunt."

Over the next few days, the three threw themselves into intense preparation. Tang San hung many small lanterns from the trees around the training ground and practiced using Blue Silver Grass to swiftly bind the moving lanterns. At first, he could only catch three out of ten attempts, but eventually he achieved a perfect success rate. Lin Zhixia set up multiple small targets around an archery target and practiced splitting her Starlight Arrows to strike several targets at once. Gradually, she managed to split one arrow into five and hit all five targets precisely. Xiao Wu trained alongside them, practicing dodging Tang San's Blue Silver Grass and Lin Zhixia's Starlight Arrows, her movements becoming ever more agile.

On the night before their departure for the Star Dou Great Forest, the dormitory lights remained on until late. Tang San was organizing their spirit-hunting tools, placing daggers, ropes, and Antidote into his backpack one by one. Lin Zhixia wiped down her Starwood Arrow Shaft, coating it with the Stardust Powder Master had prepared to improve its conduction of stellar energy. Xiao Wu sat beside them, helping sort their clothes while muttering, "You have to be careful. If you run into danger, run right away. Don't try to force a fight!"

Tang San smiled and patted Xiao Wu on the shoulder. "Don't worry. With Master there, and with Zhi Xia and me working together, there won't be any danger. When we get back, we'll teach you new cultivation techniques and help you break through to level twenty soon."

Lin Zhixia nodded as well and placed her Starwood Arrow Shaft into her backpack. "Yes, we'll be back soon."

Early the next morning, before dawn had broken, the three set off with Master. As the carriage left Nuoding Academy, Xiao Wu stood at the gate and waved until the carriage vanished at the end of the road before turning back to the dormitory.

Inside the carriage, Tang San watched the trees race past the window, his heart filled with anticipation—he knew that after breaking through level twenty and obtaining his second spirit ring, his strength would undergo a qualitative leap. He would be one step closer to uncovering his mother's whereabouts and protecting those around him.

Lin Zhixia held her Starwood Arrow Shaft, her fingers gently tracing the star patterns on it as her father's figure flashed through her mind—she had to become stronger, avenge her parents as soon as possible, live up to her father's expectations, and not disappoint the companionship of those by her side.

Master looked at the resolute expressions in the two children's eyes, a faint, gratified smile appearing on his lips. He knew that these two children would one day become legends of Douluo Continent. All he could do was guide them and help them walk step by step toward the pinnacle.

Beneath the rising sun, the carriage traveled toward the Star Dou Great Forest. A new spirit-hunting journey was about to begin.