Leaving, the Test

Mang Tian ignored the two boys' excitement and said flatly, "You both saw it just now. My first Soul Spirit was also a white Ten-Year Soul Spirit, and it was just as weak."

"But through hard work, I was able to obtain Hundred-Year Soul Spirits, even Thousand-year Soul Spirits."

"At its root, it is because I am a Forging Master. Through forging, I can earn enough money to buy the Soul Spirits I want."

"You both have great talent in forging. What your teacher can accomplish, I believe you can accomplish as well."

Nothing was more convincing than a living example. The gloom in Tang Wuyang and Tang Wulin's hearts was swept away in that instant.

They were no longer dealing with a Malignant Mutation or a Useless Martial Soul. They also had their teacher as a goal, and hope immediately reignited within them.

They still had a chance to become powerful Soul Masters!

"Neither of you requested leave today. You skipped work without cause, so one day's wages will be deducted from each of you." After leaving those words behind, Mang Tian departed from the Tang Family.

Yet those words did nothing to affect the boys' jubilant moods.

Once Mang Tian left, the dark clouds shrouding the Tang Family immediately dispersed, and the harmonious household became joyful once more.

"Sorry, Dad, Mom. We made you worry," Tang Wuyang said shamefacedly, while Tang Wulin also lowered his head apologetically.

Lang Yue pulled her two sons into her arms again. "Dad and Mom should be the ones apologizing to you. We made you bear such enormous pressure at such a young age."

Tang Ziran lowered his head, lost in thought.

Na'er looked at the four of them before her. Her lips moved as though she wanted to say something, but in the end, she swallowed her words.

After dinner, following the day's turmoil, Tang Ziran and Lang Yue went to sleep early.

Na'er also seemed exhausted and fell into a deep sleep.

Only the Brothers could not fall asleep.

They quietly left the house and went to the Small Park they both knew so well.

As they gazed at the tranquil Night Sky, the emotional journey they had undergone that day—from great joy to deep sorrow, then renewed hope—seemed to have affected them more than the previous three years combined.

Sitting apart on the grass, the two boys moved their thoughts in perfect unison. Bai Ze and the little Grass Snake appeared in their respective palms.

Looking at the Little Fellow, Tang Wuyang affectionately stroked its Little Head. "From now on, we're partners. Oh, right, let's give you a name."

A Soul Spirit would normally accompany its owner for life. When its owner died, the Soul Spirit would vanish along with them.

Studying Bai Ze closely, Tang Wuyang sank into thought. "What should I call you? Um~."

Just then, Bai Ze spread its little wings and flapped them up and down. Its snow-white feathers resembled stardust.

Tang Wuyang's eyes lit up. "How about Xing Yu?"

Xing Yu affectionately licked his hand, showing no resistance at all.

Seeing how harmoniously Tang Wuyang got along with his Soul Spirit, Tang Wulin's lips curved slightly upward before he turned his attention to his own little Grass Snake.

"Thank you, Little Fellow. You brought me hope," Tang Wulin said softly.

As though it sensed something, the little Grass Snake raised its head slightly and flicked out its tongue.

It seemed to understand Tang Wulin's words. The little Grass Snake lay in his palm and gently twisted its body.

At the same time, a ray of moonlight shone upon the little Grass Snake, and a silver-gray gleam suddenly flashed across its indigo blue scales.

"Huh? Did that appear because of the mutation too?"

Tang Wulin had complete faith in Teacher Mang Tian's words.

He now firmly believed that his mutated Blue Silver Grass was no longer a Useless Martial Soul.

Watching the silver-gray color on the little Grass Snake gradually fade and its original indigo blue emerge once again, Tang Wulin's heart stirred. "I'll call you Qing Yue. How does that sound?"

A Gentle Breeze blew softly, and the moonlight shifted continuously. Before long, it was time for the sun and moon to change places.

At dawn, Tang Wuyang and Tang Wulin woke from Meditation and discovered that the sky had already brightened.

They had only intended to meditate for a while before returning home. They had not expected that when they opened their eyes, it would already be the next day.

They Stood Up from the lawn, shook the dew from their clothes, and were just about to head home together.

"Linlin, Yangyang!" Lang Yue's anxious call rang out at that moment.

The two hurriedly called back in unison, "Mom, we're here!"

Lang Yue ran up to her two sons, panting heavily. "Something's wrong. Na'er, Na'er, she..."

"What happened to Na'er?" Tang Wuyang suddenly had a bad feeling.

Lang Yue steadied her breathing slightly and said anxiously, "Na'er... she left."

"What?" Tang Wuyang's Pupils widened slightly. He immediately abandoned Lang Yue and Tang Wulin and sprinted toward home.

After hearing the news, Tang Wulin frowned and quickly followed behind Lang Yue as they ran home.

The moment Tang Wuyang rushed into the room shared by the three of them, he understood.

Yes, Na'er had left. The only thing remaining on her bed was a note.

"Dad, Mom, Wulin Ge, Older brother, I am leaving. Thank you for taking care of me these past few years."

"But I remembered who I am. My Family members came to take me home. If I continue staying with you, I will bring danger to you."

"So I can only leave with them."

"I was truly, truly happy during the days I spent with all of you."

"I don't want to leave either, but my restored memories tell me that I must leave this place. So many things are waiting for me."

"Older brother, I will always remember how you stood in front of me to protect me. I will also remember all the warm and happy memories you gave me. —Na'er."

When Tang Wuyang saw the note, he was utterly stunned, and his hands trembled faintly.

Ever since Na'er had come to this home, she had brought quite a burden, but she had also brought countless smiles and laughter.

Having a Younger sister had made Tang Wuyang happier than he could say.

Whenever he watched Na'er eat the snacks he had bought with the money he earned through forging, Tang Wuyang felt especially fulfilled.

Especially when Na'er smiled at him, Tang Wuyang felt that all his hard work had been worth it.

As though recalling something, Tang Wuyang turned around and rushed out of the house.

"Na'er! Na'er..."

His sobbing cries echoed throughout Aolai City as Tang Wuyang ran wildly, trying to find that silver-haired little girl.

For some reason, Tang Wuyang felt that Na'er was nearby. Yet no matter how he searched, he could not find a single trace of her.

He slowly came to a stop, raised a hand to wipe away the tears on his face, and shouted, "Na'er, I know you can hear me."

"Na'er, Congratulations on finding your Family members. After you go back, make sure you eat properly. If anyone bullies you, write me a letter. I will definitely come find you."

After saying that, Tang Wuyang could no longer hold back. He crouched on the ground, hugged his Knees, and wept bitterly.

Na'er leaned against a wall as huge tears slid down her cheeks. She tightly hugged the somewhat worn Rag Doll in her arms.

Tang Wuyang had bought it for her when he received his wages for the first time. The experiences they had shared over the past few years kept flashing through her mind.

"Older brother, Older brother..." Na'er murmured over and over, her tears falling like pearls from a broken string.

"Young Miss, it is time for us to return."

Tang Wuyang cried in the same spot for a long time, tightly clutching one of the few traces Na'er had left behind.

It was a small Silver Pendant. The pendant resembled a scale and looked like a piece of silver gemstone. A silver thread ran through it, while Seven-Colored Light flickered faintly within.

After Tang Wulin found his Younger brother, he hugged him from behind, hoping to make him less sad.

"Wuyang, don't be sad. Let's work hard together and become powerful Soul Masters."

"I believe that one day, we will reunite with Na'er."

Tang Wulin's words made Tang Wuyang's previously dim eyes brighten slightly for a brief moment.

But only slightly.

After Tang Wulin brought him home, Tang Wuyang went to school in a daze and went to the workshop to forge in a daze.

For several days in a row, Tang Wuyang seemed to have lost his soul. He even stopped the Meditation he had practiced every night without fail.

After leaving Mang Tian's Workshop, Tang Wuyang would wander through the streets and alleys of Aolai City, hoping to catch sight of the figure he had once followed.

Worried about his Younger brother's condition, Tang Wulin devoted most of his attention to Tang Wuyang. Even while attending class, he constantly watched Tang Wuyang's movements.

Because of his poor mental state, Tang Wuyang made frequent mistakes during forging and received a harsh scolding from Mang Tian.

A week passed like that before Tang Wuyang's spirits finally recovered somewhat.

Red Mountain Academy.

"Tang Wuyang." Lin Ximeng called from behind the podium.

"Here." Tang Wuyang Stood Up.

After a week, the gloom caused by Na'er's departure had finally faded somewhat.

He walked to the podium and reached out to accept the Recommendation Letter Lin Ximeng handed over.

This was a Recommendation Letter issued specifically by Red Mountain Academy. With it, he and Tang Wulin could register at the Intermediate Soul Master Academy.

Any Student who broke through to become a Soul Master during their time at Primary Academy could be directly admitted to the Intermediate Academy for Further study.

Receiving this letter also meant that Tang Wuyang had graduated from the Primary Soul Master Academy.

Wan Yunchao, seated across an aisle from him, waggled his eyebrows and said, "You're graduating. Let's spar sometime later!"

"You've practically gone crazy looking for your Younger sister these past few days. Although I lost to your Older brother, I still want to see what your Soul Skill is."

Tang Wuyang shot him an annoyed glare. "No time. I have to go to the workshop."

Because they had kept making mistakes over the past few days, Mang Tian had increased both of their work hours to three hours.

Wan Yunchao curled his lips. "Coward. I think you're just afraid of losing to me."

Tang Wuyang frowned, and anger flashed through his eyes. "I'm not a coward. If you want to fight, then let's fight. Small Woods after school."

The moment school ended, Wan Yunchao urged Tang Wuyang along. Tang Wulin had originally wanted to go too, but Tang Wuyang said, "Ge, I'm okay. Go to the workshop first. I'll finish quickly."

Tang Wulin thought about it and felt that letting Wuyang vent a little would be good. He did not follow the two boys and instead headed straight to the workshop.

Behind Red Mountain Academy was a large Small Woods, where students normally had Nature Class.

After school, hardly anyone came here.

Three years later, Wan Yunchao was still fat. The moment school ended, he eagerly dragged Tang Wuyang into the Small Woods.

"Tang Wuyang, I dare say your Soul Skill definitely isn't as powerful as mine."

Tang Wuyang did not respond after hearing him.

"Fine, here it is."

Wan Yunchao stopped and impatiently released his Martial Soul.

A cold flash gleamed, and a Short Blade appeared in his palm.

Compared to when it had no Soul Ring, the Short Blade now looked wider and bore additional patterns.

Light flickered faintly over the blade, while a white Ten-Year Soul Ring rose from beneath his feet.

Wan Yunchao silently activated his Soul Ring. In an instant, Blade Aura burst forth from the upper half of the Short Blade.

"See that? This is my First Soul Skill, Blade Aura."

"My family even spent an extra Ten Thousand Federation Coin to ask the Spirit Transmission Master to choose my Soul Spirit."

"My Soul Spirit is also a blade and can directly attach itself to my Martial Soul."

"How about it? Impressive, right?"

Tang Wuyang frowned slightly, growing impatient. "Are you fighting or not? You talk too much."

Wan Yunchao glared at Tang Wuyang. "You dare say I talk too much? I'm reminding you to hurry up and admit defeat."

"As long as you admit you're inferior to me, I'll let you go. Otherwise, my Blade Aura doesn't have eyes."

As he spoke, he swung his arm backward. Wherever the Blade Aura passed, a small tree as thick as a bowl was instantly severed at the waist.

Tang Wuyang's gaze sharpened. "You talk too much."

Wan Yunchao had just opened his mouth when he saw a Qilin Phantom condense behind Tang Wuyang. A White Halo identical to Wan Yunchao's rose beneath his feet.

The Qilin Phantom merged directly into Tang Wuyang's body, and Dragon Horns and a Dragon Tail appeared upon his forehead and behind him.

Then, the Seven-Colored Halo originally surrounding him abruptly turned into a single blue-white color. A wave of cold suddenly swept through the deserted Small Woods.

Crisp cracking sounds rang beside Wan Yunchao's ears. Although he did not understand what was happening, he instinctively moved away from Tang Wuyang.

With a crash, several Ice Chains appeared out of thin air and shot directly toward Wan Yunchao.

Wan Yunchao hurriedly swung the Short Blade in his hand.

Just as the Blade Aura and Ice Chains were about to collide, the Ice Chains carrying traces of cold abruptly melted, transforming into an equal number of Water Belts.

Those Water Belts passed unimpeded through the incoming Blade Aura. Tang Wuyang also shifted two steps to the side, directly avoiding the attack.

By contrast, Wan Yunchao's legs were tightly bound by the Water Belts, leaving him with no opportunity to pursue Tang Wuyang.

The next moment, Tang Wuyang, who had avoided the attack, waved his right hand. The Water Belts wrapped around Wan Yunchao's calves instantly froze again, pinning him in place.

"Gah, so cold! Tang... Tang Wuyang, you're cheating! If you've got the guts, come closer."

Tang Wuyang said nothing, but the ice freezing Wan Yunchao's calves continued creeping upward.

"Gah, gah! N-no, I won't fight anymore. I... I surrender."

At that, Tang Wuyang moved his thoughts, and the ice on Wan Yunchao's body instantly melted, turning into Water Flow that scattered across the grass.

"It's over. I'm leaving first." Without waiting for Wan Yunchao to react, Tang Wuyang turned and left the Small Woods.

Just as Mang Tian had previously guessed, Tang Wuyang's First Soul Skill was precisely Water Element Control.

More accurately, it was Water and Ice Element Control.

To make up for the lost time, Tang Wuyang sprinted to Mang Tian's Workshop.

To his surprise, Mang Tian and Tang Wulin, who should have been in his own workshop, were waiting for him in his Forging Room.

"Teacher." Tang Wuyang respectfully greeted Mang Tian.

Mang Tian nodded. "You graduated? You're going to Eastsea City for Intermediate Academy, right?"

Tang Wulin said, "Yes, Teacher. Wuyang and I were just about to tell you."

Tang Wuyang nodded and added, "Once we go to Eastsea City, we won't be able to continue learning forging under you."

As the words fell, reluctance appeared in both their eyes.

Mang Tian said calmly, "I only like the quietness here. That doesn't mean I won't leave."

"In fact, the jobs you usually take are all ones I accepted from Eastsea City."

"You cannot neglect your forging studies. I also have a workshop in Eastsea City."

"I have already made arrangements. Once you get there, a dedicated workshop will be set aside for each of you."

"After some time, when I am free, I will also go there to guide you."

Hearing Mang Tian's words, Tang Wuyang and Tang Wulin both smiled, warmth rising in their hearts.

Mang Tian stared intensely at the two of them. "Eastsea City is a real major city, unlike Aolai City. Before you go, you must first complete my test."

"Otherwise, you won't be qualified to continue learning Forging from me."

After saying that, he led the two of them into his Forging Room.

"A test?" Tang Wuyang entered Mang Tian's workshop, full of confusion.

Tang Wulin, following close behind, was also startled. "Teacher, what test?"

A glint flashed in Mang Tian's eyes. "Thousand Forging!"