A Gift, Leaving Home

"By the way, I'll give these to you."

After saying that, Mang Tian raised his hand, and two metal rings appeared in his palm.

The two metal rings looked dull and gray, but upon closer inspection, they too had been forged from Thousand Refinements Deep Sea Silver.

"These were works from my early years. Each one has eight cubic meters of storage space, just right for you two now."

Tang Wulin looked at Mang Tian in surprise. He and Tang Wuyang had studied Soul Master knowledge at Primary Academy for three years, and with Mang Tian's words, he naturally realized what was in his teacher's hands.

Tang Wuyang naturally understood what Tang Wulin had realized as well. He hurriedly refused, "Teacher, these should be Storage Soul Tools, right? No, no, we can't accept them. They're far too precious."

Tang Wulin also shook his head repeatedly and declined. "That's right, Teacher. You've already given us two pieces of Sinking Silver. How can we accept such precious Soul Tools as well?"

Mang Tian said, "They're just the lowest-grade Storage Soul Tools. They don't even have Soul Guidance Batteries and can only be charged by Soul Masters injecting Soul Power into them. They're not worth much."

"You've worked here for so long, and your wages weren't much to begin with. Consider these your prize money."

Without waiting for them to refuse again, he grabbed the brothers' right hands and slipped the Sinking Silver Rings onto them.

The slightly oversized Sinking Silver Rings immediately tightened on their own, adjusting to the size of their wrists.

The brothers looked at the Sinking Silver Hammers on their right wrists, warmth filling their hearts.

Tang Wulin's eye circles reddened slightly. Tang Wuyang pursed his lips and said, "Teacher..."

Before he could finish, Mang Tian cut him off. "As they say, a boxer never lets his fists leave his hands, and a singer never lets a tune leave his lips."

"For us Forging Masters, that means never letting our hammers leave our hands."

"Could it be that you two plan to carry these two pairs of such heavy Forging Hammers everywhere every day?"

"Wulin, Wuyang, remember this: Thousand Refinements Metal after a Blood Sacrifice needs to be used often. Throughout this process, your aura, bloodline, and Soul Power will slowly nourish them."

"The longer you use them, the better they will fit you. If you become powerful enough in the future, these two pairs of Sinking Silver Hammers may even have a chance to undergo another sublimation."

"Get along, go back and pack up. Before you leave for Eastsea City, come see me once more."

"Yes." After agreeing, Tang Wuyang turned and headed toward the door.

Tang Wulin followed behind Tang Wuyang. Just as he took a step, he seemed to think of something and turned back to ask, "Teacher, you said before that these bracelets were your work. Does that mean you're also a Soul Engineer besides being a Forging Master?"

Hearing the question, Tang Wuyang, who had nearly reached the door, was drawn in by the topic and turned around as well.

Mang Tian fell silent for a moment. "I suppose so. But I would rather acknowledge myself as merely a Forging Master. I was destined not to go far down the path of a Soul Engineer. You'll understand in the future."

"By the way, cultivate your Soul Power well. Remember, Soul Power is the foundation of everything. No matter how talented you are, no matter how much Innate Superhuman Strength you possess, there will eventually be a limit."

"Besides, no matter what profession you pursue, Soul Power is essential. Take forging, for example. The further you progress, the more crucial the strength of your Soul Power becomes. It also plays a decisive role."

"So, when you fuse with your second Soul Spirit in the future, do not make a choice so casually again."

"Yes." The two answered in unison, respectfully agreeing.

Seeing that his disciples were still holding their Sinking Silver Hammers, Mang Tian said, "Try out your Sinking Silver Rings. Just inject Soul Power into them, then use your mind to sense and control them. They can take in items according to your will."

The brothers Nodded together, then each began circulating the Soul Power inside their bodies.

With the advancement of technology, Soul Tools had long since permeated people's lives. Most civilian Soul Tools were no longer entirely powered by Soul Power, but since the earliest Soul Tools had been like this, the name had remained.

Humans had long since learned to use wind power, hydropower, and other sources as foundations to create energy similar to Soul Power.

Tang Wuyang and Tang Wulin also encountered some Soul Tools in daily life, such as the Soul Guidance Lamps at home, the Soul Guidance Television they watched, and even the Forging Table they had always used.

But truly owning a Soul Tool was still a first for both of them.

A faint silver light flickered. With a thought from Tang Wuyang, he felt his hands lighten as the two Thousand Refinements Sinking Silver Hammers were stored inside the Sinking Silver Ring on his wrist.

Though eight cubic meters of storage space was not much, it was more than enough to hold a pair of Thousand Refinements Sinking Silver Hammers.

Activating the Sinking Silver Ring consumed a little Soul Power, but the amount was so small it could practically be ignored.

Therefore, even though Tang Wuyang had only Level 11 Soul Power, it placed no burden on him at all.

A flash of silver light passed beside him. Tang Wuyang turned his head and saw that Tang Wulin had successfully stored the double hammers in his Sinking Silver Ring as well.

Mang Tian Nodded. "Go back now. Remember what I told you earlier."

"Yes."

On the way home, Tang Wuyang and Tang Wulin were both immersed in joy.

Top-grade Thousand Refinements Sinking Silver Hammers and Sinking Silver Rings—the happiness in their hearts could no longer be expressed in words.

"Ziran, have you really decided?" Lang Yue looked at her husband, sorrow filling her eyes.

Tang Ziran sighed. "Because of my cowardice, Linlin and Yangyang's future has already been affected. I can't go on like this."

"For our two sons, what do these things amount to?"

"I've already promised them."

Water vapor welled heavily in Lang Yue's eyes. "But if we do this, we won't know when we'll see Linlin and Yangyang again."

Tang Ziran wrapped an arm around his wife. "If Linlin and Yangyang were merely ordinary people, then as long as they were happy, it would be fine for our family to live an ordinary life here."

"But our two sons are not ordinary. On the contrary, they are both outstanding."

"If not for my cowardice, if they had obtained good Soul Spirits during their first fusion, they would surely have gone farther on the path of Soul Masters."

"Mang Tian told me that Linlin and Yangyang are strong-willed and more mature than children their age."

"Moreover, they are both extremely talented in forging. As long as they continue studying under him, they will surely become beings who surpass him in the future."

"Mang Tian is already a Six Star Master Craftsman Level Forging Master. What level would surpassing him be?"

"But whether they pursue forging or become Soul Masters, Soul Power and Soul Spirits are the foundation of everything."

"As their father, I've been cowardly for so many years and avoided things for so many years. It's time to take a chance for my sons."

"I've already made up my mind. For my sons, I'll risk everything."

Eastsea City, the second-largest coastal city in the eastern seaboard of the Sun Moon Federation.

It was an important port city in this region, focused on marine transportation and marine resource development.

Thanks to its use of marine resources, the city had a permanent population of over three million and was extremely prosperous.

Even within the entire Sun Moon Federation, it could be considered a second-tier city.

At East Sea City Soul Guidance Station, a dark blue Soul Guidance Train slowly pulled into the platform.

Once the train came to a stop, its doors opened, and people streamed out, most carrying luggage of various sizes.

In an instant, the previously quiet platform became lively as the bustling crowd headed toward the exit.

Tang Wuyang tightened the backpack on his shoulders and followed the crowd out with Tang Wulin.

It was their first time in this great city, and both looked curiously at everything around them.

Although everything before them was novel, neither looked particularly well. Their spirits were somewhat low.

Tang Wuyang and Tang Wulin had come to attend school, reporting to Eastsea Academy in Eastsea City.

The two had originally thought that at least one of their parents would accompany them, but Tang Ziran said they were already big boys and should gain more experience.

He had handed each of them a train ticket and sent them onto the Soul Guidance Train.

Although Lang Yue had carefully explained many precautions to them before they left home,

when they truly arrived here, Tang Wuyang and Tang Wulin still felt lost.

"Older brother, there are so many people here. I'm having trouble telling which way is which."

"I'm a little confused too. Let's follow the crowd out of the station first!"

After following the crowd out of the station, the feeling of being squeezed finally disappeared.

Looking back at the enormous building, Tang Wuyang could not help secretly marveling. This station alone was already grander than the tallest building in Aolai City.

Following Tang Wulin's gaze and looking around, he saw a broad street before them.

In the distance stood rows of towering buildings, while all kinds of Soul Guidance Cars sped continuously along the road. Heads bobbed in the streets, pedestrians weaving through them like densely packed ants, bringing Tang Wuyang and Tang Wulin an indescribable sense of oppression.

Tang Wulin pulled Tang Wuyang into an empty corner to the side, took a water bottle from his backpack, and drank a sip.

While his older brother drank, Tang Wuyang took a note from an inner compartment of his backpack.

Tang Ziran had written the note for them, detailing what they should do after arriving in Eastsea City.

Just then, a thin middle-aged man approached them and said with a smile, "Little friends, is this your first time in Eastsea City? Where are your parents?"

Tang Wuyang was studying the contents of the note. After putting his cup away again, Tang Wulin also leaned over to look at it.

The first line on the note read: Do not easily trust any stranger.

Tang Wulin looked up at the middle-aged man, shook his head, and did not respond.

Tang Wuyang ignored him entirely. After confirming what they should do next, he grabbed his older brother and hurried off in one direction.

Soon, the two arrived before a guardhouse bearing the words Administrative Law Enforcement. Two uniformed enforcement officers stood at the entrance.

Tang Wuyang stepped forward and asked, "Hello, Uncle Officer. May I ask where the shuttle bus to Eastsea Academy is?"

As a renowned academy in Eastsea City, Eastsea Academy arranged shuttle buses at the station every year during enrollment to pick up students.

As long as they found the shuttle bus, they could reach the academy safely.

One of the enforcement officers pointed into the distance. "Over there. Little friends, where are your parents?"

Tang Wulin stepped forward and stood side by side with Tang Wuyang, puffing out his chest. "Uncle, we're not that little anymore. We can report to the academy ourselves. Thank you."

"Thank you." Tang Wuyang thanked him as well, then ran with Tang Wulin in the direction the officer had indicated.

After passing through the crowd, they indeed saw a sign with a white background and blue lettering. The words "Eastsea Academy" were prominently written upon it.

Below the sign stood two tables and chairs. Behind them sat several young men and women around seventeen or eighteen years old, dressed in blue sportswear.

Seeing Tang Wuyang and Tang Wulin run over, a young girl with orange-brown hair tied in a ponytail smiled at them. "Are you two little brothers here to report for enrollment?"

The young girl had a pair of Danfeng Eyes, a well-proportioned figure, and sweet features that gave her a very friendly impression.

"Hello, Sister. My name is Tang Wulin, and he's my younger brother, Tang Wuyang. We're both here to report." Tang Wulin politely introduced himself and his younger brother.

Tang Wuyang also greeted her with a smile. "Hello, Sister."

Liu Yuxin looked at the two boys before her in surprise. Their appearances were extremely similar, and they looked about eleven or twelve years old. However, new students enrolling needed academy Recommendation Letters.

In other words, these two boys were only nine years old.

Though still young, both were remarkably beautiful.

Yes, Liu Yuxin preferred to use beautiful to describe the two boys before her. Their delicate yet slightly childish faces carried traces of bewilderment and unease.

"Hello, I'm Liu Yuxin from First Grade of Eastsea Academy's Senior Grade division. I'm in charge of receiving new students this time, so I'm your Senior Sister."

"Come on, fill out these forms first, then show me each of your Primary Academy Recommendation Letters."

Liu Yuxin took out two forms and handed one each to Tang Wuyang and Tang Wulin.

The two obediently accepted them and filled in their information. Looking at Tang Wulin's form, Liu Yuxin read aloud unconsciously, "Tang Wulin, nine years old, graduated from Red Mountain Primary Academy in Aolai City, Level 12 Plant System Soul Master, Martial Soul: Blue Silver Grass."

"Eh? Your Martial Soul is Blue Silver Grass?"

Tang Wulin Nodded and did not mention his Twin Martial Souls.

Before the two departed for Eastsea City, Tang Ziran had told them that once they reached Eastsea Academy, Tang Wulin could appropriately reveal his Second Martial Soul, since Eastsea City was unlike Aolai City.

But Tang Ziran had also cautioned Tang Wulin not to casually show off that he had Twin Martial Souls.

Therefore, Tang Wulin did not explain anything to this Senior Sister he had just met. She seemed like a good person, but one still needed to be wary of others.

Liu Yuxin smiled sweetly. "To possess a Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul and cultivate to Level 12 at your age is truly impressive!"

Not hearing the disdain they were accustomed to, Tang Wulin and Tang Wuyang, who was filling out his form beside him, could not help forming an even better impression of this Senior Sister.

Liu Yuxin did not know what they were thinking and continued with a smile. "There is also a senior student in our academy whose Martial Soul is Blue Silver Grass, and his strength is quite good."

"Actually, after several tens of thousands of years of inheritance and development, the inherent quality of a Martial Soul is no longer as important as it was in ancient times. By fusing with Soul Spirits, it can be improved to a certain extent after birth."

"Once you reach Senior Grade, you'll discover that what Martial Soul you have is not all that important. What matters is having a sufficiently high Soul Power Level, along with talent in mechas."

"After all, with a mecha, even a Soul Master with an ordinary Martial Soul can become powerful."

Tang Wulin Nodded. "Thank you, Sister. I understand."

Liu Yuxin returned his smile, then looked at Tang Wuyang's completed form.

"Tang Wuyang, nine years old, also graduated from Red Mountain Primary Academy in Aolai City, Level 11 Beast Martial Soul Soul Master, Martial Soul: Qilin."

"Eh? Your Martial Soul is a Beast Martial Soul?" Liu Yuxin asked in surprise.

The two were brothers of the same age and should have been twins. Liu Yuxin had subconsciously assumed that Tang Wuyang's Martial Soul would be similar to Tang Wulin's, likely a Plant System Martial Soul. She had never expected a completely unrelated Beast Martial Soul.

But she quickly restrained her surprise and maintained her smile. "That's a pretty good Martial Soul. Although your Soul Power is one level lower than your older brother's, I believe you'll catch up to him soon. Add Oil!"

After saying that, Liu Yuxin stamped both forms, returned them to the two boys, and handed each of them a small Metal Plate.

"Hang these Metal Plates around your necks. Before enrollment, they serve as your credentials for entering and leaving the academy. Once you arrive at the academy, you'll still need to report and collect your supplies."

"Board the Soul Guide Bus behind you. Once there are a few more people, it will take you to the academy."

Tang Wuyang and Tang Wulin thanked her in unison again, then walked together toward the bus.

A Senior Grade boy from Eastsea Academy beside Liu Yuxin curled his lip. "Yuxin, why did you say so much to those two little country bumpkins?"

"That older brother's Martial Soul is Blue Silver Grass. That's a Useless Martial Soul, after all. Not every Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul wielder is like our senior, whose Martial Soul contains a trace of Blue Silver King Bloodline."

"And that younger brother's Soul Power is actually lower than his older brother's. You can tell at a glance that he must be lazy and never cultivated properly. His Soul Power is so low."

Liu Yuxin glared at him. "You're not allowed to discriminate against Junior students. At nine years old, he has cultivated Blue Silver Grass to the Soul Master level. How do you know Tang Wulin's Blue Silver Grass doesn't possess a king's bloodline?"

"Besides, temporarily lower Soul Power does not prove anything. Tang Wuyang's Martial Soul is a Beast Martial Soul. How can you be certain that he is truly lazy rather than having some other reason?"

"Perhaps these two beautiful little Juniors will become Heaven's Proud Sons in the future."

Tang Wuyang and Tang Wulin did not hear this conversation. Otherwise, they would have had an even better impression of this Senior Sister.