Reporting In

Time flew by, and the two-month vacation vanished in the blink of an eye. The continent appeared calm on the surface, but changes beneath it had never ceased.

Dark-Gold Heavy Industries, a brand that had emerged out of nowhere, had made its mark in the high-end transportation sector at an astonishing pace. Rather than using flashy technological innovations as a gimmick, it had precisely seized upon the core demands of elite customers: absolute safety and ultimate luxury.

Its first product, the "Dark-Gold Bedrock" series of bulletproof Soul Tool sedans, featured bodies forged personally by the Dark-Gold Dragon King from a special alloy that combined rare Starsteel with some properties of dragon scales. Their streamlined exterior was understated yet powerful. In testing, they had successfully withstood a full-force strike from a Soul King-level Soul Master, sustaining only shallow marks. Their defensive capabilities left every security expert speechless. The interiors, meanwhile, had been jointly designed by Emerald Court and Violet Dragon Pavilion, using the finest soul beast leather, warm jade-like wood, and a calming fragrance system specially supplied by Three-Headed Spirit Scent. The seats featured multiple Soul Tool massage settings and temperature control, while the interior space had been cleverly designed to be as tranquil as the deep sea. In terms of speed, they were equipped with highly efficient Soul Tool power cores optimized in collaboration with Deep Space Dragon Domain. Their acceleration from zero to one hundred kilometers per hour was astonishingly fast, and they remained incomparably stable at high speeds.

The "Dark-Gold Abyss" series of private yachts, launched at the same time, pushed both luxury and safety to the extreme. Their hull keels incorporated special cold iron taken from the deep seas of the Far North and were inscribed with simple defensive Soul Tool arrays. They were advertised as being able to ignore the harassment of most century-old and even thousand-year sea soul beasts. The interior decor was extravagantly luxurious, featuring a small dance floor, viewing terrace, spa room, and even miniature soul beast observation cabins. The service teams had all undergone rigorous training from Forest Life Chronicle. The first flagship vessel had been purchased at an astronomical price by a mining tycoon from the west coast for cross-continental business receptions. The grandeur and sense of security it displayed quickly caused a sensation among the circle of ultra-wealthy elites.

The Dark-Gold Dragon King's strategy had been a tremendous success. He had not rushed into the less profitable yet fiercely competitive civilian train or public transportation markets. Instead, he had firmly targeted customers at the pinnacle of the pyramid. Through Scarlet King, Bi Ji, and Zi Ji's connections and refined taste, as well as the noble etiquette and business knowledge Myriad Demon King had crammed into him, he had successfully turned Dark-Gold Heavy Industries into a synonym for "top-tier secure mobile palaces." Orders poured in like snowflakes. Nobles took pride in owning a Dark Gold vehicle or yacht; it was not merely a symbol of wealth, but a manifestation of status and guaranteed safety. Dark Gold had established its headquarters and first flagship showroom in Eastsea City. He was busier than ever, yet filled with a sense of accomplishment.

For Tang Wulin and Na'er, the final days of their vacation in Aolai City passed peacefully, punctuated by a few small events.

One day, while Na'er was reading alone in a small park near her home, a slightly weary figure quietly appeared. It was Gu Yue. She was completely different from the overbearing Silver Dragon King at the seaside two months ago. Deep bags hung beneath her eyes, dark circles rimmed them, and her originally smooth silver hair had become dry and messy. Her clothes were simple and casual, even carrying faint wrinkles from haste. In her hand was a silver-white spear, its shaft flowing with a faint seven-colored radiance and emanating an ancient, majestic aura.

"Na'er." Gu Yue's voice was somewhat hoarse as she handed over the Silver Dragon Spear. "I helped you partially unseal the aura of your martial soul. You can manifest it when necessary. As for how to use it and obtain soul rings later... figure that out yourself. I'm very busy. Unless it's something important, don't contact me." Her tone was calm, but it carried a deep exhaustion, as though every ounce of her energy had been drained away.

"Gu Yue, you... how did you become like this?" Na'er accepted the heavy Silver Dragon Spear and felt the power within it faintly resonate with her bloodline. Yet what shocked her even more was Gu Yue's condition. That proud, stubborn, overwhelmingly powerful original body now looked so... haggard.

Gu Yue tugged at the corner of her mouth as if she wanted to smile, but lacked the strength. "Walk your own path and live your own life. I have my own path to walk as well, and I will persist in it." She raised her eyes and gave Na'er a complicated look. "If, in the future... the soul beast race truly needs help, then within your ability, I hope you can... help however you can." There was far less command in her words now, and a faint hint of entrustment.

Ever since her enlightenment at the seaside, Gu Yue had not returned to Spirit Pagoda and given up on herself. Instead, she had thrown herself into study with nearly crazed intensity. She was no longer satisfied with merely being Leng Yaozhu's disciple and cultivating. She had proactively requested to accompany Leng Yaozhu to various high-level Spirit Pagoda meetings, external business negotiations, and even technical seminars. Like a starving woman, she absorbed the language of political maneuvering in the human world, the laws of economic operation, the art of managing enormous organizations, as well as the unspoken rules and exchanges of interest beneath the surface. Every meeting was a mental battle for her. The veiled barbs in conversation, tangled positions, and constantly shifting circumstances left her overwhelmed and made her keenly realize how naive her former ideas had been.

Fortunately, Leng Yaozhu, an experienced mentor, had been there to guide and protect her. Only then had she barely avoided exposing too many flaws. Yet she had also truly experienced that controlling a massive power required far more effort than merely possessing great strength. She had squeezed nearly all of her rest time into studying records, analyzing cases, and pushing herself like a taut bowstring.

As Na'er watched Gu Yue like this, the fear and resistance she had once felt strangely faded a little, replaced by a faint emotion that might perhaps be called sympathy or understanding. She could sense that Gu Yue was truly seeking a way forward for the soul beast race. She had simply chosen a path different from Na'er's and Di Tian's, one that was exceptionally difficult.

"...Okay." Na'er nodded softly. After hesitating for a moment, she took a red safety knot from her pocket. It was one she had woven herself, not especially exquisite but made with great care. She stepped forward, timidly took Gu Yue's wrist, and tied it around her. "Be... be careful. Don't work too hard," she said quietly, her cheeks slightly flushed.

Gu Yue froze for a moment and lowered her head to look at the tiny ornament on her wrist, something carrying the meaning of human prayers. An utterly unfamiliar warmth passed through her heart, only to be replaced by a tremendous sense of absurdity. She, the Silver Dragon King, was actually being told by her own avatar to "be careful"?

"Ha ha ha..." She laughed softly. Her laughter was somewhat dry, yet it seemed to wash away a little of her exhaustion. "You too. I'm leaving." With that, she did not linger. Her figure transformed into specks of silver light and swiftly dispersed into the air, as though she had never appeared at all.

Na'er held the Silver Dragon Spear and stood there for a long time before carefully putting it away. This spear was both power and, somehow, a weighty, wordless acknowledgment and... separation from her original body.

The Tang family's move was also proceeding in an orderly fashion. With Huo Yuhao's introduction and assistance, they had successfully rented a highly cost-effective apartment in Eastsea City, near Eastsea Academy. The original owner had been an outstanding Eastsea Academy student who, after graduating, had entered a research institution in Shrek City and would not be returning anytime soon. She had therefore entrusted an agent to lease out the fully furnished, well-maintained home long-term. Through Huo Yuhao's connections, Tang Ziran had also found work as a circuit engineer at a medium-sized Soul Tool manufacturing plant in Eastsea City. Lang Yue planned to find some part-time work near their neighborhood first, making it easier to care for the children.

Before leaving, Tang Wulin's elementary school classmate and "troublemaking friend," Wan Yunchao—the round little fatty who dreamed of becoming an agility attack-type Soul Master—insisted on having "one last match" with him.

"Wulin! Take this! I trained my movement techniques hard during the vacation!" Wan Yunchao puffed out his cheeks and tried his best to pounce with agility. Unfortunately, his build limited him, and his speed could hardly be called fast.

Tang Wulin could not help laughing. He did not use Soul Power to bully him, merely relying on his more nimble movements and stronger physique to easily dodge the little fatty's "fierce pounce." Then, seizing the opportunity, he swept Wan Yunchao's leg and gave him a light push, making him lose his balance.

"Ow!" Wan Yunchao landed hard on his rear, then climbed up with a groan and protested, "No, no! Again! I'm using my martial soul this time!" He activated his not particularly powerful civet cat martial soul, and his speed did indeed improve by a tiny bit.

Tang Wulin smiled slightly at that, and the yellow soul ring beneath his feet lit up. "First Soul Skill, Entangling!" Dense, tough Blue Silver Grass vines instantly burst from the ground and precisely wrapped around Wan Yunchao's ankles.

"Ah!" Wan Yunchao fell again. This time, he was bound firmly by Blue Silver Grass, struggling like an overturned turtle. "Let me go! Tang Wulin, you have no martial virtue!"

Tang Wulin walked over, crouched down, and smiled as he patted the little fatty's chubby cheek. "Yunchao, if you want to take the agility attack path, training alone isn't enough. With your weight... you need to lose some. Otherwise, even the best movement techniques won't be able to carry you."

Unable to break free, Wan Yunchao finally admitted defeat. He lay on the ground, panting heavily with a miserable expression. "Aiya... I know already! Once I lose weight, I'll go to Eastsea City and challenge you again! I'll definitely be faster than you then!"

"Alright, I'll be waiting." Tang Wulin smiled as he released the Blue Silver Grass and pulled Wan Yunchao to his feet. The two boys roughhoused for a while, bringing their childhood friendship to a lively close.

The farewell at Mang Tian Studio was much more formal. Mang Tian was extremely satisfied with Tang Wulin's forging progress over the past two months. This disciple of his was not only exceptionally talented, but also steady and resilient in temperament.

"Wulin, your Thousand-Forging has truly reached the beginner level now. Your impurity removal rate for Sunken Silver has reached an excellent standard, and you've developed your own understanding of fire control and hammer techniques." Mang Tian rarely showed such an approving smile. He took two small boxes from a drawer in the workbench. "This Sunken Silver Ring was forged from a fine piece of Thousand-Forged Sunken Silver back in my early years. It has a faint calming effect. Wearing it long-term will help stabilize your mind and sense metals. It's for you. This storage Soul Tool does not have much space, but it is enough for your forging tools and some personal belongings. Once you get to Eastsea City, don't neglect forging alongside cultivation. I have a few old friends there. Mention my name if you need to."

Tang Wulin solemnly accepted the gifts with both hands and bowed deeply to Mang Tian. "Thank you, Teacher! Wulin will remember your teachings forever!"

After bidding farewell to everything in Aolai City, the Tang family of four boarded a Soul Tool train bound for Eastsea City with only simple luggage, since most of their furniture would not be needed. The journey went smoothly. After arriving at Eastsea City Station, they hailed a taxi and soon reached the residential complex they had rented. It was a typical school district neighborhood, quiet and shaded by lush trees, only a little over ten minutes' walk from Eastsea Academy.

When they opened the door with the key, a fresh, tidy scent greeted them.

"Wow!" Tang Wulin was the first to rush inside and could not help exclaiming in amazement. The apartment had clearly been cleaned recently, with spotless windows and gleaming floors. The white walls were immaculate, while the pale stone flooring shone brightly. In the living room, the sofa and coffee table were covered with elegant dust covers and arranged neatly, showing just how meticulous the original owner had been.

"Dad, Mom! Come look! The beds are so big and soft!" Na'er excitedly ran into the room assigned to the children. Two broad single beds stood side by side, covered in clean, plain-colored bedding. The mattresses looked extremely comfortable. Compared to the small beds in their Aolai City home, they were worlds apart.

Tang Ziran and Lang Yue also looked over their new home with satisfaction. The living room, kitchen, and bathroom came fully equipped with all the necessary furniture and appliances, all of them of quite good quality. Tang Ziran even recognized the small, inconspicuous dragon-patterned marking on the side of the simple yet richly textured solid-wood coffee table in the living room. It was the trademark of Deep Space Dragon Domain!

The family quickly got to work, giving the apartment a thorough cleaning, though it was already very clean, and putting away their belongings. By the time they finished, evening had arrived.

After resting briefly, the four decided to go downstairs to familiarize themselves with the area and have dinner. Their first thought was to visit Huo Yuhao's Rain Spirit Grilled Fish Shop and express their gratitude. However, when they reached that familiar street, the sight before them startled them. The grilled fish shop, which had originally occupied only two storefronts, had now expanded to four! Even so, a long line still stretched outside, every seat inside was filled, and the rich aroma of grilled meat drifted down the entire street. Its popularity had exceeded all imagination.

"Uncle Yuhao's business is way too good..." Tang Wulin said in amazement.

"Let's come another day. We shouldn't disturb his business," Lang Yue said thoughtfully.

So the family of four found a relatively quiet specialty restaurant nearby. As a major city, Eastsea City had fierce competition in the dining industry, and any restaurant capable of surviving there had to taste quite good. They enjoyed the meal together, while Tang Ziran and Lang Yue looked forward to their future life with anticipation.

After dinner, they went to a nearby supermarket to buy new daily necessities and give their new home a touch of their own. It was worth mentioning that Tang Wulin was now a young man with "a little savings." As Red Mountain Academy's first genius student to reach Rank Ten and obtain a century-old Soul Spirit before graduation, he had received a special scholarship of twenty thousand Federal Credits from the academy. At the same time, because he had diligently completed various entry-level promotional tasks issued by Spirit Pagoda over a long period, such as distributing flyers and participating in community Soul Spirit awareness events, and had performed outstandingly, the Aolai City branch of Spirit Pagoda had given him a soul currency card worth around twenty thousand Federal Credits and an exquisite gift box containing several practical little Soul Tool gadgets in the name of an "Outstanding Apprentice Spirit Envoy" when he left. Tang Wulin had voluntarily used this money to help support the family and buy new clothes for everyone.

Tang Wulin chose a casual outfit from Deep Space Dragon Domain's Edge Tempering series for teenagers. Its main color was light gray, with clean, sharp lines and a special breathable, wear-resistant fabric. It was not flashy, but its fitted tailoring subtly emphasized the boy's increasingly upright frame and restrained sharpness.

Na'er received a silver-gray dress from Violet Dragon Pavilion's Star Whisper series. The dress had an ingenious design, lively and adorable like a young girl while retaining delicate refinement in its details. Worn by Na'er, it made her silver hair and purple eyes stand out even more, making her look like an exquisite doll.

Tang Ziran and Lang Yue each chose a comfortable, suitable new outfit as well. Dressed in brand-new clothes, the family looked refreshed and full of joy for the new life ahead.

The next morning, they went to Eastsea Academy to complete the new student enrollment procedures. The registration desk was located in the academy's spacious, brightly lit reception hall. The person in charge was a young female teacher with a sweet smile and gentle temperament named Liu Yuxin.

"Hello, little ones! Are you here to register? What are your names?" Liu Yuxin looked at the strikingly attractive brother and sister before her, especially Tang Wulin. He stood a head taller than children his age, with handsome features and bright eyes. He did not look like he was only nine years old, though he was actually nearly ten. She could not help taking a liking to him, and her tone became even gentler.

"Hello, Teacher. My name is Tang Wulin. I'm nine years old, my Soul Power is Rank Eleven, and my martial soul is Blue Silver Grass. This is my younger sister, Na'er. She's here to register too. She... doesn't have a martial soul," Tang Wulin answered politely, slightly nervous.

"Tang Wulin?" A flash of understanding passed through Liu Yuxin's eyes when she heard the name, and her smile widened. She remembered Teacher Wu Changkong specifically mentioning that a promising student named Tang Wulin had to be placed in his class. "I understand. Welcome, both of you! Fill out these new student information forms first, then give me your graduation recommendation letters from your elementary academy."

"Alright, thank you, Sister!" Tang Wulin and Na'er accepted the forms and began filling them out carefully. As he wrote, Tang Wulin could not help secretly glancing at this kind and approachable older sister. She wore a fitted blue Eastsea Academy teacher's uniform, with her medium-length hair tied into a neat ponytail. Her skin was fair, her neck slender, her features beautiful, and her manner graceful, giving people the feeling of a gentle spring breeze.

Just as Tang Wulin's gaze lingered on Liu Yuxin for one or two seconds longer than it should have, Na'er, standing beside him, keenly caught her brother's subtle distraction. A strange dissatisfaction instantly rose in her heart, and her little lips unconsciously pouted.

Without making a sound, she quietly stretched out one small hand, precisely pinched the soft flesh at Tang Wulin's side where he was most ticklish, and twisted hard!

"Hiss—!" Caught completely off guard, Tang Wulin sucked in a sharp breath and nearly cried out. Even the words on his form came out crooked. He turned toward Na'er in astonishment, asking with his eyes, Na'er, what are you doing?

Instead, he met Na'er's beautiful purple eyes. At that moment, they clearly conveyed a mixture of warning, displeasure, and a meaning of Watch yourself, as if she were saying: Brother's eyes should only look where they're supposed to!

Tang Wulin was utterly confused by this sudden "attack" and his sister's terrifying gaze. He grumbled inwardly, How did I upset this little ancestor again? Why do I suddenly feel like... something is watching me, sending chills down my back?

He hurriedly withdrew his gaze and obediently continued filling out the form, no longer daring to look around. Only then did Na'er satisfactorily retract her little hand and pretend that nothing had happened as she continued filling out her own form. The corner of her lips lifted into the slightest, nearly imperceptible curve of smug satisfaction.

Liu Yuxin had seen all of the siblings' little actions. Thinking that the pair had such a close relationship, she smiled and picked up her Soul Tool communicator, walking to one side to send Wu Changkong a confirmation message. A new semester, a new city, and a new academy life officially began amid this little interlude of warmth, anticipation, and a trace of "jealousy." What Tang Wulin did not know was that beneath his peaceful academy life, attention and undercurrents from many sides had already gathered.