Red Mountain Soul Master Academy

As the last wisp of emerald light sank into Tang Wulin's brow, the little courtyard fell briefly silent. Then a life aura so rich it seemed almost solid erupted from the boy, sweeping through the entire courtyard in an instant. The flowers and grasses seemed to welcome spring itself, growing wildly and blooming in dazzling colors.

Tang Wulin slowly opened his eyes, a gleam like flowing emerald flashing in their depths. He tried clenching his fists, feeling the unprecedented surge of power within him, and a brilliant smile spread across his face.

"Wulin!"

Tang Wutong rushed forward first, placing both hands on her younger brother's shoulders as she asked eagerly, "How do you feel? Hurry and check your first soul ring. What soul skills did that Emerald Swan give you?"

Tang Hao and Ah Yin held their breath, staring intently at him. After all, this was a supreme soul spirit approaching two hundred thousand years old. Although they had prepared themselves, knowing that soul rings over a hundred thousand years old usually bestowed two soul skills, they still waited on tenterhooks to learn what those skills were.

Tang Wulin straightened, a trace of wonder appearing on his young face. Then he raised a finger and said earnestly, "Grandma, Sis, this soul ring really did give me two soul skills."

No one was surprised. A Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring bestowed two soul skills—that was common knowledge. What came next was what mattered.

"The first soul skill is called Source of Life."

"Source of Life?" They exchanged glances.

"Yes," Tang Wulin explained. "I can only condense three drops of Source of Life each day. There aren't many, but every drop contains incredibly pure life force." He paused, his voice becoming utterly certain. "As long as someone still has a breath left, even if only a wisp of their soul remains, one drop can extend their life by five years!"

"Extend their life by five years?!" Tang Wutong sucked in a sharp breath.

This world had no shortage of healing immortal herbs and medicinal pills, but methods that could truly "extend life" existed almost exclusively in the realm of gods. This could do more than save someone: at a critical moment, it could buy a powerful cultivator precious time to enter seclusion and break through, or wait for a turning point.

"Then... what about the second?" Ah Yin's voice trembled slightly. She could feel that this soul skill was anything but ordinary.

Tang Wulin chuckled, a hint of smugness appearing on his little face. Then his expression grew serious, and he spread his hands. An emerald halo instantly radiated outward from him.

Although he confined its range to a small area, everyone could feel the flowers, grasses, and trees within it suddenly shoot up. Even the air filled with the fresh breath of life.

"The second soul skill is Life Domain!" Tang Wulin declared loudly. "This domain uses Blue Silver Grass to determine its range. Right now, I can only create a domain one kilometer in diameter, but!"

He paused, his voice firm with absolute certainty. "As long as someone still has a breath left and is inside my domain, any injury they have—even a severed limb—can be completely healed!"

Boom—!

His words exploded like thunder in their ears.

A Hundred Thousand Year Soul Skill truly was extraordinary! And this effect defied the heavens!

A domain one kilometer in diameter was already an immense area for a battle between soul masters. And within that area, anyone who did not die could instantly return to peak condition?

A brilliant light flashed in Tang Hao's eyes as he murmured, "Two soul skills, one for 'sustaining life,' the other for 'burst recovery'... excellent! What an Emerald Swan! These are practically divine skills tailor-made for Wulin!"

Ah Yin was so moved that tears filled her eyes. She stepped forward and hugged Tang Wulin tightly, choking out, "Sweet child, you really are... so fortunate."

The last light of sunset spread a warm golden layer over the earth. A soul guidance communication signal from Aolai City broke the little village's peace like a bugle calling them home.

After a simple farewell, Tang Wutong took Tang Wulin's hand and headed toward the Intercity Transit Hub outside the village, accompanied by Jiang Nannan. In this age of highly developed soul guidance technology, old horse-drawn carriages had long been buried beneath history's dust, replaced by a crisscrossing network of magnetic levitation tracks.

The three arrived at the nearest station, a futuristic silver-white building. A huge holographic projection displayed the train schedule in the air, while deep blue soul power light flowed endlessly along the transparent tracks. People bustled around them, all kinds of intelligent soul guidance suitcases automatically following their owners with faint hums, creating a busy yet orderly portrait of modern life.

"Sis, are we going to ride that big flying box?" Tang Wulin pointed at a streamlined silver-white train parked on the tracks, his eyes shining with curiosity and excitement. Complex defensive and acceleration soul guidance arrays were engraved across its body, making it look like a silver dragon poised to launch.

"That's an intercity high-speed Soul Guidance Train. It's even faster than a flying carpet." Tang Wutong smiled and tightened her hold on his hand, then used iris recognition to purchase VIP cabin tickets to Aolai City.

With a low startup hum, the train shot out of the station like an arrow released from its bow. The scenery outside instantly became streaks of flowing light. The carriage's gravity-balancing system reduced the discomfort of high-speed travel to a minimum, leaving only a slight pressure against their backs to prove that the train was hurtling along at an astonishing speed.

The VIP cabin was spacious and bright, its intelligent temperature control system maintaining a comfortable environment. Jiang Nannan sat across from them and adjusted Tang Wulin's seat so he could watch the sea of clouds racing backward beyond the broad viewing window.

"Sis, I feel the little swan inside me moving," Tang Wulin suddenly whispered, pressing his small hand against his chest.

Tang Wutong's heart stirred, and she released a trace of spiritual power to investigate. Sure enough, stimulated by the soul power fluctuations caused by the train's high-speed movement, the Emerald Swan soul spirit was slowly stirring her consciousness within Tang Wulin. A faint emerald halo shone through his skin.

"Don't be afraid. She's adapting to your body." Tang Wutong held her brother's hand, soothing the restless soul spirit with her warm, gentle soul power.

Just then, the train jolted slightly. Tang Wulin lost his balance and bumped his forehead against the armrest, leaving a red patch instantly.

"Oh!" Jiang Nannan exclaimed. She was just about to fetch some ointment when something unexpected happened.

A faint emerald light suddenly shone from the swollen red patch on Tang Wulin's forehead. The redness and swelling faded visibly, leaving his skin smooth and unblemished again.

"Was that... Life Domain?!" Jiang Nannan's eyes widened.

Tang Wulin touched his forehead and cried in delight, "It doesn't hurt anymore! The little swan fixed it for me!"

Relief flashed in Tang Wutong's eyes. "It seems this soul skill has already become part of you."

The train sped onward, passing through mountains and over ridges. Filled with curiosity about his new abilities, Tang Wulin tried drawing on his life force from time to time.

Night fell as the train entered the territory under Aolai City's jurisdiction. In the distance, the city's iconic Sea God Lighthouse shone with brilliant golden light.

"Look, that's our home." Tang Wutong pointed at the brightly lit coastal city outside the window, determination shining in her eyes. "Wulin, from now on, I'll stay by your side, and we'll use this power to protect more people."

Tang Wulin gazed at the dazzling lights and clenched his little fists, a radiant smile spreading across his young face. "Yes! I'll get stronger, so I can protect you and Sister Nannan!"

At the first light of dawn, golden sunshine filtered through the window frames into the Tang family villa's living room. A faint floral fragrance filled the air, coming from the seasonal flowers Jiang Nannan had personally arranged in a vase.

Tang Wulin was already practicing his punches in the courtyard. His youthful shouts, accompanied by faint soul power fluctuations, revealed his vigorous spirit. Tang Ziran stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, watching each of his son's movements with affection and a trace of barely perceptible awe.

"Wulin has built a solid foundation," Jiang Nannan said softly, bringing over two cups of hot tea.

Tang Ziran accepted a cup and bowed slightly in respect. "Lady Jiang Nannan, you're up early."

Jiang Nannan smiled helplessly. "Ziran, how many times have I told you? There's no need to be so formal at home."

But Tang Ziran straightened, his expression respectful without being servile. "Propriety must be observed. You are a senior from Shrek Academy, as well as Wulin's elder. I wouldn't dare overstep."

Just then, Tang Wutong came downstairs. Her simple white training clothes accentuated her upright figure, and her cool bearing carried a hint of authority.

Upon seeing her, Tang Ziran immediately set down his teacup, hurried forward, and bowed deeply. "Lady Tang Wutong, you're awake."

Tang Wutong's brows drew together slightly as she gave him a helpless look. "Ziran, haven't I told you many times? There's no need to be so distant in private. Just call me by my name."

Tang Ziran did not dare raise his head. "You are the God King's daughter and Wulin's elder sister. I wouldn't dare address you by name."

Jiang Nannan smiled and smoothed things over. "All right, all right, Wutong. Don't make things difficult for him. You know what Ziran is like." She turned to Tang Ziran, her tone softening. "Still, when it comes to Wulin's schooling, we really should hear what Wulin himself thinks and look into the academy's circumstances."

Only then did Tang Ziran straighten, his expression serious. "Lady Tang Wutong, I've thought long and hard about Wulin's enrollment, and I have a suggestion."

"Go ahead." Tang Wutong walked over to the sofa and sat down.

"Yes!" Tang Ziran said respectfully. "I believe there is no better junior soul master academy in Aolai City than Red Mountain Soul Master Academy. Although it is only a junior academy, its teaching staff ranks among the best in the surrounding cities. Its teaching approach is also grounded and thorough, which makes it very suitable for a child like Wulin... someone with a strong foundation who needs guidance."

In the end, they reached an agreement. Tang Wutong decided to take Tang Wulin to Red Mountain Academy herself to enroll him.

"Sis, where are we going?" Tang Wulin asked curiously, wiping the sweat from his forehead.

"To a place that can make you even stronger." Tang Wutong smiled and ruffled his hair. "Get ready. We're heading out."

Tang Ziran had already prepared the enrollment documents. He presented them to Tang Wutong with both hands and said respectfully, "Lady Tang Wutong, these are Wulin's household registration and identification documents. If you need anything, I'm at your disposal."

Tang Wutong accepted the documents and gave him a long look. "Understood, Ziran. You and Nannan can wait at home for our good news."

Red Mountain Soul Master Academy's gates were magnificent and imposing, its towering soul guidance spires pointing straight into the heavens. Holding Tang Wulin's hand, Tang Wutong walked directly toward the admissions office.

The admissions office was in a side hall, where a middle-aged teacher wearing glasses was lazily leafing through a register. Seeing Tang Wutong approach with a six-year-old child, he did not even lift his eyelids. "Enrolling? Fill out a form."

Tang Wutong handed over the documents.

The middle-aged teacher glanced at them carelessly, and his brows instantly furrowed. "Tang Wulin? Six years old? Martial soul... Blue Silver Grass?" He sneered, his voice filled with undisguised contempt. "You want to enter Red Mountain Academy with a trash martial soul like Blue Silver Grass? Young lady, don't waste everyone's time. Go to the ordinary academy next door."

Although Tang Wulin was young, he could hear the mockery in the teacher's words. His little face flushed red, and he clenched his fists.

Tang Wutong's expression darkened. Just as she was about to erupt, Tang Wulin suddenly pulled free of her hand and shouted, "I don't have a trash martial soul! I have a soul spirit!"

The middle-aged teacher froze for a moment, then reacted as though he had heard the most ridiculous joke imaginable. "A soul spirit? You? A six-year-old brat? Fine. There's a testing device over there. If it detects a soul ring, I'll let you enroll."

He pointed to an old testing device in the corner, disbelief written all over his face.

Tang Wutong restrained her urge to step forward and argue. She crouched down and gently told Tang Wulin, "Wulin, ignore him. Go let the facts speak for themselves. Show him your strength."

Tang Wulin nodded firmly, fighting spirit igniting in his eyes. He walked up to the testing device, took a deep breath, and pressed his small hand against the Testing Crystal.

Humm—!

In an instant, emerald light shot skyward, so intense that it lit up almost the entire side hall! Then the device let out a rapid series of beeps, its needle jerking wildly until, with a crack, the gauge burst!

The entire hall fell deathly silent.

The pen in the middle-aged teacher's hand fell to the floor as he stared at the scene, dumbstruck.

Tang Wulin withdrew his small hand and blinked, looking in confusion at the smoking device. "Huh? Why did it break?"

Tang Wutong stood, walked up to the dumbfounded teacher, and said evenly, "Teacher, is Wulin qualified to enroll now?"

The middle-aged teacher opened his mouth, only coming to his senses after a long moment. His face filled with an awkward, fawning smile. "Y-yes! Of course he is! Please... please register over here!"

And so, under everyone's astonished gazes, Tang Wutong successfully completed Tang Wulin's enrollment at Red Mountain Soul Master Academy.