2 Days after
The room was silent, only the rhythmic sounds of fists meeting sandbag. Du Qianyao stood in black tank-top and yellow track pant punching a medium-size sandbag with basic boxing and moving his foots movement in sync with his body, sweats soaked on his body as he drop down exercised a 6 sets of 15 reps push-ups, shaking with tense and aching arms and legs.
After completing his last set, he sat down and drink a light protein shake with 28 gram of protein appropriate for he who just start doing a intense workout. After resting for 5 minutes he change to 5 set and 20 reps of squats, maintaining perfect form. His breathing was steady, but still shaking.
Once his warm-up was complete, Qianyao reached for his wooden long spear a bit more than twice his size, its polished shaft rough to the touch with one-fifth of the spear on the head being a wooden blade. And stand before a wooden dummy he began with basic thrusts, each one clumsy and off-target, next he began with sweeping strike the spearhead cutting through the air with a satisfying whoosh, but lack enough force and he almost lost balance each time.
He moved on to counter motions, the spear shaft tracing arcs as he practiced defensive moves and counter attacks, his footwork was agile, allowing him to dash and strike with one breath.
As he continued, Qianyao tried some complex combinations, twirling his spear in his arms and using his elbow to push the spear shaft to slash the dummy with spearhead but it miss.
After an hour of rigorous training, he paused, breathing heavily. He closed his eyes, and slowly breath in deeply and exhale quietly, repeat until his body relax slightly.
The session concluded with a series of cooldown stretches, Qianyao's muscles numb and hurt like hell. He stood tall, the spear resting against his shoulder.
"*Phew* That was good, who know exercises feels so good and swinging spear around is so cool, but." Qianyao look at the clock and see it 9 am.
"Grandma Qing said she wants to tell me something about my first Soul Spirit, if I remember correctly." Qianyao scratches his head.
"But now I think about it, do we have enough fund for every children soul spirits? Only way to know." He take a towel and his clothes and take a bath before heading to Director Office.
Director Office
The Director's office was modest, with shelves lined with books and documents. Grandma Qing sat behind a wooden desk, her eyes twinkling as she gestured for Qianyao to sit.
"Qianyao, you have been working hard, your dedication is admirable," she began. "This time I called you to talk about your first Soul Spirit 'sponsorship'."
He nods in appreciation to her words but confused in the second, "Sponsorship? For me? And from whom?"
Grandma Qing look at him and say, "The Spirit Padoga say they will provide the first soul spirit of 100 years for 4 spot exclude you, they said 'someone' show interests in you and they wish to give you a sponsorship to choose 'any' Soul Spirit below 1,000 years."
Qianyao considered her words. "Isn't the Sponsor expectation a bit too high? Any Soul Spirit below 1,000 years? That like something only a 2-ring Soul Master would consider."
Grandma Qing smiled helplessly and nod, "I think so too, but there's message for you ready just in case." After she said that she took outanote and read it," 'Body Spirit is much more stronger than you thought, i'll arrange for you to enter the Elementary Spirit Ascension Platform. There, you can find and bond with a Soul Spirit that compatible with you.' And that's all."
He look like someone who was bamboozled and mutters. "What kind of Sponsor is this, Elementary Spirit Ascension Platform? Isn't that asking me to go and become a toy for Soul Spirits in there to play with?"
She nodded and reassure him, "Don't worry, Spirit Padoga say because of this respected guest personally ask for you, they'll take full responsibility to ensure you're safe when going in Spirit Ascension Platform."
Du Qianyao smile in relief, "That's much better, so when should we go Grandma Qing?"
Grandma Qing shook her head and say, "They say only you are permitted to go, neither I, Xiao Yue, nor Old Ning can accompany you, as for the time, it's today."
Qianyao just nod and say, " I understand Grandma Qing." stand up and bow to her before walk out of the room.
Grandma Qing chuckles to herself and continue doing paper works.
An hour later
After eating breakfast and cleaning everything in his room, Du Qianyao made his way to the Spirit Pagoda, a towering structure that stood as a beacon in the city core. The building's architecture was a blend of ancient design and modern functionality, a fusion of tradition and innovation in soul cultivation.
Upon entering the grand lobby, Qianyao was greeted by the sight of soul masters and staff bustling about, each busy in their respective tasks. He approached the reception desk, where a middle-aged man with a lazy demeanor and droop eyes sit watching Soul Device in his hands.
"Hello," Qianyao began. "I'm here for an appointment with the Spirit Padoga to contract my Soul Spirit."
The receptionist offered a nod. "Certainly. May I have your name and appointment details?"
"Du Qianyao. An orphan in Maple Orphanage, 6 years old, I was told by Maple Orphanage Director Qing Fuyun, i am sponsored by a certain unknown 'respected guest' for my first Soul Spirit."
The receptionist's eyes lit up with recognition. "Ah, yes. We've been expecting you. Please follow me; I'll take you to Mr. Lin, our Soul Spirit Advisor, but before that we'll have to evaluate your mental strength before entering the Ascension Platform."
Qianyao nods and follow the receptionist into specific room and test his mental strength, it was an impressive 108 Spirit Connection, the staff recorded it into the data.
After the test he led Qianyao through a series of corridors, each lined with portraits of renowned soul masters and antiques from various regoins. They arrived at a modest office where a man in his late thirties, dressed in a simple yet neat uniform, was reviewing some documents.
"Mr. Lin, this is Du Qianyao," the receptionist announced and said.
Mr. Lin looked up, offering a warm smile. "Welcome, Young Qianyao. Please, have a seat." And dismissed the receptionist.
As Qianyao settled in, Mr. Lin continued, "Department Head Sun spoke highly of you. He praised about you having a high potential with a rare Body Spirit Martial Soul. First let's discuss your options for acquiring your first Soul Spirit."
They delved into a detailed conversation about Qianyao's martial soul, his training regimen, his mental strength, and his chosen Soul Master system. Mr. Lin provided insights into the various paths available, considering Qianyao's unique attributes and preferences.
After an in-depth discussion, Mr. Lin concluded, "Given your profile, I recommend contract a Soul Spirit with strong earth or strong strength-type, and with your Spirit Connection mental strength, it make everything easier now. They offers a balanced development suitable for your desired path and will provide valuable assistant as you progress."
Qianyao nodded, ponder the recommendation. "Thank you, Mr. Lin. I appreciate your advices."
Mr. Lin handed him a pass and a map of the facility. "You're welcome. This pass gives you access to the Elementary Ascension Platform. Follow the map, and the staff there will assist you."
With a nod and appreciation, Qianyao bow and stood up. "Thanks you for your time and knowledge Adviser Lin."
Mr. Lin smiled. "I have high hope for your succcess. Best of luck, Young Qianyao."
As Qianyao left the office, he felt a surging sense of anticipation, ready to enter the famous Spirit Ascension Platform to make contract with his first Soul Spirit and start the adventurous life of his journey towards becoming a strong soul master who skewers mountains.
After walking around in the the Spirit Pagoda, Du Qianyao stood before the entrance to the Elementary Spirit Ascension Platform, a full body pod, to send conciousness into virtual reality of Spirit Ascension Platform. Rubbing his hands together, he took a deep breath and stepped into the pod and let the staff prepare everything.
A surge of energy enveloped him. It feels like lying in a dark casket floating above the sea before a bright light and in an instant, he found himself in a vast, simulated forest teeming with the ambient sounds of wildlife. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and fresh air. This was the Spirit Ascension Platform—a realm where soul beasts roamed. He took a deep breath feeling refresh unlike usual air outside, he summon his spear.
Qianyao advanced cautiously, his senses heightened to carefully observe everything around him. He knew that within this realm, he would encounter various soul beasts.
'Damn, I'm so nervous and edging right now, is this what it feels like to enter a deep forest and hunts for wild animal for hunters? '
As he slowly trails through the dense and tall blue silver grass, a sudden rustle caught his attention. He turned swiftly, spear at the front, and found himself face-to-face with a creature he didn't prepare or even thought of seeing—a small Titan Giant Ape.
'Are you fvcking kidding me right now? A Titan Giant Ape?? There's no such Soul Beast in the story!'
Standing at nearly three meters tall, the ape's muscular frame was covered in dark brown fur, its eyes reflecting a mix of curiosity and wariness. Despite its imposing appearance, it lacked the aggressive posture typical of older, more experienced soul beasts.
'Bloody hell, COME ON! If I'm going out, before being mutilate I'll atleast take your arm or an eye!'
Qianyao's grip tightened on his spear. The Titan Giant Ape was known for its immense strength and resilience, making it a almost impossible to beat for opponent of the same level much less he, a 0-ring Soul Disciple. However, this one seemed different—its aura, if taking a rough guess, it was around 90 years old, still in its juvenile stage, but that's more than enough for it to triumph over many normal 1,000 years Soul Beasts.
The ape tilted its head, observing Qianyao with a keen interest. It let out a low grunt, not of hostility, but seemingly as a form of communication?
Because of impulse or possibly extreme stress, Qianyao saw this and decided to gamble with fate, relaxed his stance slightly, lowering his spear to indicate he meant no harm. The ape responded by step forward, and maintaining a curious look.
Uncertain about the opportunity before him, Qianyao considered the possibility of forming a bond with this soul beast. The Titan Giant Ape's attributes aligned well with his ideal path in the future, and its age made it an ideal candidate for his first Soul Spirit, not low at all, not far too high, but can he withstand that? He don't know.
He slowly reached into his satchel, retrieving a small offering of spirit fruits, he pick along the way to try some, a gesture of goodwill. He placed them on the ground and stepped back.
The ape eyed the fruits, then looked back at Qianyao. After a moment's hesitation, it approached, picking up a fruit and sniffing it before taking a bite. Satisfied, it consumed the rest, all the while keeping a watchful eye on Qianyao.
With the initial contact established, Qianyao sat down, closing his eyes to focus his spiritual energy. He reached out mentally, extending an invitation to the ape to form a Soul Spirit bond.
The Titan Giant Ape paused, seemingly contemplating the offer. And then shook it head and pounds it chest and roar, and raise it massive fist bigger than Qianyao head.
Qianyao was frightened by sudden action but a thread of Spiritual power reach him, "Huh?"
It was ferocious but more like message to something, a test? a challenge? But he knows what it means.
Titan Giant Ape, 'Take my punch, if you can take it, we're friends'
Qianyao swallows a mouthful of saliva and say, " Alright! Just one punch, right?"
The Ape nod and growls before leaning it arm behind, a bulging muscles on it body reflects it strength.
Qianyao tense his body and activates his Body Spirit, his body took on a silvery-white gleam and he took a stance, before asking for confirmation, "Just one punch RIGHT?!"
Then, with a deep rumble, the Ape stepped forward leaving a deep crater on the ground, and punch out a massive fist toward Qianyao. A surge of energy coursed through it fist and with mere moment, it fist connect it the spear shaft.
Qianyao's body was lungs back more than 40 meters and hit a huge ancient tree, his body broken, ribcage cracked, both arms was almost ripped off, his vision blinded by blood, his legs was mangled, his concious black out, but by miracle he didn't die yet.
Instead a quiet wave of green energy slowly approach him as if a suction force was there, and enter his body, slowly mending his broken body and bones in painfully slow process.
Titan Giant Ape who came to check on him look on dumbfounded and disbelief, "Grah?"
It stop infront of him and observe with keen interest before sitting down with a pink pineapple in arms, and munching on them while waiting.
Almost an hour has passed
Du Qianyao, who was out cold slowly gaining his concious a d the first thing he say was, "Fvck torturous hurt" trying to move his screaming body, he look up and saw Titan Giant Ape lying down and yawn looking at him.
He smile bitterly to himself and say, "Well even though I don't know how, I passed your test right?"
Titan Giant Ape sit up and growls, 'You passed'
Qianyao smile in sour happiness and say,
" So can we contract yet?"
Titan Giant Ape shook it head and point at him, 'You rest' before munching on an blue apple?
Qianyao feels his body and say, "You're right, it no smart trying to contract in this state." And he sat cross-leg to meditate.
Minuted passed, the swirling green energy dissipate on Qianyao body, no longer than that he open his eyes and stretches.
"*UGH* So comfortable." Before stand up and look at Shān Yuán(Mountain Ape) the name he decided for his first companion, "Don't you know about that green mist?"
Titan Giant Ape shake it hand and point at the sky, 'That's not important, contract, now'
Qianyao nods and sit down, extending his spiritual power for Soul Spirit Bond.
Titan Giant Ape just close it eyes and accept.
Qianyao's body trembling silently before quiet down and his body glowed with a soft light as his first Soul Ring materialized—a vibrant yellow ring, signifying a 100-year Soul Ring. The successful fusion with the Titan Giant Ape's essence marked a significant milestone in his journey as a Soul Master.
Opening his eyes, Qianyao felt a his strength leap through the ceiling coursing through him. He stood, smile to the Ape before him and slowly fade into ether leaving the Spirit Ascension Platform.
With his first Soul Spirit acquired, Du Qianyao exited the pod, and met bulging eyes of many staff outside and a tall muscular gentle(?) man infront of him
Du Qianyao look around and slowly say, "Uh...Can I help you?"
________________________________________
Du Qianyao
Age - 6 y.o.
Gender - Male
Soul Rank - 12 rank Soul Master
Soul Spirit - Titan Giant Ape(Shān Yuán)
99->100 years(absorp Life Energy)
Martial Soul -
-Body Spirit
-Sky Anchor Spear
Physique -
Life affinity physique
Innate Soul Power - 10
Mental Rank - 108 Spirit Connection