Cang Song beckoned to Tianlan, calling softly,
" Tianlan, have you more or less recovered? Come sit here. I'll perform the Baptism for you."
"Ah? Oh—coming!" Tianlan hurried over.
"Do you know what a Baptism is?" Cang Song asked.
Tianlan shook his head. "No idea."
Cang Song opened his palm. A small sphere of light slowly condensed in the center of his hand.
"Then this—do you know what it is?"
Tianlan blinked. "…Arcane power?"
"Not bad," Cang Song nodded. "So you're not completely clueless. Then—do you know what arcane power is?"
Tianlan awkwardly shook his head again.
"As the world operates, arcane power is naturally born," Cang Song explained. "Free arcane particles float throughout the air. The ley lines beneath the earth flow with concentrated power. And the arcane energy within beasts is simply accumulated naturally by the environment. Humans have their own arcane power as well—just in very small amounts, and most can't sense it at all without training."
"There are many uses for arcane power. For example—reinforcing the body. Warriors like Zhenyue use most of their inner flow to enhance physical strength. It can also be used for offense."
As his words fell, Cang Song flicked his wrist.
The light orb in his hand shot out as a beam—BOOM!
A hole blasted straight through the wall.
Zhenyue didn't even blink. Just the old man's daily routine.
Cang Song brought both hands together before his chest, palms facing each other. The air between them quivered lightly.
"And of course—it can be used to cast techniques."
A small cube formed between his palms, composed of faintly glowing lines.
"This is our clan's barrier technique," Cang Song said casually. "Naturally, there are many attributes and categories. But today, what you'll learn is merely how to feel arcane power, and how to let it flow inside your body."
"In a moment, I'll inject arcane power into you and circulate it through your pathways. You must remember that sensation. Understand?"
"Y-Yes!"
Cang Song suddenly added, "But before that—there's one thing you must know. If the caster is inexperienced, or harbors malicious intent, and forcefully pours more arcane power into your body than you can handle… your body may rupture and you'll die."
"W–what!? It's that dangerous!?" Tianlan's eyes widened.
Zhenyue quickly reassured him, "Relax. When it comes to arcane control, there are only a handful in this world who surpass the old man. Having him personally perform your Baptism is an enormous blessing."
Cang Song asked, "So? Will you accept it?"
Tianlan hesitated. "Are the other contestants so strong… because they can use arcane power?"
"In a sense, yes," Cang Song said.
"Then after the Baptism… I'll become stronger too?"
"Of course. How strong, however—that depends entirely on you."
Tianlan's eyes gradually firmed with resolve.
"Then—let's do it. I'm ready."
The Baptism Begins
Cang Song stood behind Tianlan and gently placed his right palm on Tianlan's back.
A warm yet profound force seeped out, flowing into Tianlan's body along his arcane pathways.
"How is it?" Cang Song asked. "Do you feel anything?"
"Mmm… something warm is flowing inside me."
"Good. Remember that sensation. I'm going to increase the output now. Speak up the moment you can't endure it."
As more arcane power poured in, Tianlan's face gradually tightened.
"N-No more…! It feels like my body's being stretched open…"
"That should be your limit," Cang Song said, withdrawing his hand.
Once freed from Cang Song's control, the mass of arcane power inside Tianlan slowly dispersed like receding tides.
"How about now?" Cang Song asked. "Can you still feel that force?"
Tianlan closed his eyes and focused.
"It's a lot weaker… but there's definitely something still there."
"Good. Now try controlling it. Gather the power into your right hand."
Tianlan inhaled deeply and willed the faint energy inside him to flow into his arm. When he opened his eyes—
The air around his right hand visibly distorted, a tangible force gathering around his palm.
Zhenyue and Cang Song exchanged glances, both lifting the corners of their mouths.
Qingluo, however, was straight-up stunned.
"Impossible… He just finished the Baptism and already concentrated arcane power on his first try!?"
"Stop making a fuss," Cang Song waved her concerns away. "Well? How does it feel? Any changes to your right hand?"
Tianlan clenched his fist, astonished.
"The gravity ring was weighing my hand down so badly earlier… but now it feels light, like there's no burden at all! And—it feels strong!"
Zhenyue grinned and motioned him over.
"Come. Block my strikes—with your right hand. Don't worry, I'll use a wooden stick."
Thwack. Thwack. Thwack.
Each impact sent a faint vibration through Tianlan's arm.
"Well?" Zhenyue asked. "Feel the difference?"
"The pain is weaker! And my right arm moves better—easier to control!"
"Good," Zhenyue nodded. "Now—hit me with a full-force punch."
Tianlan focused his arcane power and drove his fist forward.
Zhenyue caught it with one hand, holding him firmly in place.
"Not bad!" Zhenyue laughed. "Feels good to finally experience strength, doesn't it?"
Cang Song asked, "Feeling stronger?"
"Yes! Definitely!" Tianlan nodded vigorously.
"Next," Zhenyue said, "you'll try spreading arcane power to different parts of your body while dodging my attacks. Let your body learn the flow of the power. Ready?"
"Ready!"
The training resumed.
But not long after—
Tianlan suddenly collapsed to his knees, face pale.
"Oh—ran out of arcane power already," Cang Song sighed. "Not bad at all. For someone with so little power, lasting this long is impressive."
He walked over and explained,
"Remember this sensation. This is arcane depletion. If it worsens, it becomes arcane wither—and that can threaten your life. You must learn to measure your limits. Qingluo—help him recover."
"Yes, sir!" Qingluo quickly began casting recovery magic.
Cang Song turned away.
"I have other matters to attend to. I've set up a barrier—train as much as you like. No one will notice."
With that, his figure slowly faded and vanished.
(To be continued)