"I was meditating," Yao Xuan explained, his voice soft in the quiet living room. He walked over and sat beside Na'er on the sofa. "It's how I practice, how I make my soul power grow stronger."
Na'er tilted her head, her silver hair catching the faint light from the kitchen. "Meditating... for so long? Wasn't it boring? Weren't you tired, Brother Yao Xuan?" Her concern was genuine, a small furrow appearing between her brows.
A warm chuckle escaped Yao Xuan. "It can be tiring, yes. It requires a lot of concentration." He then smiled, a fond look in his eyes as he watched her. "But hearing your voice right now makes all the tiredness melt away. It's the best reward."
A brilliant smile illuminated Na'er's face, erasing the worried crease. "Really? Then I'll come and talk to you every time you finish! I'll make sure you're never tired!" she declared with the innocent conviction of a child, instinctively reaching out to grasp his hand in a small, firm pledge.
Yao Xuan's heart swelled with a tenderness that felt entirely new. "I'd like that very much, Na'er. Thank you."
The evening wound down, and by 9:30, the apartment was dark and quiet. Lying in bed, Yao Xuan stared at the ceiling, the day's events replaying in his mind. 'The connection with Na'er is forming, stronger and faster than I dared hope. My primary goal remains unchanged: reach the Soul Master level. But a powerful Soul Master needs resources, and influence. A secondary profession isn't just a hobby; it's a pillar of strength. Forging... the path to creating one's own battle armor... that holds promise.'
The system's voice was a timely whisper in the silence. A wry smile touched Yao Xuan's lips. 'It's as if it's reading my intentions.'
'View,' he commanded silently.
A translucent, parchment-like interface materialized in his mind's eye, its borders etched with subtle, geometric patterns that hinted at ancient craftsmanship.
[Quest Name: Learning Forging (Side Quest)]
[Quest Description: For a Soul Master, a path of auxiliary mastery is not a diversion, but a foundation. It forges the resources for advancement and lays the groundwork for the ultimate art of Battle Armor. Your ambition has been acknowledged.]
[Time Limit: 3 Years]
[Prerequisite Reward: Mangtian Studio Admission Qualification]
[Stage 1: Advance to Level 1 Forging Master]
[Reward: 10 Golden Evolution Points]
[Penalty: -100 Golden Evolution Points]
[Stage 2: Advance to Level 2 Forging Master]
[Reward: 30 Golden Evolution Points]
[Penalty: -30 Golden Evolution Points]
[Stage 3: Advance to Level 3 Forging Master]
[Reward: 100 Golden Evolution Points]
[Penalty: -10 Golden Evolution Points]
[Notes: This is an optional side quest. Acceptance is not mandatory.]
Yao Xuan analyzed the terms with a calculative calm. 'A three-stage quest. The penalties are steep for failure, but the rewards are substantial. Achieving just Stage 2 would make it worthwhile. And the Mangtian Studio... that's the very forge where Tang Wulin began his journey.' A spark of competitive fire ignited within him. 'If he could reach Level 3 in three years with the Golden Dragon King's bloodline, then my Ancestral Dragon heritage should allow me to do no less. Furthermore, being in the same studio will provide ample opportunities to guide his destiny and reap the associated Evolution Points.'
The strategic benefits were too significant to ignore.
'Accept the quest.'
'Impeccable timing,' Yao Xuan thought, a sense of destiny propelling him forward. 'The system opens the door, but I must be the one to walk through it. Now, the only hurdle is convincing Mom.'
The next day, during the lunch break, he found Lin Ximeng in her small, sunlit office at the academy. Books on soul master theory were neatly stacked on her desk, and a faint scent of ink and paper filled the air.
"Mom," he began, his tone respectful but earnest. "There's something I'd like to discuss."
Lin Ximeng looked up from her grading, her expression warm. "Of course, Yao Xuan. What is it?"
"I... I want to learn forging."
The statement hung in the air. Lin Ximeng set down her pen, a flicker of surprise in her eyes. "Forging?" she repeated. "That's a very demanding path, Yao Xuan. It requires immense physical stamina and dedication."
"I understand, Mom," he nodded, meeting her gaze steadily. "But I've been thinking about the future. A second profession can be a great asset for a Soul Master. And, well... I was fortunate enough to receive an interview qualification for the Mangtian Studio. May I please go and try?"
"The Mangtian Studio?" The surprise on Lin Ximeng's face deepened, replaced by a considering look. The studio had a sterling reputation in Aolai City. For her son to have caught their attention was no small matter. Her initial reluctance warred with a mother's pride and a teacher's understanding of practical advantages.
She leaned forward, her expression turning serious. "Yao Xuan, if it's the Mangtian Studio, then I will not stand in your way. But you must promise me one thing." Her voice was firm. "Your soul power cultivation is the foundation of your future. It must come first. Forging cannot interfere. Do I have your word?"
A wave of relief washed over him. "You have my word, Mom," he vowed, his voice filled with conviction. "Soul power is the root of everything. I will only practice forging in my free time. It will never take priority over my meditation."
Seeing the sincere determination in his eyes, Lin Ximeng's stern expression softened into a smile. She believed him. He had always been a remarkably focused boy. "Then you have my blessing. Go, and do your best. If you can learn a real skill at Mangtian Studio, it will open many doors for you in the future." She reached out and gently squeezed his shoulder. "And remember, if it doesn't work out, it's not the end of the world. There are many paths to strength."
"Thank you, Mom! I won't let you down." Gratitude filled his voice. "I'm going to rest now."
"Have a good nap, dear."
Later that day, as the afternoon classes ended and the academy gates spilled out streams of chattering children, Yao Xuan found Lin Ximeng once more.
"Mom, I'm heading to the Mangtian Studio for the interview now. I might be a little late coming home."
Lin Ximeng straightened his collar in a gentle, maternal gesture. "Go on, then. And good luck." Her eyes were full of encouragement. "Be safe on your way. Na'er and I will wait for you to come home before we have dinner."
With a final, confident nod, Yao Xuan turned and walked away from the academy, his steps carrying him not just towards a forge, but towards the next meticulously chosen step on his path to power. The weight of the hammer he would soon lift felt like the weight of the future itself.