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In the afternoon, the tea house was filled with the lingering scent of sandalwood, and sunlight filtered through the carved window lattices, falling upon the zither stand. Feng Xiao, dressed in simple white, sat gracefully, his slender fingers plucking and caressing the strings of the 'Fuxi' zither. A melody of "High Mountains and Flowing Water" poured forth like a clear spring; the zither's notes sometimes tinkled like a mountain stream, at other times were as profound as a deep pool, captivating all the tea guests who held their breath in rapt attention.
Just as the zither music reached its most exquisite point, the tea house's door curtain was gently lifted. Yu Xiaogang, holding Tang San's hand, slowly walked in and chose an inconspicuous table in the corner of the main hall. He ordered a pot of clear tea, but his gaze remained fixed on Feng Xiao, who was playing the zither.
At this moment, Feng Xiao had already noticed the master and disciple from the corner of his eye, but he paid them no mind, simply immersing himself in his performance. The zither music echoed through the tea house, and even Yu Xiaogang narrowed his eyes, tapping his fingers lightly on the table in rhythm.
"His zither skills are indeed extraordinary, but compared to other zitherists, he only possesses a stronger Infectious. Could it be…" Yu Xiaogang looked around, observing the other guests, then frowned slightly, pondering to himself, "The people around certainly seem deeply engrossed, but Little San's meditation this morning, aided by his zither music, didn't have too strong an effect. Could it really have been a coincidence?"
When the piece concluded, thunderous applause erupted in the tea house, and guests from various private rooms also offered rewards one after another. Feng Xiao, holding his 'Fuxi', also went to each private room to thank his patrons.
"Teacher, did you gain anything?" Tang San asked Yu Xiaogang softly, lowering his voice.
Yu Xiaogang sighed lightly: "It's no different from what you said this morning. However, his zither artistry is superb; if he intends to hide it, it's very difficult for others to see."
"You mean, could it just be a coincidence?" Tang San asked, a hint of hesitation on his face.
Upon hearing this, Yu Xiaogang looked deeply at Feng Xiao, who was thanking guests in the distance, "Perhaps. The state of deep meditation itself is a result of multiple factors working together. Many Spirit Masters never experience it in their entire lives, and the triggers vary from person to person. Regarding that child's zither skills, if he were to embark on the path of a support system Spirit Master, even with innate spirit power of only level four, his future achievements would not be small. What a pity."
"Teacher, is he really worth your high regard?" Tang San asked, somewhat surprised.
"Little San, you must understand that generally speaking, meditation cannot be interfered with by external forces, especially for children like you who have only recently begun cultivation. Once there is external interference, a Spirit Master's concentration will weaken, leading to a decrease in meditation effectiveness or even exiting the meditative state. But his zither music has no negative effect on your meditation; it can even enhance your concentration to a certain extent. This is already extremely rare and valuable. Meditation occupies a large portion of a Spirit Master's life. If he were willing to become a support system Spirit Master, countless forces would be willing to accept him, because zither music can influence more than just one person." As Yu Xiaogang spoke, a rare look of regret appeared on his rigid face.
Upon hearing this, Tang San's face showed surprise. At this moment, it was as if a door to a new World had opened for him. He couldn't help but say, "You want to train him to be a Spirit Master who can aid in cultivation?"
Yu Xiaogang slowly said, noncommittally: "I believe he can at least help you indirectly. It's just a pity that he is unwilling to become a support system Spirit Master. Without the aid of Spirit Abilities, his ability will have less and less effect on high-level Spirit Masters."
Listening to Yu Xiaogang's well-reasoned deductions, Tang San's eyes were filled with reverence. Then his gaze fell upon Feng Xiao in the distance, and he couldn't help but frown slightly, saying, "Teacher, I originally thought he was also a talented person, but I didn't expect him to be so shortsighted, only knowing how to accumulate wealth and not listening to advice. You don't need to demean yourself for my sake. Even without him, I will surely become a powerful Spirit Master in the future."
Upon hearing this, a rare gentle expression appeared on Yu Xiaogang's rigid face, and he gently stroked Tang San's head: "Mm, I also believe you can become a powerful Spirit Master."
"Teacher, let's go." Tang San said with a light smile.
Yu Xiaogang nodded, took out a few gold coins from his spirit tool, placed them on the table, and then slowly left with Tang San.
At this moment, Feng Xiao noticed the distant figures of the master and disciple, and a look of surprise appeared on his face.
Time flew by like a white steed, and in the blink of an eye, it was late autumn of the following year.
The faint light of dawn filtered through the window lattice, casting dappled shadows in the room. Feng Xiao sat cross-legged on the bed, his slender fingers gently caressing the strings of the 'Fuxi'. A year of diligent cultivation had finally allowed his spirit power to break through to level ten. The autumn wind swept across the windowsill, rustling a few golden ginkgo leaves that shimmered with a warm glow in the sunlight.
"Reaching level ten in a year, it seems my cultivation method is indeed effective." Feng Xiao's lips curved upward, and he murmured to himself. He clearly remembered that Ji Juechen had innate spirit power of level three and only reached level ten at the age of eight. Although his own innate spirit power was one level higher, his cultivation efficiency was clearly superior.
Feng Xiao's gaze fell upon the 'Fuxi', and his eyes couldn't help but burn with eagerness. In a year's time, he was finally going to get his first spirit ring.
Thinking of this, Feng Xiao eagerly put away his Fuxi and slowly left his dormitory.
The tea house was still shrouded in a thin mist in the early morning, with only a few customers. The maid, seeing Feng Xiao, curtsied in surprise: "Young Master Feng, you're here really early today."
"I have something to discuss with Manager Ning." Feng Xiao said with a gentle smile.
The maid understood and respectfully led him to Manager Ning's private room. Manager Ning was enjoying tea and, seeing Feng Xiao enter, asked with a smile: "Little Feng, coming to see me so early, is there something important?"
Feng Xiao nodded solemnly: "Thank you for your care over the past year, Manager. Today, I have something I'd like your help with."
"Oh?" Manager Ning put down his teacup, a look of surprise on his face. In the past year, he had come to know Feng Xiao's independent nature, never easily asking for help.
"Asking for my help, this is truly a rare occurrence." Manager Ning joked, but a hint of deep thought flashed in his eyes.
Feng Xiao explained with a wry smile: "This junior has reached level ten and wishes to find a suitable spirit ring. No matter how good my zither skills are, this matter of the spirit ring…"
"Level ten?" Manager Ning suddenly sat up straight, his teacup clinking crisply on the table. Reaching level ten in a year meant that Feng Xiao's innate spirit power was at least five to six levels. As a support system Spirit Master, such talent was already considered above average.
"I didn't expect Little Feng to be such a young genius." Manager Ning's eyes sparkled, then he changed the subject, "However, for something like acquiring a spirit ring, shouldn't you ask the teachers at Notting Academy for help? Why come to me?"
"I'm not looking for an ordinary ten-year spirit ring." Feng Xiao gently shook his head, his eyes gleaming with determination, "But a suitable four-hundred-year spirit ring. Such a Spirit Beast, I'm afraid, is not something those teachers at the Academy can handle."
Manager Ning's fingertips rubbed the celadon teacup, the tea reflecting his thoughtful face: "Then why does Little Feng think I can do it?"
Feng Xiao's gaze was clear as he slowly analyzed: "Your tea house is located in the most prosperous area of Nuoding City, and many of the guests who come and go are powerful figures in the city. Moreover…" He paused, "Those nobles show exceptional respect when they see you. I believe that a four-hundred-year Spirit Beast is not a difficult matter for you."
"Heh," Manager Ning's lips curled slightly. Amidst the swirling tea aroma, a hint of playfulness flashed in his eyes, "But why should I help you with this?"
"Intuition." Feng Xiao suddenly smiled brightly, a smile so pure it didn't seem to belong to someone skilled in calculation, "From the moment you took me in to play at the tea house, I felt you would help me."
"Hahahaha!" Manager Ning suddenly burst into hearty laughter, the teacup trembling slightly on the table, "Little Feng, sometimes I really wonder what kind of soul is hidden beneath that facade of yours."
"So you agree?" Feng Xiao's eyes lit up, just like a child who had received candy.
Manager Ning stood up, the subtle patterns on his robe shimmering in the morning light: "You wait here for a moment; I'll arrange for people. The Spirit Beasts in the Spirit Hunting Forest, you can choose until you're satisfied."
"Thank you for your trouble." Feng Xiao bowed respectfully, a subtle, triumphant curve secretly forming on his lips.
Seeing Manager Ning's figure disappear outside the door, Feng Xiao's fingers unconsciously tapped on the table, the rhythm growing faster and faster. He stood up and paced back and forth in the private room, occasionally looking out the window, as if that would make time pass more quickly.
"A four-hundred-year spirit ring." He murmured softly, his fingertips unconsciously caressing the 'Fuxi'. Sunlight filtered through the carved window lattice, casting dappled shadows on his face, yet it couldn't hide the excitement dancing in his eyes. He already had an incredibly clear goal in his heart.
"Ready?"
Manager Ning's voice came from behind him. Feng Xiao immediately put away his 'Fuxi' and stood up. Behind Manager Ning stood two middle-aged men with robust auras: one carried a black iron longbow on his back, arrows glinting coldly in his quiver; the other wore steel gauntlets on both hands, his temples bulging high, clearly both powerful Spirit Masters.
"This is Zhao Han, an outer deacon of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, a level thirty-eight agility-attack system Spirit Elder." Manager Ning introduced, pointing to the man with the bow, then turned to the other, "This is Li Tie, a level thirty-five attack system Battle Spirit Elder."
Feng Xiao bowed solemnly: "Thank you, seniors, for your trouble."
Zhao Han laughed heartily, patting his quiver: "Manager Ning's esteemed guest, we will naturally do our best."
The three rode a specially made carriage towards the Spirit Hunting Forest. Inside the carriage, Li Tie looked at the guqin on Feng Xiao's lap with interest: "Little brother, your Spirit is quite rare. What kind of Spirit Beast are you looking to hunt?"
Feng Xiao gently stroked the zither, a glint flashing in his eyes: "This junior wishes to find a four-hundred-year Spirit bamboo."
"Spirit bamboo?" Zhao Han raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting such an ordinary request. But seeing Feng Xiao's 'Fuxi', he became thoughtful: "Is that suitable?"
"Seniors, rest assured, this junior has his own considerations." Feng Xiao said with a confident smile.
Zhao Han nodded: "Since you have a clear target, it's much simpler. Plant-type Spirit Beasts like Spirit bamboo often grow in clusters. We just need to inquire in the small town on the outskirts of the Spirit Hunting Forest, and we'll find them quickly."
At sunset, the three arrived at the small town on the outskirts of the Spirit Hunting Forest. After settling in, Zhao Han immediately went out to gather information.
The next morning, the group ventured deep into the Spirit Hunting Forest. Towering ancient trees blocked out the sun, and the air was filled with the fresh scent of grass and wood. Following the information they had gathered, they soon arrived at a dense bamboo forest.
"Be careful!" Zhao Han suddenly shouted in a low voice, instantly nocking an arrow to his bowstring.
The entire bamboo forest suddenly shook violently, and countless bamboo leaves shot towards the three like sharp arrows.
"Old Zhao! Protect him!" Li Tie roared, his fists glowing with a metallic sheen. His third spirit ring suddenly lit up: "Third Spirit Ability, Exploding Fist!"
A crimson fist wind roared out, scattering all the bamboo leaves in the sky.
Feng Xiao felt a dizzying sensation as Zhao Han pulled him behind him: "Hold on tight, kid!" As he spoke, several light arrows shot through the air, precisely severing several of the thickest Spirit bamboos at the waist. At the broken sections of the bamboo, a faint yellow spirit power glow was faintly visible.
Under Zhao Han's precise archery, several of the thickest Spirit bamboos snapped. One of them, covered in faint golden patterns, caught Feng Xiao's attention—this was precisely the four-hundred-year-level Spirit bamboo he had been searching for.
The vital point of plant Spirit Beasts is at their roots. Even though Zhao Han severed it at the waist, it only eliminated its means of attack.
"That's it!" Feng Xiao quickly stepped forward, took out the prepared hatchet, and fiercely plunged it into its root. At the broken section of the Spirit bamboo, a faint yellow spirit ring was slowly condensing, glowing with a soft luster in the sunlight.
Li Tie vigilantly looked around: "Little brother, hurry up, we'll protect you."
Feng Xiao said nothing more, sitting cross-legged. At this moment, the 'Fuxi' was also on Feng Xiao's lap. Under the guidance of Feng Xiao's light blue spirit power, the hundred-year Spirit bamboo spirit ring slowly flew towards Feng Xiao.
At this moment, as the hundred-year Spirit bamboo spirit ring approached, he felt an unprecedented powerful pressure; his entire skeleton even made faint creaking sounds under this pressure.
Soon, the yellow halo arrived above Feng Xiao's head. Without giving him any chance to react, the yellow halo suddenly contracted, and an incredibly solid golden ring directly fell onto Feng Xiao's body.
A powerful spirit power fluctuation erupted suddenly, and a searing energy surged wildly into Feng Xiao's body. In an instant, Feng Xiao felt as if his insides were burning. His body couldn't help but tremble violently.
"It's started." Zhao Han said in a low voice, standing with Li Tie on his left and right, their sharp gazes sweeping across the dense forest around them.
The moment the spirit power entered his body, the strings of Feng Xiao's Spirit, the 'Fuxi' zither, vibrated on their own without wind, emitting clear, resonant sounds.
"This kid…" Li Tie looked at Feng Xiao in surprise, "He can make such a big commotion just absorbing a spirit ring."
Three hours later, Feng Xiao suddenly opened his eyes. A faint yellow spirit ring rose from beneath his feet, slowly pulsating. He lightly plucked a zither string, and a deep sound rang out, instantly blasting apart a bamboo dozens of steps away.
"Not bad, even without releasing my first Spirit Ability, it has such power." Feng Xiao thought happily.
Zhao Han put away his longbow, nodding with satisfaction: "Not bad, an invisible attack. This Spirit Ability is considered top-tier even among attack system Spirit Masters."
Clearly, Zhao Han had mistaken the low note Feng Xiao played with his spirit power as Feng Xiao's first Spirit Ability.
On the way back, the increase in spirit power allowed Feng Xiao to continuously experiment with various notes. He found that as his spirit power grew stronger, his control over various sounds decreased.
"It seems that after absorbing each spirit ring, I need to continuously improve my proficiency. While Spirit Abilities are more convenient and require no practice, they can, to some extent, lead to Spirit Masters becoming complacent."
"Thank you, seniors, for your help." Feng Xiao bowed solemnly, "This kindness, Feng Xiao will engrave in his heart."
By the time they returned to Nuoding City, dusk had already settled. Feng Xiao bid farewell to the two Spirit Elders and walked alone on the familiar streets. The city lights began to illuminate, one after another, stretching his shadow long.